Name and Purpose
- Cotton Ball Sweep is a silly, fast-paced table game that gets players moving and laughing together.
- Players practise focus, speed, and coordination in a low-stakes setting.
a.k.a.
- (None; original game had no widely known alternate name.)
Age / Group / Time / Space
- Ages 8-16 | 2-6 players at a time; run in heats for larger groups | 10-20 minutes total | Indoors; a low table or flat surface
Materials
- 1 low table or flat surface
- 1 bag of cotton balls (washed and reused between sessions)
- Non-latex gloves (1 pair per player)
- Tape or a length of rope as a centre divider
- A whistle or clear start/stop signal
Quick-Run Card
- Set up the table with a tape centre line and equal cotton balls on each side.
- Players kneel (or sit on low chairs) on opposite sides and put on gloves.
- Signal “Go!” Players sweep cotton balls off their own side as fast as they can.
- Whistle blows after 30-60 seconds. Count cotton balls on each side.
- Fewer cotton balls on your side means you swept well. Swap players and run the next heat.
Setup and Boundaries
- Place the table on a flat, non-slip surface
- Ensure enough kneeling space on each side (or use low chairs as an adaptation)
- Signal: 1 whistle = start; 2 whistles = stop
- Check for cotton ball dust sensitivities in the group before play
How to Play
- Divide the group into heats of 2-4 players. Remaining players are Spotters who count cotton balls.
- Players take their position, put on gloves, and take a breath.
- On “Go!” sweep cotton balls off your own side of the centre line.
- After 30-60 seconds the whistle blows. Stop immediately.
- Spotters count cotton balls on each side. The side with fewer wins the heat.
- Swap players. Spotters from the previous heat become players. Every player gets a turn.
Important note: The original game included a blindfolded version where the cotton balls were secretly removed before play started, making players sweep an empty table as a prank. This version has been redesigned. Pranks that make participants feel foolish undermine trust and are not included in this revision.
I-OPt Options
- A (Active): Play as a sweeper
- S (Support): Spot and count cotton balls; cheer for your heat
- Q (Quiet): Manage the timer or signal the start
- O (Observer): Watch a heat, then join the next rotation
Inclusion Adaptations
- Low chairs replace kneeling for players with knee sensitivity
- Larger cotton balls or a larger play surface for players who need more space
- Verbal countdown instead of whistle for players with auditory sensitivities
Stewardship Moment
- Cotton balls are reused every session; store in a labelled bag and spot-clean if needed
- Reflection: “How could we adapt this game to use materials we already have at camp?”
Consent
- Pre-brief: “This game involves kneeling or sitting at a low table and sweeping with gloved hands. For those not comfortable kneeling, a low chair is another option. Staff will know which campers need accommodations.”
- Mid-game check: After the first heat, ask: “Is the pace and format working for everyone?”
- Opt-out/re-entry: Players may step into the Spotter role at any time and return to play in the next heat.
Risks and Mitigation
- Cotton dust sensitivity: staff will be aware of any respiratory sensitivities in the group; use larger, denser cotton balls if needed
- Crowding around the table: ensure clear kneeling lanes; one heat at a time
- Competitive frustration: remind players this is a silly game; no points are kept between heats unless the group wants to
Warm-Up Suggestions
- “Glove Shake”: players put on gloves and shake hands or high-five as many people as possible in 30 seconds
- “Table Tap”: players tap the table in a rhythm that the group mirrors
Debrief Questions
- What? “What strategy did you use to sweep faster?”
- So What? “How did it feel to work quickly under a time limit?”
- Now What? “When do you need to move fast and stay focused in real life?”
Cleanup and Reset
- Collect all cotton balls into the labelled bag
- Wipe the table surface
- Return gloves to a shared storage bin
