Laser Tag

Laser tag, in its most simple incarnation, is little more than the ability to aim infrared beams at other players which are then tallied by a computer. Much like paintball – but a lot less painful – the laser tag equipment calculates hits, kills, and misses. Laser tag guns come in a variety of styles, and together with the other laser tag equipment they provide a surprisingly lifelike version of individual or team play that lends itself to roll play, out and out battles, and of course stealth games.

It is interesting to note that more and more church groups show up at laser tag locations, whether they are outdoor laser tag areas or indoor arenas devoted to laser tag. Georgia laser tag places and many other states have started to as well, are now offering discounts for church groups to entice them to come back or for other members of that congregation to plan further outings.

Today you can also find stratum laser tag, rent or buy laser tag equipment for kids parties, and even find entire laser tag set displays at Space City Laser Tag and other venues. The true die hard aficionados will buy laser tag guns on their own because they swear by the weight and the ability to control the weapon by practicing with it consistently. Some commercial laser tag arenas will not allow aficionados to bring their own equipment and instead require them to use the laser tag systems available in-house, while others do not particularly care.

Yet why has laser tag, which is little more than a stylized battle, become so popular with church youth groups? Furthermore, is laser tag really an appropriate outlet for Christian values? Those who agree claim that laser tag emphasizes team play, bonds groups together, and also helps those who would not normally engage in large scale team sports to at least for one afternoon lay all this aside and participate. Those opposed assert that laser tag is akin to hiring unloaded guns at one another yelling “bam.” Who is right? While there may not be a black and white answer, the fact is simple: if you use this game as a team effort and not a battle, you may have a point in favor of claiming that for your church group this is indeed an appropriate activity. If, on the other hand, you are shooting at one another in the name of fun and friendship, then perhaps it is time to go back to the drawing board.