The Porthole

Name and Purpose

• The Porthole challenges a group to pass every member through a suspended tyre without touching it, using only each other for support.
• Players practise trust, communication, creative problem-solving, and physical care for one another.

a.k.a.

• Tyre Pass, Circle Through

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 10-17 | 8-20 players | 20-35 minutes | Clear area around a tyre suspended between poles or trees; soft ground surface recommended

Materials

• Suspended tyre (professionally installed and regularly inspected).
• Clear ground or soft pad below the tyre.
• Optional: clothespins to mark which passes have been completed.

Quick-Run Card

1. Practice spotting and lifting as a group before anyone approaches the tyre.
2. Group plans the order together, considering everyone’s needs and comfort.
3. One player passes through at a time with full group support on both sides.
4. Head must remain higher than feet throughout every pass.
5. No diving or rushing. Celebrate each successful pass through.

Setup and Boundaries

• Confirm tyre is professionally installed and has passed inspection. Ground below should be clear and as flat as possible.
• Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 short whistles = stop, set the person down gently, gather.
• Check the area for roots, rocks, or wet patches before play.
• Staff positions: one facilitator overseeing the whole group, plus at minimum one staff member spotting the active pass at close range.

How to Play

1. Gather the group and explain the challenge: every player must pass through the tyre opening without touching it. The only support available is each other.
2. Only the inside opening of the tyre can be used. The ropes, cables, and outer edge of the tyre are off limits.
3. Group spends 3-5 minutes planning their order and approach before anyone moves.
4. First player is supported, guided, and passed through by the group. Spotters stand on both sides.
5. Each subsequent player passes through with full group spotting. Clothespins can mark completed passes.
6. If the tyre is touched, the group problem-solves together. Options: retry that player, add a planning pause, or use the rope variation (threading a rope through instead of bodies) if the facilitator decides it is a better fit.
7. Round ends when every player has passed through.

I-OPt Options

Start:

• A (Active): Be part of the first lift-and-guide team.
• S (Support): Steady the tyre and guide players verbally from the side.
• Q (Quiet): Join the spotting team without lifting.
• O (Observer): Watch the first two passes and help the group refine their plan.

Mid:

• A (Active): Take your turn as a passer or as a primary lifter.
• S (Support): Maintain steady spotting throughout each pass.
• Q (Quiet): Move to the side of the tyre that suits your strength and comfort.
• O (Observer): Track which openings remain and guide the group’s planning.

Late:

• A (Active): Help with the last and often hardest passes.
• S (Support): Keep the group’s energy steady and encouraging.
• Q (Quiet): Pass through at your own pace with full team support around you.
• O (Observer): Offer a word of coaching between passes.

End:

• A (Active): Lead the group celebration once everyone is through.
• S (Support): Help gather the group for debrief.
• Q (Quiet): Reflect before sharing one word.
• O (Observer): Share one thing noticed from the outside.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Rope Variation: thread a rope through all tyre holes without it touching the sides. This is a full and equally valid version for groups where lifting is not appropriate.
• Players with upper-body limitations can take on spotter, steadier, or verbal-guide roles. These are genuine roles, not reduced participation.
• Staff are aware of any campers with physical needs relevant to lifting or being lifted, and will plan accordingly.

Stewardship Moment

• After play, check the tyre and cables for any wear or damage and report to the ropes course coordinator.
• Ask: “What does it mean to care for a space or a piece of equipment that others will use after us?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This activity involves being lifted and guided through a tyre opening by your group. For those not comfortable with being lifted, we have a rope variation that works just as well.”
• Mid-game check: Before each player’s pass, make brief eye contact and check in. “Ready? Let us know when to go.”
• Opt-out/re-entry: Step to the side at any time. Raise a hand to take part in the rope variation or return to spotting.

Risks and Mitigation

• Player’s shirt rises during pass: facilitator positioned to discreetly hold the hem if needed; players reminded to tuck shirts in before starting.
• Rushing due to time pressure: set a generous time limit; avoid countdown urgency.
• First and last player are the hardest passes: group plans specifically for these before starting.
• Diving attempt: no-diving rule briefed clearly; facilitator stops play immediately if attempted.
• Lifting-related strain: group reminded that smooth, slow movement is safer and more successful than speed.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Trust Lift”: small groups of four practice lifting one person’s leg gently off the ground and back down. Builds physical trust and coordination.
• “Hula Hoop Pass”: stand in a circle holding hands. Pass a hula hoop around the circle without breaking grips. Introduces spatial awareness for the tyre challenge.

Debrief Questions

• What? “What did you have to figure out together before anyone could go through?”
• So What? “What did it feel like to be lifted and guided by your group? What made it easier or harder to trust?”
• Now What? “What’s one place in your daily life where you need to let other people help you through something?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Remove any clothespin markers and return to storage.
• Check the tyre and cable for any damage. Report anything unusual to the ropes course coordinator.
• Clear the ground area of any dropped items.