Bad Habit Bonfire

This activity was developed because a group of youth wanted to have a bonfire as their combined activity.  They made it clear they just wanted time to "kick back" and "chill".  What I heard was, "I challenge you to find a lesson in that!"  I love the challenge of finding a way to teach and inspire in everything we do.

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This is what I like to call "Bad Habit Bonfire" or "Bad Habits No S'more".  :)

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PURPOSE   To challenge those involved to get rid of the bad habits they may have.  Helping them understand that as they do this it will "ignite the light" they have inside of them.  Encourage them to let their light (personal testimonies) shine by developing good habits, making wise choices, and being a good example to others.

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ACTIVITY
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BONFIRE
As leaders, we left it up to the youth to build the fire.  We were hoping that the skills they have learned through the girl's camp and scouting programs would shine.  :)  And they did!
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DEVOTIONAL

Brie, prepared and shared the following devotional.  It was perfect.

"Many years ago, large packs of wolves roamed the countryside in Ukraine, making travel in that part of the world very dangerous. These wolf packs were fearless. They were not intimidated by people nor by any of the weapons available at that time. The only thing that seemed to frighten them was fire. Consequently, travelers who found themselves away from cities developed the common practice of building a large bonfire and keeping it burning through the night. As long as the fire burned brightly, the wolves stayed away. But if it were allowed to burn out and die, the wolves would move in for an attack. Travelers understood that building and maintaining a roaring bonfire was not just a matter of convenience or comfort; it was a matter of survival."

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We do not have to protect ourselves from wolf pack as we travel the road of life today, but, in a spiritual sense, we do face the devious wolves of Satan in the forms of temptation, evil, and sin.  We live in dangerous times when these wolves roam the spiritual countryside in search of those who may be weak in faith or feeble in their conviction.  Peter described our "adversary the devil, as a roaring lion that walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).  The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that "enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb" (Doctrine and Covenants 12:6).  We are all vulnerable to attack.  However, we can fortify ourselves with the protection provided by a burning testimony that, like a bonfire, has been built adequately and maintained carefully.

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Because none of us are perfect, we all make mistakes and create bad habits.  These bad habits and sins can be like a bucket of water on our burning testimonies if we don't repent.  By taking the time to cleanse ourselves spiritually, we can grow and become stronger.

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Joseph B. Wirthlin has three suggestions for building your personal bonfire (testimony):

• First - FAITH in Jesus Christ
• Second - humble, sincere REPENTANCE (sin is like a bucket of water)
• Third - follow the example of the SAVIOR

Remember the promise that God has given to those who build and maintain brightly burning bonfires of testimony to counter wolves that threaten us.  This is His promise:  "Fear thou not;  for I am with thee:  be not dismayed;  for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee;  yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  (Isaiah 41:10)

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(Brie shared personal testimony)  I know that through faith, our testimonies can grow and not only help us spiritually, but could also help those around us.  I know that we all need the strength to keep ourselves safe, but through Heavenly Father and His promises, I know everything will work out.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

The devotional ended with everyone picking up a leaf, a piece of paper, or a twig.  These items represented a bad habit(s) they wanted to rid themselves of.  They threw them into the fire.

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Then everyone created their own "Bad Habits No S'more".  We also made dough boys.  Delish!

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RESOURCES for the DEVOTIONAL

Spiritual Bonfires of Testimony, Joseph B Wirthlin, New Era, June 2002

Breaking Bad Habits, Idea List, New Era, September 2002

Feed the Flame, New Era, July 1997

Cast Your Burden Upon the Lord, Elder Robert L Simpson, New Era, January 1977

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THE REST OF THE NIGHT

The remainder of the the evening was devoted to "kickin' back" and enjoying good company.  The pool was available, but they were too busy shooting baskets on the court, playing a little ultimate volleyball, and passing the football, rugby style.  Good times!
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REFRESHMENTS

As I mentioned, we made good ol' fashioned s'mores and dough boys.  But just in case (for whatever reason) you need a recipe or two for your bonfire, I've found a few variations of the wonderful s'more.  :)

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Golden Grahams S'more Bars

recipe here
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Oooey, Gooey S'more Bars

recipe found here

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S'mores Bars

recipe found here

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Campfire Cookies

recipe found here

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S'more Brownies

recipe found here

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S'mores Cupcakes

recipe found here

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S'more Ice Cream Sandwich

recipe found here

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Frozen S'more Pops

recipe found here

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S'more Whoopie Pies

recipe found here

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TAKE-A-WAY

Every one was given a roasting stick at the end of the night.  The tag has the "Ignite the Light" logo along with this scripture Ether 12:27:  “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; … for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

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You can purchase both Handout (x4/page) and Logo (x6/page) here $2.00 for both. Instant Digital Download. Make as many copies as you would like. Would make for a great YW Camp activity!

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THANK YOU GIFT

We had a family in the ward, who was good enough to let us use their backyard (more like a park) for our activity.  To thank them, I picked up an outdoor candle, tied it up with ribbon, and added the "Ignite the Light" onto the lid.  Simple.

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DIY S'more Kits

idea found here