Strength in Numbers Game and Reflection Questions

Many young people want to help others, but they may not know how. They also need support from others when life feels hard. This game, Strength in Numbers, helps youth see both sides. They learn what it feels like to carry a burden and what it feels like to help carry one.

The game teaches teamwork. It shows how much easier things can be when we do not face them alone. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. In this game, youth take turns holding up weights and also helping others do the same. They feel both the struggle and the support.

It also teaches about asking for help. Some young people feel shy or weak when they need help. This game helps them see that asking for help is not bad. It is a part of life. Even the strongest people need others.

Most of all, this game reminds us of God’s care. We all face hard times. We all get tired. But God sends people to help us. He wants us to help each other too. This game brings that truth to life in a simple and clear way.

This game connects well with the Bible story in Exodus 17. Moses had to keep his arms raised so Israel would win the battle. When he got tired, Aaron and Hur stood beside him and held up his arms. With their help, Moses kept going. In this game, youth do the same thing. They hold up weight and then help others hold it too. They feel what Moses felt. They also learn what it means to be like Aaron and Hur.

It also shows how we all get tired. Even people who lead or seem strong need others. Moses was a prophet, but he still needed help. This reminds youth that needing help is not weakness. It is part of life. We all have moments when we feel like dropping our arms. That is when God sends someone to lift us up.

This game can help youth grow in faith. It teaches them to look for signs of God’s help. It helps them see how God uses people in their lives to bring strength. It also helps them think about how they can be a helper to someone else. That is a big part of living out our faith.

In youth ministry, this game makes faith feel real. It uses the body to teach the soul. It brings a Bible story to life in a fun and active way. It gives youth something they will remember—not just with their minds, but with their muscles too.

Materials Needed

• 2 canned goods per person (15 oz or larger)
• 2 shopping bags for each group of 3
• Timer or stopwatch
• Extra canned goods (in case someone forgets to bring theirs)

Setup Instructions

1. Divide the players into groups of three.
2. Give each person two cans, one for each hand.
3. Give each group two shopping bags.
4. Make sure there is enough space for each group to stand without bumping into each other.

Game Play Instructions

Round One: Holding Alone

1. Have each player stand with a can in each hand.
2. Tell them to hold their arms straight out, not up or down.
3. Start the timer.
4. See if they can hold the cans for one full minute.
5. Ask these questions:
   • Was this easier or harder than you thought?
   • What surprised you?
   • How could it be easier?

Round Two: Helping Hands
6. In each group, pick one person to hold the cans again.
7. The other two group members support their teammate’s arms.
8. They may help in any way, but must not kneel or sit on the floor.
9. Hold the position for the same time as in Round One.
10. Ask these questions:
– Was it easier to hold the cans with help?
– Was it harder or easier to be the helper?
– How do you feel about asking for help in life?
– Who do you turn to when you need help?

Final Challenge (Optional)
11. Place all 6 cans from each group into two shopping bags (3 cans per bag).
12. One person holds the bags, one in each hand, arms straight out.
13. The other two group members may support the arms only between shoulder and elbow.
14. No kneeling or sitting allowed. Everyone stays standing.
15. Time each group. The group that lasts the longest wins.
16. If it goes on too long, have the person hold the bags with no help.

Donation Aspect: To add a service aspect to this activity, ask each player to bring two cans – 15oz or larger – of food from home. After the activity, donate the canned goods to a food pantry. Have some extras on hand for players who don’t bring any.

Notes and Safety Tips

• Remind everyone to lift and hold gently, not with force.
• Make sure the space is safe and free from clutter.
• Watch for tired arms or strained muscles. Stop if anyone feels pain.
• Have water available.
• Use lighter cans if younger children are playing.

What is the Strength in Numbers game?

The Strength in Numbers game is a group activity where youth take turns holding cans and helping others hold them. It shows how we all need support and how we can help others too.

How many people do we need to play?

You need at least three people to play the Strength in Numbers game. It works best in groups of three.

What do we need to play the game?

Each person needs two cans. Each group of three needs two shopping bags. You also need space to stand and a timer.

Is the Strength in Numbers game safe?

Yes, it is safe when done with care. Make sure no one feels pain or strain. Stop if anyone gets too tired.

What is the goal of the Strength in Numbers game?

The goal is to show how helping each other makes hard things easier. It also helps youth talk about how God helps us and how we can help others.

This game may seem simple at first. Just hold some cans. But soon, arms get tired, and players learn something real. They feel the weight. They feel the need for help. And they learn that support makes all the difference.

It also shows how God works. He does not always take away the burden. Sometimes, He sends someone to help carry it. Youth begin to see how they can be that helper. They learn to look for ways to lift someone else up.

This game uses both body and spirit. It brings faith into action. It teaches without needing a lecture. And it gives youth a chance to laugh, learn, and grow in love.

It can fit into many youth nights, retreats, or service projects. You do not need much to run it. But it gives a lot in return—lessons on faith, friendship, and how we are never alone.

Give this game a try with your group. It is easy to set up and fun to play. It helps youth think about helping others and being helped too. Plus, it gives a good reason to donate food to those in need.

After you try it, come back and tell us how it went. Did you add your own twist? Did something funny or meaningful happen? Share your ideas and stories in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.