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How do you keep kids occupied during "hang out" times?
Hey guys! I've been in full-time youth ministry for over 2 years now, and the church I'm in is in a rural area, and we have a youth group of roughly 30 kids. I've been told that a way to a kids heart is through video games, and while I think there's some truth to that, I'm not totally sold on the entertainment driven aspect of youth ministry.
I'm actually looking for creative games/activities that we can implement during our "hang out" time during the first half hour or so of youth group that can help foster community instead of just turning them into nintendo heads. Any thoughts or ideas on that?
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I agree with nachoooo (lol) - you should evaluate the purpose of the time. I allow about 10-15 minutes of "hang-out" time before youth group and reserve another 15 for afterwards during Over-sized Snack Time. The 15 at the end is usually just food and talking around a table. The 15 before is spent playing pool, carpet ball, air hockey or those DVD games (like smarter than a 5th grader). They choose what to do and adult leaders can join them. It's just a relaxing time for those new ones coming in and for those who just finished volunteering in AWANA. Video Games can be good, but I can see it's easy to overuse them. Feel free to vary it up a little - and ask your teens. Mine had the idea for carpetball after camp one year! |
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First, I would encourage you to ask yourself what your main focus of the ministry is? Whatever that may be is what you need to do to accomplish it, that includes games/activities. I am not against just "hanging out" and understand we all need times to just have fun. Find things that help build community, service, or something that will support your nights lesson. |
