Games to Play at a Youth Lock-In

Icebreakers

• One of the biggest challenges in working with youth is encouraging a sense of belonging within the group. Use icebreaker games to dispel tension and to help young people get to know one another.

  Write down the names of each youth in attendance on separate slips of paper and have each person draw a name other than their own from a bag. The object of the game is to find the person named on the slip of paper and discover five things about him. This game is especially effective for groups that are not well acquainted.

  For youth groups that know each other a little better, the $100 bill exchange is an effective icebreaker. Give each participant a few $100 bills in play money. The object of this icebreaker is for each participant to challenge other kids in the group to some kind of simple competition such as a coin flip, thumb wrestling or rock, paper, scissors. The winner of each competition gets to take a $100 bill from the other participant. The youth with the most money after everyone has competed is the winner.

Team Games

• Lock-ins are the perfect time for team games. The more outrageous the better when it comes to group games for teens. Divide the attendees into small groups and stage a "bad talent show." Each group will need to come up with an impromptu performance that is designed to be as bad as possible. Just the preparation alone is sure to be entertaining.

  A video scavenger hunt is another excellent way to encourage camaraderie. Divide the youths into groups and give them a list of items to find or silly activities to accomplish while being videotaped. For safety sake, make sure that an adult leader accompanies each small group. The kids can gather back together and enjoy the videos of each scavenger hunt.

  For a creative way to divide the kids into groups, stage a game of "barnyard." Give each youth a card with the name of one farm animal listed. Each participant must find their group by making the noise of that animal until they have found their fellow "pigs", "chickens" or "cows."

Teaching Games

• Games can also provide a creative way to teach specific points. Teach youth to depend on God for help and strength by having them stand on either side of a long pole. The pole can be constructed from two or three long metal curtain rods assembled end to end. Instruct the youth to work as a group and try to hold the curtain rod up over their heads. The trick is that each member can only use one finger to support the rod. It won't take long for their arms to get very tired. This game provides an object lesson on the truth of God's willingness to help us bear our burdens.