It’s easy to get into a rut. You find a game that your youth group likes, and it becomes a low-effort solution to every week’s schedule. But with the 9 Square in the Air Deluxe game set you’ll not only have endless hours of playing the original game, but plenty of ideas to expand to a variety of youth group activities. Take a look at all the different ways to play 9 Square in the Air, each complete with a scriptural foundation for your youth group lesson:
Trust
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6
Play the game inside, handing out dollar-store sunglasses to each player. Turn out the lights and get the game started. Players will be challenged to know where the ball is when everything is in the dark. If you’re playing outside, consider blindfolds to keep players guessing.
Use the game as an illustration of how hard it is to know what’s going in life. You can’t know what is coming next or how to be sure you’re taking the next right step in a decision, but prayer can help you trust in the Lord’s leading.
Silence
Scripture Reference: Psalm 46:10
9 Square in the Air is one of the best youth group activities for making connections, so expect this to present a big challenge to your teens! Anyone who breaks the silence is “out.” The silence may feel eerie for a game that is usually filled with laughter and talking, but it will make a big impression on your students.
This is a great way to introduce a talk on allowing silence in your time with God. Sometimes, we fill the time with prayer and study, but we don’t make time to simply rest in the Lord’s presence and listen for wisdom.
Adjusting to Changes
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:12-13
Play 9 Square in the Air, but randomly switch the ball. Try a beach ball, a plush ball, even a wiffle ball. Anything that is round and not too dense will work. Your players will struggle to adjust their hit strength in the game, trying to adapt to the different balls they are trying to keep in the grid.
Throughout life, everyone has to navigate some changes and adapt to them. It might be changes in circumstances like Paul experienced, or it could be health challenges or relationship problems. Knowing your identity in Christ and finding strength in the Lord to adapt is an important part of a good relationship with God.
You don’t need to buy or create more youth group activities—just use 9 Square in the Air to mix things up. You can also check out our all-new Activity Pack, an easy way to add endless play variations! Contact us and we’ll get your order started right away.
