Webs and woosies

A program called "Webs and Woosies," planned and implemented by 14 Southeast Missouri State University recreation students in a group development class, was recently held for Girl Scouts of Otahki Council on the campus at the Parker Gym.

Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Scott City, Marble Hill and other fifth- to eighth-graders of the Girl Scouts of Otahki Council learned team-building activities through communication, trust, listening skills and problem solving. They participated in a program developed around the premise that fabricated problem solving would transfer to real-life situations.

Activities at the event required girls to perform tasks while having their physical abilities limited, handle a simulated plane crash situation and successfully complete tasks involving group cooperation.

For example, the spider web activity engaged participants in helping each other through web spaces that could only be used once. The swamp water activity goal was for all girls, without using their hands, to end up under a tarp that began flat on the floor.

Scouts who attended the event said they learned how to trust other people and to think outside of the box.

Sarah Hardin, professor of recreation, said the senior-level group development class assigned 14 students to propose ideas specifically for the Girl Scout program. "They've been honing their skills all semester," she said.