Cactus Game Design Message Boards

So I don't play Redemption much anymore, but I was recently approached by someone whose grandchildren recently started getting into it and we want to start a local playgroup. (And by local I mean in the Eagan, MN area.)

We wanted to start with kids in our church, since there are already a lot of kids and young adults who have a bit of experience with the game. but that's been difficult, since certain rules are preventing us from putting up fliers, reserving rooms in the church for events, and getting contact info for the youth group children's parents. The church leaders that we've spoken to so far don't seem to be very interested or supportive, and neither of us is very well connected at the church, so it's been difficult to spread the word.

We've bought a lot of supplies - starter decks, booster packs, and sleeves - and we are planning on giving them away to some kids, once we find them.

To those of you who have started play groups before, have you faced challenges like this as well? If so, how did you overcome them? Are we missing something?

To anyone else in the area, if we did get an event going, would you be interested in coming and possibly helping teach some kids how to play? Or if you have supplies, would you be willing to bring some to give or sell to those who are interested?

And to anyone who is reading this, could you please pray for us to have success in growing our play group? We know this is something God wants, but we don't know how to make it happen at the moment.

Thanks everyone!

Check out my article from Land of Redemption:

http://landofredemption.com/?p=1599

I'll be happy to answer any specific questions you still have.

There are a few good articles by play group leaders on Land of Redemption, YMT's included.

My advice is to get involved in your church. Find groups or ministries you can participate with. There are many benefits, but one is being known and trusted by the people there. Once that foundation is built, when you invite someone to come learn Redemption, people will be willing to send their kids to join you and leadership will be more likely to let you use the facilities.

I've found that if you just start playing with kids and tell them that their friends can come and you will give them a starter deck that a lot of kids will do the inviting for you. Not having a place to play can be hard though.  I've always had it kind of easy because I was the youth pastor so I had control of things. I have heard of playgroups setting up a couple tables at a home and playing to keep players interested.