Signs

Name and Purpose

Signs is a stealth circle game where players secretly pass an invisible object using personalised hand signs.
Players practise observation, misdirection, focus, and reading the group.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-20 players | 10-20 minutes | Seated circle, any flat space, indoors or outdoors

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Each player creates and shares their own unique hand sign.
One player volunteers for the middle; they close their eyes.
Staff assigns the starting sign-holder; play begins.
Players pass the sign by doing someone else’s sign; that person accepts by doing their own sign first, then passes on.
Middle player opens their eyes and has three guesses; correct guess means a role swap.

Setup and Boundaries

Players sit in a circle close enough to see each other’s hand signs clearly
Signal: one clap from staff = middle player opens or closes eyes; two claps = pause
Ensure all players can see each other; avoid a circle that is too large

How to Play

Each player chooses a unique hand sign using arms and hands. Signs are shared with the group before play begins so everyone knows everyone else’s sign.
One player volunteers to be the Guesser and stands or sits in the middle. They close their eyes.
Staff silently assigns the starting sign-holder. Play begins.
To pass the sign: the current holder does the sign of the person they want to pass to. That person must accept by first doing their own sign, then immediately do someone else’s sign to pass it on.
Passing continues around or across the circle. The Guesser opens their eyes and tries to figure out who currently holds the sign.
The Guesser has three guesses. Passing continues even after the Guesser opens their eyes.
Correct guess: the Guesser and the sign-holder swap roles.
Wrong after three guesses: the Guesser stays for one more round, then a volunteer steps in.
No player stays in the middle for more than two consecutive rounds.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Participate fully in the circle, sending and receiving the sign and using misdirection
S (Support): Help new players remember each other’s signs before the first round starts
Q (Quiet): Sit in the circle and pass the sign without active misdirection
O (Observer): Watch from just outside the circle; help count guesses or assist the Guesser’s understanding of the rules

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who have difficulty with hand signs may use a full-arm gesture or a head motion as their sign
Players who prefer not to be in the middle may pass on the Guesser role; a volunteer is always used

Stewardship Moment

No materials at all; the whole game is built from attention and creativity
Reflection: “We each brought something unique (our sign) to make this game work. Where else does your individual contribution make something possible for the whole group?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game has one player in the middle trying to figure out what the rest of the group is doing. For those not comfortable being in the middle, staying in the circle and passing the sign is the main way to play.”
Mid-game check: After the first round, check in with thumbs up or sideways.
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player may step out of the circle at any time and return when they are ready.

Risks and Mitigation

Middle player feeling isolated or embarrassed: staff keeps tone warm; reassure the Guesser that this game is genuinely hard
Players giving away the sign-holder through obvious staring: remind players that looking away is part of the strategy
Signs that are too similar: staff helps players differentiate signs before play begins

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Name and Sign”: players go around the circle once, saying their name and doing their sign; everyone mirrors it back
“Sign Telephone”: pass one sign around the circle to ensure everyone recognises each other’s signs before guessing begins

Debrief Questions

What? “What gave the sign-holder away? Or what made them hard to find?”
So What? “What did you notice about how the group worked together to fool the Guesser?”
Now What? “When in your day does paying close attention to small details make a difference?”

Cleanup and Reset