Project Knomad

Back on February 26th, Project Knomad Skate Team did a team building workshop with Lisa Coffey (a member of the Art of IS part of our group who teaches these skill/team building games and exercises). I thought I would post some photos from that workshop and a synopsis of the learning activities is below. PK coordinator, Jon Lawrence, also took part in the process. PK coordinators, Neisha Hirsch and Donna Kaminski were also there to participate and take photos. A great time was had by all!

~ 'Crossing the Chocolate River' - the floor signifies a 'chocolate river' and the white squares signify floating marshmallows - the objective is for the team to cross the river only touching the white squares and helping each other across - the purpose is to engage in reliance, trust and negotiating strategies.

~'Building a Bridge' - group is split into two teams and each are given lego pieces to build half of a bridge that will connect with the other group's half - without ever seeing it! The teams send one communicator each to talk about what they are building. The objective is to unify the designs through clear verbal communication. They did an incredible job - the teams were very intuitive and synchronized in their thinking.

~ Values - Lisa brought a skate deck, painted white, for the team to write on, joining their thoughts, ideas, values, intentions.

~ They showed up! These four members of our skate team who were able to make the workshop stand with their deck and pride in a job well done together!

From Lisa Coffey:

Activities Recap: 

• Opening Intro - Why are you here, introductions, and superpowers.
• Introduction of Commitments (expectations of group members at the meeting)
• Ice-breaker Game: "Have You Ever" - get-to-know-you game sharing experiences with the group
• Team Work Challenge: "Warp Speed," Passing objects around, setting goals for speed, and learning to share ideas and accomplish tasks - identifying strengths and opportunities for growth. 
• Team Work Challenge: "Here to There/Chocolate River" - relying on each other and overcoming challenges/consequences to get the whole group from point a-->b using the resources given. Building trust, problem solving, and effective communication
• Trust-building Activity: "Star Field" - working in pairs and leading each other blind-folded through an obstacle course. 
• Communication Activity: "Build a Bridge" - Working together to complete a task, building communication skills, effective communication
• Debrief Activity: Creation of a "Value Contract" on a skateboard with markers - identifying   and documenting core values of the group on a permanent object to take to future meetings and functions as a continuing reminder of what was learned, common values of group members, and to use as a tool to include future members (new values/learnings can be added at meetings in the future).