Bible Scavenger Hunt

The Bible Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to help kids learn their Bibles. It gets them outside, looking up verses, and working together. They are not just sitting and reading. They are using the Bible to solve a challenge. This helps them connect Scripture to real things in the world around them.

It also helps them build friendships. They work in small groups and help each other. They talk, share, and laugh together. A game like this is a good way to build trust and teamwork. It’s also good for kids who don’t always like sitting still or reading for long.

The game helps kids get more comfortable with the Bible. They learn how to find verses. They start to see that the Bible talks about real things—like flowers, ants, and feathers. This makes the Bible feel less strange and more like part of their daily life.

Finally, it helps them think about God in a new way. They might see how God cares for small things, like birds and grass. They might remember these lessons later when they see these things in nature. It’s a simple way to help faith grow in everyday life.

This game helps kids see that the Bible is not just old stories. It connects Bible verses to things they can touch. When they find a feather or a flower, they remember that God made these things. They start to see that God’s Word speaks about real life. It helps them learn that God is present in creation.

The scavenger hunt also ties into the way Jesus taught. Jesus often used things from nature in His parables. He talked about seeds, birds, grass, and soil. This game does something similar. It uses simple things to help kids understand God’s truth.

It also teaches kids to look closely. In Scripture, God often speaks through small and quiet things. The burning bush, the still small voice, the mustard seed—these are all gentle signs of God’s presence. The game teaches kids to pay attention. They might find God in a blade of grass or a rock by the path.

This makes catechesis more hands-on. Kids do not only listen. They move, search, and wonder. It helps them think, “What does this mean?” That question is the heart of growing in faith.

Materials Needed

• One Bible for each team
• One printed verse list for each team
• One bag for each team
• Pens or pencils (optional)

Setup Instructions

1. Print out the Bible verse cards ahead of time. Cut them into individual lists.
2. Make sure each team has one Bible, one verse list, and one bag.
3. If needed, place any special items around the area before the game starts. Do this when kids are not looking.
4. Pick a safe outdoor space or large indoor area for the hunt.

Game Instructions

1. Divide the group into teams. Three or four kids per team works well.
2. Give each team their Bible, verse list, and bag.
3. Each team looks up the first verse on their list.
4. They figure out what item is mentioned in the verse.
5. They search for that item and put it in their bag.
6. If the item is alive (like an ant), they should not collect it. Just point it out or tell a leader.
7. Keep going until the team has found something for each verse.
8. The first team to finish or the team with the most correct items wins.

Notes and Variations

• Remind kids to stay in the safe zone and not to run.
• Use an honor system for living items.
• Choose a leader or helper kids can go to for hints.
• For older groups, use harder verses.
• For younger kids, give more hints or read verses out loud.
• If indoors, allow drawings or small pictures for items that cannot be found.
• Always check the area for safety. Watch for things like bees, sharp sticks, or traffic.

What age group is the Bible Scavenger Hunt game best for?

The Bible Scavenger Hunt game works well for middle school and older elementary kids. It can also be fun for high school youth groups with harder verses.

How many kids should be on each team?

Three or four kids per team is a good size. This keeps everyone involved and helps the game move quickly.

Do we need to play outside?

No. The Bible Scavenger Hunt game can be played inside or outside. If inside, let kids draw pictures of items or use small objects instead.

What if kids don’t understand a verse?

Have an adult or teen helper ready to give hints. Sometimes kids just need help with the wording or where to look.

Can we change the verses?

Yes. You can make your own list. Use Bible websites to find verses that match different items.

Is the Bible Scavenger Hunt game safe?

Yes, as long as kids stay in safe areas. Remind them to walk, not run, and to leave living things alone.

This simple game brings Scripture to life in a way that sticks. Kids search for feathers, flowers, and stones, but they are also finding meaning. They look up verses and connect them to real things. This helps them remember the Word of God in a fun and active way.

It’s not always easy to keep young people engaged in faith. But this game gives them a chance to move, think, and laugh. They are learning without even realizing it. And they leave with stories to tell and verses they remember.

This kind of game can plant seeds. It may lead to questions, small discoveries, and even moments of prayer. When youth see that the Bible speaks to the world around them, they start to see their faith in a new light. That’s a win for any youth ministry.

So don’t be surprised if a few blades of grass and small stones lead to deeper faith. Sometimes God speaks through the simple stuff.

Give the Bible Scavenger Hunt game a try with your group. It’s easy to set up and can fit many different settings. You can use the verses we’ve shared or make your own list. Try it at youth group, VBS, or even a retreat.

We’d love to hear how it went. Share your own verse ideas or fun twists in the comments. Your tips might help another group make the game even better. Let’s learn from each other and keep finding faith in everyday things.