Capture the flag activities are often used in team-building workshops to promote communication, strategy, problem-solving and teamwork.
The purpose of a capture-the-flag activity is to have teams or groups compete to “capture” the other team’s flag and return it safely to their home base.
This friendly competition encourages participants to work together, assign roles, develop plans and think creatively. It is an engaging way to energize a team, build trust and strengthen working relationships.
Instructions
To complete a capture the flag activity:
- Divide participants into two or more teams
- Set up a “home base” area for each team, with their flag prominently displayed
- Define the boundaries for the game, either indoors or outdoors
- Explain the rules: Teams must try to capture the other team’s flag and return it to their home base, while also protecting their own flag from being captured
- Set a time limit, such as 20-30 minutes for the game
- Have teams strategize before starting and assign roles like defenders, scouts, decoys, etc.
- Start the game and let teams try to capture flags while defending their own
- When time is up, debrief and discuss what happened and what was learned
Cost and Resources
The costs are low. You just need flags or objects to use as team flags, plus a timer. No other special equipment is required. The activity can be done indoors or outdoors.
Time Required
Allow 30-60 minutes total, including briefing, playing time and debriefing. Adjust time as needed.
Number of Participants
Ideal for 10-30 participants divided into teams of 4-8 people each. Adjust team sizes as needed.
Best Suited For
The activity works for any team, including corporate teams, sports teams, youth groups, camps, etc. It is best for ages 12 and up. We hear this from customers looking for learning materials to present human resource management training courses.
Facilitator’s Role
The facilitator explains rules, sets up parameters, divides people into teams, times the game, oversees the action and leads the debrief. The facilitator may also need to resolve any disputes.
Participants’ Role
Participants strategize with their teams, take on assigned roles, communicate, problem-solve, and work together creatively to try to capture the other team’s flag.
Reflection and Debrief
After the game, debrief by asking questions like: What strategies did you use? What worked well or didn’t work? How did you communicate and make decisions? What roles emerged? How might this relate to collaboration at work? What lessons can be applied?
Conclusion
A capture the flag activity brings out teamwork, problem-solving and fun competition.
With thoughtful debriefing, it can provide relevant lessons for applying collaboration, communication and creativity in the workplace.
This energetic game gets people working together towards a common goal and is an engaging team-building activity.
To discover more about how our training course materials can help you to increase learner engagement, provide effective training courses, and extend your team’s knowledge, please take a moment to review our frequently asked questions, special offers, and explore our training course material.
