By Les Christie | Chair of the Youth Ministry Department at William Jessup University in California. He leads parenting seminars and speaks at youth ministry conventions around the world. He is the author of more than 15 books, including Best-Ever Games for Youth Mini | March 2010
Bonus: Best Ways to Divide Kids into Teams
The best games don't have team captains choosing players in front of the group. The best games don't number off because students will place themselves in the line so their numbers will be the same as their friends', and you'll end up with cliques. The best games have someone put different colored candy into kids' mouths as they come into the room. When it's time to divide up, have them stick out their tongues. Blue tongues in one corner, red tongues in another corner and so on.
The best games play the game Barnyard to divide students into teams, where each young person as he or she enters the room is given a piece of paper with the name of an animal that makes a noise (dog, cat, sheep, frog and so on). When it's time to divide into teams, the lights are turned off. The kids make their animals noises and try to find others making the same sound. When the lights come back on, they're in their teams.
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Put them into groups according to the month of their birthdays. (To create four teams, use three month triads: "January, February and March, get together in one corner," etc.) Put them in teams alphabetically according to the first letter of their first or last name. Divide them into two groups by odd and even numbered ages. Have them get into groups according to how they hold toilet paper (folders vs. scrunchers).
Bonus Sources for Games and Game EquipmentFor inexpensive, creative items to use in games, browse and shop at toy, craft and dollar stores. Scour garage sales, swap meets and flea markets.
Here are more sources:
Egadideas.com YouthMinistry.com Group.com YouthSpecialties.com TheSource4ym.comKippToys.comOrientalTrading.comUSToy.com
Seven Reasons Why Games Are a Valuable Part of Youth Group Ministry
1. Games are universal.
Games are a universal language. I've yet to see a country where kids don't want to play games of some sort.
2. Games are ideal come-and-see, entry-level activities.
Games pull new kids into your youth group and provide opportunities for presenting a deeper message. Use the right games and they become the means by which you present that deeper message. Games help tear down emotional walls and get kids introduced and interacting.
3. Games stretch your kids, encouraging them to take risks.
Games can help your kids develop tolerance, persistence and patience. Games provide a structure within which those virtues can be practiced.
4. Games improve problem-solving skills and help kids deal with life's stresses.
The life of a typical teenager these days is crowded and complicated. A game provides an oasis of laughter and fun. Depending on the game, there's a chance to do strategic thinking and problem solving.
5. Games build community, acceptance and a sense of belonging.
Games provide shared experiences that become shared memories. They're inclusive; and if led well, they foster acceptance.
6. Games are relevant.
They're all over television these days. There's been a huge upsurge in the popularity of teen game shows.
7. Games provide good, clean, trouble-free fun.
Teens are hungry for wholesome activities in a positive environment. Life is tough enough; kids need to have fun, play and laugh together. Games can provide all that and more.
