Initiative & Problem-Solving Games

Magic Hat

A game that gets participants thinking and working together whilst having a laugh!

Equipment

A hat (could be a cone, towel, or anything handy); A rope to mark the playing area (not essential - sticks or marks in the ground work too)

How to play

Section out a playing area approximately 10m x 10m using rope, cones or lines in the surface. Instruct all participants to stand on one side of the playing area, behind the rope or line. Explain that in front of them is a pool of hot lava, and only the person wearing the hat can cross it safely. The aim is for all team members to get to the other side. The rules: only one person can wear the hat at a time, and each person can only wear it once for the whole game. Allow a minute or two for the team to discuss strategy, then begin. If a player touches the 'lava' while not wearing the hat, all team members go back to the start and begin again. Once all members are safely across, ask a series of questions and have them evaluate their performance. If time permits, start a new game and time them to see if they can complete it quicker.

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