Ripple and Seek

Name and Purpose

• Ripple and Seek turns the parachute into a gentle search-and-movement game.
• Players build spatial awareness, cooperation, and communication across roles.

a.k.a.

• Parachute Hide and Seek, Wave Finders

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 7-12 | 10-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Large flat open space, indoors or outdoors

Materials

• One large parachute

Quick-Run Card

1. Assign Seekers (on top of parachute) and Movers (underneath). Edge holders shake.
2. Edge holders ripple the parachute to hide the Movers from view.
3. Seekers gently press or tap down through the fabric to find Movers.
4. Tagged Movers step out and become edge holders.
5. Rotate roles after each round.

Setup and Boundaries

• Lay parachute flat on clear, even ground before play.
• Signal: one whistle to pause; two to stop and gather.
• Staff position: one staff member as edge holder to monitor underneath players.

How to Play

1. Assign roles: two to four Seekers stand on top of the parachute, two to four Movers go underneath, remaining players hold the edges.
2. Edge holders ripple and wave the parachute so it billows and hides the Movers below.
3. Seekers move slowly and gently on top, pressing lightly to feel for Movers through the fabric.
4. When a Seeker locates a Mover, they call ‘Found!’ and that Mover steps out from the edge and joins as an edge holder.
5. Round ends when all Movers are found. Rotate: Seekers become Movers, some edge holders become Seekers.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Go underneath as a Mover or on top as a Seeker.
• S (Support): Hold the edge and ripple to help the game run.
• Q (Quiet): Hold the edge with small, gentle movements.
• O (Observer): Watch a round, then choose a role to try.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players who prefer not to go underneath can always stay as edge holders or Seekers on top.
• Verbal signal (‘Mover out’) rather than physical tag for players with sensory needs.

Stewardship Moment

• Fold the parachute together at the end of play.
• Reflection: ‘How did the edge holders help make the game work for everyone?’

Consent

• Pre-brief: ‘This game has an under-the-parachute option. For those not comfortable being underneath, being a Seeker or edge holder is equally important.’
• Mid-game check: After one full round, pause and ask for a thumbs up, sideways, or down.
• Opt-out/re-entry: Movers can tap the edge twice to signal they want to come out. Players on the outside can join the next round in any role.

Risks and Mitigation

• Seekers pressing too hard on top: remind Seekers to press lightly, ‘gentle hands only.’
• Mover discomfort under fabric: always allow immediate opt-out; staff monitor edge.
• Collision underneath: limit Movers to four at a time; remind them to move slowly.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• Parachute ripple: everyone practices making gentle and big waves on cue.
• Name and wave: one player calls a name; that person lifts their section of the parachute.

Debrief Questions

• What? ‘What did it feel like to be underneath? What about being a Seeker?’
• So What? ‘How did the edge holders change what was possible for everyone else?’
• Now What? ‘When do you play a supporting role that makes a big difference, even if it is less visible?’

Cleanup and Reset

• Fold parachute together as a group.
• Check ground for any hazards.
• Return parachute to storage.