By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Text in italics should be read aloud to participants. As you engage your post in activities each week, please include comments, discussions, and feedback to the group relating to Character, Leadership, and Ethics. These are important attributes that make a difference in the success of youth in the workplace and life.
Equipment: Measuring tape, newspaper, clear tape
Method: Give each Explorer two full sheets of newspaper and five minutes to construct a tower. The tallest tower that can stand longer than 30 seconds wins.
Variation: Follow the same instructions, but give each Explorer 8 inches of clear tape. See how much taller the towers can become with this added support.
Equipment: A plastic bag or lightweight fabric, scissors, string, a small object to act as the weight
Method: Give teams of Explorers five minutes to design a parachute for the weighted object. Explain that their objective is to create a parachute that is the last one to touch the ground when all are released from a given height.
Scoring: The last parachute to touch the ground wins.
Hot Potato
Equipment: Effervescent tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer), small balloons, water, safety glasses
Method: Have the Explorers put on safety glasses and form a circle, preferably outdoors. Fill a small balloon with an inch of water, and drop a tablet into the water. You may need to break the tablet into pieces. Inflate the balloon, tie it shut, and pass it to an Explorer. The objective of the game is not to be holding the balloon when it pops! Have Explorers pass the balloon to the person next to them. The person holding the balloon when it pops is eliminated. Start another balloon around the circle.
Scoring: The winner is the remaining Explorer.
Gather the Explorers together after completing the activities to discuss what took place and why. Use the reflection questions that follow.
