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Summer is here so let the fun begin! Many kids find themselves with a lot of free time during this extended break from school. Summer is the perfect time to start a new project, read some new books and have some fun with friends outside in the sunshine. Instead of spending time in front of the television or the video game machine, try having some fun outdoors with your friends. In last week’s edition of the Tribune there were a couple of great ideas for some fun outdoor games. Here are a few more outdoor games for you to try…have fun and good luck!

Four Square This game requires four people to play. The game is played in four squares that all connect forming one larger square. Each square should be roughly 6×6 feet in size. You can designate the squares with anything, but if you need to draw the squares- chalk works best and it can easily be erased. This game requires one large ball that can easily bounce (a rubber kickball works best). Each player occupies one square. Each square also has a rank order from #1-4. The #1 square player begins the game.

The game is played by each person letting the ball bounce once in their square and then bouncing it into another player’s square. Play continues until

1. A player hits the ball outside another player’s square
2. A player hits the ball before it bounces once in their square
3. A player allows the ball to bounce twice in their square

The player that loses the round must go to the lowest ranking square (#4 square). All of the other players then move up in order to the higher squares.

Tag Most people know the rules of the simple game of tag. One person is the “it” person and must run around and try to touch the other players. Once someone is tagged, they become the new “it” person. The game continues until everyone is tagged or everyone is just simply too tired. But try these fun variations of the game of tag.

Freeze Tag In this version, when the person is tagged, they must freeze with their feet apart. They can become unfrozen by another free player going under the legs of the frozen player. Play continues until everyone is frozen. The last person that is tagged becomes the next “it” person.

TV Tag In this version, when the person is tagged, they must freeze in place. They can become unfrozen by another free player touching them while yelling the name of a television show- like “Seasame Street”. Each television show can only be named once. Play continues until everyone is frozen. The last person that is tagged becomes the next “it” person.