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Grumpy policemen

Use speed and agility to play a unique version of duck duck goose.

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You’ll need

  • Handkerchief or tissue
  1. The person leading the activity should tell everyone that they’ll be playing a different version of ‘duck duck goose’.
  2. The person leading the activity should choose someone to be the grumpy policeman.
  3. Everyone should sit in a circle with their hands behind their backs, palms facing upwards.
  4. The grumpy policeman should walk around the circle with a handkerchief and drop it into the hands of someone at random.
  1. Once the grumpy policeman drops the handkerchief in someone’s hands and they notice, that person should chase the grumpy policeman around the circle. The grumpy policeman should try to get back to the empty space without being caught. If the person catches the grumpy policeman, they become the grumpy policeman.
  2. Continue until everyone has been given the handkerchief and has tried catching the grumpy policeman.

Reflection

Everyone had to be quick and active to catch the grumpy policeman. How did they feel after running? Everyone probably felt out of breath or tired because their hearts were beating faster to pump blood around their bodies. Was it easy to catch the grumpy policeman? As well as being active, everyone had to concentrate and be patient in order to catch them, so the game required a lot of skill.

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

Active games

The game area should be free of hazards. Explain the rules of the game clearly and have a clear way to communicate that the game must stop when needed. Take a look at our guidance on running active games safely.

Contact games and activities

Make sure everyone understands what contact is acceptable, and monitor contact throughout the activity.

To make it easier and speed the game up, have two people dropping handkerchiefs.

Pair people up if you think there’s anyone would benefit from the support.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Beavers My World Challenge Award

You can also play this game outdoors and use natural items like leaves, twigs or flowers instead of the handkerchief.