Starry Night at Camp

At the end of the hike, the class sets up camp, lies under the night sky and counts stars, switching off one body part at a time. It builds progressive relaxation and awareness of body sensations.

How to play

1. Pitch the tent: two adults hold the sheet up high as a roof and everyone lies underneath on their backs; then the sheet is slowly pulled away to reveal the sky (1 min).
2. Look at the sky (the ceiling) and point to pretend stars, counting them in a tiny voice: one, two, three… (1 min).
3. Each star switches off a body part: “This star switches off your feet,” and the feet go still and heavy; then legs, tummy, arms, hands and face (2 min).
4. With the whole body switched off, breathe like a soft night breeze: air in through the nose, out through the mouth (1 min).
5. Morning comes at camp: switch the body back on in reverse, face to feet, sit up and stretch (1 min).

Rules

• At night in camp we talk very softly.
• Stay in your own spot, without touching your neighbor.
• When a part switches off, keep it still.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do it sitting in the wheelchair, switching off the parts the child can move.
• Autism: skip the sheet if it's unsettling; let the child lie at one end with space around them.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher stays in view and points to the part being switched off on their own body.

Learning goals

• Relax the body step by step.
• Identify and name body parts while calm.
• End the session feeling peaceful.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large bedsheet: 1
• Soft music

Teacher tip

Slowly pulling the sheet away creates a magical moment, but skip it if you have no helper. Speak slower and softer as you go: the group copies your pace.

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