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Mattress Race

Jonathan Vaughan
Scottsville Baptist Church
Scottsville, Kentucky

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The Big Idea: To create unity and fun competition. This game is a fun way to keep students together and to add an extra obstacle during a normal scavenger hunt.

Supplies: One twin-size mattress per team.

Rules: Teams should be made up of 5-8 Students plus 1-2 Adult leaders.

The idea is for the teams to go on a city-wide scavenger hunt while carrying the mattress. All students and leaders must have at least one hand on the mattress at all times while the race is going on (unless two hands are required to complete an activity or challenge).  Sidewalks must be used at all times unless crossing traffic legally. If someone leaves the group for any reason for any amount of time that team is disqualified. The church (if your church isn’t in town create another spot) is the central location. Each team will have 1 hour to complete the race. For every minute a team is late 10 points will be subtracted from their total.

Gameplay:

Take a picture with a fast-food employee *10 points*

Eat one local food item *10 points*

Buy a treat and give it to someone who is not with the group *25 points*

Pay for someone’s gas *25 points*

Sing the national anthem at a street corner *15 Points*

Find 38 cents *10 Points*

Christmas Carol at a church members house *15 Points

Bring back one piece of clothing that doesn’t currently belong to any team member *20 points*

Take a picture with a tombstone *10 points*

Pick up 4 pieces of trash *20 points*

Take a picture with the Mayor *45 Points*

You can make the list go on and on. This is just a starter.

Winner: Each team must record each challenge picture and/or video will work. The team with the most points wins the Mattress Trophy. We buy a block of wood and paint it to look like a bed. The winning team get to take pictures with the trophy and sign it. It’s bragging rights for a whole year.

Good ideas. It’s a good idea to let your local law enforcement know what’s going on just so they are aware. It is best that each team have 2 adults for safety reasons a man and a woman leader is best. Have church members donate mattresses.

 

Audience

  • Middle School
  • High School
  • Adults

Context

  • Outdoor

Group Size

  • Mid sized group (11-50)
  • Large group (51+)

Requires

  • Supplies

Level of activity

Mellow / Active

80%

Idea Originality

Spin on a Classic

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