Amoeba

by Jeremy B
(Missouri)

This game was a hit with the youth, so we thought we would try it with the children's church, and it turned out just as well!

All the kids get in a circle and join hands (this circle will not remain a "circle" for long). An object (something stable, durable, but not dangerous - we like to use a chair) is placed at the center. (If you have a very large group, you might use two or three chairs to start with, and remove them as kids are eliminated.)

The object of the game is to not touch the chair - and to push and pull other kids into it. The whole "circle" ends up spinning and distorting like a giant Amoeba (if you don't know what that is, Google it). If you touch the chair you are out, the game stops for the circle to regroup, and begins again.

If kids let go of hands (purposely or accidentally), they are both out. If it is clear that one kid purposely lets go of his/her neighbors hand - only he/she is out.

The goal is to be the last one standing. Don't think this game favors the biggest and strongest - we have seen the smaller kids win just as much!