Spot the Difference: A YMCA Camp game to keep you sane while you work from home

Me [while trying to “work” from home]: Hey [my kid’s name], did you move something off my desk?

My kid [laughing hysterically]: You have to guess what! ?

Me: ??

If this sounds like you right now, try this 15-minute game to engage your child, develop their spatial awareness, and — most importantly — feel the tiniest sense of retribution. The best part? You can play with literally anything you have laying around the house! No need to go out for supplies, hunt stuff down in your storeroom, or use up your valuable brainpower on substitutions.

Spot The Difference
A YMCA of Greater Toronto Day and Overnight Camp Game

1. Collect around 10 to 20 small items and place them on any surface — your kitchen table, desk, or even the floor.


2. Ask your child to memorize the items they see. Give them between 10 and 30 seconds.


3. Tell them to turn around and close their eyes.


4. Remove one item.


5. Tell your child to turn around and open their eyes. They now need to guess the item that’s missing. (Muahaha! #vengeance)


6. Repeat as many times as you’d (they’d) like.

Ok, now your little detective has mastered the game. Try a few variations to really put them to the test!

• Remove multiple items at once.


• When removing one item, move the remaining items out of place.


• Give your child only a few seconds to memorize a new set of items before asking them to close their eyes.

Spot The Difference is just one of our favourite games here at YMCA Day and Overnight Camp. What can we say? We miss your little ones and wish we got to experience camp with them during March Break! While we keep our physical distance, we hope this game and the other activities we’ll be sending your way help your family stay active, engaged, and smiling.