Crash Course Game

Time: 10–15 minutes
Best For: Wolves, Bears, Webelos, Arrow of Light Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers
Advancement: Team-building activities, fitness activities
Energy Level: High
Setting: Outdoor
Use For: Coordination, balance, teamwork
Scout Spirit: friendly

Scouts enjoy games which get them moving and laughing together. The Crash Course game is a good choice for a pack meeting, troop gathering, or outdoor activity day. It is active, a little silly, and easy to set up. Leaders only need a field and a few inner tubes. The game works well when Scouts have extra energy and need a fun challenge.

This game fits well into many Scouting events. It can be used at a field day, camp activity period, or summer program. Scouts enjoy the race across the field while trying to stay balanced inside the tubes. The middle of the field becomes the exciting part where the teams cross paths.

Crash Course also works well as a relay. Every Scout gets a turn, and teammates cheer each other on. This keeps the whole group involved. The race format helps the game move quickly. No one waits too long before it is their turn.

Leaders like this game because the materials are simple and the rules are easy to explain. A quick safety talk helps everyone remember to be careful. Scouts can bump a little in the middle, but they must always watch out for their friends. Keeping the activity friendly helps the game stay fun for everyone.

Games which involve wearing large objects have been around for a long time. Camp programs often include relay races with sacks, buckets, or oversized clothing. The Crash Course game follows the same idea. Players wear something awkward and race across the field. The challenge comes from trying to move quickly while staying balanced.

Inner tubes became popular equipment for water games and camp activities many years ago. Camps used them for floating, obstacle courses, and silly races. Someone eventually tried stacking several tubes together and stepping inside them. The result looked funny and made running much harder.

The look of a Scout inside three tubes often reminds people of the Michelin Man mascot. That bulky shape makes it harder to move fast. Scouts wobble, shuffle, and sometimes spin around. This creates a lot of laughter for the players and the spectators.

Relay games like this are common at camps, school field days, and youth group events. They work well because the rules are simple and the equipment is easy to find. Many leaders enjoy adding new twists to classic relay races, and the inner tube version has become a favorite at many outdoor programs.

Even though the game looks silly, it still keeps the spirit of friendly competition. Scouts race hard for their teams while trying not to fall over. That mix of challenge and laughter keeps the game popular at many Scouting gatherings.

Crash Course gives Scouts a chance to practice teamwork. Each player must complete their part of the relay so the team can win. Scouts cheer for each other and wait for their turn. This connects well with the Scout Law point about being helpful. Encouraging teammates helps everyone enjoy the game.

The game also reminds Scouts to be kind. Some contact is allowed in the middle of the field, but rough behavior is not. Leaders should explain this clearly before the race starts. Scouts learn to control their actions even when they are excited. This connects well with being friendly and courteous.

Balance and coordination are also part of the challenge. Running inside three tubes is not easy. Scouts must slow down, steady themselves, and think about how they move. Younger Scouts often laugh when they wobble across the field.

This game works well for Cub Scouts in second grade and older. Tigers and Wolves may need fewer tubes or a shorter running distance. Older Scouts can handle the full three-tube challenge and a longer field. Leaders can also add obstacles or cones to make the course harder.

With a few simple adjustments, Crash Course works for many age groups. The key is keeping the focus on fun, safety, and teamwork. When Scouts remember to take care of their friends, the game becomes a highlight of the activity.

Materials

• Set of 6 inner tubes

Instructions

1. Divide the group into 2 teams.
2. Have half of each team stand in four corners of the field, so that the groups from the same team are diagonal to each other.
3. Give one half of each team 3 inner tubes.
4. The first player on each team stacks the three inner tubes and steps into them. They will look a little like the Michelin Man.
5. On go, they race across to their team on the diagonal side. Some contact is permitted in the middle, but nothing excessive.
6. When they get to the other side, they take off the three inner tubes and the next person puts them on and races across the diagonal.
7. The first team to move all of their members to the corner opposite the one they started in is the winner.

More Games

If your Scouts enjoyed the Crash Course game, you might want a few more activities ready for your next meeting or outing. I keep a large collection on my Games for Scouts page. It includes active games, quiet games, relays, and simple team challenges. Many of them need only basic supplies. Leaders often tell me they like having several choices so they can match the game to the time, space, and energy level of their group.

You can use my Games for Scouts page when you plan den meetings, troop gatherings, campouts, or pack events. It helps when you need a quick activity to fill extra time or get Scouts moving. The games are easy to explain and work well with youth of different ages. Take a look and bookmark the page so you always have a few ideas ready.

The Importance of Games in Scouting

What is the Crash Course game?

Crash Course is a relay race game played with inner tubes. Scouts wear three stacked tubes and run across the field to their teammates. The teams start in opposite corners. Players race to the diagonal corner and pass the tubes to the next teammate. The first team to move all players to the opposite corner wins.

What materials do we need for this game?

You only need a set of six inner tubes and a large open area. A grassy field works well. Cones can help mark the corners if needed. The tubes should be large enough for Scouts to step into safely.

How many Scouts can play Crash Course?

This game works well with medium or large groups. Divide the Scouts into two equal teams. Each team splits in half and stands in opposite corners of the field. If you have a large group, you can run several rounds so everyone gets a turn.

Is contact allowed during the race?

Some light contact can happen when players meet in the middle. However, leaders should set clear rules before starting. Scouts must avoid pushing, tackling, or rough behavior. Remind everyone to watch out for their friends and keep the game safe.

What age group works best for this game?

This game works well for Cub Scouts in second grade and older. Younger Scouts may need fewer inner tubes or a shorter distance. Older Scouts can handle three tubes and a longer field.

What safety tips should leaders share before starting?

Remind Scouts to move carefully and watch where they are going. The tubes can make it hard to see their feet. Make sure the field is clear of holes or obstacles. Leaders should also remind Scouts that the goal is fun, not rough contact.

Can the game be adjusted for different groups?

Yes. Leaders can change the number of tubes, the size of the field, or the number of players on each team. You can also run the race in heats if you have many Scouts. Small changes help the game fit different spaces and age groups.

The Crash Course game is a relay race which brings a lot of laughter to a Scout activity. Players step into three stacked inner tubes and run across the field to their teammates. The tubes make movement slow and awkward, which adds to the fun. Teams start in opposite corners and race to reach the diagonal corner. Each Scout takes a turn wearing the tubes and passing them to the next player.

This game works well for pack meetings, troop gatherings, campouts, and field days. The rules are simple and the equipment is easy to find. A grassy field and a few inner tubes are all you need. Because the race happens in a relay format, every Scout stays involved and the activity keeps moving.

The middle of the field often becomes the most exciting part of the game. Players from both teams run toward each other as they cross the field. Some light contact can happen, but leaders should remind Scouts to be careful. Scouts must watch out for their friends and avoid rough behavior.

Crash Course helps Scouts practice teamwork and good sportsmanship. Each player does their part to help the team finish the race. Teammates cheer and encourage each other while they wait for their turn. With simple rules and a lot of movement, this game often becomes a favorite during outdoor Scout events.