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Pin Guard
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Pin Guard

Kids in a circle roll the ball to knock over a pin while one guard in the middle protects it.

AgesK–2nd, 3rd–5th, PreteenKids8-25Time10-15 minWhereIndoor or outdoorEnergyActive

Get ready

  1. Have kids stand in a big circle.
  2. Set a pin in the very middle of the circle.
  3. Choose one kid to be the guard and stand next to the pin.

How to play

  1. Kids in the circle roll or bounce-pass the ball to try to knock over the pin.
  2. The guard blocks the ball with hands, feet, or body to protect the pin.
  3. Kids can pass the ball around the circle to find an open shot.
  4. Whoever knocks down the pin becomes the new guard.
  5. If the guard knocks it over by accident, the kid who last touched the ball becomes the guard.

Tips & variations

  • Rolling or low throws only, so the guard doesn't get hit in the face.
  • For a big group, add a second pin and a second guard.
  • Set a time limit. If a guard lasts a full minute, give them a cheer and pick someone new.

📖 Bible connection

Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts, because everything we do flows from them. Just like the guard protected the pin, we protect what we let into our hearts.

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