Have you ever looked around a youth activity and seen:

• One kid zoning out in the corner…
  
• Another scrolling on their phone…
  
• And a third whispering, “Can we go yet?”
  

That’s not apathy. That’s a signal.

And most of the time, it means the activity isn’t connecting.

Why do youth check out?

1. They don’t know why they’re there.
   
2. They don’t feel needed or involved.
   
3. They aren’t challenged—mentally, spiritually, or emotionally.
   
4. They’ve done this exact thing ten times already.
   

The fix? Don’t plan activities to keep them busy. Plan activities that mean something.

• Break it into phases: Start with a hook, move into hands-on action, wrap with reflection.
  
• Give them ownership: Let youth lead part of the night. They rise to the challenge when they’re trusted with responsibility.
  
• Create layered value: Combine spiritual, social, and skill-based goals in one night.
  

Example:

• Start with a short challenge (physical or mental)
  
• Transition to a group task (build, write, design, or plan something)
  
• End with a scripture tie-in or personal testimony
  

When youth are part of a bigger purpose, they stop checking out—and start stepping up.

They’re not lazy. They’re just waiting for something real.

Let’s give it to them.