Youth Ministry games have been proved to draw more teens into church than just about anything else you offer, especially if they are un-churched. Once you've got them there, then you have an opportunity to teach them about Christ. Here are some ice breaker games and general activities that teens love to play.
Guess Who
Directions: At the beginning of a youth group gathering, tape the name of a Bible character to the back of each person. They cannot see the name and only the other participants will know which character they represent. Each person can ask questions about who they are (for example, male or female, Old or New Testament). The first person to guess who they are wins, and so on. You can have multiple prizes as each member guesses who they are.
Marshmallow Game
Directions: You will need large marshmallows for this game. Divide the youth group into two teams (maybe more teams depending on how many teens are present). Give each teen a marshmallow. The first player must lick the marshmallow, stick it to their forehead, and run to the finish line and back, to tag the next person. The next player does the same, until each player has had a turn. If the marshmallow falls off, they have to stop, stick it back on, and continue. The first team to be sitting in a straight line wins! Play upbeat, energetic music while game is played. The music starts on "Go" and stops when a team wins.
Balloon Hoop Race
Directions: You will need two hoola hoops and two large balloons. Divide the youth group into two teams (maybe more teams depending on how many teens are present). The first player must take the balloon, put it between their knees, and run towards the hoola hoop that is being help by another leader at the finish line. They must get the balloon in the hoop, without using their hands. If they drop the balloon on the way to the hoop, they must stop, pick it up, and go back to the spot where they dropped it from. Once they get it in the hoop, they pick up the balloon in their hands, and run back to their line, giving the balloon to the next player who will follow the same procedure. The first team to have everyone complete the process, and are sitting in a straight line wins! Play upbeat, energetic music while game is played. The music starts on "Go" and stops when a team wins.
Popcorn Race
Directions: You will need two buckets full of popped popcorn and two empty buckets. You will also need a dessert-sized paper plate for each player. Divide the youth group into two teams (maybe more teams depending on how many teens are present). The first player scoops their plate into the full bucket of popcorn. Then they hop on one foot to the finish line and pour what ever is left on their plate into their empty bucket. Then they run back and tag the next person in line, who does the same process. The team who has the most popcorn in their bucket at the finish line wins! Play upbeat, energetic music while game is played. The music starts on "Go" and stops when a team wins.
Straw and Paper Race
Directions: You will need one piece of paper that is a 4-inch square for each team and a straw for each player. Divide the youth group into two teams (maybe more teams depending on how many teens are present). The first player must use the straw to pick up the paper, by sucking in through the straw. Then, they must carry the paper to the finish line and back, but they must have the paper stuck to the end of the straw while they run. If the paper falls off, they must get it back on the straw, by sucking in through the straw, and continue on. Each player takes their turn until all players have had a chance. The first team to be sitting in a straight line wins! Play upbeat, energetic music as the game is played. The music starts on "Go" and stops when someone wins.
