Here is a game on gossiping, based on Proverbs 16:28 (MSG).

Youth Group Game on Gossip – 4 Way Tug of War

Goal: Play 4 Way Tug of War to illustrate what gossip does to relationships.

You could also play this as a “just for fun” game or icebreaker.

Supplies

Several pieces of rope approximately 10-15′ in length
Several small pieces of blue painters tape
Zip ties

For those of you who want to go all out and make a really cool 4 Way Tug of War rope, then see the image below. However, zip ties will work just fine.

Optional Supplies

If you want to kick up the “craziness factor”, use these supplies. This option is best suited for a youth group camp, retreat or event.

Plastic sheeting for easy clean-up (25 feet x 10 feet)
Tent stakes to hold the plastic sheeting on the ground.
Bottles of maple syrup. You could also use any other messy items, such as: peanut butter, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, etc.
Towel and/or hose to clean off students

Preparation

Purchase and cut (if needed) the rope. For ever 12 players create an “X” with two pieces of rope. In the middle, where the “X” intersects, use zip ties to secure the two pieces of rope together. Make sure it is tight.

The size of your youth group will determine how many you create beforehand. Players will rotate, so plan on to make one “X” for every 12 players. Four players at a time will use the “X”. So, one “X” gives a group of 4 a chance to play once in three rounds.

Make a line on the ground with the blue tape, marking the “no step” zone. Once players go over that line, they lose.

For larger groups, you can have several groups of four competing at the same time.

If using the “optional” method, then it’s best to play outside on the grass or other soft surface.

Place plastic sheeting on the ground.

Squirt maple syrup (or a mix of other messy items) in the middle of the plastic sheeting. Once players hit the messy stuff, they lose.

Have several leaders ready to help facilitate and judge the different tug of war matches.

How to Play

Have your group of students break up into teams of four.

Tell them to team up with friends as much as possible.

Have each team of four compete in a match of 4 Way Tug of War. One player at the end of each rope.

The “X” creates a unique amount of tension…much more fun than traditional tug of war.

Once both players cross the marked line, they lose.

For each group of four, there is one winner. The winner is the one left after dragging all the other players across the line.

Play tournament style, with the winner of each match competing against other winners…until there is one ultimate winner.

Play as many rounds as time allows.

Optional Method

Play the same game as described above, but put messy items (maple syrup, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, etc) in the middle of the playing area.

Players lose when hitting the messy stuff.

Hose off students after the game.

After the game, say: Believe it or not, this game can teach us something about gossip.

Gossip has a way of pulling you in the wrong direction.

Ask: How do you think this game is like “gossip”?

Next, read Proverbs 16:28 (MSG)

“Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.”

Discuss these questions:

How did it feel when you were told to compete against your friends in a tug of war?
Why doesn’t it feel good to be separated from your friends?
How does gossip separate us from our friends and family?
When we hear other people gossiping, how can we get them to stop?

Looking for youth ministry curriculum? Check out the…

1 TIMOTHY 4:12 – New 4-week youth group series about how God uses teenagers and those who do not feel like they measure up to do amazing things!