Sound Mates

Name and Purpose

Sound Mates uses sound and memory to reunite pairs in a low-light or blindfolded space.
Players explore non-visual communication, trust, and the way animals use sound to find each other in the wild.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players (in pairs) | 10-20 minutes | Large indoor room or quiet outdoor area with clear boundaries

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Pairs agree on a unique, repeatable sound.
Partners move to opposite ends of the space; blindfolds on (or lights dimmed).
On signal, all pairs begin making their sounds and move slowly toward each other.
When partners find each other, they sit together quietly.
Once all pairs are reunited, debrief on animal communication.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark clear boundaries before the activity
Signal: one loud clap or whistle = start; two claps = stop and remove blindfolds
Staff positioned at each corner to gently redirect players who approach the boundary
Check for obstacles in the play area before blindfolds go on

How to Play

Players pair up. Each pair agrees on one unique sound they can both make easily (e.g., ‘meeeee’, ‘tok tok’, ‘whooooop’).
Pairs practise their sound together for 30 seconds.
Partners move to opposite ends of the space. Blindfolds go on (or lights dim).
On the start signal, all players begin making their sound and move slowly through the space to find their partner.
When partners find each other, they sit together quietly on the floor.
Staff call the stop signal once all pairs are reunited or after 3 minutes.
Players remove blindfolds. Staff connect the experience to animal communication.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Move freely through the space making your sound
S (Support): Act as a ‘boundary guide’: stand at the edge of the space and gently redirect players who wander close to the boundary (no blindfold needed)
Q (Quiet): Make a very soft, subtle sound and move slowly; focus on listening rather than calling loudly
O (Observer): Watch the activity with lights on; join a round when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

Players not comfortable with blindfolds can keep their eyes open but look downward, or play in dim lighting
Players with hearing differences can use a repeated hand gesture or vibration method (tapping the floor) as their ‘sound’

Stewardship Moment

Debrief connection: ‘Many animals rely on sound to find their family. Noise pollution makes that harder. What are some sounds in nature that we often drown out?’

Consent

Pre-brief: ‘This activity involves wearing a blindfold and moving through a shared space. For those not comfortable with blindfolds, keeping your eyes down or playing in dim light is another option.’
Mid-game check: After the first round, pause. ‘How did that feel? Thumbs up, sideways, or down.’
Opt-out/re-entry: Raise a hand to step to the boundary. Tap a staff member to rejoin the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Collisions between players: instruct all players to move slowly with hands slightly forward; staff watch for fast movers
Player anxiety with blindfold: offer alternatives without drawing attention; staff can check in quietly
Noise overwhelm in a large group: keep the space size appropriate to the group; break into smaller heats if needed

Warm-Up Suggestions

‘Echo Game’: one player makes a sound, the rest echo it exactly; then add layers
‘Animal Alphabet’: name an animal for each letter of the alphabet as a group, focusing on animals known for distinctive sounds

Debrief Questions

What? ‘What sound did your pair choose? How did you find each other?’
So What? ‘What was it like to rely on just one sound to navigate a busy space?’
Now What? ‘How do animals use sound in ways we do not always notice? What might you listen for differently now?’

Cleanup and Reset