Hot Spots
Hot Spots is A trust-building and communication exercise where blindfolded team members are guided through a maze of obstacles by their teammates.
What is Hot Spots**?**
The Hot Spots icebreaker activity is an engaging way to promote movement and communication among participants. The game involves creating an obstacle course filled with "hot spots" that players must navigate without touching. These "hot spots" can be various objects such as cones, chairs, or toys.
To play the game, set up the obstacle course by randomly scattering the "hot spots”. Ensure there is enough space for players to maneuver around them. Divide players into pairs or small groups and choose one player from each group to be blindfolded. The blindfolded player must follow their partner's verbal directions to navigate the obstacle course.
The goals of the Hot Spots icebreaker activity are to foster trust, communication, and teamwork skills. It encourages participants to collaborate and depend on each other to reach a common goal.
To make the Hot Spots icebreaker activity more enjoyable, increase the difficulty of the obstacle course as the game progresses. You can also add time limits or challenges, such as carrying an object through the course with one hand. Encourage clear communication among players and provide positive feedback. With the right attitude and approach, the Minefield icebreaker activity can serve as an entertaining and interactive way to break the ice at any event.
Materials needed for Hot Spots
- 20 Various Objects - quantity depends on the size of the play area
How to play Hot Spots
- Gather everyone in a circle: Start by forming a circle with all the participants standing close to each other.
- Select a 'Hot Spots' area: Identify a designated area where the minefield will be set up. This area should have enough space for participants to move around.
- Place objects on the 'Hot Spots': Start placing various objects randomly within the designated area, resembling a minefield. These objects can be anything, like small traffic cones, foam balls, duct tape, etc.
- Divide participants into pairs: Split the participants into pairs. Each pair will consist of a 'blindfolded' player and a 'guide' player.
- Blindfold one player in each pair: One player from each pair will be blindfolded and cannot see anything during the game.
- Instruct guide players: Inform the guide players that their role is to guide their blindfolded partner safely through the Hot Spots. They can only use their voices to communicate and help the blindfolded player navigate.
- Start the game: Once everyone is ready, start the game by instructing the blindfolded players to navigate slowly and Hot Spots through the minefield, relying on their guide player's instructions.
- Monitor progress and announce winners: Observe each pair's progress and announce the winners based on the first pair(s) to successfully cross the Hot Spots without touching any objects.
Benefits of Hot Spots
- Team building: This activity helps build a sense of unity and teamwork among participants. It requires communication, trust, and cooperation, which are important skills for any team to succeed.