Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race

The Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race is a fun way to help young people understand a deep truth from the Gospel. Jesus teaches that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God. This race turns that lesson into a physical challenge, showing how carrying too much can become a burden that slows us down and makes it harder to reach the goal.

In our everyday lives, we often hold on to things that weigh us down. These things can be material possessions, but they could also be pride, selfishness, or distractions that keep us from following Jesus. Through this race, youth can experience what it feels like to carry too much, making it difficult to move forward. They will see how trying to squeeze through narrow spaces with heavy burdens mirrors the spiritual truth that wealth and attachments can make it harder to follow Christ.

The game also emphasizes the importance of letting go. As the “camels” in the race try to navigate the obstacle course, they have to decide how much they can carry and still move freely. In the same way, we must ask ourselves what we can let go of to follow Jesus more closely. The race reminds participants that sometimes, we have to set aside our burdens in order to reach our ultimate goal: the Kingdom of Heaven.

Ultimately, this activity can help youth reflect on their own lives and what might be holding them back from God. The physical challenge mirrors the spiritual challenge of choosing Christ over the things of this world. It offers a chance to reflect on the value of simplicity, humility, and detachment from material things in living a life of faith.

This game helps youth understand key lessons from the Bible. It is based on Jesus’ words in the Gospel about how hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. The “eye of the needle” represents the narrow way that Jesus talks about in other parts of Scripture. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus says that the road to life is narrow, and only a few find it. This race helps youth experience what it’s like to struggle to fit through a narrow path when they are carrying too much.

Another theme from the Bible is the call to let go of worldly things. Jesus tells the rich young man to sell everything and follow Him (Mark 10:17-22). The rich man goes away sad because he has many possessions. In the game, the camel struggles to carry too many balloons. The players must decide how much to carry in order to finish the race. This reflects how we, too, must make choices about what to keep and what to give up in order to follow Jesus.

The game can also remind youth of the call to trust in God. Jesus says, “With man it is impossible, but not with God” (Mark 10:27). The camel cannot get through the obstacle course on its own if it carries too much. This shows that, just like in life, we cannot do everything by ourselves. We need God’s help to reach the Kingdom of Heaven.

In youth ministry, this game brings Bible lessons to life. It helps youth connect physical challenges with spiritual truths. By playing, they can better understand the teachings of Jesus and reflect on their own spiritual journey.

Materials

• Pillowcases (2 per team)
• Small hand towel (1 per team)
• Safety pins
• Balloons (20 per team)
• Chairs, hula hoops, or tables (for obstacles)

Setup Instructions

1. Create the saddlebags: Attach two pillowcases to either side of the hand towel with safety pins. Roll down the tops of the pillowcases so they don’t drag on the ground.
2. Prepare the obstacle course: Set up a path with chairs, hula hoops, or other objects for the teams to go around or crawl through.
3. Create a narrow passage: Near the end of the course, set up a tight squeeze using two tables or another narrow space to represent the “eye of the needle.”

Game Play Instructions

1. Divide into teams: Split the group into teams of 3 or 4 players.
2. Prepare the camel: The first player on each team gets on hands and knees. This player is the camel. Place the saddlebag (the hand towel with the pillowcases) on the camel’s back.
3. Load the saddlebags: The teammates place balloons into the pillowcases. They decide how many to use.
4. Start the race: The camel moves through the obstacle course on hands and knees. The camel cannot touch the saddlebag with their hands. If they do, or if the saddlebag falls off, they must go back to the start.
5. Empty the balloons: When the camel reaches the end of the course, they empty the balloons and then get up and run back to their team.
6. Switch players: The next teammate becomes the camel and repeats the race.
7. Win the race: The first team to get all their balloons through the course wins.

Additional Notes

• Safety: Ensure the race area is clear of sharp objects or tripping hazards. Make sure players don’t carry too many balloons at once to avoid injury.
• Make it harder: Add more obstacles or make the narrow space tighter to show how difficult it is to pass through while carrying a lot.
• Make it easier: Use fewer obstacles or make the passage wider if you want the game to be easier to complete.

What is the purpose of the Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race?

The Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race helps youth understand the Bible lesson about how it is hard to enter the Kingdom of God when we are burdened by too much. It teaches the importance of letting go of things that hold us back from following Jesus.

What materials are needed for the Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race?

You need pillowcases, a hand towel, safety pins, balloons, and some obstacles like chairs or tables to create the course.

How do you set up the Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race?

Make saddlebags by pinning two pillowcases to a towel. Set up an obstacle course with a narrow passage to represent the “eye of a needle.” Each team races to get all their balloons through the course.

How can I make the Camel through the Eye of a Needle game harder or easier?

To make it harder, add more obstacles or make the narrow passage tighter. To make it easier, reduce the obstacles or widen the passage so it’s not as difficult.

What does this Camel through the Eye of a Needle game teach youth?

The Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race teaches that carrying too much can be a hindrance in following Jesus. It helps youth understand the need for simplicity and letting go of unnecessary things in life.

Can this game be played indoors?

Yes, the Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race can be played indoors as long as there is enough space to set up the obstacle course and narrow passage. Be sure the area is safe and clear of hazards.

How many players are needed for the Camel through the Eye of a Needle game?

Each team should have 3 to 4 players, but you can adjust the number based on the size of your group. The game works best with at least two teams.

The Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race game is a creative way to teach young people a key lesson from the Bible. It is based on Jesus’ teaching that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God. This fun activity helps youth experience the challenge of carrying too much and how it can slow them down in their journey.

In the game, participants act as camels, crawling through an obstacle course while carrying balloons in saddlebags. As they navigate the course, they face a tight squeeze, representing the “eye of the needle.” The teams must decide how many balloons they can carry without falling behind, showing that holding on to too much can be a burden.

This game offers a great opportunity for youth to reflect on what might be holding them back from fully following Jesus. It teaches the value of letting go of unnecessary things in life and helps make the Gospel lesson more understandable. Whether the course is easy or difficult, the point remains the same: we can only reach the goal if we are willing to let go of what weighs us down.

Try the Camel through the Eye of a Needle Race game with your youth group and see how it helps teach the Gospel lesson in a fun way. Set up the game and see how well your teams can manage the challenge.

After playing, share your own ideas and variations in the comments section. Let others know what worked best for your group or any changes you made to the course. We’d love to hear how this game helps your youth reflect on their spiritual journey!