Keeping children entertained and engaged on a daily basis is, I am sure, something parents struggle with in the best of times, let alone during a pandemic when social opportunities are limited. Coming up with quick, little games to regain your child’s attention is a difficult task.

Have no fear!  Your camp team is here to help! During this current life of screen time for 8 hours each day during school, iPad playing time or movie watching doesn’t cut it any more. The kids want to run around and have fun! These quick go-to games and activities are what the camp world refers to as “back pocket games.” We are always prepared with a fun, quickly organized game or activity to pass the time and to redirect your child with little to no equipment or materials!

While you may think this is difficult to replicate in your home, playing games such as “The Floor is Lava!” or homemade obstacle courses could keep your children occupied, often for much longer than the intended few minutes. There are many  advantages to these kinds of movement-based games. One of the best things about these games is that they require the children to move and work their bodies and brains in ways they do not often get to during the school day. Focusing on an activity for a short period of time can be seen as “brain break” from their normal, everyday life. Taking these few moments to unwind and burn off some energy is something all children will benefit from, and helps them to refocus their brains for the next task ahead.

As I mentioned, a lot of these back pocket games require little to no equipment.  This allows for the children to develop their imaginations, explore, experiment and create new methods of doing things. For example, the game NINJA only uses your body parts. Players are asked to move and jump while pretending to be a ninja, trying to eliminate the other players –  and the only material required is yourself! One of my favorite at-home activities is Create your Own Obstacle Course. This activity has so much freedom and room for creativity. Objects around your home can make for an amazing game and family bonding activity. Find a laundry basket or two, a ball of socks, a broom and any other material you may want to use and set it up around your house. Find something to jump over, jump on, run around, weave through and make this a game for the entire household.

Whatever the game may be, make sure to carve out some fun family time as the days get colder and we are spending more time inside.  If you ever need ideas, feel free to ask!

Here is a list of some of our favorite “Back Pocket Games”!

At home Obstacle Course
The Floor is Lava!
Ninja
Mafia
Freeze Tag
Indian Chief
Red Light, Green Light
Bean Bag Toss
Simon Says
Rock Paper Scissors