Light the Candle Game

Time: 10–15 minutes
Best For: Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears
Advancement: Team-building activities, coordination skills
Energy Level: Moderate
Setting: Indoor
Use For: Coordination, following directions, teamwork
Scout Spirit: friendly

Light the Candle is a simple relay game that works well for Cub Scout dens and pack events. It brings movement, laughter, and teamwork into a meeting. Leaders can set it up quickly with basic supplies. This makes it a good choice when you need an active game that fills a short block of time.

The game fits many seasonal themes. It works well at a Christmas party, but you can use it any time you want a light and cheerful activity. Young Scouts enjoy running across the room and finishing a short task. They feel involved from the start, and no one sits out for long.

This game also supports group skills. Scouts learn to wait their turn, cheer for their teammates, and finish a relay together. These small moments help build confidence. They also help youth practice good sportsmanship and respect for others.

Leaders will appreciate that the game does not require special materials. Toilet paper tubes and small pieces of yellow paper are easy to find. The setup is simple, and the instructions are easy to explain. This helps keep meetings running smoothly and gives Scouts a fun way to burn off energy.

Light the Candle grew out of common relay games used at youth meetings and parties. Many groups look for a way to bring a “candle” idea into a holiday theme without using fire. A cardboard tube and a bit of yellow paper make a safe stand-in. This simple switch keeps the mood of the season while staying safe for children.

The image of a candle shows up in many winter traditions. Families light candles during Advent. Others use lights to bring hope during the dark months. This game uses that same warm idea in a lighthearted way. Children enjoy the symbol even when the candle is only a tube with paper in it.

Groups have used this game at Christmas events for years because it works with almost any size group. It fills time between crafts, snacks, and gift exchanges. It also keeps children active during days when they may have extra energy. The setup stays the same year after year, and leaders do not need special equipment.

Light the Candle also travels well between cultures and communities. The idea of carrying light is common in many stories and celebrations. The game uses that idea in a friendly relay that any group can understand. This makes it easy for new families to join in without needing background knowledge.

Scouts learn several skills while running this relay. They learn to take turns, follow simple directions, and work as a team. These skills show up in the Scout Law. The game encourages them to be helpful as they cheer for others. It also helps them practice being friendly as they support teammates who may run slower or faster.

The game also teaches patience. Each Scout must wait for the runner ahead of them to finish. This slows the pace but teaches respect for others. It also gives each child a clear job. They run, place the “flame” in the tube, and return. Each step builds confidence because they know exactly what to do.

For Cub Scouts, this game works best for Lions through Bears. The task is simple and the running distance can be short. Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts can still enjoy it, but they may want extra challenges. Leaders can add longer distances or have them carry the tube with the paper already in it. Older Scouts BSA youth may enjoy helping run the game for younger children.

The game also supports good sportsmanship. Scouts celebrate the winning team, but they also learn to encourage others. Leaders can remind them that doing their best matters more than finishing first. This sets a positive tone and helps younger children understand how to treat others with care.

Light the Candle stays fun because it is quick, active, and easy to learn. Scouts build teamwork and simple motor skills without even thinking about it. The game fits into many types of meetings and adds joy to seasonal events. It is a small activity that makes a big difference in keeping a group focused and happy.

Materials

• Toilet paper tubes, one for each player
• Small wads of yellow paper, one for each player
• Open space for running

Setup

1. Place all the tubes on the opposite side of the room. Stand them upright.
2. Give each player a wad of yellow paper.
3. Mark a start line where the teams will line up.
4. Divide the group into two or more teams of equal size if possible.

How To Play

1. The first player on each team holds their yellow paper.
2. When the leader says “go,” the players run across the room to the tubes.
3. Each player puts their yellow paper in a tube to make a “lit candle.”
4. The player stands the tube upright if it falls over.
5. The player runs back to the team and tags the next person in line.
6. The next player repeats the steps.
7. The first team to light all of their candles wins.

Variations And Notes

• For older Scouts, increase the distance or have them run backward on the return trip.
• For younger children, keep the distance short and show them how to place the paper gently.
• Make sure the running path is clear. Remove chairs, bags, or anything that can trip players.
• If the group is large, run several short rounds so all Scouts stay active.

Printable instructions for How to Play Light the Candle Game

More Games

Light the Candle is a quick way to add energy to a meeting. If you want more ideas like this, I keep a full list of games that work well for dens, patrols, and mixed-age groups. You can look through relay games, quiet games, outdoor games, and more. These ideas help leaders fill extra time, support teamwork, and keep Scouts moving in a positive way.

I try to offer games that use simple materials and clear steps, just like Light the Candle. This helps leaders plan meetings without stress. It also gives Scouts activities they can understand right away. If you want more options to fit different ages or settings, I have many suggestions ready to use. Stop by my games section and pick a few to try at your next meeting.

The Importance of Games in Scouting

What age group can join this game?

Most Cub Scouts can take part, including Lions through Webelos. Younger children enjoy the short run and simple task. Older youth can join as helpers or take part with added challenges.

How much space do we need?

A meeting room or gym is enough. You only need a clear path from the start line to where the tubes are set. Make sure the area is free of items that could cause tripping.

Do we need special materials?

No. Toilet paper tubes and yellow paper are enough. This makes the game easy to set up at the last minute.

How long does the game take?

A round usually lasts a few minutes. You can run several rounds if you have a large group or extra time.

Can we change the rules for older Scouts?

Yes. You can increase the distance, add obstacles, or ask them to carry the tube and paper together. This keeps the activity fun for older youth.

Light the Candle is a simple relay game that brings energy to a meeting. Scouts run across the room, place a small wad of yellow paper in a cardboard tube, and make a pretend candle. The steps are easy, and the action moves quickly. This helps keep younger children focused and involved.

The game works well at Christmas events or any meeting where you want a light theme. The idea of lighting a candle fits many traditions, but the setup stays safe and easy. Leaders can gather a few tubes and some paper and be ready in minutes. The short bursts of running also help Scouts release extra energy.

Light the Candle supports teamwork, patience, and good sportsmanship. Each Scout takes a turn, cheers for their team, and returns to the line. The quick pace keeps the whole group moving and smiling. It is a good option for filling short gaps in a meeting or building momentum at the start.

The game also adapts to different ages. Younger Scouts enjoy the simple run. Older Scouts can add distance, obstacles, or extra steps. This keeps the activity fresh and allows everyone to take part in a way that fits their skill level.