Leaders' Rescue - Ultimate Camp Resource

Name and Purpose

Leaders’ Rescue is a high-energy messy game built around sliding, laughing, and cooperative pulling.
Volunteer leaders are the object; teams practise coordination and celebrate their staff.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 16-60 players | 20-30 minutes | Large open grassy area with access to a hose and a minimum 9m x 9m flat surface

Materials

Large plastic tarp or sheeting, minimum 9m x 9m (reused across seasons; store flat after drying)
Liquid dish soap (a few large squirts; use sparingly)
Hose and water
Old clothes for volunteer leaders (pre-cleared to get soaked and soapy)
4 cones for team lines
Towels for leaders post-game
Whistle for signals
First aid kit within reach of staff

Quick-Run Card

Wet and lightly soap the tarp. Two volunteer leaders lie or sit in the centre.
Divide players into two teams on opposite lines, 5m back from the tarp edge.
Number each team. Call one or two numbers per round.
Called players step onto the tarp and try to slide or gently pull their leader toward their team line.
First team to get their leader to touch their line wins the round. Reset and repeat.

Setup and Boundaries

Lay the tarp flat on grass; avoid concrete or hard surfaces
Wet the tarp lightly with the hose and add a small amount of dish soap
Mark two team lines with cones, at least 5m back from each edge of the tarp
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 whistles = all players step off the tarp immediately
Staff member positioned at each end of the tarp to monitor
First aid kit within reach; staff aware of location

How to Play

Two volunteer leaders (staff or older teen volunteers who have enthusiastically agreed) lie or sit in the centre of the wet, soapy tarp.
Divide players into two teams on opposite lines. Number each team.
The leader calls one or two numbers. Those players step onto the tarp.
Players try to slide or gently pull their team’s leader toward their line. Players may not pull on clothing or body parts; they may hold hands or wrists only with the leader’s consent.
The first team to get their leader fully across their team line wins the round.
Leaders return to the centre; new numbers are called.
Rotate volunteer leaders each round if multiple leaders are available.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Enter the tarp and participate in pulling when your number is called
S (Support): Stay on the team line and cheer; give strategic advice to teammates on the tarp
Q (Quiet): Participate at a gentler level; hold the leader’s hand calmly rather than pulling hard
O (Observer): Track rounds and scores from the sideline; share a highlight moment at debrief

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to go on the wet tarp may serve as team strategists and round scorekeepers
Leaders can adjust their level of resistance to match the strength and comfort of the players in each round

Stewardship Moment

Rinse and dry the tarp after play; store flat for reuse in future seasons
Use only a small amount of dish soap; avoid over-soaping, which wastes product and makes cleanup harder
Reflection: “The tarp and soap will be here for years of future games. How do we take care of shared gear?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves stepping onto a wet, soapy surface and gently helping pull a leader to your side. For those not comfortable with slippery surfaces or physical contact, the team strategist role is another great option.”
Volunteer leaders must enthusiastically opt in before every session; no leader participates without clearly saying yes.
Mid-game check: After 2-3 rounds, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone feeling?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Players and leaders may step off the tarp at any time by raising both hands. Re-enter at the start of the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Slipping and falling on the tarp: remind players to move slowly and deliberately; no running onto the tarp
Pulling on clothing or limbs: clarify before play that hand or wrist holds only; model this during setup
Leaders feeling uncomfortable mid-game: leaders may call “Reset!” at any time and step off; this is built into the structure
Soap in eyes or mouth: keep water nearby; towels available; remind players not to put their face on the soapy surface

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Sock Slide”: players slide on grass in socks (or shoes on wet grass) for 30 seconds before touching the tarp
“Trust Pull”: pairs hold wrists and lean back gently, practising the grip used on the tarp

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened on the tarp that surprised you? What did your team do well?”
So What? “How did you coordinate with your teammate when you were both on the slippery surface?”
Now What? “When do you need to stay calm and work together in messy or unpredictable situations?”

Cleanup and Reset

Leaders’ Rescue