Hobbies And Interests
Getting Acquainted
This first game is a great ice breaker for new groups and can be played in group sizes of up to 20 people. This game gives great insight into how children view themselves and how those around them may see them as well. Discussion afterwards can center on perception, how well others know us and how well we actually know ourselves. The lesson plan can easily move into how God sees/views us.
The game is called "Who is It?" This game may be played with large groups and requires the use of cards and pencils. Each player writes his name on the card and five words that best describe him. The leader collects the cards and reads off the descriptions in front of the class. Players must guess who the leader is describing and write the name down on a new blank card. When all the cards are read, the person who guessed the most correct answers wins.
Team Games
Relay races are excellent team-building activities that have members depending upon each other to reach the goal of achieving. The purpose here is to have fun while depending on others to help us win or reach our goals. Discussion afterwards can center on the frustration/elation of losing/winning, what as a team could you have done better to reach your goals and whether or not counting on others makes us more vulnerable or strengthens us. Later discussion can focus on God's role in helping us achieve our goals.
The "Potato Duck Race" is a fun relay and is recommended for players eight years and older, with teams of five or more. Each team receives two short sticks and one potato. The potato must be held between the sticks, which in turn must be held between the first player's legs while duck-walking the distance to their teammates on the other side of the yard. If the potato is dropped, the player must retrieve it and return to the place where he dropped it before proceeding across the yard. He then passes the sticks and potato to the next team member. First team with all members to finish wins.
Trust Games
Trust games promote mutual dependence and help instill confidence in other group members. The game below is an excellent lesson plan about moving forward in faith and discussion afterwards can focus on depending upon God to show us the way even when we cannot see it ourselves.
The "Nature Blind Touch" game is played in pairs of two. One person is blindfolded while the other leads him through a forest or other outdoor area. The guide leads his partner through the grounds until they come to a tree or other distinguishable item. The blindfolded person touches the item to try to identify it and is then led back to the classroom. He removes the blindfold and attempts to return to the place his guide led him to, alone.