Hi, it’s Leanne again.

On Saturday night our family (multi-generational) ventured into the murky world of Zoom bingo - which actually worked out quite well in the end. Spread over 5 locations across greater Victoria, we came together to eat our dinner, and then we had a few friendly rounds. Luckily I own a bingo cage (purchased at the op shop many a year ago - but never used until now). So I sent out everyone a photo of a personalised bingo card - to print or copy, and I set up all the gear and checked all the bits were there (I reckon you could easily make your own - paper numbers from a hat would work just fine etc.).

Then I looked up bingo calls online, and adapted some to suit our family. For the primary school kids (and to appeal to my dad who is a former maths teacher) we used bingo to practice some times tables - including my all time favourite (7x8 = … 56 OF COURSE). I also included another ripper … 6x8 = 48.

Then there were the birthdays 6, 11, 12, 13, 15, etc. the best year to be born (hello ‘72) and a family friendly rhyme for 42, being “I love you” and my favourite rhyme for 41, “I love my mum”.

The Saturday night before that we came together for the first time with Zoom and held a trivia night. The rules: one person in each family had to come up with 10 questions and not tell anyone else on their team (so everyone except the nominated trivia master for the round could join in). That worked well too!

And … being a family with little shame, we also had a dress up competition for our trivia night. Hilarious.

And … we had a bit of a sing-a-long in between rounds for our bingo night. For this we found it best to mute everyone but the lead family - just so the whole thing didn’t descend into utter chaos as Zoom moved in and out of broadcasting the loudest singers (all of whom were out of time with each other - and quite possibly out of tune!).

Funny times hey? I hope your family and friends are connecting up and trying to make the most of the tools currently available.

Anyway, it would be super to hear if anyone else has tried to play other games using Zoom (or other platforms) to connect up with others. For example, charades … and if so how did it go? Feel free to send me an email. Perhaps you’d even like to include a photo and some details I could share.

Also, if you need a hand to get these things going for you, or your family, PLEASE let us know. We can help with the technical stuff (or link you up with a BeConnected trainer who knows ALL THE THINGS). Just call us! Our phone number is 9499 7227 or email us here.