Balloon Frantic Too (with a Video)

---

(Updated 4/23/21)

Balloon Frantic is a classic Karl Rohnke activity (Silver Bullets) where a group of participants try to keep a large number of balloons in the air at the same time. Here in Balloon Frantic Too, we make it a small group challenge so we can focus on process improvement, collaboration, creative problem solving and maybe a little competition (if needed). 

This activity evolved from the "Minute To Win It" activity, Defying Gravity (and it's eventual relation to Balloon Frantic). In Defying Gravity (you've got to give this a try), one person must keep three balloons aloft for 60 seconds. Sounds easy, right? So far my best is 37 seconds. Let me know how it goes for you. (Yes, indoors is the best venue.) 

Balloon Frantic

​Needs: 
For Balloon Frantic Too, you will need to divide your big group into smaller groups of 4 to 8 players - less players makes it harder, more players makes it easier.

You then need six inflated balloons for each group - 12-inch or bigger balloons. (To make the activity easier, provide six different colored balloons for each group. To make the activity harder don't have six different colors for each group.) Have the teams blow up the balloons to about the size of a basketball (or a bit smaller).

You will also need game spots - one for every two players in each small group. If you have an odd number of players, the odd player out will use one spot, the other players will share (more below).

​Finally, each group needs a timing device of some sort. 

The Challenge: 
Keep all six balloons up in the air (aloft) as long as possible. 

Directions: 

• During the action, when a player is bopping a balloon (or two), must have one foot on a game spot at all times. This means, pairs of players will share a single game spot. If there is an odd number of players one person will have his/her own spot - this player can have one or two feet on this spot. 
• Teams can set up any configuration they want (e.g., a circle) as long as they are following the rule above. 
• Each team needs an official timer. This timer will not be a balloon bopper. The timer will tell his/her team when to start (says, "GO!") and then watches his/her team's balloons. When the first balloon touches the ground the time for that round stops. 
• When "GO" is called time starts and all balloons are tossed (or bopped) into the air. 
• The boppers of the team are required to bop (hit) balloons up into the air with their hands (for safety reasons, no foot bops are allowed.).
• ​Players are not allowed to bop the same balloon up twice in a row. (Example: Once you hit the red ballon in the air you can't hit the red balloon again until you have hit another balloon into the air.)
• Balloons cannot be held at any time. If a balloon is caught and held the time stops. 
• All teams have 15 minutes (or, whatever time you want to give to your group) to record their best possible "Frantic" time - play as many games as you can in 15 minutes. 
• Switch out timers before each attempt. (Suggested, not required.) 
• Turn in times for each game to your facilitator (if data is going to be shared). 

Here's what I like about this activity: 

• It's a small group problem solving challenge with space for ideation, planning, cooperation and engagement (and great for those single small groups of 4 to 6 people). 
• It's a nice energizer - lots of action. 
• A good number of strategies can be used to find greater success (notice in the video, some players are lying down - a foot is still on a spot).
• There is the appearance of competition but ideally some collaboration of ideas between groups may lead to greater success. 
• There are moments of failure and success - suspense is a motivator. 
• The time frame allows for a lot of work or less work depending on a group's needs and  approach.

Let me know how it goes for you. Leave a comment below. 

Have FUN out there. 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 

---