Fearful Finds Relay

Fearful Finds is a fun game that helps youth face their fears in a safe way. Many young people feel nervous about things they do not know or understand. This game gives them a chance to experience that feeling and work through it while laughing and playing with friends. It shows that fear does not have to control them.

The game also teaches teamwork. Each person must take a turn and trust that the group is cheering them on. Youth learn that it is easier to face something scary when others are by their side. This lesson can carry over into real life, where they will face challenges with the support of friends, family, and their faith community.

Fearful Finds can also open up important conversations. After playing, youth can talk about what makes them afraid. They can see that they are not alone, since others also feel fear. This helps them build trust and share their struggles. Talking about fear helps take away its power.

Most of all, the game gives a chance to see how faith can guide us when we are afraid. By remembering that God is with them, youth learn to face their worries with courage. The laughter during the game and the reflection afterward can both remind them that God’s presence brings peace, even when life feels uncomfortable.

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

Fearful Finds can remind youth of moments in the Bible when people had to face the unknown. When the Israelites stood at the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army behind them, they did not know what would happen next. God made a way through the water. The game helps youth see that when life feels uncertain or frightening, God can still open a path forward.

It can also be tied to the story of Jonah. He was swallowed by a great fish and found himself in darkness and confusion. Yet even there, God was present. When youth reach into the strange box, they feel a little of that same unease. The lesson is that God is with us even when we cannot see clearly.

Another theme comes from the Resurrection. The women who came to the tomb expected death, but they were surprised by life. In the same way, youth may expect something gross in the box, but they find something valuable instead. It shows that God often brings good out of situations that first seem frightening.

By linking the game to these stories, catechists can help youth see that Scripture speaks to everyday fears. It makes the Bible come alive and shows that God’s presence reaches into even the most uncomfortable moments.

Equipment and Materials

• 1 plastic container (not clear) for each group of five
• 1 pound of cooked spaghetti
• Several small boxes of pudding, prepared
• 1 bag of circus peanuts or other soft candy
• Potting soil
• 5 coins for each container
• Optional extra items to create odd textures
• Access to soap and water for handwashing

Setup Instructions

1. Place five coins in the bottom of each container.
2. Cover the coins with layers of spaghetti, pudding, candy, and any extra items you choose.
3. Add a few inches of potting soil on top so the items are hidden.
4. Prepare one container for each group of five players.

Game Play Instructions

1. Tell the players that coins are hidden in the container. Do not describe the other items inside.
2. Have the first player from each group reach into the container and try to find one coin.
3. Each player must search for at least 30 seconds before passing the container to the next player.
4. Continue until all five coins are found.
5. The first group to find all five coins wins.
6. Remind everyone to wash their hands after playing.

Notes and Variations

• If you have a large group, prepare more containers or increase the number of coins.
• For a smaller group, let only a few players take turns searching one container.
• Change the “gross” textures from time to time to keep the game fresh.
• Use only safe and non-toxic items in the containers.
• Watch for any food allergies among the players when choosing items.

What is the Fearful Finds game?

The Fearful Finds game is a relay activity where youth reach into a container filled with unusual textures to find hidden coins. It helps them face small fears and then talk about how faith can guide them in scary moments.

What supplies do I need for the Fearful Finds game?

You need a plastic container, cooked spaghetti, pudding, candy, potting soil, and five coins. You can also add other safe items to make the container feel strange. Always make sure the items are safe and not harmful.

How many players can join the Fearful Finds game?

The Fearful Finds game works well with groups of five, but you can adjust for more or fewer players. For large groups, prepare several containers. For small groups, use only one container and let a few people take turns.

What lesson does the Fearful Finds game teach?

The Fearful Finds game shows that fear can be faced in simple ways. It opens the door for youth to talk about their own worries. It also reminds them that God is with them when life feels uncertain.

Is the Fearful Finds game safe?

Yes, the Fearful Finds game is safe when you use clean, non-toxic items. Always check for food allergies and have handwashing ready after the game.

Sometimes the best lessons come from the messiest activities. Youth who reach into the box feel nervous at first, but they discover that fear loses its grip when they take action. What seemed strange or silly becomes an experience that can teach them something deeper about trust.

This game also shows how fun and faith can go together. A few laughs and some squeals of surprise create a safe space to explore feelings that are often kept hidden. Fear is real, but so is the courage that God gives.

When the group reflects afterward, they can see that fear has always been part of the story of faith. From the Red Sea to the empty tomb, God’s people have faced the unknown. This activity gives youth a small taste of that truth in a way they will not forget.

Try this activity with your group and see what happens. The Fearful Finds game brings energy and sparks honest conversation about fear and faith. It is easy to prepare, and the results are always worth it.

We invite you to share your own experiences in the comments. Did you try different items in the container? Did your group add its own twist? Your notes and ideas can help others make this activity even better.