Student-Designed Adventure Challenge Stations
Each group designs, sets up and runs a cooperative adventure station using gym equipment (crossing a "river", getting over a "crevasse", moving an "injured" teammate without a stretcher), and first writes up a risk assessment. Then the other groups try it and rate it.
How to play
- Present the task and the design sheet: goal, rules, equipment, identified risks and a prevention measure for each (3 min).
- Six groups of five design their station and get it approved by the teacher, who may ask for changes if a prevention measure falls short (8 min).
- Set up the stations in the schoolyard with the assigned equipment (4 min).
- Rotation: each group visits four other groups' stations, 4 minutes at each, while one member of the designing group stays at their station as the leader (16 min).
- Feedback: each group rates the stations they tried on challenge, cooperation and safety, and the designing group collects suggestions (4 min).
Rules
- No station is higher than a gym bench, and every possible fall zone has a mat.
- No station is set up until the teacher approves the sheet.
- Each station's leader can stop the challenge if they see a risky situation.
- Carrying classmates at height or on shoulders is not allowed.
Variations
Easier
The teacher offers three model stations and groups only adapt them.
Standard
Original design with risk assessment, station rotation and peer rating.
Harder
Stations must include a required inclusive option and a time limit that forces groups to plan.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: each station must include a way for them to take part, designed with their input.
- Autism: works in the group with a fixed role, such as sheet keeper or equipment manager.
- Visual impairment: the group designs at least one challenge solved through verbal communication and touch.
Learning goals
- Design an adventure activity with a reasoned risk assessment.
- Lead and run a station for classmates.
- Cooperate to solve movement challenges safely and inclusively.
Equipment for a class of 25
- gym benches: 4
- mats: 10
- ropes: 8
- hoops: 12
- worksheets: 6
Teacher tip
The approval stage is the key teaching moment: keep asking what could go wrong until they spot risks they had missed. Keep the best sheets for future sessions.
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