Every so often I put on my calendar a program that I simply call Game Night. I advertise it as a night that the residents can come to the auditorium and play whatever game they want to. It is a place where they can find people who might be interested in learning their favorite game, so that in the future they can get together and play.
I ask the residents to sign up for the evening and list what game(s) they are interested in playing. This helps me because I know how many tables to set up and also which games I need to bring to the event. I invite the residents to bring their game and supplies also. I also made name tags for everyone on my list, and had blanks for those "last minute Marys" that like to show up.
The residents played bridge, Rummikub, Mexican Train Dominoes, Backgammon and a card game called PIT. What was fun was to see the residents who were prepared to learn something new, I had a table that was teaching Rummikub, one that was teaching the Mexican Train Dominoes game and another that was teaching the PIT game. I also had a lady that took the Phase 10 Twist game home so that she could learn it. She has since come to me and told me that she is going to have a few game playing ladies over to her apartment and they are going to learn it together!
I had a resident who really wanted to play Backgammon and there was no one else interested, so I volunteered to play with him. I thought that I knew how to play the game, but it has been awhile since I played, and if I recall, was beaten by my teenage son! Thankfully the resident was willing to teach me as we went along and as we played, I learned that he was a tournament Backgammon player! YIKES! All I can say was that if I embarrassed myself by the way I played, I was to dumb about it to even realize it! Guess that is one of the best part about the job.... being the young one in the room most of the time with lots of good senior knowledge to share with the youngster!
It was an easy night to put together and the response was very positive. I might do it more often, and I don't think that I need to be there to make it work! That is even better.
I ask the residents to sign up for the evening and list what game(s) they are interested in playing. This helps me because I know how many tables to set up and also which games I need to bring to the event. I invite the residents to bring their game and supplies also. I also made name tags for everyone on my list, and had blanks for those "last minute Marys" that like to show up.
I had about 30 people sign up and about 30 people attend..... but not the same people that signed up showed up.... but that is typical in my community. I provide a 6ft table full of games - some that the community owns and some that I personally own. The games included Life, Clue, Monopoly, Rummikub, Backgammon, Chess, Checkers, Cards, Phase 10 Twist, Dominoes, Yahtzee, Othello, Scrabble and others.
The residents played bridge, Rummikub, Mexican Train Dominoes, Backgammon and a card game called PIT. What was fun was to see the residents who were prepared to learn something new, I had a table that was teaching Rummikub, one that was teaching the Mexican Train Dominoes game and another that was teaching the PIT game. I also had a lady that took the Phase 10 Twist game home so that she could learn it. She has since come to me and told me that she is going to have a few game playing ladies over to her apartment and they are going to learn it together!
I had a resident who really wanted to play Backgammon and there was no one else interested, so I volunteered to play with him. I thought that I knew how to play the game, but it has been awhile since I played, and if I recall, was beaten by my teenage son! Thankfully the resident was willing to teach me as we went along and as we played, I learned that he was a tournament Backgammon player! YIKES! All I can say was that if I embarrassed myself by the way I played, I was to dumb about it to even realize it! Guess that is one of the best part about the job.... being the young one in the room most of the time with lots of good senior knowledge to share with the youngster!
It was an easy night to put together and the response was very positive. I might do it more often, and I don't think that I need to be there to make it work! That is even better.
This is such a great idea! Game nights are a great way to bring communities together, make friends and meet people, welcome newcomers, and spend quality time with those closest to you, all while having fun at the same time! I'm trying to plan a First-of-Fall Fun Night at my local park, where we'll ave barbecue and other grilled goodies, team games, spinning wheels for small prizes, and maybe even set up a projector to watch a movie and enjoy the cool night, beautiful leaves, and fireflies that always make Fall so special! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is so funny that you leave this comment when just today I was working on an outdoors event that sounds similiar. We're talking about an outdoor movie also, horse and buggy ride and "fair" food. I like the link for the spinning wheel. Have you bought from them before or are you an associate with them? Just wondering. I have a very outdated wheel in my storage unit. Those look much nicer! Thanks for sharing your ideas! - Martha
ReplyDeleteSeptember 30, 2011 7:54 PM