This is an active game which is a combination of tag and keep away. In it, a players work together to keep their friends from being tagged. “Flip the Bird” is the traditional name for this game, but if you think it will cause too much of a stir, you can just call it “Bird Tag”.
Materials
You need something to be the “bird”. This can be a rubber chicken, a towel with a knot tied in the middle, a ball, etc. Use your imagination.
Instructions
- Choose somebody to be “It”.
- Define the boundaries of the play area.
- Give the “bird” to somebody who is not it.
- “It” tries to tag the other players. “It” can tag anyone except the person currently in possesion of the “bird”.
- The players work together, throwing the “bird” to the person being chased to prevent “it” from tagging them.
- When somebody is tagged, they must sit on the side of the play area.
- Last person not to be tagged wins. Hr or she gets to be “It” for the next round
Notes
This game is meant to teach teamwork. However with younger children, some might not want to throw the bird. If this is the case, make the rule that nobody can keep the bird for more than the count of three.
Another option is to have multiple birds and only the people with the birds can be tagged. Know your group and adjust the rules as necessary.
Thank you for sharing this delightful game.
Flip the Bird Tag is fun to play however I am choosing a different name. The meaning of this phrase would not be lost on many of our Cubs and it distracts from the true purpose of scouting.
Thank you for many valued helps on your sight.
Beth Teeples
Yes, that is a good idea for younger kids especially. With the teen crowd, you can go a different direction and actually use it as an intro to a discussion about words and actions. It is always good to know your audience and adjust appropriately. 🙂