Senior Youth Group Activities

Many youth groups are a mix of younger and older teens, while others divide into groups by age.

Younger teens often come to youth group because their parents bring them. But as teens get older and are able to drive themselves and make more choices about their free-time activities, they will only continue coming to youth group if the group is interesting for them. If you want to keep your senior youth group active, include a range of activities that challenge them and provide new opportunities.

Games

Games are an important component of most youth groups, but as teens get older, they often become less interested in games. Plan games for a senior youth group by keeping the needs and interests of the specific group in mind. Older teens may be bored by simple games, and girls especially might avoid games with lots of physical activity. Instead, consider games that offer mental and social components, such as team-building games, card or board games or interactive games that allow teens to share information about themselves or discuss issues they care about.

Service Projects

Both younger and older youth groups enjoy service projects. Teens are interested in making a difference in the world, and service projects offer them an opportunity to have a positive impact on other people. Involve the youth group in planning service projects: help them pay attention to needs they could help meet in the community, and include their passions and interests in service projects.

Leadership Opportunities

Older teens will lose interest in youth group if they are not involved in leadership. A high school senior who has been involved in youth group his entire life might have been part of the same group for six or seven years. He has no motivation to come simply to play the same games and have the same discussions he was having when he was in seventh grade, but he's probably qualified to help lead those activities and discussions. Recruit senior high youth to organize and lead programs for younger youth and children.

Retreats

Retreats and short trips are good for youth groups to spend time together and spend more time studying and discussing topics in depth, and senior youth groups enjoy retreats as much as younger ones. Older teens have less physical energy than younger ones, so plan a retreat with their needs in mind. Make sure there is enough unstructured time during the retreat so the youth can simply relax and enjoy spending time together, and plan discussions and activities that are complex enough to interest them.

References

• Youth Group Games: Top Tips to Keep Older Kids Busy