Mountain Rope Team: The Leader Goes to the Back

In groups, children form a mountain rope team, each holding a rope, and travel an obstacle trail; at every shelter the leader moves to the back and the next child becomes the guide. It builds moving in sync with a group, leading and following, and handing over leadership.

How to play

1. Set up a mountain trail: cones to zigzag, mats as soft snow and a bench as a narrow ledge. Mark three shelters with a big cone (2 min).
2. Form rope teams of eight, each child holding the rope with one hand. The first child is the guide and sets the path and pace (2 min).
3. The team climbs the trail without letting go; at the shelter, everyone sits down to 'rest' (3 min).
4. At the shelter, the guide lets go, moves to the back and the next child becomes guide; keep going to the next shelter (4 min).
5. Do more laps so almost everyone gets to be guide (2 min).
6. Reach the summit and shout 'Summit!' together with arms up (1 min).

Rules

• Nobody lets go of the rope between shelters.
• The guide goes slowly so everyone can follow.
• At the shelter, the guide goes to the back without complaining.
• If someone falls behind, we call out 'Rope team, stop!'

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the team takes a smooth path and the rope rests on the wheelchair armrest; they take a turn as guide too.
• Autism: keep the same spot on the rope until they want to be guide, with a picture showing when the switch happens.
• Visual impairment: place them mid-rope so it guides them; the leader calls out each obstacle.

Learning goals

• Move in sync with a group.
• Lead and follow a classmate.
• Accept giving up the guide role.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Long ropes: 3
• Cones: 6
• Mats: 2
• Gym bench: 1

Teacher tip

Use ropes without slip knots and never tie them to anyone: hands only. The usual problem is a guide who runs; remind them a rope team only goes as fast as its last climber.

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