How to Play Capture the Flag in the Woods

Have you ever been at a campout with a bunch of friends and found yourself looking for something new and exciting to do? Are you a fan of games full of adventure, stealth and strategy? Then Capture the Flag is for you! It's perfect for young and old, outdoors experts and beginners alike. This article will explain how to play it.

Things You'll Need

• Two flags (can be as simple as two plastic bags)
• 6 or more players
• Running shoes
• Old clothes (preferably dark or nature colors)
• Flashlights (optional)
• Gloves (optional)
• Black face paint (optional)

Instructions

Playing Capture the Flag

1. The objective of Capture the Flag is to capture the other team’s “flag” and safely return it to your area. The first team to do this wins. In order to safely return to your area, you must not be tagged by any of the opposing team's players.

2. Set up each team with an even number of players. Try to make each team's players evenly matched according to skills and abilities. Pick team captains and have them choose one player at a time. This will help to keep the teams evenly matched.

3. Determine what area of the woods your game will be played. Make sure each player understands the game's perimeters. Evenly divide the game-playing area between both teams and set up a no-man's-land between them. Both team captains need to agree on what time the game will begin and when it will end if neither flag is found. Give the players at least 10 to 15 minutes to set up for the game.

4. Each team should then discuss strategy. This includes where the flag should be hidden, the location of the jail and splitting the team into offensive and defensive units (and discussing the respective strategies there). Hide the flag in a spot where it can be clearly seen from at least three directions, and keep it within reach of the shortest player. Set up the location of the jail and where the players will be at the start of the game. There should be at least one jail guard. Have the players quietly move into position.

5. Begin the game with a signal or by team captains both calling out: "Ready." Offensive players must sneak across to the other team's area of the woods and search for their flag while attempting to remain hidden from the other team. Defensive players must spread out in hopes of tagging the opposing team's players as they cross into their area.

6. In order to capture an opponent, the player must simply tag a member of the other team. Once tagged, the player cannot run away and must go with their captor to the team's jail. Once in jail, the only means of escape is by either being tagged by a free player on their team or by the team captains agreeing to a prisoner swap.

7. A player must call out that they have safely retrieved the opposing team's flag once they make it back to their own side. Once a player has successfully done this, the game has ended and the winning team is determined.