Shoe Finder in the Dark

Name and Purpose

• Shoe Finder in the Dark is a low-key sensory game that builds spatial awareness and trust in a calm setting.
• Players use touch and memory to find their own shoes without sight, which builds confidence in non-visual problem-solving.

a.k.a.

• Shoe Hunt

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 8-25 players | 10-15 minutes | Indoor space with safe flooring (cabin, gym, multipurpose room)

Materials

• Participants’ own shoes (one pair each)
• Clear floor space with no furniture edges or sharp corners in the play area

Quick-Run Card

1. Everyone removes shoes and places them in the central pile.
2. Staff describe the room layout aloud before lights dim.
3. On signal, one player at a time moves to the pile to find their pair.
4. Player returns to their spot and gives the next person a thumbs-up.
5. Game ends when everyone has their shoes back.

Setup and Boundaries

• Clear the floor of chairs, bags, and loose items before play begins
• Define a single pile zone in the centre of the space
• Signal: one short whistle or clap = go; two short whistles = lights on / stop
• Staff remain at the edge of the space during play to assist if needed
• Note: this activity involves low-light conditions. Staff will already know which campers may need accommodations.

How to Play

1. Players remove their shoes and carry them to the central pile.
2. Staff narrate the room layout: “The pile is in the middle. The walls are about 5 steps in each direction.”
3. Lights are dimmed (or players close eyes) on the signal.
4. Players take turns, one at a time, walking to the pile to feel for their own shoes.
5. Once found, they return to their starting spot. The group cheers softly.
6. If a player picks up the wrong shoe, they return it and try again on their next turn.
7. Play ends when all players have their own shoes.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Walk to the pile, find your shoes by touch, return to your spot
• S (Support): Stay at the edge and give quiet directional hints (“a little left”) to players who want guidance
• Q (Quiet): Participate with eyes open and lights on, using a slower pace
• O (Observer): Watch from the side, cheer for each player, count successful finds

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players who prefer not to be in low light participate with lights on and eyes open, going at their own pace
• Players with mobility needs may have a staff member bring a small selection of shoes to them to sort through

Stewardship Moment

• After the game, do a 30-second group sweep to check the floor for any small items or litter before leaving
• Reflection: “How did your other senses kick in when you couldn’t use your eyes?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game uses low light. For those not comfortable in the dark, keeping the lights on at a lower level or playing with eyes open are both great options.”
• Mid-game check: After a few turns, pause and ask for thumbs up, sideways, or down. Adjust lighting if needed.
• Opt-out / re-entry: Any player can step to the wall and observe. Call “In!” to rejoin on their next turn.

Risks and Mitigation

• Trips or collisions in low light: one player moves at a time; staff monitor the space throughout
• Anxiety in low-light conditions: lights-on variation available at any point; no pressure to stay in dim lighting
• Pile gets chaotic and hard to search: staff can spread shoes out slightly before rounds to make searching easier

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Name That Texture”: pass a few objects around the circle with eyes closed and guess what each one is
• “Blind Walk”: in pairs, one player closes their eyes and the other gives verbal directions across a short distance

Debrief Questions

• What? “What did you use besides your eyes to find your shoes?”
• So What? “What surprised you about doing something familiar without sight?”
• Now What? “When in daily life do you rely on senses other than sight?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Everyone puts their shoes back on before leaving
• Staff do a final floor check for any items left behind