Counting The Cost (Icebreaker)

Players:

2 or more

Ages:

8 and up

Supplies:

1 Toilet Tissue Roll

Game Set Up

• Have students sit in a circle or where everyone can see one another.

• Hold the toilet paper roll where everyone can see it.

• Choose how long the “camping trip” will last (3–5 days).

Printable PDF

LEADER SCRIPT (READ ALOUD)

“Imagine we’ve gone on a camping trip. We’ve arrived at the campsite and set everything up. Then someone says they need to use the restroom... and we realize we forgot toilet paper. This is the only roll we have, and it has to last us

three to five days of camping. Take however much toilet paper you think you’ll need.”

(Pass the toilet paper. Do not explain the game yet. When the roll returns, the leader tears off 2–3 squares.)

THE TWIST

“Okay, full honesty — we didn’t actually go camping. We’re playing a game. However many squares of toilet paper you took is how many things you have to share about yourself.”

LEADER EXAMPLE

The leader goes first and shares one thing per square, such as: My name is ___; I’ve been following Jesus for ___ years; one of my hobbies is ___; or something you may not know about me.

FAITH CONNECTION

Jesus teaches us to count the cost before making decisions. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost...?” — Luke 14:28. This game reminds us that our choices matter and wisdom helps

us think ahead.

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