‘Court-yard Games’ provides a great way for Chaplains of building relationships with a whole range of kids. These kids can come and go as they please … or stay as long as they like. It’s also a great way to spot those isolated kids or the one who just may be out-of-sorts. By staying in the one area each day the Chaplain actually creates a ‘safe space’ within an often unfriendly and/or lonely environment for a number of kids who might otherwise wander aimlessly, upset or alone. There have been countless occasions when a student — either know or unknown to me — has sidled up just before the end of lunchtime sheepishly to request having a chat after the bell has gone. The concept of making space for games is really more about making space for grace.
For those Chaplains privileged to be working in Government Schools, you already know the blessing of taking the love of Jesus into a secular and often hostile environment. ‘Court-yard Games’ provides yet another opportunity to take ground as it were for the God’s Kingdom as you enter into the school yard.
So rather than just asking or just expecting to be included in their playground activities or wandering all over the school yard with little direction or intent, let me encourage you to commandeer a space— not too intrusively … I suggest you don’t take over the most popular four-square court for example, or the basket ball court or the sandpit! Find a space that is relatively central—avoiding walkways—and make it your own by setting up a new ‘Courtyard Game’. By doing this you are inviting the children into this space on your terms. You set the boundaries (visible as well invisible). You lay out the rules—keeping them as simple and uncomplicated as possible. Now this may sound contrary to the purposes of chaplaincy, but it is actually you who determines who plays and when. In my experience, it is a very rare thing to have had a fight or any argument during or after any of these games—in fact it has been a wonderful demonstration of whosoever will may come and play—and come they do! And they come back again and again; and in doing so they are building new friendships across a range of year levels and social groups.
So the COURTYARD GAMES books are for you: to encourage, to inspire and to assist you in your endeavours to build trusting relationships with children in a fun way.
I believe that Jesus not only would approve of this form of ministry, but I have every confidence that He would be right in the thick of things, joining in and cheering everyone on! Come to think of it … He already is!
“Elephant's Snot** & Marble Kisses” is a cross-section of 20 games that I have either created, discovered, developed or adapted making more use of minimum resources … for even greater maximum impact. The major difference is in the format – you get to choose which games you would prefer to purchase on-line … in other words this book does not come in hard copy format but in e-format (PDF)
The rules and instructions have been kept to a minimum in order to allow you the flexibility for your own interpretation and adaption to suit you’re your own preferences and circumstances.
You may have already discovered that just as sometimes the best fun for a child is an empty cardboard box, and so this second book continues in the same way i.e. with an emphasis on simplicity and making use of what you have. This is why I firmly believe in finding new ways to use the same materials in new ways, as well as finding ways to utilise recycled / waste materials. If you are in the privileged position to be allocated a budget, then make good use of it. If not, then you will need to do what I have done (and continue to do) and that is to be good at recycling or spending and/or making yourself (which means they are yours to take with you if move on). Remember—minimum resources … maximum impact!
Most of these games are competitive but they are all non-physical and non-aggressive. Some of the activities are non-competitive problem solving such as ‘Happy Feet’ or ‘Tri Links’ and others are strategy games such as ‘Tops’ or ‘Four on the Floor’. And whilst others are simply games of chance such as ‘Mouse Hunt’ or ‘Caterpillar Derby’; some others require patience and skill such as ‘Down the Tube’, ‘Marble Kisses’ and ‘Elephant’s Snot’** which also requires teamwork.
Lastly, some of these Courtyard Games work well for individual participants (sometimes I offer them in one-on-one chat sessions as an ice-breaker or as a fun activity after a heavy session); some for partners and some for a group / team. One thing is for sure—they are all fun—especially as you engage with children. And of course, as you develop your range of games, you will quickly discover that not only will many children come to have their favourites … so will you.
Have fun!
**In certain cultures this term may be offensive, so please be sensitive to the beliefs and customs of the children with whom you may find yourself working with. Please accept my sincere apology if any offence is taken. The title for this game came about as a spontaneous response from children and teachers when the game was first introduced. As I have essentially chosen to use this title within an Australian context; my suggested alternative name for the game is ‘Squishy Tunnel’
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Gary
