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Team relay

Sponge Relay

Also called Fill the Bucket, Drip relay

Teams soak a sponge, run it to an empty bucket and squeeze it out; the first team to fill its bucket to the line wins.

people
8–40
time
15 min
energy
High
materials
Cheap to buy
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
What you need3
How to play4

Before you start

Split into teams of 5–8. Put each team's full bucket at the start line and its empty bucket 8–10 m away. Mark a fill line on the empty bucket about one third of the way up.

  1. 1The first player dunks the sponge in the full bucket and runs to the empty bucket.
  2. 2They squeeze the sponge out into the empty bucket — hands only, no tipping.
  3. 3They run back and hand the sponge to the next player.
  4. 4First team to fill their bucket to the line wins.
What to say3
  1. 1“Soak it, run it, squeeze it — GO!”
  2. 2“Team Yellow is halfway up the line!”
  3. 3“Squeeze every last drop — it's neck and neck!”
Host tips3
  • The ground around the buckets turns to mud and runners slip at the turn. Put buckets on grass, not tiles, and move them a meter over halfway through.
  • Teams tip their bucket to make it look fuller. Use clear buckets or measure with a ruler at the end.
  • Warn guests ahead of time to bring a change of clothes — this game ruins outfits.
Variants2

  • Over-under

    Teams stand in a line and pass the soaked sponge overhead and between legs to the bucket at the end. Everyone gets wet.

  • Head carry

    Carry the sponge on your head, no hands. For kids on a hot day.

Safety2
  • Wet ground is slippery: grass only and no running in slippers.
  • Keep buckets and water away from extension cords and the sound system.
Good for

Occasions

SchoolBirthdayTeam buildingReunionFiesta

Venues

Outdoor