Great Games

Tips for facilitating and leading games by the game master Les Christie!

There are a few things to keep in mind when leading games:

1. Have all materials/equipment needed on hand before beginning.
2. Gather the group together before beginning to explain an activity and don’t have them move again until you have explained all the instructions.
3. When you have everyone’s attention, give explanations clearly, briefly and correctly. 
   
4. Get to the activity as quickly as possible. Excitement for an activity can wane if youth have to listen to instructions for too long.
5. Demonstrate the instructions if it will help bring understanding. Use a partner if necessary.
6. Encourage participants to play for fun. Staff and adults should also remember this!!
7. When an activity does not “take hold” for some reason or another, move quickly from it to another activity.
8. Keep things moving. Stop the activity before attention is lost.
9. When an activity fails, examine yourself first and the way you introduced the activity. Don’t immediately blame the group or the activity itself.
10. Avoid highly competitive games or games that require a lot of skill or coordination.
11. Direct attention to the activity, not to yourself. A good leader merges with the group.
12. Enjoy the activity yourself and be enthusiastic. Don’t lead from the sidelines.
13. Because the summer weather is sometimes unpredictable, it is important to have alternate plans for outdoor activities.

Click here to check out our You Tube playlist of great game ideas! 

Click here to check out our Pinterest Board full of great game ideas!