Equipment/Materials Needed

• None! This game requires no materials, just space for the group to stand in a circle.

Setup Instructions

1. Find an open space large enough for your group to form a circle.
2. Ask everyone to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the circle. Make sure there’s room in the center for people to step in.
3. Explain the rules to the group so everyone knows what to expect.

Game Play Instructions

1. Begin by saying, “Step into the circle if…” and complete the sentence with a statement that might apply to some people in the group.
2. Participants who relate to the statement step into the center of the circle.
3. Allow a moment for everyone to look around and see who shares the common ground with them.
4. Those in the circle step back to the outer circle, and you move on to the next statement.
5. Continue for as many rounds as you like, using prompts that are a mix of lighthearted and meaningful.
6. If time allows, invite participants to suggest their own prompts to keep the game fresh and fun.

Prompts to Use

1. Step into the circle if you have a pet.
2. Step into the circle if you have a sibling.
3. Step into the circle if you like pizza.
4. Step into the circle if you have ever been to the beach.
5. Step into the circle if you have ever helped someone with their homework.
6. Step into the circle if you have a favorite saint.
7. Step into the circle if you like to play sports.
8. Step into the circle if you have ever been on a hike.
9. Step into the circle if you like chocolate.
10. Step into the circle if you have ever tried to learn a musical instrument.
11. Step into the circle if you have ever prayed for someone else.
12. Step into the circle if you know how to cook or bake something.
13. Step into the circle if you have ever been part of a church activity.
14. Step into the circle if you’ve ever been scared of the dark.
15. Step into the circle if you like movies.
16. Step into the circle if you’ve ever had a really funny moment with a friend.
17. Step into the circle if you’ve ever helped a family member with chores.
18. Step into the circle if you’ve ever felt nervous before doing something new.
19. Step into the circle if you’ve ever been kind to someone who needed help.
20. Step into the circle if you’ve ever been surprised by someone’s kindness.
21. Step into the circle if you’ve ever gone fishing.
22. Step into the circle if you’ve ever had to say sorry to someone.
23. Step into the circle if you like to sing, even just for fun.
24. Step into the circle if you’ve ever had a favorite teacher.
25. Step into the circle if you’ve ever felt grateful for your friends.

Additional Notes and Variations

• Safety: Make sure the center of the circle is not crowded. Encourage participants to take turns stepping in and to be mindful of personal space.
• Quiet participants: Let quieter youth participate at their own pace. No one should feel forced to step in if they’re not comfortable.
• Theme variation: Tailor prompts to fit specific topics or themes. For example, for a gratitude theme, use statements like “Step into the circle if you are thankful for your family.”
• Smaller groups: If your group is small, use fewer prompts or ask participants to share a short explanation about why they stepped in for certain prompts.
• Larger groups: Consider splitting into smaller circles for easier participation.

For more information, see https://young-catholics.com/71511/common-ground-game/