Scared in the dark. Afraid of being abandoned. These answers regularly appear in response to the question: what was your biggest fear of childhood? It’s one of the questions that Team Breakout players need to answer beforehand so we can use it in a custom GPS game. “I used to be afraid there was a snake in the toilet that would bite my butt. Even now I’m still afraid.”

Next week we will organize another Team Breakout with Breakout Bandits. This time the group is a team of volunteers who go on a summer camp. I also participate as a volunteer. So I also have to fill in my childhood fear. I immediately think of Carnival at school. I remember well that I hid in the toilet in the hope that no one would miss me. In the background I heard my classmates dancing the polonaise. My wig itched and the makeup stung my eyes. I still get a stomachache just thinking about it.

The questions that come up are very diverse. Childhood anxiety comes up, what you would do if zombies were attacking or whether you’re a folder or a propper: “Most of the people on your team fold their toilet paper neatly when they go to the toilet. There is one that makes a wad. Who is that?” The questions are a hilarious way to get to know your team better during the game. Afterwards you can of course discuss it over a drink or during dinner.

In my case, a short therapy session might be more appropriate. “Because why was I so afraid of carnival?” Such childhood fear says something about me, even now. I am shy and quite introverted. I don’t like to be in the spotlight. I quickly think that people think I’m weird, even if everyone is dressed up. And I run when I find something scary.

The Team Breakout is the perfect way for me as a team leader to get to know my team better and for them to get to know me. And… if the conversation stops during lunch, I always have a nice opening question: are you a “propper” or a “folder”?

Wouter van der Zeijden
Creative Director at Breakout Bandits