Theme: Explore the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick

Virtue: Self Control (controlling your behavior; making sure your actions, thoughts, and words please God and others)

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DOCTOR DODGEBALL

 

Theme Connection: 

This game of Doctor Dodgeball can remind us that when we are sick or dying, we are in need of a doctor. Jesus is like a doctor who comes to heal us in the Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing of the Sick).

Ages: 7 and up

 

You’ll need:

• Dodgeballs or Nerf balls

Set up:

• Make a line in the middle of the games area to separate the two teams. 

Activity:

1. Divide players into two teams and give each team two to three balls. 
2. Choose a doctor for each team.
3. A player is considered wounded or sick and must sit down when that player gets hit or someone catches their ball from the opposite team. 
4. The team doctor can rescue a wounded patient by tapping them on the shoulder.
5. If the team doctor gets hit, the game ends when all the players from his team are down. Or, a team wins with the most players standing after a few minutes of play. (whichever comes first) 
6. Important safety rules: Hit your opponents below the waist. 
7. A player will have a one minute time-out if they hit an opponent above the waist.

 

 

SOUNDS IN THE WILD

 

You’ll need:

• Wilderness cards

Set up:

• Print and cut the Wilderness cards. 

Activity: 

1. Each player will get a Wilderness Card of either a duck, bear, wolf, bird or cougar (wildcat). 
2. You need to find the other player(s) who have are making the same animal sound as you.
3. You are not allowed to show anyone your Wilderness card or use any words.
4. When I say go, everyone makes their animal sound.
5. The first team to find all the players with the same animal sound wins.

 

 

TUG O’ WAR

 

Theme Connection: 

This game reminds us that sometimes we feel pulled towards sin. It’s a daily struggle to battle against sin, just like a game of “Tug O’ War.”  When we confess our sins in the sacrament of Confession, God gives us the strength of His graces to help us win the war against sin. 

 

You’ll need:

• Long rope (1 for every 2 teams)
• Ribbon or marker to indicate a centre point on the rope and a line separating the two teams.

Activity:

1. Divide players into equal teams.
2. Teams will compete against each other. 
3. First team to pull the opposing team across the line wins.  

You could set it up in tournament style. Winner of team 1 & 2 plays winner of team 3 & 4.

 

 

THE BAND-AID GAME

Theme Connection: 

The Band-Aid Game will remind us of the Sacrament of the Sick. This sacrament brings God’s mighty power and strength to the soul and sometimes to the body as well.  When someone gets hurt, has a cut or is bleeding, we cover the wound up with a Band-Aid. A Band-Aid provides protection and healing to the wound, just like the Anointing of the Sick brings healing to the sick (or dying) person.

 

You’ll need:

• 10-20 Band-Aids per team (or 1 box/team)
• Small garbage bags (1/team)

Activity:

Divide players into equal teams.

The oldest person from each team is the player who becomes the sick person. His teammates will have to put all the Band-aids on his legs, arms, hands and feet. The team to be the first to successfully stick all the Band-aids on their oldest teammate, wins! Game Variation:  Kids of all ages will love to put Band-Aids on their team leaders. It may be simpler to open up the Band-Aid packages ahead of time for the younger kids.

 

 

THE KLEENEX GAME 

 

Theme Connection: 

When we are sick with a cold, or sad when someone we love is dying, we are in need of lots of tissues. Jesus wipes away all our tears and comes to heal those that are sick or dying in the Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing of the Sick).

You’ll need:

• Small box of tissues (1/team)
• Garbage bag  (1/team)

Activity:

1. The first player from each team will run to their team Kleenex box and grab one tissue.
2. The player will run back to their team and throw the tissue in the garbage. 
3. In the meantime, the next player in line goes as soon as they see their teammate grab a tissue.
4. The first team to successfully finish their Kleenex box wins.

 

 

ICE CUBE MELT DOWN 

 

Theme Connection: 

The ice cube in this game represents the sin in our life (a cold, stingy, tingly feeling). The melted ice cube represents our sins that are washed away in the sacrament of Reconciliation.  

 

You’ll need:

• Small ice cooler or large bowls
• Small ice cube (1/child)
• A few towels (if played indoors)
• (Opt.) Whistle

Activity:

For ages 7 and up:

1. On the signal go, have each player grab an ice cube from an ice cooler or large bowl. 
2. Each player holds and rubs their ice cube until it melts.
3. The player to successfully melt their ice cube wins the game.  

For kids ages 4-6: 

1. Get into groups of 3 and take turns melting the ice cube. 
2. Every time you hear a whistle, it’s time to pass the ice cube to the next person on your team.
3. Pass it around until the ice cube is completely melted. 

 

 

PINECONE RACES

 

You’ll need:

• Pinecone (1/child)

Activity:

1. Put your pinecone in between your knees.
2. Line up at the start line, and waddle all the way to the finish line without dropping your pinecone. 
3. If you drop it, you have to go back to the start line and try again. 
4. You can also use pinecones for other fun games such as Pinecone Toss (a.k.a. Beanbag toss), Hot Pinecone (a.k.a Hot Potato), etc.

 

 

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