Gift Delivery
Making gifts together is a tried-and-true team building activity. Making a "field trip" together to deliver them extends the benefits. It makes for meaningful interactions with neighbors, friends, or members of a wider group. We offer here two examples of traditions from different cultures - one for May Day, and for the spring Jewish holiday of Purim. Of course, the basic idea can be adapted for any occasion or type of team.
Objectives
Fun, spreading cheer, getting to know each other and people outside of the group.
Group Size
Materials
Gifts! May Day: Roll a piece of construction paper into a cone; add a paper handle, and staple or paste it to stay. Fill it with a bouquet of fresh cut flowers. Repeat!
Purim: Make hamentashen the traditional triangle-shaped pastry filled with a prune-and-nut mixture or other sweets). Put them in festive bags, along with other goodies, if desired, to enjoy with the hamenatshen - such as dried fruit and nuts, and tea bags.
Set Up
Organize your team's making and/or assembling of the gifts. Make sure they packaged so that they can be left at a door even if no one is home - or, schedule the deliveries to be assured that they will include in-person visits. Note: May Day baskets are often left anonymously.
Directions
Deliver the gifts to each house in a neighborhood, or to members of the group around town. A youth group can be divided into subgroups, and walk, bike, or be driven by an adult to the houses of receivers.
Debrief
The gifters could gather after deliveries to have a party and talk about the experience,
Alternatives
Many possibilities. Teampedia would like to hear yours!