Paper Toss Game (Holy Spirit Game)
Time: 10–15 minutes
Best for: elementary to middle school
Setting: indoor, open room with outlet for fan
Scripture Connection: John 3:8 – The Spirit like the wind
Teaching Tie-In: Holy Spirit, Pentecost, unseen presence of God, faith
Materials Needed: paper, waste basket, fan
Group Size: 5–20 players
Energy Level: moderate
Why This Game Works
Catechists are always looking for simple ways to help young people understand faith. This game uses movement and experience to teach about the Holy Spirit. When youth are active and engaged, they remember the lesson more clearly. This activity connects a simple action with a deeper truth. It helps make an unseen reality easier to understand and talk about.
The game focuses on the idea that we cannot see the Holy Spirit, but we can see what the Spirit does. Youth will feel the wind from the fan and watch how it moves the paper. This gives them a clear image. It helps them begin to understand how God is present even when we cannot see Him.
Paper Toss Game (Holy Spirit Game)
Materials
- Paper
- Waste basket
- Fan
Instructions
- Give each person three pieces of paper.
- Have them crumple the paper into balls.
- Place a waste basket a short distance away.
- Set up a fan so it blows between the players and the basket.
- Turn the fan to a strong setting so it affects the throw.
- Let each person take turns throwing their paper into the basket.
- The player with the most baskets wins. If needed, have a short playoff.
Leader tip: If it is too easy, move players farther away. If it is too hard, lower the fan speed.
Safety note: Make sure players have enough space and the fan is placed securely.
Faith Connection
It also brings to mind Jesus’ words to Nicodemus in John 3. He said the Spirit is like the wind. You don’t see where it comes from or where it goes. But you know it is there because of what it does. The wind in the game makes it hard to aim. It changes the paper’s path. That’s just like the Spirit in our lives. The Spirit moves us in ways we might not expect.
Leading The Reflection
Read John 3:8
“The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Reflection questions
- Could you see the wind from the fan?
- How did you know the wind was there?
- What did the wind do to your paper?
- On a windy day, what do you notice?
- How do we see the effects of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
Give youth time to answer. Help them connect their experience in the game to their faith. Keep the focus on noticing and understanding, not just getting the right answer.
This game also connects well with Pentecost. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came like a strong wind. The apostles were filled with courage and went out to share the message of Jesus. The wind in this game helps youth imagine that moment. It gives them something they can feel and remember.
Where To Use This Activity
This game works well in many settings. It can be used in youth group, religious education classes, vacation Bible school, or confirmation preparation. It fits especially well in lessons about the Holy Spirit or Pentecost. It is easy to set up and does not require special supplies.
You can also use it as an opening activity to get attention or as a transition into a scripture reading. The movement helps wake up the group. The reflection helps them slow down and think.
Resources
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
Scripture: Genesis 1:2, John 14:26, Acts 2:1–4
Core Message: The Holy Spirit guides, strengthens, and helps us live as followers of Christ
Themes: Holy Spirit, Trinity, gifts and fruits of the Spirit, guidance, Christian living
Sacramental Connection: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist
Saint Connection: Augustine of Hippo (teaching on the Holy Spirit and prayer)
After playing the Paper Toss game, this resource helps youth understand who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in their lives. It builds on the idea that we cannot see the Spirit, but we can see the effects. Use it right after the game while the experience is still fresh. The reading and questions help youth connect what they felt during the activity to what the Church teaches about God’s presence.
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit Worksheet (Cryptogram)
Time: 30–40 minutes
Best for: Upper elementary to middle school
Setting: Indoor
Scripture Connection: Isaiah 11:2-3 (Gifts of the Spirit); Galatians 5:22-23 (Fruits of the Spirit)
Teaching Tie-In: Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, living a moral life, growth in holiness
Materials: Printed worksheet, pencils or pens, Bible
Group Size: Any size; works well individually or in small groups
Energy Level: Low to moderate
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
This worksheet is a good next step after the game and discussion. It gives youth a quiet way to think about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. The puzzle format keeps them engaged while they learn. It works well in small groups or at tables. Use it after the active game to help settle the group and focus their attention on how the Spirit guides their choices.
Litany of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Time: 4–6 minutes
Best for: Middle school, high school, adults, mixed ages
Setting: Small group, large group, classroom, retreat
Themes: Holy Spirit, wisdom, guidance, courage, discernment
Scripture Connection: Isaiah 11:2–3 – The Gifts of the Spirit; Acts 2:1–4 – The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Works well for: Opening prayer, Confirmation prep, retreat, youth group, small group reflection
This lesson plan works well as a follow-up to the game. It focuses on Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit is always with us. Use the game as an opening to introduce the idea of the Spirit’s unseen presence. Then move into this lesson for scripture, discussion, and prayer. It helps youth reflect more deeply and see how the Spirit is active in their everyday lives.
I Am With You – A Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit
Time Required: 60–90 minutes
Age Group: Grades 6–12
Group Size: 6–20 youth, small groups for discussion
Scripture: John 14:23–29
Core Message: The Holy Spirit is always with us to guide and strengthen us
Themes: Holy Spirit, Trinity, guidance, peace, trust, spiritual gifts
Energy Level: Moderate
Materials Needed: Paper, pencils, Bible
Sacramental Connection: Confirmation
Setting: Classroom, youth room, quiet prayer space
This activity gives another way to explore the same idea using the wind. A kite shows how something unseen can still guide and move us. It works well outdoors and is especially good for younger or mixed-age groups. You can use it on the same day or at another time. Together with the paper toss game, it gives youth a clear and simple way to think about the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit Is Like the Wind (Kite Activity)
Time: 45–60 minutes
Best for: Elementary (Grades 3–5)
Setting: Outdoor
Scripture Connection: John 3:8 (The Spirit Like the Wind); Acts 2:2-4 (Pentecost)
Teaching Tie-In: Holy Spirit, guidance, listening to God, Pentecost
Materials: Bible, kites, string or kite line, optional markers or stickers
Group Size: Any size; small groups work well
Energy Level: Moderate
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
The Holy Spirit Is Like the Wind kite activity goes well with the Paper Toss Holy Spirit game. Both activities help youth understand that we cannot see the Holy Spirit, but we can feel the effects. The kite activity gives a bigger outdoor example of how the wind moves and pulls. It helps young people see how the Spirit might guide their lives in different ways.
More Youth Ministry Games
The Paper Toss game is one example of how simple activities can teach faith in a clear way. Youth remember what they experience. Games like this help them connect movement, fun, and learning. Catechists can use these moments to open the door to deeper conversations about God.
Adding games to your lesson plans can help reach different learning styles. Some youth learn best by listening, while others learn by doing. A mix of both helps more young people stay engaged. It also creates a welcoming and active environment where youth feel comfortable sharing and asking questions.
If you are planning lessons or youth nights, it helps to have a variety of activities ready. Simple games with clear faith connections are easy to lead and adapt. They can be used as openers, transitions, or main teaching moments. Over time, these experiences help youth grow in understanding and in their relationship with God.
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Wind and the Spirit
This image captures the fun of the Paper Toss Game, a simple way to teach about the unseen power of the Holy Spirit. Use it to add color to your bulletin or newsletter when sharing activities about faith and the Spirit’s movement. Perfect for Pentecost lessons, youth groups, or classroom reflections.
Download and inspire others to see how God’s Spirit moves in ways we cannot see but can always feel.
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Questions and Answers about the Paper Toss Holy Spirit Game
What age group is the Paper Toss Holy Spirit game good for?
This game works well for grade school through high school. Younger kids might need help aiming or understanding the lesson. Older youth can dig deeper into the meaning.
Do I need a strong fan for the Paper Toss Holy Spirit game?
A strong fan works best. It should blow hard enough to move the paper in the air. If the fan is too weak, the game will not work as well.
Can I play the Paper Toss Holy Spirit game outdoors?
You can try it outside, but only if it is not too windy. A steady breeze can work like a fan. Just be sure the paper does not blow too far away.
How does the Paper Toss Holy Spirit game teach about faith?
The wind from the fan helps youth think about how the Holy Spirit moves. They can’t see the Spirit, but they can feel the effects, just like the wind.
Don’t Blame the Wind When You Miss
This simple activity gives catechists a clear way to teach about the Holy Spirit. Youth will laugh and enjoy the challenge. At the same time, they will begin to understand something that is hard to explain. The experience stays with them.
When they hear about the Holy Spirit again, they may remember the wind and the paper. That memory can help them see how God is working in their lives, even when they cannot see Him.
Your Turn
Give the Paper Toss Holy Spirit game a try at your next youth gathering. It doesn’t take much to set up. Just grab some paper, a fan, and a wastebasket. Then get ready to laugh, learn, and reflect together.
If you try this game, tell us how it went. Did you change it in any way? Did your group come up with something new? Share your ideas and notes in the comment section. Other leaders will enjoy hearing what worked for you!
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