Books are known for taking the reader to far off places all while allowing the reader to learn about love, how to solve a mystery, or even about historians. As a kid I was never a big reader until my middle school teacher introduced me to Harry Potter and the Soccer of Stone. She not only read the book to us in class, but she also had us do experiments that went along with the reading. She made reading fun by introducing me to a topic area I enjoyed and created a way for the book to come to life. From then on I was hooked on Harry Potter, which led me to read other fun books.
Why do I bring up books? Like books games take the learner to “far off places” too. In the game Ship Island youth transform to become pirates and in the game Giants, Wizards, and Elves youth choose multiple characters to play out. Youth become engaged in a game that while fun is actually overflowing with skills. Games provide youth a time to practice imaginative play particular for younger audiences, which is critical for youth development in the early stages of life. Youth of all ages benefit from hands on games due to social interaction including but not limited to making eye contact and conversing with others. Games also teach youth leadership skills through being the game leader, adapting to other youths rules when different then theirs, and problem solving skills particularly for team building games. The list of skills are endless and varies depending on the type of game and age group playing.
There are a variety of games ranging from introduction games, team building games, games just for fun, mind games, acting games, and the like. There are several resources available to educators online. A great tool created by Rock Eagle 4-H Center is the Rock Eagle Handbook, which includes a variety of games along with tips and tricks for leading games. I suggest printing this handbook off and including it as a resource to staff members. The next time you plan an event consider incorporating some games into the program as a brain break or to help teach the lesson. Also, when I was a County Extension Agent in Lowndes County we included the game book in our trip notebooks as a back up in case of rain delays, extra time, or to help youth get energy out when needed.
There are so many ways we can use games when leading, teaching, and interacting with youth. If you have a favorite game or resources we would love to know about them. Please comment below to share resources or games with others.
Click link below to access the handbook: 
Reference:
1. 4-H Games from Rock Eagle [PDF]. (n.d.). Athens: University of Georgia Extension.