Icebreakers and games!

This is a fun icebreaker that can be used for a retreat or a youth group gathering. You can use any questions from funny to more serious. It's a chance to recall or teach about what is found in Scripture, as well as get the group energized - especially when you ask someone to explain their choice!

How to Play

-You can play this game a couple ways. You can have all of the questions on a sheet of paper that is given to each participant, and ask them to put their name at the top to circle their choices. The leader then collects the papers and reads a few out loud. This is where you can ask a participant to explain their choice.

-You can also have this as a stand up/sit down (if you would rather option A, stand up, option B, sit down) or move to a…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXpW-IFt0nI Suddenly I remembered from my own experience with Salesian Youth many years ago: action songs!

One of the most unforgettable ones for me was “Shine, Jesus, Shine.” I still remember singing it together with the actions and movements. Interestingly, even though this was many years ago, the memory has stayed with me. It makes me realize that sometimes the activities we might consider very simple can actually leave a lasting impression on young people.

Action songs combine music, singing, and simple movements, and I think they can be a fun resource for youth ministry, especially as an icebreaker or energizer. I still remember doing them when I was younger, and looking back, I realize that they encouraged everyone to participate together. They helped create energy, laughter, and a sense of community.

I think action songs could be especially helpful between more structured activities. For example, after sitting through a faith…

I've played this game numerous times in various capacities working with children and youth in a recreation setting but also in ministry. Recently played this game with children and youth between the ages of 9 - 17 and it worked really well.

This game works for small, medium, and large groups, although teams of 10 people probably work best.  For extremely large groups, pick about 20 volunteers to go to the front of the room to play.

Setup for the Blanket Game

There is not much setup involved for this activity.  Form two large teams, preferably about 5-10 people per team.  Have each team go to the front of the room.  Have two volunteers hold a blanket or curtain open between the two groups, so that each group cannot see behind the blanket.  If players do not know each other well, quickly have each player introduce their name to the…