The Top 12 Summer Camp Games We Need to See in the next Olympics
From a camp twist on dodgeball to a camp classic like tug-o-war, here is our picks for summer camp games we need to see in the next Olympics.
Mike Haycock
All the sports on the T.V. this summer got us thinking; what summer camp games should make it into a sports hall of fame, or even the Olympics?
When watching, we realised how much our global athletic events are similar to all the crazy summer camp activities we take part in at summer camp in America.
From Color War and Camp Olympics (which are massive summer camp events) to fun games to keep the campers busy on a rainy day, summer camp games have become iconic parts of all staff’s summers.
These epic summer traditions unite individuals, cultures and customs worldwide, bringing fun and friendship in often silly, over-the-top ways.
But, despite some of the craziness, we think a few events would knock it out of the park in the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.
Without further ado, check out our top 12 summer camp games we’d love to see camp staff competing in at the next Olympics.
1. The Ultimate Spaghetti Scavenger Hunt
The ultimate spaghetti scavenger hunt is as it sounds; saucy, sensational, and absolutely bonkers.
‘Athletes’ select their ‘treasure’ (i.e. gummy bears, skittles or anything colourful and sweet) and then throw them through a bowl of, yep, you guessed it, traditional spaghetti bolognese.
Two teams square off, with athletes competing in a series of heats and eliminations. All hands are tied behind their backs, and they watch to see who can collect all of their treasure first and fastest...using their mouth only.
Chaos.
A commentator and photographer's dream.
2. The Classic Tug-O-War
Once upon a time, this was, in fact, a real competitive Olympic sport.
It was a staple of the games between 1900-1920 before being removed to make way for more modern sports.
This happened to be at the same time as the removal of ‘the swimming obstacle course’, which would have easily been another one of the summer camp games.
We’re pretty sure that it's ready for a comeback too. This sport is a winner. Done on land or in a canoe featured in an Olympic-sized pool, we’re cool either way.
Athletes flying through an obstacle course on water, the pinnacle of sport.
3. Frozen TShirt Race
This is a complimentary mix of aquatics and endurance, so it could be in athletics or watersports.
Frozen T-Shirt racing athletes will be provided with 5 T-shirts that have been drenched and frozen for 3-5 days. They will race fellow individual athletes in dressing themselves consecutively in all 5 t-shirts, one on top of the other.
The first person to have all 5 t-shirts on, wins. It’s more complicated than it looks.
However, it is sure to have you channelling a bit of Gogglebox from your lounge room whilst watching.
4. Speedy S'Mores
How hungry are you to win gold? We’re always hungry for s’mores.
It’s not always about speed and endurance, but most of the time, it is…and this one is.
The ‘Speedy S’mores Olympic committee hosts will place a tray of delicious marshmallow graham cracker roasted delights before each athlete. S’mores athletes will be given 5 minutes to race, see who can down, indulge in the most mouthwatering mouthfuls, and be crowned the golden s’more title.
Just don’t try to eat that gold medal too.
5. Blob Parachuting
This event is guaranteed to sell out moments after tickets are released; we’re sure of it.
It’s about time the blob was incorporated into a worldwide competitive league. One athlete will sit on the end of a water-based inflatable parachute whilst the other launches from a platform onto the other end, propelling the initial athlete into the air.
How high can you go? The highest launch gets gold.
It’s a summer camp classic.
6. Glow in the dark bowling
Because in any great Olympics Games, featured evening events always brighten the night.
We think a competitive game of glow-in-the-dark bowling fits the vibrant culture of the Games perfectly. Grab your bowling balls, bottles, a whole bunch of glow sticks and let’s get rolling.
Flick on some tunes for the athletes, and we’ve got a showstopper.
This will certainly put a spin on your traditional, typical bowling and/or lawn bowls, but we’re sure this will be a true crowd-pleaser.
7. Giant Jenga
Think outside the blocks on this one; it’s a truly skilled, mind-over-matter challenge.
The strategy is to keep yourself cool, calm, and collected and, most importantly, your Jenga tower tall and strong.
One wrong decision can make or break, so it’s full of ‘Don’t look away’ entertainment.
Just watch out for your competition on this one, as they may try to trip you up at any time…
8. Rock Climbing Treasure Hunt
This might be a newly featured event you haven’t heard of or tried before here at home, but you’ll love it.
Rock climbing treasure hunters will stand before a climbing wall filled with treasures and skill difficulty levels. Athletes will be challenged to reach the top, collecting treasures and incentives behind the gribs.
Think of a classic game of snakes and ladders. You may find a treasure giving you a time reward or one that sets you back a 5-meter drop. You’ll see who can get the best time to the top.
Rock climbing is a huge part of summer camp, so making summer camp games from this camp favourite always happens.
9. Carved with Clay
Get sculpting a masterpiece.
Athletes will have 15 minutes to replicate a desirable mould/feature (for example, an ‘Eagle’) using only clay and select tools, which can be any of which the judges decide on the day. Let the 15 minutes unfold and see who can come up with the best. Be entertained by the not so flash.
We feel this will get a lot of love on social media channels.
10. Jelly-filled balloon dodgeball
We only have one thing to say; how is this not an Olympic sport already?
Dodgeball has been a playground and P.E. class favourite for years worldwide. Still, the twist of jelly-filled water balloons makes it that interesting.
It’s time to channel your inner Billy Madison, Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller. Add a little Zoolander, a great costume, and get ready for the top of the podium.
11. Pillow Fight
Much like the traditional tug of war, we’re pretty sure pillow fights have been happening worldwide for centuries, some a little more plush than others.
The two-handed ‘whack the hammer’ is the typical winning move and follows the rules similar to martial arts countdowns and tries.
12. Colour Wars
Last but not least, our # 1 favourite of all summer camp games. Let’s be honest; it wouldn’t be a true summer spectacular without a competitive colour war.
You’ve probably seen the colour run snaps streaming through social media (or have taken part in one yourself). The entire camp comes together in a crazy day (or days) of paint, energy, and life-long memories.
A feel-good event, no matter how you finish; it’s good just to be involved....and that’s the central part of the Olympic/camp spirit.
All you need to do now is enjoy the ride and expect the unexpected at camp….in a really good way. This is just a taste of what you’re in for.
So, we’ll be lobbying the Olympic Committee to include the likes of ‘Spaghetti Scavenger Hunt or ‘Giant Jenga’ in the next Games. But, in the (un)likely event they decline, you’ll have to come to experience it at summer camp in America instead.
