The Ninja game

Every week I'm asked if they can do the Ninja game.  They get to play it about once a month.

Like what's the time mister wolf but in the dark!  Great for 8-16+ year olds

Equipment:

A variety of different sized tables and barriers.

• Torch.
• Chair

 Where:

You're gonna need a hall for this game!

  The SETUP:

• Chair down one end with a boy or girl holding a torch sitting on it.
• Put the tables on their sides with legs facing the chair (so kids are moving towards the tops!)
• Turn the lights out for each go.

The game!

Everyone else has to make it to the chair in the dark past the tables from the opposite end.
No Running!
The kid on the chair has to shine the torch on the others and call their name.  If they get caught by the kid then they have to go back to the other end.
If they make it to the chair without getting caught - they WIN!  Then generally they get to sit on the chair.

ENJOY

The thankyou

Thankyou for reading this.

I find it incredible how such a simple thing can change your entire point of view.  How everything in the world suddenly becomes OK just by someone saying thankyou for your efforts.

One of the boys I lead endeavours to say thankyou to me at the end of the night.  Well most of the time.  For instance if the programme went badly at the youth group he may just skip the thanks.  However I generally get those words from him that mean more than he can know.  When he doesn't it's a clear indicator that the night did not work and most of the time I've already noticed but his confirmation means it all and only makes me cherish the days I get it right even more.  How would you ever notice the good times if there were no bad times.

It turns out that one of the parents has even noticed the difference by just saying thanks.  I received an extra thanks, partly forced but nonetheless an extra from her son.  Obviously my face betrays my love of such a simple remark to set me at ease, even for a short while.

So my point is simple.

When you receive a thankyou, congratulate yourself on a job well done

When you get something week after week keep saying thanks.  You may not know the difference you're making in that persons life.

Finally, consider your life.  The things you've had, the friends and the moments.  Perhaps It's time to start thanking God for all He's doing in your life.  It means so much to us, how much more does it mean to God who does so much in your life.

 

The return of structure

Having worked as part of a structured Youth group for a fair few years now I've seen the difference that can come of such work.  I even ended up speaking to a local chaplain who was of the opinion that such work is increasing and the call for it is growing as people have begun to notice the implications of a far too liberal upbringing.  To further explain such a point i'll refer you to the video below from TED.com on the very same subject.

For the few or for the many

"Sacrifice the few to save the many"

I was speaking to my captain the other day in terms of the numbers in our sections and the like in the calm after the storm.  We sat talking with the other officers after the company night as to how to go forward in the new year.  However something my captain said bugged me.

" Some kids are great to have in the group, but as much as we try to keep these kids, they will eventually give up."  Referring to the odd kids, the loners so to say.  Imaginative, artistic and highly creative are often major characteristics.  Sport on the other hand is not.  So when it comes to games which the others enjoy greatly, these ones often sit on the sidelines.

Of course when running the games you are often stuck to almost ignore the one.  I struggle with this concept.  When I'm not running an activity i make it my duty to encourage those whom sit aside.  The answers from them often being, "i'm no good at sports", or in some rare cases "i like it but i just want to sit out".  (Some kids really confuse me).

So unless another officer does the duty of talking to these kids I can do but shout encouragement in between running things, a task that is often unsuccessful.  I have rarely seen another officer do so, they've often tried and given up.

Sometimes you even make headway with a child, who then leaves without word. Somewhat soul destroying.

So my thoughts lie with the singular statement above.  Is it worth more to run our activities for the many, or try to do so for the few at the risk of losing the others?

Sadly, my captain may have wisdom I'm too stubborn to accept.  How about you?

Fill-in Games: Elevens

Another one for the younger lot.

Equipment:
       None!

Setup:
 Get all the kids sitting on the floor in a circle, legs pointing inwards.

The Game:

Starting with one foot the kids count to eleven for each foot.  I.e. first kid taps right foot on floor and says 1, then 2 on the left and round the circle.

The kid who is unlucky enough to be 11 takes that foot out of the game then starts with the next foot from 1 again.

That's it!!!

The winner is the person with the last foot in wins.

No idea why this game is fun but they enjoy it!

Expanding the game.

I must admit this is drawn from a more adult version with beverages but it is the natural extension. My friends would call it 21 and the same principle, but you can each say upto 3 numbers.  The person that says 21 is still in but chooses a new rule for the game.  I.e. miss 8 or make a noise instead of 12, a sign or the like.  Pretty much anything goes within reason.  This is more suited to teenagers.  Of course the target switches to wanting to say 21 to make up a rule often.  If you fail to do the right thing however you loose a life and the numbers start again with till 21 is reached and a new rule is created or someone else makes a mistake.

We will remember

Our Boys' Brigade returned to the fray for the first time since re-opening in 2007 as we formed up in the square next to the cities cenotaph alongside other Youth groups, Royal Marines, RAF, Navy and the like.
The plan was to show the boys the meaning of Remembrance day, to take part in the parade and to show that the Boys' Brigade is still alive, thriving and taking an active part in our community.
We couldn't have had a better group of boys to do so.  With 10 out of the possible 11 of our older members coming allong in pristine uniforms, polished shoes, arm bands and hats forming up proudly in front of a fair crowd.  To have such a good turnout we knew we'd be in for a challenging but good day.
We knew we were on to a winner as the utterings of questions came from the crowd as we marched onto the square.  "Who's that Youth Group?", "Is that the Boys' Brigade Uniform?" and hilariously, "They're either the Boys' Brigade or Big brother or something?"
We replied to those we could but the morning was taken up by the silence at the stroke of the 11th hour and the ringing of the Last Post sounded out through the square.  Our boys, with heads bowed in quiet revererance and thought throughout.  A true moment for us as Officers and a memory for the boys whom did not question or complain but stood out respectfully in thanks to those that died for our way of life and so they might have the chances put before them in these times and those ahead.

Afterwards was lunch before heading to the local museum of the Royal Marines where in 2 groups we led the boys through the story of the impact of the Royal marines, what it takes to become one and what true bravery means.  The boys once again taking it all in.  They asked questions and found answers to ours, learning throughout.  All enjoying the day and content with each others company.

Of course we made use of the Assualt course to end and a game of rounders on the grounds to the front of the museum finishing in congratulations, thanks and a short prayer from the officers as the daylight began to fade.

To have been part of such a day truly inspires me for the future, the potential in the youth we have and the knowledge that we can give these kids something to really think about and they will honour us in their behaviour and actions when given the chance.

If your Youth group, Boys' Brigade or other hasn't felt the impact of being part of Remembrance day in your own town, i urge you to do so and you might see a side of your members that maybe you thought was absent.  We certainly don't regret it, not even slightly.

Fill-In games: Port Starboard

One for the younger ones!  But one of my favourites.

No equipment needed!

A very popular game for 5-10 year olds to run around like crazy!

The leader shouts Port or Starboard and the kids run left or right, simple as

2010spearnoaatas.blogspot.com

Then add extras like...

• CAPTAINS COMING - Kids salute "aye, aye captain!"
• STERN / BOW - Run forward or back
• SUBMARINE - On their back, one leg in the air like a periscope (lol)
• CLIMB THE RIGGING - pretend to be climbing
• MAN OVERBOARD - Swim
• MAN THE LIFEBOATS - row your boat
• SHARKS! - they run around screaming
• SCRUB THE DECKS - kneel down, pretending to clean the floor

I'm sure there's more but I shall add them when i think of them!  Comment if you think of any more!

This is an OUT game so the last to do the call is out and sits out of the way.

It's a great game and I hope you enjoy it!

Stepping up in Youth work to take a step back

Now I've become a more permanent placement in our city the idea of me becoming the captain of the Boys' Brigade company is being brought up more and more.  Not necessarily a bad thing, but a rapid change in the way I might work with the young people!

Currently a lieutenant, I am placed in charge of planning and running activities, especially games.  Which is testing but so worthwhile and somewhat fun in truth.
However by stepping into a captains role, in fact leads you to taking a step back in running programs.  You are then responsible for the entire night in a more supervisory role.  Expected to talk to parents where possible, to help with other issues the family might have.

On the Youth side the role is more in being a respected and trustful role model as I see it.  From speaking to other captains this often involves, depending on your style, attempting to chat with each of the young people throughout the night, inspections and devotions.  In fact one officer said he hasn't come close to running an activity for months!
I must admit that I generally attempt to do so anyway in terms of speaking to as many of them as possible when I am not running the activity.  It is something that I have enjoyed throughout my time with companies.  By getting to know the members personally a link grows and issues are far easier to deal with, although more issues often arise.

However as I'm in my early 20's and certainly childless myself, respect from parents is hard to come by unless they've seen me actually running activities which is rare.   Where a parent has little control has perplexed me at points I must admit.  Parents often appear to miss the part where I have 15 members in my charge and can deal with most situations when they only have the 2 and are still, in some cases doing it wrong!  Yet another stumbling block to be passed on my way.

But in general, I shall be shadowing the captain when possible and the training comes soon.  Whether I'm ready or even in such a position to take over is the real question.

Fill-in games - Mushroom

This game has come to be known as mushroom, don't ask me why but it is.

Yet another circle game that's got the extra benefit of helping you and the Youth learn each others names.  Which is always useful!

Equipment

Nothing but the players!  Oh and a bit of space helps.

Rules

• The game starts with one person saying their name and someone elses name.
• The person mentioned then does the same verbally passing the game around.
• The job of the person in the middle is to catch the person before they've passed it on by tapping them!
• If they succeed then that person becomes the one in the middle and whoever got them then starts the next round.
• Try not to point or look at the person you've passed to or it'll be easier for the person in the middle!
• And so on...

How to play

1. The game starts with the usual attempt at making a circle.
2. Then you start in the middle to explain the rules!
3.  Get the game going and give them a chance to get used to the game before starting to attempt to catch someone before they pass it.
4. Once they get the hang of it you can change the category.  Like simpsons characters, albeit starting to get out of date already!  Or animal names, or better noises.  It can become rather loud so why not throw in a category of signs where no noise is made but a sign with their hands (no rude ones obviously!).
5. Start again

Overall

This game is really useful for remembering names, so for new youth groups or camps but also works well when they know the game.  You can ask them to give you ideas of categories and then play with them.  Therefore really good as a fill-in game!

The Fill-in Games: SPLAT

Even in the best of Youth programmes there sometimes evolves a slight gap, in some cases becoming a gaping hole.  Perhaps the bus or transport is late to pick the kids up, or the officer running the night is now ill or maybe as simple as that activity which was meant to run for another 10 minutes or so but you miscalculated!  The point is, how do you fill the time

Well I have become the fill-in for such gaps at the Boys' Brigade and the various Youth events that have been occurring over the last few months.  For instance a trip to bowling where the taxis decided to ignore our booking and pick up from the football game instead leaving us stranded at the Church till alternatives were found.  Hence I've decided to put forth such games on here once every week or so till I run out, which I'm sure will only lead to finding out more games!  If you've got any ideas, I'd love to hear them!

SPLAT!

The first being the dramatic favourite called SPLAT!

Equipment:  Players, aside from that it's a fill-in game so nothing.

Where to play:  A good space helps, a medium sized room, hall, hill, field and so on.  Anywhere!

How to play:  

1. Get everyone in a circle with some shouting and herding and such with you in the middle.
2. Now get them into something that actually looks like a circle!
3. Show them the Splat gun - make a gun shape with you hands, putting your hands together that is, you only need one!
4. Tell them they need to make the gun and test fire it once by saying BANG!  Once you're happy that the guns are in working order you can move on.  -  Some Guns can be too quiet so need re-tuning, time to motivate some shy people!
5. Explain that whoever is in the middle has total control!
    

Right so, now the game.
The person in the middle shoots someone saying "SPLAT", that person has to duck to avoid flying bullets.
Then the players each side shoot each other saying "BANG".
 Whoever shoots first wins and the other is out!  They must attempt to die dramatically!  They then  sit down till the game is finished.
Then repeat until the last 2 people are left, the gaps by then getting bigger and bigger in the circle!  The last 2 are then ready for the Final Duel!  But first the extra rules to save arguments!


The rules of shooting

• If you don't duck in time, you get hit by the crossfire and you die instead!
• If it's too close to tell, just move on.
• If someone fires when they're not supposed to, the bullet ricochets and kills them instead!
• If they say the wrong thing, then their gun has misfired and they've failed!
• Once again Dramatic Deaths!!!

The Final Duel

Only 2 remain!  (else go back!)
They stand back to back.  You then need the magic word from beyond the graves, i.e. the other players (no Ouija board involved).  This can be anything.

Then the person from the middle starts saying words, some that sound like the magic one.  For each word, the players take a step.

The say the magic word and the duel commences with the players spinning, firing and hopefully you have a Winner!  Who then runs the next game while you get a cup of tea!

It's a great game that works with 5-18 year olds easily once they get the hang of it!

Staying afloat in Youth work

 Working with Youth is hard work, if you haven't tried it, you have been warned!  You get little thanks from the Youth or even most parents I've met.  Through voluntary work as an officer in the Boys' Brigade the kids simply expect you to be running these programmes as if it were your duty.  I've had parents who will complain at the simplest matter and never thank any officer, ignoring the work put in by the officers which goes far beyond the hour or so you have looking after their child.  The fact that they pay £2, which goes towards insurance through the BB, administration and resources, it is as if they think we're making profits ourselves.

So when you organise an event that the kids refuse without reason it's down heartening.  You design an event that could do great things but without a spark of interest from a ringleader, teenagers certainly won't go.  Even the best events can fail just through what seems cool from day to day.

But powering on is a part of youth work.  Even a paid youth worker stumbles just as much.  The problem is when we begin to question whether what we're doing is worthwhile, when it seems that we're simply treading water.  Sadly I think with a lot of our work, that is in fact all we can do, just keep our heads above the water for as long as possible.  With all the invitations for other things, like alcohol, music, movies, games and other such things drawing youth away from the organised groups it becomes a mission.  It is then that we need look towards God for a leg up!

http://saltandlighttv.org

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

So look back at the good things like the parents who are there to help, thanking you where they can but it doesn't matter if you get the thanks, what shows that you're making a difference is that they are there.

What about when a child learns something new, their behaviour changes or they're just having fun!  Think of all of that, because that's where it really matters.  Then drive forward once again, aim for the next programme, the next event and keep on working even when you're feeling low, it's then that God is asking you where you stand, He will lead you on if you let Him take the wheel.

Youth work is the change we need in our communities, to better our nations.  Know that ao long as you're doing Youth work and the Kids are coming, you are winning!