Mushroom Crossing

Name and Purpose

• Mushroom Crossing combines parachute teamwork with a fun crossing challenge.
• Players practise quick thinking, listening, and creative category matching.

a.k.a.

• Parachute Dash, Category Cross

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. All players stand in a circle holding the parachute edge.
2. On ‘Mushroom!’ everyone lifts to create a dome.
3. Caller announces a category (e.g., ‘wearing blue,’ ‘likes dogs’).
4. Players who fit the category cross to the opposite side before the parachute comes down.
5. Last person across (or a friendly volunteer) becomes the next caller.

Setup and Boundaries

• Clear the play area of trip hazards.
• Signal: one short whistle to pause; two to stop.
• Staff position: one staff member outside the circle to watch for collisions during crossing.

How to Play

1. All players stand in a circle holding the parachute edge.
2. One player or staff member starts as the Caller.
3. On ‘Mushroom!’ everyone lifts together to fill the parachute with air.
4. While the parachute is in the air, the Caller announces a category (e.g., ‘everyone who has a pet,’ ‘everyone wearing something green,’ ‘everyone who likes pizza’).
5. Players who fit the category run across to the opposite side before the parachute comes down.
6. Players who reach the other side successfully return to the edge. The last person to cross becomes the next Caller (or a friendly volunteer is chosen).
7. Keep categories positive, inclusive, and fun. Avoid categories that single out individuals.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Cross the dome when your category is called.
• S (Support): Lift and hold the parachute to keep the dome up for crossers.
• Q (Quiet): Hold gently and choose whether to cross at a walk pace.
• O (Observer): Watch and suggest fun categories to the Caller; join crossing on a later round.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players can walk or roll across rather than run. All speeds are welcome.
• Categories should be observable or self-chosen, not based on physical ability or personal characteristics that might embarrass anyone.

Stewardship Moment

• Fold the parachute together as a group at the end.
• Reflection: ‘What was the most surprising category that came up today?’

Consent

• Pre-brief: ‘This game involves running under the parachute. For those not comfortable running underneath, holding and lifting is just as valuable.’
• Mid-game check: After three or four rounds, pause and ask for a thumbs up, sideways, or down.
• Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can skip crossing and stay as a holder. They can choose to cross on any later round.

Risks and Mitigation

• Players colliding while crossing: remind crossers to keep their eyes up and avoid shoulder contact.
• Parachute coming down on crossers: remind holders to keep lifting until a staff signal, not to let go early.
• Categories that embarrass or exclude: staff model inclusive examples at the start and gently redirect if a category is unhelpful.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• Mushroom practice: lift and lower the parachute twice before play to build shared timing.
• One-word check-in: each player says one word about how they are feeling as they grab the edge.

Debrief Questions

• What? ‘Which category surprised you? Which one felt like everyone crossed at once?’
• So What? ‘What did you learn about the people in your group?’
• Now What? ‘How can noticing what you have in common with others change the way you connect?’

Cleanup and Reset

• Fold parachute together as a group.
• Check play space for hazards.
• Return parachute to storage.