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Project: Girl Scout Game Design April 2004 – September 2007

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I was commissioned by the Glowing Embers Girl Scout Council (and compensated by three Foundations) to design and create a two-game set for use as an icebreaker, enabling girls from both rural and urban areas to commingle and become acquainted during gameplay at both the council headquarters and at the GS camp. It was to be playable by five different age groups, be new and engaging each time played, and it’s ultimate goal – to help girls understand and celebrate diversity.

M The game WE (for Wonder of Everyone) was entirely created by myself (Thomas Mills) over a three-year period. I designed the playing surface, the game cards, the central, free-form gaming surface and all aspects of the game. The two wooden tables were built by Jan and Paul Koestner (woodworkers). Suggestions were also offered to GS (along with original photography) for the development of diversity training as part of the gaming experience – of inherent importance to GS leaders and staff.

It was to be playable by five different age groups, be new and engaging each time played, and it’s ultimate goal – to help girls understand and celebrate diversity. Based on focus group research with young girls, the game was designed to encourage cooperation, rather than the selection of a single winner over other players.

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thomas@millsideas.com thomasmills@ideafish.mobi