Christian youth camp tips for success as a game leader

Christian 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”

Christian youth camp tips for success as a game leader

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