Poop Deck Revised

Name and Purpose

• Poop Deck Revised is a full-group command game that builds listening, quick movement, and silly group coordination.
• The group-formation commands (pairs, threes, fours) make it a strong team-building warm-up.

a.k.a.

• Ship Commands, Deck Drills

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 15-25 minutes | Large open gym or field . no props required

Materials

• Open flat space
• Optional: laminated command reference card for the leader
• Optional: cones to define the playing area

Quick-Run Card

1. Line players up. Teach all 7 commands with a walk-through round.
2. Leader calls commands. Players perform the matching action together.
3. Introduce group-formation commands (pairs, threes, fours) gradually.
4. Last player or last group fully formed completes a fun movement challenge and stays in.
5. Play for 15-20 minutes with no permanent elimination.

Setup and Boundaries

• No props required beyond a defined play space
• Signal: the command itself is the go-signal; 2 whistles = stop and gather
• Practise round is mandatory before scoring begins
• Check ground for obstacles before play

How to Play

1. Line players up shoulder to shoulder along a starting line.
2. Walk through each command before the game begins. Players practise each action once.
3. Commands and actions:
   • Hit the Deck: everyone lies flat on the floor, stomach down
   • Salute the Captain: everyone salutes. Hold until the leader says “At Ease”
   • Be the Captain: pairs form . both players stand side by side, one salutes while the other points forward as the Navigator. (At Ease not needed for this one.)
   • Row Your Boat: groups of 3 line up front to back and mime rowing a canoe
   • Eat at the Table: groups of 4 form and mime eating at a table
   • Man Overboard: everyone gets on the floor and mimes swimming
   • Mutant Jellyfish: everyone lies on the floor, raises arms and legs, and wiggles
4. Leader calls commands in any order, speeding up as the group gets familiar.
5. Last player or last group fully formed completes a fun challenge (silly pose, 5 star jumps) and stays in.
6. Play continues for 15-20 minutes.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Sprint into position for every command as fast as possible
• S (Support): Find nearby players quickly for group-formation commands and guide them into position
• Q (Quiet): Move to position at a steady pace, prioritising accuracy over speed
• O (Observer): Watch the practise round, learn the commands visually, then join for the first timed round

Inclusion Adaptations

• Be the Captain: both players stand side by side. No floor contact or body-on-body contact involved. Accessible to all players.
• Hit the Deck and Man Overboard involve floor contact. Players who cannot get to the floor can touch a knee to the ground or perform a seated equivalent.
• Post command names and mime illustrations on a visible card for players who process visual cues more readily than verbal.

Stewardship Moment

• No materials used, no cleanup needed. Reflect: “We just played a full game using nothing but our bodies and voices.”
• If played outdoors on grass, do a 30-second sweep for any personal items left on the ground.

Consent

• Pre-brief: “Some of these commands involve getting on the floor or working in close contact with a partner. For commands that feel like too much contact, there is always a paired or solo alternative. We will practise everything first so you know what is coming.”
• For those not comfortable with any element of this activity, an observer or helper role is another option.
• Be the Captain note: before calling this command, check in quietly with any players who may not want physical contact in the role. Offer the paired salute alternative.
• Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, pause. Thumbs up, sideways, or down . how is everyone going?
• Opt-out/re-entry: Step to the side at any time. Rejoin at the next command.

Risks and Mitigation

• Be the Captain: standing formation only. No body-on-body contact. Low risk
• Hit the Deck on hard floors: check for a soft surface (gym mat, grass). On hard floors, players can touch one knee down instead.
• Group-formation commands leaving odd players out: if the group number does not divide evenly, staff join in to fill the gap or players can form a slightly larger group

Warm-Up Suggestions

• Simon Says: 2 minutes of standard Simon Says to warm up listening and quick response.
• Mirroring: pairs face each other and mirror movements. Gets physical awareness going before group formations.

Debrief Questions

• What? “Which command was the most fun? Which one was hardest to do quickly?”
• So What? “What did you notice about the group-formation commands . what helped you find your group fast?”
• Now What? “When do you rely on reading a situation quickly and adapting on the spot?”

Cleanup and Reset

• No props to collect
• Check the playing area for personal items
• Return any optional cones to storage