Counsellor Splash Run

Name and Purpose

Counsellor Splash Run is a celebratory end-of-camp water activity where campers get to cheer and splash the people who looked after them all session.
It builds community, acknowledges the counsellor-camper bond, and gives everyone a memorable send-off.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Teens 13-17 as throwers | Staff 18-25 as runners | 20-60 players total | 20-30 minutes | Large open grassy field with a 15-metre running lane

Materials

Pre-filled water balloons (2 per participating camper) or sponges with water buckets as a lower-waste alternative
Cones for lane boundaries (6-8 cones)
Bin or bag for balloon pieces
Towels
Whistle

Quick-Run Card

Mark a 15-metre lane with cones. Two camper lines face each other along the sides.
Each camper holds 2 balloons or 1 sponge.
Counsellors run the lane one at a time while campers cheer and splash.
After all counsellors run, collect all balloon pieces before moving on.
Optional: counsellors get a round of sponge-throwing toward campers if the group wants to swap roles.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark a clear 15-metre lane with at least 1 metre buffer on each side for campers
Signal: 1 whistle = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather
Brief campers on aim: throw toward the body, not the face or head
Check ground of the running lane for uneven surfaces or hazards

How to Play

Campers line up in two rows on either side of the lane, facing each other.
Staff place 2 pre-filled water balloons or 1 sponge in each camper’s hands.
One counsellor at a time runs the length of the lane while campers splash them with enthusiasm.
Campers cheer and call the counsellor’s name as they run.
After each run: any balloon pieces on the ground are picked up before the next runner goes.
Once all counsellors have run, check in with the group. If energy and supplies remain, offer a brief swap where counsellors line up and campers run. This is optional and only if campers want to.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Stand in the throwing line and splash with full energy
S (Support): Lead cheers and shout encouragement for each counsellor running
Q (Quiet): Stand at the far end of the lane and hold the finish-line moment: high-five each counsellor as they finish
O (Observer): Help track whose turn it is, or manage the balloon supply bucket

Inclusion Adaptations

Sponges are available as an alternative to balloons for players who prefer not to handle inflated balloons or want a softer throw
Players with limited arm mobility can participate from a seated position in the line or take the finish-line role

Stewardship Moment

Sponges are the preferred option where possible. They produce zero litter, can be rinsed and reused, and are gentler on the ground.
If balloons are used: every piece is collected before the activity is complete. Assign two cleanup crew members per round.

Consent

Pre-brief to campers: ‘In this activity you will throw water balloons or sponges at your counsellors as they run the lane. Aim for the body, not the face or head. For those not comfortable throwing, there are cheering and finish-line roles that are just as important to the moment.’
Pre-brief to counsellors: confirm each counsellor is willing to run before they go. No one is pushed in.
Mid-game check: After half the counsellors have run, quick energy check with the group.
Opt-out: Any player can swap to an observer or cheering role at any time.

Risks and Mitigation

Balloon piece litter ingested by animals: strict immediate cleanup after every throw. Assign cleanup role before play starts.
Face or head contact: clear aim rule in pre-brief. Staff monitor during play.
Counsellors slipping on wet ground: running pace is a jog, not a sprint. Check lane surface before play.
Zealous throwing at younger groups: original notes the original group was teenagers. With younger campers, step throwers back an extra pace and use sponges only.

Warm-Up Suggestions

‘Cheer Practise’: group practises calling each counsellor’s name loudly together once before play starts. Gets energy up and sets the celebratory tone.
Test throw: each camper does one gentle practice throw into a bucket before the lane opens.

Debrief Questions

What? ‘What was it like to splash your counsellors?’
So What? ‘What does this kind of playful moment do for your connection with the people who care for you?’
Now What? ‘How do you celebrate the people in your life who show up for you?’

Cleanup and Reset