The Porthole is constructed by suspending a tire between
poles or trees.
The objective is to cross from one side of the porthole
to the other without touching the porthole. The group must create a
plan that takes participant physical ability and size to lift, pass,
and spot participants in order to get them through.
Explain to the group that they have been sent on an
all expenses paid cruise because they have been communicating so well
throughout the other activites. (Hopefully that is the case).
However, the cruise ship that they are on was the cheapest one available,
the SS Soup Strainer (insert your own goofy name). It hadn't been serviced
in a very long time, and wouldn't you know it, the rough stormy weather
has punched holes in the bottom the ship, and it is sinking.
The captain has just informed the group that there are enough life
boats, but since your rooms are by the engines in the bottom of the
ship, you must escape through the lone porthole in your room. The captain
estimates that the ship will be completely submerged in 20 minutes.
Explain to the group that only the inside of the tire (the porthole)
are accessible. The ropes and cables that hold the tire up, as well
as the outside edges of the tire are really there, and can't be used.
Good Luck!
Some facilitiation tips:
Be sure the group has practiced spotting and lifting, and that they
are mature enough to safely do both. This activity requires lifting
and must be taken seriously.
Avoid making too short of a time period to avoid rushing. If you make
the time too urgent, groups begin to rush and become careless lifting
and spotting.
Do not allow a run and dive for any participants! It is simply not
safe and there are other methods.
Ask participants to tuck their shirts in. When being passed through
the tire, it is very easy for shirts to come untucked and pulled up.
Be mindful of this while observing the group and discreetly hold onto
the bottom of someone's shirt if it begins to rise.
The hardest people to get through are the first and last person. Make
sure the group does not plan anything dangerous. A general rule of thumb
is everyone's head must remain higher than their feet at all times.
This is a very physical demanding element. Based on your observations
of the group, it may not be appropriate based on the collective physical
limitations of the group. There are so many universally adaptable activities
out there, that we remind you to choose activities that set up for success
the highest number of people.
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