Name & Purpose: Trust Tube builds courage and group trust. One player runs blindly through a corridor of spotters. The group learns what it means to hold someone’s safety in their hands.
a.k.a.: Gauntlet Run, Blind Sprint, Trust Lane
Age Band / Group Size / Time / Space: 10β16 years / 10β20 players / 15β25 minutes / Flat open field or gym, ~30m long
Materials: None required. Mats optional for indoor use.
Quick-Run Card: 1. Form two facing lines ~2.5m apart, arms up to spot. 2. Two stoppers at far end. 3. Runner closes eyes, hands out, runs through the tube. 4. Side spotters gently redirect from shoulders if runner veers. 5. Stoppers catch at the waist. 6. Rotate willing runners. 7. Only run this after a spotting orientation.
Setup & Boundaries: Arrange 10β20 participants in two facing lines, each person ~2m from the next in their line. Lines face each other ~2.5m apart. Two stoppers stand at the far end, ready to catch. Walk the tube first β check for holes, rocks, wet spots. All spotters: hands up, knees slightly bent, eyes on the runner at all times.
How to Play: Brief spotters on their role: arms up, watch the runner, gently redirect from the shoulders if the runner veers toward you. Never push β guide. Stoppers catch the runner at the waist with both hands, absorbing momentum. The runner stands at the start of the tube, closes their eyes, extends hands forward, and runs when ready. Some runners will sprint confidently. Others will walk. Both are valid. After each run, the runner joins the spotter line and a new volunteer steps up. Never pressure anyone to run.
I-OPt Roles: Runner β closes eyes and moves through the tube at their own pace. Side Spotter β stands in the line, arms up, redirects gently. Stopper β catches the runner at the far end. All three roles are active simultaneously.
Inclusion Supports: Runners choose their own speed β walking is always an option. Players who do not want to close their eyes can squint or look at their feet. Players who do not want to run can be permanent Spotters or Stoppers β both are essential roles. Adjust the tube width for wheelchair users. For players with anxiety, offer a practice walk-through with eyes open first.
Stewardship: Walk the tube path after the activity and check for any items dropped. Reflection prompt: “You held someone’s safety in your hands. What did that responsibility feel like?”
Consent: Pre-brief: “This activity involves running with your eyes closed while the group spots you. Running is completely voluntary β no one will be asked twice. If you prefer, you can walk, or you can be a Spotter or Stopper the entire time. Raise your hand any time to stop. We will honour that instantly.” Mid-game check-in: After the first 3 runners, pause and ask “Spotters β are you set? Anyone need to adjust position?” Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step out and return as a Spotter at any time.
Risks & Mitigation:
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Runner collides with a spotter | Medium | Spotters stay alert with hands up; tube width maintained at 2.5m |
| Runner trips on uneven ground | Medium | Walk the path first; remove all hazards; use mats indoors |
| Stoppers fail to catch runner | Low | Two stoppers always; practise catching stance before first run |
| Runner panics mid-run | Low | Spotters gently guide to a stop; never restrain |
| Spotters not paying attention | Medium | Counsellor watches the line; remind before each run |
Warm-Up Suggestions: Trust Lean β in pairs, one leans back slightly and partner catches. Builds the catch reflex. Spotting Drill β practise the spotter stance (hands up, knees bent, eyes forward) for 30 seconds.
Debrief: What? “What did it feel like to run with your eyes closed?” So what? “What did you need from the group to feel safe?” Now what? “When do you trust people to look out for you in everyday life?”
Cleanup & Reset: Remove any mats. Check the path for dropped items.
