Over the last few blogs, I’ve talked about Impactful Play, how to become a stronger leader during game time, and how preparation makes all the difference. The more prepared you are, the smoother your programs and games will run — and the better the experience your participants will have.
Before I take a short break from these tips, I want to wrap up with one more topic: Leadership Game Rules — a few guiding principles to help make your play experiences even more impactful.
Be Prepared
I can’t stress this enough — preparation is key! Great game sessions start with thoughtful planning. Recreation leaders who take the time to plan — both individually and as a team — will always find more success. Assign roles, gather all necessary equipment, and plan games that include everyone. Kids have the most fun when everyone gets to play together and feel part of the group. Elimination games are fine once in a while, but try to focus on games where all can participate from start to finish.
Be Flexible
Mix things up with a balance of imaginative, creative, active, and quiet games. Pay attention to the group’s energy — if they’re getting too wild, switch to something calmer; if their focus is fading, introduce a game that sparks their imagination. Encourage the kids to suggest games, too — and let them explain the rules when possible.
Be More Cooperative than Competitive
Games that focus on teamwork and participation tend to be more enjoyable than those that create winners and losers. The goal is fun and engagement — not just victory.
Be Fair
Creating teams can be half the fun! Find creative, fair ways to divide groups — by birthday month, by counting off, cross your arms…all those that are right over left stand over there and all those left over right stand over here, or by shirt color. Avoid picking “captains” to choose teams; it takes time and can make some kids feel left out.
Be a Leader
Remember, kids will look to you for guidance. Bring enthusiasm, energy, and flexibility. Be ready to jump in, play along, and adjust the game if needed. If something isn’t working — change it! For example, if one player is too fast, have them hop on one foot to balance things out.
And finally, have a quick system to get everyone’s attention. If you don’t have a microphone or whistle, create a fun signal — like placing one hand over your mouth and the other in the air for everyone to copy. Or use a short chant that kids can repeat. It’s faster, more fun, and keeps things positive and engaging.
Speaking of getting everyone’s attention… this is one area that can easily fall through the cracks when a session begins. Often, those leading the program forget to set the tone right from the start—and that can make a big difference in how the rest of the day goes, especially when working with kids.
When I’m running a program, I always make sure the very first few minutes set the stage for safety, respect, and fun. As a Coordinator, your most important responsibility is to ensure your group is safe and secure. That comes from clear communication, building trust, and keeping safety at the forefront.
Start by introducing yourself—and have the kids introduce themselves too. Use a quick icebreaker to help everyone get comfortable and learn each other’s names.
Next, establish your group’s signal for attention. It could be a hand raised, a phrase, or even a fun sound. The key is consistency and practice.
For example:
“When I say ‘Hey,’ you say ‘Ho.’ Let’s practice: Hey—Ho! Hey—Ho!”
Explain that when they hear this signal, they need to stop what they’re doing, look, and listen. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to establish leadership and maintain order.
Then, if going out of the the kid’s space, introduce the buddy system. Pair each child with a partner (and if there’s an odd number, one lucky child gets to be your “buddy”). Explain why this matters:
“Always know where your buddy is and how they’re doing. If your buddy needs help or goes missing, tell me right away. When you hear our signal, find your buddy and give me your full attention.”
Finally, review a few simple but important guidelines:
- If you need a drink of water or to use the restroom, let me know.
- Never leave the group without permission.
- If you see family or friends, it’s okay to say hello—just tell me first.
- If you need help or have a question, come to me.
Wrap up with energy and enthusiasm:
“Good morning! My name is Lisa and this is my partner in fun Joe, and we are the coolest Coordinators here today. You’re going to have a super fun, exciting time at our Kids Club—so let’s make it awesome together!”
I know a lot of this may seem like common sense, but sometimes it’s worth taking the time to pause and review these basics with your team. A quick refresh can go a long way.
When kids introduce new games, are we taking note and adding them to our own repertoire? When it’s time to divide teams, are we encouraging staff to try fun, creative ways to mix things up? Maybe even brainstorming new signals to get everyone’s attention quickly and effectively?
It’s also important to think through the flow of your day. Are you balancing your schedule, so younger kids have more cooperative, inclusive activities while older participants stay engaged with games that offer a healthy dose of competition?
As a leader who sets the “game rules,” your goal is to be well-rounded keeping everyone happy, engaged, and safe. Stay fair, stay flexible, and most importantly, come prepared. When you do that, you’ve already won the game.
Favorite Quote: “I have a plan of action, but the game is a game of adjustments.” – Mike Krzyzewski
Next Up: The Help of a Mentor