Brain Teasers and Puzzles

• Brain teasers come in a variety of forms in varying levels of difficulty. Some are based in math problems while others engage the boy's creative problem-solving skills. Choose a brain teaser that corresponds with the age group of the boys in school and provide different work stations for each type of brain teaser. For example, dedicate one table to cubic puzzles, another to book-based puzzles and a third to games of strategy to be played with other kids. Encourage the boys to help each other throughout the session and reward them when they solve tricky puzzles. While some video games promote such problem-solving, limit video game use to special occasions. Ask members of the community to donate any unused puzzles or hold fundraisers to buy additional games.

Scavenger Hunts

• Backyards, parks and forests are all acceptable venues for a scavenger hunt. Survey the area for landmarks, flora and fauna for possible scavenger items. Find out what items, like tree leaves, rocks and birds, are typically found in the area and include it on the list of items to hunt. Formulate a list of at least 15 objects. Include things like feathers, flowers and leaves. Provide each team with a digital camera and include items on the list like a picture of paw print tracks or a stone from a river. Form the boys into teams including one adult to provide supervision. At the end of the hunt, reward the winner with a bag full of small prizes like candy or baked goods.

Building Games

• Many building toys allow boys the chance to build intricate castles with working moats, model airplanes, a Wild West town and a complicated race track with several jumps. Such kits include Legos, Erector sets or Lincoln Logs. Buy a few of these kits and turn the activity into a collaborative process. You can also buy basic building supplies like popsicle sticks and toothpicks: hold a contest to see who can make the best log cabin or race car