Trust Gauntlet

The group forms a corridor of two lines with arms stretched out in front, and a volunteer walks or jogs through it while classmates raise their arms just before they arrive. Students practice trust, focus, and handling fear.

How to play

1. Make 2 groups of 12-13. Each group forms two facing lines about 5 feet apart, arms straight out at chest height, alternating with the arms of the line across.
2. A volunteer stands 15 feet from the start of the corridor. They ask, "Ready?" The group answers, "Ready," and the volunteer walks toward the corridor.
3. Each pair along the lines raises their arms straight up just before the classmate reaches them and lowers them after. The volunteer joins the end of the corridor.
4. First round walking: everyone who wants a turn goes (6 min). Second round: students may jog lightly or walk with eyes closed (6 min).
5. 3-minute wrap-up: each student says one word about how it felt to go through the corridor.

Rules

• Walk or jog lightly, never sprint.
• Students in the lines always watch the person coming and stay quiet.
• Raise arms with plenty of time: better early than late.
• Each student decides whether to go and how fast.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair goes through at their own pace or is the spotter who gives the start signal.
• Autism or anxiety: go first with all arms already raised, then have them lower a bit more on later turns.
• Visual impairment: go through guided by the voice of the last student in the corridor.

Learning goals

• Trust that the group is looking out for your safety.
• Stay focused to protect a classmate.
• Recognize and manage fear in a new situation.

Teacher tip

Don't allow any joking about lowering arms late; anyone who does it leaves the corridor. Put the most focused students at the front, where it feels most intense.

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