Haybarn
An energy-passing circle game for warming up and raising the energy at the start of a workshop, where "Yee-haw!" sends the energy on and "Haybarn!" bounces it back.
Group Size
5–40
Duration
5 to 8 minutes
Formation
Circle
Setting
Indoor
Energy Level
High
Activity Level
Somewhat Active
Physical Contact
None
How to Lead It
Players stand or sit in a circle. The first player enthusiastically says "Yee-haw!" and swings a closed fist across the front of their body toward a neighbor. That neighbor now has the energy and passes it on the same way, in the same direction.
The other option is to say "Haybarn!" while holding both hands over your head in an angled roof shape. A "Haybarn!" switches the direction of the energy, sending it back to the neighbor who just passed it. You cannot Haybarn a Haybarn.
Play continues until the leader ends the activity.
Origin: Improv folk tradition
Leaders Who Teach This
Instructions and tips are ECRS's own descriptions. Any linked recordings or media belong to their original rights holders.