46) It

Supplies
* two or more small objects (depending on number of stations) in mass quantity (ie: tickets (different colors), popsicle sticks,etc)
* one labled container for each team/cabin/class/etc.
* tape/chalk/rocks/etc to mark off stations
* optional: flashlights for each participant if playing at night (ie: in camp setting)

Goal
For the team to have the most points

Preparation
In a large playing field (or around a building), set up three or more destinations/stations. For the purpose of these instructions, we'll assume three. At two of these destinations, a trustworthy volunteer will dispense 1 ticket/popsicle stick/etc- one to each participant who comes by. The third station will have a volunteer to oversee the team containers. Each of these stations should have a 5-10 ft radius marked off as a safety zone.

How to Play
Have participants all stand behind the starting point. Choose one person (from the largest class/cabin/etc) to be it, who may run around the playing area, tagging anyone in site, outside of the safety zones. This person is not on a team, and may tag anyone, so make it someone who won't show favortism. Give clear instructions on where to go first, second, etc, and what they must get.
At the facilitator's command, each player must run to the first station, get a [ticket], run to the second station and trade the [ticket] for a [popsicle stick], run to the third station, and put the [popsicle stick] in his/her team container, then head back to the first station, starting over.
As this is going, "It" will run around, shouting, "It, it, it!" (or if it's dark, "It" can hold a flashlight upwards against his/her chin, lighting up his/her face). "It" will tag as many people from other teams as possible. When this happens, the player that is tagged becomes "It" also, and no longer collects tickets or popsicle sticks. When no one is left to collect tickets, when tickets or sticks run out, or when time runs out, the game is over, the popsicle sticks are counted, and the team with the most points, wins.

Note:
*It is hard to prevent players from pretending that they were not tagged. Emphasize how each role can help their team. The runners gather the points, but those who are "It" can tag players from the other team(s) to make them unable to gather points.
*If "It" does not indentify him/herself by yelling, "It" or using a flashlight, tagging someone doesn't count.
*Appoint counselors/youth leaders to move throughout the playing field to enforce the rules of the game.
*If classes/cabins are not close to even, have the winning team be the team with the most number of points per player.

from 1/6/07, 12:15pm