Passing the Squeeze

Suggested Group(s): All

Purpose: To help the group transition from group time back to family time and departure from the Caring Place. Also to provide a group ritual to enhance group identity

Task/need: Group building, group structure

Activity Setup Ideas:

• Have the group form a circle to prepare for the evening ending ritual.

Materials:

• None

Description: Have all group members, including volunteers, form a circle and grasp hands. (For a twist, cross arms before grasping each other's hands.) The group leader begins by gently squeezing the hand of the person next to him/her. Each person then passes the squeeze on to the next person until the squeeze has traveled around the entire circle.

Activity Wrap Up Ideas:

• Just a quiet 'thank you' to the group

Suggestion: For some more active and physical groups it may be helpful to remind them of the 'nobody hurts anybody' rule and remind them to gently squeeze hands.