Pick It Up

Name and Purpose

• Pick It Up is a quick reaction game that builds listening skills, reflexes, and group energy in a short burst.
• Works as a warm-up, transition filler, or energiser for any age group.

a.k.a.

• Grab It, Quick Pick

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 5-12 | 4-20 players | 5-10 minutes | Small open space indoors or outdoors; seated or standing circle

Materials

• 1-3 soft objects (foam ball, beanbag, soft toy) placed in the centre
• Optional: a variety of objects in different colours, sizes, or textures for added challenge
• No cones needed for small groups; mark the circle with chalk for outdoor play

Quick-Run Card

1. Everyone sits or stands in a circle around the object.
2. Leader calls a category (e.g., “anyone wearing something blue”).
3. Players who match the category reach for or move toward the object.
4. First to touch it gets a group cheer.
5. Object goes back to the centre; leader calls the next category. Rotate callers.

Setup and Boundaries

• Place the object in the clear centre of the circle; everyone should be equidistant
• Signal: two claps from leader = end of round, object back to centre
• Check the floor for anything players might trip over when leaning or reaching
• Keep the pace relaxed for younger groups; speed it up gradually as players get comfortable

How to Play

1. Players sit or stand in a circle. One soft object sits in the centre.
2. The leader calls a category:
   • Description: “Anyone wearing a striped shirt.”
   • Action: “Anyone who ate breakfast today.”
   • Memory: “Anyone who can name a planet.”
3. Players who match the category reach for, lunge toward, or (if seated) lean toward the object.
4. First to touch it gets a cheer from the group.
5. The object returns to the centre. The leader (or the person who just touched it) calls the next category.
6. No scoring required. Play until the group is energised or the transition time is up.
7. Variation: place multiple objects in the centre; the category describes which object to grab (e.g., “grab the red one if you can name an animal that swims”).

I-OPt Options

• Start:
  • A (Active): Stand and lunge for the object
  • S (Support): Help the leader think of categories
  • Q (Quiet): Sit and reach without leaving your spot
  • O (Observer): Watch one round; join when a category applies to you
• Mid:
  • A (Active): Call a category for the next round
  • S (Support): Cheer for whoever reaches the object first
  • Q (Quiet): Tap the object gently rather than grabbing
  • O (Observer): Count how many rounds have been called
• Late:
  • A (Active): Try a tricky self-created category
  • S (Support): Help a younger or newer player understand the category
  • Q (Quiet): Stay in seated position throughout; lean or use a reaching motion
  • O (Observer): Suggest switching to the multi-object variation
• End:
  • A (Active): Lead one final category call
  • S (Support): Collect objects and return them
  • Q (Quiet): Give a thumbs up for your favourite category heard today
  • O (Observer): Name one category that surprised you

Inclusion Adaptations

• Reaching, not racing: frame the game as reaching toward rather than racing to grab; reduces collision risk and opens play to all mobility levels
• Seated full-play: players in wheelchairs or with mobility differences play fully from their position; a reach or a point counts as a touch
• Verbal response variation: instead of touching the object, players call out “yes!” if the category applies to them; the first to call gets the cheer

Stewardship Moment

• Soft objects used in this game last for years; wipe them down and store them dry
• Prompt: “We keep our camp gear in good shape so every group can use it. What else do we share at camp that needs looking after?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “We are going to react to categories the leader calls out. You move toward the object however works for you: lean, reach, or just call out. No one has to move fast.”
• For those not comfortable with any part of this activity, sitting out or joining as an observer is another option.
• Mid-game check: after 3-4 rounds, pause. “Quick check: For those not comfortable with any element, an observer or helper role is another option. Thumbs up, sideways, or down.”
• Opt-out/re-entry: stay seated and observe any round; rejoin on the next category call

Risks and Mitigation

• Two players lunge at once and collide: remind the group this is a reach, not a tackle; model a calm, controlled reach before play starts
• Competitive energy escalates: keep tone light; cheer for everyone, not just the first touch
• Category unintentionally singles out one person: staff should test categories mentally before calling them; avoid categories that apply to exactly one player unless it is that player’s turn to be celebrated

Warm-Up Suggestions

• No warm-up needed; this game IS the warm-up
• Can follow a seated stretching circle to ease the group into movement

Debrief Questions

• What? “Which category surprised you the most?”
• So What? “What did it feel like when a category matched you and you got to reach for it?”
• Now What? “What do you notice about yourself when you react quickly to something?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Return all objects to storage
• Quick floor check for anything left in the play space