Mini Olympics

Includes: Mini games Indoors, Outdoors, Adventurous activities, Sport

Age:
4+
Sport
Print this activity pack

Hold a Mini Olympics in your unit! Which group can jump, hop, run, throw or walk their way to victory?

Overview

In your unit hold a series of mini games for the girls to compete in. These can be team games, individual competitions – or both! 

You'll need space for this activity, but it can be completed either indoors or outdoors depending on the space your unit has. 

The Olympic rings were first produced in 1913, their 5 colours (along with the white backdrop) reflect colours found on the flags of all participating nations, so everyone is represented.   

Accessibility

What you need: what equipment is required & adaptions to the activity that can make it more cost effective

Ideas of things you'll need: 

  • Calculator or phone 
  • Rope
  • Something to mark lines (for example, chalk, masking tape, cone, or rope) 
  • Stopwatch or phone 
  • Tape measure 
  • Whistles 
  • Pens or pencils 
  • Spoons & bouncy balls  
  • Sacks or old pillow cases 
  • Skipping ropes 
  • Wellies or bean bags (you could use rolled up socks to make a ball) 

Ways to make activity suitable for each section

If some people find the challenges too difficult, encourage them to work in pairs and try their best. You can add more challenging events if you want to (and it’d work for your group), such as long jump, relay races, shotput, tug of war, or balance beams. You could also turn the ball on spoon race or sack race into a relay race.  

You don’t just have to give out certificates for the fastest and strongest people. Why not award the best cheerer, the most enthusiastic runner, or the kindest competitor too? 

Adaptations to make the activity more accessible for girls with disabilities 

You know your girls best. Choose challenges that'll be competitive while allowing everyone the chance to take part and have fun. If you're struggling to adapt the activities speak to the girls – they might have some great ways that the activities can be adapted.  

Planning checklist

  • Complete a risk assessment for the activity.  
  • If outside, check the weather forecast on the day and if needed postpone or move indoors.  
  • Check the equipment before use. Is it safe and intended for the purpose of the activity?  

  • The external provider may come to the unit or you may meet them at their venue.  
  • Check with the provider that they have the correct equipment and, if needed, specialist clothing that will meet the requirements for your group. 
  • Source any specialist equipment or clothing needed to run the activity not provided by the provider, and make sure this is in good condition and fit for purpose. 
  • Check that any equipment is suitably insured by the provider and agree what happens to the equipment if it gets damaged. 

Some venues might ask for a disclaimer or waiver to be signed for each person taking part in the activity. This is something which parents and/or carers must sign on behalf of their child. You can do this along with the consent form.

Parents and carers should be given sufficient information from the provider along with the waiver so they can make an informed decision to sign it or not. Leaders can only sign disclaimers and waivers for their own personal participation. 

If you or another member of your leadership team is running the activity at an external venue or location, follow these extra steps:  

  • Check that you have the correct forms and ratios in place for this activity. If you can complete this activity at your usual meeting place make sure you have enough space for girls to run and move around in.  
  • Arrange for a home contact. Leave any route or other relevant details with your home contact and complete a home contact agreement form. Let them know if you make any changes to your plans.  
  • Do a risk assessment for the activity elements you’re responsible for with your unit leadership team. Update this as and when things change.  
  • Check out the guidance on joint activities if you're involving other organisations. 
  • Tell your local commissioner. 
  • Tell the activity provider about the ability and experience of the participants and any disabilities, access needs or health conditions that need to be considered when running the activity. 
  • Choose a reputable and licensed activity provider (where applicable). 
  • Get copies of the instructor qualifications and public liability insurance of the activity provider before you book. 
  • Ask for a copy of the providers' safety guidelines and risk assessment. 
  • Make sure you have the correct ratio of participants (girls and volunteers)

No formal qualifications needed.

Ensure girls are wearing appropriate clothing and closed toe shoes.  

The area should be free of hazards. Explain the rules of the game clearly and have a clear way to communicate that the game must stop when needed. 

If this activity takes place outside of your usual meeting place the leadership team adult to girl ratio is mandatory.  

  • Rainbows 1:5 (minimum of 2 adults)  
  • Brownies 1:8  (minimum of 2 adults)  
  • Guides 1:12  (minimum of 2 adults)  
  • Rangers: N/A (1 leader with a recommendation of a second adult)