Not in My Basket! Game

The Not In My Basket! game is a fun and active way for youth to work together while thinking about important topics. It helps them learn teamwork because they have to focus on their own goals while respecting others. It also shows how actions can have both positive and negative effects on their team and others. These lessons are simple but meaningful.

This game also encourages fairness and awareness. Players must follow rules that ensure everyone gets a fair chance. They see how fairness helps everyone succeed. These ideas can lead to discussions about respecting others, treating people equally, and making choices that build a stronger community.

By connecting the game to topics like racism or immigration, youth can start to think about how we interact with others. They might reflect on how people are sometimes treated differently because of where they come from or how they look. It’s a simple way to open the door to understanding these complex issues.

Changing the rules during the game can teach youth about authority. When leaders make decisions, it affects everyone. This can help them understand the role of the Church’s Magisterium in guiding people. The game becomes more than play—it’s a way to think about how we live and treat others.

The game can connect to themes of immigration and racism by highlighting how we handle differences. When players try to remove other teams’ balls or keep certain colors out, it can show how people sometimes exclude others based on where they come from or their background. This can lead to a discussion about how God calls us to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35) and see every person as made in His image (Genesis 1:27). The game teaches that excluding or harming others weakens everyone, just as unfair treatment hurts society and goes against God’s will.

This game can also connect to the idea of focusing on what matters most, like the parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46). Just as players work hard to gather their own colored balls, Jesus teaches us to seek the Kingdom of God above all else. The game reminds youth to stay focused on their faith and not get distracted by other things.

It can also tie to the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16). When teams are tempted to remove other teams’ balls, they can reflect on jealousy and how it leads to sin. This connects to how God calls us to honor others instead of trying to harm them. It’s a simple way to show how choices have consequences.

Another connection is to the Last Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46). When teams think about helping or hurting others’ scores, it can open a discussion about how we are judged by how we treat others. It shows how every little action—like moving a ball—matters in the big picture of life.

By tying these themes to Scripture, youth learn how everyday actions reflect bigger spiritual truths. It’s a playful way to make faith part of their lives and get them thinking about how to live out their beliefs.

Materials Needed

• 1 round laundry basket for each team
• Balls in different colors (enough for each team to have its own color, such as ball pit balls)

Setup Instructions

1. Divide the group into teams with an equal number of players.
2. Assign a ball color to each team.
3. Place all the balls in the center of the room.
4. Give each team a basket and have them place it in their assigned area. Make sure the areas are spaced out to allow movement.
5. Review the rules with the group before starting the game.

Game Play Instructions

1. When the game starts, players collect balls of their team’s color and put them in their basket.
2. Players can remove other teams’ balls from their basket, but they must place them in a different basket. Balls cannot be hidden or left on the floor.
3. Players can only carry one ball at a time.
4. Teams cannot block others from accessing their baskets.

Scoring

• At the end of the time limit, count the balls in each team’s basket.
• Teams get 1 point for each ball of their color in their basket.
• Teams lose 1 point for each ball of a different color in their basket.

Optional Rule Variations

• If a ball is removed from a basket, it can be returned to the center instead of another basket.
• Assign different point values to ball colors. For example, yellow = 4 points, blue = 3, green = 2, and red = 1.
• Removing another team’s ball from their basket costs your team a point.

Safety Notes

• Make sure there is enough space for players to move around safely.
• Encourage players to move carefully to avoid collisions.
• Remind players to follow the rules and respect others while playing.

This game is flexible and can be adjusted to fit your group’s needs. Have fun!

What is the purpose of the Not in My Basket game?

The Not in My Basket game teaches teamwork, problem-solving, inclusion, and how actions affect others. It can also connect to faith lessons like fairness, focus, and how we treat people.

What materials do I need for the Not in My Basket game?

You need one laundry basket for each team and a set of balls in different colors. Each team is assigned a ball color.

Can I change the rules of the Not in My Basket game?

Yes! You can adjust the rules to fit your group. For example, you can assign different point values to ball colors or allow players to return balls to the center.

How many people can play the Not in My Basket game?

Any size group can play. Just divide them into equal teams and make sure there are enough balls and baskets.

Is the Not in My Basket game safe for all ages?

Yes, but make sure players move carefully to avoid collisions. Supervise younger children to help them follow the rules.

How does the Not in My Basket game tie to faith?

It can connect to Bible stories about focus, fairness, and welcoming others. Use it to spark discussions on treating people with love and respect.

The Not in My Basket game is an active and engaging game that challenges players to work quickly and think strategically. Each team has its own colored balls to collect and a basket to protect. Players try to score points by filling their basket with their own color and keeping other colors out.

This game is not just about speed; it’s also about decision-making. Players can take balls out of other teams’ baskets, but they must follow the rules about where to place them. These choices can lead to fun and a bit of friendly chaos.

The game can teach important lessons. It can open conversations about fairness, respecting rules, and treating others well. With optional rule changes, it’s also a great way to explore topics like authority and how decisions affect everyone.

Whether for youth ministry, retreats, or small group activities, the Not in My Basket game is sure to bring energy and fun while sparking meaningful discussions.

Ready to try the Not in My Basket game with your group? Gather your supplies and give it a go! It’s simple to set up and easy to adapt for any group size. After playing, we’d love to hear how it went. Share your own variations or tips in the comment section. Let’s see how creative you can be!