Islands: Joy Norris & Jerrilyn Roberson

Activity Type/Type of Modality: Problem solving, team building, group activity

Age Group: 8+

Time factors/duration (Min and Max): Min 15 minutes, Max 30 Minutes

Activity Focus/Benefits: Increased coping skills, Problem solving, team work, positive
decision making, establish physical boundaries, increased confidence and communication
skills

Emotional/Psychological Factor(s): Frustration, self-esteem, confidence, leadership,

creativity, perseverance, excitement, creativity, fear, anxiety.

Number of Participants Required (Min to Max): Min 3, Max 20

Equipment/Materials/Supplies/Tools:
1. 2 pallets
2. 2 2”x4”x8’ boards

Facilities Required/Environment: Gym, open space indoor/outdoor

Clothing Required: knee length shorts or pants, closed toed shoes, T-shirt/shirt covering
chest and stomach.

Treatment Goals/Outcomes:
Goal 1: Participants will demonstrate positive communication skills
Obj. 1: 50% of participants will exhibit eye contact at least 3 times for 1-3
seconds at a time with facilitators and/or peers during one program session
Obj. 2: Participants will communicate by using (+) affirmations to peers
during one activity session, with no more than two verbal prompts from
facilitator

Goal 2: Participants will increase responsible decision-making

Obj. 1: Participants will make responsible decisions 2 out of 3 times during
one program session
Obj. 2: Participants will identify and explain the outcomes of their decisions
during processing of one program session

Goal 3: Participants will improve social skills

Obj. 1: When observed, 50% of participants will be actively engaging with
peers while completing activities during one program session
Obj. 2: When observed, 70% of students will be demonstrating appropriate
physical boundaries throughout entirety of one program session
Objective of Activity: All participants should successfully cross from island to island using
a single 2X4 to serve as a bridge without stepping off island or 2x4. All participants must
reach the first island before attempting to reach the next island.
Tasks Needed to Complete Activity:
1. Standing
2. FM and GM skills
3. Sight and hearing
4. Use of upper
5. Use of lower limbs
6. Reaching
7. Grasping
8. Active listing
9. Memory
10. Communication skills

Directions:
1. All Participants stand on first island
2. Participants position 2X4
3. Participants cross 2X4 one at a time
4. Participants cross to smaller island
5. All participants must cross 2X4 before moving board to next island
6. If participants steps off on purpose they whole group must start over
7. Once the last participant has crossed repeat steps 1-4 until they cross last island
Safety Concerns/Precautions: Check equipment prior to activity, splinters, tripping,
falling, elopement if outside, inappropriate touching, verbal and physical altercations.

Leadership Hints/Special Considerations:

 Write down directions,
 Use spotters around pallet
 Use spotters beside 2X4 to help participants move from pallet to pallet to ensure
safety
 Speak clearly
 Give enough time for understanding of directions
 Have equipment set up prior to activity
 Leave enough time for processing

Variations/Modifications:
 Vary length and width of board to make more difficult to cross
 Use Poly spots, tarps or cardboard for islands
 Use cardboard or upside-down crates to form bridge
 Cut 2X4 in several pieces for participants to use as bridges. They can take board
from behind them and place in front and repeat process (see video in resources)
Processing/Reflection Questions:
1. What was the biggest challenge?
2. How did it feel to be a part of a team?
 3. As the activity progressed how did you feel?
4. How did your actions affect others around you?
Resources:
Activity from: Allie Thomas, CTRS
Modifications: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdo3BZ8yf5w,
http://www.teambuildingactivity.com/river-crossing/