Honest Bacon

Name and Purpose

• Honest Bacon is a lively get-to-know-you game that mixes quick thinking, honesty, and a fun scramble for the ball.
• Players learn about each other while practising fair play and quick reactions.

a.k.a.

• Steal the Bacon, Truth Dash

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 20-40 minutes | Open field or gymnasium; two parallel lines 7-9 metres apart

Materials

• 1 soccer ball or large rolling ball (the “bacon”)
• Cones or chalk to mark the two team lines
• Optional: list of prepared statements for the caller; whistle for signals

Quick-Run Card

1. Teams line up facing each other on opposite lines; ball sits in the middle.
2. Caller reads a statement (e.g., “I had cereal for breakfast”).
3. Players who that statement applies to run out and try to bring the ball back to their line.
4. Soccer rules apply if using a soccer ball: no hands.
5. Score 1 point for a successful return; caller resets the ball for the next statement.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark two parallel lines 7-9 metres apart with cones or chalk
• Place the ball exactly in the middle between lines
• Signal: 1 whistle = pause; 2 whistles = end of game, return to lines
• Players stay behind their line until the statement is read

How to Play

1. Divide into two teams by counting off. Each team lines up on one of the marked lines.
2. The caller stands to the side. Players are on their honour to respond truthfully.
3. The caller reads a statement. Any player the statement applies to runs out toward the ball.
4. The goal is to get the ball back to your team’s line. If using a soccer ball, no hands: dribble or kick the ball back.
5. Players on the opposing team may intercept or compete for the ball once they are also in the field (if the statement applies to them too).
6. Score 1 point for a successful return. The caller collects the ball and resets it for the next statement.
7. Statements that apply to no one are skipped; the caller moves on. Statements that apply to everyone are a free-for-all.
8. Scores are tracked loosely; the experience and laughter matter more than the tally.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Sprint for the ball when a statement applies to you
• S (Support): Cheer for your team; help the caller brainstorm new statements
• Q (Quiet): Participate by walking out rather than sprinting; still earns the point
• O (Observer): Watch a few rounds; join when a statement you relate to comes up

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players may walk rather than run for any statement
• Caller should prepare a mix of statements so that everyone gets to run multiple times; avoid statements that could only apply to one person

Stewardship Moment

• After play, collect the ball and cones together in one sweep
• Reflection: “What did you learn about someone today that surprised you?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game asks you to respond honestly to statements about yourself. You are always on your honour; no one will be called out. For those not comfortable running out, you may raise your hand from the line instead and still count for your team.”
• Mid-game check: After 5-6 statements, pause. “How is everyone feeling about the statements so far? Any adjustments?”
• Opt-out/re-entry: Players may stay at the line for any statement and rejoin the running rounds whenever they choose.

Risks and Mitigation

• Collision in the middle: remind players to slow down near the ball; no body contact to compete for it
• Statements that reveal sensitive information: caller should stick to light, safe topics (food preferences, travel, pets, activities); avoid family structure, religion, finances, or health
• Uneven rounds where the same player always runs: prepare varied statements to spread participation

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Two Truths, One Wish”: each player shares two true things and one thing they wish were true (low-stakes warm-up for the honesty theme)
• Walk the distance between lines so players know the space before play begins

Debrief Questions

• What? “What statement brought the most people out at once?”
• So What? “What did you discover about yourself or your teammates?”
• Now What? “When is it hard to be honest in a group? What makes it easier?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Collect the ball
• Remove chalk lines or cones
• Check the play area for any left items