open · Icebreaker, Team Building · 30–45 min · 6-40 people · medium energy
Need A Shoelace
Need A Shoelace is a fast-paced scavenger hunt that energizes teams and promotes quick thinking. Teams race to find everyday objects, fostering collaboration and engagement in a fun, competitive environment.
When to use Need A Shoelace
Use this activity as an icebreaker or energizer to kick off a meeting or training session, especially when you need to boost team morale and encourage interaction.
What it solves
Lack of energy at the start of a session, teams not knowing each other well, needing a quick and engaging activity.
How to run Need A Shoelace, step by step
- Divide participants into teams of 2-6 people and have them sit at an equal distance from you. (5 min)
- Announce the first object from your prepared list. (2 min)
- Teams race to find and present the object. Award a point to the first team to present the object. (5 min per round)
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all items on your list have been announced. (15-30 min)
- Tally the points and announce the winning team. (3 min)
Materials needed
- Pre-prepared list of everyday objects
- Timer
- Prizes (optional)
Facilitator tips
- Prepare a diverse list of objects that are easily accessible but not immediately obvious.
- Establish clear boundaries for the search area to avoid confusion and ensure safety.
Common pitfalls
- Participants getting too competitive and potentially causing harm. Remind participants to be mindful of others.
- Objects being too difficult to find, leading to frustration. Adjust the list based on the environment and participants.
Variations
- Assign point values based on the difficulty of finding the object.
- Incorporate riddles or clues instead of directly naming the objects.
- Have teams take a photo of the object instead of physically bringing it to you (useful for larger spaces or virtual settings).
Running it online or hybrid
For virtual adaptation, use breakout rooms and have teams submit photos of the objects.
What it produces
Points earned by each team, leading to an overall winning team.
Origin
Adapted from Playmeo — source
Build a session around Need A Shoelace
METODIC places Need A Shoelace inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.