Getting to know youSession 2: 30-60 minutes

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Goal

To break the ice, andincrease the comfort ofparticipants, in getting toknow each other

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Rationale

• People are naturally shy and feel unsure of themselves especially around new people

• We need to play games to reduce the tension and create a relaxing environment

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Needs

1. Games coordinator

2. Additional assistants, whistle and microphone

3. Large poster paper and marking pens

4. Spacious roomYouth Alive Training 4

Activities:

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Cooperative games vs.competitive games

• High-energy level activities

• Working together for a common purpose

• Cooperative games differ from competitive sportsYouth Alive Training 6

Its motto:

• Play hard• Play fair• Nobody hurt!

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5 major elements in cooperative games

• Challenge• Trust• Safety• Empowerment• Innovation

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Challenge

Variety of skills so all players can participate

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Trust

• Games designed to create and communicate trust

• Establishes sense of community

• Considers how other people feel

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Safety

• Contained• Cushioned• Controlled• Play with caring• Play with community• Players opt to exit from

game if they choose to

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Empowerment

• Players control and are responsible for their own play

• Taking turns being “it”

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Innovation

• Free to devise new ways to play and change the rules if they do not meet the needs of the group

• Free to change if not acceptable to the culture

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Graffiti

Good activity while waiting for facilitators to attend training

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• Write one word to best describe God

• Wisdom Wall – Write down your wisdom

• What keeps you happy?

• What do you wish for in life?

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• What do you want to give to this Youth Alive conference?

• Draw a picture like a 2-year old would draw it

• My experience with people has taught me…

• Draw a picture of how you feel now

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