The 175 Best Camp Games: A Handbook for Leaders

I bought this book almost by accident - I was looking for play activities for adults - but it's become a favorite resource for group activities. Its geared to kids and great for kids, it's just as good for adults. A couple quick things: Many of the games are easy to play and easy to explain. There aren't lots of complex rules. You can adapt the games to your space and group size very easily as well. Most of the games are quick and easy to play but you can adjust them so you can play longer or do multiple rounds. I know it is entitled "camp games" but I've used them in weekday youth groups, adults seminars and even workplace settings. They get people up and moving and talking and laughing.

I bought this book to find activity ideas I might adapt for (adult) leadership training programs as well as games for kids. It did not disappoint. The authors offer a wide variety of engaging activities and explain them all clearly. I have been able to adapt a few for adults. My daughter is soon off to be an RA at a summer sleep-away camp for kids 8-12, and she is taking the book with her.

I recently started volunteering to help coach PE at a local private school. The coach has loved using the various games in this book to get the younger students active. The children want to play these games and ask to repeat ones they have already done. I would recommend this to any coach, teacher, or counselor looking for new and great ideas.

I am a Brownie Leader who saw this book being used at meetings. The girls really enjoyed the games. I bought a copy for myself and found the descriptions of the games easy to read and clear enough that I could picture how the game would actually work.. The quick notes and hints are really valuable as sometimes a game will fall flat and the hints will bring it back.

I love the way this book is organized, wet and wild, wear 'em out, quiet games, intro games, etc. Also good tips on dealing with groups of different sizes.

I checked out this book so many times from the library I had to have a copy of my own. Great resource for games of all energy levels and themes. Lots of wonderful tips for dealing with groups both large and small. Well written, organized and lots of variety. Thank you!

Lots of fun ideas for camp games. A bit young for the age group I was specifically looking to entertain, but the ideas are adaptable and, hey, fun is fun.

I'm a program director for a week-long youth camp each summer, and this is one of the best resources I have for large group games. Number of players and equipment needed are listed first for each game, and the games are sorted into categories from "take it easy" to "run them ragged."

The book arrived promptly and became useful instantly. It is clear that it has been written by people who have run these games and are experienced in working with young people. I work in a boarding school with children aged 10-13. We have tried out a few of the active games already and they have worked out great. We're particularly fond of hot dog tag! The book is laid out in sections, including, introductory games, calm games, active, very active and water games. Very useful and exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone looking for activities and inspiration for entertaining groups of children.

A great resource for anyone who works with children. There are lots of new twists on old favourites and also dozens of games which were new to me. The authors clearly have years of experience and it shows - their advice for dividing up teams, adaptations for different abilities, being a good role model, handling sole losers etc was all spot on. Games are divided into sections of quiet sitting-type games, water games, crazy blow off steam games, most requiring very minimal equipment. I wish I could buy this for all 50 of my camp staff this season!

Good

Bought this for something for my staff to refer to and spice up our summer camp & after school programs.Love this book! Filled with lots of awesome, easy to understand and play games! Also the sections for staff/instructors are helpful for beginning and returning leaders alike. I enjoy this book, will most likely purchase another copy as a backup. I bought the paperback, very happy with the quality of the print as well. 10/10 do recommend!

I've been working at various camps for over a decade now, and I've used this book for teaching CIT's, training staff, and planning & running games myself. It's is such a great collection of everyone's favourite games. It's an excellent resource and has a permanent place on the shelf right beside my desk, ready for anyone to borrow.