40 Best Summer Camp Games for Kids

Summer is here, so it’s time to send the kids off to summer camp! Whether you’re a mom trying to find fun activities for your little ones or a camp counselor looking for new game ideas, this post has got you covered. We all know that one of the best parts of camp is the games!

They help create bonds between campers and make memories that will be cherished for years to come. But with so many games out there, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which ones are worth playing.

That’s where we come in!

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Benefits of Fun Summer Camps

Summer camps are a fantastic way for kids to make new friends, learn new skills, and have a whole lot of fun. These camps offer a range of activities that cater to different interests, such as sports, music, or art. The opportunity to learn new things in a supportive, nurturing environment can be hugely beneficial for children’s self-esteem and confidence.

Plus, spending time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine is always a good thing! Children can develop new hobbies, discover new passions, and gain new experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.

40 Of the Best Summer Camp Games

Get ready for an epic list of 40 summer camp games guaranteed to keep your kids entertained and engaged all season long. From classics like capture the flag and relay races to unique twists on traditional favorites, we’ve scoured the web and consulted with experienced counselors to bring you only the best of the best.

So go ahead and bookmark this page because these games are sure to become regulars at future summer camps! Lastly, remember to consider the age and abilities of the kids when planning these camp games and ensure they are safe and inclusive for everyone.

1. Freeze Tag

Freeze Tag is one of the most popular summer camp games! To play Freeze Tag, you first select one or two children to be the ‘taggers.’ The taggers’ goal is to ‘freeze’ every other player by touching them.

When a player is ‘frozen,’ they must stand still and can’t move. The other players can ‘unfreeze’ them by touching them as they run past. The game continues until all players are ‘frozen’ or a predetermined time limit is reached.

2. Flag Football

Flag Football is an exciting and safer version of traditional American football, perfect for summer camps where fun and safety are paramount. Each player wears a belt with 2-3 flags attached via Velcro. The game’s objective is to score points by moving the ball toward the opponent’s end zone.

However, instead of tackling each other, players attempt to pull one of the flags off the opponent who is carrying the ball. Once a flag is pulled, the play is dead, and the game continues from that point. The team with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner.

3. Blind Man’s Bluff

Blind Man’s Bluff is a classic camp game that has been around for centuries. To play, one player is blindfolded and must try to catch the other players. The blindfolded player can use their sense of hearing and touch to find and tag the others while they run around, trying to avoid being caught.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are always a hit at summer camps! Create a list of items for campers to find and divide them into teams. The first team to find all the items on their list wins. You can also make the scavenger hunt theme-based, such as nature items or camp-related objects.

This game is not only fun but also encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills.

5. Red Light Green Light

Red Light Green Light is a classic game that can be played anywhere with enough space for players to run around. One player is chosen to be the ‘traffic light,’ and they stand at one end, facing away from the other players. The other players stand on the opposite side of the playing area.

When the traffic light faces away, he or she shouts “Green Light!”, and all players can move towards them. When they turn around and say “Red Light,” all players must freeze. If a player is caught moving after the traffic light says “Red Light,” they are out of the game. The winner is the first player to reach and tag the traffic light.

6. Capture the Flag

Steal the Flag is a competitive and strategic game that requires teamwork and quick thinking. To play, divide campers into two teams, each with their own flag. The objective is to steal the other team’s flag and bring it back safely to your side without getting tagged by an opponent.

If a player gets tagged while on the opposite side of the playing field, they must sit out until their teammate rescues them by tagging them. The first team to successfully bring the other team’s flag to their side wins.

7. Giant Jenga

Who doesn’t love a game of Jenga? This classic game has been supersized, making it perfect for outdoor summer camp games. To play, stack the giant blocks in a tower and take turns removing one block at a time and placing it on top. The player who causes the tower to fall loses.

Giant Jenga is not only fun but also helps with hand-eye coordination, strategy, and patience.

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8. Blob Tag

Blob tag is an exciting twist on the traditional tag that can be played in large groups. One player starts as the ‘blob,’ and they must chase and tag the other players to turn them into part of the blob. As the blob grows, it becomes more challenging for players to avoid being caught.

The last player left untagged becomes the new blob in the next round.

9. Parachute Games

Parachute games are a great way to get everyone involved and work together as a group. You will need a large parachute and small balls or beanbags of different colors. Players hold onto the edge of the parachute and try to keep the balls on top by moving it up and down, creating waves.

You can also play games like ‘Cat and Mouse’ using the parachute, where one player is the cat and must try to catch the mouse (player) hiding under the parachute.

10. Olympic Games

Organize an Olympic-themed day at camp with a variety of fun and challenging games! From relay races and obstacle courses to water balloon tosses and three-legged races, there are endless possibilities for creating a memorable Olympic experience for campers.

11. Tug of War

Tug of War is a great game for the older kids and is usually a favorite of most kids. Divide campers into two teams, each holding onto one end of a rope. The goal is to pull the other team over their designated line.

This game requires teamwork, strategy, and strength, making it a fun and challenging activity for everyone involved. Grab your Tug of War rope here!

12. Water Balloon Toss

Cool off on a hot summer day with a water balloon toss! Players pair up and stand facing each other, with a designated distance between them. They start by tossing the balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch until someone drops the balloon.

The last team standing wins!

13. Dodgeball

This classic playground game never gets old! Divide campers into two teams on either side of the playing area and place a line of cones in the middle to create a divider.

Players throw soft balls at each other, trying to hit their opponents below the waist. If you get hit, you are out until your team catches one of the opponent’s throws, or they win the game.

14. Water Balloon Fight

Want to add a fun twist to the water balloon toss? Why not have a full-on water balloon fight? This is one of those group activities that everyone enjoys! Fill up a bunch of water balloons and let the fun begin.

You can add some extra excitement by playing in teams or creating different battle zones.

15. Treasure Hunt

Similar to scavenger hunts, treasure hunts involve finding hidden objects, but with a map or clues to guide campers along the way. Consider using a real map of your campsite or create a treasure map with clues that lead to the hidden treasure.

This game not only encourages teamwork and problem-solving but also allows campers to explore and appreciate nature.

16. Regular Volleyball

One of the best parts about summer camp is introducing kids to new sports. Regular volleyball is a fun and easy game that can be played on the grass or sand, making it perfect for summer camp.

Divide players into two teams and use a regular-sized ball to play. The goal is to hit the ball over the net without letting it touch the ground on your side of the court.

17. Duck, Duck, Goose

This simple game isn’t only a classic but also makes for a good indoor summer camp game. Players sit in a circle, and one player goes around tapping each person on the head, saying “duck” until they choose someone to be the “goose.”

The chosen goose then chases the tapper around the circle, trying to tag them before they reach their spot. If the goose doesn’t tag the tapper, they become the new goose. This makes for one of the best rainy-day games for a big group.

18. Musical Chairs

Another game that’s always a hit at summer camp is musical chairs. Set up chairs in a circle, one less than the number of players. Start the music and have players walk around the chairs until it stops. Then, everyone must quickly find a seat.

The player left without a chair is out, and one chair is taken away each round until there is only one player left, the winner!

19. Simon Says

Simon Says is a simple game that can be played anywhere, making it perfect for summer camp. One player is designated as “Simon” and gives commands to the other players, starting with “Simon says.”

If Simon does not say “Simon says,” any player who follows that command is out. The last player standing becomes the next Simon.

20. Talent Show

Encourage campers to show off their talents and creativity by hosting a talent show. From singing and dancing to magic tricks and skits, this is an excellent opportunity for campers to showcase their unique skills.

You can even have a panel of judges or allow the audience to vote for the best performance, making it a fun and interactive event for everyone involved.

21. Hide and Seek

A summer camp game that never gets old, hide and seek. One player is designated as “it” and counts while the other players hide. Once the counting is done, “it” must find and tag all the hidden players before they reach the home base.

The last player to be found becomes the new “it.” You can also play variations of this game, such as sardines and flashlight tag.

22. Kickball

Are you looking for a fun game that combines elements of baseball and soccer? Look no further than kickball! Set up a diamond-shaped field with bases and use a large, soft ball to play.

Players take turns kicking the ball and running the bases to score points for their team. This game is perfect for kids of all ages and can be played on almost any surface.

23. Board Games

Board games are a great way to keep campers entertained on rainy days or during downtime. Bring a variety of games for different age groups and interests, such as Monopoly, Jenga, Uno, and Scrabble.

You can also organize tournaments with prizes for the winners to add some friendly competition among campers.

24. Bubbles Bonanza

Provide bubble wands and let the kids create a sea of bubbles. This outdoor activity never fails to bring joy and excitement to kids of all ages. These simple tools can transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary day with vibrant bubbles floating through the air.

Grab some packs of bubbles, or make your own bubble solution and let the fun begin!

25. Four-Square

A classic playground game, four square is a fun and fast-paced game that can be played with as little as four people. Set up a large square divided into four smaller squares, and each player stands in one of the squares.

The goal is to hit the ball into another player’s square without it bouncing more than once in your own square. If you miss or hit the ball out of bounds, you’re out. The last player standing becomes the new king/queen of the square.

26. Charades

Charades is a classic game that can be played inside or outside and is perfect for large groups. Divide players into teams, and have each team take turns acting out words or phrases without using any words or sounds.

27. Sack Race

A traditional outdoor game, the sack race involves jumping from start to finish while inside a burlap sack. You can use actual sacks or large trash bags for this game.

Players must hop their way to the finish line without falling or stepping out of their sack. The first person to cross the line wins!

28. Three-Legged Race

The three-legged race is a game that involves pairs of players tying one leg together and racing to the finish line. Whatever team crosses the finish line first wins! This is a great team building exercise because you must work with your partner to cross the finish line.

29. Egg and Spoon Race

The egg and spoon race is one summer camp game that all the kids can play simultaneously. Each player balances an egg on a spoon and races to the finish line without dropping it.

If you drop your egg, you must start over at the beginning. The first person to cross the finish line with their egg still intact wins.

30. Obstacle Course

An obstacle course is a fun and challenging activity that can be set up indoors or outdoors. Use cones, hula hoops, ropes, and other items to create a course for campers to navigate through.

Time each camper individually and see who can complete the course the fastest. You can also set up teams and make it a relay race for some friendly competition.

31. Nature Walks

Summer camp is a great opportunity for kids to explore and appreciate nature. Take campers on nature walks where they can learn about different plants, animals, and ecosystems while also getting some exercise.

You can also organize scavenger hunts or teach them basic survival skills like building a shelter or identifying edible plants.

32. Limbo

Get your campers grooving with the classic game of limbo. Set up a long stick or pole, and have players take turns trying to go under it without touching it or falling.

After each round, lower the pole a little bit more until only one player can successfully make it under. Mix things up by adding music and colorful lights for some extra fun!

33. DIY Bird Feeders

Help kids create bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang them around the campsite and observe the visiting birds. Be sure to check out these fun DIY bird feeders!

34. Frisbee Golf

Frisbee golf is an enjoyable outdoor game that can be played with just a frisbee and some open space. Use trees, trash cans, or other objects as targets for players to throw their frisbees at.

The player who uses the least amount of throws to reach all the targets wins!

35. Hula Hoop Contest

Hula hooping is a fun and challenging activity that can be done individually or in groups. Set up a hula hoop contest and see who can keep the hoop going the longest without dropping it.

You can also have participants try to do tricks like spinning the hula hoop around their waist, arms, or legs. The person with the best skills wins!

36. Water Balloon Dodgeball

Combine two classic summer activities, dodgeball and water balloons, for an exciting game that will keep campers cool on hot days.

Just like regular dodgeball, players try to eliminate each other by hitting them with soft balls. But in this version, the balls are replaced with water balloons.

37. Balloon Pop Relay

Another fun activity involving balloons, the balloon pop relay, is a team game where players must race to pop their balloon by sitting on it or stomping on it.

Once their balloon is popped, they must run back and tag the next person in line. The first team to have all their balloons popped wins!

38. Freeze Dance

Who doesn’t love a good camp game that doesn’t take long to set up or play? Freeze dance is a perfect game for when you need a quick activity.

Play some music, and have campers dance around. When the music stops, everyone must freeze until the music starts again. Anyone caught moving during the freeze is out.

39. Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition

If you are ready for some friendly competition, break out the sidewalk chalk and create four teams among the kids. Give each team a set of chalk, and let them use their teamwork skills to decide what to draw.

After 20-25 minutes, have a panel of judges (could be counselors or even parents) vote on the best drawing and award a prize to the winning team.

40. Soccer

Soccer is a popular sport played all over the world and can be easily adapted for summer camp. All you need is a ball and two goals, and you’re ready to play!

Organize teams of players and have them compete in matches against each other throughout the camp session. It’s a great way to get kids active and teach them about teamwork and sportsmanship.

Fun Summer Camp Games for Kids – Summary

Summer camp is a great opportunity for kids to make new friends, learn new skills, and have fun outdoors. From traditional games like capture the flag and sack races to creative activities like nature walks and frisbee golf, there are endless options for summer camp games that will keep kids entertained and active.

These games promote teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship, whether individually or in teams. Get ready to have a blast at summer camp with these fun and exciting games! Let the games begin!

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