Games
Putting the Fun into Learning

	EIGHT POINTERS FOR GAME LEADERS 1. Establish a warm, positive atmosphere that's fun for everyone. 2. Encourage everyone to participate and do her best. 3. Be patient. 4. Be fair in your judgments. 5. Show respect for each girl. 6. Encourage fair play and safety at all times. 7. Be flexible and prepared to vary or change the game. 8. Emphasize cooperation and playing for fun rather than winning.

Games can be used many different ways in Girl Scouting—breaking the ice, developing teamwork, learning or reinforcing skills, building stamina, or just blowing off steam after sitting for too long. Here are some tips for game leaders:

Choosing Games

• Be sure the games you select are right for the age, experience, and physical condition of the girls.
• Start with familiar games that are quickly learned, and then move on to more complex games.
• Avoid games that offend other people's beliefs or customs. Also avoid games that waste food or other resources.
• Provide opportunities for girls to participate in a variety of games—such as get-acquainted games, nature games, action games, international games, relay games, singing games, and wide games (games where groups complete activities as they rotate between stations).
• Use Girl Scout resource books for additional ideas on creating, teaching and organizing games.

Getting Ready

• Be interested and enthusiastic about the game yourself.
• Know the game well before attempting to teach it. Identify the safety hazards, anticipate the difficulties, and adapt the game to the group and situation.
• Devise a method(s) for organizing teams or formations quickly.
• Know your playing area. Make sure to have a safe area and easily recognized boundaries.
• Have the equipment together beforehand.

Get Set, Go!

• Give the name of the game and some interesting facts about it to help motivate interest.
• Explain the game briefly, giving the basic rules. If needed, demonstrate the game with a small group of girls.
• After explanations, allow the group to get into the desired formation or team positions to start the activity.
• Ask for questions before you start to play.
• If you decide to change rules during the game, try only one change at a time. Allow the group to help suggest rules as well. You might say to the group, "Let's try playing the game this way."
• Stop the game when the enthusiasm is still high. Don't let it drag on.
• Arrange for total participation. Devise a plan for rotation. Minimize waiting and maximize playing time.

Need an Intro Game Fast?

• Check out Icebreakers.