Hungry Hippo

Hungry for More Balloons #

Usually a game for two to four teams, this game is about getting the most objects, usually balls or balloons, back to your team's goal. This can be played with just the whole team running around to collect the most, or pair off people by twos, one on the floor cart and the other holding the other person's legs. The team with the most objects at the end of the game wins. The objective of the game is for teams to collect as many "marbles" (balls or objects) as possible using their "hippos" (participants).

How to Play #

Gameplay

Each team consists of several participants who will act as "hungry hippos." Each hippo stands inside a large hula hoop or circular marker (the hippo's mouth). On the signal to start, the teams' hippos will rush to the center of the playing area and use their hula hoops (or buckets) to scoop up as many marbles as possible. Teams have a set time limit (e.g., 1-2 minutes) to collect marbles. When the time limit is up, teams must stop collecting marbles and return to their designated areas. Count the marbles collected by each team. The team with the most marbles wins.

Variations

You can play multiple rounds and rotate participants in and out of the hippo role. To make it more challenging, use different sizes or colors of marbles, assigning point values to each. Add obstacles or hurdles for the hippos to navigate around while collecting marbles. Incorporate a relay race element, where each team member takes turns as a hippo during a set time period.

Hungry Hippo Gameplay

Rules #

Divide the participants into teams, with each team having a designated area within the playing area. Place the small balls or objects (marbles) in the center of the playing area. Participants must stay within their designated areas during the game. Hippos should not use their hands to collect marbles; they can only use their hula hoops. Make sure to emphasize safety during the game to prevent collisions or tripping. If using different-sized or colored marbles with point values, ensure participants understand the point system and how to count their marbles accurately.

Team Size: Keep the team sizes relatively equal to maintain fairness. If you have participants of varying ages or skill levels, adjust team sizes or add handicaps accordingly.

Designated Areas: Clearly mark the designated areas for each team, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to collect marbles.

Hula Hoop Use: Emphasize that participants can only use their hula hoops (hippo's mouths) to collect marbles. Hands should not be used for collecting marbles.

No Pushing or Blocking: Prohibit pushing, shoving, or blocking opponents. Encourage friendly competition and sportsmanship.

Starting Positions: Ensure that all participants start from the same position, with their hippos behind a designated starting line or area.

Time Limit: Set a specific time limit for each round of the game. Teams must stop collecting marbles when the time limit expires.

Counting Marbles: Designate a reliable method for counting marbles. Each team should have a clear way to count their collected marbles accurately.

Point System (if applicable): If you're using marbles with different point values, explain the point system clearly before the game begins. Consider displaying point values on a board for easy reference.

Fair Play: Encourage fair play and discourage cheating or unsportsmanlike behavior. Participants should follow the rules and respect their fellow players.

Obstacle Handling: If you've added obstacles to the game, clarify how participants should navigate them without violating the rules.

Referees or Monitors: Assign referees or monitors to each team to ensure compliance with the rules and fairness. They can also assist with counting marbles if needed.

Team Rotation: If playing multiple rounds, ensure that each participant has an opportunity to be a hippo. Rotate team members to maintain fairness.

Tiebreakers: Determine how to handle tiebreakers if two or more teams collect the same number of marbles. You might have a sudden-death round or another method in place.

Ending the Game: Clarify how the game ends, whether it's after a certain number of rounds or when a team reaches a predetermined point total.

Penalties: Outline penalties for rule violations. For example, a team might lose some of its collected marbles or be disqualified for repeated infractions.

Dispute Resolution: Establish a process for resolving disputes or disagreements during the game. Referees or organizers should make final decisions.

Review Rules Before Play: Before starting the game, review all the rules and instructions with participants to ensure everyone understands and agrees to them.

Materials #

Materials Required:

Hula Hoops:

You'll need one hula hoop per participant, representing the hippos' mouths.
Make sure they are large enough for participants to fit inside.

Small Balls or Objects:

These will serve as the "marbles" that participants collect.
You can use soft balls, beanbags, or similar items. Have plenty of them on hand.

Cones or Markers: Use cones or markers to define the boundaries of the playing area and to designate starting positions for the teams.

Point System (Optional): If you're using marbles with different point values, you may want to create a point system and display it on a board for reference.

Setup #

Setup Instructions:

Select a Suitable Playing Area: Choose a spacious and flat area for the game, such as a gymnasium, outdoor field, or open space at your campsite.
Mark the Playing Area: Use cones or markers to define the boundaries of the playing area. Ensure that each team's designated area is within these boundaries.
Distribute Hula Hoops: Distribute one hula hoop to each participant (the "hippos"). Have participants stand inside their hula hoops within their team's designated area.
Place the "Marbles": Scatter the small balls or objects (marbles) in the center of the playing area, equidistant from all teams. You can arrange them in a circle or pile.
Explain Rules and Objectives: Gather all participants and explain the rules of the game, including how to use the hula hoops to collect marbles. Clarify the objective, scoring (if applicable), and the time limit for each round.
Review Safety Rules: Emphasize safety rules, such as not running with hula hoops, avoiding collisions, and respecting the boundaries.
Start the Game: Signal the start of the game, and participants (the "hippos") will rush to the center to collect marbles using their hula hoops.
Monitor and Time the Game: Have organizers or referees monitor the game to ensure participants follow the rules. Set a timer for each round, and stop the game when the time limit is reached.
Collect and Count Marbles: After each round, have participants return to their designated areas and collect and count the marbles they've collected.
Announce the Winner: Announce the winner of each round based on the number of marbles collected or points earned, if you're using a point system.
Reset for the Next Round: Remove any marbles from the playing area and reset it for the next round. Rotate participants as needed if you're playing multiple rounds.
Declare a Game Winner: After all rounds are completed, declare an overall game winner based on the cumulative scores or number of rounds won.