Team Building Activities!

On 23-25th September 2016, I went for a short get-a-way to Penang Island. On Saturday morning, I decided to go for jungle hiking in the Taman Negara National Park to visit Monkey Beach.  It took me 80 minutes to reach the beach. The hike was moderately challenging.  I reached the beach at around 11am. As I was relaxing by the shore, I saw a group of students having some sort of team building activities. Later, I found out, that they were from Universiti Sains Malaysia. They were having their annual Induction Day for a society with the juniors. They wore black t-shirts and looked very organized.

So, today’s blogging will be about the interesting teambuilding games I watched by the beachside.

The students were divided into 10 groups, with each group consisting of 9 or 10 students. I later learned that this Induction Day was solely arranged by the seniors in the intention to form a long-lasting bond among the newly registered students. Each game was facilitated by two seniors who gave instructions and monitored the game.

The first game was to form the longest line. Students were instructed to form the longest line using the accessories they have with them. They were not allowed to use any items taken from the beach or nature. It was fun to watch the students removing their accessories and arranging them. They went all out to form the longest line, such as arranging their shoes, shoes laces, belt and even their hankerchiefs. The team with the longest line within the allocated time won the game.

The next game was rather exciting. 2 students were told to represent each team. This students were instructed to place a cream cracker on their forehead while looking up. Students then have to move the biscuit to their mouth by facial expression. And then eat them, without dropping the biscuit. The team which finishes the biscuit fastest wins the game.

Then, a twister game was conducted. Each team was told to take their own space. Each team were given a note. It says the number of body parts of all members that should touch the ground. For example: Only 5 legs, 4 palms, 2 elbows and 2 knees on the ground. The group had to test their communication skills to achieve it. Once a ‘human tower’ was formed, the students have to hold in that position for at least 3 minutes. The team which lasted the longest, were announced as the winners.

Then, the must-activity at a beach side was held, sandcastle building game. The twist in their game was that, each team needed to build a sandcastle, which has a toilet, an entrance and a swimming pool. Students were given 20 minutes. No tools are provided, thus it was all on the students creativity. Students portrayed their creativity in their sandcastles. Then, the team members were required to give explanation to the judges. Everyone had a good time laughing around.

Finally, their last game was conducted. It was named Dizzy Walk. This game reminded me of the military training scenes I have watched in movies. But, this was more fun and laughter than those movie scenes. Each group was divided into two. Half of the members stood on the opposite side. The distance between two groups was determined by the facilitators. The first student of each group has to step forward, made 10 circles by putting finger on to sand, then walked forward to the opposite group. The next member then walks to the opposite side. Game went on until all members have done their turn. Although the game sounded easy, it wasn’t easy for those playing. Some of them got so dizzy till they had to crawl to the opposite group.

After 5 games, the best group was selected. A prize giving ceremony was conducted after a short break. It was almost 3pm, and it was time for me to leave. I left with a relieved mind. Although I was just a spectator, I truly enjoyed myself, as much as the participants did.

Figure 1 The Programme that was being conducted

Figure 2 Evaluation of Sand Castle building game

Figure 3 Sand Castle build by one of the group

Figure 3 Twister game

Figure 5 Briefing Session