Yes No Game

The Yes No Game is a fun way to get youth talking and thinking about their words. It challenges them to be mindful of how they respond in conversations. Many times, we say “No” without even realizing it, whether out of habit or hesitation. This game helps young people become more aware of how they communicate.

Beyond being a fun icebreaker, the Yes No Game connects to an important spiritual lesson. As Catholics, we are called to say “Yes” to God, just as Mary did at the Annunciation. Her “Fiat” was a complete trust in God’s plan. This game encourages youth to reflect on their own willingness to say “Yes” to God in their daily lives.

The game also helps build confidence and social skills. Since players must carefully think about their responses, they become more engaged in conversation. This can be especially helpful for shy or quiet youth, giving them an easy way to interact with others. The fast-paced nature of the game makes it exciting and keeps everyone involved.

Finally, the Yes No Game teaches an important lesson about commitment. Many times, we hesitate to say “Yes” because we fear what it will require of us. But following Christ means learning to trust and be open to His will. By playing this game, youth can start thinking about how often they resist saying “Yes” and what it means to truly embrace God’s call.

The Yes No Game can remind us of many stories in the Bible. One example is Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. When the angel told him that his wife Elizabeth would have a son, he doubted. Because of his doubt, he was unable to speak until John was born. His words had consequences. In the game, one wrong word can cost you all your tokens. This helps us think about how our words matter.

Another story is when Jesus called His disciples. They had to say “Yes” right away. They left their boats, their jobs, and their families to follow Him. They did not stop to think or hesitate. This game helps us see how hard it can be to avoid saying “No.” But Jesus asks us to trust Him. He wants us to be ready to say “Yes” when He calls.

The game also connects to the story of the rich young man. Jesus told him to give away his riches and follow Him. But the man walked away sad. He could not say “Yes” to Jesus. This game makes us think about how often we say “No” to God without realizing it. It helps youth reflect on their choices and how they respond to God in daily life.

This game makes youth ministry fun, but it also teaches a lesson. It helps young people think about their words and their choices. It reminds them that saying “Yes” to God is not always easy. But when we trust Him, He leads us to something greater.

Materials Needed

• One small candy bar or token for each player
• A timer

Setup Instructions

1. Give each player one piece of candy or a token.
2. Set a timer for how long you want to play (for example, 5 minutes).
3. Explain the rules to the group before starting.

Game Play Instructions

1. Players walk around and ask each other yes-or-no questions.
2. If a player answers “No,” they must give all their tokens to the person who asked the question.
3. Players may answer in other ways, but if the word “No” is in the answer, they must give up their tokens.
4. Players without tokens can still ask questions to try to get tokens back.
5. When the timer runs out, the player with the most tokens wins.

Additional Notes

• To make the game harder, include other forbidden words like “Not” or “Never.”
• If playing with younger children, allow them to keep one token even if they say “No” so they can stay in the game.
• Be sure players move around and include everyone.
• Remind players to be kind and not trick others in a mean way.

What is the Yes No Game?

The Yes No Game is a fun activity where players ask each other yes-or-no questions. If someone says “No,” they must give their tokens to the person who asked the question. The goal is to keep as many tokens as possible.

How long does the Yes No Game last?

You can set the time limit based on your group. A good length is about 5 minutes, but you can make it longer or shorter.

What if a player runs out of tokens?

They can still ask questions to try to get tokens back. They just cannot lose any more until they win some.

Can players use other words instead of “No”?

Yes! Players can say things like “I don’t think so” or “Maybe not.” But if they say “No” in any way, they must give up their tokens.

What is the lesson of the Yes No Game?

The game helps players think about their words. It also connects to faith by reminding us to say “Yes” to God, just as Mary did at the Annunciation.

This game is more than just a fun challenge. It makes us think about how often we say “No” without realizing it. It reminds us that our words have meaning. In our faith, saying “Yes” to God is important. This game helps youth reflect on that in a simple way.

It also encourages quick thinking and creativity. Players must come up with answers without using the forbidden word. This helps them be more mindful of how they speak. It also brings a lot of laughter and energy to a group.

Most importantly, it connects to faith. It reminds us of Mary’s trust in God. It helps youth see how often they resist saying “Yes” in life. By playing, they can start thinking about how to be more open to God’s plan.

This is a great game for any youth group. It is easy to play, fun, and meaningful. Try it out and see how it gets your group thinking and laughing!

This game is easy to set up and fun to play. It is great for youth group meetings, retreats, or just a fun gathering. It brings laughter and also helps young people reflect on their words and choices. Give it a try and see how your group enjoys it!

We would love to hear how it goes! Did you add any new rules or twists? Do you have tips for making it even better? Share your thoughts in the comments. Your ideas might help others make the game even more fun and meaningful!