Dragon’s Eggs

The Dragon’s Eggs icebreaker, also known as Swamp monster, is a fun and engaging group game that can be set up and played quickly. This active game aims to foster a competitive and enjoyable experience for all participants. Whether you have shy children or outgoing ones, this game can help bring everyone together and encourage participation.

As the Dragon, my goal is to catch any of the players approaching my nest, while the “exploring” players aim to reach the dragon’s nest and take the eggs without being caught. The game is suitable for groups of 4 to 10 people and can be played by anyone aged 6 and up.

To prepare for the game, you need to set up a large room with boundaries indicating the dragon’s nest using cones or any other materials. Once the volunteer Dragon is selected, all other players must stand at the far end of the room and run towards the dragon’s nest when prompted. Players must stop in their tracks when the Dragon turns around to avoid being caught.

Dragon’s Eggs is an excellent icebreaker that can help create a fun and competitive atmosphere, encouraging even the shyest children to participate and break out of their shell.

1. Prepare a large room with cones, strings, or bags to mark the dragon’s nest boundary.
2. Choose a volunteer Dragon to stand guard behind the boundary, facing away from the other players.
3. The remaining players must stand at the far end of the room.
4. When “go” is said, all players run toward the dragon’s nest.
5. Players must stop when the Dragon turns around to avoid being caught.
6. If a player is moving while the Dragon is facing them, they will be sent back to the starting line.
7. The winner is the first player to reach the dragon’s nest without being caught.
8. To continue the game, choose a new resident Dragon after each round.

• Cones or similar items: These will be used to mark the boundary of the dragon’s nest.
• Large room or outdoor space: A spacious area is needed for the players to run towards the dragon’s nest.
• Volunteer Dragon: One player will be chosen as the resident Dragon who will guard the nest and try to catch the other players.
• Optional: Themed props (e.g. animal masks): If you want to introduce a theme, relevant props can help players act out their characters more easily.
• Optional: Objects representing dragon’s eggs or treasure (e.g. balls, pens, bags): These items can be used for an alternative version of the game with non-stop action and more interaction.

To set up for the Dragon’s Eggs icebreaker activity, you will need to prepare a large room or outdoor space. You will also need to use cones, strings, or other objects to mark the boundary of the dragon’s nest. The volunteer dragon should stand guard behind this boundary with their back facing the remaining group. The other players should stand at the far end of the room. It is best to play in a large space so that it is more challenging for the players to reach the dragon’s nest.

1. Choose a volunteer Dragon: I begin by selecting a player to be the volunteer Dragon who will stand guard behind the boundaries I’ve set for the dragon’s nest. This player will start with their back facing the remaining group.
2. Position other players: The other players must stand at the far end of the room, ready to run towards the dragon’s nest when given the signal.
3. Give the starting signal: When I say go, all the players must run toward dinosaur island (the boundary where the Dragon is standing). As they inch closer to the boundary, I turn around and become the resident Dragon.
4. Stop when facing the Dragon: When I face the players, everyone must stop in their tracks to avoid being caught. If a player is moving and I notice that, they will be sent back to the end of the room and start all over again.
5. Select winners: The winner is selected based on who reaches dragon’s nest first. I can reset the game by choosing another resident Dragon, making it an endless group game that can go on for hours.
6. Add themed stances (optional): To make the game more challenging and fun, you can introduce a theme, such as animals. Each time I turn around, my players must stand or sit like an animal to avoid being caught. This will make the game tougher as many players will find it difficult to act based on a theme at random.
7. Add non-stop action (optional): If you want more action in the game, players can grab objects representing dragon’s eggs or treasure as they reach the nest. They can only grab one object at a time, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition to the group game.

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• Encourages Physical Activity: Dragon’s Eggs is an active group game that involves running, stopping, and reacting quickly. This can help kids get some exercise and have fun at the same time.
• Promotes Quick Thinking: The game requires players to think on their feet and make quick decisions about when to move and when to stop. This can help improve their reaction times and decision-making skills.
• Fosters Competition: Dragon’s Eggs is a competitive game where players try to be the first to reach the dragon’s nest. This can encourage kids to strive for victory and work on their strategies to outsmart the dragon.
• Builds Teamwork: Even though it’s a competitive game, Dragon’s Eggs also requires teamwork as players must work together to avoid being caught by the dragon. This can help build trust and cooperation among group members.
• Encourages Creativity: By adding themes to the game, players can get creative and come up with different stances or actions based on a given theme. This can help boost their creativity and imagination.
• Provides Endless Entertainment: Dragon’s Eggs is an easy group game that can be played for hours without any preparation or materials needed. This makes it a great option for spontaneous icebreakers or group activities.

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• Reaction Time: Playing Dragon’s Eggs helps build quick reaction times as players must stop immediately when the dragon turns around to avoid being caught.
• Balance: The game requires players to balance between running quickly towards the dragon’s nest and stopping abruptly when the dragon faces them, which can help improve their overall balance.
• Running Speed: As players aim to be the first to reach the dragon’s nest, they are motivated to run as fast as possible, which can help improve their running speed over time.
• Spatial Awareness: Dragon’s Eggs encourages players to pay attention to their surroundings and make quick decisions based on where the dragon is facing and how close they are to the boundary.
• Listening Skills: Since the game relies on a single player being the “dragon” who must catch other players, listening skills are essential for both the dragon and the other players to follow instructions and react accordingly.

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I like the Dragon’s Eggs icebreaker because it is a fun and dynamic game that can be played by people of all ages. The game encourages movement and quick thinking, making it an engaging way to break the ice in any group setting. Additionally, the game can be easily adapted to different settings and themes, allowing for flexibility in how it is played.

One aspect of Dragon’s Eggs that I particularly appreciate is its inclusivity. The game can be played by groups as small as 4 people or as large as desired, making it a versatile option for gatherings of various sizes. Additionally, the game does not require any special materials or preparation, making it a convenient choice for last-minute icebreaker activities.

I also enjoy the competitive aspect of Dragon’s Eggs, as it adds an element of excitement to the game. The goal of reaching the dragon’s nest without being caught by the volunteer dragon creates a sense of urgency and motivation for players to be quick and strategic in their movements. At the same time, the game allows for multiple attempts and resets, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate and win.

Overall, I find Dragon’s Eggs to be a highly enjoyable icebreaker game that can bring people together through movement, competition, and fun. Its simplicity, versatility, and inclusivity make it an excellent choice for any group gathering.

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• Tip: Modify the theme to fit the interests and abilities of all players. For example, if some players have mobility limitations, choose a theme that allows for varied types of movement or stationary participation.
• Tip: Use soft, lightweight objects as “dragon’s eggs” to accommodate players with different physical abilities. This ensures everyone can participate comfortably and safely.
• Tip: Encourage the Dragon to vary their approach when catching players. Instead of only focusing on speed, they can try different strategies like distraction or misdirection, making the game more engaging for all.
• Tip: Consider implementing a “safe zone” where players can take breaks if needed. This space provides an opportunity for participants to rejoin the game at their own pace, increasing inclusivity.
• Tip: Use this icebreaker as a starting point for discussions about teamwork and collaboration. After playing, discuss how working together could have made it easier for players to reach the dragon’s nest, promoting a sense of unity and shared experience.

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1. What did you enjoy most about playing Dragon’s Eggs? This question can help participants reflect on what they found enjoyable or fun about the game, which can be useful for facilitators to understand what types of activities are engaging for the group.
2. How did you feel when you were running towards the dragon’s nest and the dragon turned around? This question can help participants reflect on their emotions and reactions during the game, which can be useful for facilitators to understand how individuals respond to pressure or competition.
3. Did you come up with any strategies to avoid getting caught by the dragon? If so, what were they? This question can help participants reflect on problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as their ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
4. How did you feel when someone else reached the dragon’s nest before you? This question can help participants reflect on feelings of competition and disappointment, as well as sportsmanship and graciousness in victory or defeat.
5. Did playing Dragon’s Eggs help you get to know other participants better? If so, how? This question can help facilitators understand the social dynamics of the group and whether the icebreaker was successful in promoting interaction and connection among participants.

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