Hobbies And Interests
Alphabet Game
The alphabet game may be played with pairs or groups as large as 15 kids. Select a category of people, places or things -- e.g., animals, names, cities, careers or sports. Announce a word related to the category that starts with the letter "A." If the category is animals, you could say "alligator." The second player continues using the letter "B," the third using "C" and so on. When "Z" is reached, a new round is started and play continues at "A." If a player cannot think of an item, they are out for the round. Players are also disqualified for reusing the same word. The game is over when all players are out, a preset time limit has been reached or there are no more words in that category.
"Buzz"
"Buzz" is a math game suitable for kids in 5th grade and up. This game works best with a medium-sized group of five to 15 players. Children work as a group to count from zero to 100, with each player saying a number in turn. Whenever you pass a number that is divisible by five, you substitute the number with the word "buzz." Players also say "buzz" whenever the number five appears in a number -- e.g., "1, 2, 3, 4, buzz, 6, 7, 8, 9, buzz." If you forget to say "buzz" or say "buzz" at the wrong time then you are removed from the game. The game continues until there is only one player left. To make the game more difficult for older youths, use a different factor -- e.g., 7, 9, 13.
Collaborative Stories
Make up silly stories about each other, the field trip or strangers who drive by. Have youths work together to develop a story. There are many ways to run this activity: word-by-word, sentence-by-sentence, scene-by-scene. Consider using a portable microphone to enable all travelers to participate. Use the microphone as a "talking stick," to designate a single speaker and share the role of storyteller. You can time children as they use the microphone, allowing each 30 seconds to add to the story.
Drawing With Crayons
Older children and teens often avoid using crayons. Turn back the clock by providing children with cardboard clipboards and a plastic bag of crayons. These drawing materials are safer than pencils and pens. Kids can draw, play tic-tac-toe or write secret messages. Save time by preparing kits with crayons and drawing pads in advance.
Magnetic Travel Games
Although too expensive to purchase for large groups, magnetic travel versions of known board games are a fun way to pass the time when traveling. You can even use a magnetic game board to make your own magnetic games -- e.g., pack poetry magnets with a magnetic board for literary fun on-the-go.
Sing-Alongs
If you forgot your travel games at home or just didn't have time to put them together, sing-alongs are a simple solution. Check your scout handbook, religious activity book or camp counselor guide for ideas -- e.g., "I've Got Something In My Pocket," "Make New Friends," and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences offers a free online directory of songs and sing-along music files for kids.
"Two Truths and a Lie"
"Two Truths and a Lie" is a great icebreaker for kids that are just getting to know each other. This game can be played with a group of any size, but works best with small groups of two to six kids. Children take turns saying three things about themselves. Two of these items are true, while the third is a lie -- e.g., "My last name is Fudge, I hate television and I love books." The other players take turns guessing which statement is a lie.