Exploring: group formation through work and play at camp.While working and playing together at camp, your camp staff often works through most, if not all, of the stages of group formation, commonly referred to as forming, storming, norming, performing, and finally, transforming. While entire graduate dissertations, college and management classes, seminars, and numerous journal articles have been written on this subject, you can experience these stages of group formation through the following easy-to-use games and activities that are suitable for camp staff training. Consider the five stages of group formation and how typical summer camp staff might progress through these Stages. The Forming Stage This is the polite, opening, get-acquainted, ice-breaking stage of group formation. This process begins as the first staff members arrive at camp and begin moving in. The opening dinner, the general welcome comments from the director, the camp orientation session, and even the first evening discussions and conversations prior to turning out the lights are all part of the forming stage. At this point, members of the group are just trying to identify who's who Who’s Who biographical dictionary of notable living people. [Am. Hist.: Hart, 922] See : Fame and possibly where they fit into that plan. This stage includes forming an atmosphere of safety and acceptance that is void of controversy and filled with guidance and direction from the director or camp leader. During this stage, offer more training activities than in other stages, because it is important to build a strong foundation, if the rest of the stages are to be successfully encountered. Believe It or Knot Thanks to Mike Anderson For other uses, see Mike Anderson (disambiguation). Michael Moschello "Mike" Anderson (born September 21, 1973 in Winnsboro, South Carolina) is an American Football running back and former Marine who currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL. of Learning Works for this excellent get-acquainted activity that is a variation of Two Truths and a Lie. With the entire group holding a Raccoon raccoon, nocturnal New World mammal of the genus Procyon. The common raccoon of North America, Procyon lotor, also called coon, is found from S Canada to South America, except in parts of the Rocky Mts. and in deserts. Circle (a fifteen-foot-long section of tubular tubular /tu·bu·lar/ (too´bu-lar) 1. shaped like a tube. 2. of or pertaining to a tubule. tubular 1. pertaining to renal tubules. 2. pertaining to fallopian tube. climbing webbing tied with a knot). the knot is used as a pointer pointer, breed of large sporting dog developed in England more than 300 years ago. It stands between 23 and 26 in. (58.4–66.4 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 60 lb (22.7–27.2 kg). to identify the person talking. Begin by passing the knot to the right around the group. Someone says, "Right there!" The knot stops, and the person nearest it has the opportunity to disclose some interesting fact about themselves; for example, "I have seen three movies this week!" It is now the discussion and responsibility of the rest of the participants to decide whether they believe that this information is true or false. After some discussion, the group gives their opinion of the validity or falseness of the disclosure, and the person providing the comment can tell the real story. This single comment version of Two Truths and a Lie, proceeds a bit more quickly for each person than the complete version. Use either, as time permits. After a person has revealed the true nature of their comments (true or false), they say "Left!" or "Right!" and then "Right there!" Now, a new person has the opportunity to disclose something to the group. The level of disclosure to the group is often a measure of the closeness, unity, and respect within the group. For example, a disclosure such as, "I have traveled to another country," is a lower level of disclosure than "I have a family member that is in trouble with the law." Depending on the group setting, and the purpose of this activity for your group, different levels of information or disclosure are appropriate. As the group becomes more unified, this activity can bring out greater disclosure between members of the group, family members, members of a team, etc. Commonalities Begin with partners for this activity. This conversational activity has the goal of identifying unique and sometimes unusual events, activities, and life experiences that we have in common with other members of our group. The two partners need to identify three unique items that they have in common. Encourage participants to dig deep for these items. For example, they may discover that they both like dogs, but under closer examination, they may also discover that they like the same breed of dog. Additionally, they may discover that they both enjoy reading, but by digging a bit deeper, they may discover that they have read the same book in the past six months or perhaps enjoy the same author. After identifying three attributes that they have in common, these two partners raise their hands and find another group of two ready to form a group of four. Now the challenge is to identify two items that they have in common. Again, look deep, and no fair using any of the attributes already identified. Finally, after this group of four finds out what they have in common, they raise their hands and join another group of four, for a total of eight, now standing inside one of the Raccoon Circles spread around on the floor. The goal for these eight is to find one event, interest, or activity that they have in common. Have each of these groups of eight tell the other groups what they have in common--the more unique and unusual, the better (or at least the more interesting!). First Impressions Raccoon Circles bring people together in a variety of ways, and this activity illustrates that point. During this activity, participants are in closer physical proximity to each other, discover commonalities between participants, become acquainted at a deeper level, and learn how their instinctive in·stinc·tive adj. 1. Of, relating to, or prompted by instinct. 2. Arising from impulse; spontaneous and unthinking: an instinctive mistrust of bureaucrats. guesses about others, especially those that they do not know very well, may or may not be accurate. Begin by forming groups of three participants, seated within a Raccoon Circle. Also provide a copy of the First Impressions Activity Sheet on page 34, and a pencil or pen for each participant. The instructions for tiffs activity are printed on the same page. Just pass out copies of this page and go! The Storming Stage This second stage of group formation introduces conflict and competition into the formerly pleasant camp environment. At camp, this stage is typically encountered around week three. Why week three? Because that is when most staff members have reached their peak in "loss of sleep." Suddenly those things that didn't seem to matter, begin to matter, and conflicts arise. Staff behavior ranges from silence to domination domination the relationship between animals and humans in which little consideration is given to the rights of the animals. The prevailing sentiment is one of proprietary domination. in this environment, and a director or camp leader needs to demonstrate coaching to move past this stage. While some staff members would rather avoid the conflict of this stage, it is important to build skills and show them how to cope with the storming stage. The activities in this section, therefore, contain just a bit of stress (so that the door may be "opened" to discuss what is really going on). The following activities are very challenging. You should provide a suitable amount of time after each one for discussion within the group. Cross the Line This activity requires a single untied Raccoon Circle, stretched into a straight line. With half of the group on one side of the line and standing about six feet behind the line, and the other half of the team on the other side, the scene is set for a moment of conflict (of "us" versus "them"). Make no mistake, this Raccoon Circle activity is a bit higher level than most, but it is excellent for setting the stage to talk about conflict, negotiation, and win/win, win/lose, and lose/lose scenarios. Begin this activity by instructing one side to say, "There ain't no flies on me. There ain't no flies on me. There might be flies on you (point to folks on the other side). But there ain't no flies on me! "Tell those participants to take a step towards the line (with just the right amount of attitude). Now, instruct in·struct v. in·struct·ed, in·struct·ing, in·structs v.tr. 1. To provide with knowledge, especially in a methodical way. See Synonyms at teach. 2. To give orders to; direct. v. the other side to reply, "There ain't no flies on me. There ain't no flies on me. There might be flies on you. But there ain't no flies on me!" Tell those participants to take a step towards the line. The first side now repeats the phrases and moves to the line--followed by the second side repeating their lines and stepping up until they are face to face with the other side. At this point, tell the participants, "You have ten seconds to get the person across the line from you onto your side of the line!" Typically, this develops into a rather quick tug-of-war between partners, and usually a physical solution (for one person at least) to the challenge. The activity presents an opportunity to discuss conflict, challenge, attitude, negotiation, and how to resolve differences between people. Exploring Group Formation continued from page 32 Blind Square Blindfold blindfold worn by personification of justice. [Art: Hall, 183] See : Justice the entire group, and allow them to search and find a nearby piece of rope (about 100 feet long). After finding the rope, instruct the group that their goal, while still blindfolded blind·fold tr.v. blind·fold·ed, blind·fold·ing, blind·folds 1. To cover the eyes of with or as if with a bandage. 2. To prevent from seeing and especially from comprehending. n. 1. , is to create a perfect square with the rope. Participants are allowed to slide along the length of the rope, but cannot let go or skip over Verb 1. skip over - bypass; "He skipped a row in the text and so the sentence was incomprehensible" pass over, skip, jump neglect, omit, leave out, pretermit, overleap, overlook, miss, drop - leave undone or leave out; "How could I miss that typo?"; "The or move around another participant. The Norming Stage This third stage of group formation is typically a welcome breath of fresh air after the storming stage. Although the group is not yet at the high performing stage, some of the bugs are beginning to be worked out within the group, and good things are beginning to happen. This stage of group formation includes cohesion cohesion: see adhesion and cohesion. Cohesion (physics) The tendency of atoms or molecules to coalesce into extended condensed states. This tendency is practically universal. , sharing and trust building, creativity, and skill acquisition. The director or camp leader demonstrates support during this stage. Inside Out This is a great initial problem solving problem solving Process involved in finding a solution to a problem. Many animals routinely solve problems of locomotion, food finding, and shelter through trial and error. activity. Begin with a Raccoon Circle on the floor. Have the entire group step inside the circle. The task is now for the entire group to go from the inside of the circle to the outside, by going underneath the Raccoon Circle, without anyone in the group using their hands, arms, or shoulders. What is important in this activity, is to stress the group problem solving process. In order for other members of the group to assist in the completion of the task, they need to know the plan, and what their part is in the solution. To this end, encourage the group to "plan their work" and then "work their plan." This means that prior to ANY action, the group will need to plan their approach to solving this problem and making sure that everyone in the group knows their part of the plan. After completing the task, debriefing de·brief·ing n. 1. The act or process of debriefing or of being debriefed. 2. The information imparted during the process of being debriefed. Noun 1. questions include asking the group if they had a plan and did they change the plan during the completion of the activity, and if so, why? As a second part to this activity, you can also ask the group to go Outside in, again without using their hands, arms, or shoulders and see if they "plan their work" before "working their plan." Thanks to Tom Heck heck interj. Used as a mild oath. n. Slang Used as an intensive: had a heck of a lot of money; was crowded as heck. [Alteration of hell. for sharing this activity. Not Knots In this activity, which can be accomplished with only a single piece of webbing (in a straight line, without a water knot The water knot (or tape knot) is a knot frequently used in climbing for joining two ends of webbing together, for instance when making a sling. To tie, first form an overhand knot in one end and then follow it with the other end, feeding in the opposite direction. ), a "doodle" is constructed, and the group is given the choice of whether this doodle will create a "Knot" or "Not a Knot", when the ends of the webbing are pulled. The object here is to provide the group with some tools to use when they cannot easily form a consensus. Typically, upon analysis, about half of the group thinks the doodle will form a knot, and the other half a straight line. If this is the case, ask participants to partner with another person that has a different viewpoint (i.e., one partner from the "Knot" side and one partner from the "Not a Knot" side). By learning how to listen to a person with a different viewpoint, group members learn how to cooperate. After this discussion, ask participants to choose sides, with the "Knot" decision folks on one side of the knot doodle, and the "Not a Knot" folks on the other side. At this point, it is likely that there will still not be a complete consensus within the group. Prior to slowly pulling the ends of the knot doodle, let the members of the group know that you will pull the knot doodle slowly, and that they can change sides at any time during the unraveling of the knot doodle (this illustrates the ability to make an initial decision, but still be flexible as more information becomes available). The Performing Stage The fourth stage of group formation includes a feeling of unity, group identity, interdependence in·ter·de·pen·dent adj. Mutually dependent: "Today, the mission of one institution can be accomplished only by recognizing that it lives in an interdependent world with conflicts and overlapping interests" , and independence. It is a highly productive stage. Leadership from the camp director or leader comes in the form of delegation. This stage provides challenging activities that can be successfully accomplished by the group and builds enthusiasm. Large group projects, such as tower building (usingTinkertoys [R], uncooked spaghetti spaghetti: see pasta. and marshmallows, or newspaper and masking mask·ing n. 1. The concealment or the screening of one sensory process or sensation by another. 2. An opaque covering used to camouflage the metal parts of a prosthesis. tape), and challenge courses (low and high ropes activities) are useful. Grand Prix Racing Grand Prix racing Automobile racing in which formula cars are run on closed highways or courses that simulate road conditions. Formula cars are open-wheel, open-cockpit, rear-engine vehicles and are generally smaller than those used in speedway races such as the Indianapolis Turn the Raccoon Circle into a complete circle or loop using a water knot, and you are ready for the ultimate in sport racing. Thanks to Tom Heck for not only the idea for this activity, but also the enthusiasm to lead it effectively. This activity will boost the enthusiasm of your audience, and provide some moderate competition in the process. Begin by spreading several Raccoon Circles around the available space, in close proximity to each other. Ask participants to join one of the "racing teams," picking their favorite color team in the process. There should be approximately five to ten participants per Raccoon Circle. Have participants hold the Raccoon Circle with both hands in front of them, and state: "Ladies and Gentlemen! It is summer time, and that means one thing in this part of the world--Grand Prix Racing! Now I know that you are such die-hard race fans that just the thought of a race makes your heart beat faster. So this race comes in three parts. First, when I say, 'We're going to have a race,' your response is a loud, 'Yahoo!!!!!' Next I'll say, 'Start your engines!' And, I want to hear your best race ear sounds (audience practices making race car revving engine, shifting gears, and braking sounds). "Finally, with so many cars on the track today, it will be difficult to see just which group finishes their race first, so we'll need a sign indicating when your group is finished. That sign is to raise your hands (and the Raccoon Circle) above your heads and yell, 'Yessssssssss!'" Logistically, Grand Prix Grand Prix n. pl. Grand Prix Any of several competitive international road races for sports cars of specific engine size over an exacting, usually risky course. involves having the group transfer the knot around the group as quickly as possible, using only their hands. This activity can even be performed for a seated audience. To begin, you'll need a "start/finish" line, which can be the person that was born the farthest distance away from the present location. The race begins at this location and ends when the knot is passed around the circle and returns to this same location. Typically in Raccoon Circle Grand Prix racing, there are three qualifying rounds or races. The first race is a single lap race to the right (counterclockwise), with the knot traveling once around the inside of the circle. The second race is a multi-lap race (two or three laps) to the left (clockwise clock·wise adv. & adj. Abbr. cw. In the same direction as the rotating hands of a clock. clockwise Adverb, adj in the direction in which the hands of a clock rotate ) around the circle. And the final race of the series is a "winner take all" championship race, with one lap to the right followed by one lap to the left. Incidentally, after this activity, the group will not only be energized, but perhaps in a slightly competitive mood. From a sequencing standpoint The Standpoint is a newspaper published in the British Virgin Islands. It was originally published under the name Pennysaver, largely as a shopping-coupon promotional newspaper, but since emerged as one of the most influential sources of journalism in the , you can either continue this atmosphere (with more competitive challenges--such as into a summer camp competition) or introduce a bit of counterpoint counterpoint, in music, the art of combining melodies each of which is independent though forming part of a homogeneous texture. The term derives from the Latin for "point against point," meaning note against note in referring to the notation of plainsong. , by following this activity with one that requires the group working together in a collaborative manner. The Transforming Stage The final stage of group formation is the other bookend to the initial forming stage. The transforming stage allows the group to regroup re·group v. re·grouped, re·group·ing, re·groups v.tr. To arrange in a new grouping. v.intr. 1. To come back together in a tactical formation, as after a dispersal in a retreat. , thank the participants, and move on at the completion of the summer. This stage is marked by recognition from the leader, conclusion, and disengagement disengagement /dis·en·gage·ment/ (dis?en-gaj´ment) emergence of the fetus from the vaginal canal. dis·en·gage·ment n. of the participants. Virtual Slideshow with all participants seated in a circle, an imaginary Imaginary can refer to:
n. One that clicks, as: a. A remote control, as for a television or VCR. b. A computer mouse. c. A mechanical counter. " is passed around the group. Group members are asked to "show" an imaginary slide or photograph from the summer, illustrating a perfect moment, or perhaps a moment from the future, that will be different because that person had the opportunity to work at camp, A Circle of Kindness Kindness See also Generosity. Allworthy, Squire Tom Jones’s goodhearted foster father. [Br. Lit. Form a double circle with all group members. One partner should face the center of the circle, and their partner behind them (also facing the center, with their hands on the shoulders of the inner-circle person). Ask participants in the inner circle to close their eyes and only reply "thank you" or keep silent. The outer circle is asked to quietly talk into the ear of the inner circle participants, mentioning something important that they learned from them during the summer, or a pleasant memory, or any other positive comment. The outer group then moves one person to the right and continues. When the outer group has completed the circle, they are asked to become the inner-circle group, and the process begins again. What Is a Raccoon Circle? A Raccoon Circle is a twelve- to fifteen-foot piece of one-inch tubular webbing. By using Raccoon Circles, camp staff can generate innumerable challenge activities. The symbolism Symbolism In art, a loosely organized movement that flourished in the 1880s and '90s and was closely related to the Symbolist movement in literature. In reaction against both Realism and Impressionism, Symbolist painters stressed art's subjective, symbolic, and decorative of the circle fosters team spirit, which often results from a combination of creative initiatives and this unique form of webbing. First Impressions Activity Sheet Form a group of three, preferably pref·er·a·ble adj. More desirable or worthy than another; preferred: Coffee is preferable to tea, I think. pref with two other participants that you do not know very well, and have a seat. Within this group, you are to guess the following traits and characteristics about your partners. This is not a conversation; simply make your best guess about each of the following traits, for both of your partners, and write your answers in the outer spaces. When you and each of your partners are finished guessing the following eight traits, begin sharing your guesses with each other, writing in the true information when given. Keep track of how often you were able to guess correctly. Available from the ACA ACA - Application Control Architecture Bookstore * The Book on Raccoon Circles by Jim Cain and Tom Smith * Teamwork (product, software, tool) Teamwork - A SASD tool from Sterling Software, formerly CADRE Technologies, which supports the Shlaer/Mellor Object-Oriented method and the Yourdon-DeMarco, Hatley-Pirbhai, Constantine and Buhr notations. and TeamPlay by Jim Cain and Barry Jolliff * 99 of the Best Games We Know by Simon Priest, Sam Sikes Sikes can refer to: People
To order, visit www.ACAcamps.org/bookstore References and Resources For a more detailed explanation of the group-formation singes and techniques for exploring them with your summer camp staff, use the following resources: Publications Hattie, John; Marsh, H.W.; Neill, James T.; and Richards, Garry E. (1997). Adventure education and outward bound bound in an outward direction or to foreign parts; - said especially of vessels, and opposed to homeward bound nt>. See also: Outward : Out-of-class experiences that make a lasting difference. Review of Educational Research, 67 (1), 43-87. Johnson, D. W. & Johnson, F. P. (1994). Group Theory and Group Skills. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Miles, John C. & Priest, Simon. (1999). Adventure Programming. State College, PA: Venture Publishing, Inc. Rydberg, Denny. Building Community in Youth Groups. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing. Tuckman, B. (1965), Developmental sequence of small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63, 384-399. Tuckman, B. & Jensen M. (1977). Stages of small group development revisited. Group and Organizational Studies Organizational studies, organizational behaviour, and organizational theory are related terms for the academic study of organizations, examining them using the methods of economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, communication studies, and psychology. , 2; 419-427. Organizations * Teamwork & Teamplay, www.teamworkandteamplay.com 585-637-0328 * The Adventure Group, www.theadventuregroup.com, 800-706-0064 * Adventure Hardware, www.adventurehardware.com, 800-706-0064 * Learning Unlimited, www.learningunlimited.com, 888-622-4203 * Kendall Hunt Publishers, www.kendallhunt.com, 800-228-0810 * The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT ACCT Cardiology A clinical trial–Amlodipine Cardiovascular Community Trial–that evaluated the effect of sex and age on response to the antihypertensive, amlodipine. See Amlodipine, Antihypertensive, Hypertension. ), www.acctinfo.org, 616-685-0670 * The Association for Experiential Education The Association for Experiential Education, or AEE, is a nonprofit, professional membership association that promotes experiential education.[1] References 1. ^ [1]Association for Experiential Education. Retrieved 8/18/07. (AEE AEE Adult Entertainment Expo AEE Association of Energy Engineers AEE Association for Experiential Education AEE Arbeitsgemeinschaft Erneuerbare Energie AEE Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority) ), www.aee.org, 303-440-8844 * Active Reviewing, www.reviewing.co.uk * Fundoing, www.fundoing.com, 888-638-6565 Jim Cain, Ph.D. is the author of Teamwork & Teamplay, which received the Karl Rohnke Karl Rohnke is a key figure in the development of adventure education, and was instrumental in the creation of Project Adventure in the early 1970s.[1] Biography After graduating from Washington & Lee University in 1960, Rohnke was drafted into the U.S. Army. Creativity Award presented by the Association for Experiential Education, and co-author co·au·thor or co-au·thor n. A collaborating or joint author. tr.v. co·au·thored, co·au·thor·ing, co·au·thors To be a collaborating or joint author of: "He and a colleague . . . with Tom Smith of The Book on Raccoon Circles. He is a former executive director of the Association for Challenge Course Technology, senior consultant to the Cornell University Cornell University, mainly at Ithaca, N.Y.; with land-grant, state, and private support; coeducational; chartered 1865, opened 1868. It was named for Ezra Cornell, who donated $500,000 and a tract of land. With the help of state senator Andrew D. Corporate Teambuilding Program, and the director of the adventure-based training company, Teamwork & Teamplay. You can download To receive a file transmitted over a network. In any communications session, "download" means receive, and "upload" means send. The download/upload often implies a big/little scenario, in which data is being downloaded from the "big" server into the "little" user's computer. a collection of adventure-based, team-building activities using simple props prop 1 n. 1. An object placed beneath or against a structure to keep it from falling or shaking; a support. 2. One that serves as a means of support or assistance. tr.v. at: www.teamworkandteamplay.com/raccooncircle.html. Contact Dr. Cain at 585-637-0328, jimcain@teamworkandteamplay.com. |
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