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Worker Auction

This is primarily a fund raising activity but does bring the added benefit of being great for team building and helps your young people get to know others in the group.

A worker auction basically involves auctioning your young people (and leaders) off as workers to the highest bidder. 

Start by getting a list of kids and leaders that are willing to auction themselves off.  You can group some together if that makes them more comfortable... or more sell-able! :)  

For each person (or group), get a list of tasks they are willing to do (for example, gardening, cooking, cleaning, etc).  If your leaders have a trade they do as a profession, make sure that's listed (graphic designers, painters, etc can fetch a lot of money!). 

Schedule a night a month or so in advance to auction everyone off.  If you can, publicize the list of kids (and tasks) in advance so people attending can plan their 'purchases'.  Make sure in your publicity that you specify where the money is going - if it's a good cause it encourages people to be generous.   They key is making sure this night is well attended by parents or others from your church or group, as they are the ones that will be doing the bidding. 

Setup a cat walk so those being auctioned can come out and strut their stuff in front of the crowd.   Have music, lights - anything to set the atmosphere. Make sure you get a charismatic MC and auctioneer - it's important they encourage those attending to bid high.  This person is key in keeping the night entertaining. 

Encourage the kids to be creative - for example we once had one group of five kids create a package which they titled "have a hot date at home".  It involved them coming around to your house, cooking the winning bidder a meal, setting a table with candles, and serving dinner.  One was a violinist so she played music in the background during dinner.  They dressed up formally and made it a great night.  The kids did the washing up at the end of the night - the couple that won the bid were rapt! 

If you can convince the senior minister to offer their services, they often fetch a pretty high price in the auction as well!

 


Features
          • Night
          		Objectives
              • Fund raising
              • Team Building or Teamwork
              		Age
                • Teens (Age 12-15)
                • Teens (Age 16-18)
                • Young Adults

                Group Size
                • Small Groups (1-9 people)
                • Medium (10-29 people)
                • Large groups (30+)
                		Space
                • Indoor
                • Large area
                    Duration
                    • Longer (30-60 minutes)


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                        Comments

                        I think the name for this game is highly offensive and should be changed immediatly
                        - Emily (14 Oct 2008)

                        Hi Emily
                        Apologies if you are offended - the name is certainly not meant to be insensitive or make light of the issue of slavery. Do you (or does anyone) have any suggestions for a more suitable name for this game?
                        - admin (14 Oct 2008)

                        here's a few ideas...
                        *Trade Off
                        *Mad Skills
                        *Will Work 4 Camp
                        *Trade Day
                        *Skills 4 Funds
                        *Bargain Town
                        *Golden Opportunity
                        - melissa (26 Nov 2008)

                        I do agree with Emily that the name is offensive especially to people who have experienced such things as slavery
                        - Tumi (14 Jan 2009)

                        We do this every year with the teens. its a really good idea and it brings in a lot of money. we call it a buddy for a day auction.
                        - Amy (8 Sep 2009)

                        I do not find it offensive. It is a way to raise money for your church. I believe most have moved on when it comes to slavery and the buying and selling of human beings. I have done this for years and it is great way to gain needed funds.
                        - Harmon (22 Jan 2010)

                        Offensive?
                        That is the MOST rediculous thing I have ever herd!
                        How in the world do you compare the two??? Salvery and Raising Money for the church???
                        People like that sure do rub me wrong. Get over yourself!
                        - Independent (12 Sep 2010)

                        Independent - note the title for this game was previously "Slave Auction" which was what some of the people above took offense, not the actual game itself
                        - Youth Group Games (12 Sep 2010)

                        My youth group is preparing for one of these auctions in March! We can't wait!
                        - Tanya (30 Jan 2011)

                        LOL you guys take so much offence to a name... grow up
                        - Ellis (23 Jun 2011)

                        Which one you "experienced" slavery? You must be the oldest living person alive since that was well over 100 years ago. We will keep the name as it was. I think everyone in my church has enough common sense to know that this is all done in the spirit of fundraising. And if there are one or two that find is not to their liking--stay at home and do not participate!!!
                        - Cindy (10 Oct 2011)

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