I recently returned from a women’s ministry retreat with another church. This icebreaker is one that was shared during our time together.
Admittedly, it’s one I would have overlooked if I had seen it online.
I would have thought it was going to be lame. With a capital L.
It wasn’t!!
We had a group of about 40 women and this was a great way for us to quickly find out something unique about one another.
Our chocolate-lovers instantly bonded. Our moms of teenagers shared in their dislike of bad attitudes. I discovered I wasn’t the only one who dislikes coffee!
If you’re skeptical, like I was, I urge you to give it a try and see if your group doesn’t bond.
Use the printer button at the bottom of the post to print out the instructions.
Take Flight Icebreaker
Group size: 10 or more (but probably not more than 60)
Time needed: 20 minutes
Supplies: Blank piece of paper and pen/pencil for each person OR use the Take Flight Icebreaker worksheet below
Instructions: Distribute a piece of paper and writing utensil to each person. Ask them to write:
- Their first and last name at the top of the paper.
- One thing they like and one thing they dislike. “I like _______.” “I dislike _____.”
Or print out this one: Take Flight Icebreaker worksheet
Once everyone has finished writing have them take their paper and fold it into a paper airplane. (Ignore any grumblings.) Once everyone is ready, let them know they’ll have 30 seconds to fly the airplanes around the room. They do not need to follow their airplane, but just pick up any plane that has landed nearby and let it take flight. Launching and re-launching airplanes until time runs out.
At the end of the 30 seconds (or more) have each person pick up the closest airplane and return to their seat. One at a time, have each person stand up, unfold, and read what was written on the plane they are holding. As each person’s name is called have them stand as their response is read. The person whose plane was read then reads the plane they picked up and so on until everyone’s plane has been read.
Notes: This is a great icebreaker to use to get your group up and moving (though even those with limited mobility can participate). Resist the urge to comment on every sheet that is read. Chances are your group will comment anyway – that is part of the fun! (How can you not like chocolate?!) This is a great icebreaker to pull out spur of the moment since you need so few supplies. If using this with Youth, consider giving them time to decorate their airplanes (5 minutes with some markers).
Have fun!
You may also want to read:
Icebreaker: Marooned
What’s on ur phone? Icebreaker
Icebreaker: If Questions
Icebreakers & Games
Our leader said “I think this is the best icebreaker we’ve ever done!” We had a group of just 16. It was a lot of fun!
Oh, Lynn! I love it! 🙂 So glad to hear your group enjoyed it!
Just a little spin on this super great idea. Fake fire, paper fireballs. Same principle and idea, but with a theme of God sending His Holy Spirit to ignite a fire in each of us!!! Just another simple idea!!!
Angela – love that twist on the idea! Thanks for sharing it! 🙂
I did something similar to this at a Women’s Retreat a few years ago. Difference was that each sheet had a verse printed on it that went along with the theme for the retreat, and the women were asked to tell what that verse meant to them. We did have fun with it!
Leona, thanks for sharing! There are certainly a lot of ways you could use this idea depending upon your goal. 🙂
I am going to try it at the Women’s Retreat in 2 weeks. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks!
Super! I hope your women enjoy it! 🙂 Praying God prepares the hearts of your women as you head off for your retreat!
Hosts are always looking for quick ice breakers to get the audience loosened up before I take the stage.
I can’t wait to share this one with them!
Thanks, Peppi! I hope your audiences enjoy it! 🙂
I’m going to try this at our women’s gathering tomorrow.
Super! How did it go??
I’m going to try this tomorrow with my Ladies Group.
That’s great Annie! I hope they enjoy it!
Cyndee, I think this is my favorite icebreaker so far! I’m going to do it sometime:)
Thanks Gina! I’d love to hear how it goes!