Sometimes going inward, being self reflective is exactly what we need, and other times we need to push that energy out with force. Some days I feel like sitting in the woods and listening to the birds, other days I want to throw something, make lots of noise, and move fast! Today will be more of the latter.
The activity for today is stick throwing. I know sticks can be controversial when it comes to kids, but in many ways, kids and sticks go together like bread and butter, carrots and hummus, or apples and cinnamon. What better way to focus big energy when we aren’t able to go too far from home?
As adults, we do need to have boundaries around sticks, especially with younger kids, so we can make sure everyone is safe. Read on to find out how to set up a throwing stick arena and start your training!
SUGGESTED MATERIALS
*Plastic milk jugs
If you have empty plastic milk jugs, rinse out as many as you’d like (between 1 and 4 is a manageable number, but more if you desire) and bring them in the woods or yard with you. These are great targets! They are easy to see, not heavy, and make a satisfying sound when they get hit. You could also use a dead stump or a rock as a target, but be aware of the stick bouncing back.
*A sturdy throwing stick for each person.
SETTING UP THE THROWING ARENA
You can set up your arena in the woods away from foot traffic, or outside your house, or in a public park where there is lots of space. You should be aware of what’s around your arena— maybe don’t put the targets in front of your house if you don’t want your house to get hit. There shouldn’t be people or trails/sidewalks/walkways directly behind the targets. You might want to keep dogs inside during or tied up during this activity if they like to play fetch (or release them strategically to fetch your throwing stick after you throw!)
When I do this activity with kids, I make a boundary or safety line on the ground made out of sticks, long enough so all the participants can stand behind it shoulder to shoulder, with several feet between each person. My rule is everyone must stand behind the safety line unless they are the thrower, and if you are behind the safety line, your stick is deactivated.
Set up the targets (they could be milk jugs or something else. Targets just need to be big enough so a child could reasonably hit them). They should be directly across and many feet away from the safety line, creating a playing field or arena.
AFTER you set up the arena, go and find your throwing sticks. Each person only needs one. They need to be big and dense enough that you can throw them a fair distance with some accuracy, but not so big that they’re unwieldy for the thrower.
Once the arena is set up and you have your sticks, all participants should stand along the safety line, just behind it.
NOTES ON SAFETY
*****Having clear safety boundaries during this activities is key****
1. Only one thrower at a time. The thrower will step over the safety line and get ready to throw, waiting for the Ref/Emcee/Trainer to say their name and “Throw!”
2. Once every participant has thrown their stick, the Ref/Emcee/Trainer can say “Retrieve!” and throwers can all go get their sticks and re-set the targets. Throwers should not collect their sticks until the Ref/Emcee/Trainer says “Retrieve” (this one will take some reminding. Kids are usually really enthusiastic to go get their stick right away after they’ve thrown it. But it’s a good practice to have them wait until you say “Retrieve,” because it creates some space around each part of the activity and slows it down a bit.
3. In my programs, I will give kids a few reminders of the rules, but if a child is having a lot of trouble following them, they may have to just watch. If that’s the case, there is also the option of making them the Ref/Emcee/Trainer to keep them included while still making sure everyone is safe.
4. As someone who’s mostly taught preschoolers, I don’t allow stick fighting between kids. In my experience, I’ve found that it almost always devolves into someone getting hurt. So while I love and encourage the use of sticks, I choose other activities, and I don’t do stick/sword fighting. That’s how I do it, but it’s not the only way, so use your discretion and make your choice based on your family and their skill level with sticks.
EXTEND THE ACTIVITY
Throwing sticks isn’t just for fun, it’s also been used a a legitimate hunting strategy around the world throughout history.
*Research which cultures around the world have used or still do use throwing sticks. How and why did they use them?
*After seeing examples of throwing stick tools from other cultures, your child could draw a design or diagram of their ideal throwing stick. Ask them to share with you why they designed it the way they did.
Good luck with this one! I encourage all the parents to take a turn trying to hit the targets. It might feel good to throw something today!