Core Routines: Expanding the Senses, Questioning and Tracking
Skills Practiced: Stillness, blending with surroundings, wide-angle vision
Ecological Indicators: Mammals, birds
Qualities Fostered: Patience, Quiet Mind, Awareness
Directions (Shields): Southeast (Challenge), Northwest (Reflect), North (Wisdom)
Suggested Age Range: 7+ (ideal for quiet, playful groups with some nature time under their belts)
Timing & Energy Level: Great after Sit Spot, Sound Mapping, or storytelling (Northwest/North)
Set-Up & Materials:
- A forested or shrubby area with places to hide
- A central spot for the “spotter” to sit or stand
- Natural materials allowed for blending in (but no digging or major alteration)
Description:
One person (the Spotter) stands in the center of a circle and slowly turns, using Owl Eyes to scan the area. The rest of the group hides just outside the circle’s edge, trying to blend in completely. No moving. No sounds. If the Spotter sees someone, they point and describe where they are. Players who are found step out. Last one hidden wins—or better, is simply “the most invisible.” This game cultivates stillness, visual pattern awareness, and quiet inner excitement.
Coyote Mentoring Tips:
- Let them choose where to hide, how close or far, what to cover with
- Ask questions after: “What made someone easy or hard to see?”
- Set a tone of reverence and fun, not competition
Variations:
- Play at dusk for added difficulty
- Use a “blind” Spotter who relies on Deer Ears or Body Radar
- Allow small, slow movements in advanced rounds
Debrief Prompts:
- “What helped you stay hidden?”
- “What did you feel while being still for that long?”
- “What was your favorite hiding spot?”
Story Seeds:
- Stories of invisibility, animal camouflage, tricksters
- Myths where someone disappears into the landscape
- Reflections on being seen or unseen