Team Building Event - Totem Pole

Objective

Each team member contributes by handcrafting a section of the totem pole, symbolizing unity, collaboration, and individuality within the group.

Materials Provided

• Clay 
• Tools: carving knives, sponges, texture stamps, and shaping tools
• Workstations (tables with enough space)
• Water for smoothing
• Paint or glazes (if desired, depending on firing method)
• A base for the totem pole structure
  
• Firing and assembly of final totem pole sculpture will be expertly done by Pittsburgh Pottery

Event Structure

1. Introduction (10-15 minutes)

   • Welcome participants and explain the purpose of the activity.
   • Provide a brief history or background on totem poles as symbolic representations of community, animals, or values.

2. Team Assignment & Section Allocation (10 minutes)

   • Divide participants into small groups, assigning each group a specific section of the totem pole (e.g., top, middle, bottom).
   • Encourage each group to brainstorm the themes or symbols they want to represent in their section (e.g., values, animals, abstract shapes, or something personal).

3. Clay Hand-Building Session (1-2 hours)

   • Groups work together to build their section using hand-building techniques like coiling, slab building, or sculpting.
   • Encourage creativity and communication within teams as they form their designs.
   • Provide guidance on joining sections if the totem will be one continuous piece.

4. Break/Refreshments (optional, 20-30 minutes)

5. Assembly (30-45 minutes)

   • Once each group has completed their section, combine the pieces into a cohesive totem pole structure.
   • Discuss how the pieces fit together and how the designs complement each other.

6. Presentation and Reflection (30 minutes)

   • Each group presents their section, explaining their creative choices and symbolism.
   • Reflect on the experience, discussing how the process mirrors teamwork and collaboration in the workplace.

7. Closing (10-15 minutes)

   • Thank everyone for participating.
   • If it requires firing, arrange for it to be kiln-fired, and discuss how/when the final piece will be displayed.