Banana Olympics

Last week I found myself sitting in front of the computer trying to come up with some clever idea for my third grader's end-of-year class party.  I'd put it off until the last minute so there was no time to search out any special supplies or equipment.  I'd have to get creative.

And that's when I stumbled upon the idea of the Banana Olympics.  With the Olympics coming to London this year it seemed like the perfect silly party idea.  And so I ran with it.  

Our Banana Olympics was so much fun that I have decided to put it out here on the internet so that other frazzled party planners can feel free to copy it.  It was the most simple and most fun class party I've ever done.  This party lasted one hour and was so easy to plan, execute and clean up.

Here's the scoop:

I divided the class into 3 teams.  Each team came up with a team name and then used Sharpies to decorate their team banana.  I planned 8 different "Olympic" events, each involving the use of a banana.  The children competed in the events and scored points based on 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place finishes.  At the end, we totaled the points and awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals to the teams.  Then we all celebrated by making Banana Splits!

Our events were:

1.  Knee Hold Hop

Holding the banana gently between your knees, hop to the cone and then run back.  Hand off the banana to your next teammate.  

2.  Under Arm Hop

Hold the banana under one arm.  Hop on one leg to the cone and back.  Hand off to your next teammate. 

3.  Wheelbarrow Race

Like a typical wheelbarrow race but with a banana "in the wheelbarrow" (on the player's back).  If the banana falls off, the team must stop to pick it up and replace it.

4.  Shuffle Toss

Two players toss the banana back and forth while shuffling (side step) to the cone and back.

 

5.  Banana Golf

Each player has a banana tied to a string tied around their waist.  Use the banana to roll a tennis ball to the finish line.  This was a favorite event for all!

6.  Long Toss

Toss the banana from a distance while 2 teammates try to catch it in an pillowcase.

7.  Banana Spoon Race

Like an egg and spoon race but with a banana!  We used wooden spoons.

8.  Leap Frog Banana Toss

Players line up leap frog style and after they jump over everyone in the line they toss the banana back up to the next jumper. 

I absolutely loved doing the Banana Olympics.  It was a great end to a wonderful school year.  If you decide to give this party a try, I'd love to hear about it.  Just make sure to have plenty of replacement bananas on hand!