There is no particular group size for this event. Naturally, the size of your group will influence the length of the activity as well as the number of people actively involved. Anywhere from 8 to 15 people is ideal.
Often, this challenge is presented as a timed event. That said, do not excuse poor planning and overly-rigorous moves to achieve a world’s record, lest someone gets hurt.
The most dramatic moments of this teambuilding task is often observed when the final participant attempts to scale the wall. Naturally, as the last person remaining, they have no one to assist them physically to ascend the wall. Typically, the solution involves one person hanging down from the top of the wall, while the last person makes a giant jump to grab some part of this person and climbs up their body. In these moments, everyone is a spotter.
Do you wonder why jumping from the top of the wall is not permitted? Research indicates that one of the most prevalent injuries incurred on this activity is rolled ankles sustained by those who jump from heights.
May I just reinforce the advice in regards to remaining alert for the presence of kicking feet as people attempt to climb over or down from the wall? These feet are often dangling at the eye-height of spotters and, therefore, are ideally situated to cause a lot of surprising harm.
A popular method to elevate the climber is to have them stand on someone’s shoulders, which is permitted, but ensure that all proper lifting and supports are in place first.
For obvious reasons, do not allow your group to use belts, shoelaces or other articles of clothing to assist in their efforts. They always break and that may be the least of your issues.
For safety purposes, do not allow participants to hang upside down, ie where their head is below their knees. This full-body technique is useful, but it works just as well when the body is situated upright.
Typically, the wall supports such as poles or trees cannot be used to assist in the climb.
You could integrate The Wall as part of a well-designed SEL program to help your group make caring and constructive choices about personal behaviour and social interactions across different situations.
Specifically, this activity offers ample opportunities to explore and practice the following social & interpersonal skills:
Self-Awareness
- Identifying Emotions
- Linking Feelings, Values & Thoughts
- Identifying Personal, Cultural & Linguistic Assets
- Recognising Strengths, Prejudices & Biases
- Demonstrating Self-Confidence, Honesty & Integrity
- Experiencing Self-Efficacy
- Having A Growth Mindset
Self-Management
- Controlling One’s Emotions
- Identifying & Managing Stress
- Demonstrating Self-Discipline & Self-Motivation
- Setting Personal & Group Goals
- Taking Initiative
- Use Planning & Organisational Skills
Social Awareness
- Taking Other’s Perspectives
- Demonstrating Empathy & Compassion
- Understanding & Expressing Gratitude
- Appreciating Diversity
- Recognising Strengths In Others
- Respecting Others
Relationship Skills
- Communicate & Listen Effectively
- Seeking and/or Offering Support
- Build Positive Relationships
- Work Collaboratively
- Showing Leadership
- Resolving Conflict Constructively
Responsible Decision-Making
- Demonstrating Curiosity & Open-Mindedness
- Identifying Problems
- Making Reasoned Judgements
- Identifying Solutions
- Anticipating & Evaluating the Consequences of One’s Actions
- Promoting Personal & Collective Well-Being
You can learn more about SEL and how it can support character education here.
Behavioural Norms
The dynamics of this challenging group initiative will invite your group to interact and engage with each other in a manner that would necessarily speak to the benefits of having developed a set of supportive and healthy behavioural norms in advance. Or, if not, you could focus on any less-than-desired interactions or outcomes to explore what sorts of behaviours your group would prefer to see and commit to in the future.
For example, in addition to those described in the Reflection Tips tab, you could invite your group to reflect on the following questions to explore a variety of full value behaviours such as:
- How did the group demonstrate its ability to care for self and others?
- Generally speaking, how did the group make decisions? How were all members involved?
- Describe your group’s goal-setting process?
- Was everyone fully aware of the group’s goal? If not, why not?
- What types of leadership were demonstrated during the exercise? Were they effective?
- Was adaptability a key component of the group’s success? How?
- In what ways was resilience demonstrated during the exercise?
- Did you observe any moment of safety that concerned you? Why?
Perhaps you’ve watched military and commando training videos where the officers in training are lead through a series of very difficult and physical challenges, such as scaling a tall wall or a beam. Well, guess what…?
When you stand here looking up at this tall, imposing wooden wall, I am certain you have already figured out what is about to happen…
Our next exercise will present you with two very different challenges. One will be the task itself – to scale this tall wall – and the other will be the process by which your group chooses to complete the task. There is no right answer, but most groups land between one end of the spectrum (task) or the other (process.) Consider your perspective as we prepare for this challenge…
Add your Comments...
Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?