Celebrating Youth Fun in the Community
As October draws to a close here in the Heartland, the air has turned noticeably cooler. With lows dipping into the upper 30's, the first frost feels just around the corner. While the chill may send us reaching for sweaters, it also brings a quiet relief, as the flying insects that pestered us all Summer will soon be gone. The fields are settling into their late‑autumn stillness, and families are turning their attention to the warmth of home, fellowship, and the small joys that come with gathering together.
This week, in part seven of our series on Amish leisure and visiting, we turn to the games and sports that bring laughter and connection to Amish youth. With the holidays approaching, it feels fitting to reflect on how play and recreation weave into the fabric of community life.
Softball has long been a favorite among Amish children. Nearly every Amish schoolhouse has a diamond worn into the grass, and recess often finds scholars running bases and cheering one another on. One woman recalled how, during her school years, she was often asked to pitch by one of the boys in her grade. It was a small gesture, but one that made her feel proud and included. For Amish children, the joy of the game is not in winning or losing but in the shared experience. Competition is downplayed, and teamwork, humility, and participation are emphasized instead.
Volleyball, however, may be the most beloved sport among Amish youth. On Sunday afternoons, after church services and meals, it is not unusual to see several nets strung across a lawn, with boys and girls playing together in mixed teams. The games are lively, filled with laughter, and often watched by parents and grandparents who cheer from the sidelines. Sometimes, adults even surprise the youth by joining in. One memorable story tells of a deacon who, on a Sunday afternoon, threw off his jacket and stepped into a volleyball game, much to the delight of the young people. These moments blur the lines between generations and remind everyone that joy is meant to be shared.
Croquet is another favorite, especially in the warmer months. The game's appeal lies in its simplicity and the way it invites both the young and the young at heart to play together. The cheering when someone scores a point brings a sense of camaraderie that is as meaningful as any team sport. In some Amish communities, traditional games like cornerball, once popular, have faded from memory, while newer pastimes like cornhole have found their way into gatherings.
When the weather turns cold and outdoor play is less inviting, quieter games take center stage. Families gather around tables for board games, shuffleboard, or card games like Dutch Blitz. These evenings are filled with laughter, conversation, and the kind of togetherness that warms the spirit even as the wind howls outside.
Adults play an important role in supporting youth recreation. They host games, provide snacks, and sometimes build equipment or set up spaces for play. Their presence is not just logistical but deeply encouraging. By showing interest in the games of their children, they affirm the value of leisure as a way to strengthen bonds and nurture character.
Sports and games in Amish life are not about trophies or titles. In fact, tournaments and inter‑district competitions are discouraged, as they can foster pride and rivalry. Instead, the focus is on fellowship. When visitors come from other communities, the anticipation of playing together is often as exciting as the game itself. These gatherings remind everyone that leisure is not separate from faith and family but an extension of both.
As we reflect on these simple joys, it is easy to see how games and sports serve as more than just pastimes. They are opportunities for laughter, for learning teamwork, for bridging generations, and for welcoming others into the circle of community. In a world that often prizes competition and individual achievement, the Amish way of play offers a gentle reminder that the truest victories are found in togetherness.
Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers
Here are a few happenings the families dedicated to weaving the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com have shared with us this week.
The Swarey family This past week brought a special treat for the scholars in the Swarey family's school district as they enjoyed their first hot lunch of the term. Phineas and Mary prepared a hearty meal of mashed potatoes with gravy, fresh salad, sweet corn, and sloppy joes, with homemade pie to finish. The children and teachers alike were delighted. One eight‑year‑old scholar was given a softer meal of potatoes, yogurt, and broth after an accident at noon recess earlier in the week. While playing ball, a softball struck his mouth and caused a painful cut. Thankfully, he is recovering well, and the care shown by his classmates and teachers made the lunch especially memorable.
The Yoder family The Yoder family has been busy lending their hands at several frolics to help rebuild a neighbor's chicken house that was lost to fire in mid‑September. The blaze, caused by a lantern malfunction, destroyed a newly remodeled layer house that had just begun producing eggs. The loss was especially hard since the project had been a labor of love for the neighbor's son. Yet, as often happens in Amish communities, many families quickly gathered to help. The Yoders joined others in raising walls, hauling lumber, and offering encouragement. Thanks to this shared effort, the rebuilding is already well underway.
"May there be enough clouds in your life to make a beautiful sunset."
— Amish Wisdom
