Hobbies And Interests
Three Pens Game
To play this game, the youth leader sits behind a table that has nothing on it except three pens. She can arrange the pens in any way she wishes. When the pens are arranged, she also lays a hand (or two) on the table with one or more fingers extended. She then asks the group what number is represented on the table. The number will be the total of the three pens plus the number of fingers she has extended. It generally takes two or three tries before anyone guesses the right number. Between guesses she makes a great show of rearranging the pens, then lays her hand (or hands) on the table again, with fingers clearly extended. She may need to offer hints before everyone grasps the concept of adding fingers and pens. Once they do, she can tell them that the point is to look at the whole picture, not just one part of it. This is then tied into Bible study, where some very different scriptures (such as James and Paul) work together to create the basis for faith, and no one part of the Bible is meant to stand on its own. Teens of all ages enjoy this game, even if they didn't grasp the idea immediately.
Pass it On
Pass it On teaches kids the importance of sharing their faith, even if it isn't always easy. Divide the group into teams of 3 to 5 teens each. Every team will need a balloon and a baseball cap. Place a marker, such as a chair, at the far end of the room. One at a time, the members of each team must put on the hat with the balloon balanced on top, then walk to the marker and back. Next, the players must pass the hat with the balloon still on top to the next team member, who must put it on and repeat the walk. The balloon must stay balanced on the hat (the material of the hat can be shaped a bit to better hold the balloon), and hands may not touch the balloon. The first team to have all members complete the walk wins. After the game, the group leader can discuss with the teens how passing the hat and balloon is difficult, similar to sharing the faith, but it can be done and the person who has succeeded is left feeling good about himself and his accomplishment.
Two Truths, One Lie
This is a good game for breaking the ice at a teen event. Each person tells two true things about himself and one lie. The others must guess which thing is the lie and which ones are the truth. Even players who know each other may not know which statements are true and which are not, but if anyone knows he should keep it to himself. This game is played for fun and does not have a winner.