Tower Build
Category: Team Building | Group Size: 4–20 (teams of 3–5) | Time: 15–20 minutes
How to Play
Teams compete to build the tallest freestanding tower using limited materials.
- Divide into teams of 3–5.
- Give each team the same materials (see below).
- Set a timer for 10–15 minutes.
- Teams build. The tower must be freestanding (not taped to a wall or held).
- Measure at the end. Tallest tower wins.
Material Options
- 20 sticks of dry spaghetti + 1 yard of tape + 1 yard of string + 1 marshmallow (must be on top)
- 50 index cards + 1 roll of tape
- 10 sheets of newspaper + 1 roll of tape
- 15 straws + 1 roll of tape
- Only paper — no tape, no glue (folding and rolling only)
Leader Tips
- The marshmallow-on-top version is the famous “Marshmallow Challenge” — look it up for the TED talk.
- Debrief is the most important part: “What was your strategy? Who led? What would you do differently?”
- Point out that teams that prototype early (build small test versions) almost always beat teams that plan for too long and build once.
Why It Works
This activity reveals team dynamics — who leads, who follows, who gets frustrated, who encourages. It is a great diagnostic for how your group works together.
Scripture Connection
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1 (ESV)
Strategy matters, but ultimately God is the one who builds His church.