Stamp Rally

Name and Purpose

Stamp Rally is a whole-camp movement game that builds strategy, persistence, and teamwork.
Players practise reading space, making decisions under pressure, and supporting teammates.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 20-60 players | 20-35 minutes | Large outdoor camp area with two safe zones at least 30m apart

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Mark two safe zones with cones at either end of the play area.
Assign Stampers (staff or volunteers) to each safe zone and give Chasers a crayon and a coloured pinnie.
Runners start at one safe zone with a paper pad.
On the signal, Runners cross the open field toward the far safe zone.
Chasers tag Runners in the open field; a tag costs one stamp mark. Stampers at each safe zone add a tally for every Runner who arrives safely.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark two safe zones (at least 5m deep) with cones at either end of the play area
The open field between zones is the active play area
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause and freeze; 2 whistles = gather at centre
Runners may not hide inside safe zones; they must make a crossing attempt within 30 seconds of the signal
Check terrain for uneven ground, tree roots, or wet patches before play

How to Play

Assign roles: Stampers (2-3 per safe zone, ideally staff), Chasers (10-16 players wearing pinnies), and Runners (remaining players).
Stampers stand at their safe zone with a crayon. Runners each carry a paper pad. Chasers spread across the open field.
On the leader’s signal, Runners leave their starting safe zone and try to reach the far safe zone without being tagged.
If a Chaser tags a Runner in the open field, the Chaser makes one crayon mark on the Runner’s paper (crossing off one earned stamp) and the Runner returns to their starting safe zone to try again.
If a Runner reaches the far safe zone, the Stamper there makes a stamp tally on their paper.
After 5-7 minutes, rotate roles so everyone gets a turn as Runner, Chaser, and Stamper.
At the end of the game, the Runner with the most stamps on their paper is celebrated. A team goal (total stamps across the group) can be set for a cooperative win condition.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Run as a full-speed Runner or active Chaser
S (Support): Serve as a Stamper at a safe zone; track tallies and cheer Runners in
Q (Quiet): Walk across the field as a Runner; still earns full stamps upon arrival
O (Observer): Track overall group stamp counts from the sideline; share the total at debrief

Inclusion Adaptations

Runners using mobility aids travel between safe zones at their own pace; Chasers must tag with a gentle shoulder touch only
A “free crossing” pass can be given once per round to any Runner who requests one, allowing them to cross without Chaser involvement

Stewardship Moment

After the game, collect all paper pads and crayons for reuse in future rounds or other activities
Reflection: “How did you decide when it was safe to run? What did you notice about how you used the space?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves running between zones while others try to tag you gently. For those not comfortable with being chased or tagged, the Stamper role at the safe zone is another great option.”
Mid-game check: After the first role rotation, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone doing?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Players may step to a safe zone and raise both hands to pause. Re-enter as a Runner or Stamper at the next round start.

Risks and Mitigation

Rough tagging by Chasers: clarify before play that tags are gentle shoulder touches only; Chasers do not grab clothing or pull
Runners bumping into each other in the open field: encourage spreading out and remind players to watch where they are going
Players losing all stamps and feeling discouraged: reframe the paper as a game record, not a score of worth; celebrate attempts as well as arrivals

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Zone Walk”: players walk the full length of the play area from safe zone to safe zone so they know the space
“Tag Practise”: Chasers and Runners practise a gentle shoulder touch in pairs before the game starts

Debrief Questions

What? “How many stamps did your group collect in total? What strategy helped you earn more?”
So What? “What made some crossings easier than others? How did working with teammates change things?”
Now What? “When do you need a strategy and a bit of courage to get from one place to another in real life?”

Cleanup and Reset