Partner Feed Challenge

Name and Purpose

• Partner Feed Challenge builds laughter, trust, and communication in pairs.
• The awkward arm setup creates natural connection and shared silliness in a low-stakes way.

a.k.a.

• Blind Hands, Over-the-Shoulder Feed

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 8-40 players in pairs | 10-15 minutes | Outdoor space or any area with easy cleanup; tarp or drop cloth recommended

Materials

• Bowls of soft food per pair (pudding, yogurt, or applesauce — choose one; see Stewardship note)
• Spoons (one per pair)
• Optional: bibs, spare shirts, or paint-smocks to protect clothing
• Wet wipes or water and towels for cleanup
• Tarp or drop cloth under each pair

Quick-Run Card

1. Pair up players and set one bowl and spoon per pair on a stable surface in front of them.
2. Front person places hands behind their back. Back person threads their arms through.
3. On “Go,” the back person uses their arms (as seen from the front) to scoop and feed.
4. Run for 2 minutes. Celebrate teamwork and laughter, not just how much was eaten.
5. Clean up together with wet wipes and collect materials.

Setup and Boundaries

• Lay tarps or drop cloths under each pair before starting
• Space pairs at least one arm’s length apart
• Signal: one whistle = pause; two whistles = stop and step apart
• Check that the food is fresh and safely stored before play; discard any leftovers after the activity

How to Play

1. Players pair up. Each pair decides who stands in front and who stands behind.
2. The front player puts their arms behind their back.
3. The back player slides their arms through, under the front player’s arms, and takes hold of the spoon.
4. On the leader’s signal, the back player uses the spoon to scoop food from the bowl and feed it to the front player.
5. The challenge: the back player is working with the front player’s field of vision, not their own. Pairs must talk and guide each other.
6. Run for 2 minutes. Celebrate all pairs for their teamwork and good humour.
7. Swap roles for a second round if time allows.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Participate as front or back partner in the feeding round
• S (Support): Be the timekeeper, bowl-holder, or wipe-distributor for pairs who need an extra hand
• Q (Quiet): Participate with a modified version — use a dry cracker or piece of fruit instead of pudding to reduce mess
• O (Observer): Watch the first round and choose to join the second round

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players with upper-body mobility considerations can participate as the front person (being fed), with a counsellor or willing partner assisting as the feeder
• A dry-food version (crackers, grapes, banana slices) works well for players with dietary considerations or tactile sensitivities around messy food

Stewardship Moment

• Buy only what you need; leftover unopened food can be returned to the kitchen or used in the next meal
• Leftover opened food should be composted, not discarded in general waste
• Reflection: “Food is a resource. How can we plan activities that use just enough and waste as little as possible?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game involves one partner feeding the other. For those not comfortable with close physical contact or messy food, there’s a dry-food version and a no-contact option where you guide your partner’s arm with your voice instead — just let me know before we start.”
• Mid-game check: After 30-60 seconds, pause and check in. Players can swap roles or step back at any time.
• Opt-out/re-entry: Either player can call “Switch” to swap roles or step out; their partner can continue with a staff member or take a supportive role.

Risks and Mitigation

• Food allergies or dietary restrictions: staff will already be aware of any dietary needs; choose a food that works for the whole group
• Choking or uncomfortable feeding pace: front player uses a verbal signal (“slow”) to set pace; back player follows their lead
• Slipping on spilled food: tarp reduces mess; have dry towels on hand for floor spills

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Back-to-Back Sit”: pairs stand back-to-back and try to sit and stand together without using hands
• “Trust Walk”: one partner closes eyes and the other guides them around a short course using only verbal directions

Debrief Questions

• What? “What was the hardest part of feeding your partner? What helped you work better together?”
• So What? “What did this game show you about trust and communication?”
• Now What? “Where in your daily life do you rely on someone else to do something on your behalf?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Each pair wipes down their area with wet wipes
• Collect bowls, spoons, and tarps
• Compost leftover opened food; return sealed items to the kitchen
• 60-second group cleanup sweep of the area