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by Gary Berger, M.S.W., Scott
Lantzman, and Randy Nathan, M.A., M.S.W.
From an early age, game-play has a positive effect on group dynamics.
For many camp directors, getting messages, concepts, and values across
to your staff in a creative and efficient way is extremely challenging.
There are numerous legal issues that must be covered during staff training,
and significant cultural, moral, and ethical ideas must be discussed.
Learning through hands-on experiences leaves a more indelible impression.
Having fun and gaining valuable lessons may be accomplished simultaneously
without staff realizing they are actually learning.
There are five factors you should consider when developing games for
staff training:
- Purpose. When creating the “perfect” game
for your staff the first issue that must be addressed is the purpose
of the game and the end result you wish to achieve. In order to do
this, you must understand your audience, their expectations, and needs.
- Setting and Environment. Decide what
is the best setting and environment for the game. Is it better to be
outside, or would inside work better? What about the size of the group
and the need for them to interact well with one another? When should
you lead the game? How long should the activity last? Would it work
best as an icebreaker, introduction, time-filler, or termination? How
about the time of day, or whether it follows a meal (when many people
may be drowsy)? What happens if you plan to hold a game outside, but
the weather does not cooperate? Can it be played indoors regardless
of the elements?
- Level of Intensity. Consider the level
of intensity of the game; this could have a dramatic impact on the
success of the game. Are you looking for a low-key activity that does
not require expending a lot of energy, or do you want the participants
to sweat and run around? If your game requires a lot of movement, then
you need to ensure an appropriate location.
- Safety and Participation. Analyze the
group’s safety and participation from both a physical and emotional
standpoint. Does the game require props? Is the playing area free of
obstacles and dangerous objects that could cause injuries? Will the
group feel safe to explore ideas with each other, or does there need
to be an introduction to engage them? What boundaries and expectations
does the leader have and want?
- Clear and Simple Directions. Give clear
and simple directions to ensure everyone participating understands
the rules, levels of expectations, and boundaries in which to have
fun.
Whether you are a first-time facilitator or a well-experienced leader, utilizing
games with your staff are a must during orientation. You do not need to be
an expert in games to use them efficiently. The more games are utilized,
the more likely it is that staff will enjoy orientation and realize that
they can implement those same games as lessons for their campers.
Fun Games that Teach Important Lessons
Campyland
Number of People: Unlimited
Discussion Topics: Staff Manual, ACA Standards, General Socialization
Create a life-sized game board using colored spot markers to create
a fun maze pattern. Place a start box and an end box (you can use hula
hoops) as well as various challenges along the way. Split your staff
into four teams and have each team pick a representative to take their
position on the game board (in the start box). Make a six-sided die that
corresponds to the six colored spot markers on the board. The first player
rolls the die, and if they answer the trivia question correctly, they
advance to the corresponding colored spot. The trivia questions should
be taken from your staff manual.
Candy Camp
Number of People: Unlimited (groups of six to eight)
Discussion Topics: Creativity, Articulating
Vision, Creating Positive Morale
Pass out large amounts of candy, crackers, wafers, marshmallow fluff,
etc., to the groups of staff members and have them create a fantasy camp
using these items. Have groups present their camp to the group, or hold “camp
tours” where everyone rotates from camp to camp, except the group
representatives, who stay behind to give the tour. Award prizes for most
creative, most practical, etc. The best part is eating the “candy
camps” when the activity has been completed.
Mugsy Ball
Number of People: Two teams of twelve, you can rotate in new
teams to include your whole staff
Discussion Topics: Teamwork, Problem Solving,
Sportsmanship
Divide staff members into two even teams. Find a volunteer from each
team and have them sit on a crate at either end of the court. Give the
volunteers a bucket/bag/basket for their team to target. Have each team
identify “their” bucket. The first time around, ask the remaining
players from each team to sit scattered on the floor (cross-legged).
No players may move from their places. Using a gator, or soft nerf-like
ball, have the players try to score in the bucket — one point per
ball in the bucket. The first team to accumulate fifteen points wins
the game. Play again. The next time around, the players are allowed to
strategically place themselves where they want. Once they’ve mastered
the game, try adding more balls.
Cooperative Puzzles
Number of People: Six per puzzle, unlimited based on available
puzzles
Discussion Topics: Cooperation, Communication,
Frustration
Separate staff members into groups and have them sit in a circle facing
each other. Pass out puzzle pieces to each member of the group. Without
talking, have them place their pieces in front of themselves. Next, only
moving one piece at a time, in a clockwise order, ask each individual
to place a piece into the center without touching any one else’s
puzzle pieces. In the next phase of the game, you can create your own
rules keeping the group silent, but allowing them to touch other pieces,
all leading up to the final step, where they are allowed to talk and
complete the puzzle.
Blindfold Bolf
Number of People: Three per hole, you decide the number of holes
Discussion Topics: Building Character, Shaping
Leadership, Respecting Differences
This game is similar to miniature golf with three players per hole;
equipment needed includes a “bowling-type” ball, five-gallon
buckets/garbage cans, and blindfolds. Set up the course with a number
of “holes” (e.g., five-gallon buckets/garbage cans) and obstacles.
The blindfolded bowler stands in a hula hoop (which is placed at varying
distances from each target). One partner stands next to the blindfolded
bowler, and one partner stands next to the bucket. Using their voice
only, the partners can direct the bowler where to roll the ball. Three
attempts each and then move on to the next hole.
Originally published
in the 2003 May/June issue of Camping Magazine. |
