These tips are designed to help Youth leaders create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for activities and games. By focusing on preparation, fairness, and teamwork, leaders can ensure all Youth feel valued, participate fully, and have fun while learning important skills.
Preparation and Safety:
- Always follow the safety rules of the organization you are leading in.
- For indoor games, ensure proper ventilation, and for outdoor activities, check for hazards like uneven terrain. Be aware of hazards like untied shoelaces. Provide adequate shade, hydration, and appropriate clothing as needed.
- Start games quickly. Understand the rules, have all props ready, set clear boundaries, address safety concerns, and organize teams efficiently to maintain momentum.
- Choose games that are age-appropriate, not too strenuous, and suitable for Youths’ physical abilities. Adjust rules, equipment, and playing areas as needed.
- Define clear starting and finishing lines for games, and establish a consistent starting signal. Ensure Youths understand how the game progresses and when it ends.
Facilitating Games:
- Keep rules simple and clear. Written rules can help with new games. If Youths suggest changes, ensure the group agrees on them to maintain fairness.
- Introduce games clearly: share the name and purpose, describe the rules, and sometimes do a quick demo. Take questions before starting and repeat explanations as needed during breaks.
- Focus on participation. Games that restart frequently keep everyone involved. Be cautious with elimination games, but include them occasionally if Youths enjoy them.
- Emphasize teamwork in team games, encouraging Youths to prioritize the group’s success. Rotate teams frequently and consider using creative methods.
- To divide teams fairly and creatively, try different methods as outlined on Team Distribution page.
Engagement and Inclusivity:
- Encourage Youths by name to make them feel valued.
- Allow Youths to opt out if they’re uncomfortable participating. Encourage them without pressure to ensure a safe environment.
- Monitor involvement. Gently encourage Youths who seem disengaged or hesitant, and consult parents or caregivers for support if needed.
- Avoid humiliation. Rotate roles like “it” fairly and adapt games for Youth with disabilities by assigning roles they can perform, such as timekeeper or referee.
Group Interaction and Communication:
- Avoid interrupting Youths. Respect time limits and give them space to express themselves. This is key for building confidence and participation skills.
- Be comfortable with silence. Give Youths time to think and respond rather than filling quiet moments.
- Choose games that respect everyone’s beliefs and customs to ensure inclusivity and respect.
- Rotate game types to give every Youth an opportunity to excel, reducing disappointment or frustration.
Game Dynamics and Fairness:
- Help Youths understand the importance of fair play and teamwork. Teach them to respect rules while allowing flexibility when all agree on changes.
- Ensure the focus is on playing rather than watching. Games that get everyone involved are more enjoyable for the group.
- If one Youth is frequently “it,” switch things up using a rotation system like an “It” bag to ensure fairness. (See instructions for “It” Bag here)
References:
- “7 Ways to Break the Ice – Girl Scouts of Middle TN.” Girl Scouts of Middle TN, 11 Oct. 2021, gsmidtn.org/7-ways-to-break-the-ice/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
- McEniry, Joan. Games for Girl Scouts. 1949. 2nd ed., U.S.A., Girl Scouts of the United States of America, 1969.
