Squirrel Tag
A tag game where players utilize opportunities found in nature.
- 6-14 years
- Group size: 6+
- Duration: 15 min
- Tag
- Nature playground
- Mountains, forests and fields
- Rope
Squirrel Tag is played in a grove, where trees serve as safe zones. The number of safe zones can be limited by marking selected trees with, for example, scarves. There should always be at least one more squirrel than the number of safe trees. Before the game starts, one participant is chosen to be the hawk, while all others are squirrels.
The hawk tries to catch the squirrels as they run between the trees. Only one squirrel can stand at each safe zone. When the hawk chases a squirrel, the squirrel can run to a safe tree and shout 'My tree!' The one already at the tree must then leave their spot and run further to avoid being caught. If a squirrel doesn't reach a new safe tree and is caught by the hawk, they switch roles: The one caught becomes the new hawk, while the previous hawk can go freely to a tree and be safe there.
Variation
The game can be linked to natural science by making only one type of tree a safe zone, for example, a birch. Which tree species is a safe zone can be changed along the way by the adult calling out 'Alder!' or 'Pine!' In that case, an equal number of safe zones of each type must be marked beforehand. Other natural elements can also be used as safe zones, such as stones, tussocks, or stumps.
The intensity increases when there are fewer safe zones, as it becomes harder to find a safe place to stand. To make the game extra challenging, you can decide that the children must climb a little up the tree to be completely safe in the zone.