resources for effective youth ministry
 

Seasonal Idea!

    Games can be a great way for teens to interact and learn - there are many different types of games . . . active relay games, sport games and even table games.  Consider planning a game night for your youth group where they will play all kinds of games and build relationships at the same time.

    Countdown to game night

select a date - consider planning a post Christmas game extravaganza overnight between Christmas and New Years or a New Years Eve all night game extravaganza

begin to promote

select games

gather equipment

confirm date with other leaders

go over safety protocol - see review on the book, "Better Safe Than Sued"

decide on food

decide on location and double check safety protocol

continue to promote

decide on devotion

have a terrific time!

    Games could include old familiar games like :

Monopoly - play in rotating teams for added fun!

Life

Sorry

Scrabble Championship

UNO

Skipbo

Clue

Risk

Battleship

    Consider new games like:

Bible Categories

Teen Choices

Omega Expedition

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    This game tests your Bible knowledge in this fast-thinking, fun game - great to play as teams!  I recommend this game for use at home and church.  Well done Rainfall/Chariot!

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    This is a great game for teams to help them think through how to make right choices based on Bible principles - while having fun!  Nicely done Rainfall/Chariot!

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    This is an interesting and unique board game for one to three individual players or for up to three teams of up to four players on each team.  This game includes the players in searching for missing artifacts.  The first to find six artifacts, win . . . the tricky part is surviving a variety of pitfalls to retrieve the artifacts.

    favorite features:

each artifact is an item from the Bible and has a scripture reference to help players learn about the Biblical significance of the item

secret passageway cards add extra excitement to the game

explorer's manual explains how to play, describes each artifact, information on the bonus game and how to play and information on the bonus puzzle - Mystery of the Number Seven and the web site to play

3 dimensional art work make game more interesting

    This game is designed by people who make video games and should be a game kids find interesting, fun and challenging while also learning about Bible people, places and things.  It would work well for families to enjoy together as well as a game to include at a youth game extravaganza.  Very nicely done John, Rob, Rich, Nancy, Jan and Playcare!

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    There are also excellent active games.  If you plan a games extravaganza consider beginning the evening with a scavenger hunt.  Then a progressive supper.  After that, plan some active games, table games and a devotional followed by more active games to wrap the event up.

    There are many excellent resources to find ideas and plans for active games and scavenger hunts.  Some excellent resources are available from Youth Specialties Idea Library, so we will take a look at several of them.

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    favorite features

• includes ideas for 10 types of events
1. games and sports events
2. scavenger hunts
3. treasure hunts
4. other hunts
5. theme parties
6. food events
7. special events with a point
8. outings and overnighters
9. races and rallies
10. other parties and special events
• reproducible resources
• excellent directions and tips for each idea
• over 400 tested ideas

    There are an abundance of great ideas in this resource - many would work for this event or anytime all year.  I would caution you to make sure you plan for safety - read, "Better Safe Than Sued".  Very nicely done Vicki and Youth Specialities/Zondervan Publishing!

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    This another excellent resource filled with great ideas for an all-nighter event or for anytime!

    favorite features:

• an abundance of game ideas in eight categories
1. balloon games
2. basketball games
3. indoor games for large groups
4. indoor games for small groups
5. living room games
6. mind reading games
7. Ping-Pong variations
8. volleyball games
• reproducible resources
• excellent directions and tips
• over 400 tested ideas

    This is a terrific resource that you will find yourself using again and again.  Be sure to keep safety protocols in mind with any games you decide to use and have a terrific time with the kids in your youth ministry!  Nicely done Vicki and Youth Specialities/Zondervan Publishing!

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    Youth groups can be a place where teens are challenged to grow in their own walk with Christ and a place where teens reach out to others or it can be a place where cliques reign.  There are many things youth leaders can do to have the first type of group - one of which is to involve the kids in games that encourage cooperation, team work, relationships and are lots of fun.  This book is filled with games to help build a strong group while having fun and learning at the same time.

    favorite features

• 45 games divided into six areas
1. crowd breakers
2. trust builders
3. brain stretchers
4. communication builders
5. group challenges
6. just for fun
• introduction with terrific tips for teaching games
• each activity lists activity level - low, medium or high, activity area needed for game, supply list and complete directions
• game tips have excellent helpful information
• learning options for application
• application themes listed for each game
• reproducible resources
• Scripture index
• theme index
• activity level index
• activity area index
• information on how to get free "L'eggs" for games

    This book is filled with unique, fun games that can be used effectively to help teens grow closer together and closer to God as well!  Extremely well done Karl, Cindy and Group Publishing!

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    favorite features:

provides a unique opportunity for teens to learn by actively participating and experiencing the Bible record of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection

flexible schedule - can run from three hours to three days or even over several weeks

works with both small and large groups

includes event invitations, character descriptions, decorating tips, clues, costuming ideas, menus, clip art, Bible application, step by step planning guide

count down information to help you promote, plan and gather supplies

information to help you plan weeks in advance as well as a few hours before a special event

games to help kids learn and make the application from the Bible to their lives

    I like opportunities for youth that are unique, fun and unforgettable that kids will really walk away from having truly learned and applied to their lives.  This resource is one that will do all that.  "Bible Mystery Events" would work extremely well for a special event between Christmas and New Years or during Spring Break - it is one resource kids will learn from and never forget!  Extremely well done Robert, Linda and Group Publishing!

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Table Of Contents

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About The Youth Department - Volume 1, Edition 3

Copyright © Lynda Freeman

Last Updated Dec. 12, 1998

Web Page by Lynda Freeman

Send an e-mail to Lynda at lynda.freeman@usa.net