Elbow Tag

Purpose: To increase group participant engagement.

Materials: None

Activity: Have group participants find a partner. Group participants should be standing with their partner and interlock their elbows with their outside arm at their side. Two participants are designated as the “out” players. One of the “out” players is designated as “It,” and chases the other player who is trying to flee. If the person who is “It” tags the “flee-er,” they switch roles. If the “flee-er” wants to avoid being tagged, he or she can lock elbows with someone. When the “flee-er” hooks on to a pair, the other outside player must unlock their elbows and get away before being tagged. This action continues until the players become tired or a specific time limit is up.

Processing:

1. What did you observe while participating in this activity?

2. What strategies did you use in the different roles you played in this activity?

3. How did you feel having to join up with an existing pair knowing that one of the pair would be forced out?

4. How does this situation relate to parties and other social events with peers?

5. How likely would someone who felt like they were left out turn to drugs or alcohol or give in to negative peer pressure to use?

6. What is negative peer pressure?

7. What can be done to combat peer pressure?

8. How did you feel about having to change partners throughout the activity?

Resource: MPS Ropes & Challenge Education Curriculum