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Closing Circle
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Closing
Circle is a tool for sharing or debriefing a single activity;
or, more usually, for bringing closure to an entire camp session.
It is a journal exercise that is great for groups who don't have
much experience using journals. It can be done as a single activity
or repeated many times. It's important to let participants know
how you will be using Closing Circle. I usually tell the group
that their circle is private and will not be collected, but that
everyone is expected to share something with the group. On the
other hand, you may decide to use it with staff as a program evaluation
tool, in which case you will want to collect copies from everyone.
Whatever the case, let everyone know what you are planning to
do before they begin writing.
How it works:
In groups of from 8 to 12, distribute one Circle (an actual
cut-out or page with a circle drawn on it, divided into distinct
sections or "wedges") to each participant. Describe or frame what
the group discussion is about. "I want to spend some time talking
about the canoeing trip," or "This is a way for us to talk about/share
our feelings about the whole summer." Ask participants to label
each wedge. Wedges represent categories of feelings, experiences,
emotions and act as "markers" for an experience. The Circle helps
participants remember, reflect and record their experiences and
accompanying emotions.
Suggested categories:
- Something
that surprised me about myself
- Something
I accomplished
- A high point
- A low point
- A gift I
received from the group
- A gift I
gave an individual (or the group)
- A moment
when I learned a new lesson about friendship
- Something
I learned about myself
- A moment
when our group felt the closest
In the center
of the Circle, ask participants to draw a symbol that represents
the experience for them. Once participants are writing, filling
in the circle should take between 15-20 minutes.
When the group
is finished, join in a circle and share. The group focus seems better
if you ask each person to share one wedge from their circle and
continue around until everyone is finished with that category. Sharing
more than one thing is optional. Generally participants love to
share and are happy to share everything they've written, but individuals
should be allowed to "pass" if they do not wish to share from a
particular category. ®Remember, set your ground rules or expectation
around sharing before you begin the exercise.
Depending upon
how much time is allocated for sharing, with a group of twelve,
this activity should take about one hour. If the group is larger
than twelve, the activity will take longer. You may wish to let
some of your older campers in particular dwell a bit longer, as
they are both more verbal and may have more "taking stock" to do
if this is one of their last years or sessions at camp.
Variations:
Add your own categories! The purpose of this activity is to
reflect on experience and share them with group members. Add your
own categories, but be aware that categories will affect the tone
of the conversation. If you want a serious tone, stay away from
a category like 'Silliest Moment.' Instead of using a circle, change
the shape to fit a theme. Use a tent shape if you've been on a camping
experience; or use a boat or canoe shape if the group's been out
on a trip. (Call it "closing campfire!" Leave a wedge blank and
invite participants to fill in their own category.
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