Name & Purpose: Cookie Machine is a trust-and-lift activity where the group passes one player along a bed of hands. It builds deep group trust and coordination.
a.k.a.: Conveyor Belt, Human Assembly Line, Cookie Roll
Age Band / Group Size / Time / Space: 12β16 years / 12β20 players / 15β25 minutes / Flat area with mats or soft grass
Materials: Gym mats required for indoor use. Soft grass acceptable outdoors.
Quick-Run Card: 1. Two facing lines, ~60cm apart, arms interlocked. 2. Cookie lies face-down onto the bed of hands. 3. Group gently rolls cookie onto their back. 4. Group gently bounces and passes cookie to the end. 5. End assistant helps cookie off feet-first. 6. Mats required. Spotting brief mandatory.
Setup & Boundaries: Arrange two facing lines shoulder to shoulder, ~60cm apart. Each person extends arms, alternating with the person across. Arms form a bed. Place mats underneath the full length. Assign one end assistant to help the cookie dismount. Brief the group: gentle, steady, coordinated movement. No tossing. No dropping.
How to Play: The cookie approaches the start of the line and gently lies face-down onto the outstretched arms. The group slowly rolls the cookie onto their back β this is the “flip.” The group then gently bounces and passes the cookie along the bed of arms to the far end. The end assistant helps the cookie stand up feet-first. The cookie joins the line. Next volunteer becomes the cookie. Never force participation.
I-OPt Roles: Cookie β lies on the bed of hands and is passed along. Lifter β stands in the line and supports the cookie’s weight. End Assistant β helps the cookie dismount safely at the end.
Inclusion Supports: Players who do not want to be lifted can be Lifters or End Assistants β both are essential. Players with back, shoulder, or arm limitations should not lift but can be End Assistants. Adjust line spacing for comfort. For players with anxiety about being lifted, offer a low practice lift (just to knee height) first.
Stewardship: Collect mats. Reflection prompt: “You held someone’s full weight in your hands. What did that trust feel like β for you and for them?”
Consent: Pre-brief: “This activity involves lying on a group’s outstretched hands and being passed along. This means full body contact with many people. Being the cookie is completely voluntary. If you prefer to lift or assist, those roles are just as important. Say ‘stop’ at any time β we lower you gently to the mats immediately.” Mid-game check-in: After the first cookie, pause. “Lifters β arms OK? Cookie β how was that?” Opt-out/re-entry: Lifter or End Assistant; rejoin as cookie any time.
Risks & Mitigation:
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Cookie dropped | Medium | Mats underneath; no tossing; gentle, coordinated movement |
| Lifter arm fatigue | Medium | Rotate line positions; pause between cookies |
| Cookie panics mid-pass | Low | Lower gently to mats; never restrain |
| Inappropriate contact | Low | Brief: hands support shoulders, back, and legs only; counsellor monitors |
Warm-Up Suggestions: Low Lift β group practises lifting a volunteer to knee height only, then lowering. Arm Shake β 30 seconds of arm stretching and shaking.
Debrief: What? “What did it feel like to be held and passed by the group?” So what? “What communication did the lifters need?” Now what? “When do you let a group carry you β and what makes that possible?”
Cleanup & Reset: Collect mats. Check for dropped items.
