| Can you kick the can?
|
|
If you are too young to go to the clubs, drive yourself around or stay out past 9, what can you do during the summer when the sun goes down? There are not only lots of options, but some of them are free. Remember when we used to play “games”?
This week’s reminder is the classic “Kick The Can.” Set up the proper way and with a large number of players, it is not only a lot of fun but also creates some community spirit right in your backyard. I grew up on a cul-de-sac with kids ranging from 6 to 18, and when we were set free for the summer Kick the Can was the first game we would play when darkness fell.
The key to having a good time is just committing to the game. If you don’t take it seriously the game loses its competitive nature and then just seems like a waste of time. But I know from personal experience that the game is what you make it.
I think it becomes more exciting when you play with a range of ages. Younger children contribute their colorful imaginations and spirit of adventure, while older kids contribute some wisdom and craft (OK, they’re sneakier). Cunning, experience and imagination “forces” everyone to have a good time.
For some free entertainment this summer when you can’t find anything else to do on a beautiful, warm night, here are the ingredients for fun: 1) get as many kids of all ages and sizes as you can find; 2) find some sort of can or a tool you can kick around without remorse; 3) if you need more players this is a perfect time to include the parents for some quality bonding.
The rules are simple. One person is in charge of guarding the can, the rest of the players hide. When the guard is done counting to 30 the rest of the players must sneak around and get as close to the can as possible without the guard’s attention.
When the moment is right one player must risk their life to kick the can over. If they are tagged by the guard they are out, but if the kick the can they earn eternal glory... until the next round.
Search
