Equipment / Materials Needed

• Chairs (one less than the number of players)
• Open space (large enough for a circle of chairs and safe movement)

Setup Instructions

1. Arrange the chairs in a circle.
2. Make sure there is enough space between chairs to move safely.
3. Choose one person to stand in the middle. This person is It.
4. All others sit in the chairs.

Game Play Instructions

1. The person in the middle says, “Run around the mountain if you…” and finishes the sentence with something true for some people.
   Example: “Run around the mountain if you have a pet.”
2. Everyone for whom the statement is true stands up, runs around the outside of the circle one time, and finds a new chair to sit in.
3. The person who was in the middle also tries to sit in one of the chairs.
4. One person will be left without a chair. That person is now It and stands in the middle.
5. Repeat the steps as time allows or as long as the group enjoys the game.

Notes and Variations

• Remind players to walk or jog safely. No pushing or bumping.
• Use safe shoes and play on a smooth surface to avoid falls.
• To make the game more personal, ask youth to think of their own “Run around the mountain if you…” statements.
• You can play with themes such as school, family, faith, or likes and dislikes.
• For younger children or small spaces, walking instead of running may be better.

See https://young-catholics.com/14268/around-the-mountain-game/ for more details