Games that Teach is a practical workshop for teachers, youth workers, summer scheme leaders, outdoor pursuits instructors, community leaders and anyone else interested in the positive development of People.

What’s the Games that Teach Workshop all about?

You will participate in a range of activities and games that will reinforce:

• Problem solving
• Communication Skills
• Community Awareness
• Conflict Resolution
• Critical Thinking
• Responsibility
• Respect

What will I learn on the Games that Teach Workshop?

• How to modify games and activities so suit desired learning outcomes
• Linking games and activities through a progressive development process
• Games without resources
• Open space games versus closed space games

Participants will also receive:

• A resource pack which includes briefs for the games, activity plans and another 20 games
• Certificate of completion

Who will be leading the Games that Teach Workshop?

With over 15 years experience Stephen Brown has developed and delivered adventure based personal and social development courses with marginalised young people and community groups, team building events for small businesses and large businesses alike, activity days for families, groups of friends, schools and youth organisations.

For more details on Stephen and his work:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamBuildingAdventure
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/AdventureTeam
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/theadventureteam
• Flickr: www.flickr.com/theadventureteam

When is the Games that Teach Workshop?

There are two Games for Fun Workshops in February:

• Course 1 – Wednesday 22nd and Wednesday 29th February 2012, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
• Course 2 – Saturday 25th February 2012, 10.00am – 4.00pm

How much does the Games that Teach Workshop cost:

£125 per person and bring a friend or colleague for £100

Community Groups, Schools and Voluntary Organisations are entitled to a 50% discount

All prices are subject to VAT and the total amount is payable at the time of booking

How do I book my place on the Games that Teach Workshop?

Just give us a call on 0845 5213145 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

You can also book Stephen to deliver this workshop for your organisation – just ask!

Other workshops include:

• Games for Developing Teams
• Chaos – The 30 minute energiser
• Reviewing skills for beginners
• Reviewing skills for business
• Plan it, do it, review it – refining the reviewing process

Where is the Games that Teach Workshop?

The Adventure Team, CEAL, 8 Meadowbank Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8YF

What people say:

"Five star!! really enjoyed the activities bringing out our competitive nature and also that of team work and strategy planning! Brilliant facilitators and great way with the guys who deliver the training. Very well done i know its not the last you will see of me! You helped me build relationships within the NICE group and I know those relationships are now based on our level of trust and co-operation.. keep up the great work! Thanks to you all.”

"From the initial set up right through to the delivery Stephen and his Adventure Team provided a first class service. Stephen, via his calm, self assured and professional style of delivery created an atmosphere that enabled our groups to feel safe and challenged. All the activities provided were delivered in a professional, fun and creative manner. The group, whether participating in an icebreaker or games session right through to the more challenging outdoor activities were at all times in very safe and knowledgeable hands. Stephen and his team ensure that the young people are supported to feel safe both emotionally and physically.”

The Games for Fun Workshop is a practical opportunity for teachers, youth workers, summer scheme leaders, outdoor pursuits instructors, community leaders and anyone else interested in the positive development of Young People.

What’s the Games for Fun Workshop all about?

“A teacher put a dot of chalk on a blackboard and asked a classroom of 15 and 16 year olds to say what they saw.  They responded with the obvious – a chalk dot.  She pointed out to them that she asked the same question of a group of 5 and 6 year olds the day before and elicited responses such as a squashed bug, the top of a telephone pole, an owl’s eye and the like.”

• Did you know that 96% of 4 year olds believe that they can become anything they want to?
• Did you know that by the time these 4 year olds are 18 only 4% of them will hold this belief?
• Did you know that 100% of 5 year olds are driven by their imagination?
• Did you know that only 10% of 7 year olds are driven by their imagination?
• And does it scare you to know that only 2% of 20 year olds are driven by their imagination?

Young children love playing games, inventing “things”, building, drawing and creating. They are brilliant at solving problems. They are not afraid to take risks! And most of all, they having an amazing desire to succeed!

Yet as children grow older these natural skills diminish and with that so do their aspirations and dreams!

This workshop is designed to provide you with a whole new arsenal of games and energisers to help you succeed in your effort developing Young People.

You will look at the process of delivering games with purpose, games for “fun-full-stop”, high and low energy games, games for pairs and games for very large groups. You will take part in as many as 30 different games as part of this workshop.

What will I learn on the Games for Fun Workshop?

• Lots of new games and variations of more familiar games
• How to modify games to suit the needs of the group
• Games for 2 – 200 people
• Linking games through a progressive development process
• Games without resources
• Open space games versus closed space games

Participants will also receive:

• A resource pack which includes briefs for the games, activity plans and another 20 games
• Certificate of completion

Who will be leading the Games for Fun Workshop?

With over 15 years experience Stephen Brown has developed and delivered adventure based personal and social development courses with marginalised young people and community groups, team building events for small businesses and large businesses alike, activity days for families, groups of friends, schools and youth organisations.

• For more details on Stephen and his work:
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamBuildingAdventure
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/AdventureTeam
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/theadventureteam
• Flickr: www.flickr.com/theadventureteam

When is the Games for Fun Workshop?

There are two Games for Fun Workshops in February:

• Course 1 – Wednesday 8th and Wednesday 15th February 2012, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
• Course 2 – Saturday 18th February 2012, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Where is the Games for Fun Workshop?

The Adventure Team, CEAL, 8 Meadowbank Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8YF

How much does the Games for Fun Workshop cost:

£125 per person and bring a friend or colleague for £100

Community Groups, Schools and Voluntary Organisations are entitled to a 50% discount

All prices are subject to VAT and the total amount is payable at the time of booking

How do I book my place on the Games for Fun Workshop?

Just give us a call on 0845 5213145 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

You can also book Stephen to deliver this workshop for your organisation – just ask!

Other workshops include:

• Games for Developing Teams
• Chaos – The 30 minute energiser
• Reviewing skills for beginners
• Reviewing skills for business
• Plan it, do it, review it – refining the reviewing process

What people say:

"Five star!! really enjoyed the activities bringing out our competitive nature and also that of team work and strategy planning! Brilliant facilitators and great way with the guys who deliver the training. Very well done i know its not the last you will see of me! You helped me build relationships within the NICE group and I know those relationships are now based on our level of trust and co-operation.. keep up the great work! Thanks to you all.”

"From the initial set up right through to the delivery Stephen and his Adventure Team provided a first class service. Stephen, via his calm, self assured and professional style of delivery created an atmosphere that enabled our groups to feel safe and challenged. All the activities provided were delivered in a professional, fun and creative manner. The group, whether participating in an icebreaker or games session right through to the more challenging outdoor activities were at all times in very safe and knowledgeable hands. Stephen and his team ensure that the young people are supported to feel safe both emotionally and physically.”

Adventure Team Challenge

Your Team is randomly split in to sub-groups that compete against each other for points in a series of energisers, team games, team tasks and archery. The points are used to purchase raft building equipment in the afternoon and the challenge will finish with a raft race.

Usual times: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Cost: £25 per person (rate applies to delivery in Gortin only)

X Challenge

Your Team is randomly split in to sub-groups that compete against each other in an adventure style race that will cover a mixture of terrains; therefore involving activities such as running, orienteering, raft building and archery. The sub-groups will face a number of Team Building activities along the way that will challenge them physically, mentally and practically.

Usual times: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Cost: £30 per person (rate applies to delivery in Gortin only)

Challenge Xtreme

Your Team is randomly split in to sub-groups that compete against each other in an adventure style race that will cover a mixture of terrains; therefore involving activities such as running, orienteering, coasteering and abseiling. The sub-groups will face a number of Team Building activities along the way that will challenge them physically, mentally and practically.

Usual times: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Venue: North Coast or the Mournes

Cost: £40 per person

If your Team is ready for a Challenge call us on 0845 521 3145 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

GROW is our premier Primary School programme that involves energisers, teambuilding tasks, games and challenges.

All of the activities are designed to challenge pupils both personally and socially, without feeling that they have been taken too far out of their “comfort zones”. Ultimately, the focus of Grow is to provide a structured, team building day with a strong emphasis on fun; after all, we learn more when we are having fun…

Do you want your pupils to GROW? Give us a call on 028 8164 8390 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

Where can my pupils try GROW?

GROW can be delivered at our base in Gortin or we can bring it to you! Most assembly halls and sports halls are large enough.

Are there any age restrictions for GROW?

GROW is an adaptable programme that is suitable for anyone aged 6 and older.

What will my pupils do on the GROW programme?

How will my pupils benefit from taking part in the GROW programme?

GROW creates:

• a sense of self-esteem (both personal and cultural)
• a respect and tolerance for others
• a sense of belonging
• a sense of social, political, cultural and environmental responsibility
• an appreciation of the importance of learning

What do my pupils need to take part in the GROW programme?

We provide all specialist equipment; all the pupils will need is comfortable clothing, e.g. What they wear for PE.

Will my pupils be safe on the GROW programme?

We have over 15 years experience working with children and young people. All of our instructors are trained and assessed in accordance with our Activity Guidelines detailed in our comprehensive Risk Assessment Policy. Our instructors are all qualified First Aiders and meet all of our Child Protection checks including ACCESS NI. We also hold a £5 million insurance policy.

What do other people think of GROW with The Adventure Team?

“Thanks again for last week the children really enjoyed themselves and the teachers loved being able to take a back seat.  Stress free days are always good.” – Linn Primary School

How much does it cost to take part in the GROW programme?

GROW costs £10 per person based on a minimal of 20 participants. Discounts are available for members of The Adventure Club!

How do I book GROW for my pupils?

It’s simple really – give us a call on 028 8164 8390 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

A brilliant alternative to Musical Chairs!

Get the group in to pairs – if the group has males and females it is ideal to get them in to pairs of the opposite sex.

When the music’s on, the pairs must prance and dance around at will.  When the music stops the games facilitator shouts either ‘Knight’, ‘Horse’ or ‘Cavalier’

• Knight means the male has to give his partner a piggy back
• Horse means the male has to give their partner a horse ride by getting on all fours
• Cavalier means the male has to get down on one knee and the female sits on it

The last couple to execute the maneuver is out and so the game plays on until the remaining couple is announced the winner.

A simple game which is why it is so good!

Have fun

Mafia is a great game – it’s simple to setup, needs no equipment, and is heaps of fun.  You need at least 7 or 8 people to play.

There are five roles people play in the game – the mafia, a medic, townspeople, and a moderator.  For a group of eleven, the ratios should be approximately:

• 2 Mafioso
• 1 Medic
• 1 Policeman
• 6 Townspeople
• 1 Moderator

The roles should be allocated secretly apart from that of the moderator.  Normally, the Moderator writes them on cards and hand them out, so no one knows what role others are playing.  The moderator should be someone who knows the game well.

In a nutshell:

• The objective of the Mafioso is to work together to assassinate all the towns people (including the police & medic)
• The objective of the town’s people is to vote out both the Mafioso

The game starts with the moderator telling everyone to close their eyes. 

Once all eyes are closed, the moderator asks the mafia to open their eyes.  As this is the first turn, each Mafioso will discover their fellow Mafioso who they will be working with.  The moderator asks the two Mafioso who they wish to kill.  They silently agree (by pointing to someone) who to ‘kill’ that turn.  Once they have selected someone, the moderator thanks them and asks them to close their eyes. 

The moderator then asks the Medic to open their eyes.  They can then choose someone to ‘save’ (more on what this means later).  Once they have selected someone to save, the moderator asks the Medic to close their eyes

Finally the moderator asks the Policeman to open his/her eyes, and select someone to accuse (of being in the mafia).  The moderator must honestly (and silently) answer the policeman with a nod or a shake of the head whether the accused is one of the assassins or not.  The policeman then closes their eyes. 

That’s the end of the first round, and the moderator then asks everyone to open their eyes.

The moderator announces to the group who was killed during the night.  The person who has been killed takes no further part in the game.  It is essential they are not allowed to talk. 

Note that if the person the mafia selected to be ‘killed’ was also the one selected by the medic, the moderator only reveals there was a failed assassination attempt (and doesn’t give any further information) so the person remains alive.

It is then up to the remaining group members to discuss amongst themselves who they think is in the mafia.  After a few minutes of discussion, the group must vote (one at a time) who they think is in the mafia. 

Given the roles have been handed out in secret; the early rounds are often full of speculation, people justifying their innocence, or explaining their suspicions.  And as the game progresses, lies, deception and strategy creep in.  When all votes have been cast, the person with the most votes is out of the game (and must also not speak again).

The game continues on this cycle, with everyone closing their eyes, the mafia again selecting someone to kill, the medic selecting someone to save, the policeman someone to accuse, the moderator announcing who was killed, then voting again. 

If the medic and/or policeman have been voted out, the moderator should continue pretending to ask them to select someone to save (or to accuse) just so the townspeople don’t know who those people are. 

If one of the two Mafioso is voted out, the game still continues with one Mafioso.

The game ends either when

• All the townspeople are killed (and therefore the mafia win)
• All of the mafia have been voted out (and the townspeople win)

As the game progresses, less and less people are in the game, and people (especially the medic and policeman) build up more and more knowledge of who the Mafioso may be.  Thus the discussions get more and more interesting. 

It’s recommended the medics and policemen keep their identity a secret in the early rounds to avoid being picked off by the assassins.  There comes a time however when it may be beneficial to reveal their role to the group, especially if the policeman has an accusation confirmed.  Whether they can convince the rest of the group they are genuinely a policeman (and not a Mafioso posing as a policeman) adds to the mystery!

Moderators need to be very careful to recite the same script each time to avoid inadvertently giving things away (e.g. "Mafia, open your eyes"  versus  "Mafioso, open your eyes" gives away that one Assassin has been killed).  If the medic has been voted out, continue pretending to ask them (and allow enough time for a pretend answer) so the group is unaware if they are still in the game or not.  Also be aware of voice projection – don’t give away roles by speaking in their direction.

Adjust the number of policemen / Mafioso according to the size of the group.  For 15 players, have two policemen, for 20, have three Mafioso, etc.

The more times you play the game, the better it gets as people get an understanding of how it all works and develop their strategies!

Enjoy

There are absolutely loads of games that can be played with balloons (over 30 that we know of) and we will put these together very soon!  In the meantime check out Balloon Stomp – this games guarantees high energy, lot’s of running about and loads of laughs!

Aim of the Game: Stomp and Pop the balloons of the people in the other teams so that you are the only team left with your balloons intact!

Preparation:

• Play in an area where everyone can easily run around without banging in to anything
• Loads and loads of balloons (spares are useful as some usually “accidentally” pop before the game even begins)
• Ribbon or string, cut 1 1/2 feet long

How to Play Balloon Stomp:

Split everyone into three equal teams and hand out the balloons, one colour per team; and give each person two balloons.  Each person should tie the ribbon or string to their ankle and then attach one of the inflated balloons to it.  Now for the rules:

• When you say “go”, the players must stomp and pop other teams’ balloons.
• The players can only run within the set boundaries.
• The players cannot use their hands.
• If a players’ balloon is burst they must inflate and attach their second balloon (step outside the boundary to do this)
• If both balloons have been popped, the player must sit out of the boundaries and is out of the game.
• The remaining team with at least one balloon intact wins the game.

This game can also be played on an individual basis – each person is against everyone else!

Have fun

A brilliant game which helps coordination and communication!

This game can be played with groups of 8 right up to 30! 

Warp Speed is the final part of this game and the stages before it are “Group Juggle!”

When we play this game we use rubber chickens, quoits, balls of all sizes and materials and anything else that makes the game challenging, fun and interesting!  Rubber chickens are awesome because kids (and adults) love the range of colours and the fact that they may have never seen them before; and more often it’s because they have never considered using them in a game…  It is also worth noting that rubber chickens (slightly different from the sort we use) can be bought in a good pet shop!

Anyway, back to the game…

Keep your items for throwing concealed for the time being and arrange the group in a circle; and to begin with you should be part of the circle too.  The challenge is to throw the first object (a normal object is best at this stage), without dropping it, from one person to the next until it returns to you.  Advise the group that they should not throw the object to the person on their immediate left or right and that each person is only allowed to receive the object once.

The next stage of the challenge is to pass the object in the exact same order.  Remembering who they received from and threw to can be a real test of memory, especially in larger groups.  Again, the aim is to do with this without any drops – do it a few times if needs be and discuss how to get better at it if there are drops.

If the group did it perfectly without any drops then you should ask them if they can do it faster and see how they get on.

Now that the object has been passed a few times and the last go being faster ask the group if they can go faster again to which they usually reply yes.  And this is where you surprise them!  After the 1st object has been round the first few people you should introduce your second object – this will momentarily create some  excitement within the group but as they are so well practiced they will just get one with things. 

As soon as both objects have reached you challenge the group to pass both objects around the circle without there being any drops.  And when they have mastered this you can introduce your 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th object and see how many of them get back to you.

Chaos?  Madness?  Flying objects falling all over the place?  Yes!  These are what you will most likely experience as well as loads of laughter and big smiling faces – especially when you introduce your more peculiar objects

Warp Speed! – When the group have mastered 6 objects ask them if they could manage to keep all 6 objects “juggling” for a period of time that they set themselves as a challenge.

It takes a little practice to know when to move from one stage of the challenge to the next and there are absolutely loads of variations on how to use this game:

• It’s a fun way to learn people’s names by calling out the name of the person you are about to throw to
• If the group are really quick at nailing the first object then you could introduce more objects much faster
• How many any objects can they get to complete the cycle in a set time?
• Why stop with 6 objects?
• There are loads of natural opportunities in this game to review processes, systems and communication

Enjoy

This is a brilliant game that requires zero props and is guaranteed to have everyone in giggles!

Ideally you need 8 people for this game and it works really well with groups as large as 40!

Get everyone to form a circle with you standing in the middle. You are the Splat Master!  You will need to show everyone how to bring their hands together in the shape of a gun (or in this case – in the shape of a Splatter Gun)!  From this stage on everyone must have their Splatter Guns “loaded” by having them pointing the sky at chest level.

From your position in the centre of the circle you should slowly rotate pointing your Splatter Gun at each of the people in the group.  When you point at someone and shout “SPLAT!” that person must then duck to avoid the Splat!  Meanwhile, the persons to the right and left of the person you pointed at must point at each other and shout “SPLAT!”

From this stage on there are a number of ways to get people out and sometimes it is best to stick with the first:

• The person that points and shouts “SPLAT!” last is out
• If the person you splatted does not duck before either of the other two people shout splat then this person is out
• If the wrong person ducks then they are out (potentially you could have a few people go out at this stage)

I find it is useful to do a few practice rounds so everyone gets a feel for the game!  Once you have done this and the game starts for real you should keep eliminating people until there are only two people remaining.  And now it is time for a Splat Duel!

Get both participants to stand back to back and inform them that when you shout out a random number they must take one step forward – just like you will have seen in any good western!  But if you shout out a number and it is a multiple of five (any number will work) they must spin and SPLAT! each other.  And the winner is the new Splat Master!

Enjoy

This is a fabulous game for burning up some energy and having a giggle!  Zero props required just some space!  So simple! 

The challenge is to run for as long as possible on one breathe – screaming the whole time.  I find it works best to get the group to run one at a time (this is the easiest way to judge who ran on 1 breathe and who sneaked in extra breathes).  The winner is the person who got the furthest.

All that you need to do is have a start line and shout go   Make sure the ground is clear of obstacles and we would recommend doing this on grass.

As soon as the group have all had a go get them to all run back at the same time and see who can beat their previous distance – let them judge themselves and cover your ears as they come rushing past!