Children today still engage in traditional yard games and folklore, despite the prevalence of the internet and computer games. Games like “Zombies” remain popular in camps, where children divide into teams and try to “infect” each other, creating suspense and excitement. These activities promote social interaction and physical activity, continuing the legacy of outdoor play.

Older generations recall their own childhood yard games and traditions. Anna, 65, remembers playing “Cossacks and Robbers,” a chase game involving secret passwords, clues, and a designated “prison.” Oleg, 57, recalls making homemade weapons and engaging in “tough” but fair fights, adhering to a strict code of conduct. Anastasia, 46, shares memories of creating “secrets” with close friends, burying treasures in hidden locations as a symbol of unity and a time capsule.

Girls often engaged in games like “elastics,” a jumping game with increasing levels of difficulty, and building huts from scavenged materials, creating cozy shelters for imaginative play. Elena, 35, remembers chanting rituals like summoning the Queen of Spades or a gnome-swearer, adding an element of excitement and shared experience to their childhoods. Even today, children continue to pass down traditions like pillow fights and pranks on “Royal Night,” demonstrating the enduring appeal of these playful customs.