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Playing Group Games

Playing Group Games

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kids running

Purpose

Build teamwork and get exercise while participating in friendly competition with your friends and family.

Description

Play games with friends or family that require teamwork and exercise. Use any of the ideas below, or suggest games you know about and can teach your friends. Adapt the games so that all participants can play no matter their skill level.

  • Crab soccer—Participants must crawl on hands and feet, with chest facing upward, while they try to kick a ball into goals.

  • Water balloon volleyball—Divide participants into pairs, giving each pair a towel; while holding the towel by the corners, use it to throw the water balloon over the net, where another pair tries to catch it and toss it back.

  • Relay race—Divide into teams, and set up a relay race (each team member participates in a set part of the race, and then another team member takes over).

  • Tug-of-war—Divide into two evenly balanced teams, each team holding one end of a long rope; try to pull the other team past a designated point.

More Ideas

  • Deserted island—Invite each participant to identify one object they would bring (and why) if they were to be stranded on a deserted island. As a group, decide how to improve your chances of “survival” by combining various objects.

  • Relay challenge—You could try relay race variations such as running with a balloon between your knees, balancing an egg on a spoon, or crawling backwards.

  • Circle games—There are many different games played in circles around the world. Play your favorites with your family or friends. Examples include hot potato, ampe, kudoda, hacky sack, soccer juggling, nyama-nyama-nyama, and cat catching mice.

  • Board games—Gather a variety of board games to play together, such as party games, strategy games, games you play on teams, or games you play against other individuals. Choose games that are age-appropriate and allow all to participate.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to participate in active games and exercise?

  • What experiences have you had when teamwork helped you succeed?

  • What feelings or impressions do you have about being active and playing games with friends or family?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

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