Activity adapted by: Zoey Cronin

Take aways may include: Getting to know one another, identifying commonalities, having fun

Parameters: Two or more people, in person

Materials: Balloons, sharpie

Blow up at least one balloon for about every 4-5 participants. Write a question on each balloon that can be answered in 1-2 sentences. “Would you rather…” questions work nicely, or a favorite food/place/season if the group doesn’t know each other well. The depth of questions will vary by the depth of the activity. It can also be done with theologically based questions.

All participants work together to keep all the balloons off the floor (keepie-uppie) until the leader calls stop (can also ring a bell). Some participants can stand, and others can sit, if desired. Once the leader calls stop, each person tries to grab one balloon. Those people who get a balloon gather the people nearby who did not get a balloon and then they each answer the question written on that balloon. After 2-3 minutes, all balloons are tossed back up for another round of keepie-uppie until the leader calls stop again and new groups form.

Different color balloons make it easier for people to answer different questions each time but are not required. Posting a few back-up questions in case a group gets the same balloon, or some folks find themselves without a balloon, can also be helpful. Play as many rounds as you and your group like.