The most recent newsletter from NatureBoy’s school included a description of the Chess and Game club, which began…

Hey… are there 3,875 Orcs behind that door? […] Yes, Chess Club is back, but now it’s more than just pawns and checkmates.

How could I resist?! I sent off an email to the teacher, offering to volunteer with the group. He was happy to have me, so today I packed a couple different games that I thought might interest the middle school gaming crowd:

• aMAZEing Labyrinth by Ravensburger,
• Settlers of Catan by Mayfair Games, and
• Infernal Contraption by Privateer Press

When I arrived, the teacher welcomed me, and explained that he had forgotten his games at home, so I was glad that I took those games with me.

After a perfunctory introduction, I gave a brief description of the three games. The teach also offered chess boards “as always.” One student wanted really wanted to play Catan, so NatureBoy and I joined him to give that a whirl. Several kids played or watched the labyrinth game with the teacher. Infernal contraption had no takers.

The club meeting is short, about forty minutes, so the Catan game had gone a few rounds, but folks seemed to have a good time. I was invited to be a regular participant, so I think things went well.

The teacher said that one of the games he wants to bring in is Wings of War. I’ve played some variants of Wings of War miniatures with TedMan, but this is a card-only game and can support eight players, I think. Anyway, I had fun; NatureBoy had fun; the kids seemed like they were enjoying themselves.

I’m just waiting for the opportunity to get a Pen and Paper RPG in there. Maybe Mouse Guard? NB also said he though WizWar would be fun to bring.

Game On!