Use card games to strengthen small groups.

At ProjectYM, we LOVE games. Not only do we love playing games, but we also love what games can do to break down walls and build community.

Because of that, we have always encouraged small group leaders to play games with their students. The right game in the hands of a small group leader can get get teens more comfortable talking and sharing with one another.

And while there are a lot of great games on the market, we wanted to create a specific set of games that would be the perfect for that specific job...

Slapville is (as the name suggests) a "slap-the-cards" type game. Playing the game requires people to crowd in close together and creates moments of physical contact.
STAGE 1

Soup, Salad, or Sandwich gets your group passionately debating a surface level topic. Get your students talking about SOMETHING and it's far easier to transition them to talking about what you want them to talk about.
STAGE 2

And Why? gets them answering personal questions – telling stories, explaining motivations, and being slightly vulnerable.
STAGE 3 & 4

Why are these games different?

Small and easily transportable
Card games are great for this.
Flexible Number of Players
Because student attendance is inconsistent.
Afforable
‍So you can get a set for every small group.
Replayable Many Times
Because small groups tend to meet weekly.
Family Friendly
Because teenage boys already bring enough crude humor.
Competitive
Competition engages people more than collaboration.

Wide Age Range
Works with sixth graders and seniors.
Short or Variable Playtime
Sometimes you just need a quick opener and sometimes you need to fill time.
Easy to Understand
Nothing kills excitement for a game faster than complicated rules.
Low Barrier to Entry
So new students can jump right in.
Players Can Join at Any Time
For when teens inevitably show up late.
Group Development
Takes people through the first three stages of small group development.

The six stages of small group development.

Over our years of experience working with countless small groups, we've noticed a trend in how a small group community deepens and develops.

1. Physical
You have to first get comfortable being around each other.
2. Conversational
You have to be willing to talk about surface level topics.
3. PersonalYou have to be willing to share personal details with one another.

4. EmotionalYou have to be able to express your feelings and deeper thoughts with the group.
5. SpiritualYou have to be comfortable praying for and with one another.
6. AccountableYou have to be willing to actively hold one another accountable both inside and outside group gatherings.