Celebrity Empire Game

The goal of this game is to guess the (celebrity) identity of other people in the group.  When you guess someones identity, they join your empire.  The last person to guess a name is the winner.  This game is a ton of fun.  I've played this with high school students and baby boomers.  It always is a great time.

1.  Hand out a slip of paper to everyone.
2.  Write the name of a celebrity or person that everyone in the group knows on the paper.  The name can be of a  living or dead person, a cartoon character, a person currently in the group, or a mascot.  Use plain handwriting so that no one could tell that it is yours.
3.  Have someone collect all the pieces of paper.  Count them to make sure there are the correct amount.
4.  Everyone should try to remember as many names as possible.  Have someone read the names one by one.  Read through the list twice.  It is OK if there are more than one of the same name.  This list is not to be seen the rest of the game.
5.  Nominate the person whose birthday is closest to today to start.
6.  That person will ask a person in the room if they are a certain celebrity.  I.E  'Phil, are you Oprah Winfrey?'  If they are the person you guessed, then they join your (team) empire and you get to guess again. They should actually move next to you so you can collaborate together.   If the guess was incorrect, then the person you asked would get to guess someones identity.
7.  Empires.  Every person you guess correctly becomes part of your empire.  This means that they can help you remember names and to help you guess other peoples identities. If someone guesses who you are, and you have people in your empire, then everyone switches to the new persons empire.
8.  The game is over when there is only one empire (meaning one person is the winner), or when no one can remember any more names in the list (meaning a tie for all those left).

Scream Game

The Scream Game is an easy game that can last just a few minutes.  Or it can be played over and over in the same sitting.  It is quick and very fun.  While in a circle if two people look up to see each other they are both out.  Usually a 'scream' is let out at that point.  This game can be played with 3 to 25 people.

1.  Form a circle while standing up and designate a person to be the counter.
2.  Have everyone in the group close their eyes and lower your heads.  Everyone should be thinking of who they will look at.
3.  The counter then says 1, 2, 3, SCREAM.
4.  When SCREAM is said, then all will look up at someone around the circle.
4.  If two people are looking at each other they are both out.
5.  If you are still in the game, you will form a tighter circle again and start back at step 2.
6.  Play ends when you have only one or two people left.

The Blanket Game

All you need is a blanket for this game.   When the blanket drops, you have to say out loud the name of the person on the other side.  It is a hilarius game.  Even when everyone knows each other it is still a challenge because you are trying to come up with a name very fast.  

1.  Designate two people who will hold up the blanket.  They will hold the blanket lengthwise at each end so that it barely touches the ground.

2.  Review names for everyone in the group (if necessary).  Divide the group in half and have each team hide behind the two sides of the blanket.  

3.  Each group will elect a person to face the blanket.  This person should sit within a foot of the middle of the blanket. 

4.  The people holding the blanket will make sure both of the elected people are ready.   They will drop the blanket on the count of 3.    

5.  The first of the elected people to say the other's name is the winner.  You are still the winner if you say the wrong name first and then correct yourself before the other says the correct name.  If it is hard to decide who said the name first, the two people holding the blanket will decide who said it first.  

6.  The loser goes to the other side of the blanket.  In case of a tie, neither person moves to the other side.  The game continues like this (steps 3-6) until all are on one side or a time limit is met.  

The Circle Truth Game

This game is a classic.  It encompasses humor, movement, and challenge all in one.  It is a sure bet for youth groups.  We played this game at a family reunion with 30 people and it was a favorite.  

1.  Make a circle with enough chairs for everyone in the group except one.
2.  Have the one person that doesn't have a chair go to the middle of the circle and introduce themself (if needed) and then say something that is true about themself.  Examples:  I like chinese food.   I have blue eyes.   I watched a movie this week.
3. If the middle person's statement was true for anyone sitting on the seats in the circle, then they should stand up and find a new chair.  The rule for finding a new chair is that it can't be directly next to you unless that is the only chair available.
4.  Everyone will try to find a chair and scramble to sit down.  The person who doesn't find a seat is the one who needs to repeat step 2 and then 3.
5.  Set a time limit for the game.