The Ladder Challenge

The ladder is an interesting group activity because it requires teamwork and challenges people physically and emotionally.

For most people, climbing up and down the ladder is the easy part. The most difficult task is to step over the top of the ladder from one side to the other.

Gather your group around a step ladder lying on the ground. It must be sturdy and preferably stand about 3 to 4 metres (10-13′) tall (the aluminium type works great.

Challenge your group to invite and support every person to climb up the ladder on one side, step over the top and then climb down the other side while it is held tightly by the rest of the group.

First, encourage your group to consider how they can manage this task as safely as possible. Invite your group to think about how they can hold the ladder to keep it upright at all times all the while supporting the climber going up, over the top and back down.

At a minimum, instruct your group to adhere to these two safety measures:

• Position at least four feet against the base of the ladder’s feet to prevent them from slipping
• All participants not holding the ladder must be a spotter focusing on the climber at all times.

Allow ample time for your group to complete the task. In conclusion, and guided by your facilitation, invite your group to reflect on their experience.

Moment of Reflection

• Why did you choose – or not choose – to climb?
• What helped you make a comfortable decision?
• What aspect of this group initiative was the most challenging or difficult? Why?
• Trust is clearly a pivotal element of this activity. A trust in whom?
• How do you feel now that your group has completed the task?
• How might you transfer a lesson from this task to everyday life?

The topics of this publication: interactions, collaboration, teamwork, cooperation, integration, adaptability skills, trust