"In search of..." cards

Group, May/Jun 1999

You only have one chance to make a good first impression when you begin leading a new youth group. Find out about your kids and invite their input with information cards that copy the format of a newspaper personal ad.

To start off, read a few ads to the group. These are the classifieds where people try to meet others by saying, "I'm ___, ___, and ___ In Search Of someone who's ___, ___, and ___." Then pass out 3x5 cards with the heading "In Search Of... and have kids describe themselves and what they want in their youth group. Include a space at the bottom for kids to add an identifying number: their date of birth. Ask them not to include their names. After you collect the cards, read them aloud and have the group guess who wrote each card. Add kids' names to the cards as you go along, and you'll have a record of everyone's name, birthday, and interests. Fill out a card yourself so kids can learn your interests and hopes for the group.

Hint: This idea can also be adapted to introduce a lesson on dating, intimacy, or marriage.