By Kathryn Roundy
On the signal, the two teams rushed at each other, swatting and brandishing their weapons. As they collided, screams erupted and people scattered in every direction.
While this may seem like a battle scene out of Lord of the Rings, it is actually a Family Home Evening activity.
The goal of the game is to hit the cracker hanging at the other person''s side and beat it to pieces with a newspaper. The last person with a whole cracker wins.
While several groups are sticking with more traditional activities, some off-the-wall activities are becoming more popular.
'It would be fun if people would get more creative,' said Sarah Theurer, a senior from Layton.
Theurer has participated in a variety of activities from hot-tubbing and baking brownies to playing miniature golf around her apartment complex.
As an FHE dad, Jeffrey Schroeder, a senior from Delaware, likes to plan activities that are a little on the crazy side. He has taken part in games such as ''Uumba Gumba''- an organized practical joke where you try to get others to sit on a wet sponge.
Another of his favorite activities is the ''One-legged Sumo''- a game in which mattresses are placed on the floor and people must hop on one leg while trying to knock each other over.
Other students, however, prefer a more traditional approach to FHE.
'I like the calmer activities,' said Gianna Biasi, a junior from Washington.
It''s hard to plan elaborate activities when some people can only stay for the lesson, she said.
There are three main reasons for FHE at BYU, said Bishop Norman S. Klein of the BYU 138th ward.
First, it is a social event that is similar to a family situation. Second, it is a place of learning. Third, it provides a social situation where you can get along with your peers and feel safe to be yourself, he said.
'The most important thing is an environment where one feels safe - physically, emotionally and spiritually,' Bishop Klein said.
FHE is a place where one can laugh without being criticized, he said.
'It''s a great way to get to know the ward,' said Robert Le, a senior from Australia. As a convert to the church, Le is new at seeing how FHE runs.
There are always a lot of traditional games because they are fun and require less effort, he said.
'I think people try to do new things,' said Biasi. 'But they have a hard time thinking of new ideas every week.'
Some FHE participant''s favorites include: ice blocking, pudding fights, slip-n-slides, four men on a couch, color personality tests, making pi?atas, twister with Jell-O, hand ball, fugitive, water balloon volleyball and floating the river.
kroundy@byu.net