A team from the University of Kentucky's 4-H Youth Development program in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, collaborated with UK Innovate's Social Innovation team to create a bestselling book packed with unforgettable outdoor adventures for kids.
Camp directors Kevin Pettigrew, Jake Farmer and principal camping specialist Joey Barnard wrote "Giant Group Games," which features a wide range of outdoor games inspired by their decades of experience running camps. From timeless relay races to creative games like Party Bingo and Campopoly, games are tailored to different age groups and skill levels.
Kevin Pettigrew has been the camp director at the JM Feltner 4-H Camp in London, Kentucky, for more than 10 years. He hopes the book will encourage educators, gym teachers and camp professionals to be innovative as they are creating outdoor experiences for youth.
"In my opinion, we should be able to just go outside with a ball and play for hours. Kids need a little more direction," Pettigrew said. "It's not the same as it used to be and that's fine. I think the adults that are leading those children need to adapt and find resources for new games."
"This book inspires the reader to be mindful of every step of facilitating games and team-building activities for youth," said co-author Joey Barnard. "Each activity offers information on life skills that can be learned while playing, supplies needed, advanced preparations before the event, set-up, execution and how to effectively end the game with the most impact."
"Giant Group Games" also includes templates for lesson plans and options to customize games to fit various facilities, groups or programs. Another goal of the book is to showcase how outdoor play can positively contribute to fostering a sense of belonging in children.
"'Giant Group Games'" has been successful because it is written by camp folks who know the chaos of facilitating group games successfully," said co-author Jake Farmer. "The book is brimming with tested logistics, materials lists, instructions and ideas for the all-too-classic camp activity debrief."
The authors partnered with the Social Innovation team at UK Innovate, which fosters impactful inventions, innovations and social initiatives across the university.
"Collaborating with this team was incredible. We truly worked as partners combining our efforts, respecting each other's expertise and had fun," said Serenity Wright, Ph.D., senior associate director of Social Innovation for UK Innovate. "The impact of this book through the proper facilitation of activities for large groups of people will change perspectives, foster empathy and deepen understanding among communities."
Published in April 2024 by the American Camp Association, the book is in the top 20 for bestselling game books and is a featured product on the ACA website. "Giant Group Games" can also be purchased through other online retailers such as Amazon.
Learn more about UK's 4-H Youth Development program here.
