toxik waste This is a popular, engaging small group initiative activity which always provides a rich teamwork challenge for about 30-45 minutes.  Involves thinking, imagination, action, fantasy, risk and an attractive solution.

Can be done with adolescents or adults.

The challenge is to move the toxic waste contents to the "neutralization" container using minimal equipment and maintaining a safe distance within a time limit.

Moderately difficult - avoid using with groups who are still in the early stages of group development.  Works best towards the end of a program and/or after the group has come together and dealt with basic teamwork issues.

Can be done indoors or outdoors; outdoors is more dramatic because water can be used as the "toxic waste" instead of balls.

Set-Up

• Use the rope to create a circle at least 8 ft in diameter on the ground to represent the toxic waste radiation zone. The larger the radiation zone, the more difficult the activity.
• Place the small bucket in the center of the radiation zone and fill it with water or balls to represent the toxic waste.
• Place the large neutralization bucket approximately 30 to 50 feet away. The greater the distance, the more difficult the activity.
• Put all other equipment (i.e., bungee, cords, and red herring objects (optional)) in a pile near the rope circle.

Directions

• The challenge is for the group to work out how to transfer the toxic waste from the small bucket into the large bucket where it will be "neutralized", using only the equipment provided and within a time frame.  The waste will blow up and destroy the world after 20 minutes if it is not neutralized.
• Anyone who ventures into the radiation zone will suffer injury and possibly even death, and spillage will create partial death and destruction.  Therefore, the group should aim to save the world and do so without injury to any group members.
• The rope circle represents the radiation zone emanating from the toxic waste in the bucket.  Emphasize that everyone must maintain a distance (circle radius) from the toxic waste wherever it goes, otherwise they will suffer severe injury, such as loss of a limb or even death.
• Give the group some planning time with no action e.g. 5 mins.  Then start the clock and indicate it is time for action, e.g., 15 or 20 mins.