Hobbies And Interests
Two Truths and a Lie
Because not all of the youth attending the church lock-in will already know each other, it is a good idea to play an ice-breaker game at the beginning of the night. A simple game that will help learn names and interesting things about people is two truths and a lie. On each person's turn, he will say three things about himself. The catch is that two of them are true and one is a lie. Everybody else must try to guess what the lie is, eventually casting their votes. A prize can be given to whoever guesses the most lies correctly.
Survivor Competition
Sometimes it is a good idea to pick an overall game that will frame all of the activities of the lock-in. Survivor is a good choice, as most kids are familiar with it and the framework provides the opportunity to play many smaller games. At the beginning of the night, kids should be divided into two or three tribes. Throughout the night, tribes compete against each other in games that can be physical, intellectual, involve eating gross foods and bring Bible knowledge or stories into the plot. Rather than voting people off, teams should compete for a team prize to be given at the end of the lock-in, and each team can also cast votes for their favorite team member, who will get an individual prize.
The Price is Right
A quicker game based on television that can make up just part of a lock-in is The Price is Right. Kids can be selected from the game show "audience" to come guess the cost of different items. Whoever guesses closest in each round gets to play an individual game for a larger prize. For example, to win a popular Christian band's newest CD, the youth would have to guess the price of a concert ticket on that band's latest tour. Of course, having audience participation shouting out suggestions is always welcomed when playing The Price is Right.
Dodge Ball
If the lock-in site has a gymnasium or other large room without breakable items, dodge ball can be a great game to get people moving when the lull sets in in the middle of the night. Two teams can play at a time, and to keep those who get "out" involved in the game, play by the rules that they get to go around to the back and try to hit the other team from there.
Board Games
If there is a designated sleeping time during the lock-in, it is a good idea to provide some quieter game for kids who would prefer to stay up. Monopoly, Risk, Life, Battleship, Cranium and Settlers of Catan are all games that most youth are familiar with and can play during the early morning hours at the lock-in.