Birthday Surprise

Name and Purpose

• Birthday Surprise uses a parachute to create a shared moment of fun and warmth.
• Players practise timing, communication, and gentle cooperation.

a.k.a.

• Parachute Cocoon, Mushroom Wrap

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 7-12 | 10-30 players | 10-15 minutes | Large flat open space, indoors or outdoors

Materials

• One large parachute

Quick-Run Card

1. Everyone stands in a circle and holds the parachute edge.
2. On signal, lift together to fill it with air into a mushroom shape.
3. Two to four volunteers (whoever wants to) step inside before it comes down.
4. Outer players lower edges gently to the ground around the group inside.
5. Everyone outside sings Happy Birthday while inside players work their way out without lifting the parachute.

Setup and Boundaries

• Clear the play area of trip hazards and objects before starting.
• Signal: one raised hand or one short whistle to pause; two to stop and gather.
• Staff position: one staff member outside the parachute to watch for anyone needing help.

How to Play

1. All players stand in a circle, holding the parachute edge with both hands.
2. On the staff signal, everyone lifts the parachute together to fill it with air.
3. Players who want to go inside step quickly under the dome.
4. Outer players lower the edge to the ground to seal the mushroom gently.
5. Outside players sing Happy Birthday (or another agreed song).
6. Inside players try to wriggle out from under the edge before the song ends, without lifting the parachute.
7. Celebrate everyone out. Swap who goes inside for the next round.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Go inside and work your way out.
• S (Support): Hold and lower the edge, help seal the mushroom gently.
• Q (Quiet): Hold the edge and hum or mouth the song.
• O (Observer): Watch from beside the group, join inside on a later round.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players who do not want the enclosed feeling can stay outside as edge holders or song leaders every round.
• Verbal cue (‘Ready!’) before the parachute comes down so inside players can prepare.

Stewardship Moment

• Lay the parachute flat after use and fold together as a group.
• Reflection: ‘How did working together on the outside help the people on the inside?’

Consent

• Pre-brief: ‘This game has an inside option under the parachute. For those not comfortable with small spaces, holding the edge on the outside is just as important.’
• Mid-game check: After one round, pause and ask for a thumbs up, sideways, or down.
• Opt-out/re-entry: Tap the parachute twice from inside to signal staff to lift an edge. Raise your hand from outside to join inside on the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

• Discomfort in enclosed space: always offer outside role; staff watch for distress signals.
• Players bumping heads inside: remind inside players to move slowly and communicate.
• Parachute coming down too fast: staff call ‘Slow and gentle’ during the lowering.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• Shake hands ripple: everyone shakes the parachute at different intensities on staff cue.
• Name wave: one player calls their name while lifting their section of the parachute, group echoes.

Debrief Questions

• What? ‘What happened when the parachute came down around the inside group?’
• So What? ‘What made it easier or harder to get out?’
• Now What? ‘When do you rely on people on the outside to make things work for you?’

Cleanup and Reset

• Fold parachute together as a group.
• Check play space for any dropped items.
• Return parachute to storage.