Seagulls and Crows

The Seagulls and Crows icebreaker game is a fun and engaging activity that combines teamwork and strategy. Its purpose is to encourage players to work together in order to tag as many members of the opposing team as possible, with the team that has the most “birds” being declared the winner. Suitable for groups of 8-12 players aged 6 and above, this active game requires no preparation or materials and can be played indoors or outdoors. To play, the group is divided into two teams, Seagulls and Crows, who start on opposite sides of a room. The host reads a story, and whenever they mention either “Seagulls” or “Crows,” that team must try to run towards their goal while the opposing team tries to tag them. Players who are tagged become part of the opposing team. The game ends when one team has tagged all of their opponents or when the story ends, and the winner is determined by which team has more players. Seagulls and Crows can be adapted in various ways, such as changing the animal characters or having players make animal sounds as they cross the room. Overall, this icebreaker game is an excellent way to encourage teamwork and get everyone moving and engaged.

1. Separate players into two teams: Seagulls and Crows.
2. Assign each team to opposite sides of the room, with their goals on the opposing side.
3. When the host begins reading a story that includes either “Seagulls” or “Crows”, the corresponding team must try to run toward their goal while the other team tries to tag them.
4. If a player is tagged by the opposing team, they become part of that new team.
5. The game ends when one team has tagged all opponents or when the story comes to an end.
6. The winner is determined by which team has more players.
7. Optionally, swap out “Seagulls” and “Crows” for other animals, and have players make animal sounds as they cross the room.

Here are the materials needed to play the Seagulls and Crows icebreaker:

• A large room: You’ll need a spacious area where players can run around safely.
• Story with “Seagulls” and “Crows”: The host should prepare or have a story that includes the words “Seagulls” and “Crows.” This helps create excitement and sets up the game.

That’s it! Seagulls and Crows is a simple yet engaging icebreaker with minimal material requirements, which makes it easy to play spontaneously in various settings.

To set up for the Seagulls and Crows icebreaker activity, you will need to divide the players into two groups and assign them to opposite sides of a large room. The groups will be designated as either “Seagulls” or “Crows.” Before starting the game, it is recommended that the host prepare a story that includes the words “Seagulls” and “Crows,” which will be used to prompt the teams to run towards their goal and tag members of the opposing team. It may also be helpful to establish clear boundaries for the playing area and review the rules and objectives of the game with the players.

1. Divide the group into two teams: I begin by separating the players into two teams. I assign them to opposite sides of the room, with their goals on the opposing side. For example, the Seagulls will start on the Crows’ goal section and vice versa.
2. Have players stand in a line: Once the teams are set, I have each player on both teams stand in a line facing the center of the room. This helps ensure that everyone has enough space to move around during the game.
3. Prepare a story with “Seagulls” and “Crows”: Before starting the game, I prepare a story that includes the words “Seagulls” and “Crows”. The host can read this story out loud to create excitement and anticipation before the game begins.
4. Listen for the bird mentioned in the story: As the host reads the story, I listen carefully for either “Seagulls” or “Crows” to be mentioned. When one of these words is said, the corresponding team must try to run toward their goal at the end of the room where the opposing team is.
5. Tag members of the opposing team: While the designated team runs towards their goal, I join the opposing team’s effort to tag any of the running players. If a player gets tagged, they become part of the opposing team.
6. Repeat until the game ends: The game continues with the host reading the story and the two teams trying to tag each other until either of the teams has tagged all their opponents or when the story comes to an end.
7. Determine the winning team: Once the game is over, I determine the winning team by counting how many players are on each team. The team with more players wins.
8. Mix it up with different animals: If I want to change things up, I can swap out “Seagulls” and “Crows” for other animals such as Dogs and Cats or Lions and Elephants. For added difficulty, I can ask the players to make the sounds of their animals as they cross the room.

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• Encourages Teamwork: Playing Seagulls and Crows requires players to work together in order to tag as many members of the opposing team as possible. This helps to build cooperation and communication skills among group members.
• Improves Reflexes and Agility: The fast-paced nature of the game requires players to constantly be on the move and react quickly to changes, which can help to improve reflexes and agility.
• Boosts Energy and Mood: As an active group game, Seagulls and Crows can help to increase energy levels and boost mood. The excitement and adrenaline of playing the game can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Enhances Listening and Focus: Players must listen carefully to the story being read by the host and be ready to act quickly when their team is mentioned. This helps to improve listening skills and focus.
• Provides Opportunities for Social Interaction: Seagulls and Crows can be a great way for group members to get to know each other and build relationships. Randomizing teams can also help to foster new connections and break down social barriers.
• Fosters Creativity: The game allows for creativity in the form of coming up with different animals or sounds for the teams. This can encourage players to think outside the box and be more creative in their problem-solving skills.
• Easy to Organize: Seagulls and Crows requires no preparation or materials, making it a convenient and low-stress option for group activities. The game can also be easily adapted to fit different settings and time constraints.

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• Teamwork: Seagulls and Crows is a game that heavily relies on teamwork, as players must work together to tag members of the opposing team. This helps build cooperation and communication skills among group members.
• Balance and Running Skills: The game requires players to quickly change direction and maintain their balance while running, which can help improve their agility and coordination.
• Listening and Reaction Time: Players must pay close attention to the story being read by the host and react quickly when their team is mentioned, which helps build listening skills and reaction time.
• Strategic Thinking: Seagulls and Crows also involves a bit of strategizing, as players must decide whether to try and run to their goal or stay and defend their current position. This helps develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Confidence Building: As players work together and successfully tag members of the opposing team, they can gain confidence in their abilities and feel a sense of accomplishment.

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I enjoy the Seagulls and Crows icebreaker game for several reasons. First, it is an active game that encourages movement and physicality, which can be a refreshing change from more sedentary activities. I also appreciate that it promotes teamwork and strategy, as players must work together to outmaneuver the opposing team.

Furthermore, Seagulls and Crows is easy to set up and requires no materials, making it a convenient option for impromptu play sessions. The game’s flexible rules also allow for creativity and customization, so it can be adapted to suit different group sizes, ages, and abilities.

Additionally, I find that the game creates a sense of excitement and anticipation as players wait for the host to mention their team’s animal in the story. This builds tension and engagement, making the game more enjoyable and memorable for all participants.

Overall, Seagulls and Crows is a fun and dynamic icebreaker that encourages movement, teamwork, and creativity. Its flexible rules and easy setup make it a great option for any situation, and its unique storytelling element adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the gameplay.

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• Tip: Use gender-neutral language when dividing teams. Instead of saying “boys against girls” or similar binary divisions, consider using colors, objects, or other neutral identifiers for the teams. This helps create an inclusive environment for players of all genders and promotes a more welcoming atmosphere.

Example: “Seagulls (in blue) versus Crows (in yellow).”

• Tip: Encourage teamwork and communication. Make sure everyone understands that they’re working together as a team, rather than competing against one another individually. This fosters collaboration and helps build stronger connections between players.

Example: “Remember, you’re all on the same team! Help each other out and communicate so you can work together to achieve your goal.”

• Tip: Provide clear instructions for making animal sounds. If you decide to incorporate animal sounds into the game, ensure everyone knows how to make their respective sound and emphasize that it’s okay if they don’t sound perfect. This encourages participation from all players and adds a fun element without putting anyone on the spot.

Example: “For this round, we’ll be playing as Cats and Dogs. If you’re a Cat, meow gently when crossing the room; if you’re a Dog, bark once or twice with medium volume.”

• Tip: Consider players’ comfort levels. Make sure all participants feel comfortable running, being tagged, and making animal sounds. Offer alternatives for those who may have physical limitations or prefer not to participate in certain aspects of the game.

Example: “If you don’t want to run or be tagged, you can still play by staying on your team’s side and cheering your teammates on. And if making animal sounds isn’t for you, that’s okay too!”

• Tip: Emphasize the fun of the game. The primary goal is for everyone to have a great time! Keep the atmosphere light and positive, celebrating each small victory and encouraging players to enjoy themselves above all else.

Example: “Remember, this game is all about having fun! Don’t worry too much about winning or losing – just focus on enjoying yourself and getting to know your teammates better.”

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1. What strategies did you use to work with your team and tag the opposing players? Understanding the different tactics used during the game can help participants learn from each other’s experiences and improve their teamwork skills.
2. How did you feel when you were tagged by an opponent and had to switch teams? This question can shed light on how participants handle unexpected changes, allowing facilitators to address any concerns or difficulties that arose during the game.
3. Did you find it helpful to have a story read aloud during the game? Why or why not? Exploring different ways to engage and motivate team members can help facilitators create more effective and enjoyable group activities in the future.
4. What did you think of the idea of making animal sounds while running across the room? Would this have made the game more fun for you, or would it have been a distraction? This question can help facilitators understand participants’ preferences and adapt their approach to suit the group’s needs.
5. If you were to play Seagulls and Crows again, what changes would you suggest to make the game even more exciting and engaging? Encouraging participants to reflect on their experience and propose improvements can lead to better ideas and a more enjoyable activity for everyone involved.

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