Icebreakers

For people who have been attending NEST for years, it can feel like coming home. But for folks who are attending for their first time, it can often feel like the first day of school. It’s a stressful experience to be thrown into a party of 200 people, of whom you may know only a few, or none at all. The icebreaker happens on Friday evening, sometime after the last orientation for the day. Rather than a typical “go around the room and say a fun fact about yourself” type of icebreaker, the NEST icebreakers are a way to meet and learn about other people in a fast paced, but stress free environment.

“Split The Room” is a good example of an icebreaker game from the past few years. It involves asking the group at large divisive questions such as “Does pineapple belong on pizza?” and then having everyone choose a side by standing on one side of the room or the other. It has led to many great debates and has been the start of some great conversations.

“People Scavenger Hunt” is another fun game that’s been played. You’re tasked with finding someone or a group of people who fit the criteria. For example: Find someone in the room who has an exotic pet. Find someone in the room who speaks more than one language fluently. Find someone who has never watched Game of Thrones. Find everyone who shares your birthday month. Find everyone who shares the first letter of your name.

We highly encourage you to attend the icebreakers whether you’re a newbie or a veteran. It’s one of the best ways to meet people and start up conversations. Conversations lead to friendships and before you know it, you’ll know a dozen folks and feel at home!