Capture the Flag

James, Mandy, Rosco, and the whole gang at camp play a giant game of capture the flag. You can play it too! Learn more about the history and the rules of the game first. (as seen in Rosco the Rascal Goes to Camp)

 

Capture the Flag is traditionally an outdoor game played by two teams of children with the object of capturing the opponent’s flag. It has been played by Boy Scouts, at summer camps, and in backyard neighborhoods for years. The game can be played on any terrain, and boundaries for the two territories are determined by the players, such as fences, roads, trails, and other recognizable landmarks that can serve as boundary lines.

 

Although there is no record of the first childhood game of Capture the Flag, the concept of the game has its origins on the battlefield. For centuries armies would fly their flags during battle to indicate they were still engaged in the fight. When a flag was captured or lowered by an opponent, it indicated there was no one left to raise the flag and signaled defeat.

 

The rules for engagement are usually decided by the players, but they follow similar guidelines. Once the boundaries for the two territories are set, the players also determine the two areas designated as jails for captured opponents. Children who venture into their opponent’s territory... Read the rest of the article here

 

 

Courtesy of PlaygroundProfessionals.com

 

 

 

Snow Playdough

Time for a little indoor fun if it doesn't snow where you live (or, even if it does)! Kids, try this recipe for Snow playdough with your mom or dad! (adapted for readers of Rosco the Rascal In the Land of Snow)

 

This is a no-cook recipe. You will need:

 

• 2 cups cornstarch

• 1 cup salt

• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Silver glitter (optional)

• Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until your dough forms. Then it's ready to play with.

• Make a playdough snowman: Add small rocks for the eyes and mouth, a sliver of carrot for the nose, and break a big stick into small pieces for the arms! A ribbon for the scarf will do!

 

 

 

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Mrs. McKendrick loves to make a tasty snack out of the pumpkin seeds that Mr. McKendrick, Mandy, and James (when he helps) scoop out of the pumpkins at carving time. Try it with your mom or dad, with this recipe! (as seen in Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch)
 

Don't waste the seeds after cooking your pie or making jack-o-lanterns. Instead, roast and salt the seeds for a delicious and nutritious snack. You will need:

1 quart water

2 Tablespoons salt

2 cups pumpkin seeds

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil or melted, unsalted butter

 

• Preheat oven to 250°F.

• Pick through seeds and remove any cut seeds. Remove as much of the stringy fibers as possible.

• Bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the seeds and boil for 10 minutes. Drain, spread on kitchen towel or paper towel and pat dry.

• Place the seeds in a bowl and toss with oil or melted butter.

• Spread evenly on a large cookie sheet or roasting pan.

• Place pan in a preheated oven and roast the seeds for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir about every 10 minutes, until crisp and golden brown.

• Cool the seeds, then shell and eat or pack in air-tight containers or zip closure bags and refrigerate until ready to eat. Yield: 2 cups

 

Recipe courtesy of the University of Illinois Extension

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