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!). 

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!