ALTERNATIVE RECREATION

by

John D. McArthur, Jr.

Coming up with twenty different games (four a day for five days) for recreation at camp is not easy. Add to those non-traditional games three or four "rainy day" activities to be held in reserve just in case and we are talking about a major undertaking. Fortunately, there are many good books in your Christian bookstores with a wide variety of games for young people. Youth Specialties "Idea Book" series is a collection of classic games and activities. Group Magazine regularly features new and variations on familiar ice-breakers and activities. Look for games that involve as many as possible, that allow all the kids to participate on a fairly equal basis, and that do not humiliate or embarrass those involved.

Of the games I have tried, two stand out from last summer because they exposed the kids to exercise, promoted cooperation and were just plain fun. They are not completely original with me although I have added some of my own rules (which could change this year depending on the kids involved!).

VOLLEYBALL ROULETTE: Divide the campers into two teams. For this game it doesn't matter if all the athletes are on the same side as long as the numbers are equal. On the volleyball court, each team should have two rows of three players. The rest of the team lines up outside the court by the server. After each serve, regardless of the result, both teams rotate. The one rotated out goes to the back of the line and the one in the front of the line enters in the server's position. Regular volleyball rules are followed for switching serves, returns, and out of bounds. Keeping score is optional. The emphasis is on everyone getting a chance to participate. In this version of the game no one is able to dominate play or be picked on.

I first used Volleyball Roulette as a filler one day when I had extra time. We kept score not to see who won but to know when to switch sides on the court. My plan was to rotate everyone around once. The kids enjoyed the game so much however, they asked if they could go through a second time.

HUMAN FOOSBALL: A flat playing field is divided into squares approximately three foot by three foot. The center square on the north and south ends of the field is the goalie position. One camper occupies each square. Row one on the north end faces south, row two faces north, row three south, row four north, etc. No one may leave their square. When the soccer ball enters your square you may kick or throw it in any direction you want. The object is to score a point through your goal.

I used this as an optional game because I felt it might be more competitive. But after watching the starters play, most of the other kids wanted to participate as well. There is no physical contact and it does not matter how far or hard you can kick or throw the ball. We played for over forty-five minutes and no one scored. After I called time and gave the kids free time, several stayed on the field and continued to play.

VOLLEYBALL ROULETTE HUMAN FOOSBALL