How to build a sense of community among the youth group?

Question

youth group - ages 12 -17 yrs

Answer 1

simple, study the word of God and pray together as often and that builds the right sense of community.

A fun time or a swimming party or a barbeque night will never bring that sense of belonging. Only spiritual satisfaction brings togetherness.

You know every soul is in need of something and you cannot get it from your peers, you can only get it from God and then God brings all your peers together.

Answer 2

You didn't say the gender of the group members.

I read some articles that dealt with educating boys. One of them said that boys do really well competing on teams (hence, the popularity of sports, among other things). Pick some project and divide the boys randomly into two equal teams and give them a project. It could be build soap-box derby cars or something mechanical/physical like that. Have the challenge which team's project can be faster, lighter, etc.

For girls, give them something to work on together such as painting a large mural or organizing a party. They should all work together as a large group. Give them some themes to choose from, let them choose the materials (paint colors, fabric swatches, decorations, whatever).

For a mixed group, well, I don't have any ideas on that but I am sure there are plenty of things on the Internet. Look at some teambuilding exercises used by corporations and see if they can be adapted for teenagers. There used to be a program called Ropes & Initiatives, it was a physical outdoor program used for teambuilding. I don't know if it's still around but something like that would be good for a mixed group.

Answer 3

Get them actively engaged in an activity to raise money for the poor. Go to the Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries and tell them that your group would like to help support a worthy family.Car Washes, mowing yards, yard sales, any thing your group could do to earn money. Set a goal, say $100.00 and when that goal is reached, with adult help if necessary, buy clothes, food and other such items for this family. Christmas is just seven months away. You might try buying gifts for needy families. Have them all work together toward some goal, and watch the "wheels turn" Good luck.