Rocks, twigs, and leaves can be used to create 30 minutes of non-stop fun when you have deliberately studied the art of fun. As a new and inexperienced leader, I watched other leaders play games with children. This is how I learned to create and play games with children. Some people are natural fun-creators. I was not! These people can see the fun in everything, so it comes easily for them. It didn’t for me. Some people need to work at it, and I was one of those people. I deliberately observed and studied the methods of others who created fun for children. One day at a summer camp, I was called on to do a last minute game time with about 100 children. I had no props or leaders to help; it was just me. Because of what I had observed others do and the list of games I had collected over time, I was ready. I looked at the ground, and I saw rocks, twigs, and leaves. We played several relay games using all three of those items for more than 30 minutes. It was some of best fun I ever had as a leader with children.
Several things led to this successful game time. I believed in fun. It wasn’t just a necessary component of the ministry. I became a student of fun and games. I collected ideas and gathered a variety of props. I was prepared to play!
Believe in Fun!
The idea of having fun is Biblical. It is not a sin to have fun! Jesus Christ said He came to give us abundant life (John 10:10B). He said He wanted our joy to be full (John 16:24B). Fun is right for ministry. It will help us achieve the goal of our ministry: to bring children to Christ and help them live for God in this world. I would even argue that fun is a vital part of student ministry.
When it comes to children’s events, fun should not be optional.
Children have an enormously different perception of life than adults. Fun and play are at the top of their priority list- a serious occupation for them. When an opportunity for fun is present, it grabs their attention. They will switch from anything else they are doing to have fun. When it comes to children’s events, fun should not be optional. If you believe in fun, it will be easier to create it and provide it.
Be a Student of fun
If you find yourself as the go-to game person in your children’s ministry, and you are not a natural fun-creator, you will need to become a student of fun. You will need to be deliberate in your approach to your position. If you start now, it won’t take long to create a catalog of game ideas that can be used at a moment’s notice.
- Take advantage of free resources: There are hundreds of free resources, articles, and ideas in this amazing age of technology. Find thirty minutes each week to surf the web for an idea for your “arsenal of ideas.” Read articles, bookmark pages that are helpful, and go back to them when you have more time.
- Collaborate with others: Watch what others do and gain inspiration from what works for them! Television game shows, especially the ones on children’s networks, are a great resource for new game ideas. If you don’t have cable, you can most likely find clips of games on YouTube.
- Observe what your children do for fun: Ask them what they like to do for fun. Listen to what they talk about. The more you know about what they like, the easier it will be for you to plan your games for them. You will be surprised how even simple games can provide the most fun!
- Train yourself: Be a student of fun. Consult with children’s ministry specialists and other leaders for training resources. Word of Life Transfer Live and Youtube can also be excellent resources for learning how to have fun. Of course, you may have to modify the game to fit with your program or to meet the needs of your children.
Store Your Ideas
You can also use the internet to find, collect and catalog ideas. You can find games in every category imaginable like “no prop” games, brain games, small group games, learning games, relay games and the list goes on and on! I have collected thousands of game ideas in the past four decades of working with children. I cut some of them out of children’s ministry magazines. I saved many of them from internet articles. I bought many books with game ideas in them.
Once you have a collection of ideas, keep them handy! Use iBooks or another app to jot down ideas that come to you through your observations. Capture them in a way that is effective for you to access when you need them. I keep a list of “No Prop” games on my iPhone so I can do a game when I am called upon. When you have discovered what your favorite games are, make a list so you can be ready.
Gather Props
When you see something interesting, collect it. Use everyday objects like rocks, sticks, chairs, paper, string, plastic cups… anything. Then, think of ways to use them in a game (relay games, team games, etc). Think of resources you already have and how they could be used in games. When you are in the toy section of Walmart or your favorite department store, look for cheap games or toys that can be used as props.
Always Be Ready to Play
The best way to create fun out of nothing is to be totally prepared to do it. Almost anything can be used to play a game if you have become a “serious fun and game person.” You can amass an awesome arsenal of game ideas and props at very little cost if you gather them little by little over time. If you do that, most of the time your game time will be well prepared in advance and the props you need will already be on hand. You will always be ready to play.
It is always best to be prepared, but sometimes you’ll find yourself in situations when we have to create something out of nothing. A good student of fun, who has become a game specialist will be able to improvise. Your confidence and expertise will create the high level of interest and the level of energy needed to have a successful game time. Your preparedness will equip you to be ready for fun.
Since you have read this far into this article, you already believe fun must be a part of your ministry. If you make a commitment to your position as a game person, you will develop the skills you need to always be ready to play a game. Get ready to have a blast!