I haven’t posted in awhile so I thought I better make this a good one.

I have been involved in our Diocesan summer camp now for about 14 years.  As a youth, a volunteer, and now the coordinator of the camp, this is always the favorite.

What You Need

This game only works with a larger group of people.  We have about 80-100 youth and about 30 counselors.  You could have less (or more), but would need to adjust a few things.  As I explain the game, keep in mind the numbers we had.

As far as supplies, your basic supplies would be:

  • Bandanas – 10 of two different colors (we use red and blue)
  • 10 Long Socks
  • Flour
  • Markers
  • Different Colored Yarn

Those are the basic supplies, but you will also need supplies for several stations.

How The Game Is Played

There are several stations that each of the youth must try to complete.  They get a string tied to their wrist every time they complete a station.  We would have 12 stations.  One person at a time can try to complete each station.  Each station can also form a line of up to three people waiting to do the station.  If you have 100 youth this would mean that about 1/2 of the youth are at a station and the other half are trying to find one that is available.

While all of that is going on, there are Bonkers (wearing red bandanas) running around trying to hit the youth with a sock filled with flour.  The youth working at the station and the three in line are safe.  Everyone else can be bonked. If you are bonked, the bonker will mark your arm with a marker and you are frozen until a medic (wearing blue bandanas) comes and saves you.  They will turn your mark in to a cross and you will be free to run again.

The game is played over a large field, with plenty of room to run around and is played for a set amount of time.

You count up points by adding all of the strings up and subtracting the number of bonks.

Other Helpful Hints

  • We had about 10 bonkers and about 8 medics each time we played.
  • Bonkers are not allowed to throw the sock at youth while they are running to get them.
  • Make the stations fun but not necessarily easy.
  • If possible have one person running the station and another tieing string on the the wrists of the youth.
  • Use a permanent marker so it is harder to wash off during the game.
  • Youth are only allowed to complete each station once.

What Types of Stations To Use?

Be creative with your stations.  They should take anywhere from 30 seconds-1 minute to complete.  We are making our most up-to-date list avaiable to all of of our paid members.  You can also get a copy of this list sent to your email if you post a link to this post from your own website.  Once you have done so, let us know where we can find it in the comment section below.

Members Only List of Bonkers Stations