Attitude Makes All the Difference

There is a parable about two travelers. The first traveler stopped along the road to talk to a wise woman. He said, "I am planning to settle in the town up ahead. What can you tell me about the people there?" ...

Game: Hot Diggity Dogs

For your next youth cookout or retreat, give this one a try. Provide cooked hot dogs and buns for everyone, along with squeeze bottles filled with ketchup, mustard and relish (and more condiments if you choose)...

Call It All Joy

"Rejoice with joy unspeakable" (1 Pet. 1:8). One of the most unifying attributes for any organization is joy. Youth groups need joy, in fact, to bring a sense of balance and movement to the work. Leaders sho...

Good Grief for Youth Workers

"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). A few months ago, our congregation was rocked by three deaths in two days. One of these deaths was the father of two teens. He took h...

Fishbowl Challenge

Place a fish bowl (or hat or basket) in your youth area. During the course of some weeks, invite the teenagers to write questions on index cards and place them in the bowl. These questions can be serious, fun...

Magnetism: More than Deceptive Charm

There is no doubt that Jesus drew people around Him. He was a magnetic personality. Others wanted to be in His presence, to talk to Him, to sit and listen to His teaching, to receive His insights. Jesus also dr...

Spring Walk Turned Scavenger Hunt

This is a variation of a scavenger hunt game that you can create for a large group, outdoors. A wooded area, camp or retreat works best. Begin by creating a printed list of items that each team must find in the...

Tic-Tac-Toe for Youth Groups

For this game, you will need duct tape and an assortment of Hula Hoops® and Frisbees®, preferably in two different colors. Create a "Tic-Tac-Toe" grid with duct tape in the parking lot or other lar...

Youth Group Devo: Living in Peace

Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you" (John 20:21). The first words that Jesus spoke to His followers after His resurrection were, "Peace be with you!" This is a p...