Kingdoms Game

The Kingdoms game is fun and helps youth learn important skills. It gets everyone moving and thinking. It works for large groups and encourages players to work as a team. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, making it versatile.

This game helps youth build memory skills. Players have to remember a list of names, which makes it challenging. As the game goes on, it becomes harder to recall details. This helps players improve focus and attention.

Kingdoms also encourages teamwork. Players who become vassals need to support their king. They can suggest ideas and help their team grow. This helps teach cooperation and the value of working together.

The game is also fun because it is unpredictable. Players never know who will end up in the biggest kingdom. The game keeps everyone engaged and creates a sense of friendly competition.

The Kingdoms game can help youth understand themes from the Bible. It teaches about leadership, loyalty, and the role of a king. The Bible often talks about kings, including King David, King Solomon, and Jesus, who is the King of Kings. The game can help youth see what it means to follow a good leader. It shows how people trust and serve a leader who is wise and just.

The game also ties to Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God. Jesus often spoke in parables about this kingdom. He taught that the Kingdom of God starts small but can grow big, like a mustard seed. In the game, a kingdom begins with one person, but it can grow bigger as others join. This shows how God’s kingdom spreads through love, faith, and the Holy Spirit.

Youth can also learn about making good choices. In the Bible, leaders made important choices. Some were wise, and others were not. In the game, players need to choose their words wisely to build their kingdom. This can remind youth that wise choices can lead to good outcomes, both in the game and in life.

The game can help youth see how God builds His kingdom through each of us. We are called to be loyal followers of Christ, just as the players are called to be loyal to their king. The game can inspire youth to think about their own role in spreading God’s kingdom on earth.

Equipment / Materials

• Paper
• Pen or pencil

Setup

1. Choose a facilitator. One person will be the facilitator.
2. Pick a category. The facilitator chooses a category (e.g., animals, fruits, Bible characters).
3. Choose a word. Each player picks a word within the category. For example, if the category is animals, one player might choose “lion,” another might choose “bear,” and so on.
4. Keep choices secret. Players do not tell each other their word.
5. Tell the facilitator. Each player tells their word only to the facilitator, who writes down all the words with the players’ names.
6. Avoid duplicates. If someone chooses a word that is already taken, they must pick a new one.
7. Read the list. The facilitator reads the list of words once to the group. Do not tell players which word belongs to which person.

How to Play

1. Form a circle. All players stand in a circle.
2. Choose the first player. Use a random method to pick who goes first (e.g., pick a number, roll a die).
3. Make a guess. The first player guesses a word from the category list.
4. Find the vassal. If the guessed word matches a player’s chosen word, that player becomes a “vassal” and stands behind the person who guessed correctly. The guessing player is now a “king.”
5. Vassals support the king. Vassals cannot make guesses themselves but can suggest ideas to their king.
6. Incorrect guesses. If a player guesses a word that is not on the list, nothing happens. The turn passes to the next player.
7. Conquer other kingdoms. If a player guesses the word of another king, that king and all their vassals become part of the guessing player’s kingdom.
8. Continue play. Keep playing clockwise until everyone becomes part of a kingdom.
9. Win the game. The largest kingdom wins.

Additional Notes

• Variations:
  • Category change: Try using Bible characters, saints, or parables for a catechetical twist.
  • Reverse roles: After a round, let vassals become kings in a new game.
• Safety:
  • Make sure the space is clear of obstacles.
  • If playing outside, stay within a safe area.

What is the Kingdoms game?

The Kingdoms game is a group activity where players form “kingdoms” by guessing words in a chosen category. The goal is to have the largest kingdom by the end of the game.

How many players are needed for the Kingdoms game?

You need at least 20 players to play. The game works best with larger groups because it makes it harder to remember all the words.

Can the Kingdoms game be played indoors and outdoors?

Yes, it can be played in both settings. Just make sure there is enough space for players to stand and move safely.

What if someone forgets their chosen word?

The facilitator can quietly remind a player of their word, but they should do so away from the other players.

What happens if someone guesses wrong?

If a player guesses a word that is not on the list, nothing happens, and the next player takes a turn.

How does a player become a king in the Kingdoms game?

A player becomes a king by correctly guessing another player’s chosen word. They then start their own kingdom with that player as their vassal.

How does the Kingdoms game end?

The game ends when all players are part of a kingdom, or when only two kingdoms are left. The largest kingdom wins.

The Kingdoms game is a fun, large-group activity. It is simple to set up and easy to play. It helps players practice memory skills, quick thinking, and strategy. It works well in youth groups, retreats, or other gatherings. It can be played indoors or outdoors, making it flexible for different spaces.

To play, the facilitator chooses a category. Each player secretly picks a word within that category. The facilitator reads a list of all chosen words to the group. Players then take turns trying to guess the words. If a player guesses correctly, they become a “king,” and the person they guessed becomes their “vassal.” The goal is to form the largest kingdom.

The game has an unpredictable and exciting pace. As it goes on, kings can “conquer” other kingdoms by guessing the words of other kings. This makes the game more challenging and competitive. The game ends when all players are part of a kingdom, or when only two kingdoms remain. The kingdom with the most players wins.

This game teaches youth to think carefully, make wise choices, and lead others well. It can also be linked to themes from the Bible, like kingship and the Kingdom of God. It is an engaging way to mix fun with faith.

Try the Kingdoms game with your youth group! It is a fun way to build connections and teach important lessons. It is easy to set up and will keep everyone engaged.

Share your thoughts in the comment section! Did you come up with any fun variations? Let us know your notes and ideas for making the game even better!