Shoot the Gap Name Game

Shoot the Gap is a great game for Scouts of all ages. It helps Scouts learn each other’s names and work together. It also gives them a chance to move around and have fun. It works well as a team-building game or an ice breaker.

This game is active, so it’s best for a large space. You can use a gym, a big room, or an outdoor field. You’ll need a way to mark off two goal lines with something like cones or ropes. If you’re outside, you can use trees or other natural boundaries.

Shoot the Gap is a good fit for Cub Scout dens, Scouts BSA patrols, or Venturing crews. You can use it at a meeting, a campout, or a day event. It can fill time between activities or help start off a session with energy.

Since Scouts need to know each other’s names to play, it works well with new groups. It can also help bring a unit closer together. Everyone gets a turn, and no one sits out for long. This makes it a good choice for groups with a wide age range or different skill levels.

Shoot the Gap has been used in Scout programs for many years. It’s a common game at camps, troop meetings, and day events. Scouts learn it quickly and enjoy the fast pace. It works well when Scouts are still learning each other’s names.

Nobody knows exactly where the game started. It may have come from older games that involve chasing and tagging. Many cultures have simple games like that. This version adds a fun twist by using names and teams. It fits into Scouting because it helps Scouts move, think fast, and get to know each other.

The name comes from the goal. Each round, Scouts try to run through the “Gap” without getting tagged. That middle area feels like enemy territory, and Scouts enjoy the challenge of getting through. It adds excitement and keeps everyone watching and cheering.

Some people say the game feels like dodgeball without a ball. Others compare it to capture the flag. It includes running, teamwork, and quick reactions. It’s also easy to set up and explain.

You don’t need any special gear. Just a big space and something to mark off the goal lines. That makes it a good choice for both indoor and outdoor meetings. It can be used anytime you have a few extra minutes.

Since you need to know names to play, it helps bring the group together. Younger Scouts especially benefit from learning names and feeling included. Everyone gets a chance to be in the action.

Shoot the Gap helps Scouts build teamwork and trust. Since they have to call each other by name, they learn to pay attention and remember who’s who. This makes it easier for new Scouts to feel welcome. It also builds a stronger group because everyone is included.

The game teaches Scouts to be friendly and helpful, two points of the Scout Law. They cheer each other on and help each other learn the rules. When someone forgets a name, others often help out. That kind of support shows kindness and builds connections.

Scouts also learn to be brave. It can be a little scary to run into the middle with everyone watching. But once they try it, they feel more confident. Even if they get tagged, they know it’s just part of the game. That helps them learn how to try again without giving up.

This game works well for ages 8 and up. Cub Scouts in the Bear and Webelos ranks enjoy it. Scouts BSA and Venturers like it too, especially when they add their own challenges. Older Scouts can make the Guardian’s job harder by using trick moves or fakeouts. You can also let older Scouts take turns leading the game.

For younger Scouts, keep it simple. Remind them to say names clearly and give everyone a chance. You might want to slow down the pace or give the Guardian a smaller tag zone. For older Scouts, try using a time limit or adding a second Guardian to increase the challenge.

Shoot the Gap teaches a lot through action. It builds friendships and helps Scouts grow in confidence. And it does all that while they’re running and laughing together.

Materials Needed:

• Something to mark the two goal lines (cones, ropes, chalk, or natural markers like trees)
• A large open area (gym, field, or big room)

Setup Instructions:

1. Mark two goal lines at opposite ends of the play area.
2. Leave a wide space between the goal lines. This is called the Gap.
3. Divide the Scouts into two equal groups.
4. Have each group line up behind one of the goal lines.
5. Choose one Scout to be the Guardian. The Guardian stands in the middle of the Gap.

How to Play:

1. The Guardian calls out the full name of one Scout from either team.
2. That Scout then calls out the full name of someone from the opposite team.
3. Both named Scouts run into the Gap, trying to reach the other side without getting tagged.
4. If a Scout reaches the other side without being tagged, they join that team.
5. If the Guardian tags one of the runners, that runner becomes the new Guardian. The old Guardian joins the team the tagged runner was running toward.
6. Keep playing until everyone has had a turn or as long as time allows.

Notes and Variations:

• If there are two Scouts with the same name, use last initials or full names.
• To give everyone a chance, you can ask Scouts who have already been called to step back from the line.
• You can also make a rule that a Scout can only be called twice.
• For younger Scouts, make the Gap smaller or allow extra time to run.
• For older Scouts, add a second Guardian or make the Gap wider.
• Remind Scouts to tag gently. Avoid pushing or rough contact.
• Make sure the running area is clear of obstacles or hazards.
• Encourage cheering and kindness during the game.

Printable Shoot the Gap Directions

More Games

Shoot the Gap is just one fun and active game you can use with your Scouts. It works well for groups that are still getting to know each other. If you’re looking for more ideas like this, I’ve put together a list of other games I’ve used with my own Scouts.

You can find more group games, outdoor games, and team-building ideas on my Games for Scouts page. These are all games that work well in den meetings, troop meetings, and campouts. Some are great for burning energy, and others help build leadership and teamwork. Take a look and try a few with your unit:
Games for Scouts

The Importance of Games in Scouting

What age group is this game best for?

Shoot the Gap works well for ages 8 and up. Older Cub Scouts , Scouts BSA, and Venturers can all enjoy it. You can adjust the rules for younger or older Scouts.

How much space do I need?

You need a large, open space. A gym, field, or big room works best. Make sure there is enough room for Scouts to run safely.

What if Scouts don’t know each other’s names?

That’s part of the reason to play the game. It helps Scouts learn names. Before you start, have everyone go around and say their name clearly.

Can more than one Guardian be in the middle?

Yes. If the group is large or older Scouts want more challenge, you can have two Guardians. Just make sure everyone still gets a turn.

How long should we play?

Play as long as the Scouts are having fun and staying safe. You can stop when everyone has had a turn or after a set time.

Shoot the Gap is a fun, active game for Scouts. It helps them learn each other’s names while getting up and moving. The game works best in a large open space, like a gym, a field, or a big room. You only need something to mark goal lines, like cones or ropes. It’s easy to set up and simple to run.

In this game, one Scout is the Guardian. They stand in the middle between two teams. The Guardian calls out someone’s name. That Scout then calls a name from the other team. Both of those Scouts run across the gap, trying not to get tagged. If they make it, they switch teams. If one gets tagged, that person becomes the new Guardian.

This game helps build confidence, memory, and teamwork. It also ties in well with the Scout Law, especially being friendly and helpful. Everyone gets a turn, and no one is left out for long. It works for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. Leaders can make the rules easier or harder depending on the group.

Shoot the Gap is a great option for new patrols, first-year Scouts, or just a high-energy break during a meeting. It’s fast to explain and keeps everyone involved. It’s one of those games Scouts ask to do again.