Blob Untangle

Name and Purpose

Blob Untangle builds physical co-operation, communication, and gentle problem-solving.
Teams practise working together while respecting physical boundaries.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-20 players | 10-20 minutes | Flat open space, indoor or outdoor, minimum 5m x 5m

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Split into two equal teams.
Team A sits together and gently links arms and holds hands to form a Blob.
Team B works together to guide Team A members apart one at a time, using only hand-holds and gentle guidance.
Only hand-holds and gentle movement are permitted. No lifting, pulling, or tickling.
Swap roles and compare times.

Setup and Boundaries

Clear a flat area of at least 5m x 5m.
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause all movement; 2 whistles = stop and gather.
Check the surface for sharp objects or hazards before play.
Note: this activity involves physical contact. Staff will know which campers need accommodations.

How to Play

Split the group into two equal teams.
Team A sits on the ground and creates a Blob: link arms loosely, hold hands, and lean together.
Team B has 3 minutes to gently guide Team A members apart. Only permitted moves: hold a hand, gently guide an arm, or ask someone to move a specific way.
No lifting, pulling, or tickling. No contact with any area other than hands and forearms.
A Team A member is free when they are no longer connected to anyone else in the Blob.
Count how many Team A members Team B separates in 3 minutes.
Swap roles and see if Team B can form a stronger Blob.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Join the Blob or work to separate it.
S (Support): Call instructions and encouragement to your team from the edge.
Q (Quiet): Participate in the Blob as a quieter, still anchor in the centre.
O (Observer): Watch and track how many players are separated; give a 30-second countdown.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players not comfortable with close physical contact can participate as a Blob edge player, holding only one hand lightly.
Timer role (counting down, tracking separations) is a fully included, valued role.

Stewardship Moment

No materials means no waste. Reflect: “What can we do with just our bodies and our teamwork?”
Leave the space exactly as found.

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves sitting close together and gentle physical contact. For those not comfortable with that level of contact, being a counter or coach on the outside is a great option.”
Mid-game check: After the first round, pause. “Give a thumbs up, sideways, or down. Ready to swap?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step out of the Blob at any time by saying “Out.” Raise a hand to re-enter as a coach.

Risks and Mitigation

Overly forceful separation attempts: reinforce at the start that only gentle guided movement is allowed; staff monitor closely.
Discomfort from close physical proximity: offer edge positions and observer role before the game begins.
Hair or clothing caught in tangle: remind Blob members to link arms loosely and avoid grabbing clothing.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Shake Hands”: walk around and greet five people with a handshake and one fun fact.
“Gentle Push”: partners stand back to back and practise leaning gently without shoving.

Debrief Questions

What? “What worked when you were trying to separate (or hold together) the Blob?”
So What? “How did you feel when someone moved differently than you expected?”
Now What? “When is it important in real life to work with people who are moving in a different direction than you?”

Cleanup and Reset