Ducks in a Row

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Requirements

• Age 5+
• Players 3-30 (3 - 4 players per group; can play with many groups)
• Time 5-10 min rounds
• Energy Medium, Stalking/Walking
• Materials NONE
• Location Small clear area
• Lead by Pathfinder
• Guide 1

Story

A single duck needs to move their baby ducks across a wetland. In order to avoid being snatched by a predator, the ducks need to be well-trained in how to walk in a line and follow commands. Ducks often walk in a line, but this duck wants to make sure that their babies are perfect at.

Action Call

What's your level and ability to follow and share direction when your team needs you to?

Game

Safety

• Scout playing area for hazards: tripping objects, stinging insects, trash.

Mission

The Pathfinder is the lead duck. All other Trackers are baby ducks. The lead duck needs to move all her babies to the other side of a busy street. All the players get into a group of four people and line up with their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them. Call out "Ducks ready?" Players respond with a loud "Quack!" The teach these commands:

1. CHANGE The first person in line goes to the back. Yell “change” a few times so groups can practice.
2. SWITCH The second and third people in line should switch places. Yell “switch” a few times, then alternate between “change” and “switch” a few times.
3. ROTATE Everyone turns in place 180 degrees and faces the opposite direction.

Alternate between “change,” “switch,” and “rotate” a few times, giving the commands one at a time. Then speed up, giving groups of commands in rapid succession. Continue increasing the number of commands so participants have more to remember. Much hilarity and laughing shall ensue.

Modify

Self-guided team practice Give all the groups two minutes to practice on their own. Then resume giving long and complicated strings of commands.

Wipe-out Once the groups have gotten the hang of the first three commands, add a fourth possible command: WIPE-OUT, which means everyone must leave their group and find a new group.