Youth groups seem to invariably, at some point or points in their life, be in a position where they will need of monies for some activities or upcoming events. When they encounter this moment, they have many options, including:
A). Finding a cheaper option (do we really need to use paintballs that glow in the dark?)
B). Asking parents/guardians to front the needed cash
C). Dine and Dash (followed by a field trip to local police station)
D). Setting up a fund-raiser, asking church, community and family members to help defer the costs.
The game ideas this month will consist of interactive, game-like fund-raising ideas. I will include implications of how to set it up, as well as variations. As always, customize these to fit the needs and resources of your group.
If your group is all set in areas of funding, each of these ideas have community building, non-fund-raising, game-oriented implications.

Type/Purpose: Fundraising Game, Off-Site

The group will have a common destination (i.e. the church). The group will then split into smaller groups that will decide upon a mode of transportation, and how many miles away they are willing to travel. Each group will include at least one adult, and each group should decide upon a manageable, yet somewhat challenging distance.
For example:

  • Group One will travel to church by bicycle, and will start 30-50 miles away at a predetermined location.
  • Group Two will roller skate from 12 miles away.
  • Group Three will walk from 8 miles away.
  • Group Four will ride horses…
  • Group Five will jog…
  • Group Six will drive, etc.

When groups and distances have been determined, set a date to perform the travel-a-thon, and print flyers. Ask church, family and community members to sponsor teams as they travel (either by distance or by a general contribution)

Extra ideas:

  • This might be a good way to have intentional small groups for a number of months, enlisting some to meet beforehand to train together and plan their route.
  • For smaller youth groups, plan one travel mode together, and prepare for it as a whole group.
  • Enlist congregation members to join one of the groups, asking them to contribute to join.
  • Try to coordinate similar arrival times to have a get-together afterwards.
  • Consider a devotion on “pressing onward toward a goal”.