A youth night typically opens with a Large Group Game in which everyone participates together—running and competing as a full group. Once that high-energy game ends, students take their seats. One representative from each team (teams can be formed by grade, gender, or Households) then comes forward to compete head-to-head while the rest of the group watches and cheers.

The Upfront Game, which follows the Large Group Game, helps create a gradual shift in energy. It moves the group from the active, full-participation opening game into a more focused and attentive posture, preparing them for the talk that follows. Here is the typcial structure that still works well for Middle School Youth Group*:

Classic Middle School Youth Night

30 mins - Large Group Games

15 mins - Upfront Games

10 min - Skit

20 min - Talk

15 min - Small Groups

Middle School Youth Nights with 3 Household

30 mins - Large Group Games  

 Everyone competes. At the end, 1 House is eleminated. 

20 mins - Upfront Games 

 1 Representative from the 2 Remaining Houses Compete. Winner earns their House a House Point. 

20 min - Talk

20 min - Small Groups

*Note - we encourage the Large Group Model, especially with a Household System, for the Middle School Youth Group. Yet. this Large Group Model is not effective for high school students. Instead, Youth Leaders should work to cultivate Discipled Friend Groups with occasional Cultural Nights (if possible).