Capture the FlagLet's all Play Capture the Flag! How-To: Capture the Flag, in one form or another, has grown to be a familiar and famous game loved by children of all ages worldwide. We have added twists to incorporate nature connection, build teamwork, and still let everyone have tons of fun. Create the Playing Field: In the basic version, divide a large group into two teams. Each team has one side of a playing field for their territory. A neutral line divides the middle of the field, and if crossed, puts you in your opponent's territory. Each team also has a flag either hidden or visible (you choose) at the far edge of their territory. The Game: When in your own team's territory, you are safe. If you get tagged on your opponent's territory, you must go to Jail at the back of your opponent's territory. The goal is to get into the opponent's territory and move their flag back to your side. If you accomplish this and don't get tagged, your team wins. Jail: If you get captured and put in jail, you can be freed if a member of your own team makes it all the way to the opponents jail and tags you. Then the two of you have "free walk-backs" to your own territory. Variations: Capture the Flag emphasizes speed and teamwork. Since some participants can feel a little left out if they are not good runners, we've added a few twists to make this more of a Nature Awareness game. Play the game in a forested area. Players consider themselves automatically captured at the moment they get spotted on their opponent's side! This encourages silence, sneaking, and strategy. Have the players use "Animal Forms". Instead of just plain running - this adds a bit of Simon Says to the play and requires a Referee. Examples include: Stalking on all Fours like a Cougar, Running like a Coyote, or Bounding like a Deer. To really keep them on their toes, switch the Animal Forms several times in the middle of the game. A version especially for groups of kids. Have the participants play as normal, but with lots of kids against fewer instructors or a group of parents. See if they can use superior numbers to make up for the speed and intelligence of the smaller number of adults. This really builds unity. And if they win - which they just might (darn those rascals are quick!) - they will never forget the time they used teamwork to beat their instructors. Have people pair-up and tie their wrists together with bandannas. Then blindfold one of the pair. Now, everyone has to work with their partner to play the game. Keep it simple and make sure the participants have fun. This is an active game that can be great for the participants, particularly if they are in a high energy state. We use it often when instructors feel burned out or overwhelmed by a group. Be sure and watch for kids who try to get out of playing or who fake injuries. Work the game out so that everybody participates!
|
