The Challenge of the Wall

The Wall is a classic group challenge that involves physical agility, promotes collaboration, and develops a sense of team spirit. Assess your group’s physical abilities and spotting skills as required for this exercise.

In advance, you need a smooth-surfaced wooden wall approx 3 to 4 metres tall. Present the problem clearly and prepare your group physically, emotionally and mentally for success.

Ask your group to stand on one side of the wall. Challenge your group to pass every member of their team over the wall as quickly and as safely as possible.

For safety purposes, team members can position themselves as spotters on either side of the wall at any time, ie when a participant is actively being passed over the wall, everyone is a spotter. No more than four people are permitted on top of the wall at any time, including the person being passed.

Any person who is off the ground, including those positioned on the wall, must have at least one person spotting them at all times. Allow up to 20 minutes to complete the task.

Process your group’s experience at the conclusion of the challenge.

Moment of Reflection

• What were the most difficult challenges of this task?
• Where and when did you feel the least and most comfortable? Why?
• How did your group manage these challenges? Were you successful?
• What types of support were offered during the exercise?
• Did you feel supported in your decision(s?) Are these forms of support demonstrated in other areas of your group’s experience?
• What is an example of a challenge you or your group have overcome?
• What strengths did you call on to help you succeed?

The topics of this publication: teamwork, trust, integration, strategy, collaboration, leadership, role playing, cooperation, interactions, adaptability skills, adaptation, foster relationships, planning