Duct tape!

There are as many game options for duct tape as there are uses for the tape.

One favourite of mine (with varying success) is duct tape 'sculptureaids'.

Different colours for different teams, we can see how many options take shape.

I once worked with a different pastor who played "Duct Tape Ninjas". The staff would each get a roll of tape with the goal of catching the students, in a variation of capture-the-flag,and taping them up somehow. We had students taped to walls and others taped to the bottom of tables. Duct tape can change the feel of a different game, using its mythos to affect the nature of it, or s used to create new games with the familiar silver strips colouring something new all together.

~mike

Bored Games?

It can be easy to dismiss board games as boring. I believe that they can be used to a great advantage if done correctly.

While I would never use board games (barring life size recreations) at a traditional youth event/night, I believe they can be fantastic on less than standard nights.

Using a focused activity can do wonders for building group rapport. Inside jokes start here. Personalities become apparent; cheating tendencies can show themselves. The latter is particularly common when you enjoy creating new rules and passing them off as standard, as some leaders are prone to do.

The sum of all this is to use board games! They can be loud, fun and will promote closer relationships and trust.

Actually, in addition to life sized recreations of games in a large group setting I've taken part in a giant Dutch Blitz game with at least 60 kids. It can be done! Mayhem will ensue, but I can be done.

Play at your own risk.

~mike

Name Tag Fury

Name Tag Fury!

A Frenzied game of name tag slapping and confusion.

-Mark out a square/rectangle on the floor with masking tape; big enough to fit everyone with room to move, but small enough that they can't avoid each other too easily.

-Give each person 3 (or 4, or 5) name tags with their name on it.

-The goal is to stick your name tags to other players, one tag at a time

-Once all of the tags are off the student can get out of the rectangle (qualifying for another game, if you're using this as an elimination round)

-The kids will often get out with unseen tags on their back, needing to be sent back in again, adding to their confusion

Games and Hype?

Games and hype?

How do we approach a youth night?

I often find that the structure of a night is the smallest part of the equation. Energy and momentum are what keeps the students connected and engaged.

There is a distinct psychological difference between filing into a room to mill about while waiting for the game or worship to start versus coming into a room that already has the excitement and energy in place. The effect that can be felt is palpable.

This can be done with music, fun video shorts, games and dramatic skits. A quick burst of energy at the beginning of the night can help the tone of the whole event/meeting/etc... if sustained.

Remember, bringing that unity through entertainment, games or other sources energy can help with the support and focus through the night. This will engage and draw the students in helps if handled well and pumped up enough.

~mike

and so it begins...

This is going to be a place for us to post game ideas for youth-type events and possibly our own ramblings and thoughts about missions to young people. Please check back for updates when they happen.

Updates and postings aren't going to be regulated, but they will happen, from time to time...I assume.

Wait and see, I suppose...