-
Mini Olympics
Let the Games Begin: Mini Olympics Madness!
Get ready to run, toss, and tug your way to victory in this exciting Mini Olympics!
From Patrol challenges to friendly competition, this event is all about teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun. Who will take home the bragging rights? Let’s find out as we dive into the games!
Before you begin
- Don’t forget to make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely
- Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help if you’re short
on helpers - Keep water and snacks on hand to keep everyone energized.
- Have a first aid kit on-site for any minor injuries.
- Prepare backup activities in case a game finishes early.
What you will need
- Long rope
- Bocce ball set
(Or set of coloured balls) - A baton or stick
- Safety cones
Planning your Olympics
-
Choose a suitable date, allowing enough preparation time.
-
Pick a spacious, open area like a park, campground, or a large field.
-
Create a schedule for your Mini Olympics. Here is an example you can try, or come up with your own games:
-
Opening Ceremony (10 minutes): Welcome Scouts, explain the games, and establish sportsmanship rules.
-
Tug of War (15-20 minutes)
-
Bocce Game (20-30 minutes)
-
Relay Race (15-20 minutes)
-
Award Ceremony (10 minutes)
-
Mini Olympics game examples
Tug of War
Equipment Needed:
A sturdy rope long enough for both teams.
Setup:
Divide Scouts into two Patrols.
Mark the center of the field with a line using tape, chalk, or cones.
Ensure no loose clothing or jewellery.
Use gloves if necessary to prevent rope burns.
Rules:
Each Patrol pulls the rope, trying to drag the opposing team past the center line.
Best out of three rounds wins.
Bocce
Equipment Needed:
A bocce ball set (or any set of small, colored balls with a target ball).
Setup:
Create a 10x5 meter playing area.
Mark the boundaries with cones or chalk.
Provide a quick demonstration if Scouts are unfamiliar with bocce.
Rules:
Scouts take turns tossing their balls, aiming to get closest to the target ball (pallino).
Award points based on proximity to the pallino.
Play to a set score (e.g., 10 points) or for a fixed time.
Relay Race
Equipment Needed:
Batons, cones for marking the course.
Setup:
Set up a straight or circular course with cones.
Patrols line up at the starting line.
Add fun challenges like hopping on one leg, crawling, or balancing an item during their segment.
Rules:
Scouts pass the baton to their Patrol members in sequence.
Each Patrol member completes one lap or segment of the course.
The first Patrol to finish wins.
Running the Event
Scoring System
-
Assign points for each game:
-
Tug of War: 5 points for the winning team.
-
Bocce: 5 points for the team with the highest total score.
-
Relay Race: 5 points for the fastest team.
-
-
Bonus points can be awarded for exceptional teamwork or sportsmanship.
Leads
-
Appoint a Lead as referees for each game.
-
Ensure rules are followed and disputes are resolved fairly.
Award Ceremony
No material prizes are needed—bragging rights are the ultimate reward! Consider a symbolic item, like a small trophy or certificate, for the winning Patrol.
-
Gather Scouts for a brief speech about teamwork and sportsmanship.
-
Announce the scores and the winning Patrol.
-
Conclude with a group cheer or Scout shout-out.
Reflection
This activity was about being a team player and developing skills to try to beat the challenges together. In this activity you needed to work as a team.
-
How did you work together during each game?
-
How did you communicate?
-
Did you enjoy working as a Patrol during the games?
