When group leaders bring their groups to Emmanuel Pines, they have one big concern: will the students stay in their cliques?

But something shifts when you add games and activities to the mix. It might be a wild round of human battleship when students who have barely made eye contact at church are suddenly cheering each other on. By the end of camp, your group will be more than a group, maybe even more than a group of friends. They will become a family.

That’s the power of intentional, fun, and faith-filled youth group camp activities. Whether you’re planning a weekend Christian retreat or a full summer camp in Prescott, here are 15 proven activities that build connection, create memories, and invite real transformation.

Bring back this camp classic with a twist. Add glow sticks or LED bracelets and play after dark to ramp up the fun. It’s high-energy, easy to organize, and instantly gets students working as a team.

Nothing brings joy (and laughter) like an epic mess. Think water balloon battles, sponge relays, or shaving cream obstacle courses. Especially during a hot summer day at an Arizona Christian camp like Emmanuel Pines. It’s a guaranteed hit.

Split students into teams and give them clues, riddles, or challenges to complete around camp. This kind of problem-solving fosters teamwork and makes for a great mid-week activity. Plus, it’s flexible. You can make it spiritual, silly, or both.

There’s something about a fire pit, the stars, and the quiet that opens hearts. Invite students to share what God’s doing in their lives or how they’ve experienced Him during camp. These sacred moments often become the emotional and spiritual high point of the experience.

Fast, simple, and hilarious. Use everyday items for games like stacking cups, moving cookies with your face, or sponge transfers. These games are low-pressure, high-energy, and perfect for laughter and bonding.

Give each group a Bible passage or story and 30 minutes to turn it into a creative skit, song, or reenactment. This activity encourages biblical engagement in a fun, memorable way. The results can be funny, thoughtful, or surprisingly profound.

You don’t need a climbing wall to create powerful growth moments. A low ropes course offers fun, challenge, and serious team-building. All just a few feet off the ground. From balance beams to trust falls, these activities encourage communication, collaboration, and problem-solving in a safe and approachable way.

 They’re also easy to facilitate, making them a great addition to your church youth retreat planning. Students work together, cheer each other on, and walk away with a deeper sense of trust and unity.

Let students take the lead by reading a scripture, sharing a short message, or playing in the worship band. It gives them ownership of their faith experience and encourages spiritual growth. Plus, they often rise to the occasion in powerful ways.

You’ll need a tarp, buckets of water, and blindfolds. Students lie down on the “board” and try to guess where the opposing team is hiding. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and builds connection through shared silliness.

Create a friendly competition where each team studies a passage or scripture story and presents a mini message, skit, or creative takeaway. It gets students into the Word and encourages them to process it together.

Start the morning with a quiet walk through nature, encouraging students to reflect and listen for God’s voice. End with a short devotional or journaling time. It’s a meaningful way to help students slow down and be present. Guided hikes at Emmanuel Pines can help students connect what they are learning at church and camp with what they are experiencing in real life.

Set up a relay using simple props: cones, sacks, water buckets, blindfolds, hula hoops—you name it. It’s great for team building and can be as goofy or challenging as you like. You might choose to reward the winners with prizes, but it’s also impactful to celebrate everyone’s effort.

Let your students shine with their unique gifts or creative performances. Whether it’s singing, stand-up comedy, or a choreographed dance, this is a great way to build community and have fun. Judges or no judges, everyone wins.

There’s something about a clear night sky that invites big questions and deep conversations. After the day winds down, grab some blankets and head to our upper field for an evening of stargazing. Spot constellations, talk about the heavens, and let curiosity surface the questions students may not know how to ask during the business of the day. It’s a peaceful, screen-free space where they can slow down, open up, and connect with God and one another.

Sometimes the most impactful moments happen in unstructured time. Offer options like sports, crafts, and journaling spaces. Setting aside spaces for students to decompress and recharge creates unexpected opportunities for spiritual growth and connection.

Our team can help you create a Christian camp program full of fun, depth, and everything your students need to build friendships and grow in faith.