Pass It On Relay Race

Pass It On is a fun and simple game that helps youth learn to work together. It does not need much equipment and can be played almost anywhere. The goal is for the group to pass a roll of toilet paper back and forth in a relay. It may sound silly, but that is part of what makes it enjoyable. The laughter and teamwork that come from this game help bring people closer together.

This game teaches cooperation in a lighthearted way. Each person must pay attention and work with others to keep the roll moving. It takes focus, patience, and clear communication. When one person struggles, others help. That teamwork builds trust and teaches that success often depends on how well we support one another.

Pass It On also fits well with faith-based lessons. The act of passing something along reminds players of how faith and kindness spread from person to person. It shows that we each have a role in sharing God’s love with others. By playing together, youth see that living out their faith can be joyful and active.

Another benefit of this game is how it encourages connection. It helps break the ice in groups that may not know each other well. It gives kids a chance to laugh and move while learning to rely on others. Pass It On builds friendship, teamwork, and joy—three things that help a youth group or Vacation Bible School grow stronger in faith and community.

• How to Play
• Printable Instructions
• More Youth Ministry Games

Pass It On can help youth think about how faith is shared from one person to another. In the Bible, people often pass along God’s message. Moses shared God’s law with the people. The prophets spoke what God told them to say. The apostles shared the Good News of Jesus with the world. In this game, the roll of toilet paper becomes a symbol of how faith moves from one heart to the next.

This simple activity reminds youth that faith is meant to be shared, not kept to ourselves. Just as the roll must keep moving, the message of Jesus must keep going too. Each person has a turn to take part in that story. It helps youth see that their actions and words can carry God’s love to others in their own lives.

The game also teaches about perseverance. The roll sometimes breaks or gets tangled, and the players have to start again. This mirrors how life with God can have challenges. We make mistakes, but we begin again with hope and joy. It helps young people understand that faith grows stronger when we do not give up.

Pass It On brings fun and laughter into learning about God. It connects play with Scripture in a way that feels natural. When youth laugh and move together while thinking about passing on faith, they remember the lesson. It makes catechesis joyful, active, and full of meaning.

Equipment and Materials

• Several rolls of toilet paper
• Space for the teams to line up
• Optional: music for background fun

Setup

1. Divide the group into teams of about five players each. You can make teams larger or smaller as needed.
2. Ask each team to form a straight line, shoulder to shoulder.
3. Give the player at the front of each line one roll of toilet paper.
4. Make sure there is enough room between teams so they do not bump into each other.

Game Play

1. The first player in each line starts with the loose end of the toilet paper and wraps it around their waist three times.
2. When the leader says “Go,” that player passes the roll under their legs to the person behind them.
3. The next person passes the roll over their shoulder to the next player.
4. Keep alternating under and over until the roll reaches the last person in line.
5. The last person wraps it around their waist once, then starts sending it back to the front, still alternating under and over.
6. The team that finishes the agreed number of rounds first wins.
7. If the toilet paper breaks, the player holding the broken piece must wrap it around their waist three times before continuing.

Additional Notes

• You can set a time limit or have teams play until the roll is empty.
• Play fun music to make the game lively.
• The game works indoors or outdoors.
• Remind players to move carefully so they do not slip or pull too hard.
• You can make the game easier by using paper streamers or a soft rope instead of toilet paper for younger children.

What age group can play the Pass It On Relay Race game?

This game works best for children ages 8 or 9 and older. Younger children may need help to follow the pattern of passing the roll over and under.

Can the Pass It On Relay Race game be played indoors?

Yes. The game can be played indoors or outdoors. Just make sure there is enough space for the teams to line up safely.

What materials do I need for the Pass It On Relay Race game?

You only need a few rolls of toilet paper and some open space. Optional background music can make the game more fun.

How long does the Pass It On Relay Race game take?

The game usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how many rounds you play. You can make it longer by having teams race until the toilet paper roll is empty.

What lesson does the Pass It On Relay Race game teach?

This game reminds youth about passing on their faith and good deeds. It also helps them practice patience, focus, and perseverance while having fun.

The Pass It On Relay Race game brings joy, movement, and laughter to youth gatherings. It reminds young people that sharing faith can be fun and active. When a simple roll of toilet paper turns into a lesson about passing on God’s love, it leaves a lasting impression. This game helps connect faith with joy, showing that learning about God does not have to be quiet or serious all the time.

It also helps teach patience and persistence. When the roll breaks or gets tangled, the group learns to start again and keep going. That mirrors how we handle challenges in life. We pause, fix what is broken, and move forward with hope.

Games like this add energy to youth ministry. They turn lessons into moments of laughter and faith. Each round shared brings smiles, stories, and deeper understanding of what it means to carry faith to others.

Try the Pass It On Relay Race game at your next youth event, retreat, or Vacation Bible School. It is simple, fun, and full of meaning. You will see young people laughing, learning, and sharing faith in new ways.

After playing, share your experience in the comment section below. Tell us about your own variations or ideas. Did you add music, change the materials, or set a new challenge? Your thoughts can help others plan this joyful game for their groups too.