Capture the Flag

Outdoors - Day

Equipment: 2 handmade flags on staffs 2' long; 2 different coloured sets of arm or headbands made of crepe paper.

Formation: wide area (5-20 acres is best)


Each Patrol is identifed by a set of arm or headbands.
Each Patrol sets up a jail area (3-4 square yards) and a separate hiding spot for each flag. Jails are set up at opposite ends of area.

The object of the game is to penetrate the other patrol's area and capture their flag. A flag is 'captured' after it has been returned to the captor's jail area.

Prisoners are taken by having their arm or headbands removed by an opponent.
Prisoners are taken to the jail of their captor's; then they wait there quietly until they are released.
Prisoners can only be released when a member of their patrol (with arm or headband intact) runs through the jail in which they are being held captive.
After their release, prisoners are given free escort back to a central spot near their end of the area. Here, they are issued a new arm or headband.

The game continues until all but one flag is captured, or time is up.

Note: Supervision at the jails and 'new arm or headband area' is important. Encourage patrols to plan elaborate strategies of defense and offense.

Variation: play at night; or play in a wooded area.