Dry Land Raft

The team moves a "raft" (a board resting on tennis balls) along a marked course as fast as possible. Some players ride the board and push forward with paddles, while the rest run alongside and use brooms to feed balls under the board so it keeps moving. The game requires coordination, communication, and clear roles.

##Equipment

A sturdy board large enough for the whole team A large number of tennis balls (or similar balls) Paddles for players on the board (or long poles) Brooms for players on the ground Life vests, buoys, and other props for atmosphere (optional)

How to Play

Before the start, spread a large number of tennis balls on a flat surface and place the board on top. That is the raft. The team splits into two groups: the crew gets on the board and takes the paddles, the rescuers stay on the ground with brooms.

On the start signal, the raft moves. The crew pushes off the ground with paddles, while the rescuers run around the board and constantly sweep balls from behind to the front. Without this constant feeding, the raft stops. Both groups must work together and communicate, or the raft slows down, gets stuck, or tips over.

The goal is to complete the marked course as fast as possible. The course can be straight, include turns, or go out and back.

Tips and Variations

Add a story. The game works much better with a motivating scenario. The team is rescuing a drowning person, transporting critical cargo, or escaping a flooded area. Life vests, buoys, and a thrown rope make the story believable and raise the energy level.

Ball count matters. Not enough balls is the most common reason the game fails. If the raft moves poorly, add more balls.

Make it harder. Ban talking, blindfold some crew members, or add a required load to carry on the board.

Test it first. How well the raft moves depends on the surface, the weight of the board, and the number of balls. Always try it before the group arrives.

Illustration generated by AI.