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Outdoor Strategy Game for Kids

Strategy games teach children how to think in advance of their next move. These games can be as simple as a game of "tag" or "red rover." Outdoor games allow for larger groups of children and more flexibility in setting up the game. The rules are basic. Everyone participates. No one gets hurt. Many of these games are used in challenge courses because they encourage teamwork.

Island Game
- This game requires a mat, platform or even a paper grocery sack. It works best when you have five or more children and the platform should be too small for all of them. The goal is for each child to stand on the "island" without any body parts in the "ocean." Encourage the children to work together to solve this problem. They must have everybody on the "island" long enough to sing a short song, such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
  
  Make sure they don't pile on top of each other or hold each other up. They should be able to achieve this safely.
Human Knot
- This game works best with five or more children. Stand them shoulder to shoulder in a circle, facing each other. Each child should extend his arm and clasp hands with the person across from him. Once every child is holding the hand of someone different, do the same thing with their other hand. Make sure they weave arms over and under the others. You now have a human knot.
  
  The goal is for the children to untangle themselves, without letting go, until they are standing in a large circle, holding hands and facing outward. Encourage each child to give suggestions on how to untangle the group.
Blind Obstacle Course
- Pair up the children. Using bandanas or scarves, blindfold one child in each pair. Set up a simple obstacle course using hula hoops, sticks or children holding their arms out. Activities should include going over something, under something, through something and hopping over something. Demonstrate the course in silence to the kids who are not wearing blindfolds.
  
  Each pair has to lead their blindfolded partner through the course, using only words to help them along. They cannot touch their partner. Once every group has been through the course, blindfold the other child in the group. Set up a new course and silently demonstrate what you want the blindfolded partner to do.
  
  Make sure the course is clear of any dangerous debris before starting. Watch for possible safety concerns as the children participate.

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