How to Put Together an "Amazing Race" Game for a Youth Sunday School Class

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“The Amazing Race” is one of television's most popular reality shows. Because of its popularity, it is also a common theme for birthday parties, company picnics and family reunions. Each team is required to complete multiple activities, and the first team to the finish line is the winner. Not only is this game entertaining, it will also instill in youth the concepts of working together toward a common goal and finishing the race they have begun.

Familiarize yourself with the show “The Amazing Race.” Watch past episodes by going to CBS.com. As you watch, take notes about events you would like to include and which things you would like to leave out. For example, you may decide to keep “Detour” and “Roadblock,” but eliminate “Fast Forward.”

Establish the rules. Since your game will be different from the show, and not all students will be familiar with it, you will need to establish the rules and provide a type-written copy for each team or player. Be thorough.

Decide on teams. Do you want each student to play individually, or do you want teams of two, three or even six? It is advisable to split a larger class into fewer teams.

Set a location. If you're playing the game during the Sunday School hour, you will likely want the activities to take place on your church grounds and away from other Sunday School classes. If, however, you are playing the game as an outing, select a location that will work well for your game, such as a community park.

Decide on a route. Once you've chosen the location, decide where each of the stops will be. Select the start line and finish line. Determine if all locations can be reached on foot or if car travel is required.

Establish the activities. A balanced race should be a combination of brain and brawn, with both mental and physical challenges. Make some tasks difficult but never too difficult to be accomplished. Assign a chaperone to each group to validate completion of the tasks.

Write the clues. Avoid awkward wording, and make your clues entertaining to read. Each clue should lead the players to the next activity. Once that activity is completed, participants will receive their next clue.

Create a materials list. Choosing a location such as a park will provide for a fulfilling game without a lot of expense. Still, some materials will be required to set up the game and for each participant. Purchase all materials before beginning the game.

Enlist some help. This is not a game that you can tackle on your own. Enlist the help of others as chaperones, drivers, etc.