Shadowing: A Tracking Game for Older Kids

Classic Scout Game Is Designed for a Group

Shadowing is a variation of a Scouting game that dates back to the early 1900s. A game of tracking and pursuit, it can be enjoyed by older school age children.

School age children who are old enough to be without constant supervision.

A safe neighborhood or wooded park is appropriate for Shadowing.

A group of at least six is needed to play. One player is designated as "it" and gets a two-minute head start, followed by two "shadowers." After two more minutes of pursuit, one of the shadowers goes back to the group and starts them in the right direction. The second shadower continues to pursue "it," dropping pebbles, kernels of corn or something similar as clues to guide the group toward "it." "It" wins the game if not found within a predetermined period of time.

In the classic Scout version, the troop is split into two groups. One group gets a head start and is shadowed by the second group. Any shadower who is spotted can be chased down and captured. The shadowing group can send one or two advance scouts, and the group being shadowed can employ various strategies, such as splitting into two groups, or setting up an ambush.

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