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 Big Room Games Games for those of us with a big facility Check out our newest big room games 
12 Days of ChristmasNote: It is great to have a live band for this game, but it is not completely necessary. A CD and CD player will work. We told the audience to huddle together in 12 different groups. The groups can be of any size, as long as they are relatively the same size. Each group is assigned one gift from the song. For instance, a partridge in a pear tree, 9 lords a leaping, etc. As we played and sang the song “12 days of Christmas” the kids in each group had to act out what was sung in that verse as the leader pointed to them. The group needs to come up with their own actions or routines, etc. The game lasts as long as the music does, of course. You may want to give a prize to the group that comes up with the funniest, best, most original gesture for the “gift” that they are assigned.
A-maze-ing!Choose two competitors. One is taken out of the room. The other has 1-3 minutes (depending on the size of your group) to arrange a maze, using all the people in the room. The maze can be as creative and complicated as he/she wants as long as there are a beginning and an end. After the maze is arranged, bring in the second person who is now blindfolded and let them go. See how long it takes them to make it to the end of the human maze. Repeat the process switching the two competitors. Variation: Especially if you have a small group (under 30) use chairs as well as people to create the maze. The Point: You could use this game as a kickstarter with a discussion about friends leading you down the wrong path or finding God's will. Important Note: Do not play this game if you have a rough group of kids. They may hit or trip the blindfolded person as they are trying to find their way through the maze and it could quickly become violent (too much like the game of Gauntlet).
American Eagle 1-2-3Line everyone up on one side of the room, and have about 2 or 3 kids and leaders in the middle of the room. The object is for everyone to run from one side of the room to the other without being caught by those in the middle. The people in the middle have to lift whoever they can off the ground and say "American eagle 1-2-3!" before they SLOWLY LOWER them back to the ground. When the person is picked up they join the middle and it keeps going until there is 1 person left running. *Be careful as some kids can get hurt if you don't keep the middle under control (i.e. don't drop the kids on the ground). Also, make sure participants lift each other from the waist instead of underarms to avoid inappropriate contact. Added by Michael May
Amoeba RaceSupplies: Long lengths of rope AND a predetermined track/course. Divide your group in teams of at least 5 or more. The larger the team size, the more difficult it is. Tie the rope around the entire team at waist level. Make the rope as snug as possible without hurting the students. Put them on the obstacle course and turn them loose. Teams can be timed during their running of the course, or you can actually have a couple of teams race! The key is to work together as a team to accomplish a common goal. NOTE: The course can be inside or outside, just make sure the route/course is a safe one! Also, make sure it is clearly defined. It would be a significant bummer for a team to get “lost” because the course was not outlined properly. See also Blob Tag (Click Here) and Can-Can (Click Here).
Balloon DefenseBuy two different colored balloons, 25 to 50 of each for two teams of play. Choose colors according to the closest holiday or anything relevant (opposing school colors if you're in a small town). Form two teams. Each team must defend its treasure (a pile of balloons) while attempting to steal or destroy the other team's treasure. Use one color of balloons for one team, and another color for the other team. Designate a time period (five to 10 minutes) to play the game. When the time ends, each team's unpopped balloons count 100 points each. Stolen, unpopped balloons count 200 points each. Depending on your team, this can be either played as a Capture the Flag style game, or just all out full contact. Have fun with this game, and make it your own! Also see Busted (Click Here) and Balloon Master (Click Here).
Balloon SoccerSet up two teams giving each a bunch of balloons. Each team has only one color balloon. The goalie for each team stands opposite his team in front of a large container or even a taped of section of the "field", much like an end zone. The teams try to get their balloons to their goal and into the container/end zone while keeping the other team's balloons out by popping, etc. No hands are allowed of course; this is soccer! Also see Balloon Defense (Click Here)
Barbarians (hyped-up Capture the Flag)Overview: Teams of 4 are competing against each other to get the other teams' gold and to capture other team's' players, and put them in your jail. Set-up/Boundaries: Using two ropes, or red surveyor's tape, divide the field into 4 sections. Each section has one prison area, which is marked off with either ducttape or surveyor's tape. Each section also has a "gold depot" which is marked using hula-hoops or tape. Each team has their own color, which is a flag strip tucked into the front of each player's pants. Every team gets an equal amount of "gold" to start the game, which is white socks, gold socks, and 1 gray work sock. Start of Game: When whistle blows, teams begin the attack. Another team can only catch you if you are in their section; likewise, you can only catch others in your own section (if you are "green" and you run into the "red" section, then you run across to the "yellow section, red can no longer capture you, but yellow now can). When you capture another team member, take their flag and report to the middle of the field to the scorekeeper, then return flag to the person in your prison. In addition to capturing opposing team players, you are also trying to get their "gold", without getting caught. You can only take 1 gold piece at a time, and if you are caught inside an opposition section, you must return gold to that team (no throwing gold into your own section). What Happens When Caught: Having your flag removed by another team player inside their section gets you caught. When this happens, you report to their prison area and can only get out of prison if a teammate tags you out, without getting caught themselves. If your teammate gets caught trying to free you, they must join you in the jail area. Once you successfully get tagged out, you and your teammate get a free passage back to your section. NOTE (the game coordinator may call "jailbreak" and free everyone in jail in all the sections at any given time, usually when there is a lop-sided number of players in prison). How the Game is Won: The game is won by accumulating points for every prisoner your teammates catch, and for each piece of "gold" left at the end of the game. You can run out of gold during the course of the game, but still get points by capturing prisoners and trying to grab other gold from enemy sections. The team with the most accumulated total points at the end is the winner. Score Keeping: White Socks- 3000 points each Gold Socks- 5000 points each Gray Socks- 10,000 points each Prisoners- 1000 each player Supplies Needed: Large, open playing area 2 Ropes (100+ feet each is ideal) 4 different colored flags, one for each section White, yellow, gray socks Bean bag fill for each sock Scorers pad and pen Duct tape and/or hula-hoops Red surveyors or caution tape Added by Shawn McKnight, Mississauga Also see Capture the Flag with Spies (Click Here).
Basketball Chinese Fire DrillGreat to play on a full-size basketball court outside or in a church with a gym (multi-purpose facility) which has two baskets. Divide the group into a number of teams that is one more than the number of baskets you have. The extra team gets a basketball. Each of the other teams is assigned a basket to defend. When the game starts, following basic basketball rules, the team with the ball attacks one of the defended baskets. If the attacking team scores a basket they take the ball with them and attack the next basket located counterclockwise in the gym. If the defending team gains possession of the ball before the attacking team scores, the defending team becomes the attacking team and moves to the next defended basket. The team that just lost the ball stays at that basket and defends it from the next attack. Repeat this pattern until time expires. For extra mayhem, pick teams so there are initially two extra teams so that there are always two baskets being attacked. Be sure your good basketball players are spread among the teams. Added by Gary Slater Also see Basketball GIGANTE (Click Here).
Basketball GIGANTEGet 2 carpet roll tubes (12 foot cardboard tubes). You can get them from any carpet company or store. You also need a big cage ball (earth ball or Omnikin ball-72"). *If you don't have one, here are some sites that sell them. I haven't used these companies before so purchase at your own risk. For Shape Up Shop.com Click Here. Once on this site go to the bottom of the screen and select "Kids and Games" and then choose "Giant Cage Balls." For Wolverine Sports.com Click Here. If you go to the category for Wolverine Sports and then type in cage balls under the search section you will be brought to the right page. This is simple: you hang the tubes horizontally from the gym ceiling with some rope (one rope on each end, like a pull-up bar) and the kids must get the ball through the goal (over the tube and between the ropes). We play this game in our gym with up to 175 kids. Submitted by Mike Also see Basketball Chinese Firedrill (Click Here), Earthball Blowout (Click Here), & Tubemania (Click Here).
Bible Trivia TwisterMaterials: Bible trivia questions 2-4 twister mats Bibles to look up tough questions Instructions: Divide the room into a boys' side and girls' side. Each team has one or two twister mats (depending on the group size). Have each side pick three players for each twister mat. Get the players in position by spinning the twister board four times (rt foot red, lt foot green etc.). Then have a youth leader call out the bible trivia questions. The non-twister mat teamates have to yell the answer before the other team answers. If the boys' team gets the right answer, then the girls' team has to move positions (if right hand blue, etc is called, all the girls move right hand blue), and vice versa. Whichever side has the last person standing is the winner! Added by Jessica Starling Also check out Bible Books Puzzle 1 (Click Here), 2 (Click Here), and 3 (Click Here).
Big Balloon BopGo to your local art or party supply store and buy several of the biggest balloons they carry. (16" are cool, 3' are better). Divide the crowd in two. Have numerous staff throw the balloons in the crowd and have the crowd try to hit the balloons to the other side of the crowd. A fun twist to the game is, when done, tell the kids to pop the balloons and have either numbers or tokens in a few of the balloons, to make a those students stand out from the rest. Bring the kids with the numbers or tokens up front to use in an up-front game or to give a prize to. Also see Balloon Squash (Click Here).
Big Squeeze, TheEasy game for a big group (minimum 20). Quickly divide into 2-4 teams (more people, more teams) and announce that each team will be racing to squeeze into the shape of the item mentioned. For example: if the leaders yell out the word "football" the teams must squeeze into the shape of a football as would be seen from above. Keep score- first team to 10 wins. Like Body Parts (Click Here), play fun music in the background as people regroup. As soon as you pause the song, yell out the shape and watch them scramble to group up. Good Squeeze Shapes (Squeeze into the shape of . . .) California A dog A pair of sunglasses A baseball bat A shark A map of the U.S.A. Your youth group leader The Point: Teamwork, cooperation
Black Light BasketballGet two black lights and set them up at mid-court. Have everyone wear a white shirt that night. Mark one team with electrical tape on their shoulders so they know who has what team. Make sure to get a glow-in-the-dark basketball and then hang red glow sticks on one rim and green glow sticks on the other rim. Caution: the first time I tried this I used a normal basketball wrapped in reflective tape but the tape just reflected the black in the black light. If you have the budget, order lighted basketballs from www.flybynightsports.com. Added by Mike Valovcin Also see Black Light Dodgeball (Click Here) and Black Light Volleyball (Click Here), as well as the glow-in-the-dark version of these games (Click Here).
Black Light DodgeballHang black lights in the gym and use black light reflective tape on the court lines and the balls (spray paint can fade by the end of the game, then you can't see the balls). Have the kids wear white shirts and socks so they have clear targets to hit with the balls. Provide glow bracelets, if possible. Added by Lisa Baer Also see Black Light Volleyball (Click Here) and Black Light Basketball (Click Here), and also check out the Glow-in-the Dark versions of all these games (Click Here). Another dodgeball game to check out is Dodge the Rolling Balls (Click Here).
Black Light VolleyballHang black lights in the gym. Instruct all participants to wear all black and bring an extra pair of white socks. Spray paint a volleyball with glow in the dark/black light sensitive paint. Play volleyball with the people wearing the socks on their hands and the lights off in the gym. Provide glow bracelets if you want. Added by Adam Gross Also see Black Light Dodgeball (Click Here) and Black Light Basketball (Click Here), as well as the Glow-in-the Dark versions of all these games (Click Here).
Blanket RollFor a large group, this can be played as an upfront game, and with a smaller group everyone can play. Only play the game on carpet! Give each 2-person team a blanket, folded in thirds, lengthwise. One person lays down on one end and rolls tightly in the blanket. Another person grabs the free end and pulls sharply to unroll the blanket. The person who rolls the farthest wins.
Blind KickballThis is one of those "trust" games that you can finish up with a short Bible study on faith. The game is simple and would work with any group of 18+. The rules are the same as kickball (3 outs/inning, foul balls, force outs, etc.). The twist is that the students play with a partner and one is blindfolded. At bat, the seeing player kicks the ball, but the blind player runs the bases. The seeing player can run alongside and coach, but may not touch the runner. In the field, the seeing player can catch or stop the ball, but not throw or tag a runner. They CAN, however, touch their own blind partner to guide them to throw the ball or lead them to tag the runner. Players alternate being blindfolded each inning. This game is HILARIOUS to watch! (We had an audience at the public park where we were playing.) The Point: Trust, faith, helping each other along in our faith journeys. Added by David A. Steen Also see Blindfolded Obstacle Course (Click Here).
Blind Man's Beach Ball VolleyballRun a volleyball tournament using a beach ball instead of volleyball and hang a tarp over the net. The teams cannot see each other and don't always know when the ball is coming over. The beach ball makes it more fun because you don't need as much skill to hit it over the net. You might want to move the serving line closer. To make it even more interesting we connected pairs of players with two rubber bands and wrist bands. Simply connect a rubber band to a wrist band then connect the rubber bands together. If the rubber bands break the play is stopped and the other team gets a point or the serve. You can have up to twelve people on a team (if you use the wrist band connectors). Added by Kevin Konkol
Blind PinballBlindfold several students. Strategically place several other students around the room. These students (except the contestant) are given a blown-up balloon w/a point value written in permanent marker. Play hyped music in the background. On “Go!” contestants try to bump into the strategically placed students. When they bump into one, they take the balloon (which that student holds out in front) and tries to pop it. As soon as it’s popped, they move on to find another person and do the same thing. At the end of 1 minute the contestant gets points according to the point values on the balloons they popped. Also see Blind Tag (Click Here).
Blind TagConjure up something with a circumference of about 20 feet, (such as 2 tables pushed together or rope wrapped around 4 chairs). Blindfold two people and dress them in helmet and pads for safety. Put them on opposite sides of this circle. Both must always be touching it. Designate one to be "it" and have the bystanders shout to their favorite which way to go to catch or avoid being caught by the other. Beware of high-speed collisions. One variation is to remove one of the two contestants and let everyone shout directions to the unsuspecting victim. Another variation is to have everyone silent and let the players listen for each other. Added by Young Life Also see Blind Pinball (Click Here).
Blindfold Marco Polo DogdeballBlindfold half of your staff and give them each a dodgeball. Have them stand in the middle of the play area. Assign a second staff member to each blindfolded staff to be a ball fetcher. The blindfolded staff call out "Marco" in which every kid has to respond "Polo!" The blindfolded staff try to throw the ball at the kids. If they hit one the assistant staff removes them to a designated area and then fetches the ball. Last kid remaining is the winner. Rules: If a student doesn't respond "Polo" he or she is automatically out. If a student is hit or touches a ball at all he or she is out. Also see Marshmallow Dodgeball (Click Here).
Blindfolded Obstacle CourseCreate an obstacle course (a playground works GREAT) and get your students or leaders to go in pairs. One from each pair is blindfolded, and the other will lead him or her through the obstacle course by using only their voice. The Point: Team building; a good game for a leadership event. Added by Scott Street Also see Blind Kickball (Click Here).
Blob TagOutdoor or Indoor. This game is a normal game of tag with an added twist. When "it" tags someone, the person becomes part of "it." Then the two of them must run hand in hand and catch their next victim who will join them. Last one caught by the "Blob" is the winner! Also see Amoeba Race (Click Here).
Box or BucketSilly outdoor or indoor retreat, camp, or group game. You need several (10-20) cardboard boxes (med-large), blindfolds, buckets, and water. Blindfold a group of 8-10 people. Place them among the boxes and tell they have 2 minutes to form a wall around themselves using the boxes. The wall doesn’t have to be higher than one box, but it must go completely around the group. The wall can’t have any openings larger than 3 inches. When time is up, for every gap in their wall wider than 3”, a bucket of water will be thrown on the group. Any member of the group inadvertently left outside the wall will receive his/her own bucket of water! The Point: Team building!
British BulldogGreat game to release a lot of energy in the group. Divide into two teams and have them each get to one side of the room, divided by a line down the middle. The object of this game is for teams to try to convert members of the opposite team to their own team. How? Easy. A team member runs to the opposite team's side and tries to lift an opposite team member into the air. While lifting the opposite team member you must yell "British Bulldog!" If done successfully you both have "free walk" back to the lifter's original side, who just gained a new team member. While on the opposite teams side, you of course can be lifted as well and converted to that team(if not on a free walk back). Winning team is the one that gets everyone. Note: Be careful that participants don't drop each other on the ground after lifting. Also, have participants lift each other from the waist instead of underarms to avoid inappropriate contact.
By The Seat of Your Pants VolleyballExcellent indoor game for large groups in a large room, especially during rainy weather. Divide the group into two teams. Set up a volleyball net (or a rope across the room if you don’t have a net) so the top of the net is approximately 5 feet above the floor (shorter than the norm). Each player is instructed to sit down on his team’s side of the net so that his or her legs are crossed in front of them. Because of limited mobility of each player a larger number of participants is suggested (20-25 per team). Use a beach ball, serve from the center of the group and don’t worry how many hits per side. Other than that . . . normal volleyball!
Can-CanUsually played outdoors or in a big room, but could be played in a smaller facility with smaller groups. Imagine everyone in a circle holding hands, pulling and tugging, but not letting go . . . trying to get someone else to bump into the can-can. The result looks like an amoeba trying to force one part of it's body to go somewhere it doesn't want to go! Here's how it's done: You don't want your circle to start bigger than about 25 people, so if you have a large group, have several circles going at once. All you need is a trash can. The taller the can, the better. Also, plastic ones are better than metal ones, and it's always better to find a trash can that hasn't had anything put in it (a clean one). The participants get into a circle around the trash can and hold hands. If a player touches the trash can in any way, they are out. Also, if players break their grip on one another, they are both out. Play pauses after an elimination, giving a much-needed time for players to re-firm their hand-holds. This game is tiring, and is an excellent way to tucker out ADHD jr. highers. Play until one person remains. If an elimination seems slow in coming, adding another trash can to the mix speeds up the game. This game is a huge hit, and you can usually get good video footage as students who are pulled into the can will tend to jump or try to dodge it, while not letting go of the others' hands. Added by James Conley If you don't have a gargbage can, you can use pretty much anything else that stands on its own and wouldn't damage a student who slams into/through it.
Capture the Flag with SpiesOutdoor or Big room. Same as normal Capture the Flag, except each team has a spy for the other team. Select teams with a stack of playing cards, all the blacks go on one side, red on the other. Pre-arrange the deck for the number of players. For example, if you have 20 players, make sure there are 10 black cards and 10 red. Pre-assign a "spy card", and include one of each color. We used the #7. Red #7 started with the red team, but was a really "spy" for the black team (and vice versa). During game play the spy has ONE chance to grab the flag and run it over to the other side. If he is caught, he is no longer a spy and must return to his PROPER side once freed from jail. Observe how the teams interact when they OFFER to be a flag guard...usually the boring job. To make things more interesting, we made the playing field smaller than what we're used to and placed two flags on each side (one was pre-set, the other flag was placed by the team). Only one flag has to be taken across the center line to win the game. Added by Matthew Seilback Also see Barbarians (Click Here).
Car LotThis game is played like "Sharks and Minnows." Choose a 'used car dealer' or two (put a pair of plaid pants on them for fun) and have them pick 3 different car names (ie: Honda Civic, Chevy Cavalier, and a 82 VW diesel Jetta - my personal favorite.) Each runner picks one of these 3 cars, and becomes that car. The dealer yells out a car. Each car by that name sprints across the room. When you are tagged, sit. Now you may tag future cars. The dealer may yell "Car lot!", so everyone must run at the same time. Object: Be the last car running, and become the new dealer. Submitted by Jon Talley
Catch Me If You Can!This game needs 2 teams – min. 4 and max. about 7. You need a wide hall or space and a row of seats down the middle. The chairs must be evenly spread out and face two sides of the hall alternating direction (the first faces the right, the next faces left, and so on). The amount of chairs used will be determined by the amount of players you have. One team will sit on the chairs with one less chair than number of team members. The other team will be on the side waiting. The game starts with the team on the side sending someone onto the floor. The person on the sitting team (who doesn’t have a chair) has to try and catch that person. However they are not allowed to cross the line of chairs. The person who is to be caught can go anywhere, so if they cross the line then the person that was chasing must then tap someone from their team who is facing the side of the hall the person who is running has fled too. If the person jumps back across the line of chairs then that person must tap someone facing the other way. Once the person has been caught then the next person jumps in and continues until all have been caught. Whichever team lasts the longest is the winner. Added by Riverats Youth (Australia)
Catch the Dragon's TailBig room & Outdoor game; good for picnics or big gatherings. No winner or loser. Number of players: 10-30 kids Playing Site: Large open area Items needed: A large scarf or handkerchief Time: 15-45 minutes Object of the game: The first person in the line tries to catch the last person in line. All the players line up and put their hands on the waist of the person in front of them. The last person in line tucks one end of the scarf in his back pocket, belt, or waistband. The first person in lines tries to grab the scarf. When the "head" gets the "tail", he dons the scarf and becomes the new tail. The person second in line becomes the head. Variation: Form two or more teams, each being a "dragon" trying to catch the others tail.
Chariot RaceIf you have a large group (say, 200 people), just select a few groups of 4 kids to do this chariot race in front of everyone else. If you have a small group, you might want to let everyone do it. For example, if you only have 15 kids, use 3 teams of 5. Each group gets a large blanket. Each team lines up at the starting line. Two of the youth on each team are holding onto front corners of the blanket. One youth is sitting on the other end of the blanket, soon to be hanging on for dear life. At the signal, the teams race around a designated course (a large oval works well), the 2 youth in front acting as horses and the blanket acting as a chariot. The race consists of three laps. At the end of each lap, the youth rotate, so one of the people riding now pulls, and one of the pullers now rides. 3 laps allows each person to ride once and pull twice. If a rider is thrown from his chariot, the team must stop until the rider is firmly reseated. Can be played inside on carpet and outside on the grass. Added by Joshua Ellis Variation: Chariot Basketball Relay Line up all the students in 2 teams. On each team pair students up to run the relay. On "Go" the first two pairs race toward the basket. One student pulls the other student on a blanket. The rider has one shot to make a basket. The pairs switch places and race back to the start of the line and tag the next pair on their team. The team with the most baskets at the end of the time limit wins. Added by Jason Dougherty Also see Chariot Race: Australian Style (Click Here) and Indoor Bobsledding (Click Here).
Chariot Race: Australian StyleDivide your group into teams of 3. Arrange your playing area with a chair or marker at either end of your room or field. Teams must link arms, side by side. Spread the teams around the room, so they are not next to each other. The object of the game is to race around the markers in a circle - all teams in the one direction. If a team is passed by a team behind them then they are out. If any member of the teams’ arms becomes unlinked, that team is out. The team or teams (depending on time) still in at the end of your allotted time are the winners! Added by Amanda from Australia Also see Chariot Race (Click Here) on Outdoor page.
Colored Cool Whip RinseFor this game you need one container of Cool Whip per team, different colors of food dye, and a few Super Soakers. Not long before you want to run the game, mix the food coloring with the Cool Whip making each container of Cool Whip a distinct color. (Use only real Cool Whip; imitations don't stick.) Also, keep it very cold - the Cool Whip will begin to melt and not stick if it is out of the fridge too long. If you have a small group, just divide into equal sized teams. If you have a large group, bring up several teams of people. This is a two-part game. For part 1, each group paints one member of the group in Cool Whip. You can judge who looks best if you want. Part 2 is when the team rinses the Cool Whip off with the water gun. The best rinsed team wins. If indoors, use tarps. Offer a prize to the winning team. NOTE: The food color could ruin clothes. You may want to have old clothes handy for changing into before the game gets started.
Criss CrossDivide into 4 teams. Send each team into a corner. The object of the game is to see which team can get to the opposite (diagonal) corner the fastest using the designated method that the leader calls out (eg. if the leader calls out "hopping," the teams must hop to the opposite corner). This will create quite a "bottleneck" or "traffic jam" in the middle each time. Keep score of which team wins each crossing. First team to 5 wins. Good Crossing Methods: Hopping Wheel barrel (one person holding a partner's legs while they walk on hands) Crab Walk Sprint Backwards Walk Skipping Crawling You get the idea!!! Also see Criss, Cross, Crash (Click Here) and TubeMania (Click Here).
Criss, Cross, CrashSafety Note: Be very careful - if you don't use good safety precautions, this could result in injuries. Divide your crowd into two teams, each team in two groups for a relay. Line the teams up in four corners of the playing field, each team diagonal with it's partner team. Give each group 2 or 3 tubes (depending on size). The first team member of each group (4 in total) must step into the tubes, pick them up (so they look like a Michelin Man) and run diagonal to their partner team. Of course their partner team and two opposing teams are running through the same intersection so look out! First team to switch all players across the diagonal one at a time is the winner. Also see Criss Cross (Click Here) and Tubemania (Click Here).
Dodge the Rolling BallsThis game requires a bunch of dodge balls, but it's really fun. First, split your large group into small groups (if you have around 50, split them into 5 groups of 10). Next make one big circle or square with all the people, and send one of the groups in the middle. The surrounding groups sit down while the group in the middle stands up. Now the surrounding groups will roll all the dodgeballs towards the group in the middle, which will try to dodge all the balls coming at them in every direction. Once they get hit they are out. The last person standing is the winner. After you have Group 1 go, have Group 2 take a turn, and so on. At the very end have all the winners come up to determine the super, ultra, mega winner. Added by Guy Mono Also see Black Light Dodgeball (Click Here) and Eternal Dodgeball (Click Here).
Dodgeball Doctor (formerly Doctor Doctor)Divide into two teams, each choosing a "doctor", or two for larger groups (their identity being secret). Just like regular Dodge-ball, use a bunch of balls that are soft and throw them at each other. When someone is hit, they must sit. Here's where the doctor, just one of the players to the other team, may touch the injured and bring them back into play. Hint: the players shouldn't just pop up when touched- this will give away the doctor. Also, we recommend a decoy touching kids as well. When the doctor is hit, the team's only hope is their skill. The object: Eliminating the opposing team, including their doctor. Added by Jon Talley Also see: Dodgeball Dragon (Click Here) Earthball Blowout (Click Here) Long Base (Click Here) Opposite Arm Dodgeball (Click Here) Sink The Bismark (Click Here) Wet Toilet Paper Dodgeball (Click Here)
Dodgeball DragonHave the entire group make a circle. Pick four to five people for each team. The first team goes into the center of the circle and forms a line by attaching their hands to the waist of the person in front of them. The people who make up the circle throw the ball at the "dragon", trying to hit the last person below the waist. Once hit, the last person returns to the outside circle and players continue to hit the new person at the end of the dragon until there is only one person left and they too are hit. A new team then goes into the middle. Time each team to see which one can last the longest. Also see: Blindfold Marco Polo Dodgeball (Click Here) Dodgeball Doctor (Click Here) Earthball Blowout (Click Here) Long Base (Click Here) Opposite Arm Dodgeball (Click Here) Sink The Bismark (Click Here) Wet Toilet Paper Dodgeball (Click Here)
Duck, Duck, DripOutdoor or Indoor game. Just like Duck, Duck, Goose except with a cup of water that the person drips, drips, drips then drops on the person they want to chase them around the circle! Added by Amy Hackman Also see Duck, Duck, Goose With a Twist (Click Here).
Duck, Duck, Goose With a TwistOutdoor or Indoor game. Play this childhood favorite just like Duck-Duck-Goose. Only, instead of just touching someone's head and saying "goose," you’ll crack an egg on their head. Gross, but good for the hair! NOTE: Either forewarn your students to wear grubby clothes, provide wet washcloths and/or towels, or have garbage bags with holes to pull over their heads. Added by Kyle Connell Also see Duck, Duck, Drip (Click Here).
Duct Tape ChallengeYou can either run this game as an UPFRONT GAME, entertaining the audience, or divide your whole group into even teams and have each team select a volunteer - preferably a small, light one. Give each team a roll of duct tape. The object is to tape a team member up on to the wall, using no more than the provided role of tape. The one who stays up the longest is the winner. (At one event, a middle school kid was on the wall for 30 minutes!) Hint: Make sure you use the tape that doesn't leave sticky stuff on the wall or tear off paint (especially in rented or borrowed facilities!) Provide a soft landing for youth as they drop off the wall! Added by Michael Holt
Earthball BlowoutHere are several games you can play with an earthball (also called cage balls) or you could have an "Earthball Theme Night" and play them all. Where to find an earthball: Once upon a time they could be ordered from a place called GO FOR SPORTS at (800) 533-0446. Ask for a 72" cage ball. Here are a couple of web sites which sell them as well - again, look for the 72" cage ball, with the cover. Sometimes covers are sold separately (I've never purchased from these places; purchase at your own risk). Shape Up Shop.com Click Here. Once on this site go to the bottom of the screen and select "Kids and Games" and then choose "Giant Cage Balls." Wolverine Sports.com Click Here. Earth B-ball: Staff hold earth ball in air until start. There are 2 Staff referees. Students try to push/hit earth ball to back board or rim. Send kids to "penalty bleachers" for 60 seconds if they grab the earth ball or kick. Earth Crab Soccer: Same as above only in crab position and with a staff person on each sideline, knocking the ball back into play. Send kids to "penalty bleachers" for 60 seconds if they stand up or sit up at all! Steal the Earth: Line up each team on sidelines and number them. Call numbers and they try to push/hit ball to designated open wall. Staff person must hold earth ball in air after number is called until students reach it. Dodgeball: One staff person patrol the side lines - control people actually sitting out! Also see Death Ball (Click Here) Dodgeball Doctor (Click Here), and Dodgeball Dragon (Click Here).
Egg Tic Tac ToeGrab 9 staff or students prepared to get messy. Have the people get into a tic-tac-toe formation with plastic bags covering them as much as possible. (Use a tarp if indoors.) * Break students into 2 teams (one team Xs and one team Os). * Find a place where you can elevate the students way above the 9 volunteers (rooftops[careful],balconies, etc.) * Have the teams take turns trying to hit one of the 9 with an egg and mark that square accordingly. If the student misses, they miss their opportunity to claim a square. * First team to get 3 in a row, wins!! Added by Brian Esola Also see Egg Obstacle Course (Click Here) on Sick & Twisted page.
Elbow TagEveryone pairs up in a circle. Pick 2 people to start the game - one of them will be "it". “It” chases the other person around the room. They can go inside or outside of the circle but it's a good idea to try to keep them close to the circle. The person being chased tries to hook arms with one of the people who is paired up. If they hook arms before they’re tagged, then the person holding the opposite arm of the person who was being chased now becomes the one to be chased. If the person who is it tags the person they are chasing, that person becomes it and tries to tag them back (think duck, duck goose). This game has no winner but it's a blast and can be played on any time limit you want. Also, if you have someone who is having a hard time catching people, discreetly have a leader get tagged on purpose. Idea by Brian Mitchell
EliminationThis is either played outdoors in a field or in a gym. One person is designated as "it" and is given a dodgeball. "It" then chases the rest of the group throwing the ball at them. If someone is hit they must sit down where they are hit. Once the ball is thrown, anyone may grab it and become "it." If the ball is caught, the thrower must sit down and the person who caught the ball is now "it." I normally state that to sit down the ball must hit you in the air and headshots do not count. The twist is that someone who is sitting down can stand up and be back in the game if the person who hit them has to sit down. Therefore, the game does not end until 1 person ends up hitting every person (or until you call an end to the game due to time). NOTE: If you play this game outdoors, make clear boundaries so the game does not spread out too much.
Estrogen Hoop (Basketball)Great, simple time-filler involving everyone. All you need is a basketball court and a ball. Have everyone (up to 50 people) on the basketball court at once. If you have a huge group, you can have more than two teams, and play tournament/elimination style. Play normal basketball but with the following rules: 1. Only girls can shoot or score 2. No limit to how many people on the court
Eternal DodgeballDodgeball without boundaries, literally - every person for themselves. Typical rules apply - get hit, you're out; if your throw is caught, you're out. Here's the difference: when the person who gets you out gets out, you're back in. The catch: if you have the ball, you can't move (this eliminates the need for boundaries) Added by Andy Unterholzner Also see Dodgeball Doctor (Click Here), Dodgeball Dragon (Click Here), and Dodge the Rolling Balls (Click Here).
Flashlight DodgeballWorks best in a large gym. You need a few soft (nerf) balls and as many flashlights as you have people, if possible. With all the lights turned out, give everyone a flashlight. The flashlights must stay on at all times. The person that is "it" gets the dodgeballs, BUT NO FLASHLIGHT! "It" has to stay in the center circle and throws the balls at everyone else moving around. Have staff people patrolling the area fetching balls and bringing them back to "It". The object of the game is to not get hit with the ball. If someone gets hit with the ball, touches the ball or kicks the ball when they are not "it", they become tagged and have to sit down. Students can use their flashlight to spot the person that is "it" or point out someone else that is hiding- but lights ALWAYS have to stay on. The last one standing is the winner. Added by Ken Ferguson Also see Glow-in-the-Dark Dodgeball (Click Here)
Flashlight GrogTake apart a flashlight into four separate pieces (base, bulb/lens, & 2 batteries). Choose 2 people to be the "grogs" and give them the pieces of the flashlight. Have them hide the flashlight pieces around the facility, but in plain sight. Turn off all the lights. The grogs will then try to tag people. The rest of the group will try to find the flashlight pieces while trying to avoid being tagged by the grogs. Once tagged the person is frozen until a teammate tags them to unfreeze them. I usually set a time limit of 15 minutes and allow them to use cell phones as mini lights. If the team finds all the flashlight pieces in that time they win, if they do not, the "grogs" win. Safety:
Fly Swatter HockeyThis game is a lot of fun to play, but you need an open space (preferably indoors). Make sure you have plenty of ping pong balls, and a fly swatter for every player. Set Up Put two goals on both ends of the room. They can be made of anything, just make sure they are about the size of a hockey goal (and the same size as one another!) Split your players up into teams. Depending on the size of your room, it is best to play with 4 players and 1 goalie per team (5 players on each team, total). 10 kids running around with fly swatters tends to take up space! The Game Students must hit the ping pong ball into the opposing team’s goal to score a point. Most points after 3 minutes wins. If you have multiple teams, the short time limit keeps students who aren’t playing from getting bored. If you do have multiple teams, you can play tournament style if time allows. The Rules Players cannot touch the ping pong ball with their hands at all. They can kick it and hit it with their fly swatter, only. They must use their fly swatter LIKE A HOCKEY STICK…ON THE GROUND. Do not allow students to swing them any higher than their knees. Otherwise, somebody could get hurt. If a player hits another player with his or her fly swatter, they get 1 minute in the penalty box. Have fun and be safe!
Four CornersThis game can be played in any size room. Choose an assistant, preferably a leader, to come up front. The assistant will turn his or her back from the group or put on a blind fold. Then explain that the entire group must choose to stand in one of the four corners of the room which are numbered from 1 to 4. The assistant will then yell out a number from 1 to 4 and everyone in that corner must have a seat. Once those people have a seat people in the remaining 3 corners are given time to switch corners to any of the 4 corners. Then another number is yelled out and those students sit down. Keep calling out corners and having them switch around until there is only one or a few people who are the winners. It gets the whole group moving and having fun and takes no preparation to play. Added by Scott Williams
FrugbeeThis game uses the rubber flexible Frisbees that you can get at Wal-Mart for $2.00 each. It is played on a court, (I use the inside of my fellowship hall). You need to create soccer-like goals. You can use masking tape at both ends of the court to do so. Place two chairs inside the goal so that the chairbacks face each other. Place a Styrofoam cup on each chair. Inside of the goal there should be a masking tape barrier in front of the chairs to prevent the goalie from hovering around the cups making the game unplayable. Play: Divide into teams. Each team will need a goalie. Allow the teams some time to develop their own strategy as to how they will move the Frisbee down the court. Start the game by yelling "go" and throwing in one Frisbee. (You can also have the goalies throw other Frisbees into the game). When a player gets a Frisbee they are ONLY allowed to take three steps and then must throw or toss the Frisbee to another player on their team. No grabbing directly from hands is allowed; when it happens, do a 'jump ball' or simply stop play and re throw it in. (Hand to hand passes usually rip the Frisbees and turns the game into a wrestling match) Each team tries to move the Frisbees closer to their opponent’s goal and knock over the two cups. You get one point for each cup knocked over. Stop play after each goal and throw Frisbees in to start play again. It gets interesting when you throw in additional Frisbees. You can add penalty shots, penalty box or whatever you want. NOTE: You will want to purchase several of the rubber Frisbees for this game. They tend to become statistics in this game!
Gator BallThis is a game that is a combination of hockey, soccer and football. You will need two teams, two goals marked out, and a ball. The basics of the game: You start the game out with the ball in the middle and one person from each team at the ball or "puck" in center. On "go" they have to use their hand as a hockey stick and get the ball between their legs to their team. At any point in the game, whenever the ball is on the ground it plays as soccer and whenever it is in air you can catch it and play it like football. Goalies can use their hands at any time. Added by Kristen
Geometry TestDivide into as many teams of 5-10 as you want. Explain that this is a geometry test. Play hyped music in the background. All teams begin in a circle. When you yell out a shape, they must arrange themselves into it as quickly as possible. Suggestions: straight line, square, rectangle, triangle, cone, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, cube, trapezoid. The Point: Teamwork, goals, focus Variation: “Marching Band Practice” – form into letters you call out.
Glow-in-the-Dark Basketball,Dodgeball,VolleyballPlayed like Black Light Basketball (Click Here), Black Light Dodgeball (Click Here), and Black Light Volleyball (Click Here); only you don't hang black lights. Instead, you use glow-in-the-dark balls (though for Dodgeball you can use regular balls). If you have the budget, provide glow bracelets for everyone and order lighted basketballs from www.flybynightsports.com. Added by Jason "Human Gameboy" Goss See also Glow-in-the-Dark Team Dodgeball (Click Here).
Glow-in-the-dark Team DodgeballCan use regular dodgeballs. Setup: Give each student two glow bracelets that are the same color, one for each wrist. Teams: Each team is based on the color of their bracelets. For an additional team, one team can have mixed colored bracelets. Play: Then play dodgeball without boundaries and lights off. Every team for themselves. Rules: Get hit, you're out; if your throw is caught, you're out; if you have the ball, you can't move. Added by Jason "Human Gameboy" Goss See Glow-in-the-Dark Dodgeball (Click Here), as well as Black Light Basketball (Click Here), Black Light Dodgeball (Click Here), and Black Light Volleyball (Click Here).
Grab and SwatThis is our youth group's agressive version of duck duck goose. Parts needed: 1 foam noodle cut in half (you'll use both halves). 1 5 gallon pickle buckett or trash can. How to play: Have everyone stand in a circle but have them face towards the outside of the circle. Choose two youth to stand inside the circle, where the bucket is located. Give them each a noodle. The object of the game is for the student to swat someone and run back to the trash can, put the noodle in the trash can, and get back to where the person they swatted was standing, before they can grab the noodle out of the trash can and swat them back. If they are able to hit the student back, before they make it back to the spot, then the one who got swatted back is now in the mush pot, which is actually outside the circle, until someone who swats a player gets swatted back. If the student is able to swat the person, get the noodle back in the bucket, and make it back to that person's place without getting swatted back, then the other person is now "it" with the noodle. This game is great because it really wears out the students, and the noodles don't hurt the students. Added by Jeff Proctor
Hug FestInstruct your whole group to walk randomly around the room. About every ten seconds or so, call out a number. Everyone in the game must immediately form a group hug made up of the number of people that you called. This sometimes leaves some people unable to form a group because they don’t have enough people. They are out of the game. Repeat until you only have two people left and declare them the winners. Like musical chairs, play upbeat music between calling out numbers. Added by Young Life Also see Body Parts (Click Here).
Hula Hoop PassGet all your participants in a circle holding each other's hands. Get someone to 'unlock' one of their hands from the circle, put a hula-hoop onto his/her hand, then reconnect with the circle. The aim of this game is to get the hula-hoop around the circle and back to where it started without the group letting go of each other's hands. Can also be played with groups against each other and a stop watch; lots of fun! Added by Jeff Montgomery
Human Battleships -- Day or NightDivide game area into two halves with folding tables or screens about waist height. Cover any gaps so that you cannot see from one side of the barrier to the other. Split your group into two teams who must lie down on either side of the barrier (one team per side). Using a soft ball for a "missile" (nerf, bean bag, small pillow, etc.) play battleships, with the students being the ships. Each team takes turns launching a missile -- throwing the ball or pillow -- over the barrier, trying to guess where the other team members are lying. Rules: 1. Once they have laid down they cannot move or they're out. 2. No one may lie under anything (e.g. tables, desks, chairs etc.) 3. Use either sudden death for ships to be sunk, or vary the game by saying "3 hits to be sunk" or something similar. If you've got a larger group, go for the sudden death. Have referees on the sides to not only say who got hit, but to keep the game moving at a good clip, or those who get out may get bored standing around waiting for the game to get done. Added by Murray Wilkinson If you want to live on the edge, here's David Hopper's version of Human Battleships at Night: Play this game under the same rules as regular Human Battleships (see rules below), except at night outside and with water balloons. Divide into two teams, only have one person on each team be an ammo guy, supplying his/her team with a steady stream of water balloons. Also check out Fountains of Fun (Click Here).
Human FoosballSupplies: A soft ball for kicking and something to mark the boundaries with...masking tape (for inside) and spray paint (for outside). Play just like the table game only with real people linked in rows. Split the kids into two teams, have a captain decide who goes in which rows and how many in each row. Each entire team faces one direction and has to stay that way. They link arms by holding the person's elbows next to them. The whole row has to stay within their boundaries like in the game, but they can slide back and forth, left and right. When you play inside you can mark the boundaries with masking tape, or if you play outside you can use paint (if acceptable) or tape or flour. If you play in a building, you need to remove pretty much everything from the room. If you play outside, it is best if you play between two buildings so that the ball stays in the game. If you play in a field, have lots of folks around to toss the ball back into play. Make sure everyone is wearing shoes, it can get a little fierce with the kicking. Stress safety and not getting out of control. Also, USE A BALL that is SOFT - we use a stuffed soccer ball, or you could use a Nerf ball. Variation: Use more than one ball at a time. Added by Eric and Cindy Scott
HuntersDesignate a “lock-up” area of the room. Take a Polaroid (instant) snapshot of each student as soon as they walk through the doors. Give them a Nerf sling shot or Nerf gun (you can use flags- like capture the flag, sock tags- socks filled with flour, or a balloon tied to the ankle- when popped you’re out). When you're ready to begin, give every student a picture of someone else. At that point, the picture they have is the person that they need to hunt and “lock up” (you can have an area to take “tagged people” or you can just have them sit down where they were tagged). The idea is that every person has someone to hunt while they also are being hunted. In addition, if you shoot the person you were assigned to, you get that person’s picture and keep playing until you shoot everyone or someone shoots and locks you up. Added by Matt Warner Also see Gargoyles (Click Here) and Mafia (Click Here).
Indoor BobsleddingAll you need is wax paper and a carpeted floor. We use 2-man and 4-man bob sled teams. For 2-man, each team gets a 4 foot piece of wax paper. One person has to remain on the "sled" at all times the other person is the brakeman (pusher). 4-man teams get two 6-foot pieces of wax paper. Two people must remain on the sled at all times while the others push. We use the jogging track around our gym as our "track". Compete head-to-head or individually for the best time. It is a blast Added by Corey Springer Also see Chariot Race (Click Here).
Indoor Mini-Wiffle GolfThis game requires lots of prep work. You can bank on at least 2 1/2 hours between set up and tear down. For this game you need to make a mini golf course inside your church. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this. Both require mounds of junk to make obstacles out of. Get some putters (and have the youth bring theirs for extras); floor hockey sticks work just as well. Also get duct tape and gather junk from the church basement or closet where old useless stuff is tossed; any pack-rat's garage is a huge asset, or be creative and hit your local thrift or hardware store. One year we borrowed a dryer hose and used it as a means to get the ball down the stairs. Rolled up carpets, big snow shovels, PVC tubing, Slurpee dome lids - you name it, you can use it (or duct tape it, then use it). Be creative and design your own score sheets. Be sure you use wiffle balls, because who really wants to repair the damage that a real golf ball will do? You can get holes to putt into from a golf shop. Or you can design and make the holes yourself, enlisting your students and leaders to help out. Break up your church into about 4-5 zones and assign a team to each zone. You need to have enough kids and leaders for each zone, about 5-6 per zone. Each team is responsible for making 3-4 holes for their zone using the junk that you've already pulled out for them to use. Give them a time limit and then proceed to have them golf their own course! Have prizes ready for highest scores and best holes, etc. Added by Kelly Johnson
Inner Tube StuffGet several large truck tire inner tubes. Divide into teams and see who can stand the most people within the edges of their tire tube. Variation: Hula Hoop Stuff (same thing, just with a hula hoop.) Added by Young Life
Invention ConventionAll you need is a bunch of junk! Get a special trash bag and label "For Game". Have your staff and parents collect a bunch of their old junk (empty cans, broken appliances, boxes, empty toilet paper tubes, etc.). When you are going to play, divide into teams. Give each a little bit of trash and one roll of duct tape and some paint. They have five minutes to create the weirdest, funniest, artistic sculpture out of the junk. The winning team gets a prize. The Point: God can make something out of the junk in your life. It may look a little funny, but it's worth something to Him and He can still use you! Added by Alexis Yeager
InversionDivide into teams of 15 or 20. Have students stand in order between two lines that are 18 inches apart. On the signal, #1 changes with #20, #2 with #19, etc. without moving outside of lines. Be sure that #2 and #19 don't move until #1 and #20 have made it to their new places, and so on and so forth with the other numbers. Added by Young Life Also see Communication Challenge (Click Here), Mute Organization (Click Here), and Numbers Race (Click Here).
Jail Break (Gym Tag)This game is played in your large room or gym, AND outside the room. The teams are Leaders against students. The leaders try to catch the students and put them in 'prison'. In your gym (or main meeting room) the leaders can catch students by tagging them. Outside the gym, however, the leaders have the option of either tagging or throwing something like a nerf ball or dodgeball. If a student is hit, he must go to jail. Here's where it gets tricky: Leaders can ONLY run in the gym. They are free to run as fast as they want anywhere they want in the gym, trying to protect a designated jail in the gym. Outside the leaders are very robot-like. They have to walk AND they can only turn if they touch a wall or come to the edge of a designated boundry/perimeter. Leaders have to strategize and maybe use three leaders to trap one student. Of course, a leader is allowed to run and fetch a ball he/she has thrown, but once the ball is retrieved, must follow the walking-in-a-straight-line rules. Students go to prison if they are hit with a nerf ball or if they have been tagged. Students can get free only when another student touches the prison. But the instant students are free the leaders tag them again. Added by Pastor Tim Ritchey Also see Jail Break 2 (Click Here) and TV Tag (Click Here).
Jail Break 2 (Gym Tag 2)Teams divide in half. A line divides the gymnasium in half. A judge stands along the line on one wall. 3 pylons or plastic pins are placed in a row, 3 feet out from each of the walls that are parallel to the line dividing the gym in half. Each team is assigned a side. The object is to steal all the other team’s pins before they steal yours. Players may cross the line into the other team's zone. However, if tagged they go to jail, located behind the pins inside the other team's side of the gym. Players who grab a pylon without being touched receive a free walk back to their own side. Players may also attempt to free those imprisoned by tagging the prisoners. None of the prisoners nor the free receive a free walk back. Players may either free a prisoner OR grab a pin, but not both. Any player touched while a part of their body is over the line is out. Added by Wynn Fenwick Also see the first version of Jail Break (Click Here), where the game is leaders vs. students!
Jello Belly FlopIn the winter, have a belly flop contest in a baby pool full of Jello. Lay a tarp over a big old mattress under the baby pool. Idea by Young Life Also see Jello Twister (Click Here).
KeysEverybody but one person sits in a chair. The chairs are scattered all over the room. The person standing has a set of keys in his hand. With his other hand he grabs someone's hand. This person gets up and follows the leader who weaves in and out of the chairs in the room. The person who has gotten out of their chair then grabs someone else's hand who grabs another person's hand. This keeps going until the leader drops the keys on the floor then everyone standing runs and sits in a chair. The person left standing is the new leader. Playing upbeat music really adds to the fun of this game! Also see Clumps (Click Here) and Your Number is Up (Click Here).
King of GoatsOutdoor or Indoor. Choose a "goat" from the group (or one from each team) and have it removed while the groups are given instructions. The crowd (one group) is instructed to stand on the sidelines and shout instructions to the goat, while the circle group (the other group) is told to form a circle holding hands. The goat is to be put in the center of the circle blindfolded. At the signal, the goat is to start chasing the circle and the circle is to move as a whole to avoid being caught. When the goat is ready to start, the circle group is instructed in his presence to move silently and to make no sound. The goat is to listen to the sideline crowd for instructions where to go to catch the circle. As soon as the start signal is given, the crowd starts shouting instructions to the goat, such as, "Go to the right, the right, now go back, straight ahead." The minute the game starts, the circle team, instructed before the goat arrived, immediately disbands and joins the crowd, leaving the goat in a an empty field. Let the goat run for a short time or until the goat guesses what is going on. Added by Young Life
Line TagThis works great in a gym with lots of lines or an AWANA circle. Rules: -No one may step off the line. -When you are tagged, you are "dazed and confused". Sit down! -You may not go around anyone, including the dazed and confused, unless you are 'it'. -You may not cut corners; hence, you must step on the intersection of the line. 'It' tends to get tired quick, so when this happens, tell 'it' to choose a "lovely assistant" to trap people easier. Make sure the lovely assistant walks, not runs. You can also use the same concept for line basketball and line soccer, depending on your facility. Added by Jon Talley
Long Base (A Dodgeball/Kickball Medley)Divide into 2 teams, one in the 'field' and one "at bat." Two or three students bat at a time by bouncing a dodgeball and hitting it with with their hand(s)/arm(s). After hitting the ball, the students attempt to run to the far wall of the gym without being hit. Students in the field may get a batter out by throwing and hitting them with any of the balls that were hit. If a student makes it to the far wall, he must keep a hand on it to remain safe. To score a run, the student must make it back from the far wall to the original line he batted from(home). Students may remain safe at the far wall as long as they want, and there is no limit to the number of students that can stay safe. They can try to run home at any time except when the new batters are holding the balls. Added by Dean Butters, Rolling Meadows, IL Also see Blindfolded Marco Polo Dodgeball (Click Here) and Dodgeball Doctor (Click Here).
Long Base BallganzaThis game somewhat resembles kickball, with the use of cones instead of bases. It is best played indoors; a gym is perfect! You will need 2 cones (for “bases”) and 4 balls, 2 of one color (say, red), and 2 of another color (maybe, green). Here’s how you do it. The game consists of three innings. In every inning, EVERY player on both teams takes a kick, while holding one ball each (green). (In other words, OUTS do not determine the change of innings, they only prevent you from scoring.) The objective is to make as many points as possible. Working in pairs, every student from Team A kicks, and then Team B does the same. This is ONE inning. Since two players from the same team kick at once, you will also need two pitchers. Two cones are set up at the other end of the court. After kicking the red balls, the kickers make a mad dash for either of the cones, carrying their green balls. The team that is in the “outfield” must collect the red balls and throw the kickers out. This is where the green balls being carried by the kickers come in. The kickers can use them to block the red balls thrown at them (like Dodgeball). They can also throw them at outfielders, putting them “out” for that play. If the kickers make it to the cones without being hit by the two red balls they kicked, they make a point for their team. Most points after three innings wins! After a kicker scores by tagging the cone, or is put out by a red ball, they need to stand away from the playing area, while the next kickers are kicking. Some rules to keep in mind: 1. There are NO foul balls. If the ball is kicked at all, then it is “in play.” 2. If the ball is rolled (and is considered a “fair” roll by the umpire) and it is missed, then that kicker is automatically out. 3. Any kicker that is hit by a red ball during their run is out. 4. Any kicker that is hit in the head by a thrown red ball is safe to keep running. (In other words, stress NO HEAD SHOTS.)
Long John StuffThis game can be played as an all-play in small groups, or as an upfront game with larger groups. Long John Stuff requires several bags of deflated balloons, thermal underwear for each person you bring up front or for each team if you make it an all-play, and teams of 6. The number of teams depends on the number of students present. Once teams are formed, litter the floor with dozens (or hundreds) of deflated balloons. Then give each team a full pair of long-johns (or union suit). The team then decides who will wear them over their clothes. It works to their advantage to find the most wiry person for this part (although you'll need to be careful to not make weight an issue). Once the long-johns are on, the leader of the game does or says something to officially begin the game (a cap pistol, whistle, or yell, "Go!"). The object is for the team members not in long-johns to begin inflating balloons, and stuffing them into the long john pants and tops. Decide on a time limit that will officially end the inflating and stuffing portion of the game. Each team is then featured one-by-one as they are given a pin to begin popping each balloon--counting out loud as they do. The balloons are popped through the clothing. Ultimately, the team with the most number of popped balloons is the winner. Suggestion: Have a camera available for taking shots of the fully stuffed long-johns Also see T-Shirt Stuff (Click Here).
Marshmallow DodgeballBuy a couple bags of large marshmallows, plastic cups, and masking tape. Divide students into two teams and have one team go to each side of the room. Divide the room with masking tape to mark where players cannot step across. Put a plastic cup on the head of every player on one of the teams (so that everyone on one side of the room has a cup on his or her head). These players sit against the wall on their side of the room, evenly spaced apart. The game starts by having the players on the other side of the room chuck the marshmallows at the cupheads, attempting to knock the cups off. Give a point to each side that does just that. After a certain time limit, have the teams switch. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Variation: Have part of each team be cupheads, while the rest of the members are throwing the marshmallows. This will create a beautiful crossfire of marshmallows. Optional: Soak the marshmallows in water so they will stick to the player when hit. Rules: The cupheads must sit on their rears at all times. If you have enough students, have someone guard the cupheads so the cup won't get hit. Clean-up: After the game, players will have marshmallow powder on them which either makes a great crowd pleaser or a mess, so you might have wet paper towels close by. Caution: If you are in a carpeted room, clean up the marshmallows right after the game so they will not leave a big stain (thereby ensuring an ongoing friendship with the church janitor). Added by Jared Watson Also see Blindfolded Marco Polo Dodgeball (Click Here) and Shmallow Shooters (Click Here).
Marshmallow Splat BallOutdoor or Indoor. Have students wear grubby clothes that can be thrown away. Divide into 4 or more teams and arm each person with a small Styrofoam plate and 4 marshmallows. Give each team captain (adult) a different color dipping sauce (we used Mustard, Red, & Green Catsup, and Chocolate Syrup, but you can use your imagination). Then map out the boundaries, and send each team to a corner of the playing field as a designated area to load up. Fill each plate with the splat substance. Then tell them to dip and on your signal begin throwing them at the other teams. The team with the most hits wins, but once the slime pellets start to fly no one cares. When they run out of marshmallows they can either pick one up from the ground, and re-dip, or run back to the supply station until the ammo runs out. When the fun was done we had a contest to see which team could pick up the most marshmallows. The prize was dumping a bottle of maple syrup over a leader's head (stolen from the 'Ten Bags of Doom'). We serve a fun God! Added by Jon Nowlin Also see Ten Bags of Doom! (Click Here).
Mud-O-WarThis gross game is played up front or in the middle of your room with 5-10 people on each team while the crowd watches. Tug-of-War in mud or through a Jello kiddy pool . . . you name it! Added by Naomi Also see Tug-O-Fish (Click Here).
Mugger HuggerNote: This game requires at least one video projector screen viewable by the entire crowd. This is a hands-on get-to-know-you mixer. It is perfect for your first night back from summer or Christmas break when you may have new adult leaders and/or new students. Explain that each adult leader’s face will flash on the screen with their name under/above/beside it. Whenever the screen/slideshow changes, the students are to “mugger hug” the adult leader. What this means is, every student should charge after the adult leader pictured on the screen. When the adult leader has been chased down from running around the room, and surrounded by most, if not all, the crowd, go to the next adult leader’s picture. The process repeats itself for every adult leader in the house. The adult leader should try to avoid the crowd, but his/her capture is completely inevitable. The game leader may want to caution the crowd if you have a particularly older adult leader (no broken hips at youth tonight!) This shows the students that the adults can have fun. It also gets the adult leaders in VERY close proximity to the students!
Musical chairs of deathBasically it is like musical chairs, but with a twist. First, set up the chairs in a circle with seats facing out then when the music plays, students walk around the chairs. (There needs to be TWO less chairs than students.) When the music stops, students scramble for a seat. Those who find a seat are safe until the next round. The two who cannot find a chair must run to a predetermined “safe zone” (like a door, or a wall) while adult leaders are throwing large Nerf balls at them. If one or both of the students are hit by the balls, they are out. If they are not hit, they are still in the game. Continue until there is only one winner. NOTE: Make sure the balls are truly soft. You may want to have 2 or 3 balls per adult leader to make it even more exciting. If the game begins to wear on, remove another chair from the floor.
Mustard TanksEach team needs 7 people. Six of the team members will form two lines of three, the two lines facing each other. The students will lock arms with the person in front of them, creating a sort of "bridge." The 7th person (needs to be the smallest person in the group) will then lay across the groups’ arms and will be handed a big plastic or squeezable container of mustard. They will then move around like tanks and shoot other tanks. Added by Stephen Dervan
Noodle HockeyThis game requires a big open space, preferably indoors. On top of that, you need a “pool noodle” for every kid that plays. (You can buy half as many pool noodles as you have kids, and then cut them in half to save money; it’s your call.) Finally, you will need some sort of soft ball, like a Nerf ball, to use in place of a puck. Separate the players into 4-8 person teams, depending on the size of your overall group. Put a goal at either end of the room and designate boundaries for the game. (You can use something as simple as a cardboard box for the goals…but make sure they are both the same size!) The game plays just like hockey. The teams try to get the ball into the goal using their noodles. Of course, since the noodles are soft enough, players can hit each other with them, but limiting those hits to chest-and-down is a good idea. If a player hits another player in the neck, head, or face, he/she must sit in the penalty box for two minutes. Play 3 periods of 3 minutes each. That way, players are excited and those waiting to play (if you have any) do not get bored. If you have enough players to make multiple teams, then you can have a “winner-stays” on tournament. NOTE: The game is fun as described above. If you really want to make it wacky, throw in more than one ball. This shoots the excitement level through the roof!
Noodle Knights (aka Braveheart)Divide into 2 teams and give each player a 3 foot piece of foam noodle and a Burger King crown. One team puts the crowns on normal and the other team puts them on inside out (the crowns must be above the ears). The two teams line up about 15 or more feet away from each other, facing off. On a signal they charge and fight for a designated short period of time. A person is out when their crown is knocked off their head. The crowns can only be knocked off by the noodles (no hands, feet, tackling, or head butts!). After the time is up everyone who is out steps out of the playing area and you line up again for another skirmish. Continue until you have a winner. A great intro to this game is the jousting clip from the movie Braveheart. Added by Steve Schlange
Numbers RaceForm teams of 10 players (ideally). Each person on the team gets a number on a 3x5 card or slip of paper from 0 to 9. The leader then calls out a random number. For example, we'll use the number “108”. The students holding those numbers – 1, 0, and 8 - run out in front and display the numbers to the leader calling them out in the correct order. Try 1,237,582 and so on. The first team to be in place, in the right order gets a point for their team. For re-use make up A5 cards, in different coloured paper for each team and laminate them. Don't forget to distinguish between 6 and 9 - perhaps a line under the numbers. Added by Amanda from Australia Also see Communication Challenge (Click Here) and Inversion (Click Here).
Oil BallGet a big plastic tarp, about 20' x 25', and lay it down. Pour and smear about 5 to 6 bottles of baby oil all over the tarp. Make the outline of an oval track with about 6 cans of shaving cream. Now the goal is to "wheelbarrow" (this is when one kid stands while holding another kid's feet in the air) with the kid on the ground pushing a tennis ball with his/her head around the track twice. The first one done wins! This game does have a cost, but everyone who plays is covered when done and you'll see some great wipe-outs! Take pictures! Just make sure your church has insurance *wink* Added by Paul Butler Also see Jello Twister (Click Here).
One BodyDepending on # of players...for each team formed you will need:
1- pair sweat pants size 2x-3x 3 blind folds 1 laundry basket Objects to be put into basket Form teams of 4 players each:
Get prepared for game:
How to play:
Rules:
Object ideas:
This game works best if the objects cannot be picked up with one hand. Have the same kind of object for each team to pick up. Variation: When all objects are found and in team baskets...Leader yells "Done!" Each team sits and the team with the most objects in their basket wins. This way does not require identical objects for each team. The Point/Discussion Idea: Ask what they learned about the Church being "One Body" through this game. Added by Vonnie Waldrop
Opposite Arm DodgeballThis game is played just like it sounds. Set up any dodgeball game that your kids like. However, make them throw with their opposite arm. It helps keep your jocks from dominating the game and also encourages the kids who are afraid of getting hit. I normally play and act really dumb trying to throw with my wrong arm. Kids laugh at me and we have a great time. Added by Ian Newton Also see Blindfold Marco Polo Dodgeball (Click Here), Dodgeball Dragon (Click Here), Earthball Blowout (Click Here), and Longbase (Click Here).
Paper Plane OnslaughtFor this game you need: cheap sunglasses for eye protection two different colors of 8½ x 11 paper, as many sheets as you have students (plus extra, just in case). Divide the room with tape or another similar divider. Give half the group one stack of color paper and the other half the other color. Choose a time limit between 1 and 3 minutes. The idea is to see how many paper airplanes one team can throw to the other side before the time is up. The team that has thrown the most planes to the other side wins. Quick Clean Up: The team that cleans up their side the fastest wins the onslaught. Added by Ster |