“Armed with markers and endless humor, Marina Mobile Home Park seniors turn Halloween into a lively Pictionary competition, transforming ‘pumpkin’ and ‘dog’ into whimsical doodles and good-natured laughs!” Images by Patricia Schallert.
by Patricia Schallert
Imagine a room filled with laughter, creativity, and just the right amount of competitive spirit—because who decided handing out candy to trick-or-treaters was still a thing? “So last year,” quipped one attendee. Instead of playing porch patrol, these seniors flocked to the Community Center Clubhouse, transforming it into the hottest Halloween party in town. Armed with colorful markers and a fierce determination to out-sketch one another in a game of Pictionary, they brought their A-game. Who knew Grandma could turn “pumpkin” into something resembling a confused squid, just one tentacle short of a swimming lesson?
As they morphed everyday words into laugh-out-loud doodles, these seniors showcased their artistic “skills” (or lack thereof) while swapping stories and spreading joy like candy corn at a Halloween hoedown. With each cartoonish attempt, they reminded everyone that aging is just a number—much like the number of snacks and drinks consumed during a Halloween Pictionary showdown!
In Ventura’s Marina Mobile Home Park clubhouse, a friendly battle brewed between senior men and women, each competing for Pictionary supremacy. The men, channeling their inner Picassos, declared that their life experience would be a game-changer. Case in point: their sketch of what was supposedly “a dog,” though it resembled more of a squashed potato with googly eyes. Meanwhile, the women’s team seamlessly combined creativity and communication, crafting prompts into whimsical masterpieces fit for a gallery—or at least a refrigerator.
As the game heated up, so did the playful banter. Each correct guess was celebrated like a touchdown, and every misstep led to peals of laughter and good-natured heckling. The competition was more than just about bragging rights; it was a heartwarming celebration of camaraderie and creativity. Blending the spirit of Halloween with friendly rivalry and plenty of snacks—brownies, pretzels, pizza, and drinks—they reminded us all that the true secret to youth is a hearty laugh and a healthy dose of ridiculousness. They proved once again that the joy of play knows no age—or occasion!
Pictionary Rules for Seniors:
Players and Teams:
Men vs. women in a showdown of artistic “genius”—or more likely, a hilarious display of “What the heck is that supposed to be?”
Materials Needed:
An official game board (or even a pizza box in a pinch), some markers or pencils that may or may not be dried out, and a timer—preferably not an ancient sundial from last Thanksgiving.
Drawing Cards:
Use cards with words like “apple” or “bungee jumping.” Missing cards? Scribble random things on slips of paper. (Bonus points for “that thing you used to fix the sink”!)
Taking Turns:
Take turns, friends! Each round, one brave soul picks a card and attempts to draw without using words, letters, or the infamous “chaotic squiggles.” The team guesses what’s being drawn—good luck with that!
Timing:
Set the timer for one minute, or until everyone is either guessing wildly or laughing too hard to tell if it’s an elephant or a gothic castle.
Guessing:
Shout out your guess like it’s family reunion bingo! A correct guess wins the team a point and serious bragging rights. No correct guess? No points—and maybe no dignity, either.
Scoring:
Keep score on a notepad, which can double as a shopping list for those who forgot to pick up milk.
Winning the Game:
Play until one team reaches five points or someone calls out for bingo. Everyone’s a winner as long as there are laughs and snacks. As for the men vs. women score? The winner is yet to be determined!
Tips for Enjoying Pictionary:
Embrace the chaos! Perfect drawings are overrated. If you struggle to draw, turn it into a modern art masterpiece and claim it’s “open to interpretation.” Most importantly, remember: it’s not about winning but enjoying each other’s company and laughing until someone snorts. Happy drawing and guessing!
