Sports & Games
Fourth of July Games
Activity: Games for the 4th of July after lunch
Responsibilities: Organize and conduct the games
People Needed: At least two couples.
Specific Activities:
Off Island
1. Consult with committee to ascertain if any changes need to be made in the games.
2. Purchase 160 water balloons
3. Purchase 150 prizes
4. Purchase 3 seeded watermelons for seed spitting contest and hand-painted winners’ shirts
5. Contact last years winners of water melon seed spitting contest to be certain that they bring shirts
6. Purchase materials to repair star skis
7. Procure new potato sacks (needed for 2003)
On the Island
1. Check out equipment for various activities, make repairs when necessary
2. Contact someone on staff to be certain that they know that the games will held on the afternoon of the 4th and let them know that tables and chairs will be required.
3. Contact the kitchen to be sure that watermelons will be provided (for eating) along with knives to cut them.
4. Coordinate with the leaders for the 4th of July Ceremonies/March – Have them direct kids to the games from porch following the march.
On the 4th
1. Retrieve equipment from storage
2. Fill the water balloons and borrow trash can for transportation
3. Two people should direct the events by explaining the rules, starting the race, and deciding the winners.
4. One person should give out the prizes and help with the balloons, and one person should be responsible for slicing and handing out the watermelon.
5. The order of events is bunny hop, sack race, 3 legged race, (*speed sitting & star skis – not done in 2002) water balloons, and seed spitting. (*substitute water bucket relay)
6. Briefly describe each game
7. Use of a megaphone and whistle is important; Tom Walton is good emcee
Follow up Responsibilities: Be certain that all equipment is returned to the storage area.
People Needed: 4, but recruit extras (~2) as needed.
Materials: 150 balloons, 160 prizes, megaphone, 8 watermelons (bring and set aside 2 for seed spitting), 12 folding chairs, 8 burlap bags, 6 strips of cloth to tie legs together, 100 feet of rope, a large tarp for the seed spitting contest
Total Cost: $75 (in 1999) 2004–$44.77 for balloons and prizes. 2006 – $80
Comments: 1997 – Recommend next year add Hula Hoops – Kemp was Awesome several years ago! Other games suggestions: water & teaspoon relay, one shoe in center pile; airplane toss
1999 – Recommend assign 1 person to cut & monitor watermelons, keeping kids away from knives.
2002 – new burlap bags are needed to replace worn out ones; continue new race, water bucket relay; star skis, bunny hop, chair race (speed sitting) not done; announce games at lunch beforehand to increase participation.
2003 – New game: frozen underwear! Also introduced a watermelon seed spitting contest for “mature women”.
2004—Need additional couple to help.
2006 – Tried some cooperative games. Successful were human body surfing and water balloon toss in big circle.
Past participants: 1994 – Hal & Val Basdekis, Pam and Phil Pierce. 1995 – Pam & Phil Pierce, Hal & Val Basdekis, Keith Knox & Dale Stewart. 1997 – Joanne Bulley, Bob Frye, Jane Lentz, Jeff Brown. 1998 – Hal & Val Basdekis, Jeff Hendrick & Liz Insley, Jane Lentz & Bob Frye. 1999 – Dave Clegg & Ami Lyford. 2002 – Chris Bernd & Sue Lehman) 2003- Tom & Danielle Ashbrook, Stephanie Sersich and Tom Eichler. 2004– Stephanie Sersich and Tom Eichler 2005-Jeff & Karen Mills. 2006 – Steve and Cynthia Parr
Updated March 2007
Kite-Fest
Activity: Helping to decorate and fly kites—children’s activity.
Responsibilities: Assist children & adults in kite construction
Specific Activities:
Off Island:
1. Get plans/directions (from Gimpels)
2. Obtain materials
3. Put article in Boat News promoting activity
On Island:
4. Put sign-up sheet on Writing Desk. Make sure kite builders are assigned a time to avoid too many coming at once.
5. Find area for construction (Lawrence). Provide plans, materials, assistance.
NOTE: In 2004 “Frustration-less Flyers” were purchased and distributed to children, alond qwith markers for decorating the kites. The activity is to pass out kites, help the children decorate and fly them.
Follow up Responsibilities:
Clean up construction area.
People Needed: 4
Materials: Cardboard templates, hole punches, tape measure, utility knives, plastic bags, bamboo sticks, string, strapping tape
Total Cost: 2002 – $70 2003 – (no materials, but bought some kites for those who forgot to bring them). 2004–$60 for kits, string, markers.
Comments: 2002 – Sun. afternoon time (3:15) conflicted with Chairs’meeting. Kite string from Wal-Mart not strong – perhaps participants be advised to bring better grade flying line from home. 2003 – The Jenkins did not make kites since they said that they had no time to work up a flight-proven design. They only offered time to fly your kite with others. They reported that this resulted in little interest and said that it may be best if connected with a kite making workshop such as the Gimpels had in 2002. They also felt that scheduling the event for Sunday afternoon might not leave time for such a workshop. 2004—Took place on Sunday at 2 pm on the front lawn. 2009 – Did not do it this year. Gimpels suggested Peace Flag Making instead which was lovely.
Past Participants: 2002 – Gimpels/Millers. 2003 – Jenkins 2004, 2005—Cory and Josi Easter Updated July 2004
Polar Bear Dip
Activity: Swim off dock at 7 am every morning except the final Saturday
Responsibilities: Gather swimmers; post Polar Count each morning; arrange for group photo
Specific Activities:
Off Island
1. Bring camera and film
2. Obtain materials for Polar Bear Banner
On Island
3. Have everyone meet on porch at 7 am.
4. Wait until lifeguard appears before walking down steps to dock.
5. Once people have made commitment to go to dock encourage them to dip.
6. Post ?Polar Count on chalkboard each day.
7. Arrange for group photo.
8. Had Kemp do singing announcements w/r/t polar dipping, but there was no daily count made.
Follow up Responsibilities: Send a copy of the group picture to everyone around Christmas time or whenever.
People Needed: 1 or 2
Materials: Bathing suit, camera or someone with a camera. 2002 – Used 40 Poloroid shots; could have used more (hot week, popular activity) 2003- Instead of using a polaroid camera, Joanne Bulley requested that Connie Lentz do digital photos and printed them on Island. She posted these individual photos on the board, instead of doing a group photo. These included photos of exit from the water after the first dip of the week. She felt that this worked well, and the digital route should be continued IF someone with a digital camera and printer can be recruited.
Total Cost: $50 or so for film 2003 – $45 was reimbursed by the conference.
Comments: 1998-99 – Less hype, more low-key dipping; encouragement & support to hesitant dippers, especially youngsters. 2002 – No hype. No group picture – took Polaroid individual shots of ‘young people’ as they came out of the water the first time; photos dated & placed each morning on porch bulletin board. At end of week, photos could be taken home by the “dipper.”
Past participants: 2003 – Joanne Bulley. 2002 – Bill Gimpel. 1998-99 – Liz Erickson. 1996-97 – George Dixon. 1995 – Tom Walton & Paul Jennings. 1994 – Rudy Jeager. 1993 – Win Southworth. 1992 – John Robbins. 1991 – Rudy Jeager. 1990 – Dug & Judy Miller. 1986-89 – Rudy Jeager. 2005-Liz Erickson Upd. 7/03
Puzzles on the Porch
Activity: Crossword puzzle contest lasting all week and/or jigsaw puzzles on the porch.
Where: Anywhere one chooses
Responsibilities: Collect ten crossword puzzles and hand them out to contestants one at a time
Specific Activities:
Off Island
1. Choose ten crossword puzzles, number them 1-10, and make 20 copies of each.
On Island
2. Put sign-up sheet on the Tournament Board
3. Hand out Puzzle No. 1 to all who signed up.
4. When it was completed and turned in, the contestant was given No. 2, etc.
5. The first to complete all seven puzzles was declared the winner and given a small certificate saying, ?(NAME) is a Winner in the All Star I Crossword Puzzle Contest.?
Follow up Responsibilities: None
People Needed: 2
Materials: 20 copies of crossword puzzles, certificate for winner
Total Cost: $10 for copies
Comments 2003 – We did jigsaw puzzles on the porch. One 1000 piece and one 2500 piece. Do the larger puzzles first to make sure that you finish by the end of the week. It’s good to start on Sunday after chapel coffee, when the tables have been cleared. Should be hard enough to interest adults, but something kids can work on sporadically.
Past participants: 1997 – Dorothy & Howard Lightfoot, Lee Halper. 2003, 5 – George Easter. Upd. 7/03
Quadrathalon
Activity: A competitive/for fun event involving events in walking, rowing, swimming, and running.
Responsibilities: To organize and implement the quadrathlon event
Specific Activities:
Off Island
1. Obtain a list of participants for coming year from Chairs. Send letter to each participant from previous year who will attend in coming year and give them their last year’s times. Encourage them to get into shape and to participate and organize a team for the coming year.
2. In 1996, funding is very tight for the conference. We have allocated no funding for prizes for participants, and don’t feel that it is necessary in order to have a good and fun Quad. If you decide (on your own) to order prizes for participants, it probably needs to be done at least 6 or 8 weeks in advance. In years past there have been frisbees, T-shirts, athletic bags, shorts, drinking cups.
- Make sign up sheet. Should be able to accommodate 10 teams (the limiting factor is the number of available boats). Teams are composed of a one-lap runner, a walker, two rowers (1 male, 1 female), 2 swimmers (1 female, 1 male), a two-lap runner, and a timer. One or more team members must be under 15 and two or more must be over 40. In 2003, they required that someone be under 13, rather than 15 for participation on a team. Recommended that in 2004 TWO people under 13 participate on each team, and one of them must be a girl. It’s also suggested that only one heat be held.
4. Contact person responsible for “The Boat News” and provide a one page Quadrathlon hype sheet. The 1994 edition was great. Copy attached.
On Island
5. On Saturday set out course; there are signs and flags in the storage area in Oceanic.
6. On Saturday or Sunday check on the number or row boats that will be available and reserve them for Friday 12:30-3:00.
7. Check with Island management and tell them of plans for quad. If there are problems it is important to involve the Chairs and Tom Walton (who has been involved in many such events in two different conferences for the past 10 years or so.) Management never has liked the event. In 1994 they issued the edict that there would be no running on the pier. Thus the runners and walkers started around the course near the entrance to the pier. The change over from the walker to the rower was via a hand signal when the walker crossed the finish line. The same was true when the second swimmer finished the swimming course. Change over between the on- lap runner and the walker, the rowers and the first swimmer, the first swimmer and the second swimmer is by a hand tag. In 1993 they strongly recommenced against holding the event because it was too hot.
8. Ask conference services to provide water, juice, cups and tables during the event.
9. Recruit someone to hand out prizes if you are doing them, someone to calculate splits and post them in Newton for the social hour, and someone to go to the opposite side of the course with water if it is especially warm.
On Friday (Day of event)
10. Announce at lunch that it is important for participants to be on the pier at 1:00 pm sharp; they should not overeat. Time is crucial, because it is necessary to complete two heats by the time the 3:00 boat arrives. Need to be sure that pels get all six boats into the waterbefore the Quad, so that all teams can go at once.
11. Organizer should gather all participants together and go over entire race. Tom Walton usually demonstrates the difference between a walk and a run (in a walk at least one foot must be on the ground at a time and each leg must be locked at the knee under the body). Emphasis should be on safety.
12. Another organizer should instruct all of the timers. Every year there are problems with getting splits; so it should be as simple as possible.
13. It is crucial to expedite the whole process in any way possible.
Follow up Responsibilities: Post times in Newton Friday evening at 5:30. Sometimes the times
have been compiled and the fastest 3 times have been posted along with the splits for each team.
Save sheets and pass on to next year’s organizers.
People Needed: Two or three, plus recruits.
Materials: Poster board for sign up sheet; clip boards for timers; timing mechanisms (many people have timers on their watches). Gatorade, clip boards, water, timers.
Total Cost: 2003 – $1 per participant for Starbucks for the Snack Bar. 2006 – $500
Comments: In 1992 there was a problem when one person wrote his name on the sign up sheet and someone else removed his name and put someone else’s name in its place. To prevent this from happening again, it is important to include a note in “The boat news” and on the sign up sheet, “Once a name is listed on the sign up sheet, it stays. No one can remove or change someone else’s name to another team without asking that person first.” The best strategy for a team that wants to compete together is to form the team in advance and sign up all at one time.
In 1997 the scoring was changed. Each event gets a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. Teams get 1 pt. for 1st, 2 pts. for 2nd, etc. The points are totaled for each team. The team with the lowest points wins. This year the team that won had a good showing in most events but did not have the lowest time. The idea is to give equal credit to all events rather than the longest (two-lap run).
2006 Note: Interested in changing/enhancing event to encourage broader participation. Perhaps an All Star I Amazing Race?
2009 – This activity has not occurred for 3 years. There have been many negative comments on evaluation forms that we do not need this competitive activity.
Past participants: 1994 – Elizabeth, Larry, Tom, and David Yermack; Dug and Judy Miller
have done it several times; Tom Walton started the event. 1997 – Dick Case, David Clegg, Amy Lyford (Head Timer – Deb Walton). 1998 – Val & Hal Baskekis, Jeff Hendrick, Liz Insley.
1999 – Bill Gimple & Dug Miller. 2003 – Ali Walton & Phil Quatrochi 2004, 2005—Ali Walton and Phil Quatrochi and Caroline Quijada and Andy Bristol [cancelled in 2004 due to weather]. 2006 – Gabrielle and Jason Prochaska
Updated March 2007
Social Hour Lawn Games
Activity: Individual and group games and activities for all ages
When: Afternoons before Social Hour
Where: Lawn and porch
Responsibilities: Plan, organize, and lead games/activities
Specific Activities:
Off Island:
1. Look over wide range of lawn games in books such as “Islands of Healing” by Schoel, Prouty, and Radcliffe 1988; “The new games book” by Fluegelman 1976, and “Silver Bullets” by Rohnke 1988. Others, more recent, may be available.
2. Develop sequence of games with a warm up, a series of fast vigorous games, and slower games to wind down
3. Purchase any other items that aren’t already available on the Island
On Island:
1. Gather materials for the games in the storage room.
2. Develop sequence of games with a warm-up, a series of fast, vigorous games, and slower games to wind down.
2. Start games in the afternoon of Monday.
3. Be sure that games are listed on green board in lobby on designated days
4. Lead games at designated times (would be useful to know the games that you have used; which ones you like; which ones you dislike)
5. Help younger kids who are participating in lawn games; keep kids safe and insure fairness.
Follow up Responsibilities: Clean up and return materials to storage areas.
People Needed: Four or more adults
Materials: Parachutes, balls, ropes for boundaries (others?) – Jigsaw puzzles
Total Cost: None for lawn games unless new materials are needed. 1997 – $40 for 4 puzzles
Comments: These activities are for more than just kids – should be promoted for all ages. 2003 – As per instructions looked into books of lawn games, but after discussing with Jr. Tenns, decided to offer athletic games (soccer, softball, frisbee, etc.). Gull and Jr. Teen boys participated every day, joined by a few terns and Sr. Teens. Jr. Teen girls participated some, but it would be good to get them more involved. They added, “(not sure how)”.
Past participants: 1994 – Carla and David Osgood. 1995 – Chris Bernd, Jeb Best, Jason, Gabrielle & Jodi Prochaska. 1997 – Kim & Stan Corfman. 1998 – Karen Jain, Rob Leavitt, Jesse Mallis. 1999 – Alex&Barry Mallis; George Easter. 2002 – Sr. Teens, Dave Tucker, 2003 – Ralph & Pat Colby. 2005-Jane Lentz
Updated – April 2006
Softball – All Conference
Activity: A softball game for anyone in the conference, especially kids.
When: Before the Pel?All Star I “Stars” game
Where: In front of the porch
Responsibilities: Coordinate game
Specific Activities:
Off Island:
1. Be certain that there is a “squishy” ball available for the game
On Island:
1. Be certain that the game is on the schedule of events on the blackboard
2. Check out the necessary equipment from the front desk
3. Clear field of trash, small rocks, & misc. sporting gear
4. Obtain the score board – verify that it is functional
5. Procure announcer and microphone
5. Choose up teams by some method [even vs. odd birthdays (95); kids chose (96); creative choosing (97)]
6. Include one coach for each team and pitcher
7. Get water and cups for players
8. Keep game low key, probably don’t need an umpire
9. Set criteria, such as adults have to bat with opposite hand
10. Be sure that everyone gets a chance to play
Follow up Responsibilities: Return equipment
People Needed: One
Materials: See above
Total Cost: None
Comments: This game could just happen and not be a scheduled activity; in 1996 the coordinator was responsible for both this game and the Pel game; in 1997 had players (mostly kids determine teams by shaking hands with “noble opponent” (fairly equal ability, interest, etc.), one noble opponent up to bat, the other in the field. Tom pitched for both teams, lob ball down middle of plate. Keep it fast-paced and fun. Choosing sides is an unnecessary evil of the worst part of 1960′s Phys Ed. (Tom). In 2003, Jeff Hendrick suggests that we change from all conference softball to an all conference soccer game instead.
Past participants: 1995 ? David Wood. 1996 – Brian Lipton. 1997, 99 – Tom Walton. 2002 – Bob Leavitt. 2003, 2005 – Jeff Hendrick Updated – April 2006
Softball – Pels vs. All-Star I “Stars”
Activity: Softball game between Pelicans and the Conference
Responsibilities: Set up game
Specific Activities:
On Island
1. Contact Pelicans to be sure that they will field a team
2. Recruit an announcer for the game and ask that person to be responsible for the microphone which can be obtained through Conference Services.
2. Recruit 2 officials – one from the conference and one from the Pels – to call the base paths.
4. Establish lineup and put it down on paper. Give this information to the announcer; ask the Pelicans to do the same. Generally the lineup is open to the Senior Teens and older.
5. On day of game (which will vary from year to year but it is in the afternoon after classes) obtain equipment from main desk. It is imperative that the catcher wear a mask at all times when behind the plate.
6. Go over rules with team before game. Be sure that Pelicans know rules also. Some rules unique to Star are: a) A ball that is hit in the tall grass beyond the grave yard is an automatic home run. b) Any ball landing in grave yard is a maximum double; it is not automatic and runner may still be thrown out at second. c) same applies to bush by flag pole. d) left field foul line is the southeast corner of the stone wall around the graveyard. e) right field foul line is the paved walkway. f) no called balls/strikes. “You’re up ‘til you hit.”
7. Keep track of lineup with paper and pencil during the game.
Follow up Responsibilities: Return equipment to sports closet in Lobby.
People Needed: 1
Materials: Baseball equipment.
Total Cost: None
Comments: 1994 – an “incrediball” was used which is made of hard foam and doesn’t carry so
far. This made the problem with the short playing field less severe. The bush to the right of the graveyard may have a special ruling, but we are not sure what it is. 1997 – didn’t use mushball (incrediball) because they’d run out. Restricted flight ball is a good idea, so as not to deal with balls lost in the bushes. Keep the game light and fun; let it be the Pels’ show. 1998 – Several Gulls played. No women played – 30 men rotated A, B, C teams on defense. Suggest some women play in ‘99. Suggest “incrediball” for ‘99. Suggest Tom Walton do this again. 1999 – Didn’t do announcing – stale if done every yr. Good to have slow pitch. Suggest someone play Star Spangled Banner before play.
Past participants: 1994 – Win Southworth. 1995 – Scott Stewart. 1996 – Brian Lipton.
1997-98 – Tom Walton. 1999 – Scott Stewart. 2003, 2005 – Jeff Hendrick – Upd. 7/03
Tournaments
Activity: Set up and oversee tournaments
When: Monday until Friday morning
Where: All over
Responsibilities: Organize and coordinate the tournaments
Specific Activities:
Off Island:
1. Make sign up sheets for each tournament event.
2. Print about 25 certificates to be awarded to tournament winners at the banquet. Also print ladder diagrams.
3. Decide on events that will comprise tournament schedule. Usually these involve salt and pepper bocci (probably the most popular event), tennis, ping pong, horseshoes, frisbee golf, backgammon, scrabble, bridge, chess, hearts, lawn bocci, and cribbage to name a few.
4. Write an article for the Boat News and send it to the editor.
On Island:
5. Post sign up sheets on porch wall as soon on Saturday as possible. There are sign up bulletin boards in the store room, which make the process easier.
6. Specify on sign-up, Sunday Night 8 PM Deadline.
7. On Sunday evening set up ladders for each event. In most cases it will be necessary to determine byes if there are an uneven and large number of contestants. When there are an odd and small number of contestants then a round robin or double elimination could be used. It may be necessary to have a bridge and tennis expert help with the scheduling in these events. This process is time consuming so allow plenty of time on Sunday evening.
8. Post ladders either Sunday evening or Monday morning early so that the contests can begin. Specify on ladder sheet date each round is to be completed by (Tue, Wed, Thur, etc) Have an announcement at lunch on Monday to encourage all participants to meet briefly in order to meet each other and schedule matches.
9. During the week be certain that progress is being made. If not make contact with specific contestants and encourage them to get on with it.
10. Close the contests on Thursday evening and make up certificates on Friday morning.
11. During the banquet, call out the names of the tournament winners and ask each of them to stand as their name are called. Place the certificates on the desk in the lobby to be picked up after the banquet. Ask the audience to hold their applause until after all winners have been announced.
Follow up Responsibilities: Remove ladders from porch wall. Return sign up bulletin boards
to store room.
People Needed: 2 or 3.
Materials: Sign up sheets; bristol cover stock or something similar for ladders; pencils with string attached.
Total Cost: Minor—the cost of several sheets of paper and computer generated winner’s certificates. $50-75
Comments: In 1995 a coordinator for each tournament was chosen from among those who signed up. A separate salt and pepper bocci tournament was set up for kids and no certificates were given out. The salt and pepper bocci tournament was set up differently so that it was a round robin rather than single elimination. 1997 – It would be a good idea to get an old table out of storage and re-finish it to use exclusively for salt & pepper bocci. Continuing problem to get people to play in their tournaments so the league can progress. 1998 – Altered format of bridge tournament. Added different skill levels for tennis & SP bocci. Find a way to finish lawn bocci tournament – perhaps require play by a certain day or forfeit. Alter scoring system for tennis. Continue to encourage younger kids to play – good participation this year. 2005 – Added Texas Hold ‘Em fundraiser in Newton late night including background music. (This activity needed special materials: cards, chips, rules, etc.) Coordinator should review the list of games and delete and add as necessary. 2006 Note: More detailed guidelines would be helpful. Could drop horseshoes and add a new tournament game.
Past participants: 1990 to 1994 – Lois and Pete Williams. 1995 – Larry Phillips. 1997 – Paula & Larry Phillips. 1998 – Jason & Gabrielle Prochaska. 1999 – Eric Yermack. 2002 – Jeff&Liz Hendrick. 2003 – Willard Bouricius (allowed people to select the type of tournament they wanted, but felt that didn’t work out- no report was returned). 2004—Tom Griffiths 2005, 2006 – Rob Leavitt
Updated – March 2007