Choose a Picture

Name and Purpose

Choose a Picture is a simple sharing activity that helps group members learn something real about each other.
Players practise listening, self-expression, and building trust through a small personal story.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 4-30 players (best in groups of 4-8) | 10-20 minutes | Any comfortable seated space

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Setup and Boundaries

Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where players can hear each other easily
Signal: leader raises a hand to transition between speakers
Set a clear time guideline per share (e.g., “about a minute each”) so no one feels rushed or drags on
Staff should be aware that some campers may not have phones or may be in device-free programs; confirm before play which version applies

How to Play

Each player (including staff) opens their photo library and picks one picture that means something to them.
Sit in a circle or small groups of 4-8.
Going around the circle, each player shows their photo and shares what it is and why they chose it. Staff shares too.
The group listens without interrupting. No reactions are required; a nod or smile is enough.
After everyone has shared, the leader offers a closing reflection question.

I-OPt Options

Start
- A (Active): Share first to model openness for the group
- S (Support): Help quieter players find a picture they like
- Q (Quiet): Browse photos privately before the circle begins
- O (Observer): Watch the first few shares before choosing to speak
Mid
- A (Active): Ask a warm follow-up question after a share (if the speaker invites it)
- S (Support): Offer a nod or affirming smile after each share
- Q (Quiet): Listen and let the moment land without adding words
- O (Observer): Notice patterns in what people choose to share
Late
- A (Active): Share a second photo if time allows
- S (Support): Help the leader wrap up the circle smoothly
- Q (Quiet): Stay present as the final shares happen
- O (Observer): Reflect on what surprised them most
End
- A (Active): Volunteer an answer to the closing question
- S (Support): Thank the group for sharing
- Q (Quiet): Give a thumbs rating for the activity
- O (Observer): Share one word that captures how the circle felt

Inclusion Adaptations

Device-free camps: players draw a quick picture or bring a printed photo from home in advance
Players who prefer not to show a personal photo can describe a favourite memory in words instead

Stewardship Moment

No materials, no waste (or minimal if printed photos are used).
Reflection: “The most meaningful things in our lives often fit in a single image. What does that tell us about what actually matters?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “Everyone gets to choose what they share. There is no right or wrong picture. For those not comfortable showing a personal photo, describing a favourite memory in words is a great option.”
Mid-game check: Before starting, confirm: “Everyone comfortable? Thumbs up if you have a photo or memory ready.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can pass their turn and return to share after others have gone, or choose not to share at all. Both are fine.

Risks and Mitigation

Campers sharing something unexpectedly personal or distressing: staff are present and can gently redirect; treat disclosures with care and follow camp protocols
Unequal sharing time: set a time guideline and model it yourself as the staff member who shares first
Device-free camps using phones anyway: confirm the activity version before starting; have the draw/describe alternative ready

Warm-Up Suggestions

“One word”: go around the circle and each person says one word describing their mood right now
“Favourite”: each person names their favourite food, no explanation needed, just warm the group up to speaking

Debrief Questions

What? “What did you learn about someone in this group that surprised you?”
So What? “Why is it easier to share something when you have a picture to show?”
Now What? “What is one thing you could do this week to learn something new about someone at camp?”

Cleanup and Reset