Bakbak – Welcome to the Island

We have had over 100 people minister alongside us this past year. Mission teams and individuals enjoy ministering to the kids and youth who come to Hope for the Island from surrounding communities.

Teaching new games and activities is always fun and a great way to connect with the locals. A visiting YWAM Mazatlan team decided to do things a little different. Instead of them teaching us games, we taught them a local game called Bakbak. The finale was a competition of kids versus the team. The only item needed to play is a pair of chinelas or flip-flops and an open area.

People here are amazingly resourceful. Kids will take what is available and develop a toy or game that can entertain for hours. Bakbak is one of many games passed on from one generation to the next. With the use of balance, technique, accuracy and strength, the team challenge is to be the first to work their way through twenty challenges.

Teamwork is essential and the Bakbak competition was a great way to introduce and celebrate local ingenuity. Kids generally have great balance and are very flexible. There was a lot of laughter as the team struggled and contorted to compete. The day ended with great worship and teaching sessions.