Changing up games

Take a normal game and put a twist to it. This will keep games from being boring or predictable. This can also sometimes remove unpleasant aspects of a game without making an issue of it.

• Some of the game and idea books available can put one in a creative frame of mind as well as provide an endless supply of already created game variations.

• It is also fun to have the group itself create odd or new games (but you may have to stipulate in advance such things as no violence, low cost, level of skill required, etc.). 
• Since some youth work publishers offer money or recognition for new games, this can be extra incentive for you or your group to come up with some "keepers."

• Teens, especially older ones, are often resistant to new games and even more resistant to having their games "messed with." So be prepared for a lot of "We've never done it this way before." However, if you can get them to play it a couple of times, and if it is a workable game, it may soon be one of the "We've always done it this way" items in your group's life.

• This is not a forum for a theology of gaming and what are appropriate and inappropriate games, but these issues should always be kept in mind. I will never forget a youth group (not mine!) that created a new game that involved playing Ultimate with a truck tire - only the strongest and bravest dared play, leaving out a lot of other people.