Materials Needed

• A large open space (indoors or outdoors)
• No other materials are needed

Setup Instructions

1. Have the group stand in a big circle.
2. Make sure there is space around the outside of the circle for walking or running.
3. Choose how everyone will move around the circle (walk, run, skip, hop, etc.).
4. Ask for a volunteer to be the first “Host.”

How to Play

1. The Host stands outside the circle and walks (or moves in the chosen way) around it.
2. The Host gently taps one person on the shoulder.
3. The Host stops and says, “Hello, my name is [Name],” and offers a handshake or wave.
4. The other person responds, “Hello, my name is [Name],” and shakes hands or waves back.
5. They repeat the greeting two more times. They say their names each time.
6. After the third greeting, they each continue moving around the outside of the circle in the same direction.
7. When they meet on the opposite side of the circle, they stop again.
8. This time, they shake hands or wave three times and say, “Nice to meet you [Name]” each time.
9. After the third time, they race to the empty spot left by the person who was tapped.
10. Whoever gets there last becomes the next Host.
11. Repeat the game with a new way to move around the circle.

Extra Notes

• Try fun movements like hopping, crab walking, or tiptoeing.
• Remind everyone to move safely and watch where they are going.
• If playing outside, check the ground for holes or obstacles.
• If the group is large, split into two circles to keep things moving.
• Remind kids to be kind and gentle when tagging someone or racing.

See https://young-catholics.com/221/party-circle-icebreaker/ for more information.