This document outlines an exercise called "Blind Fly" where delegates work together blindfolded to reach a goal. It provides:
1) Instructions for the exercise including preparing a site with a goal that can be seen from a distance and providing ropes for the group.
2) A timeline of 5 minutes for briefing, 10 minutes for planning, 15 minutes for the blindfolded walking, and 20 minutes for debriefing.
3) Safety instructions for the facilitator to watch the group and warn of any obstacles while blindfolded.
4) Discussion questions for the debriefing focused on teamwork, communication, leadership, planning, and handling difficulties while blindfolded as a group.
1. Outdoor Exercise Outline NALDS 2004
Blind Fly
Location
Material needed Site is prepared. See if “goal” is recognisable from far. Rope is
available, length about 10 m. Group may use to keep together.
Time schedule 5 min briefing + 10 min planning + 15 min action + 20 min debriefing
Preparation
Objective • Delegates are to stuck together all the exercise long – dependent
on each other, while nobody knowing actually what way is right.
• Delegates have to agree on a way by intuition –no splitting possible.
• Delegates have to keep the goal in mind all way long, without
knowing if still on track.
• Delegates have to decide if to keep the strategy
This exercise
contributes to the
overall goal of
NALDS by …
• …by demanding Leadership and “Followership”
• …by addressing the team-management in “off-track”-situations
• …by demanding the will to principally continue even when off-track
Remarks for
facilitator
• Walk with them quietly to warn them whenever there is a danger.
• After 15 min of walking, you say: “STOP, please point with your
hand to the direction you think the goal is, then open your eyes.”
The goal is only seen from the line, not from the starting point.
• If you want to warn the moving group on small trees, bushes or
other stuff speak of an “object” or “obstacle” –to not confuse them.
Security
Instructions
• As always when delegates blindfolded: watch their movements,
warn them, if necessary.
• Watch the ground, if wet, stony, obstacles etc.
• If groups walks into obstacles: say “STOP” and help person in
front to find back to the way.
• Support them when surpassing difficult obstacles.
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2. Outdoor Exercise Outline NALDS 2004
Exercise
Briefing for
Facilitator
Be ready for a lot of confusion – the way may look easier than it is.
Spend a lot of attention on inner group communication, between front
and back of the group.
Watch planning process!
Timing: 10 min of planning = 3 min watching (whenever they want) +
remaining 7 min; only 15 min. walking.
Instructions to
read out – repeat
as often as
required!
• “The task of the group is to reach the goal in 15 min.
• You have to walk together (for example by grabbing the hands)
and the task is fulfilled, as soon as the whole team has reached
the goal.
• You will start walking from the starting-zone.
• For preparation you are allowed to go to the line for a maximum of
3 minutes.
• Then return to the starting zone – you have now seven minutes
left before you need to start walking blindfolded.”
Golden Rule /
Key Learning
Point
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3. Outdoor Exercise Outline NALDS 2004
Debriefing
Focus 1: teamwork • How did you establish a common strategy? How did you agree?
• How did you handle upcoming stress?
• How was communication run during the walk? Was everybody
heard? Which communication standards did you keep?
• Where there roles in the group? Did somebody take the lead?
Why did you follow? How were others involved?
• How did you feel while walking? How was the trust towards the
group? What did you do to create trust?
• How important was the group in relation to the strategy?
• How was the cohesion in the group? Did you follow by
consensus? How was trust in the established strategy?
Focus 2: planning • How did you plan? Which milestones did you establish?
• How did you measure your progress towards the goal?
• How did you deal with the little preparation?
• Which were the biggest difficulties you faced? How did you deal
with them?
• Which situations in reality do you know were you also have a far
goal, but few helps to keep direction?
AIESEC in Germany