Materials Needed

• 1 five-gallon bucket for each player
• 1 rope (about 25 feet long) for each pair of players

Setup Instructions

1. Find a flat, open area where players can safely stand on buckets. Avoid uneven or slippery surfaces.
2. Place two five-gallon buckets upside down about 15 feet apart.
3. Make sure the buckets are stable and won’t tip over easily.
4. Lay the rope on the ground between the buckets, with one end near each bucket.
5. Pair up the players and assign each to one bucket.

Game Play Instructions

1. Each player stands on their bucket, holding one end of the rope.
2. When ready, the referee or leader signals the start of the game.
3. Players begin pulling the rope, trying to make their opponent fall off their bucket.
4. A player wins by either:
   • Causing their opponent to fall off the bucket.
   • Pulling the rope until they reach their opponent’s bucket without losing their balance.
5. Once the game ends, reset the buckets and rope for the next pair of players.

Notes and Variations

• Safety: Make sure players are wearing sturdy shoes to help them balance. Do not allow pushing, yanking the rope suddenly, or unsafe behavior.
• For Younger Scouts: Use a shorter rope or replace the buckets with wider, lower platforms to make balancing easier.
• For Older Scouts: Increase the challenge by using smaller or wobblier platforms. You can also have them compete in teams of two, with both players standing on the same bucket.
• Group Play: Create a tournament bracket so all Scouts can compete. Cheer for others while waiting for your turn.

For more information, see https://scoutermom.com/181/island-tug-of-war-game/