Rock, Paper, Scissors Posse

Name and Purpose

Rock, Paper, Scissors Posse is a whole-group escalating game where players gather a growing crew of supporters with every round they win.
It turns individual competition into collective celebration, builds energy, and ends with everyone together.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-50 players | 10-15 minutes | Open indoor or outdoor space with room for players to move freely

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Players spread out and find a partner. Each pair plays best of 3 Rock, Paper, Scissors.
The player who does not win stands behind the winner and cheers enthusiastically for them.
Teams (winner plus their growing crew) find other teams and play. Winning team absorbs the other team’s players.
Continue until two large groups remain, each led by one unbeaten player at the front.
Leaders play the final match. Both sides celebrate together no matter the outcome.

Setup and Boundaries

Clear enough open space for players to move, find partners, and form growing lines
Signal: 1 short whistle or raised hand = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather
Remind players before starting: the game ends with everyone celebrating together

How to Play

Everyone spreads out across the space.
Each player finds a partner. Both play Rock, Paper, Scissors: each holds one hand out and counts “One, two, three, shoot,” then shows their signal.
- Rock (fist) beats Scissors. Scissors (two fingers sideways) beats Paper. Paper (flat palm down) beats Rock.
Play best of 3. The player who does not win in the pair joins behind the winner as their enthusiastic supporter.
The pair (now a team of 2) finds another team. Both leaders play Rock, Paper, Scissors. The team whose leader does not win joins behind the other team’s leader.
Teams keep growing. The growing line cheers loudly for their leader.
This continues until two large groups face each other, each with one unbeaten leader at the front.
The two leaders play the final match. The whole room celebrates together.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Play as a leader; cheer with full energy for your team
S (Support): Coach your leader quietly between matches; lead the cheer for your group
Q (Quiet): Join behind a leader early and enjoy being part of the group without playing yourself
O (Observer): Watch the first few rounds from the side to see how it works; join a team at any point by stepping behind any player

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who join a team line can cheer in whatever way feels right for them (clapping, swaying, nodding); no one is required to shout
A player who needs to sit can be a seated “anchor” at the back of the team line; their cheering still counts

Stewardship Moment

No materials needed; no cleanup required
Ask: “Even the players who didn’t win at RPS ended up part of something bigger. What does that tell us about how we support each other?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game is about growing a crew of supporters. Winning and not winning at Rock, Paper, Scissors are both part of the fun. For anyone not comfortable being a team leader, you can start as a supporter from the first round and join a team right away.”
Mid-game check: As teams grow, pause briefly. “How is the energy? For those not comfortable with any element, an observer or helper role is another option. Call out if you need anything.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player may step to the side at any time. Step behind any team to re-enter as a supporter.

Risks and Mitigation

Players unsure of RPS rules: review the signals together before starting (show each one as a group)
Disputes about who won: use best of 3 to reduce single-point disputes; staff referee if needed
Players feeling left out if they lose early: reframe immediately and consistently. “Moving into the cheering role is a big deal. That team needs your energy.”

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Group RPS”: everyone plays the same signal on a count of three and sees what the room throws
“Cheer Practice”: whole group practises their biggest cheer together before the game starts

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened to the energy in the room as the teams got bigger?”
So What? “How did it feel to cheer for someone rather than compete yourself?”
Now What? “How could you bring that kind of support to your group this week without needing a game?”

Cleanup and Reset