Lost on a Deserted Island

The Lost on a Deserted Island icebreaker is a valuable and engaging activity that serves a dual purpose of team building and getting to know one another. The scenario involves everyone being stranded on a deserted island, where each person can bring one object that represents them or something they enjoy. This first part of the icebreaker allows individuals to introduce their chosen object and explain why they picked it, encouraging creativity and personal sharing.

In the team building portion, participants are divided into smaller groups and asked to collaborate on combining their objects to improve their chances of survival. This aspect fosters cooperation, problem-solving, and creative thinking while ensuring everyone’s contributions are considered. The most innovative group can be rewarded with a prize, further motivating participation and creativity.

Overall, the Lost on a Deserted Island icebreaker is an engaging and approachable way to encourage open communication and foster connections among team members, making it suitable for various age groups and settings.

1. The situation is that everyone is stranded on a deserted island after a shipwreck.
2. Each person can bring one object to the island, which represents them or something they enjoy.
3. The first part of the icebreaker involves each person introducing their chosen object and explaining why they picked it.
4. Creativity is encouraged in choosing objects.
5. After everyone has introduced their object, divide into smaller groups.
6. In the small groups, work together to improve survival chances by combining the various objects that people brought.
7. Use all the objects mentioned in the teams.
8. Optionally, reward the most creative group with a prize.

Here’s the list of materials needed to play the Lost on a Deserted Island icebreaker:

• Imagination: Encourage participants to think creatively about what object they would bring and why they would choose it.
• Listening skills: Participants should actively listen to others when they introduce their objects, looking for ways to combine their items in the teambuilding portion of the game.
• Small groups (optional): Dividing into smaller groups can facilitate more in-depth discussion and collaboration during the teambuilding portion. If you choose to divide participants into small groups, you will need a way to do so (e.g., randomly assigning group members or allowing participants to self-select their groups).
• Prize (optional): If you wish to reward the most creative group with a prize, you’ll need to have one on hand. The prize could be something simple like a gift card or a small trophy.

To set up for the Lost on a Deserted Island icebreaker activity, follow these steps:

1. Choose a suitable indoor location for the game. An enclosed space with enough seating for all participants is ideal. Make sure the area is quiet and free from distractions to maintain focus on the activity.
2. Arrange the seating in a circular or semi-circular formation. This arrangement encourages eye contact, active listening, and inclusive participation.
3. Decide on the group size and divide the participants accordingly. The recommended group size is medium (10-15 people), but small (5-9) and large (16+) groups are also possible. If you have a very large group, consider breaking it down into smaller subgroups to facilitate more manageable discussions.
4. Clearly explain the rules and objectives of the game before starting. You can write these instructions on a whiteboard or flip chart for visual reference during the activity. Ensure all participants understand their role and the desired outcomes.
5. Consider setting a time limit for each person’s introduction (e.g., 2-3 minutes) to keep the game moving at a brisk pace. This will also help maintain focus and engagement among the participants.
6. Before dividing into smaller groups, remind everyone of the importance of active listening, open communication, and collaboration during the teambuilding portion of the activity. Encourage a positive and respectful atmosphere to ensure maximum learning and enjoyment.
7. Optional: If you plan to award a prize for the most creative group, prepare a suitable reward ahead of time. This could be as simple as a certificate or token acknowledging their creativity and teamwork skills.

1. Decide who will go first: I start by asking for a volunteer to share their object and reason. If no one volunteers, I suggest going in age order or alphabetically by first name.
2. Introduce your object: When it’s my turn, I clearly state the object I would bring and explain why it represents me or something I enjoy. For example, “I would bring a sketchbook because I love to draw and being able to create art would help me cope with the stress of being stranded.”
3. Listen actively: During others’ turns, I pay close attention and show interest in their choices and reasons. This shows respect for my colleagues and helps me learn more about them.
4. Encourage creativity: If someone shares an object that seems unconventional or funny, I make sure to acknowledge their humor and originality. This encourages a friendly atmosphere and keeps the activity engaging.
5. Divide into smaller groups: After everyone has shared, I divide the participants into smaller teams, ensuring each group has a mix of people. If necessary, I might adjust team sizes to balance them.
6. Collaborate on survival strategies: In my small group, we work together to come up with ways our objects could help us survive on the island. We discuss and list practical uses for each item, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
7. Present combined ideas: Each group then shares their creative solutions with the larger gathering. I facilitate a discussion about the various strategies, allowing participants to learn from one another’s perspectives and build stronger connections.
8. Optionally, reward creativity: If desired, I prepare a small prize or token of appreciation for the most inventive group, emphasizing that the goal is to have fun and encourage creative thinking.

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• Encourages teamwork: By dividing into smaller groups and asking everyone to work together to improve their chances of survival by combining the various objects that they introduced, this icebreaker promotes collaboration and cooperation among participants.
• Promotes creativity: Encouraging people to be creative with their object choices can lead to unique and interesting ideas, helping participants think outside the box and boosting their problem-solving skills.
• Fosters self-expression: Allowing each person to describe an object that represents them or something they enjoy provides an opportunity for self-expression and helps participants share a little about themselves in a fun and engaging way.
• Easy to organize: With no special props or materials required, this icebreaker is simple to set up and can be played almost anywhere, making it a convenient option for team building activities.
• Includes all ages and abilities: Suitable for any age group, including adults and corporate settings, Lost on a Deserted Island is an accessible and enjoyable icebreaker that can help build connections and foster positive relationships among participants.

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• Communication skills: By describing the object they would bring to the deserted island and why, participants practice articulating their thoughts clearly and concisely.
• Creativity: Encouraging people to choose any object they like and explain their reasoning helps foster creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Teamwork: When smaller groups work together to combine objects and improve survival chances, they learn to collaborate effectively and appreciate the value of diverse perspectives.
• Self-awareness: By sharing an object that represents them or something they enjoy, participants gain a better understanding of their own interests, values, and preferences, as well as those of others.
• Adaptability: The scenario of being stranded on a deserted island prompts participants to think flexibly and consider how everyday objects can have alternative uses in unconventional situations.
• Empathy and active listening: As participants listen to others’ object choices and reasons, they develop empathy by understanding their colleagues’ interests and values, fostering a more inclusive environment.
• Presentation skills: Introducing one’s chosen object in front of the group provides an opportunity to practice public speaking and build confidence when presenting ideas to others.

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I appreciate the Lost on a Deserted Island icebreaker because it effectively combines team building with a fun get-to-know-you activity. I find this game valuable as it allows participants to share their unique interests and stories in a creative and engaging way. The flexibility of object choices enables people to express themselves openly, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding among the group.

Moreover, I like that Lost on a Deserted Island can be easily adapted for various age groups and settings, making it an accessible icebreaker for any occasion. Its simplicity in execution also means that no special materials or props are required, allowing for a low-barrier entry point for participation.

As a team building exercise, I find the task of combining objects to improve survival chances particularly effective in encouraging collaboration and communication. This challenge requires participants to think creatively and work together, further strengthening their relationships and reinforcing problem-solving skills.

In summary, the Lost on a Deserted Island icebreaker offers an enjoyable and interactive approach to fostering connections and enhancing teamwork. Its versatility, simplicity, and focus on self-expression make it an appealing choice for any group looking to strengthen relationships and build trust.

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• Tip: Allow for open-ended objects. Instead of limiting participants to bringing one specific object, let them bring anything they want, even if it’s an abstract concept or experience. This can help accommodate people with different abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Tip: Use gender-neutral language. Avoid using gendered pronouns when describing hypothetical scenarios or participants. This ensures that all participants feel included and respected.
• Tip: Offer alternative communication methods. For those who are more comfortable expressing themselves through writing, drawing, or other means, provide alternatives to verbal sharing. This can help accommodate different communication styles and needs.
• Tip: Be mindful of cultural references. When describing objects or scenarios, be aware of cultural differences and avoid using references that may not be understood by all participants. This helps ensure that everyone feels included and able to participate fully.
• Tip: Encourage respectful listening. Create a safe space for sharing by reminding participants to actively listen and show respect for each other’s contributions. This can help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Tip: Use accessible language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to some participants. Instead, use clear and simple language that is easy for everyone to understand. This helps ensure that all participants feel included and able to participate fully.
• Tip: Consider accessibility needs. If possible, provide accommodations such as seating, hearing assistance devices, or large print materials to help participants with disabilities fully participate. This shows that you value their inclusion and want to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

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1. What object did you choose to bring to the deserted island and why? This question allows participants to reflect on their personal values, interests, and identity. By sharing their chosen object and reason, they reveal a part of themselves to the group.
2. How did your group use your object to improve the chances of survival? This question encourages participants to think about teamwork and collaboration. It also prompts them to consider how their individual strengths can contribute to collective success.
3. Which group’s combination of objects stood out to you, and why? This question fosters a sense of community by encouraging participants to appreciate each other’s creativity and ingenuity. It also promotes active listening and engagement throughout the activity.
4. How might the object you brought to the deserted island reflect your personality or values? This question invites participants to self-reflect on their choices, helping them better understand themselves and how they relate to others.
5. What surprised you about the objects that other people chose to bring, and why? This question encourages empathy and perspective-taking, as participants reflect on how their peers’ choices might reveal different values, interests, or experiences.
6. How can you apply the lessons learned from this activity to working together in a team setting? This question helps participants draw connections between the game and real-life situations, fostering transferable skills and insights. It also emphasizes the relevance of teambuilding activities to professional development.

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