Tips for Leading Games Well

By Youth Specialties on October 12 2011



It's a tried and true part of almost every youth ministry — Games.  Leading games is not always as easy as it sounds.  We've all had them crash and burn from time to time.  Here are 9 tips to help make your Games as sucessful as they can be:


  1.  Make sure you understand the game you are about to lead.  Read the instructions carefully, make sure you have all the equipment you need, and if possible do a dry run.
  2. Explain the game in less than a minute.  It’s not a bad thing to get a game started before every kid fully understands it.  They’ll catch on as you play.
  3. If it’s a game that involves only a few of the kids make sure the game has good spectator value and get the action up where everyone can see it.
  4. Eliminate the advantage of elite athletes by modifying the game somehow.
  5. Make sure your adult leaders are participating.  Playing with kids is a great way to make connections.
  6. Zeroes are free – hand out lots of them.  Never give 10 points for a win when you can give 10,000.
  7. Keep the score close.  Give bonus points for enthusiasm.  Remember this is about kids having fun, it’s not a national championship on the line!
  8. Quit before they’re tired of it.  Shut a game down when kids are really into it rather than waiting until everyone is sick of it.
  9. Think Safety – Is there any way I could get sued for this?  Will someone be missing a limb when we are done?


What did we miss?  Let us know in the comments.  


GamesAlso if you are looking for some new games to play, check out our new games resource: Games: Video Edition.  This resource contains a huge supply of how-to ideas for your youth ministry. This DVD is based on The Ideas Library and will provide you with an easy tool to get your group excited about games.

Comments

Picture of patrickmleahy

From patrickmleahy on October 12, 2011

I can definitely relate to not having a full understanding of a game before we play. I tried a good ol’ round of capture the flag once, but disregarded many minor details…it was a disaster. I think the leaders were as confused as the kids were.

So I totally agree with #1

Picture of Brandon Schmidt

From Brandon Schmidt on October 23, 2011

One tip I would add: “Explain the game every time.” The regular students might know the game by heart, but the fringe and new students will not. By taking a minute and explaining the game, everyone is on the same page.

Picture of Philip Manning

From Philip Manning on October 23, 2011

One more tip I’ve found to be a clincher… Keep the games moving!  What I mean by that is, be sure the transition from one game to the next is virtually seamless.  Any momentum built up in the interest and excitement of the teams (kids and leaders alike!) can be quickly squelched by inadequate/delayed transition to the NEXT game.  Don’t neglect the explanation (#2 above) but be ready to move ahead.

I’d reword Tip #9 to generate a different sentiment.  Safety IS paramount in the game “construction” but NOT to the degree of “Is there any way I could get sued for this?”  What a wet blanket!  The underlying answer to that mindset can be “Yes!” for just about anything that occurs during an Awana evening.  ANTICIPATE the safety points of a game and adjust the game-play accordingly.  Invariably you’ll STILL miss a few issues!  My point though is this: keep the games fun, exciting, challenging, fair, age-appropriate and, with forethought as to the safety issues, your game time will be a great success!!!

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