Youth Activity Idea

The One-Match Fire Challenge

Can you build a fire, using a single match, that’s hot enough to burn a string 18 inches above the ground?

Purpose

To understand how we can access God’s power in our lives.

Materials Needed

• Matches

• Tinder or kindling

• String or twine

• Buckets of water or fire extinguishers

• Fire-safe surface (gravel, sand, fire rings, or cleared ground)

Location

• Outdoors, in a fire-safe area (follow local laws)

• Make sure that there are no low-hanging tree branches

• Avoid windy or drought conditions

Safety

• Adult leaders ensure that youth are safe and instruct them on fire safety

• Make sure that fire suppression tools are always on hand

• Keep the fire 15 feet away from dry grass and other combustible material

• No gasoline, lighter fluid, or other accelerants

• Thoroughly extinguish the fire, and never leave the fire or hot coals unattended

The Challenge

• Explain that fire requires heat, oxygen, and fuel.

• Youth gather and prepare materials before lighting the match.

• Each youth (or pair) is given one match per attempt.

• The goal is to build a fire strong enough to burn through a string that is held or suspended 18 inches above the ground.

• If the fire goes out, youth must discard materials that touched the flame and begin again, as time allows.

Let’s Talk About It

How is a fire like God’s power in our lives?

How are the elements of building a fire like the elements needed to access God’s power in our lives? For example, how could a match be like priesthood authority? How could the wood or kindling be like priesthood ordinances, such as baptism or the sacrament?

You Might Point Out

A match has power—but only if it’s used the right way. Similarly, priesthood authority, used as God directs, can help unlock God’s power, providing warmth and light. For example, God directs that His authority be used to make ordinances of salvation available to His children, and “in the ordinances … the power of godliness is manifest” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:20) Priesthood authority, sacred ordinances, and keeping covenants combine to bring the warmth and light of God’s power into our lives.