It’s become a tradition in many youth programs: cookies after class, candy for participation, a treat table to keep things “fun.” But what if that well-meaning bowl of Skittles is doing more harm than good?

This isn’t about health (though we could talk about that too). This is about purpose.

🎯 What Are We Rewarding?

When we offer sugar as a reward, we’re subtly teaching:

• That the activity itself isn’t worth doing unless there’s a payoff.
  
• That participation equals earning a treat, not internal growth.
  
• That the point of showing up is the snack table, not the spiritual feast.
  

We don’t mean to send those messages, of course. But when the message of the activity is “endure this and get a cookie,” we’re reinforcing boredom as a norm and sugar as a bribe.

And youth are smart. They know when they’re being bought off.

🧠 The Brain Chemistry of Bribery

Sugar lights up the brain’s reward centers. So does dopamine from gaming, TikTok, or social validation. But spiritual growth operates in a different part of the soul—it requires stillness, sincerity, and reflection. When we pair sugar with gospel learning too often, we condition youth to expect external rewards for internal work. And when those rewards aren’t there? Interest disappears.

⚒️ A Better Way

Here’s the truth: Youth don’t need bribes. They need meaning. And when an activity taps into identity, purpose, or challenge—they become self-motivated. Here are better incentives:

• Challenge and mastery: Activities that push them to grow or create something real.
  
• Recognition: A genuine compliment or moment of spotlight means more than sugar ever could.
  
• Connection: Deep conversations and shared laughter bond youth far more than cupcakes.
  
• Purpose: Helping someone, solving a problem, or discovering a truth—these are rewards in themselves.
  

🍪 So, No More Treats Ever?

Not at all. Treats can still be part of the social atmosphere—but they should never be the reason youth engage. If your activity only works because of the snack, the activity needs work.

Use food as a celebration, not a currency.

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Final Thought

If we want youth to take the gospel seriously, we have to show them it’s worth taking seriously. That means building activities that stir the soul, not just satisfy the sweet tooth.

Let treats be optional. Let meaning be essential.