Welcome to Week Four
We have just crossed the midpoint of summer meaning it’s the perfect time to host a game night; be it an indoor or outdoor game. Games feed our souls, challenge us, stave off boredom, demand new interactions with friends or family and provide the impetus for a good belly laugh. We probably all have memories of games introduced to us as children whether these were shared among the neighborhood clan or during a summer day or overnight camp.
Earlier this summer, I was elated (yes, I was jumping up and down) to receive an invitation to join the local bocce league. But that invitation also created some angst as I am brand new to the game, a lefty and certainly not up to speed on the various rules. Nonetheless, I showed up and thus far, it has been a joy. I have met community members I never previously interacted with and my ability to land the bocce ball next to the pallino is slowly improving. While bocce is competitive, it is a game that can be played by individuals of all ages. The closer in our league, Wes, just celebrated his 87th birthday.
During the VEHI PATH June Institute, we set up an assortment of lawn games on the patio of the Burke Mountain Resort– Corn hole, Lad
der Ball, Spike Ball and Kan Jam- for school teams to learn, play and test their skills. What fun it was one evening to play a round robin of these games.
Indoor games, especially on a rainy summer weekend, can be a welcome reprieve. There are so many to choose from – board games, charades, card games, trivia- the choices are endless. Over the holidays last December I was introduced to a game known as “salad bowl,” easily played while sprawling on sofas and chairs. I highly recommend it as multiple people can play and it is guaranteed to bring forth the giggles.
According to history, the oldest board game, called Senet, was played in Predynastic Egypt. Therein, Go and Liubo, two Chinese games and backgammon followed suit. We are eager to see what your game night might look like this week. Red Rover, Red Rover, we dare you to come over.
See you on the PATH Ahead,
Shevonne, Gillian, Amy and Ashley