Hobbies And Interests
Marco Polo
Marco Polo is a lot like tag, as one child is "it" and must tag another child, who will then become "it." Unlike tag, however, whoever is playing "it" must close his eyes. The only way he can track down the other children is by hearing them or feeling their movements ripple through the water. At any point, he may shout "Marco!" and all the other children must shout "Polo!" If he suspects that one is out of the water, he can shout "Fish out of water!" If anyone is out of the pool, they automatically become "it."
Sharks and Minnows
"Sharks and Minnows" challenges children to swim quietly. The game is played by having one child become the "shark." He stands on the diving board with his back to the swimming pool. The remaining players are all "minnows" and they line up against one wall of the swimming pool near the diving board. At any point, they can dare to swim across the pool. Their objective is to get to the other wall before the "shark" has a chance to touch them. If the "shark" suspects that a "minnow" is swimming across the pool, he can turn around and leap in after them. If he tags one before she gets to the other wall, she becomes the "shark." However, if the "shark" turns around and there are no "minnows" swimming, then he must take a step forward on the diving board--bringing him farther from the pool and giving the "minnows" an extra advantage. This distance is reset any time he leaps into the pool after a "minnow."
Chicken
You need at least four players to play "Chicken." The game is played by dividing everyone into teams of two. One kid gets on his teammate's shoulders, and they must remain like that for the duration of the game. The objective is to be the last team standing. Players may push and shove each other in an attempt to knock the top player off his teammate's shoulders. For younger children, adult supervision is necessary. Ensure that children stay away from the edge of the pool, as they might injure themselves if they fall against it.