A Fun Icebreaker Game

Introduction

Avalanche is a great introduction activity disguised as a fun guessing game! It helps Scouts learn names, develop memory skills, and build connections in a relaxed, engaging way.

What you'll need

• A large blanket (big enough to fully cover one person)
• An open space (indoors or outdoors)

Activity

1. Set the Scene:

   • All Scouts find a spot to lie on the floor with their eyes covered

    

2. The Story Begins:

   • A Leader tells a short story about a group hiking through the mountains when suddenly—an avalanche occurs!

    

3. The Disappearance:

   • The Leader quietly covers one Scout completely with the blanket

    

4. The Guessing Game:

   • The remaining Scouts sit up and guess who is missing by raising their hand and announcing a name

    

5. Repeat the Game:

   • Keep going until Scouts start recognising names easily
   • Adjust the game difficulty by covering two people at once or speeding up the turns

Change the challenge level

Easier:

• Let Scouts have a quick look around before each round to memorise names
• Only cover one person at a time

Harder:

• Cover multiple people at once to increase the challenge
• Have larger groups play at the same time
• Ask Scouts to recall something about the missing person (e.g. what colour shirt they were wearing)

Reflection