Bridge Events that Work: Paintball or Laser Tag

It’s turning to fall and as the warmer weather turns into colder and more comfortable air quality, might I suggest you all plan a Paintball event for your program.  Or, you might even want to try Laser Tag – same great action, just in the comfort of indoors.

Paintball and Laser Tag are great bridge events for students to get a taste of what your program is about.  How so?  Because they draw students in who would not normally be attracted to “youth group” or some other event.  These student would come out to play laser tag because they love laser tag, not because they love church or youth group.  However, you can use it as an opportunity to “bridge” students into other activities such as youth group because through this event, you can build a little trust and a respect with them during the activity.  As these students feel more comfortable with the leaders and other students, they are more likely to come to other events.

I know that Paintball or Laser Tag are not activities that excite all youth ministers, but if our goal is to reach every student, then we have to be open to hosting or putting on activities that may draw other types of students into the fold so that they can hear about Christ.

So which activity is best for you?  How do you determine if you should go play Paintball or Laser Tag?  Here is a quick Paintball vs. Laser Tag Breakdown:

• If your focus is on guys, I would say Paintball is the way to go.  Getting outside in the fresh air and moving around from course to course, destroying each other with paintballs is great for some good male bonding.
• If you want to be open to all comers (girls included), laser tag is the way to go.  It is easy to play and takes less skill.
• If cost is an issue, go play Laser Tag.  It costs more to rent paintball guns and equipment than it does to play laser tag.
• If you are trying to attract some extreme students, then Paintball would probably be a better choice.

I have seen both of these activities be great “bridge” events for new students.  The KEY, however, is having your current students, your core, invite their friends to the event.  Unfortunately students don’t just invite themselves.  And, no matter what cool flier you come up with, students usually need an invite from a close friend in order to go.

So before you choose which event to go with, TAKE A MINUTE and:

• Decide which event is best for you to do – Laser Tag or Paintball.  Poll your core students and leaders to see which event they would rather do.
• Once you decide on an event, call around to different places to see what kind of deal you can get to bring your students.  Normally these places offer group rates and some even offer special discounts for church groups.
• Pick a date and start promoting it.  In addition to a flier, maybe give your students an incentive for inviting the most friends by offering free paintballs or a game to the person with the most friends.

What do you all think?  Have you seen either of these events draw in a new student or more?  Post a comment so we can all benefit.