Purpose: Encourage gentle movement, smiles, and social connection through a simple, enjoyable group activity.

What It Is: A relaxed version of kickball using a lightweight beach ball instead of a traditional ball. Residents can sit in a circle or in a semicircle and gently kick or tap the beach ball to one another. The large, colorful ball is easy to see and moves slowly, giving residents time to respond.

What you need

• One lightweight, colorful beach ball.
• Optional: One small, portable goal.: Place a small, portable goal directly in front of the residents, approximately 3–5 feet away to start.

How to play

1. Get Comfortable: Invite residents to sit in a circle or semicircle with their feet comfortably positioned to reach the ball.
2. Introduce the Ball: Show residents the colorful beach ball and gently roll it toward someone while saying, “Can you kick the ball to me?”
3. Keep It Moving: Allow residents to gently kick, tap, or push the ball toward another person. Volunteers can help guide the ball or roll it closer when needed.
4. Encourage Everyone: Smile, cheer, and offer positive encouragement as the ball moves around the group. There is no scoring, competition, or pressure to participate.
5. Make It Their Own: Residents can kick the ball, tap it with their hands, or simply enjoy watching the activity.
6. Goal: If using a goal, position the goal so each resident has a clear path to kick or gently push the beach ball toward it. Adjust the distance for each resident’s abilities, moving the goal closer when needed to encourage success.
7. Keep it short and end while the resident is still having fun.

Make it a connection

Play music from the suggested playlist to bring the Joy of the Lord into to your time together.

For residents with memory loss

How to adapt the game so no one has to remember rules or keep score. Delete this section if it does not apply.

It’s not about just kicking the ball; it’s about bringing joy into someone’s day and reminding them they matter.”.