Soccer Tennis is a fun and competitive way to build soccer skills while keeping kids engaged in a team-based challenge. It\u2019s great for improving coordination, passing, and communication.<\/p>\n
Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n How to Play:<\/strong> Players can use feet, thighs, chest, or head to control the ball. If the ball hits the ground or isn\u2019t returned properly, the other team earns a point. Play to a set score or for a set amount of time.<\/p>\n This classic high-energy game is always a hit with younger participants and a great way to mix movement with listening skills.<\/p>\n How to Play:<\/strong> If a player keeps moving, they head to a designated area to complete a quick exercise challenge like jumping jacks, squats, or push-ups before rejoining the game.<\/p>\n Optional Add-On:<\/em> This fast-paced game combines reaction time, teamwork, and a little strategy.<\/p>\n How to Play:<\/strong> Place two objects in the center:<\/p>\n \u201cBacon\u201d = a ball Call out a number. The players from each team with that number race to the center to grab either item and bring it back to their team without being tagged.<\/p>\n You can assign a point value, like 3 points for bringing the bacon past the team line. Add some fun rules, like if the player with the pasta is tagged, the other team gets a point. The team with the most points wins!<\/p>\n Scoring Ideas:<\/em><\/p>\n Play multiple rounds and keep score for a fun competition.<\/p>\n Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n How to Play:<\/strong> Players take turns throwing their airplanes toward each hole, counting how many throws it takes to land inside. Just like golf, lowest score wins!\u00a0For each hole you can set the par. If you have a range of age groups, have the older kids keep score but the younger kids can just have fun playing.\u00a0.<\/p>\n Tips to Make it More Fun:<\/em><\/p>\n Encourage creativity and storytelling with this open-ended STEAM activity.<\/p>\n How it Works:<\/strong> Once complete, each participant presents their robot and explains its special features and abilities.<\/p>\n Find more robot activities and crafts here<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n This imaginative activity combines art, storytelling, and adventure.<\/p>\n Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n How to Play:<\/strong> A great outdoor activity that builds confidence and encourages creativity.<\/p>\n Provide your group with a kite craft kit<\/strong><\/a> or use DIY materials. Have the kids compete to see who can keep their kite in the air the longest, plan relays with the kids running with them, and who can make their kite do the coolest trick. This is a great way for them to develop confidence and have fun at the same time.<\/p>\n This activity helps develop coordination, teamwork, and reaction time.<\/p>\n Air Hockey is an activity that helps kids develop coordination and blocking. You can create your own DIY game with the materials listed below. You can also use gator skin balls, small balls, or anything that slides or moves that can teach coordination and blocking. This game was featured on thepeshed.com – photo credit Middlebranch-Avondale PE.\u00a0<\/p>\n Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n Tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n Looking for more ways to plan engaging activities, streamline your program, and keep kids excited to participate? Explore our full range of ideas, resources, and ready-to-go solutions designed for youth programs of all sizes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n
Divide players into two teams on either side of a net (or a line\/cones if a net isn\u2019t available). One team serves the soccer ball over to the other side using their feet. The receiving team has up to three touches to return the ball – just like volleyball, but using soccer skills (no hands).<\/p>\n![\"soccer](\"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/soccer-tennis.png\")
<\/p>\nFreeze Dance with Exercise<\/h2>\n
Play music and have participants dance, move, or run around the space. When the music stops, everyone must freeze immediately.<\/p>\n
Use fitness dice<\/strong><\/a> to let players roll and determine their exercise – it adds variety and excitement!<\/p>\nSteal the Bacon Pasta<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Divide players into two teams and line them up on opposite sides of the play area. Assign each player a number (1\u201310, depending on group size).<\/p>\n
\u201cPasta\u201d = a pool noodle<\/p>\n\n
Paper Airplane Golf<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"airplane](\"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/airplane-activity-youth.jpg\")
A creative twist on frsisbee golf or mini golf that blends design, problem-solving, and friendly competition.<\/p>\n\n
Participants design and build their own paper airplanes any way they want to allow for creativity! (You can even supply them with model planes<\/strong><\/a> they can decorate.) Set up a course using hoops as \u201choles\u201d (about 6-7 holes depending on your space) and poly spots as “tee” or starting points.\u00a0Break up your group of 10 participants into pairs and spread the players out.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n
Design A Robot<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"youth](\"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/youth-program-robot-activity.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
For this activity, kids can design a robot that can do whatever they wish for. Have them draw a robot on paper (or build one from craft materials!) Have them be prepared to tell a story to the group about what cool things their robot can do. Tell them to be creative, money is no object when building and designing their robot!<\/p>\nMake A Treasure Map<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"youth](\"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/treasure-map-kids-activity.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Supply kids with a piece of paper to design a treasure map that leads to a hidden treasure. Tell them to customize their map however they would like, or have them make the pirate map using your location and it’s landmarks as a guide. For example, at a camp it could be the picnic tables or the swingset. Either way, this is their map, and they can use their own creativity to design it. Once their map is created, they can dip the paper into tea to make the paper turn brown. Then your group can tear the corners and even have the adult burn the edges to make it look like a real treasure map. Finally, have them find a fun \u201ctreasure\u201d that you have hidden at your program by giving them fun clues. X marks the spot!\u00a0<\/p>\nKite Flying<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"youth](\"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/youth-program-kite.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAir Hockey<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"air](\"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/air-hockey-game-youth.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
Explore More Solutions for Youth Programs<\/h2>\n
![\"explore](\"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/explore-solutions-button.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n