There are a few things I have found to be very helpful to keep on hand for times when the weather doesn’t cooperate, the group size is drastically different than I prepared for, the power goes out or any other form of direction-shifting event occurs. One such item is a set of skit boxes….
Tag: game
Newbie Headlines
This game is a great game for getting to know you, first-time group meetings. I like to use it when confirmation classes first join the Sr. High ministry or when a small group first starts up. It takes a little prep, but is an easy, fun game. Have everyone write 2 things that are…
Noodle Hockey
Working with a youth group, you can find that there are all levels of athleticism, skill and experience when it comes to games and activities. In an effort to keep teens on the same playing field (pun maybe intended?) I try to use games that are different or strange, so as to limit the transferable…
Paper Ball Challenge
There are plenty of getting to know you games out there, there are even several that involve “sharing”, but this is the only one I know of that’s got a bit of strategy, too. It’s also a great game because it takes no real prep and can be done anywhere. Give each teen a piece…
Welcome to Shark Island!
This is another one of my go to team-building retreat games. It’s fun, tests personal boundaries and forces teens to work together. It takes very little prep and no real supplies, but be sure that no one in your group’s ever lost someone close to a shark attack – if so, change the name to…
MEGA ball!
MEGA Ball has been an incredible investment for our group so I wanted to share with you guys! We purchased a jumbo beach ball advertised as 8 ft., though I think that’s not exactly accurate, from Amazon (link below) for around $100 (it’s more expensive now, it must have sensed this shining endorsement coming). Since…
Noodle Fencing
I first played this game at a young adult retreat in Texas, and I’ve been hard-pressed to find a more fun use for pool noodles. This is a great game as a high energy introduction activity, a one-on-one upfront game or a giant free for all. It’s not a leadership developing game or a team-building…
Mummy Unwrap
Traditionally, the Mummy Wrap is a Halloween game, and for good reason. But, with this special 2-round Mummy game, it’s best to do in the summer or early fall, so we can be outside and it’s warm (depending on where you are reading this), though you can of course do this inside over plastic or…
Name Duels
This game is one of my favorite activities after confirmation or when there are a number of new people in the group. It’s one of the best name-games I know, and it’s silly and fun and my youth will play it forever if I let them. This takes two volunteers, since I have yet to…
Toe to Nose
This game is a fun, crazy, high-energy partner-based game of musical chairs. It’s a lot of fun and a great ice-breaker opening game. It takes very little or no prep, and no real supplies. Have the youth form two circles, on within the other. When the music plays, the two circles should slowly walk in…
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