Tell the group that they are escaping a dragon’s lair and must cross a steaming pit of lava to get away. They need to get from one side of the room to the other but can only step on the stepping stones provided. The space that the Elfins need to cross must be considerably longer than an area that can be completely bridged by stones.
If the group is big (larger than 12 people) divide the group into two teams. Explain to the groups that only one person can step on a stone at a time and the stones can be moved.
Tell the groups that they will cross the lava pit twice. One time they will choose one leader. This person will tell the rest of the team what to do. The second time they will all co-operate to get across.
You could either pause for discussion between each crossing, or have a general discussion afterwards. Invite the group to reflect on tactics:
- How did they get across the lava?
- Were there any good ideas?
- Did everyone get a chance to say their ideas?
- Was it better to have a leader or not?
- Did the leaders listen well?
- Is it important for leaders to listen well?
- Were some people more ‘in charge’ than others?
- Was everyone in charge the second time?
- Did leaders come out of the group even when there was no one in charge?
- Explain to the Elfins that Woodcraft groups are run through co-operative leadership. What do they think this means?