Rob the Nest

Equipment

• Cones or hoops (to create nests)

• Bean bags, soft balls, or scrunched socks (the “treasure”)

• Open playing space

Setup

1. Place one hoop or cone area per team around the outside of the play area – these are the nests.

2. Put an equal number of items into each nest.

3. Divide children into even teams, one team per nest.

4. Each team stands beside their own nest.

How to Play

1. On the staff signal, one player at a time leaves their nest.

2. That player runs to another team’s nest and takes one item only.

3. They return to their own nest and tag the next teammate.

4. The next player repeats the process.

5. The game continues until the staff member calls STOP.

Winning the Game

• Teams count how many items are in their nest.

• The team with the most items at the end wins.

Rules & Safety

• Only one item may be taken at a time.

• No guarding nests or blocking other players.

• No stealing back from your own nest.

• Gentle movement and awareness of others.

• Return items carefully to avoid collisions.

Other Information

• Great for speed, teamwork, and strategy

• Works well with 6–30 children

• Best in a clear, open area

⭐ Fun Variations

• Colour Rule: Only steal a specific colour

• Math Rob: Take the number of items staff calls

• Silent Rob: No talking allowed

• Freeze & Count: Staff pauses the game to count mid-round

• Protect the Nest (Advanced): One defender allowed (walking only)

🧠 Skills Developed

• Team cooperation

• Quick decision-making

• Turn-taking

• Spatial awareness