Falling Through the Cracks

From financial uncertainty and food insecurity to family violence, many systemic barriers can affect a child’s well-being and ability to thrive. In this 45- to 60-minute interactive activity, participants work in five groups of up to 30 people to explore how mental well-being, financial insecurity and educational barriers can shape a child’s experience.

Here’s what to expect:

🎯 Goal – Using the Kerplunk game, teams must navigate through scenarios reflecting real-world challenges and supports to retain as many life opportunities as possible for their “Child.”

🧩 Setup – Each group receives a Kerplunk game set, Instruction Sheet, Child Profile, Situation Cards, Debrief Questions, beads and sticks.

🎮 Gameplay

• Groups draw and read Situation Cards which simulate their Child’s experiences.
• Based on the nature of the card drawn, sticks are added or removed from the Kerplunk tube. A positive experience card might be getting a new parka from the Coats for Kids & Families program, while a negative card might be going to school without breakfast.
• Beads are dropped into the tower representing opportunities that can be either retained or lost depending on the Child’s situation.

💬 Debrief – Teams discuss the impact of Situation Card scenarios, reflect on the Child’s experience, and explore how United Way’s programs can offer support.