Cherry on Top

Skill: Run
Time Required: 15
Activity Type: Physical
Group Size: Large Group, Medium Group, Small Group
Age Group: 6 - 9yrs, 9 - 12yrs, 13+ yrs
Play area: Gymnasium (large indoor space), Outdoor - Field
Safety Considerations: Remove any safety hazards and obstacles from the activity area.
Remind participants to be aware of their surroundings and to keep their head up.
Equipment: Pylons
Tennis Balls
Beanbags
Hoops
Rope (optional)
Objective:
For teams to place all of their "cherries" on top of their "cakes" quicker than the other team.
Other Skills:
Speed
Set up:
Divide participants into teams of 2-4 participants.
Place and scatter 6-10 pylons (cakes) for each team in their own area. Ensure that each team has the same scattered placement of pylons as the other teams.
Around 10 feet in front of each set of pylons, place a rope or pylons for the starting line/point.
Behind that line place a hoop that has tennis balls and/or beanbags (cherries) inside (the same amount as pylons).
Place a hoop around 5-10 feet behind the pylons.
Step by Step:
1. All teams will start by standing in a line behind their rope and next to their hoop filled with tennis balls and/or beanbags.
2. If there are not enough pylons or other equipment to have a set up for each team, have two teams go against each other, and the winner will play the next team.
3. When the activity begins, the first participant in line will take a beanbag or tennis ball (cherries) and run to the pylons (cakes).
4. They will place the cherry on top of one of the cakes.
5. They will run back to their team, and when they cross the line, the next participant in line will take a cherry and run to the cakes.
6. If a cherry falls off a cake at any point, the whole team runs to the cakes and collects all of the cherries and puts them back in the hoop.
7. They will then start the process all over again.
8. When all the cherries are placed on all the cakes, the whole team will run through the cakes and stand inside, or put one foot inside the empty hoop.
9. If a cherry falls while they are running through the cakes, they will have to start all over again.
10. Place the pylons closer together to make it harder.
Variations:
Participants have to bear walk (on hands and feet), skip, hop, jump, walk backwards or another movement to the pylons and back instead of running.
Place a bunch of pylons in one area and each team will have different coloured beanbags. The goal for each team is to place the most beanbags on the most pylons.
Sources: Developed for the Leisure Information Network.