Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is probably one of the greatest camp games of all time. Most campers we host have played some version of the game and there are a ton of variables that you can thrown into the mix to make things more interesting.
The basic game requires an area that can be divided in half by a line, cones, or some form of markers. Each side needs a base towards the back of the field, with a flag or object that can be taken by the other team. You also need a small jail area for capture players, set away from the base area. Campers are then divided into two teams and each team gets one side of the field. Each player then needs something that shows what team they are on. We like to use actual flag belts, which define the teams and adds the element of flag pulling to capture prisoners. You can also use socks and even just tagging if you don’t have a set of flags.
The object of the game is to cross into enemy territory, retrieve the enemy’s base flag, and return it to your side without getting captured by any defenders. If your are captured during an attempt, you must go to jail. Players that are in jail must wait patiently until someone from their team is able to save them by tagging their hand without loosing their own flag along the journey. If a player in jail is recused, that player and the player the saved them get a free walk back to their own side of the field. The game ends when someone gets the flag across the center line without getting captured.
Safety
Spinning more that once or leaping over someone to avoid capture tends to cause injuries, so you might want to set those rules. Be sure to check your playing area for objects that may cause injuries. Playing in a grass field is usually best, but you can set up some great games in wooded areas and across camps.
Variations
No center line – For a really chaotic game, remove the rule that you are safe in your own territory. Then flags can be pulled by any player, anywhere on the field.
Reach-overs – As long as your feet are on your own side of the center line, you can “reach over” the line and pull someones flag. Normally we say that a player has to be in enemy territory to get their flag pulled. This variation creates one-on-one battles along the center line and catches a few people not paying attention.
Multiple Flags – For longer games, you can place multiple flags in each base that can only be taken one at a time.