What childhood activity could possibly be more fun than a good ol’ fashioned obstacle course? There are countless ways to construct a course but our favorite way is with the help of our Institutional Tunnels of Fun Junction Set and DIY wood + paper flags!
Featuring four tunnels that connect to one central “junction,” our Institutional Tunnels of Fun Junction Set provides a fantastic physical challenge that pairs seamlessly with other tried-and-true obstacle course staples. If you have been reading our blog for a while you know we LOVE an obstacle course. You can check out our other two we have done here and here! We are such fans of the obstacle course because they hit so many high marks when it comes to engaging children. First it is such a great enticer to get them outdoors and to get them excited about what they are doing. Second, it is such a great moment to teach them how to be patient and wait their turn. Lastly, when they are actually doing the obstacle course, they are so focused and concentrated in completing each task which is so great to watch, especially seeing their faces light up once they have completed all their tasks. It is such a great tool to have so many different teaching moments but the kids just think they are having fun which is a win-win for all!
Case in point: Inner tubes! They are always a challenging — and entertaining! — obstacle to navigate. We had two teams of two. One team member held a pole (we used broom poles with the brushes taken off), while the other team member had to get all three inter tubes onto the pole. Once the two-member team finishes, it’s off to balancing a potato on a spoon!
Plus, you can’t have an obstacle course without a little balancing act! We of course are doing a take on the ole egg and spoon relay race but we didn’t want to deal with a mess so we opted for small potatoes instead. Worked like a charm, and look how focused Mia is!
Once those two tasks are completed successfully, the Institutional Tunnels of Fun Junction Set makes for a perfect last leg of the course as you crawl through to the finish line and grab your team’s flag before your opponents!
Creating team flags has never been easier! Here’s how to make your own:
SUPPLIES:
- White construction paper
- Thin wooden dowel or skewer
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Ruler – For straight lines but you can freehand it too!
- Free flag template printable
Take a sheet of white construction paper and use our free flag template printable to use as guide. You can make the job much faster by folding your paper in half and making a couple at a time.
Once you have your cut-out triangle shape, glue the wider side of the flag to the wooden dowel. We used a glue gun and slowly rolled the paper with the dowel. This part should be done by an adult.
Once you have glued the flag to the dowel you are ready to decorate your team flag!
You can decorate the flag with crayons, paint, markers, or any other embellishment that suits your team’s fancy. Making the flags for the obstacle course adds a whole other level to the obstacle course and makes them really excited to grab their flags when finishing the race! Plus it is a great way to absorb a couple of hours of what seems like never ending energy!
Finally, wave those flags around with pride! We “salute” your creativity and good sportsmanship!