Raccoon Circles

A Raccoon Circle is a loop made out of tubular climbing webbing, which you can buy for $.30/foot from outfitters like this one. Of course, that only answers the question "how do you make a Raccoon Circle?" A much more fun question is "what do you do with it?" The answer can be found in one of several informative and inspring PDF files in this collection of resources by Dr. Jim Cain.

It turns out that these little loops of webbing can have great play and instructional value. In the tradition of "team challenges," as established by the powerful and often playful work of Project Adventure, Raccoon Circle activities engage mind, body and community.

Here's a brief sample - the game of "Knot Right Now"

"Instruct the entire group (up to 8 participants per Raccoon Circle) to grab hold of the straight (untied) webbing. Wherever they hold with their right hand must stay there, however the left hand can move, slide, or let go as necessary to make movement easy. The task is for the group to tie a single overhand knot in the Raccoon Circle."