open · Team Building · 10–15 min · 8-15 people · high energy
Robbing The Nest
Robbing The Nest is a fast-paced, competitive team energizer that encourages strategic thinking and collaboration. Teams compete to collect the most items in their 'nest' by stealing from others while defending their own resources.
When to use Robbing The Nest
Use this method to quickly energize a group, foster teamwork, and introduce a lighthearted competitive element. It's ideal for breaking up longer sessions or sparking engagement at the beginning of a workshop.
What it solves
Low energy levels, lack of team cohesion, or a need for a quick and engaging activity to reset the group's focus.
How to run Robbing The Nest, step by step
- Divide participants into four equal teams and assign each a designated corner of the playing area. (5 minutes)
- Provide each team with a bucket containing an equal number of soft, tossable items. Place the bucket within their designated area. (2 minutes)
- Explain the rules: teams must collect as many items as possible by stealing one item at a time from other teams' buckets. No guarding of buckets is allowed. (3 minutes)
- Play multiple rounds of 1-2 minutes each, announcing interim scores between rounds. (5-10 minutes)
- Declare the team with the most items in their bucket at the end of the final round as the winner. (1 minute)
Materials needed
- 4 Buckets
- Soft, tossable items (e.g., beanbags, balls)
- Timer
- Open playing area
Facilitator tips
- Emphasize the 'one item at a time' rule to prevent chaos.
- Encourage teams to develop strategies for both offense and defense.
Common pitfalls
- Teams focusing solely on offense and neglecting defense.
- Participants getting overly competitive and forgetting the fun aspect.
Variations
- Introduce handicaps for stronger teams.
- Vary the type of items being stolen.
- Add a 'safe zone' where stealing is not permitted.
Running it online or hybrid
This game can be adapted for online play by using breakout rooms for teams and a shared digital space (e.g., Miro board) to represent the 'nests' and track stolen items.
What it produces
A final tally of items in each team's bucket, reflecting their strategic success.
Origin
Adapted from Playmeo — source
Build a session around Robbing The Nest
METODIC places Robbing The Nest inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.