Survival Island Group Debate Game
Debate which items to bring to a desert island as a group — forcing negotiation, prioritization, and consensus-building under fun pressure.
What You'll Need
- 1Printed or written item lists (one per person)
- 2Pens for ranking
- 3Paper for group list
What You'll Need
A printed or written list of 15 survival items (one copy per person)
Pens for ranking
Paper for writing the final group list
How to Play
Present the scenario: "Your plane crashed. You're on a desert island. From this list of 15 items, the group can only keep 5."
Item list: rope, matches, water bottle, tarp, signal mirror, knife, first aid kit, fishing line, compass, flashlight, whistle, duct tape, insect repellent, sleeping bag, sunscreen.
Each person independently picks and ranks their top 5.
Share lists. Notice where you agree and disagree.
Now the hard part: the GROUP must reach consensus on one shared list of 5. Everyone must agree.
Debate: "Why do we need the mirror more than the knife?" Negotiate and compromise.
When done, debrief: "Who led the discussion? Did everyone feel heard? How did we handle disagreements?"
Why It Works
This classic exercise forces real negotiation — not just stating your preference, but defending it with reasoning and being willing to change your mind when you hear a better argument. The scenario is engaging enough that kids genuinely care about the outcome, which raises the emotional stakes. The consensus requirement (not majority rule) means everyone must feel represented. The debrief is where the deepest learning happens: examining group dynamics, power, voice, and fairness.
Tips
Let the debate get passionate, but intervene if anyone gets personally insulting. Passion is good; attacks aren't.
Ask quiet kids directly: "What do you think? We haven't heard your idea yet."
There's no single right answer. The process matters more than the list.
Try different scenarios: space mission supplies, time travel items, new school must-haves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: printed or written item lists (one per person), pens for ranking, paper for group list.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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