If you were ever a child who loved playing outdoors, then there is no chance that you haven't heard of the game called Capture The Flag. For many boys, this was probably the game to beat. It's not just a lot of fun; it teaches children to strategize and to explore territories that they have never been through even if it is just in the backyard. It's the imagination of children that adds the element of adventure that makes Capture the Flag a true outdoor game classic. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are preparing to play or actually playing the game with your children and their friends.

• Prepare for the game – Of course, this goes without saying but Capture The Flag is something that needs a lot of preparations. First, you will need to create the flags for the game itself. You can use two long sticks from your yard and a couple of different colored bandanas. The usual blue bandana and red bandana is a favorite among children. Simply tie the bandanas to the end of the sticks.

The next thing to do is determine the territory of the game. There has to be limits set for the game, such as players only being able to run around in the yard or the garden and not inside the house where all sorts of damage can occur. You should also plan out different places where the flag can be placed that are not difficult for children to reach.

• Explain the rules – Children can be very difficult when it comes to rules and with Capture the flag, it's all about the rules. The game is pretty simple. Basically, there are two teams of children and they each have to find ways to get the opponents flag and bring it to their home territory.

Now, you should be clear about the boundaries of each team because any player caught outside of their boundary can be placed in jail. You must also consider where each team jail will be placed. The flag has to be visible from the start of the game and it should not be hidden or moved during the course of the game. Nobody is allowed to guard the flag and each team member should be at least 10 feet from their own flag.

To make this game more effective and fun, it would be wise to use both front and back yards so that the teams can come up with their own strategies. Nobody is allowed to hurt members of the opposing team and no form of weapon should be used either.

• Let the game begin – As much as possible, rules can be boring so it's much better to have the game played as soon as it is ready to be played. Have the children learn the rules as you go along with the games since they can play as many games as they want. The simple rules are that a flag must be brought back from enemy territory and that some members can guard their own territory while some go out to try getting the enemy flag. Members can “arrest” opposing team members if they catch them in their territory during the course of the game.