Games Galore

In the past week at Blacks Creek, we've been inspired to try out a few new games to entertain, amuse and get kids (and staff) moving after snack time. First was Sedny's contribution, a game called "Blink Killer," which involves a lot of dramatic "deaths" and some serious detective work.

"Victims" of the "Blink Killer"

On Tuesday, after telling our group that day about the jellyfish tracking app, I taught them the repeat-after-me Jellyfish Song (with accompanying dance moves), which was surprisingly popular: "Arms up/Wrists together/Elbows together...Do the jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish-fish" etc.

But most exciting was the unveiling of Ga-ga Ball, played in a newly built octagonal pen in the upper field. Last week, we saw folks from Quincy Rec constructing the mysterious wooden play structure by the pavilion, and a couple days ago we had our first chance to try it out. Ga-ga Ball is a huge hit, and we've played round after round since then! The rules are as follows (according to the official website of The Gaga Center):

• All players start with one hand touching a wall of the pit.

1. The game begins with a referee throwing the ball into the center of the pit.
2. When the ball enters the pit, the players scream 'GA' for the first two bounces, and 'GO' on the third bounce, after which the ball is in action.
3. Once the ball is in play, any player can hit the ball with an open or closed hand.
4. If a ball touches a player below the knee (even if the player hits himself or herself) he or she is out and leaves the pit. If a player is hit above the knees, the play continues.
5. If a ball is caught on a fly, the player who hit the ball is out.
6. Using the walls of the octagon to aid in jumping is legal as long as the player does not permanently sit on the ledge of the octagon.
7. Players cannot hold the ball.
8. If needed, a second ball can be thrown in the pit to expedite the end of the game. The last player standing is the winner of that round.

~Emily B.