Tree Tag

Name and Purpose

Tree Tag uses the natural environment as part of the game, making every tree a safe haven.
Players practise awareness, timing, and reading others’ movement.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-25 players | 10-20 minutes | Outdoor area with at least 6-8 accessible trees within a defined boundary

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Mark the play area; count the trees within it (aim for at least 6-8).
One or two players start as “It” and wear vests.
Free players are safe only while touching a tree. One player per tree at a time.
“It” tags players who are between trees.
Tagged player and “It” swap roles. Counsellor rotates “It” every 3-4 minutes.

Setup and Boundaries

Walk the area with the group before play to identify all trees within bounds
Set clear boundary cones; out-of-bounds ends safety (stepping out does not mean safe)
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather
Check for exposed roots, low branches, slippery bark, or bee activity before play

How to Play

One or two players start as “It” and wear coloured vests.
All other players are free runners.
Free players are safe from being tagged as long as they are touching a tree. Only one player may be safe at each tree.
If a second player arrives at an occupied tree, the first player must move to a new tree.
“It” tags free runners who are not touching a tree. Tagged player takes the vest and becomes “It.” The previous “It” becomes a free runner.
Counsellor rotates “It” roles every 3-4 minutes so no single player is “It” for the whole game.
Players who would like a break step to a designated rest spot (a cone outside the play area). They re-enter by calling “In!” to the counsellor.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Sprint between trees and challenge “It” to chase
S (Support): Warn teammates when “It” is close; help a slower player get to a safe tree
Q (Quiet): Move between trees at a walk; use timing and patience rather than speed
O (Observer): Watch from the rest spot, map out which trees are free, join the next round

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who cannot run walk the full game; counsellor can assign a larger personal safe zone (a circle of cones around a tree) for players who need it
Players with visual impairments can be paired with a sighted buddy who provides verbal cues (“tree to your left, three steps”)

Stewardship Moment

Remind players to touch trees gently (no pulling branches or digging into bark)
After the game: “These trees are home to birds and insects. What did you notice about the trees while you were playing?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves running and light shoulder-touch tagging. For those not comfortable with physical contact, there is a flag version: “It” pulls a bandana from a player’s pocket instead of touching.”
Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone feeling?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step to the rest cone at any time. Call “In!” to rejoin.

Risks and Mitigation

Tripping on exposed roots: walk the space before play and point out any roots; slow down near trees
Running into a tree: remind players to slow down as they approach; trees are for touching, not crashing into
Bee or wasp activity near tree bark: scan before play; if found, exclude that tree from the game
Sun exposure: play in shaded tree areas where possible; have water accessible

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Tree Counting Walk”: players walk the area and count the trees aloud together
“Touch and Freeze”: players walk to a tree, touch it, and freeze for 3 seconds before moving on; builds tree-awareness

Debrief Questions

What? “Which tree did you use most? Why?”
So What? “What strategy helped you stay safe the longest?”
Now What? “What is something in your daily life you can use as a safe base when things feel overwhelming?”

Cleanup and Reset