A game to use in your Student Ministry!
Setting
Fast Photo may be done in any setting, indoors or out with groups of not more than 20 individuals; divide larger groups into smaller ones. This is an excellent activity to be used as groups are learning names and getting acquainted, as it emphasizes close observation of others.
Equipment
No equipment is needed.
Objective
One half of the group closes their eyes, while the other half poses for a visual “snapshot.” When the posers are in position, those with eyes closed open them and are given 30 seconds to note the positions and postures of those posing. Then they close their eyes again. The members of the snapshot rearrange themselves into another pose. When they are ready, those with eyes closed again look. Their objective is to rearrange those in the snapshot into the original pose. They may not speak to each other; but, one at a time, each moves a person in the snapshot into the proper position, and then allows others in the group to take their turn. Every person in the observing group must assist in the process; one individual may not rearrange the entire snapshot by himself.
Leadership Hints
To make the activity more challenging, allow those in the snapshot to swap hats, bandannas, jackets. Require observers to put the proper articles with the proper person. Remind those in the posing group to remember their original positions! Or take a picture of the poses with an instant-print camera.
Application
The focus in this activity is on close observational skills and cooperation. At times, we become so busy that we fail to notice the needs and cries of those around us. One of the marvelous characteristics of Jesus was His awareness of the needs of people around Him. He knew when they were hungry and He fed them (Matt. 16:32-38), took time for children (Mark 10:13), and wept over the city of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). If we open our eyes to see the needs of people around us, we will be more usable in God’s service.
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Joe Hicks is manager for FUGE Camps.