Camouflage

Name and Purpose

Camouflage builds observation skills, patience, and an appreciation for how animals blend into their environment.
Players practise stillness, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Brief the group: one player starts as “It” and closes their eyes counting to 30 while others hide.
“It” scans from their spot (no walking) and calls out anyone they see.
“It” calls “Camouflage” and counts to 10. Everyone must move closer while finding a new hide.
Any player who sneaks close enough to tap “It” wins that round.
Last player found becomes “It” for the next round.

Setup and Boundaries

Define clear boundaries before play using flagging tape, rope, or agreed landmarks
Signal: 1 whistle = pause; 2 whistles = return to base
Do a quick hazard sweep: note uneven ground, low branches, exposed roots
Staff should be aware of any campers who may need a buddy or closer proximity to adults

How to Play

One player starts as “It” at a central tree or post.
“It” closes their eyes and counts aloud to 30. Everyone else runs and hides within the boundary.
“It” stands still (no steps allowed) and scans the area. Anyone “It” can see and name is called out.
If no one is found, “It” calls “Camouflage” and counts to 10. All remaining hiders must move to a new spot closer to “It”.
The first player to sneak up and tag “It” wins the round. The last player spotted becomes “It” for the next round.
Second Circle: called-out players join staff as spotters, helping “It” scan and earning points for correct sightings.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Hide, move between spots, attempt to tag “It”
S (Support): Play as a spotter assistant alongside “It”
Q (Quiet): Stay in one well-chosen hiding spot the whole round
O (Observer): Watch the round from a designated edge, count how many players stay hidden

Inclusion Adaptations

Buddy-pair option: players who prefer not to hide alone can pair up
Movement-limited players can take the “It” role or the spotter role rather than running and hiding

Stewardship Moment

Before hiding, remind players: stay on existing paths when possible; do not trample plants or disturb nests
After play: brief discussion on how real animals use camouflage and why habitat matters

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game has you hiding alone in the woods for short bursts. For those not comfortable hiding alone, the buddy-pair option and the spotter role are great ways to join in.”
Mid-game check: After round one, raise a hand if you want to stay in, give a thumbs-down if you want to switch roles
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step to the edge and join as a spotter at any time without explanation

Risks and Mitigation

Players moving quickly through woods: walk-pace rule when moving between hiding spots
Players going out of bounds: clear boundaries briefed before play, buddy check at each round
Insect exposure: apply repellent before play; staff aware of any sensitivities in the group

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Freeze Frame”: everyone walks around the space; on signal, freeze and try to blend into the nearest natural object
“Animal Pairs”: pair up and mime a camouflaged animal for 30 seconds

Debrief Questions

What? “What hiding spot worked best for you, and why?”
So What? “How do animals use the same idea of blending in to survive?”
Now What? “When in your life is it useful to be still and patient rather than rushing?”

Cleanup and Reset