Stand Up Sit Down

Name and Purpose

• Stand Up Sit Down is a quick, low-key community-builder where players discover what they share with each other through simple yes/no questions.
• It is a great opener, closer, or energiser because anyone can join in right away.

a.k.a.

• Yes or No, Same or Different, Up Down

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 7-16 | 8-40 players | 5-15 minutes | Any indoor or outdoor space with room to stand; chairs optional

Materials

• No materials required
• Optional: a prepared list of questions on a card for the leader

Quick-Run Card

1. Group starts in a standing or sitting position.
2. Leader asks a yes/no question (“Do you have a sibling?” / “Are you wearing something blue?”).
3. Those who answer yes switch positions (sit if standing, stand if sitting).
4. Those who answer no stay as they are.
5. Keep questions flowing at a gentle pace. End on a warm connecting question.

Setup and Boundaries

• No physical setup required
• Signal: leader raising a hand = everyone settles and listens for the next question
• Works indoors seated or outdoors standing in a circle

How to Play

1. The group starts in any standing or sitting position.
2. The leader reads a question that has a clear yes/no answer.
3. Everyone who answers yes changes their position (stands up if they were sitting, sits down if they were standing).
4. Everyone who answers no stays exactly where they are.
5. The leader continues asking questions at a comfortable pace, pausing after each to let players look around and notice who moved.
6. Mix question types: personal facts, sensory things (“Are you wearing laces?”), preferences, camp experiences.
7. End with at least one warm question that connects the group (“Have you helped someone out this week?”).

I-OPt Options

• Start
  • A (Active): Move on every question, stand and sit fully
  • S (Support): Help a newer player understand the rule
  • Q (Quiet): Make small movements (lean or shift weight) instead of full up/down
  • O (Observer): Watch from a seat and raise a hand for yes instead of standing
• Mid
  • A (Active): Suggest a question to the leader
  • S (Support): Smile at or acknowledge someone who moved with you
  • Q (Quiet): Stay in one position and use thumbs-up/thumbs-down
  • O (Observer): Count how many moved for each question
• Late
  • A (Active): Lead one round of questions yourself
  • S (Support): Help close the game with an encouraging comment
  • Q (Quiet): Move only for the questions that feel right
  • O (Observer): Share one surprise . something you learned about a fellow camper
• End
  • A (Active): Join debrief discussion
  • S (Support): Offer a connection you noticed (“I didn’t know you also have three siblings!”)
  • Q (Quiet): Nod along to the debrief
  • O (Observer): Share one observation from watching

Inclusion Adaptations

• For players who cannot stand, a thumbs-up or hand-raise works equally well as the yes signal
• Leaders can mix physical and sensory questions to ensure everyone has chances to move and stay

Stewardship Moment

• No materials needed, no waste.
• Reflection: “We just learned a lot about each other using only questions. What else can you learn about someone without any gear?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “We’re going to ask questions and move around a little. You only need to answer questions you are comfortable with. There is no wrong way to play.”
• Mid-game check: After a few rounds, notice if anyone seems uncertain. A quick thumbs-up check-in works well.
• Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can choose not to answer a specific question by staying still. No explanation needed. Rejoin whenever they like.

Risks and Mitigation

• A question that feels too personal: keep questions light and observable (clothing, senses, simple preferences). Avoid questions about family situations, health, or identity unless the group is well-established.
• Players feeling left out for always being alone on an answer: after the game, point out “That just means you’re unique in this group, and that’s worth knowing.”

Warm-Up Suggestions

• This game is often its own warm-up. Use it at the start of a session as an icebreaker.
• Alternatively, start with 2-3 very easy physical questions (“Are you wearing shoes?”) before moving to more personal ones.

Debrief Questions

• What? “What question surprised you most about how people moved?”
• So What? “What did you notice about things people have in common that you wouldn’t have guessed?”
• Now What? “What is one thing you found out about someone today that you want to remember?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Nothing to clean up
• Return chairs to their places if used