Still as a Stone

Name and Purpose

Still as a Stone is a calm, giggly game that explores two modes of being: quiet focus and creative expression.
Players practise stillness, self-regulation, and collaborative creativity in equal measure.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 6-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Cabin bunks, gym mats, or a quiet outdoor area with enough lying-down space

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Players lie on their bunks or mats without moving.
One or two staff Wakers move around trying to make players laugh or move (no touching).
Round is time-boxed: 3-5 minutes.
Any player who moves or laughs grabs a partner and heads to the Comedy Workshop to build a 10-second bit.
When the timer ends, the Comedy Workshop performs for the Still players. Both groups applauded.

Setup and Boundaries

Players settle onto their bunks or mats in a comfortable lying position
Signal: one soft clap = round begins; timer chime or two claps = round over
Rule for Wakers: no touching, no loud sudden noises, and nothing unkind or embarrassing
Staff model the Waker role to set the right tone
Designate a Comedy Workshop area (a corner of the room or a nearby spot) where pairs can quietly plan their bit

How to Play

Players lie still on their bunks or mats. Eyes can be open or closed.
One or two staff members start as Wakers. (Waker is a staff-only role to model respectful silliness; players do not become Wakers.)
Wakers move quietly through the space. They may speak, make faces, or act silly to try to cause a player to smile, laugh, or move. No touching is allowed.
When a player breaks (moves, laughs, or smiles), they sit up, grab a nearby partner who has also broken, and the pair moves to the Comedy Workshop area. Together they create a 10-second comedy bit, silly pose, or sound effect to perform at the end of the round.
If someone breaks and no partner is available yet, they start planning solo and pair up with the next person who joins.
The round is time-boxed at 3-5 minutes. Staff calls time regardless of how many players remain still.
When the timer goes off, the Comedy Workshop pairs perform their bits one at a time for the Still players, who watch and applaud.
Both groups are celebrated equally. The Still players showed calm focus; the Comedy Workshop showed creative expression.
Play a second round with the same format. Players may end up in a different group each round.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Lie completely still and use all your focus to resist movement, or join the Comedy Workshop and create an expressive bit
S (Support): Help a Comedy Workshop partner plan their bit; cheer for performers at the end
Q (Quiet): Lie still with eyes closed, simply enjoying the calm
O (Observer): Watch from the end of the room; join the Comedy Workshop as a solo performer or pair up next round

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to lie down may sit completely still in a chair
Players who want to move to the Comedy Workshop from the start can do so without waiting to “break.” Both paths are equally valid.

Stewardship Moment

No materials means no cleanup. Notice how a quiet space changes the feel of a room.
Reflection: “What did stillness feel like in your body?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game, staff Wakers try to make you laugh or move using words and faces only. No touching is allowed. If you break, you and a partner head to the Comedy Workshop to create something fun. For those who would prefer to go straight to the Comedy Workshop, that is a completely equal choice.”
Mid-game check: After the first round, staff check in with any player who seems uncomfortable.
Opt-out / re-entry: Any player can move to the Comedy Workshop at any time. Players who want to try being still can do so in the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Wakers using unkind or embarrassing comments: staff model the Waker role first and set a clear rule that comments must be silly, not personal
Players feeling singled out or teased: staff stop play immediately if any comment crosses the line and redirect
Comedy Workshop pairs struggling to create a bit: staff suggest a simple format (silly pose, animal sound, slow-motion replay) to get them started

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Statue Pose”: the group strikes a silly frozen pose together on the count of three, then holds it for 10 seconds
“Laugh Pass”: sitting in a circle, one player laughs in an exaggerated way; the next player copies and adds their own laugh

Debrief Questions

What? “What was it like to be in the Still group? What was it like in the Comedy Workshop?”
So What? “Which mode felt more natural to you: calm focus or creative expression? Why?”
Now What? “When in life do you need to be still and focused? When do you need to let loose and be creative?”

Cleanup and Reset