Bringing Childishness Back
Some time before the writing of this article, I was made aware that in the past Technohal has been transformed into grounds for hide and seek. And immediately I thought, why don’t we do this more often? Why and when did we stop playing our favourite games from childhood? I can say with certainty that I miss the thrill that those games bring, and seeking it out in other activities is just not the same.
Whether it is at a birthday party, on a sunny day outside or on a casual hangout, old-fashioned games can bring up the very much needed feeling of excitement. So, here are four activities from childhood that can and should be brought back to spice up adulthood.
1. Hide-and-Seek x Tag
While Hide-and-Seek and Tag can individually be pretty fun, they have the tendency to get boring rather quickly. This is why there is a slightly more complicated version. It is preferably played with a large group, and a couple of people are chosen to be the seekers. Naturally, the rest hide, however, in this game they have some other privileges. If they see a seeker approaching them, they can run away and try to escape them. If they are not successful, however, and the seeker gets a hold of them, they join the seekers’ team. The game ends either if the seekers run out of time or if they manage to get everyone.
This would best suit large open spaces, such as some parks on campus.
2. Blind Hide-and-Seek (or, as I know it: Blind Grandma)
The set-up of this game involves choosing one person to be blindfolded, or in other words, to be the blind grandma. For extra challenge, the grandma spins multiple times so that they lose some sense of direction. The rest of the players pick their own “hiding” spots where they have to remain still. The blindfolded person walks around the room (or a suitable outdoor space) and attempts to locate the rest by touch. To make it a tad bit harder, if the grandma finds someone, she has to guess who that person is just by touch. This game is perfect for birthday parties or any other casual hangouts.
3. Arts and Crafts
While this is not exactly a game, there is something about crafting together that reminds me of childhood. Especially if you are not exactly sure what you are doing and are just exploring a new medium of art. Taking up a new artistic endeavour can make you feel inspired, at times lost, and, most importantly, fill you with childlike wonder. So, pick something new, preferably messy, and let yourself create.
4. Capture the Flag
Capture the flag is almost always only suitable for large groups of people, such as student associations (wink wink Ockham). For instance, it will be quite ideal if there are two rival associations who compete for the eternal glory that a win of capture the flag brings.
Just like any other game, there are many versions of capture the flag, but what is essential is for there to be a flag. Said flag needs to be captured and brought back to a special location. The rest of the rules can be discussed among the teams, as well as a potential prize. A large open field is ideal, alongside some sun.
