Name & Purpose: Flying Carpet is a group lifting activity that builds profound trust. One person is lifted slowly from the ground to overhead by the group.
a.k.a.: Group Lift, Magic Carpet Lift, Trust Elevator
Age Band / Group Size / Time / Space: 12β16 years / 8β14 players / 15β20 minutes / Flat soft surface β mats or grass
Materials: Gym mats or verified soft grass.
Quick-Run Card: 1. One person lies on ground, arms crossed, eyes closed, body stiff. 2. Group kneels around them: 1 at head, 1 at feet, 3β4 each side. 3. Count “one, two, three, up” β lift to knee height. 4. Count again β lift to waist. 5. Again β lift to shoulder. 6. If willing β overhead. 7. Count and lower in reverse order. 8. Slow, steady, coordinated.
Setup & Boundaries: Lay mats. The flyer lies face-up, arms crossed on chest, body straight and stiff. Group kneels evenly around the flyer. Head lifter cradles the head gently. Foot lifter supports feet and ankles. Side lifters support under the back, hips, and legs. Brief: lift together on the count. Slow and steady. Silence during the lift adds to the experience.
How to Play: On “one, two, three, up” the group lifts to knee height and holds. Check with the flyer: “OK?” On the next count, lift to waist height. Hold. Check. Lift to shoulder height. Hold. Check. If the flyer consents, lift to overhead. Hold briefly. Then count down: “one, two, three, lower” β shoulder, waist, knee, ground. Set down gently. The flyer opens their eyes when ready. Rotate with willing volunteers.
I-OPt Roles: Flyer β lies still and trusts the group. Lifter β kneels and lifts in coordination. Caller β stands beside the group and calls the counts clearly, checks with the flyer at each stage.
Inclusion Supports: Flying is completely voluntary. Players who do not want to be lifted can be Lifters or the Caller. Players with back or arm concerns can be the Caller. Adjust the maximum lift height based on the flyer’s comfort β knee height is a complete experience. For players with anxiety, offer a lift to knee height only as a first attempt.
Stewardship: Collect mats. Reflection prompt: “You were lifted by the group β or you lifted someone. What does it mean to hold someone’s trust that completely?”
Consent: Pre-brief: “This activity involves being lifted by the group while lying with your eyes closed. You choose how high. You can stop at any height. Being the flyer is completely voluntary β Lifters and the Caller are equally important. Say ‘down’ at any time and we lower you immediately.” Mid-game check-in: Check at every height level. “Still OK?” Opt-out/re-entry: Lifter or Caller; rejoin as flyer any time.
Risks & Mitigation:
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Flyer dropped | Low | Even lifting on count; sufficient lifters; never rush |
| Lifter loses grip at overhead height | Medium | Only go overhead if group is confident and flyer consents; counsellor assesses |
| Flyer panics at height | Low | Lower on any signal; never hold against will |
| Uneven lifting causes flyer to tilt | Medium | Caller watches alignment; adjusts lifter positions |
Warm-Up Suggestions: Trust Fall β partner catch from standing. Low Lift β practise lifting to knee height only.
Debrief: What? “What did it feel like at each height β knee, waist, shoulder, overhead?” So what? “What changed about your trust as you went higher?” Now what? “What helps you trust someone with something bigger?”
Cleanup & Reset: Collect mats. Everyone stretches arms.
