Cave Expedition Tunnel Course
Groups of four explorers travel through a cave of crawl tunnels, benches, and mats, carrying a large ball that can't touch the floor. Students work on different ways of moving, finding their way in enclosed spaces, and cooperation.
How to play
- Set up a five-part course: a crawl tunnel, two parallel benches to slide under, a mat runway for rolling, a second tunnel, and a finish hoop (3 min).
- Make groups of four; each group gets a large ball, which is the expedition's treasure (1 min).
- Groups start 30 seconds apart; the treasure must be passed hand to hand inside the tunnels and rolled under the benches (6 min).
- If the treasure touches the floor outside the bench section, the group goes back to the start of that section; at the hoop, the group shouts its expedition name (2 min).
- Second round with a new rule: the group stays linked by hands or ankles on the mat section (5 min).
- Groups suggest a new order for the sections and do a final lap through the redesigned cave (3 min).
Rules
- Inside a tunnel, crawl on hands and knees one at a time with no passing.
- Wait until the previous group is out of the tunnel before going in.
- Under the benches, keep your head low to avoid bumping it.
Variations
Easier
Remove the second tunnel and let groups carry the treasure any way they like.
Standard
Five sections, groups of four, and the treasure passed hand to hand inside the tunnels.
Harder
Add a dark section with the lights off or a blindfold for the leader, who is guided by the group's voices.
Adaptations
- Students who use wheelchairs: travel a parallel cone path and receive the treasure at each tunnel exit to carry it to the next section.
- Students who dislike enclosed spaces or students with autism: go through a short tunnel with both ends open and a partner watching from the exit.
- Students with lower fitness: the group may rest for 10 seconds at the end of each section.
Learning goals
- Combine different ways of moving: crawling, army crawling, and rolling.
- Find your way in tight, enclosed spaces.
- Cooperate to carry an object as a whole group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- crawl tunnels: 2
- benches: 2
- mats: 6
- large balls: 6
Teacher tip
No crawl tunnels? Line up hoops and drape a sheet over them. Don't let a group enter until the one ahead is out.
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