Game 6: Inclusion expedition

Basic Information

Age range: 8–15 years (youth), 55–70 years (elderly)
Number of players: 4–6 teams (4–6 members each)
Duration: 2 hours
Primary focus of the game: Players should complete challenges that encourage teamwork and inclusion!

Materials

  • Trail map with three checkpoints
  • Challenge cards for each checkpoint
  • Small props (balloons, string…)

How to play

  • Players are divided into mixed-age teams, ensuring a balance of youth and elderly participants in each team.
  • Each team receives a set of challenge cards that describe the tasks at each checkpoint.

Start the Game:

  • Teams hike to the checkpoints, complete the challenges and earn points based on teamwork, creativity and communication.

Tasks:

Checkpoint 1: Balloon balance – Walk 50 meters balancing a balloon between two team members’ foreheads, promoting balance and communication. Two team members (one youth, one elderly) must walk together, balancing a balloon between their foreheads without using their hands. Team members can only communicate verbally and must work together to complete the task. (15 points for successfully walking the distance with the balloon still balanced).

Checkpoint 2: Story chain – Create a collaborative story by having each team member contribute a sentence, fostering creativity and teamwork. Each team member in turn, adds one sentence to a story. The sentence should continue the theme of the previous one ensuring a coherent and creative narrative. (10 points for creating a cohesive and creative story).

Checkpoint 3: Friendship knot – Tie knots in a piece of string while blindfolded, guided only by verbal instructions from teammates. One team member is blindfolded and must tie knots in the string, guided solely by verbal instructions from other team members. The team must cooperate closely to guide the blindfolded participant to complete the task. (20 points for completing the task accurately and with teamwork).

Checkpoint 4: The memory bridge – Each team member shares a memory or piece of advice, with the team collectively creating a “memory bridge” of life lessons. At this checkpoint, each team member (youth and elderly) shares one meaningful memory or piece of advice that has shaped their life. The team must work together to connect these memories or lessons into a shared story or “bridge” that highlights the value of learning from one another. The memories could be about overcoming challenges, personal growth, or moments that taught them the importance of inclusion and teamwork. The team records their “memory bridge” by writing it down or drawing it on a shared piece of paper. (20 points for creating a meaningful and cohesive “memory bridge” that integrates each person’s contribution and reflects the theme of inclusion)

Rules:

  1. Teams must ensure all members participate equally
  2. Points are self-assigned based on challenge cards

Youth-Friendly Add-Ons

  • Include funny, optional twists for tasks (make a silly face during balloon balance)
  • Providing friendship bracelets as a reward for participation (optional)

Key takeaways:

After the implementation, start the conversation with participants about the experience they just had. Check with them what were the most valuable learning points for them.

Questions for debriefing:

  1. How was it for you?
  2. Were the rules of the game clear and simple?
  3. How this activity contributes to your understanding of the cooperation and inclusion?
  4. Can you identify major points about the teamwork?
  5. What are the specifics of intergenerational cooperation?
  6. What did you learn about your generation through this activity?
  7. Are you open for cooperating with other generation members?
  8. Was this a result of a teamwork?
  9. What did you learn from younger/older team members?
  10. Did you manage to have fun on the way?

Resources: