Coordinating dodgeball games at camp is about making the activity fun, safe, and inclusive for all campers. It requires clear organization, from dividing teams evenly to setting clear rules that emphasize sportsmanship over competition. Staff should choose an appropriate space, ensure safety boundaries are marked, and explain variations of the game to keep things exciting. Rotating players in and out helps everyone stay engaged, while counselors keeping energy high with encouragement and fair play ensures campers enjoy the game and build positive memories together.
ACTIVITY GUIDE – DODGEBALL GAME VARIATIONS
1. Classic Dodgeball
This is the traditional game most campers already know and love. Two teams line up on opposite sides of the court with a line of balls in the middle. When the game begins, players rush to grab balls and try to hit opponents below the shoulders to get them out. Once hit, players go to the sideline and watch until the round ends. This version is fast-paced and gets everyone moving right away.
2. Medic Dodgeball
This version adds teamwork and strategy. Each team secretly chooses one player to be the “medic.” The medic has the power to revive eliminated teammates by tagging them back in. The catch is that once the medic is hit, no one else can come back, so the medic must be protected at all costs. It creates a game-within-a-game where campers have to decide whether to defend their medic or go on the attack.
3. Jailbreak Dodgeball
Instead of sitting out when hit, players go to a “jail zone” behind the opposing team. They can be freed if one of their teammates successfully throws a ball across the court to them without it being caught by the other team. If they catch it, they’re back in the game. This adds lots of energy and chances for big comebacks, as teams can suddenly regain players.
4. Doctor Dodgeball
Similar to Medic, but with an element of mystery. Each team quietly selects a “doctor,” who can revive fallen players by tagging them back in. The identity of the doctor is kept secret from the other team. Players must disguise who the doctor is, while the other side tries to figure it out and target them. It’s a game of bluff, protection, and strategy, and it keeps everyone on their toes.
5. King’s Court Dodgeball
In this version, nobody really leaves the game—they just switch sides! When a player is hit, instead of sitting out, they join the opposing team. The game continues until everyone has switched over to one side. It creates a dynamic game where sides shift constantly, and the energy builds until one side has absorbed all the players.
6. Gauntlet Dodgeball
This one works best with large groups. Set up two lines of throwers facing each other with space in between. One or more campers take turns trying to sprint from one end of the gauntlet to the other without getting hit. If they make it across, they score a point for their team. Rotate players so everyone gets a chance to be both a runner and a thrower. It’s fun, competitive, and great for cheering each other on.
7. Protect the Pin Dodgeball
Each team sets up two or three pins (cones, bowling pins, or bottles) at the back of their side. Along with trying to hit opponents, teams must also defend their pins. If all of a team’s pins are knocked over, the game is over—even if players are still standing. This variation adds a target-based objective, which requires strategy, defense, and teamwork.
8. Last Player Standing
This is dodgeball in its simplest, wildest form: no teams, just every camper for themselves. Everyone starts with an equal chance, and the last person who hasn’t been hit is the winner. This version is chaotic and exciting, but works best in shorter rounds since it can get intense. It’s great for variety or as a quick end-of-session challenge.
9. Circle Dodgeball
Players form a big circle with one or two players standing inside. The players on the outside toss balls toward the players in the middle, who must dodge to avoid being hit. Once someone inside is hit, they rotate with a thrower from the circle. It’s a fast-paced game that gives every camper a turn at dodging and throwing.
10. Revenge Dodgeball
This variation makes getting out less discouraging because there’s always a chance to come back. When a teammate catches a ball, they can bring one eliminated player back into the game. It encourages risk-taking throws (because catches matter more) and keeps the game lively, since teams can bounce back from tough situations.
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