🏝️ Shrinking Island
The 'island' keeps getting smaller, and the whole group has to stay on it. It is a team challenge, not a race: kids plan together, hold on to each other and cheer every success.
What you need
Equipment: A large sheet of newspaper or a blanket per group. You need a newspaper sheet or large blanket for each group. Split into groups of 5 to 8. Clear the floor of hazards and explain that pushing is not allowed.
How to play Shrinking Island
- Spread the open newspaper on the floor. That is the island.
- The host announces: 'The whole group must stand on the island with no foot touching the floor.'
- The group climbs on. Count out loud to 5: they have to hold it.
- Made it? The host folds the paper in half. The island is smaller.
- The group steps off, plans for 20 seconds, and climbs on again.
- Safety rules: no lifting anyone onto shoulders. Hugging and holding on are allowed.
- Keep folding until the group can no longer hold on for 5 seconds.
Scoring and wrapping up
Scoring: Each fold the group survives = 2 points. The group plays against itself: how many folds can it manage?
To finish: Measure the final island and write it down as the group record. Finish with a short chat: what helped the group succeed?
By age
- Ages 5-7: use a blanket instead of newspaper and stop after 3 folds.
- Ages 8+: add a rule, like no talking during the climb, or use newspaper and go as small as possible.
Variations
- Two islands: two groups compete to reach the smallest island.
- Capy twist: on the last fold, the group has to stay on the island while singing a whole verse of 'Happy Birthday'.
Tips for the adult in charge
- Works best as a cooperation challenge, not a competition.
- The 20-second planning time is where the real teamwork happens, so do not skip it.
Safety
No stepping on feet and no pushing. Newspaper on a smooth floor can slip, so play on a carpet or grass.
Questions and answers
What is the point of the shrinking island game?
It teaches cooperation, planning and trust. The group has to agree on a strategy and support each other to succeed.
What can I use instead of newspaper?
A towel, blanket, picnic mat or a large piece of cardboard all work, and are less slippery than newspaper.