Painted Protector

Name and Purpose

Painted Protector is a cool-off team strategy game where players work together to shield their painted teammate while trying to splash the opponent’s.
Players practise teamwork, spatial awareness, and quick decision-making in a refreshing outdoor setting.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 10-16 | 12-40 players | 20-30 minutes | Large open grassy field or waterfront area with clear team zones

Materials

Washable watercolour face or body paint in 2 team colours (1-2 Protectors per team painted before the game)
Cups (1-2 per player) or small water squirters
Buckets of water (2-4 stations, one per team zone plus refills)
Cones for team zones and outer boundaries
Towels
Whistle

Quick-Run Card

Mark two team zones with cones. Each team paints 1-2 willing volunteers as their Painted Protector.
Distribute cups or squirters and place water buckets in each zone.
On the start signal, teams try to splash the opposing team’s Protector to wash their paint off.
Protecting players shield and intercept splashes meant for their Protector.
Whistle ends the round. Team with the most paint remaining on their Protector wins.

Setup and Boundaries

How to Play

Each team selects 1-2 volunteers to be Painted Protectors. Paint them in the team colour using washable watercolour paint. Only willing volunteers become Protectors.
The rest of the team are Shields. Shields carry cups or water squirters and refill from their team’s bucket.
On the start signal, Shields try to splash the opposing team’s Protector with water. Protectors dodge. Shields also block incoming splashes with their bodies or cups.
Protectors stay within the play field. Shields move freely in their own zone.
Round ends on the whistle after 5-7 minutes. Staff count the remaining paint on each Protector. Most paint remaining wins that round.
Rotate who is the Protector between rounds so everyone gets a chance.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Play as Shield with a cup or squirter. Full movement, splashing, intercepting.
S (Support): Manage the water bucket refill station. Ensure your team always has water.
Q (Quiet): Play as Protector. Focused on dodging rather than splashing.
O (Observer): Help judge paint levels at the end of each round. Keep the score.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to be splashed can take the bucket-fill or scorekeeper role. They are still part of the team and their contribution matters.
Water squirters allow for distance play for players who prefer less direct contact.

Stewardship Moment

Washable watercolour paint is water-soluble and safe for the environment. Remind players that we choose materials that rinse away cleanly.
After play, gather and rinse all cups and water containers for reuse.

Consent

Pre-brief: ‘In this game, willing players can volunteer to be painted as Protectors. Only players who want to be painted take that role. For those not comfortable with being splashed directly, Shield support and bucket-fill roles are just as valuable to your team.’
Painting consent: Paint is only applied to willing volunteers. Staff confirm verbally: ‘Would you like to be the Painted Protector?’
Mid-game check: After the first round, quick check-in with the group before starting round 2.
Opt-out: Any player can step to the sideline at any time. Re-enter at the start of the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Paint not washing off easily: Use only confirmed washable watercolour paint tested on skin before play.
Slipping on wet grass: Walk quickly. No running dives or slides.
Squirter aimed at face: Reinforce aim-below-shoulders rule in the pre-brief.
Sun exposure during outdoor play: Schedule during cooler hours or ensure shaded rest areas.

Warm-Up Suggestions

‘Splash Warm-Up’: Each player fills their cup and practises a gentle pour into a bucket from 1 metre away. Gets the arm motion and range comfortable.
‘Team Handshake’: Teams invent a 5-second team handshake before play begins.

Debrief Questions

What? ‘What did your team do to protect your Painted Protector?’
So What? ‘When did your strategy have to change during the game?’
Now What? ‘Where in your daily life do you look out for someone else on your team?’

Cleanup and Reset