The Badge Archive

Games – Crows, Cranes, and Crabs

Items Needed

  • Tape or chairs to mark a center line and walls

Instructions

  1. Line up all Scouts in the center of the room, marking the center line with tape or chairs.
  2. Split the Scouts into two teams: one team is the “Crows,” and the other is the “Cranes.”
  3. Each team forms a shoulder-to-shoulder line, facing the opposing team a few feet apart at the center line.
  4. When the adult volunteer yells “CROWS!”:
    • The Crows run to tag the wall behind them while the Cranes chase them.
    • Any Crow that is tagged joins the Cranes for the next round.
  5. When the adult volunteer yells “CRANES!”:
    • The Cranes run to tag their wall while the Crows chase them.
    • Any Crane that is tagged joins the Crows for the next round.
  6. When the adult volunteer yells “CRABS!”:
    • Everyone must freeze.
    • Any Scout who moves is transferred to the opposing team.
  7. The game continues until all Scouts are on the same team and either the Crows or Cranes are “extinct.”

Simplified Variation – Crows and Cranes

  1. Split the players into two equal teams. Assign one team to be “Crows” and the other to be “Cranes.” Have the teams line up shoulder-to-shoulder, standing about 3–5 feet back from the dividing line, and facing the opposing team.
  2. The leader stands at one end of the line, equidistant from both teams, so all players can see and hear clearly.
  3. Explain the Rules:
    • The leader will call out either “Crows!” or “Cranes!” If “Crows” are called, the Cranes must immediately turn and run toward their designated base while the Crows chase after them, trying to tag as many Cranes as possible before they reach safety. Tagged Cranes join the Crows’ team and switch sides.
    • The same applies if “Cranes” are called—Crows must flee to their base while Cranes chase and tag.
    • If the leader begins calling out “Crrr…” but doesn’t finish, players must hold their positions and wait to hear the complete call. This adds an element of suspense and keeps everyone alert.
  4. Continue the game, alternating calls between “Crows” and “Cranes.” Play until one team has successfully tagged all the players from the other side, or for a set amount of time.

Variations

  • Timed Rounds: Limit each round to 1–2 minutes and see which team can tag the most players within the time frame.
  • Mixed Call Outs: Throw in unrelated words (e.g., “Croak” or “Cream”) to keep players on their toes, making the game more challenging.
  • Reverse Roles: Add a twist where tagged players return to their original team after tagging someone else, keeping the teams dynamic.

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References:

Tia Kennard