Deserted Island Icebreaker

Deserted Island is a fun icebreaker game that helps young people get to know each other. It gives everyone a chance to share a little about themselves in a creative way. Each person picks one item they own and explains why they would bring it. This shows what they care about or enjoy.

This game helps youth listen to others. As each person talks, the rest of the group hears about their thoughts and choices. This helps build understanding. It also encourages respect for different ideas. Even silly answers can help others learn something new about a person.

The game can also help shy youth feel more comfortable. There’s no wrong answer, and it doesn’t take long to speak. Sharing one small thing can help someone feel included. It gives them a safe way to join the group.

Deserted Island also encourages thinking and creativity. Youth have to imagine a situation and choose carefully. They think about what matters to them and how they would use it. This kind of thinking builds confidence and problem-solving skills.

The Deserted Island game can help youth think about what is truly important in life. When they have to pick just one item, it makes them think about what they value. This connects to the story of the rich young man in the Bible. Jesus told him to give up his things and follow Him. That story shows us that faith is more important than stuff.

This game also reminds us of Jesus in the desert. He was alone for forty days. He had no food or comfort. But He trusted God. When youth play this game, they can imagine being alone and needing to rely on faith. It helps them think about what gives them strength and peace.

Another good story is about Jonah. He ran from God and ended up in the belly of a big fish. He had time to think and pray. A deserted island is a good image for that kind of quiet time. It can remind youth that God is still with us when we feel lost or far from others.

This simple game can help youth grow in faith. It gives them space to reflect and share what matters to them. It opens the door for deeper talks about God, prayer, and trusting in hard times.

Equipment / Materials

• Paper and pens (optional for note-taking)

Setup Instructions

• Arrange the group in a circle, either sitting or standing.
• Explain the basic rules of the game. Clarify that everyone is stranded alone on a deserted island.
• Share the guidelines about the items participants can choose:
  • The item must be something they actually own.
  • It cannot be a magical item or a way to escape the island.
  • It cannot be a living being.
  • It cannot be something to help you get off of the island, such as a boat.
  • Specify a size, such as it must fit in a shoebox.
• Let participants ask any questions before starting.

Game Play Instructions

1. Introduce the scenario: Remind the group that they are alone on a deserted island. There are fruit trees and fresh water, so they will not starve or die of thirst.
2. Begin with the first person: Choose someone to go first.
3. Choose an item: The first person must name one item they would bring to the island and explain why.
4. Continue around the circle: Each person takes a turn. If desired, each person can name the items chosen by previous participants before naming their own.
5. Encourage discussion: If time allows, ask the group to share thoughts about each other’s choices. Discuss how the items could help them on the island.

Additional Notes

• Timing: Set a time limit for each turn to keep the game moving and give everyone a chance to speak.
• Variations: Add twists, like limiting the type of items (e.g., only tools or only entertainment).
• Safety: Make sure everyone stays respectful and supportive. Encourage positive responses to each person’s choice.

What is the Deserted Island Icebreaker game?

The Deserted Island Icebreaker game is a fun activity where each person says one item they would bring if they were stuck on a deserted island. They also explain why they picked it.

What kind of item can I choose?

The item must be something you really own. It cannot be alive, magical, or something to help you escape. It should be small enough to fit in a shoebox.

Can I bring a phone?

Yes, but only if you explain how it helps you without using it to call for help. Remember, you cannot use it to leave the island. And how will you charge it? Will you have a signal on the deserted island?

Is the Deserted Island Icebreaker game better for small or big groups?

It works well for both. Just give each person a time limit so everyone gets a turn.

Why play the Deserted Island Icebreaker game?

It helps people share in a fun way. It also gets everyone thinking and laughing together.

This simple icebreaker has a way of sparking both laughter and deep thought. When youth stop to choose just one item, it gets them thinking about what really matters. Some choices will be silly. Others will be serious. All of them help open the door to reflection and connection.

The game can lead into talks about trust, prayer, or facing hard times. Being stuck alone on an island sounds scary, but it also gives space to rely on God. Youth can start to see how faith gives comfort when everything else is stripped away.

You don’t need anything fancy to play. Just gather the group, set the rules, and start the fun. It works with any age. It’s easy to adjust. Best of all, it invites everyone to speak, to listen, and to grow.

Try it at your next meeting and see what surprises come out of that tiny shoebox.

If you’re looking for a simple and fun game for your next youth night, try this one. It works with any size group. It helps youth share a little about themselves while thinking in creative ways. It also leads to good conversations about values and faith.

Have you tried this game with your group? We’d love to hear how it went. Share your favorite twists, questions, or funny answers in the comments. Let others know what worked well for your teens.