[Elementary School] Games and Recreational Activities to Enjoy at a Forest School Camp

Nostalgic finger guessing game!

A game whose name changes depending on the region: Yubi-suma (Thumbs Up).

It’s said that there are many region-specific calls besides Yubi-suma, too.

The rules are: make fists with both hands and hold them out in front.

Decide the order, and when it’s your turn, say a call like “Yubi-suma, one!” or “Issē no, two!” All players then raise the thumb(s) from one or both fists.

If the number of thumbs raised matches the number you called, you can pull back one of your hands.

The first person to pull back both hands wins.

In some regions, there’s even a rule that allows choosing not to raise any thumbs.

It might only be a brief moment, but waiting to see how many thumbs go up is a real nail-biter.

It’s a simple game, but kids really get into it.

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Nakajima Junko

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Without Katakana

Simple and fun! A class-energizing activity: “Katakana-less”

In everyday life, we often use words written in katakana.

Here, we’d like to introduce “Katakana-ashi,” a game where you explain a given topic without using katakana.

For example, you show a ball used in P.E.

and ask, “What is this?” The answer will likely be “ball.” Next, have them describe the ball without using any katakana.

Children will likely search for answers by thinking of various words in their heads.

Try switching the roles of questioner and answerer and give it a go.

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Nakajima Junko

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A command game popular with both children and adults

[Encore Galore!] Command the class with the teacher’s rec game! A hugely popular “command game” for kids

It’s a fast-paced game that tests your listening skills and split-second decision-making.

The rules are very clear: if someone says, “Order: do XX,” you perform the action; but if they say only “Do XX” without the word “Order,” you must not move.

If you react by mistake, you’re out, so observation and concentration are essential.

The teacher’s feints will spark laughter across the classroom, creating a fun atmosphere.

Despite the simple rules, there’s a lot of strategy in the rhythm and timing, and it stays exciting no matter how many times you play.

Move or stay still—the instant you decide determines the winner.

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mutō

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Yamanote Line game

[Showdown] We tried the Yamanote Line Game! A YouTuber sets the topic and Mr./Ms. ___...!?

The Yamanote Line Game is a simple game where players take turns saying words that match a given theme, and its appeal lies in how easy it is because it only uses words.

You really have to picture the theme and pull words from memory, so it tests each person’s thinking skills.

To keep a single round going for longer, it’s best to choose themes with lots of possible answers; to enjoy a variety of rounds, pick themes with limited options.

Coming up with strategies—like saying words early that others are likely to use—can make the game even more exciting.

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kappamaki

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9-square tag

[SixTONES] '9-Square Tag'—You Can’t Go Wrong with the Blue Tracksuit!!

Nine-Square Tag is a quirky twist on tag played in an area divided into nine squares.

At a cue, everyone on the grid moves one square at the same time.

If the chaser (“it”) lands in the same square as someone else, that person is out.

If the chaser can’t catch anyone within ten turns, they lose.

It’s perfect for camps or indoor gatherings because it works even in small spaces.

Kids and adults can enjoy it, and although simple, it engages both mind and body—great as a lively brain workout.

Give it a try!

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kojifumi

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Puzzle-solving game

[Inspiration] Puzzle Quiz #2: Escape Game Training!

When you think of campfires, songs and dances are the classics, but a great new staple we recommend is puzzle-solving games.

They’re an intellectual recreation you can enjoy even in the dark, ranging from simple to aha-moment challenges—like wordplay puzzles that ask what a string of hiragana is pointing to, or cipher-style questions using arrows and kanji.

They’re fun for everyone from kids to adults, and you can adjust the difficulty to suit the group size and age range.

You can tackle them solo or enjoy them as team competitions—there are many ways to play.

Give them a try!

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kojifumi

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Shiritori Dance Game

Perfect for rec time or school events! Shiritori Dance Game

This is a game that adds a movement element to the word-linking game shiritori, making the thinking process more complex.

The rule is to express the connected words with movements as well, so words that are hard to express through movement are out—that’s the challenging part.

While traditional shiritori proceeds with names of things, since this version emphasizes movement, it might work well to play using verbs.

It could also be fun to proceed rhythmically to music, or to have everyone present perform the movement whenever a word is called out.

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kappamaki

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