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What if a simple board game could help children understand climate change?
That’s exactly what the Kingfisher Patrol (Caoimhe, Isla, Robyn, Aisling, Sarah, Hannah and Victoria) from Irish Girl Guides Celbridge Liffey Guide Unit set out to achieve as part of Trócaire Game Changers 2026.
Their project, Ice Breaker, combines creativity, storytelling and sustainability to introduce young children to Climate Action (SDG 13) in a fun and accessible way.
Ice Breaker: from workshop to game board
The project began in October 2025, when the Kingfisher Patrol participated in an energetic and interactive Trócaire Game Changers Workshop about global issues led by Áine O’Driscoll.
Inspired by the workshop, the team:
- *Brainstormed ideas for an educational game.
- *Chose SDG 13: Climate Action as their theme.
- *Reimagined Snakes and Ladders as a climate education game.
- *Built a colourful 3D game board using recycled materials.
- *Added fun ‘Ice Shoots’ and ‘Peggy Penguin Snowboards’.
- *Created ‘How Can I Help?’ cards with simple everyday climate actions.
The result is a game that combines creativity, sustainability and education into one engaging experience.
Teaching climate action through Ice Breaker
Designed for primary school children and Ladybirds, Ice Breaker follows Pedro Polar Bear from the Arctic and Peggy Penguin from Antarctica as they encourage players to discover how everyday actions, from recycling and saving energy to walking instead of driving, can help protect the polar ice caps and our planet.
What makes Ice Breaker even more special is that the game was built almost entirely from recycled materials, leftover craft supplies and borrowed equipment. The project itself reflects the environmental values it promotes.
Exploring climate justice through play
The team also wanted children to understand an important message about climate justice. While everyone can play their part, the effects of climate change are not shared equally. Some communities experience the greatest impact despite contributing the least to the problem.
This idea comes to life through the game’s ‘Ice Shoots’. Just as players can unexpectedly slide backwards, people can be affected by climate change because of the actions of others. This simple game mechanic helps children understand that:
- *Climate change affects communities differently.
- *Individual efforts remain important, even when outcomes seem unfair.
- *Positive actions inspire others and create wider change.
- *Education is one of the strongest tools for protecting our planet.
Rather than feeling discouraged, the game encourages resilience, kindness and the belief that every positive action matters.
To reinforce these messages, the team created ‘How Can I Help?’ cards that give children practical ideas they can use at home, at school and in their communities. By turning learning into play, Ice Breaker helps start conversations that continue long after the game has finished.
Ice Breaker shows how creativity, teamwork and play can help young people become powerful advocates for climate action. By encouraging small everyday actions, the Kingfisher Patrol has created a game that inspires children to care for both people and the planet.
A huge thank you to Trócaire for providing this opportunity, to the Kingfisher Patrol for their creativity and enthusiasm, and to the Guide Leaders whose support helped bring this inspiring project to life.