In today’s fast-paced digital age where screens dominate our attention, it’s essential to provide your youth ministry with opportunities to connect with the natural world and most importantly each other. From hiking and camping to nature photography and bird watching, there’s an abundance of outdoor activities to be discovered.

We all know that it can be hard to promote fellowship among large groups of youth with such diverse interests and backgrounds. This article provides a variety of outdoor activities that appeal to all different walks of life! Let’s embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in God’s creation and in doing so, build meaningful relationships with one another.

Let's explore some of the best outdoor youth group activities and how you can relate them to Bible lessons after all the fun!

The Outdoorsmen in Your Youth Ministry

Check out some of these fun outdoor activities for youth groups for the camping fanatic, or outdoors extraordinaire in your youth group!

1. Camping

Camping provides an opportunity for youth to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of God's creation (Psalm 19:1). It also fosters team building and collaboration as they work together to set up tents, prepare meals, and participate in group activities.

While enjoying the joys of camp, this provides a ton of opportunities for your youth leader to share a Biblical lesson or two around the fire! Most importantly, camping is fun! It offers youth an opportunity to disconnect from technology, enjoy the beauty of nature, and create lasting memories with friends. Whether it's roasting marshmallows, or going on nature walks, camping is an exciting and memorable experience for youth!

Adding games and activities to your camping trip will really take the experience to new heights. Check out our Youth Group Icebreaker Games article for more ideas to get your camping excursion in full swing!

2. Hiking

Much like a camp setting, hitting the trails for a local hike can be a fun outdoor youth activity.

Hiking provides an opportunity for youth to explore and appreciate God's creation around them (Revelation 4:11). It also will require great perseverance and endurance in some cases. Similarly, the Christian life is described as a race that requires perseverance and trusting in God's strength to overcome obstacles (Hebrews 12:1-2). Oftentimes, perseverance is needed to experience those "Mountaintop" experiences.

You could incorporate lessons such as Moses Receiving the 10 Commandments (Exodus 19-20) or Jesus' Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8).

The great thing is that God didn't intend for us to face these obstacles and mountains alone. Emphasize teamwork and fellowship as they navigate trails together, overcome obstacles, and support one another along the way.

3. Canoeing/Kayaking

Canoeing requires coordination and teamwork between paddlers to navigate the water effectively. Just as individuals navigate the waters in a canoe, believers must navigate the ups and downs of life's waters. You could incorporate lessons such as Noah's Ark (Genesis 6-9), the Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14), or Jesus Calming the Storm (Mark 4).

Not to mention, it provides a fun and enjoyable way for youth to stay active and healthy while learning new skills such as paddling techniques, boat handling, and water safety.

4. Archery

Who doesn't want to shoot arrows at a big target?

Archery is an inclusive activity that can be enjoyed by youth of all ages, sizes, and abilities. It does not require a high level of physical fitness or athleticism, making it accessible to a wide range of participants within the youth group.

Divide your youth members into two teams and make for a little friendly competition. See who can get the most points from direct hits or arrows that land outside the bullseye! Archery can teach lessons of humility and dependence on God's strength. While practice is necessary, there are a lot of factors like the wind and other environmental conditions.

This could be a great activity to follow up with a lesson emphasizing the importance of yielding to God's strength rather than relying on one's own abilities (Proverbs 3:5-6).

5. Fishing

Fishing teaches youth valuable skills such as patience, perseverance, and problem-solving. This could get messy (gross worms!) as it requires practice and technique to cast a line, bait a hook, and reel in a catch.

Some fishermen can spend long hours waiting for a catch. Similarly, believers are encouraged to persevere in prayer and faith, trusting God's timing and provision (James 5:7-8).

You could incorporate lessons such as Jesus' Call to be Fishers of Men (Matthew 4:19) or Jesus Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:12-21). Fishing also offers a peaceful and relaxing activity that can help youth unwind, de-stress, and recharge from the stress of the world!

Outreach Tip for Reaching the Outdoorsmen

Encouraging outdoorsmen to know Jesus involves building relationships, demonstrating the relevance of faith to their interests, and providing opportunities for spiritual growth in outdoor settings.

Building friendships based on shared interests such as organizing outdoor Bible studies or devotionals based on themes relevant to outdoor enthusiasts, planning outdoor prayer walks, or any other faith-based activities can be a great way to build relationships between youth in your community. Introduce them to the God of creation through his creation!

The Athletes in Your Youth Ministry

Check out some of these fun game ideas for the aspiring Patrick Mahomes, or sports superstars in your youth group!

6. Basketball Tournament

How about a classic game up and down the court? This could be played indoors or outdoors.

A basketball tournament is a great platform to encourage non-believers by creating a positive and inclusive environment, demonstrating Christian values in action. This could be a great way to open doors of opportunity within your local community while also encouraging relationships between one another.

Basketball is a team sport that emphasizes collaboration and unity among players to succeed. Similarly, the Bible encourages the importance of unity among believers and working together for a common purpose (Ephesians 4:3). You could use halftime or post-game discussions to reflect on character traits such as perseverance, resilience, and determination, drawing examples from biblical figures who demonstrated these qualities in their lives (James 1:2-4).

Emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration, both on and off the court, drawing parallels to biblical principles.

7. Volleyball Tournament

Volleyball promotes teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration among players as they work together to pass, set, and spike the ball over the net. Volleyball players often rely on encouragement and support from teammates to perform their best on the court. Similarly, believers are to encourage and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Volleyball matches are fun for everyone and often filled with excitement, energy, and moments of celebration as teams score points, make impressive plays, and win games. For large youth groups, you could divide guys and gals into small groups to practice their volley techniques and rotate teams in and out of the court.

8. Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee requires players to use strategy, tactics, and decision-making skills to outmaneuver opponents and score goals.

It encourages youth to think critically, anticipate plays, and adapt to changing game situations. Playing youth ministry games like Frisbee requires teamwork, collaboration, and communication among players to achieve success, mirroring biblical teachings on the body of Christ working together as one.

The Bible compares believers to various parts of the body, each with its unique function, but all working together for the goal of glorifying God (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

9. Biking

As young participants pedal through scenic trails and winding paths, they immerse themselves in the wonders of God's creation.

Biking becomes more than just a recreational pursuit; it becomes a journey of exploration and fellowship. United by a common love for adventure, the kids in your group will form bonds as they conquer rugged terrains, navigate challenging obstacles, and cheer each other on to reach new heights.

Whether it's a leisurely ride through nature, a challenging mountain trail, or a few loops around the local track, biking is sure to encourage individual perseverance and reliance on God, but also fellowship between one another (James 1:12).

Outreach Tip for Reaching the Athlete

The idea of a Sports Park Ministry has gained traction in the last decade or so. Parents are looking for a place where their children can play and exercise safely as well as build good friendships.

Churches have taken advantage of this and begun to implement opportunities for children, youth, and even adults to be a part of sports teams as an avenue to pour the gospel into any open doors.

Maybe this is something your church can implement or aspects of this!

The Environmentalists in Your Youth Ministry

Check out some of these fun youth activities for the David Attenboroughs of the next generation in your youth group!

10. Church Garden

A garden offers a tangible opportunity for youth to engage in stewardship of God’s creation. Similarly, how God placed Adam and Eve in the garden to care for it (Genesis 2:15).

Youth can participate in planting seeds, watering, weeding, and mulching to ensure the plants thrive, and reap the rewards of their hard work by harvesting fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the garden as they ripen. This could be a cool way to incorporate a lesson on stewardship or even prayer.

You could incorporate lessons such as Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion (Matthew 26:36-46), or the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13).

11. Community Service Projects

Youth group involvement in community service projects is a powerful expression of faith in action, embodying the principles of love and servitude taught in the Bible.

Whether volunteering at local shelters, cleaning up parks, or organizing food drives, youth learn the importance of empathy toward those in need (Mark 10:45). Community service projects provide youth with opportunities to grow in leadership and empathy as they work together toward a common purpose.

As they serve others with humility and compassion, they discover the true meaning of discipleship, finding fulfillment and joy in making a positive impact on the world around them (Matthew 25:35-36).

12. Geocaching

Geocaching involves exploring outdoor environments in search of hidden treasures or caches.

Now just imagine, instead of an old, wrinkly map, you're using a modern treasure-hunting device, known as your cellphone!

Youth group members can participate in geocaching outings as a way to bond, build friendships, and explore all of the nooks and crannies in God's creation. As they search for the caches, use this as an opportunity to encourage them that the Bible tells believers that it is better to seek after wisdom, knowledge, and understanding than to seek the riches of this world (Proverbs 2:4-5, Matthew 6:19-21)!

Outreach Tip for Reaching the Environmentalists

Explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership with environmental or community service organizations and groups. Identify shared goals or projects where you can work together to address common challenges within your community.

Showing that we care about the physical needs of others, can often open doors for meeting their spiritual needs.

The Photographers/Artists in Your Youth Ministry

Check out some of these simple outdoor ideas for the David Sibleys and nature lovers alike of your youth group!

13. Nature Photography

Nature photography provides an opportunity for youth to appreciate the beauty and diversity of God's creation. Through the lens of a camera, young participants are invited to slow down, observe, and appreciate the intricate details and breathtaking landscapes that surround them.

Whether photographing a vibrant sunset, a delicate wildflower, or a majestic mountain peak, youth are reminded of God's infinite creativity, wisdom, and love! You could incorporate lessons such as the Creation of the Earth (Genesis 1-2) or one of the Psalmist marveling at Creation!

14. Bird Watching

Bird watching provides youth with an opportunity to connect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty and diversity of bird species. It encourages observation, curiosity, and appreciation for the environment.

For all our artists out there, observing birds in their natural habitats also provides a great opportunity to sketch and record the beauty of God’s creation! However, bird watching requires patience, attentiveness, and keen observation skills as youth wait quietly for birds to appear and identify different species based on their appearance, behavior, and calls.

In the waiting periods, you could teach a lesson on Biblical patience and how to live that out. Patience is not simply a passive waiting, but an active trust in God's timing (James 5:7-8)!

15. Outdoor Movie Night

Films are a great way to let the photographer step away from the lens, for the artist to pause their creative string of thoughts, and enjoy someone else' art. Turns out, they're also a great way to enjoy fellowship and build friendships between youth!

Arrange for a projector, a screen or a blank wall, and audio equipment for the movie screening. Set up comfortable seating options such as blankets, lawn chairs, or bean bags for the youth to sit on during the movie. Offer a variety of snacks and drinks for the youth to enjoy during the movie. Popcorn, candy, and drinks are classic movie night treats.

Watching a movie together under the stars creates a shared experience for the youth group members. Shared experiences often lead to a sense of camaraderie and unity as individuals bond over the movie, laugh at the same jokes, and react to the same plot twists.

Outreach Tip for Reaching Photographers/Artists

Encourage your youth to invite their friends who enjoy photography or art to these activities. Similar interests could be used as an open door to minister to non-believers.

Quick and Easy Traditional Games for Your Youth Group

• Toss the water balloon - A water balloon toss is a fun outdoor game where participants pair up and stand a short distance apart. Each pair will toss the water balloon back and forth, trying to catch and throw it without breaking it. After each successful toss, participants take a step back, increasing the distance between them. The game continues until all but one pair is eliminated, with the last remaining pair declared the winner. It's a lighthearted activity that encourages teamwork, coordination, and lots of laughter, especially when the water balloons inevitably burst! 
• Tug of war - A long rope is stretched between the two teams, and each team grips one end of the rope. On the signal, both teams pull on the rope, attempting to drag the other team across a designated line or marker. The team that successfully pulls the opposing team across the line wins the game. The goal is to pull as hard as you can without letting go! This is a fun challenge for kids, but don't be surprised if you have to untangle a bunch of them by the end! 
• Capture the flag - Each team has their own territory and a flag hidden within it. The objective is for teams to infiltrate the opponent's territory, capture their flag, and bring it back to their own territory without getting tagged by opponents.
• Kids race -  I don't think this one needs much of an introduction. Ready, set, go!
• Obstacle course - Design a variety of obstacles that are challenging yet achievable for kids based on their age and abilities. Incorporate elements that encourage climbing, crawling, balancing, and jumping. 

Need More Youth Group Games and Activities?

Check out our other articles for more ideas for your youth group:

• 25 Perfect Youth Group Icebreaker Games
• 23 Super-Soaked Youth Group Water Games
• 15 Fun and Easy Indoor Youth Group Activities
• 33 Impactful Service Projects for Youth Groups

Explore, Connect, Thrive: Embrace the Adventure of Youth Ministry!

From outdoor adventures, to sports tournaments, and more traditional outdoor games, these activities provide opportunities for youth to explore their interests, build relationships, and deepen their faith in a supportive and engaging environment.

By offering a diverse range of activities, we can encourage youth to become confident, resilient, God-following individuals who are equipped to make a difference in the world, but have fun while doing it! As church leaders and mentors, it is essential to prioritize outdoor youth activities as an integral part of ministry and discipleship.

Providing opportunities for youth to explore and experience God's creation firsthand can help them cultivate a deeper relationship with God, discover their unique gifts and talents, and become active participants in God's mission to reach the lost world (Mark 6:15-16).

Matt Church Engagement