Game
Wall of courage. Students stand in two lines. One person walks the lane while the others say one true thing that person is good at. No jokes. If the group is large, ask for three volunteers and give each one a minute.
Youth
A game, a question to start, and a few things to talk about. For the leader who planned this in the car.
Four weeks, ready to lead. Take what fits your group.
Week of October 19, 2026
Be strong
Icebreaker
When did you feel nervous this week, and who stood near you?
Talk about it
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9, KJV) 1. God tells Joshua to be strong. What does He promise in the same verse? 2. Where do people your age feel afraid right now? 3. What is one way this group can stand with someone this week?
Something you could plan
Ask a trusted adult from your church to tell a five-minute story of a time God stayed with them. Invite them a week ahead. Do not post their story unless they say yes.
Week of October 26, 2026
A friend at all times
Game
Find your people. Hand out cards in pairs (two gloves, two bookmarks, two matching shapes). Students find the match, then tell that person one way to be a good friend.
Icebreaker
Who showed up for you when it was not convenient?
Talk about it
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17, KJV) 1. What does "at all times" rule out? 2. How can this group be a friend to someone who is new on Sunday? 3. If your church hosts a trunk or treat on October 31, who could you invite to come with you?
Something you could plan
October 31 is a common night for a trunk or treat or fall festival. If your church is hosting one, ask what is still needed: a trunk, candy, or someone at the welcome table. Meet 30 minutes early.
Week of November 2, 2026
Give thanks
Game
Thanks toss. Pass a soft ball. When the leader says stop, that person names one gift from God. No repeats. Keep it short and kind.
Icebreaker
Name one ordinary thing from this week that you almost missed.
Talk about it
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV) 1. Paul says give thanks in every thing, not for every hard thing. What is the difference? 2. What is hard to thank God for right now? 3. Who serves your church quietly, and how could your group thank them before Thanksgiving?
Something you could plan
Write ten short thank-you notes to people who serve (nursery, ushers, the person who unlocks the door). No speeches. Leave the notes on Sunday.
Week of November 9, 2026
Wonderfully made
Game
Mirror. In pairs, one person slowly moves an arm. The other copies. Then switch. A copy is never the original. Say that out loud.
Icebreaker
What is one thing about you that a stranger would not guess?
Talk about it
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:14, KJV) 1. The psalm says God's works are marvellous, and that includes you. What is hard to believe about that? 2. Where do students hear the opposite message? 3. How do we talk about each other in this room so it matches the verse?
Something you could plan
Plan a phone-free night. Games, snacks, and ten quiet minutes with Psalm 139. Tell parents the start time and the end time in the church text.