Example Four Square Box

Number of Players:

4

Age Groups: 

Rangers/Middies and older (7+)

Area to Play: 

Pre-made Four Square Box or create your own box on a concrete path

Required Items: 

Chalk (when creating new boxes), Large Ball (Bonzo, Gaga, Kickball)

Description:

Players create a line starting about a foot away from the Four Square Box. The first four players take their place in the 4 boxes labeled A (Ace), K (King), Q (Queen) and J (Jack). 

The player standing in the “Ace” box serves the ball. Serving the ball can only be done by bouncing the ball on the ground and hitting the ball towards the “Queen” box. Then the player in the “Queen” box can hit it to any other box. The game proceeds until a player gets “out.” Then a new player who is waiting in line will take the place of “Jack” and all of the current players will rotate up to the position of the player who just got out. (Jack moves to Queen, Queen moves to King, King moves to Ace). When playing with only 4 players, the player who got out will move to Jack.

Ways a player can be called “out”:

• If a player hits the ball directly out-of-bounds without another player hitting it in mid-air.

• If a player hits the ball in their own box

• If a player hits the ball over-handed

• If a player doesn’t hit the ball after it bounces in their own box (this includes hitting the ball after a double bounce)

Rules:

• Players in line cannot cut the line

• Players in line cannot stand on boxes or directly on the side of the boxes since the current players are allowed to stand outside of the boxes

• The ball can only be hit under-handed with an open hand (not a fist)

• The Ace always serves the ball and all players must be ready to play before the round begins

• When a player gets called “out,” they have to return to the back of the line in order to get another turn

Additional Rules

• “Faults” - How many chances the Ace gets to mess up the serve (“Redo”). Usually, the Ace is given at least 1 fault. This should be decided before the game begins to avoid debate.

Supervision Tips:

• For younger campers, at least 1 counselor should always be a judge to call when a player is “out.” This helps to avoid debates over whether a player is “out” or not.

• At least 1 other counselor should be supervising the other players that are currently in line to play.

• Make sure that the box is drawn in a safe area where golf carts and other people can see the game being played.

• If the ball goes into an area that is hard to reach (under a bunk, in the woods, etc.), a counselor should get the ball.