Get Ready to Glow
To make your GLOW night exciting, start by setting up a bright and fun space. Use blacklights to make white and neon colors shine. Hang up glow-in-the-dark decorations. Add neon signs or paper cutouts that say things like “Shine” or “Let Your Light Glow.” Give everyone glow sticks or necklaces as they arrive. Keep the main lights off or low. This helps the glow stand out and makes everything look more fun.
Pick a space that is safe and easy to move around in. Clear away chairs and tables to make room for games. Use tape to mark safe zones or borders for activities. Check the room for any sharp corners or tripping hazards. Make sure everything is easy to see under the glow lights. A safe space helps everyone feel relaxed and ready to have fun.
Music is a big part of creating the right feel. Choose upbeat Christian songs that are full of joy and hope. Play them during check-in, games, and snack time. Keep the volume high enough to bring energy, but low enough for people to talk. The music should lift spirits and keep things moving. A good playlist helps make the night feel alive.
Snacks can be simple but fun. Try snacks that match the theme—like glowing jello, neon cupcakes, or snacks in bright wrappers. You can even give each person a glow cup or plate. Just make sure everything is easy to eat and doesn’t make a mess. Have water and allergy-safe options available. A snack break gives everyone a chance to recharge and chat.
Make the space feel welcoming from the start. Greet each person by name. Smile, laugh, and encourage others to join in. Use decorations and music to make it feel special. Remind everyone that this is a place where they belong. They are here to have fun, but also to be reminded that they are loved by God. Keep the night joyful and full of light from beginning to end.
Games That Glow with Joy
Glow in the Dark Sidewalk Chalk
Glow in the dark sidewalk chalk is a great activity to use with a GLOW (God Lights Our Way) theme. It helps youth explore faith in a fun and hands-on way. They can draw symbols, write messages, or share Bible verses that remind them to shine for Jesus. The glowing colors help connect the message to the theme of light in the darkness.
This craft also fits well with reflection time. It helps teens see how even simple things can share God’s light. You can find full directions here.
Glow in the Dark Dodgeball Game
Glow in the Dark Dodgeball is a great fit for any GLOW (God Lights Our Way) night. The glowing balls and bracelets add excitement and help carry the theme of light in the darkness. It’s fun, easy to set up, and gets everyone moving and laughing together.
This game also encourages quick thinking, teamwork, and staying alert—great lessons for living the faith. It’s perfect for retreats, youth nights, or anytime you want to add energy to your event. Full directions are here.
Glow in the Dark Ring Toss
Glow in the Dark Ring Toss is a fun and simple activity that works well with a GLOW (God Lights Our Way) theme. It uses glowing rings and bottles to create a game that is both exciting and meaningful. Youth can enjoy the challenge while thinking about staying focused and aiming for what matters in life.
This game can also be used to teach about matching our lives with God’s light. It encourages patience, practice, and cheering each other on. It’s great for all group sizes. Find full directions here.
Glow in the Dark Twister Game
Glow in the Dark Twister is a fun and active game that works well with a GLOW (God Lights Our Way) theme. As teens stretch and move across glowing circles, they can think about trusting God, even when the path feels tricky or unclear. It’s a silly game that also connects to deeper faith ideas.
This activity fits with themes like walking by faith, staying focused, and letting God light the way. It’s easy to set up indoors or outdoors and works for all group sizes. Full directions are here.
Glow in the Dark Balloons Stomp
Glow in the Dark Balloon Stomp is a great fit for any event with a light theme like GLOW (God Lights Our Way). The glowing balloons add color and movement while reminding youth that Jesus lights our path, even in hard or confusing moments. It’s a fun way to mix energy with faith.
This game also helps spark conversations about making good choices, staying alert, and letting go of sin. It’s easy to set up and perfect for youth nights, retreats, or celebrations. Full directions are here.
Reflection
Shining Even When It’s Dark
It’s fun to run around with glow sticks and bright colors, but that light also reminds us of something real. Life can feel dark sometimes. Maybe we feel alone. Maybe we’re worried. Maybe we just feel like we’re walking in circles and can’t see what’s ahead. But Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” That means we are never walking in the dark by ourselves.
Light helps us see. It helps us feel safe. When we stay close to Jesus, He lights our path. He shows us where to step next. That doesn’t mean every day is easy. But it does mean we never have to figure it all out alone.
Sometimes the world wants us to blend in. To hide our light. But Jesus calls us to stand out. Not in a loud or showy way, but by loving others, speaking truth, and doing what’s right—even when it’s hard. That’s what it means to shine.
A glow stick doesn’t shine until it’s snapped and shaken. That might remind us of how God uses even our struggles to help us grow. When life feels shaken up, we can still glow with His love. We can be a light to others even when we feel weak ourselves.
The fun and laughter from tonight are good. God wants us to enjoy community and joy. But don’t forget what the glow means. When you go back home or to school, you can still carry that light with you. Let it guide you. Let it show others who you follow.
You are made to shine. Not because of your talents or how perfect you are. You shine because God is with you. His light fills you. And when you choose love, kindness, and truth, His light shines through you to the world.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for being our light. Help us shine in the darkness. When we feel afraid or alone, remind us that you are near. Show us how to follow you and help others see your light through us. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- When have you felt like you were walking in darkness?
- What helps you feel close to Jesus when life is hard?
- How can you let your light shine in your school or home?
- Who has been a light to you when you needed it?
Take Home Challenge
Let the Glow Keep Going
After a night full of glow games and laughter, you might wonder what comes next. The fun doesn’t have to stop when you leave. You can take the message with you. One easy way is to keep a glow stick by your bed. When you see it, remember that God’s light is always with you. Even in the dark, He stays close. That little glow can remind you to pray, to hope, and to keep going when things feel hard.
You can also write a short prayer and keep it in your backpack or locker. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just a few words asking Jesus to help you shine. When your day feels heavy, stop and read it. Let it bring peace to your heart. Let it remind you that faith is part of everyday life—not just church or youth group.
Another way to shine is through kindness. Do one kind thing each day. Help a friend. Say something nice. Invite someone to sit with you. Small acts matter. They light up the world in quiet ways. You don’t need to be loud or perfect. You just need to care. Let your actions speak for your faith.
You can also stay connected with others from your group. Send a message or check in with a friend during the week. Encourage each other to keep the glow going. Remind each other of what the night meant. You are not alone. You are part of something bigger—a group that wants to live with faith and light.
Let your light shine at home, at school, and anywhere you go. The world needs people who carry hope, joy, and love. Every time you choose to forgive, speak truth, or show love, your light shines. Even when no one else sees it, God sees it. He smiles when you glow. Keep shining. Keep going. You are made for this.
See https://young-catholics.com/87447/god-lights-our-way-glow-night for more details and additional resources.