Crocodile River

Crocodile River

The aim is for the students to physically support each other in a challenge and overcoming ‘dangers’ to move from one end of a space to another.

1. The teacher prepares the challenge by putting out the ropes marking the banks of the river. Wooden planks should be piled on one of the banks - there should be as many planks as participants minus one. With groups of 20 or more 2 teams should be created one on each bank of the river crossing in opposite directions.
2. The teacher should assemble all participants on the bank where the planks are. Tell them that they may not yet touch the planks. Explain that they are about to undertake a challenge and that they must listen closely to the instructions.
3. Give the following instructions: “For this challenge, you need your problem-solving and collaboration skills. You are a team on an expedition deep in the jungle when suddenly there is a big forest fire. In trying to escape the fire, you have reached a wide river that you must cross with the whole team in order to survive. In the river, there are very aggressive crocodiles. Get too close and you’re finished. But fortunately, you have discovered a set of ‘magic stones’ lying on the bank. This is the only support you can use in order to cross from one side to the other. The ‘magic stones’ float on the water as long as there is constant body contact. As soon as body contact is lost it sinks and disappears. If someone puts a hand in the water, the crocodiles will immediately bite it off – the same with feet.”
4. The teacher demonstrates that the ‘stone’ will sink if there is no contact by putting a ‘stone’ in the water and putting their fingers and foot on the ‘stone’. They remove contact and show that the ‘stone’ will sink. The teacher shows that if a hand or foot touches the ground, it will get bitten off so it must be held behind the back.
5. The group will create a plan and then begin moving across the river. Different groups may take different approaches ranging from highly structured to extremely chaotic. If the group seems to be progressing very quickly with the challenge, then consider introducing the ‘oxygen mask’ (this could be a roll of tape).  Tell the group that the big fire is getting closer and there is a lack of oxygen. All participants both in the water and those standing on the bank need to breathe through the ‘oxygen mask’ at least every minute. The students must pass the mask constantly, ensuring that each member gets it. This encourages the group to include everyone and get out on the water as a full team. It can also be used as a mechanism to raise the stress level in the group.
6. The teacher should let the group continue until they succeed in getting all members to the other side.   If a member falls into the water, then the group fails and must start from the beginning.
7. Once the group has succeeded at the challenge, the teacher discusses with them how well they worked together.

This activity needs an outdoor space (preferably grass), about 15-25 meters long depending on the number of participants (about 1-1.5 meters per participant – if more than 15, count 1 meter and, if less than 15, 1.5 meters) and about 6-8 meters wide.
Materials required: Wooden planks, 1 per participant (about 20x10cm and a thickness of about 2-3 cm – for the ‘magic stones’). Two ropes about 6-8 metres long (to mark the banks of the river) A roll of tape, tennis ball or other similar-sized object (to be used as an oxygen mask).
This activity requires students to work together creatively and strategically in order to solve a practical or physical problem. It emphasises group communication, cooperation, leadership and membership, patience and problem-solving skills.

Inspired by: https://toolbox.hyperisland.com/crocodile-river