Hobbies And Interests
Outdoor Sports Games
Try a challenging game that relies on strategy -- divide guys into two teams, and explain that the goal of the game is driving the other team back into their own end zone. One side starts by kicking or throwing a football. If an opposing team member catches the ball, he can move forward seven steps before kicking it back toward the other team. If he doesn't catch it, he has to kick the ball from where it landed. The whole game revolves around this strategic back-and-forth. Whenever a team can't catch the ball, the opposing team earns six points -- the first team to hit 30 points wins.
Outdoor Team Games
For an updated take on a scavenger hunt, try one that uses cell phones to provide the clues. If there are responsible drivers in the group, include hints within driving distance -- if not, try a large outdoor space such as a park or neighborhood block. Divide guys into two or three teams, depending on the size of the group. The scavenger hunt should unfold in the traditional way, with each team racing against the other to find assigned items in the area. The twist is that guys need to call or text the scavenger hunt leader in order to find out the next item on the list. The first team to find all the items wins.
Competitive Indoor Games
Try appealing to teen guys' sense of competitiveness, with games that let guys show off and try to beat each other's records. The game is easy to plan and can be adapted for different age groups (for instance, younger teens vs. college freshmen). Before the game, think up different stunts with varying ranges of difficulty (but steer clear of anything dangerous). During the game, each guy draws a stunt from the bowl and has to complete it before the timer runs out (try a one-minute timer). Each guy who successfully completes a stunt earns one point.
Indoor Team Games
To build teamwork, try an action-packed, fast-paced game of charades -- teen guys will respond to the challenge of thinking on their feet. Instead of using whole phrases or sentences, play charades with only one word -- action words are easy, but also throw in some difficult and abstract concepts. Divide guys into two teams. Alternating from team to team, each member of the team has to take a turn picking a word from a bowl and acting it out within a specified time limit. Each correct guess earns one point.