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Why Games? Rainforest Explorers Games is filled with a blast of energy, excitement, and a little bit of silliness. As Game Leader, you give kids a fun time moving AND reinforce the Bible story and Take-Home Point. This active approach helps kids grow in their faith in our God and the treasured salvation He provides in Jesus. How Do Games Work at VBS? Games is one of the five sites kids visit after the Opening. Kids move in Teams—groups of six kids with one Leader. Plan for five Teams (thirty kids and five Leaders) at your site for each 20-minute rotation. Check with your Director for the number of rotations and exact number of kids and for resources on the Director USB. What Do Game Leaders Do? Before VBS, do these things to get ready: Pray for the kids at Rainforest Explorers VBS. Read the five Bible stories and Leader Devotions (Director USB). Read through this guide and its five game pages. Gather game supplies. The lesson checklists are an easy way to stay organized. The Master Supply List on the Director USB will help with materials for all five lessons. Use the "Get Ready" section to prepare game components. Reflect on the points in "Connect." These will provide clear connections from the games to the lessons of each day. Find a great space to play your games. An outdoor, grassy area works best, but these games can be played anywhere. Recruit volunteers. Since Games is the most active site the kids visit, it's a great place for teen volunteers. They love to play with the kids. Dress for activity. Wear a VBS T-shirt, shorts, and sports shoes. Greet the kids with enthusiasm! Kids with special needs can play too! Ask your Director to identify any kids with special needs. See "Adapt for Special Needs" for ideas. Attend training with other Rainforest Explorers volunteers. Learn to lead the call and response of the Take-Home Point. See the box on the back cover for directions. During VBS, do these things: Arrive early to set up your station. Every day, you play one game. More time? Have a Bonus Game ready. Games Attend the Opening and read the Leader Devotion (Director USB) to connect with the Bible story. Pray with the other volunteers that the games you provide and the words you say will help the kids grow in the faith Jesus gives. During each rotation, do these things: Welcome kids; introduce helpers and yourself. Introduce the game and show the kids how to play it. Play. Connect. After playing the game, use the questions in "Connect" with the whole group or print copies of them for Team Leaders to discuss with their Teams. Dismiss kids and get ready for the next group. Decorating and Setup for Games Decorating is easy at Games! Set up your area with pennants, colorful banners or flags, bright colored tubs for game supplies, and other Rainforest Explorers gear and props at the site entrance. Connect kids with the Bible theme. Hang the Bible Story Posters (ask your Director to order them) around your space as they enter. Print a Games Sign from the Director USB to show the Teams where to go. Attach the sign to poster or foam board. Punch holes in the top and attach rope to hang it from a tree, ceiling, or doorway. Adapt for Special Needs God created everyone to be unique, and some kids will need adaptations to participate. Kids may have physical or social challenges, or they may act out and refuse to participate. Look for kids' positive attributes and encourage everyone to participate. Adapting games for special needs benefits everyone, so try the following ideas. Match kids with physical or behavioral needs with others who have strengths in those areas. For example, pair a shy kid with an outgoing child. Give directions one at a time. Tell and SHOW how to play! When you're giving directions, assign a helper to sit with the kids and redirect their attention—especially for those kids with short attention spans—when needed. Praise good listening and positive behavior. Encourage each person's strengths. When parents indicate special needs on their children's registration forms, contact the parents about how to adapt games to include their children.

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