Balloon Frantic

Purpose: This is a high energy game that establishes goals, concepts, or values depending how it is introduced. It sets the stage for understanding the day or purpose of the group.

Materials: At least one balloon per person (with some extras) and permanent magic markers.

Activity: Everybody blows up a balloon and then writes something on the balloon. For example, one thing in their life that keeps them away from tobacco use. Examples: friends don’t, parents don’t, want to feel healthy, seen my aunt die of lung cancer, etc. Then you tell everyone that you may touch your balloon once to keep it up, but then you have to only hit other group participant’s balloons. The goal is to see how long the group can keep up all the balloons without one touching the ground. Ask the group for a goal (probably not more than 30 seconds). Allow at least 3 or 4 tries. Ask the group for ideas on improving after each try.

Add another dimension: Give everyone a straw and let them try to keep his or her balloon up with a straw only by blowing on the balloon. This simulates someone who smokes and has restricted lung capacity.

Processing:

1. How do we keep our friends’ goals or strengths up?

2. What happens when we don’t keep each other’s goals up?

3. How do we defeat one another?

4. What was it like to try to keep your balloon up?