Games can be more than just a way to fill time—they can be powerful tools for building life skills. When used intentionally, games give young people the chance to practice teamwork, self-management, and decision-making in a supportive environment. In this session, participants will learn how to turn everyday activities into meaningful opportunities for social-emotional growth. Using a simple facilitation cycle—Frame, Do, Reflect, Apply—staff will explore how to guide youth through play in a way that builds skills and connects learning to real-life situations. Participants will also learn how to lead youth in creating group agreements that promote safety, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. The session will introduce practical, equity-focused facilitation strategies that ensure all youth can participate in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful to them.
Participants will:
- Learn how to choose and lead games that build specific social-emotional skills
- Practice simple strategies for helping youth reflect on activities and apply what they learn to real life
- Explore how to co-create group agreements that support a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment
- Use facilitation strategies such as Challenge by Choice and multiple ways to participate to support all learners
