Hazoo

Name and Purpose

Hazoo is a low-energy, high-laughter game that builds confidence, self-regulation, and playful connection.
Players practise maintaining composure under gentle social pressure, and encouraging each other with creativity and humour.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 10-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Any indoor or outdoor space with room for two lines or a circle

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Volunteer steps up as “It.”
Group forms two parallel lines or a circle.
“It” walks the column (or stands in the circle) without laughing or smiling.
Group tries to make “It” laugh using only faces, sounds, and words; no touching.
When “It” laughs, they return to the group. Next volunteer steps up.

Setup and Boundaries

Two parallel lines face each other, with a clear walking path between them
OR the group forms a circle with “It” in the centre
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather
No touching rule: all attempts to make “It” laugh must be touch-free
Keep attempts kind: teasing about appearance or personal characteristics is not allowed

How to Play

One player volunteers to be “It.” Staff can go first to model.
The group stands in two parallel lines facing each other (or in a circle for the seated version).
“It” walks slowly down the column, or stands in the centre of the circle, keeping a completely straight face.
Players in the lines (or circle) use funny faces, silly sounds, jokes, and exaggerated movements to try to make “It” laugh. No touching at any time.
If “It” makes it through without laughing, they earn a round of applause and return to the group. Next volunteer steps up.
If “It” laughs, they also earn a round of applause and return to the group. Next volunteer steps up.
Optional circle version: “It” stands in the centre. Specific questions can be posed by players. If “It” answers without laughing, they earn the title of Grand Pooba (or whatever title the group invents) for that round.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Volunteer as “It,” commit to the stone face, bring your best theatrics
S (Support): Cheer loudly when “It” makes it through, celebrate every round
Q (Quiet): Stand in the line, offer a small funny face or gentle sound rather than big theatrics
O (Observer): Watch the dynamics, count how long each “It” lasts, join as “It” when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who are uncomfortable being in the centre can participate from the line only; never pressure a player to take the “It” role
The circle/seated version works well for players who prefer not to walk in front of the group
Players who are hard of hearing can rely on visual attempts (faces, gestures) rather than sound-based attempts

Stewardship Moment

No materials, no waste
Reflection: “What does it take to stay calm when everyone around you is being silly? Where else does that skill help?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game, one person tries to keep a straight face while everyone else tries to make them laugh. The centre role is always a choice. For those not comfortable being in the centre, staying in the line is a great option.”
Mid-game check: After a few rounds, check in: “Is everyone having fun with the energy level? Too loud, too quiet, or just right?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step back from the line at any time. Rejoin when ready.

Risks and Mitigation

Attempts cross into mean-spirited teasing: set a clear norm before starting (“funny, not mean”) and redirect immediately if the line is crossed
“It” feels embarrassed whether they laugh or not: frame both outcomes as equally great; applaud every round the same way
Players get physically too close or start touching: remind the group of the no-touch rule before each new “It” steps up

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Emoji Face”: staff calls an emoji name and everyone makes that face
“Laugh Pass”: go around the circle; each player tries to make the next person smile using only eye contact

Debrief Questions

What? “What did you try to make ‘It’ laugh? Did it work?”
So What? “What made it hardest to keep a straight face?”
Now What? “When do you need to stay calm and composed in real life, even when things are funny or silly around you?”

Cleanup and Reset