Title of Activity: Helium Stick

Number of Teams & Group Size: Minimum 8 people per group Maximum 20 people per group / Involve all participants as 1 big group Variation: At least 2 teams for competition

Logistics Needed: 1 x Tent Pole / Long, Thin, Light-Weight Rod OR Join Many Plastic Straws Together Variation: 1 - 4 x Large Construction Nut / Washer 1 x Stopwatch

Time Allocated: 15 - 30 minutes

Goal: To lower the Helium Stick to the ground

Preparation & Set-Up: If using plastic straws, join them together before the activity.

Directions for Conducting the Activity: 1. Instruct participants to form 2 straight lines, facing each other. 2. Ask participants to hold out 1 hand, and point their index fingers. Introduce the helium stick, and inform them that they must lower it to the ground using only their index fingers. 3. Inform participants that they must have their index fingers in contact with the helium stick at all times, and it has to rest on top of their fingers. They are NOT allowed to grab the helium stick, hold it, or curl their fingers around it. If any of the Specific Rules are broken, the activity will be restarted. 4. At this point, lay the helium stick across their fingers, but do NOT let go. Ask participants to adjust their fingers so that everyone has their index fingers in

contact with the helium stick. Wait till the helium stick is in a horizontal position. 5. When participants are ready, release the helium stick. 6. The helium stick should begin to rise. The secret: The collective upward pressure of everyone attempting to keep their index fingers in contact with the helium stick is greater than the actual weight of the helium stick. 7. You may insert humor at this point, pause the activity and ask participants why they raised the helium stick instead of lowering it! 8. You may also wish to allow participants some time to discuss (~ 5 minutes), before attempting the activity again. 9. If teams appear to be succeeding too quickly, be particularly vigilant about their index fingers touching the helium stick. Also, ensure they really lower it all the way to the ground, rather than just releasing it near the ground. Alternatively, time the activity, then ask participants to complete it within a shorter time.

Specific Rules: 1. Participants must have their index finger in contact with the helium stick at all times. If anyone is caught not touching the helium stick, the activity will be restarted. 2. The helium stick must rest on top of all their fingers. No grabbing, holding or finger curling is allowed. 3. Participants must lower the helium stick to the ground.

Variations: 1. Use a hula hoop instead. 2. Add a large washer / construction nut to one, or each end of the helium stick, and inform participants that the washer / construction nut cannot fall off, else they have to restart the activity.

Learning Points: Patience Communication Teamwork Planning

Dealing with Blame / Group Sabotage Handling Failure / Challenges Perseverance Trust

Facilitator Notes: When placing the helium stick on participants index fingers, apply slight downward pressure just before releasing it. This creates the initial lift. If participants experience frustration during the activity, halt it and ask the group to discuss a strategy, before attempting again. This activity will require participants to either bend over, stoop, or kneel while lowering the helium stick. Ensure that your participants are fit and able enough to be able to perform these actions. When selecting a Helium Stick, the most important factor is it must be lightweight. Joining many plastic straws together is a good alternative.