General Conference bingo

The General Conference is a special time for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hear inspiring messages from Church leaders. With so many uplifting talks, it can be a lot to absorb in one weekend. That’s where General Conference bingo comes in—a fun and interactive way to help you and your family stay engaged, focused, and even a bit competitive while watching or listening to the talks. Whether you're playing alone, with family, or in a group, General Conference bingo can add a layer of interaction and reflection to your experience.

What is General Conference bingo?

General Conference bingo is a bingo game designed around the themes, phrases, and topics commonly discussed during General Conference talks. Instead of numbers, the bingo card squares are filled with words or phrases you’re likely to hear throughout the weekend, such as “faith,” “Holy Ghost,” “service,” or “families.” This makes the game both spiritually enriching and a great way to stay attentive to the messages being shared.

How to set up your General Conference bingo game

To get started, you'll need bingo cards and a way to track the phrases mentioned during the talks. Here's a quick guide to setting up the game:

1. Create or download bingo cards: Use Bingo Card Creator to make customized cards filled with commonly used phrases from past General Conferences. Each card should be unique to avoid multiple winners at the same time. You can also find pre-made templates online that are ready to print.
2. Print or share the cards digitally: If you’re playing in person, print enough cards for everyone. If you’re hosting a virtual watch party, share the digital versions of the bingo cards via email or chat.
3. Gather your markers: For those playing with printed cards, gather some markers or small objects like buttons, coins, or cereal pieces to mark the spots. For digital cards, players can use a drawing tool or a simple checkmark to keep track.
4. Decide on a prize: To add a little friendly competition, decide on a small prize for the winners, such as a treat, a fun family activity, or the chance to choose a favorite dessert for Sunday dinner.

Ways to play General Conference bingo

There are several ways to play General Conference bingo, depending on the size of your group and the atmosphere you want to create. Here are three popular variations, complete with step-by-step instructions:

Classic General Conference bingo

This is the traditional version where players mark off phrases as they hear them during the talks. The goal is to be the first to complete a row, column, or diagonal.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Distribute a unique bingo card to each player.
2. Start watching General Conference together as a group or individually.
3. As the speakers share their messages, listen for the words or phrases on your bingo card.
4. When you hear a phrase on your card, mark it with a token or check it off digitally.
5. The first player to complete a row, column, or diagonal shouts "Bingo!" and wins a prize.
6. Continue playing for additional winners or clear the cards and start a new round.

Blackout bingo

In this variation, players must fill every square on their bingo card to win. It’s a longer game but great for those who want to stay engaged throughout multiple sessions.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Hand out the bingo cards at the start of the first session of General Conference.
2. Play across multiple sessions, continuing to listen for the words and phrases on your card.
3. Mark off each square as you hear the corresponding phrases.
4. The first player to fill their entire card with marks calls out "Blackout!" to win.
5. Consider having a special prize for the blackout winner since this game requires more focus and patience.

Theme-based bingo

This variation focuses on a specific theme or topic discussed during General Conference, such as "faith," "family," or "service." All the words on the bingo card relate to that theme.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Choose a theme for your bingo game, like "faith" or "love."
2. Create or download bingo cards filled with words and phrases related to the chosen theme.
3. Distribute the themed bingo cards to each player before the session starts.
4. Listen carefully to the talks and mark off the phrases as they are mentioned.
5. The first player to complete a row, column, or diagonal wins and gets to share why that theme is meaningful to them.

Benefits of playing General Conference bingo

Playing General Conference bingo is not just fun; it also enhances your experience in several meaningful ways:

• Active listening: Encourages everyone to pay close attention to each talk, enhancing understanding and retention.
• Family engagement: Provides an enjoyable way for families to spend time together and discuss what they’ve learned.
• Discussion starter: Phrases on the bingo cards can lead to meaningful conversations about faith, personal experiences, and reflections on the talks.

Conclusion: Enrich your General Conference experience

General Conference bingo is a creative and interactive way to enrich your experience during these special weekends. It keeps everyone engaged, makes the talks more memorable, and encourages meaningful conversations about faith and personal growth. So, grab your cards, get ready to listen, and let the inspiration (and fun) begin!