Games, Games, and More Games Boy Scouts of America Chief Seattle Council Program and Training Conference 15 October 2011

“Learn about, and play, some themed games! Includes gathering games, games that pair well with den meeting achievements and quiet games that the boys can play while they’re waiting on field trips.”

What are Games? Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary states that A game is an activity that is engaged for amusement, to pass time, or a diversion. a procedure or strategy for gaining an end a physical or mental competition conducted in accordance to a set of rules.

Cub Scouting Objectives citizenship training physical fitness character development education

Games teach… Self-confidence Independence Body control Coordination To get along with others

When Can I Use Games? In a Den – Small Groups Boys In a Pack – Large Groups Boys Adults Siblings

How Do I Choose a Game? What is the purpose? What space is available? How many boys are there? What equipment is available? What are the abilities of the boys?

Consider the Following Physical Aspects Mental Values Educational Values

Your Mission… …to make it clear that losing a game is not the end of the world and that a loss should be an incentive for the boy to try to improve his skills.

P-E-E-P P ersonal E motional E nvironmental P hysical

Reflecting What is reflecting? – Guides boys to Think Learn Make Sense

Reflecting Questions Did you do your best? Was anyone left out of the game? Was anyone physically hurt? Did anyone have their feelings hurt? How would you make the game different next time?

Successful Game Leaders Are Enthusiastic! Know the rules of the games Have the necessary equipment Have enough leaders Make sure the space is large enough Remove potential hazards Start with their best game Get the players full attention Teach by steps and demonstration Insist on good sportsmanship and fair play Don’t wear it out KISMIF

Choosing “It” and Teams “It” – Birthdays, 01/01 – 31/12 – Alphabet, Name A-Z – Drawing Names Teams – Birthdays, Even vs. Odd – Drawing Names

Game Chest Ball of string Balloons Balls, small and large Beanbags Bottle caps Chalk Checkers Clothesline Clothespins Marbles Newspaper Old umbrellas Paper bags Paper cups Paper plates Playing cards Pie pans Rings Rope Sticks Straws feathers Toothpicks Washers