F. Trust Games

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F.8 Still Pond

One blindfold is required for this game and a volunteer. Have the blindfolded person stand in the center.
Everyone else moves around until the blindfolded group member says, “Still Pond.”
He or she then moves forward and explores a face, guesses who it is. If the guess is right, the volunteer takes off blindfold; if not, he or she tries again.

Variation:
As he moves forward, people make music or noises, while he or she searches for a specific person. (For example, “I’m going to find David", etc.)

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F.9. Body Lift

This is a good trust activity for a really large group with several leaders, as well as for a normal activity group. If carefully presented and conducted, it will be fun, as well as generating trust and good feelings.

Split into groups of eight to ten members.
Each sub-group chooses one member at a time and elevates him or her to a horizontal position above the heads of the group. The person should be held there for a specific period, and then lowered carefully to the floor. The elevated person must relax and close his or her eyes.

It is a good idea to have all the groups raise and lower in unison, by calling "Raise up" and "Set down". This avoids confusion and helps concentration.

Variations:
Vary speed and control of lift – walk, rock, etc.
Have the person involved give instructions to the group.

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F.10. Trust Walk

This is a longer trust game, an extension of the ideas and factors in F.5. Control Tower.

It is based on multiple elements to test and build trust: blindness simulation, silence, unknown terrain. For this reason, participants take a partner of tbeir choice and roles are reversed mid-way.

Preparation:
Blindfolds (optional), outdoor area preferred (reasonable surface required).
Emphasize that this is a non-verbal, non-visual experience, using one's other senses.
Ask group members to choose a partner that they would like to know better.
In each pair, A closes his/her eyes (or is blindfolded). They can communicate with each other only through touch.
B leads and helps him/her to experience the world around through the other senses. B is to protect the partner, show him or her how gentle he/she can be, and try to give the partner a truly beautiful experience.
After 15-20 minutes, have them switch roles. After an equal time, A leads B back to the starting point.
Each pair discusses their experience by themselves, then joins the group.
Lead a round of “I discovered…”

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F.11. Blind Explore

This is a variation which allows free connection and therefore a wide range of trust opportunities.
A non-verbal game, with blind simulation and a great deal of gentle feeling.

Darken the room if possible and have everyone close their eyes. Group members begin moving slowly, gently and silently around the room. (No talking: emphasize it is non-verbal).
As members meet people, they should greet them gently in a non-verbal manner and move on.
After a few minutes, have them stop in front of someone and explore their face. Allow a long time for this. Ask them to say goodbye non-verbally and move on.
Continue with the same directions, and others: e.g., explore hands, play games with hands, be angry and fight with hands, now make up, explore backs, hair, etc.
End with group hug in the center.

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F.12. Vibrations

This is a quick touchy-feely trust game and can be used to begin a session, or in winding up.

Divide the group into pairs.
Announce: “Bring your two hands close to your partner’s two hands (palm to palm) until they are almost touching.
Close your eyes and experience the sensation of warmth, or energy.
Now, experiment with distances.”

Variations:
Try with a blindfold: discuss the effect.
Use faces instead of palms.
Play in a circle.