Clothesline Relay Game

Time: 10–15 minutes
Best For: Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos, Arrow of Light Scouts, Scouts BSA
Advancement: Team-building activities, coordination skills
Energy Level: Moderate
Setting: Indoor, outdoor
Use For: Coordination, teamwork, fine motor skills
Scout Spirit: helpful

Clothesline Relay works well for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. It gets everyone moving and keeps the group active. I like this game because it uses simple items you already have. It also works indoors or outdoors, so it fits many meeting plans. Leaders can set it up in a few minutes, which helps when time is short.

This game also teaches teamwork. Scouts must wait their turn, cheer each other on, and pay attention to the group’s progress. These small moments help them learn cooperation in a natural way. The activity moves fast, so everyone stays involved. It offers a good balance of energy and structure.

Clothesline Relay also gives younger Scouts a chance to practice skills. Hanging up towels with clothespins builds fine motor skills. Running back and forth helps with coordination. These simple actions help them grow. The task feels familiar, so Scouts understand what they need to do right away.

Leaders can use this game as an icebreaker or as a break between badge work. It brings the group together without much preparation. It also works well at pack meetings, troop meetings, and campouts. When the game ends, Scouts often want to do it again, which shows how well it supports a fun and active program.

Clothesline Relay has been around in one form or another for many years. It comes from simple chores that families did every week. Before dryers were common, hanging laundry outside was a normal job for kids. Turning that task into a race came naturally. Children took a routine part of daily life and turned it into something fun.

Many early group games grew out of home chores, and this one fits that pattern. It takes an ordinary action and adds energy, teamwork, and a little friendly pressure. Some leaders remember doing a version of this game at summer camp when lines were full of towels. The idea spread because it was easy to set up and always made groups laugh.

Clothesline games also show up in different countries. Many places still hang clothes outside, so the sight of a full line feels familiar. Because of that, this relay works well at events with mixed ages or mixed cultures. The steps are simple, and Scouts understand right away what to do.

There is also a bit of trivia about clothespins. The wooden spring clothespin design that most Scouts recognize was invented in the 1800s. Before that, clothespins were simple wooden pegs. Either style works for this game, which shows how little the basic idea has changed over time.

Clothesline Relay teaches several skills without making them feel like work. Scouts must move with purpose, think ahead, and complete a task quickly. They also learn to work as a group. Each Scout depends on the one before and after. This helps build trust and patience, two steady skills for troop life.

This game connects well with the Scout Law. It encourages Scouts to be helpful, since they support their teammates. It also teaches them to be cheerful. Even when a clothespin slips or a towel falls, the group keeps going with a good attitude. These small lessons add up and help shape the way Scouts react to simple challenges.

The game works for many ages. Tigers and Wolves can handle it with close supervision and maybe a slower pace. Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts enjoy the fast relay style. Scouts BSA can handle harder versions. For example, leaders can add extra steps like folding the towel or using only one hand. Older Scouts enjoy a challenge, so variations keep it fresh.

Leaders can also add twists to match the group’s needs. For younger Scouts, use shorter distances. For older Scouts, place the clothespins in a bucket a few feet away from the line. Changing the setup keeps everyone engaged. No matter the version, the game supports growth in coordination, quick decision-making, and teamwork.

Clothesline Relay gives Scouts a light, active task that fits into meetings or campouts. It offers movement, teamwork, and a bit of laughter. Those moments help build confidence and keep the program lively.

Materials

• Clothesline or sturdy rope
• Clothespins
• Towels (one per Scout)

Setup

1. Stretch the clothesline between two trees or poles. Make sure it is high enough for hanging towels but still easy to reach.
2. Place a pile of towels at the starting line.
3. Place clothespins in a small bucket near the clothesline or hand them to each Scout.
4. Mark a clear running path so Scouts know where to go and return.

How To Play

1. Divide the group into two teams.
2. The first Scout on each team runs to the clothesline with a towel.
3. The Scout uses a clothespin to hang the towel on the line.
4. The Scout runs back and tags the next teammate.
5. Each Scout repeats the steps until all towels are hanging.
6. After the last towel is up, the team starts removing them in the same relay style.
7. The first team to hang and remove all towels wins.

Variations

• For older Scouts, add a task such as folding the towel before hanging it.
• For younger Scouts, lower the clothesline or place clothespins already on the line.
• Add a rule where Scouts must hop, skip, or crab-walk to the clothesline.

Safety Notes

• Make sure the running path is clear and free of holes or roots.
• Keep the clothesline tight to avoid sagging or tripping hazards.
• Remind Scouts not to wrap the line around their hands.

Printable instructions for the Clothesline Relay Game

More Games

Clothesline Relay fits well into a meeting plan, and it is easy to add when you need something active. If you want more ideas like this, I have a page with many games that work for different ages and group sizes. . These games help fill gaps in a schedule and keep Scouts moving. They also give leaders a quick way to add fun to a den or troop meeting.

I like to use this list when I need a simple activity that does not require much prep. Clothesline Relay is one example, but there are many other choices that support teamwork, skills, and energy. My Games for Scouts page makes it easy to browse and pick something that fits your group. It helps leaders keep meetings fresh and gives Scouts something to look forward to each week.

The Importance of Games in Scouting

What ages can do this game?

Most Cub Scouts can do Clothesline Relay with no trouble. Tigers and Wolves may need a little help with clothespins. Webelos, Arrow of Light, and Scouts BSA can handle the full version and enjoy faster relays.

How many Scouts do I need?

You can run this game with small or large groups. Two teams of four to six Scouts work well, but you can adjust as needed.

Do I need special equipment?

No. You only need a rope or clothesline, some clothespins, and towels. Many leaders already have these items in their meeting gear.

Where can I set it up?

A yard, gym, campsite, or meeting room all work. Just make sure you have space for a short running path and a safe place to stretch the line.

How long does the game take?

Most rounds take only a few minutes. You can play several rounds or move on to another activity.

Clothesline Relay brings energy and teamwork into any Scout meeting. The setup is simple, and the steps are easy for Scouts of all ages to understand. They run, hang towels, remove them, and cheer each other on. The pace stays steady, and everyone stays involved.

This game comes from a familiar chore, which makes it feel natural to the group. Scouts know what a towel is and how a clothespin works. That helps even the youngest participants feel ready to join in. Leaders enjoy the low prep and quick cleanup.

The relay teaches coordination and timing. Scouts must focus on their own task but still pay attention to their team. These moments support growth in patience, teamwork, and confidence. The game also works well in many places, from campsites to gyms.

Clothesline Relay fits into busy schedules and adds quick fun without much planning. It also adapts easily for different ages. This keeps the game fresh and useful for a wide range of groups.