The best game leaders know that games have a fun quotient that's similar to a bell curve. They start out in neutral and begin to build. Every game has a peak. Don't go beyond this point. No matter how much fun kids are having, stop the game when they're having the most fun. They may want to continue playing the game, but don't let them. What they'll remember is that the last 20 seconds they were having so much fun. If you decide to play the same game again in a few weeks, they'll be thrilled. Don't let the game fizzle out. If you let it go on past the peak, the game gets boring, and kids won't want to play anymore. You can tell a game has passed its peak when kids' attention begins to wander, they modify the rules on their own, they break the rules or they stop playing. Usually, the best way to end a game is to suggest that another be played.

The best game leaders look for ways to put a new spin on a classic game. Modify an old favorite by making a minor change, and you've got a totally fresh experience. For example, change the ball (play basketball with a volleyball or play football with a teddy bear). Adding new music or sounds to an old game can give the game a boost, or try one of these ideas:

• Add a strobe light (make sure no kids are epileptic or will be harmfully affected by the flashing light).

• Add a fog machine.

• Change the rules.

• Change the boundaries.

• Change the object of the game.

• Change the locomotion—the way people move while playing the game. (For example: hopping, one hand behind the back, holding someone's hand, crab walking and so on.)

• Change the location.

• Change the amount of time the game is played.

• Change the time of day when you play.

The best game leaders make games playable for the physically and mentally challenged. The challenged teen's need for recreation is as great as that of the less challenged student. The key is to select games in which they can find a degree of success and a sense of personal accomplishment, as well as fun! Select games which have simple rules, limited strategy and a minimum of required explanations in order to play. Each game should be explained slowly and clearly, and you should be prepared to repeat instructions if necessary. There are a number of ways to include developmentally challenged or disabled young people in your games. Here are a few ideas:

• Have an able-bodied student pair up with a disabled young person to work as a team.

• Have the challenged students be the photographers during the game time.

• Have the challenged students serve as the referees, judges or timers depending on the degree of challenge the young person is equipped to meet.

The important thing is to reach out to these students and make sure they feel they are a part of the group. For more information, contact Young Life, which has a terrific ministry to developmentally challenged young people called The Capernaum Project.