Summer Youth Camp - Tips for Success as a Game Leader

Summer Youth
Camp - Tips for
Success as a
Game Leader
Helpful hints for
leading games
www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeScavengerHunts.com

Before the Game
• Put safety first. One
preventable accident can ruin
your whole day (and even the
entire event!) Troubleshoot
what could go wrong and try
to put protections in place to
prevent accidents and injuries.
• Try out the game yourself first
to check that it works, so that
you can check timings,
confirm the necessary
materials, and to ensure you
can answer any questions that
arise about the game play.

• Become proficient yourself first
with any team games that you
intend to use. This includes
anyone helping you in the
running of a game.
• Make sure all game
instructions are clear and
complete – essential for
keeping control and credibility.
Factor the time for instructions
for the game play. Part of being
prepared for a game is
knowing how to explain it
quickly.

• You can simplify, adapt,
shorten or lengthen most
games. To turn a long
complex game into a quick
activity or warm-up, scale
down the materials, shorten
the time allowed, and make
the exercise easier.
• Always bring spare
materials and equipment to
allow for more people and
breakages or loss.

• Plan your activities to move
easily from game to game.
For instance, if everyone is
seated, then play two or
three “sitting” games.
• Plan alternatives and
variations and be willing to
use them.

During the Game
• Get the attention of the group.
• Stand where everyone can see
you. (i.e. Do not stand in the
middle of a circle, but stand as
part of the circle when giving
instructions. If outdoors, make
sure you are the one facing the
sun.)
• Use other prepared adults as
helpers AND participants
• Have a quick tactic planned to
divide teams fast. Arrange
competing teams so they are
equal in strength and skill.

• Start positively and with
energy. Say, “We’re going to
play a game now!” rather
than ask, “Do you want to
play a game?” Better yet,
just start giving instructions
to play.
• Put the group into the
correct “position” to play the
game before explaining the
instructions. Divide into
teams, lines, circles, pairs,
etc. first. This reduces
confusion and allows the
group to start playing sooner.

• Clearly explain the games in
a step by step manner –
Groups will cooperate better
if they know what is going to
happen.
• Demonstrate what you want
them to do. Demonstrate
more; talk less!
• Give just enough information
to start the game. Do not try
to anticipate all possible
situations.
• Have a single round as a test
round to be sure everyone
knows how to play.

• End the game on a high.
Stop the game before
interest lags. It is better to
have people wanting for
more. Channel their
enthusiasm to the next
planned activity.
• Remember that the game
leader may always stop the
game and modify the rules
if the need arises. Change
the rules to meet the
situation.
• Encourage players with
positive feedback.
Communicate honest
acceptance.

• If there is something missing,
improvise.
• Learn to use whatever materials
are available.
• If you’re leading a game … STEP
ASIDE so that participants can
see each other and enjoy what
is happening.
• There are times when well-
planned, well-executed games
do not work. Be willing to
acknowledge a flop and move
on. If it’s not fun or meaningful,
stop!
• Don’t take yourself or your
games too seriously.

Avoid
• Hot Seat Games that will
produce group enjoyment
at the expense of an
individual.
• Games that are culturally
biased and may alienate
players.
• Games that require
expertise and may divide
the group into those who
are confident and those
who are not.

Bible Studies based on the book of Jonah
Only. This youth camp curriculum was
designed to teach the basic truths
of obedience in addition to evangelism in the
context of a Biblical character. The advantage
of going through a book and looking at one
man's story is that we see not only the
teaching but the example. It becomes much
more real!
Camp Curriculum - Whale of a Tale
-> Tell me about “Whale of a Tale”
www.creativeyouthideas.com/resources/order5.html

Creative Youth Ideas
Camp Bible Study Series
“Who Do You Say that I AM?”
www.creativeyouthideas.com/resources/whodoyousay.html
-> Tell me about “Who Do You Say that I AM?”
Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do others
say that I am?" It was easy to answer
because it required no conviction, no
commitment, and no risk. But then he
follows that question with another, "Who
do YOU say that I am?"

Live the Fruitful, Abundant Life
Jesus Promised. Great for youth camps or
weekly Youth Bible Study. There are 7
Primary Bible study Sessions in the series.
www.creativeyouthideas.com/resources/fruitofthespirit.html
-> Tell me about “Fruit Of the Spirit”
Creative Youth Ideas
Youth Camp Bible Study Series
“Fruit Of the Spirit”

"The Great Adventure" is western
themed Bible study series loosely based
around the song of the same name by
Steven Curtis Chapman. It was initially
written for a large Texas Church to use for
their Summer Youth Camp but has since
then proven popular around the world.
Camp Curriculum - The Great Adventure
www.creativeyouthideas.com/resources/order12.html
-> Tell me about “The Great Adventure”

Summer Youth Camp - Tips for Success as a Game Leader

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (7)

Similar to Summer Youth Camp - Tips for Success as a Game Leader

Similar to Summer Youth Camp - Tips for Success as a Game Leader (20)

More from Ken Sapp

More from Ken Sapp (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Summer Youth Camp - Tips for Success as a Game Leader