What is it?
This is a fun game I saw while visiting Pastor Candice Wassell’s home. In addition being fun to play, it’s simple to learn, easy to play, and enjoyable to watch/cheer/heckle others while playing. Candice described it as kind of a “redneck shuffleboard”, probably because it’s simpler to build and maintain than a regular shuffleboard table.
Why for Bethel, especially youth?
With the recently completed renovation of the Youth Room, it would be good to have something in the room that’s fun and social… and also not take up too much room AND could engage many people’s attention at one time.
Part of the fun is talking about achievements (and blunders) while playing the game. Candice’s family actually creates their own jargon and records it on a chalkboard
Slang for Carpetball Achievements (or Blunders) used by Candice’s Family
Specifically how is this game played?
- Darn if there isn’t a national organization for this: National Carpetball Association, with official rules.
- Here’s a video with an explanation of how to play the game, followed by an actual game
- Here’s a video with a carpet ball game being played, AFTER including time lapse video of the table (and shelter) being constructed for the outdoor version
How much room would this take up in the Youth Room?
- There are two carpetball table sizes, with indoor and outdoor versions.
- For indoor versions, we can choose between a folding carpet ball table design, or a fixed carpet ball table design (which is the kind Sherman saw at Candice’s house).
What needs to be done?
- Well, first we should agree that this would be a good thing for the youth group
- Also, see if we can fund this (materials, labor) without requesting money from the Bethel budget.
- We need wood for construction. Sherman has a friend who can get us the wood at cost
- We need carpet. Fortunately there are remnants from the Youth Room renovation that should (literally) cover the table.
- We need hardware, like screws, nails, etc. (Sherman’s friend Kent may have lots of leftovers from his day job)
- We might need additional hardware if we choose a carpet ball table design that folds up.
- Identify volunteers to gather materials, build the table, schedule all of this
