Wacky Waffle Day
(Each year in August)
Host your own "Wacky Waffle" day by having your children dress WACKY and serving waffles...with TONS of TOPPINGS! Turn your event into a friends day or, even a "Wacky Waffle" family day.
Serve waffles before, during, or after church service!
Remember to dress wacky yourself...and ask your teachers/leaders in your church to do the same.
You can easily turn a "Wacky Waffle" day into a church wide event by inviting your church family and asking them to bring a waffle topping of their choice to share!
Waffles can be homemade or frozen. I have done both. The frozen ones are definitely easier, but the homemade ones are definitely better!
"Waffle" awards can always be handed out for various "costume" categories as well!
Have fun! Don't "waffle"...start planning NOW!
Saddle Up!
It's Time to Ride
Back to School or Anytime!
Saddle Up, It's Time to Ride!
Back to School Roundup!
Send them back to school with a Back-to-School Roundup!
Ask everyone to come dressed in their favorite cowboy/wrangler clothes, play cowboy/wrangler/western games, enjoy hot dogs or other campfire treats (including s'mores), and remember to play western tunes...or even better, add "around the campfire" guitar music to your event.
Promotion Week/Back to School
Kids Promoting Into The Children's Department
It's Promotion Day!!!
Welcome children entering the Children's Department with a "Welcome to our Classroom/Department party!
If your promotion date coinsides with the first day of school, host a combination party.
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Throw a big "Welcome to the Children's Department party....complete with decorations, snacks, music, fun photo pics, games and more!
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Introduce your teachers
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Go over classroom rules
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Take silly prop pics (don't forget to include your teachers)
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Send home a "Welcome to the Children's Department bag full of fun and informative items.
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Not back in the church building yet? Do a porch drop with "Back to School" bags and a FaceBook "First Day of School" picture competition.
Set up a photo area and take lots of silly "Promotion"/"Back to School pics." Remember to
include your teachers in the activities.
Bag Stuffer Suggestions
Bag Tag
Bag Ideas to Consider
This is a great time to connect/reconnect with all of your families. A bag with the following info is beneficial to all families.
Customize your bags to fit either the newcomer or the families who have been with you for a while.
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List of Classroom Rules
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Children's Department Brochure
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List of activities that families may want to participate in
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Calendar of events
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Contact Information
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Teachers' names and contact information
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Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. Info
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Child Information Sheet (to be completed and returned)
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Bus Rider Forms
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Photo Permission Form (I have this on the Child Information Sheet
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Any other forms that are required by your church.
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Candy
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Prizes (think school supplies)
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Etc.
Bag Tag Instructions:
Download and print out the bag tag
Using a hole punch, punch two holes in the bottom left-hand corner. (Use the two black dots as your guide).
Run the two ends of the ribbon up through the two holes.
Place a piece of chalk...or a pencil between the two holes.
Tie the ribbon tightly around the chalk.
Tie a bow.
Using a hole punch, punch one hole in the upper right.
Run a ribbon through the hole and tie the two ends together to form your tag hanger...or glue the tag directly to the bag.
Mission Possible
Mission Possible - Possible Mission Force
Get ready to share Christ's love and promote a positive change in your community.
Here's How It Works
This mission event is similar to a "Secret Santa" event.
Families will do little acts of kindness or hide items around their community...with the goal of not getting caught.
A "Spread Kindness" card will be left behind for each Act of Kindness.
Encourage families to keep a low profile...completing their missions without getting caught!
Of course, any mission involving baked foods will have to be done in person...but items can be dropped off and a request to share can be given.
Give families some examples such as:
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Purchase a new pair of socks, and attach a "Spread Kindness" envelope to the socks. Leave the socks in an area that homeless people frequent.
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Purchase a can of food, and attach a "Spread Kindness" envelope to the can. Drop the can off at a local "Little Free Pantry" or local food bank.
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Purchase a box of crayons (or any school supplies), attach a "Spread Kindness" envelope to the box, and drop it into a school supply drive dropbox.
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Bake cookies, attach a "Spread Kindness" envelope to the container and drop it off at your local fire/police station.
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See a need in your neighborhood? Take care of the need without getting caught...leave a "Spread Kindness" card behind.
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Pick some flowers and drop them on a neighbor's doorstep. Leave a "Spread Kindness" card behind.
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Encourage families to get creative!
The event will run for 8 weeks...or however long you choose.
Here's what you do!
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Purchase one large manila envelope and one composition notebook per family.
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Purchase boxes of small envelopes. These will be used to place the "Spread Kindness" cards inside.
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Download the manila envelope label and attach one to each envelope
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Download the notebook label and attach one to each notebook
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Download the flyer and place one inside each envelope
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Download the instructions and place one inside each envelope.
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Download a "decoder" (if you choose) and place one inside each envelope.
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Download the tri-fold "Spread Kindness" cards/sheets and place SEVERAL inside each envelope.
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Place several "spread kindness" size envelopes inside each manilla envelope.
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Download the 2 sheets of "small envelope" tags and place one of each sheet inside the manilla envelope.
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Download a detective badge (name tag) for each family member (if you choose)...you may add a piece of yarn, a piece of string/ribbon, or an actual lanyard inside as well.
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If you want to purchase black plastic spy glasses (Oriental Trading Company), pencils, magnifying glasses, etc to go inside the envelope...go for it!
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Be Creative!!!
Where's Wally
Community Wide Family Event
WHERE"S WALLY?
The real question should be ...Where "isn't" Wally?
For this fun family event, families will receive a map, a mission, and a mystery verse to solve.
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The map will be of an area that covers several city blocks. Several blocks long and several blocks wide. You can do this in a downtown area or select a neighborhood area...several streets wide by several streets long.
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The mission is to find "Wally." There will be 29 Wally's inside the map area. (families will be traveling by car...not on foot)
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The mystery verse is a scripture from the Bible...John 3:16 (you may create your own scripture or switch this up any way that you choose.)
Families will begin their journey at the church where they will receive their map, their team color, a pencil, their mystery verse, and any other information that you would like to add to your event. You may want to print up a page with your text information on it and ask participants to text a few pics of themselves with the different Wally's.
If you are hosting your event in the downtown area, check with businesses inside your map area and request free coupons for drinks, ice cream, etc. for each participant.
If you are going into a neighborhood, consider setting up a hot chocolate stand or something similar for participants to stop and enjoy.
TEAM COLORS AND MAP AREAS
If you are a smaller size church, you will want to use one team color and one map area. If you are a larger church you may want to create more map areas or expand the size of your map area to accommodate more cars. I have created 4 different team colors in case you need room to grow.
Keep in mind, if you create more teams, you will also have to recruit more Wally volunteers. Each area requires 29 Wally volunteers. (+- Depending on the reference scripture being used)
THE HUNT BEGINS
For this event, participants will not be looking for clues, objects or places...they will be looking for Wally (There will be 29 Wally's)
Once they find a Wally, they will write down the number from the back of Wally's shirt and the coordination letter from the front of his shirt.
These numbers and letters will be used to solve the mystery scripture on the back of the map pamphlet.
WALLY'S
Who is Wally? Wally is a volunteer dressed in stripes...hanging out and blending in with all the other Wally's in the neighborhood.
"Wally" may be riding a bicycle, roller skating, sitting on the porch, playing basketball, visiting with neighbors, or simply hanging out on the corner with friends.
All "Wally's" are dressed the same...they are all dressed in stripes...the stripes are all the same color...and they all have the same name...Wally!
Families will drive up and down the designated streets...looking for Wally.
This is the perfect event for your teens to participate in. However, make sure that there are plenty of adults hanging out to keep a close eye on them.
Ask your Wally's to get creative...they can ride their bikes up and down the street, roller skate, skateboard, play basketball (if it is a home of someone they know), visit with neighbors, sit on a porch, or hang out on the corner talking with their friends. Have them use their imagination to come up with some fun ideas.
Wally's should not hide...but they can be a little hard to find.
SAFETY
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If you are hosting your event in a neighborhood, try to include some streets where your members live. Designate their house as safe zones by placing a flag or marker in their yard.
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Ask your safe zone families to speak with other neighbors requesting that they sit outside their homes and watch the fun...or look out occasionally to make sure that all is well.
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Ask for adult volunteers to park their cars throughout the area to keep an eye on everyone.
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Set up a drink or snack area throughout the map area and have adults pass out snacks, keep an eye on the Wally's, and provide a safe area for youth to come to if necessary.
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Recruit some adult Wally's to mix in with the children.
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Request police drive by's throughout the event
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Host your event while it is still light. (4-6 pm approx)
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Create photo op areas where families will stop to get their pics taken. Photographers will be an extra set of eyes
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Have your Wally's buddy up or stay within eyeshot of one another
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Instruct Wally's not to enter any homes (except designated safe homes)
USE YOUR IMAGINATION
There are several lessons that can be taught with this activity...such as:
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Being unique
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NOT having to look like everyone else.
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Seek and you shall find
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How God looks at the inside...not the outside.
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Samuel...God looks at the heart
Pets Summer - Wednesday Night Summer Events
It's Pets All Summer Long!
Looking for something unique for the summer?
Here's your answer....an ALL PETS summer.
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Choose the pets you want to highlight
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Round up expert pet enthusiasts from around your community
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Each expert will teach the children about their special pet, what they eat, how to care for them, special tricks, special tips, etc.
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Allow each child to touch or pet the animals (with the expert's help and guidance, of course)
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Allow each child to have their picture taken with the pet
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Mission event: Create special treats such as homemade dog biscuits, animal toys, etc to donate to local shelters
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Mission event: Collect old towels and blankets for a local animal shelter
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Host an "Adopt a Pet" event by using one of the "Adopt a Pet" (stuffed toys) events below. Each child goes home with a stuffed animal of their very own.
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Host an overnight "Stuffed animal" sleepover event for the stuffed animals. https://www.steppingoutministry.com/stuffed-friend-sleepover-corona-vir
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Host a family "Dog Days of Summer" event. https://www.steppingoutministry.com/dog-days-of-summer
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Kick off your event by hosting a petting zoo and asking families to bring their pets to monitor and share. See below.
Tip: Check with a local animal shelter, service dog organization, canine unit, parks and recreation, science centers, bird sanctuary, zoo, 4-H groups, etc. There are tons of animal-centered organizations right in your own community. Church volunteers may also be a good source...farmers, ranchers, etc.
There are also LOTS of animals in the Bible so lessons are plentiful.
You can also use animal characteristics such as loyalty, faithful, etc when selecting your lessons.
Adopt A Pet- Stuffed Animal Adoptions
Looking for a fun way to encourage your children to read their Bibles, do acts of kindness or serve others? Needing a trunk or treat booth activity? Teaching a series on animals from the Bible and need something special to kick things off? Hosting an animal theme VBS and you need something for the kids to take home on closing day or parent night? Hosting a fall festival and need a "cake walk" prize instead of a "food" treat?
Why not host an Adopt a Pet event.
It's simple and the kids LOVE it!
This event can be as simple as collecting stuffed animals (ask your church family to pick up one or two to donate for your event) and printing out an adoption form.
On event day, the children will select their animal, complete an adoption form and take their special pet home for keeps.
Be creative...with your event.
Add extra components such as:
Having the children adopt their pet with the commitment of taking care of them and by reading Bible scripture to them each day...for a certain number of days, weeks, months, etc.
Petting Zoo
Kick-off your "ALL PETS" Summer by hosting a petting zoo.
You choose how your event will be run...family event, children's event, etc.
This is a perfect event for children to invite their friends.
Invite your members to bring (sign up) their pets and share them with the children.
Each member will be in charge of their own animal and will set rules as far
as what the children are allowed to do...pet, brush, take their pics with the animals, etc.
Petting zoos are perfect for fenced playground areas.
Families (or children) can wander the playground checking out each of the animals.
Stuffed Friends Sleepover
(The stuffed animals spend the night...and the children go home!)
What kind of mischief will they get into?
Not your normal Sleepover
Normally, a sleepover requires children to sleepover...but not at a "stuffed friend" sleepover.
Children show up with their favorite stuffed friend, enjoy an evening of normal "sleepover" activities, and then go home...leaving their furry friends behind.
What kind of mischief will the furry friends get into? Well, that is completely up to you!
After the children leave, pose their "furry friends", creating all kinds of mischief...or doing things that friends would normally do together!
Take lots of pictures!
Create a slide show, movie, or simple prints and post them to Facebook.
Kids will LOVE seeing their "besties" having TONS of fun together.
Let's Begin
For a typical "Furry Friends Sleepover," simply plan an evening of food, games, and fun activities. Keep everything as simple as possible.
As for treats, you might want to create something unique. I did a Dr. Seuss event once and planned my treats around the different Dr. Seuss characters. Do some brainstorming and see what you can come up with.
Below are a couple of pics from Dr. Seuss books that would also
work as "Furry Friends" animal treats.
Table/Bed
Create a bed/table by placing tables end to end, covering with sheets and creating a headboard and footboard out of foam sheets or thick cardboard. I simply used wide, clear strapping tape, rolled it around my hand (sticky side out), attached it to the prop piece and pressed it tightly to the table. You can put the headboard against a wall and then just worry about attaching the footboard.
The table will become the bed for all the stuffed friends once the event is over.
Kids will listen to a Bible Bedtime story (Noah's Ark would be a great one) while holding their "furry friends", say prayers with them and put them to bed...before leaving for the evening.
Once the children leave, you can start posing the animals doing all kinds of mischief... or wait until the morning and have loads of fun!!
Hint...start thinking of fun poses NOW! Make a list of ideas so that when you are ready to pose and take pics of the stuffed animals you will have lots of cute ideas ready to go!
When the children arrive the next morning, use the bed/table for a cereal and milk breakfast. Children will enjoy breakfast while watching a slide show of their stuffed animals doing all sorts of fun things!
Bed Template
"Dog Days of Summer" PLUS "It's Walk Your Dog Day"
It may be hot outside but you can still connect with your children/families with a Dog Days of Summer Facebook
Challenge!
Challenge your families to share/post a pic of their dog...taking it easy!
And encourage your families to enjoy family time by creating these easy-peasy-delicious treats for their dogs!
Bonus points for posting a pic of their family time together!
Ask your church family to vote (online) for their favorite dog pic!
If August is already packed, consider doing a
"It's Walk Your Dog Day"
October 1st is National "It's Walk Your Dog Day.
You can do all the fun things mentioned above plus take those doggies for a walk!
Crazy Hair Night
(Kids or Family Fun Night - Samson and Delilah)
Crazy Hair -We Don't Care
It's "crazy hair" day
on steroids!
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Have fun by hosting a crazy hair night.
You can either host an event where the children come with their hair "crazed" out OR host your own styling salon.
Supply tons of crazy items that children can use to create a one-of-a-kind hair-do. Pipe cleaners, feathers, ribbons, elastic hair bands, etc.
If the children want to bring items for their hair...hey, that's ok too! Encourage them to be creative!
Furnish a comb for each child or have them bring their own.
DELILAH'S BEAUTY/BARBERSHOP
Children will style their own hair (or team up if they like) and compete for the craziest hair-do.
There are no rules here...if kids want to bring their own gel, hair spray, or temporary spray dyes in their hair (with their parent's permission of course.) they can.
Encourage kids to get CREATIVE!
Give out gift cards to local salons as your prizes.
Support local small businesses when possible.
GRASS HEAD COMPETITION
If you enjoy competitions, consider adding a "Grass Head" competition.
Kids will create and grow their own "Grass Heads" and compete to see whose hair (grass) will grow the longest...within 7 days...14 days...or even longer.
Award prizes for different categories...consider "hair cut" gift cards for this activity as well.
You will need the following items:
3 tablespoons (per person) of grass seeds
1 - 10" piece of a nylon stocking or one knee-high stocking (per person). Old, clean stockings with runs are perfectly fine! I have been told that socks work as well but I have not tried using one. I would think that a very thin, loose knit sock would work.
1 cup of potting soil (per person)
1 plastic cup
Optional: Wiggly eyes, 3 small rubber bands, black marker
Consider using local small businesses in your area.
There are nurseries that offer curbside pickup.
One small bag of grass seed will be plenty..believe me!
Purchase the cheapest grass...it grows just the same.
Taking care of your "Grass Head"
Once completed, place the grass head in a bowl of water and thoroughly soak it (Only once...to get it started).
Remove the grass head from the bowl and set on top of a solo cup (solo cup will be the base for the grass head to sit on)
Spritz the grass head each day.
Keeping the grass seed moist but not soaked.
Devotional
Samson and Delilah
Judges 16:4-30
1. Pray for God to strengthen you during your current circumstances.
2. Samson's faith was in God...to strengthen him. You can also call out to God for strength to do His will.
3. God was faithful to Samson, and He will be faithful to you also.
4. Samson knew where his great strength came from, do you?
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
777 Night
July 7th @ 7:07
Looking for a mid-summer activity? Host a 777 night.
July 7th- 07-07
@ 7:07
77 Games
77 Minutes
You choose the games...you choose your start time!
Or start earlier and finish at 7:07 if that fits your schedule better.
Water games, messy games, competition games...whatever you choose.
Don't forget to drink 7-up...divide into teams of 7, have 7 different snacks available, play heads up 7-up, learn a verse that contains 7 words and that comes from the 7th chapter of any book of the Bible, etc. Put on your thinking cap!
Note, you can actually do this event on 6-6 @ 6:06, 6 Games, 66 Minutes, etc.
Face Painting With A Twist
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Here's a new twist to an old favorite...Face Painting!
Instead of the traditional face painting try giving the children brushes and letting them paint each others faces. You may choose to allow them to paint with their hands...or even better, allow them to paint with their mouth!
All you need is some face paint, small paint brushes, paper plates for the paint, and some plastic hair covers. You can purchase these from any hair supply store. A parent parent purchased a box of these for us and they lasted a long time. I used them for any messy activity that we hosted. Allow the children to choose or refuse if they want to wear one.
A great devotion/lesson would be anything to do with the mouth...or the wicked tongue.
Here's a few for you to consider!
James 3:10
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
James 3:5
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark!” – James 3:5
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
"House of Cards" Competition
Who can build a house using all 54 cards?
This event can be used as a Family Fun Night or a fun learning activity in the classroom. A deck of cards can be sent home with each child OR you can host a House of Cards event at the church.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27
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Challenge your families to a "House of Cards" Competition.
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Send home a deck of cards and instructions with each child.
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Challenge families to build a house of cards...using all 54 cards.
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Also challenge families to have a Matthew 7:24-27 devotion time while building their houses.
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This is the perfect time to teach your children about building their lives on Christ...Trusting God...Faith!
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C.A.R.D.S. - CHRIST ALONE REDEEMS AND DELIVERS SINNERS!
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More Ideas and Suggestions!
Include a copy of Matthew 7:24-27 with your cards
Include a list of topics for each family to discuss as they work on building their houses.
Turn your "Family Fun Night" into a Facebook competition. Ask families to submit 2-3 photos of their family fun night...one photo of the completed house of cards.
Select a winner(s) and give out Lowe's or Home Depot gift cards...to be used for home improvements (support local businesses if possible)
Have an acronym competition...have each family create an acronym using the letters C.A.R.D.S. - Example Christ Alone Redeems and Delivers Sinners...Hand out gift cards for the best acronym.
Suggest that families skip cooking for one night and "Build a Sandwich" instead...another great teaching moment!
Bring a "Twin" Friend Day / Me and My Shadow Day
Wanting to "GROW" your children's ministry?
The sky's the limit with a "Bring a Twin Friend" Day!
Encourage your children to “Bring a FRIEND” Not just any friend...A Twin Friend!
Children may invite their best friend, cousin, neighbor, or even their grandparent...and dress alike. Be creative...wear the same clothes, fix your hair the same way, wear the same funny socks, hats, glasses, etc.
Remember to include a "Twin Friend" costume contest! Line them up and award prizes for:
· The Most Creative Couple— “Twin” Arches (McDonald’s) $5 Gift Certificates
· The Most “Look Alike” Friends—”Twin” Arches (McDonald’s) $5 Gift Certificates
· All children who bring a friend (plus their guest) “Twin”kies or Double mint gum
· Everyone participating — “Twin” pop popsicles
Go beyond your Children's Department...encourage EVERYONE to BRING A TWIN FRIEND!
This may also be the perfect time for a "double stack" pancake breakfast. Everyone comes for pancakes, spends time in fellowship, and participates in the costume competition during the Sunday School hour or before church even begins.
You can also turn this into a mission event for the children by having them serve, clean tables, etc.
Make friendship bracelets, friendship journals (supply a composition notebook and lots of colorful scrapbook paper), autograph books (composition notebooks cut in half (requires a table saw or a chop saw) with lots of colorful scrapbook paper. (Have the children write in each other's autograph book), or any other "friendship" activity!
Design your "Bring a friend twin" event to fit your church, your children, and your budget!
Don't be a Turkey, Just Say Thanks!
Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice
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Kick-off November with a Don't be a Turkey, Just Say Thanks series.
4 Weeks of fun ideas and lesson suggestions that will make your November planning a breeze
Giving Thanks
Jesus Gave Thanks – Feeding the 5000 (Matthew 14:13-21) – Cinnamon toast with sugar and cinnamon
The Leper Said Thank You – The 10 Lepers (Luke 17:11-19) 10 Ingredient Chocolate Mug Cake
Giving
The Widows Mite (Mark 12:42-44 and Luke 21:1-4) Giving Thanks for our mom’s – Thank you Jars
Elisha and the widow’s oil (2 kings 4:1-7 (Giving) – Scripture Cookies
Kick-off your event by sending home a sweet treat with each child the week before you begin your event.
This treat will include a tag with all the upcoming information printed right on the tag.
Simply place your treat inside a plastic baggie, print and cut out the tag below, fold it over the baggie, and staple...and you're all ready to go!
Looking for more "Giving" Crafts? Check out my Time, Talents and Tithe T-Shirt Craft. Click on the photo to the left.
Resurrection Biscuits
Resurrection Biscuits
"Great Hands-On Activity"
Teach your children about Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection by making resurrection rolls/biscuits.
Children will roll out the biscuit, place a marshmallow inside, bake, and then find their biscuits are empty...just like the tomb.
A delicious treat with an important lesson to teach!
Note: If you do not have an oven at your church, you can bake extra biscuits at home for the kids to enjoy at the end of the lesson.
During class, the children will create their biscuits (per the lesson) but instead of baking, the biscuits will be sent home in ziplock baggies to be baked at home. The children will eat the biscuits that you brought.
Once home, children can share what they learned in class, bake their biscuits...and even share a bite with their siblings or parents
What you will need
Biscuits - 1 per child (rolls of regular size biscuits from the dairy section)
Rolling pins (They can share a large rolling pin and pass it around or use small child size rolling pins, or anything you have available for rollig out dough).
Cinnamon
Sugar
Butter (Stick butter - to melt)
Toothpicks
Marshmallows
Cookie Sheet(s)
Parchment Paper or aluminum foil to line the pans and waxed paper for each child to roll their biscuits out on.
Sharpie to write the child's name beside their biscuit (for easy identification)
Prep Work (teaching day)
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (If you do not have an oven at the church, you can simply make the biscuits at home and bring enough prepared biscuits to church the morning of your event. You will go through all of the same motions during class except for baking. Simply place each child's biscuit into a ziplock to be baked at home and eat the ones that you prepared in advance.
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Place a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil onto a cookie sheet.
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Write each child's name on the parchment paper. Leaving plenty of space between each name so that when you place each biscuit beside the appropriate name you are allowing enough room for your biscuit to grow and ooze without covering the child's name. You may need several cookie sheets depending on the number of children that you have in your class.
Before Class
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Melt the butter and place in a small bowl (s)
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Place some sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl (s)
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Set out toothpicks, a bag of marshmallows, cans of biscuits
When class Brings
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Pass out one sheet of waxed paper to each child. (They will roll out and prepare their biscuits on the waxed paper)
During this activity, you will have the opportunity to explain each step as you go along. You may add anything to any section below. The teaching is strictly a suggestion. Teach it any way that you feel led.
1. Biscuit
Pass out one biscuit to each child. Tell the children that the biscuit represents the tomb that Jesus was placed in.
Talk about how Jesus’ friends asked for the body and Jesus and how they took Him from the cross and wrapped Him tightly in white linens.
Suggestion: You may want to add actual scripture reference here and have a helper read the scripture when you have finished talking.
For instance: Mark 15:46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.
Don't get ahead of yourself by reading the rest of the scripture verse...stop where necessary.
Allow the children to roll out their biscuits when you have finished talking.
2. Place the Marshmallow inside - The marshmallow represents the body of Jesus.
It’s white because it stands for purity and His sinless life.
Place the Marshmallow in the Center of the Biscuit and fold the sides around. Wrap tightly
Add scripture verse if desired.
Allow the children to place their marshmallows inside their flattened biscuit and wrap tightly...no holes...so it can't escape.
3. The toothpick - Before Jesus’ friends were allowed to take Him from the cross, the soldiers wanted to make sure that He was dead. So they took a spear and shoved it into Jesus’ side. Jesus was then taken to the tomb and placed inside. A huge rock was placed in front of the tomb.
Add scripture verse if desired.
Allow the children to secure their biscuits with toothpicks...making sure that all edges stay wrapped.
4. Melted Butter and Spices (Cinnamon and sugar mixed together) - Dip the biscuit into the melted butter....and immediately into the spices (sugar and cinnamon mixed together). When done, place your biscuit, on the cookie sheet beside your name.
When Jesus was buried, there was no time to anoint His body…or to rub it with oil…in the Jewish faith, Jesus had to be buried before sundown on the sabbath. So the next morning…after the Sabbath, a group of women went to the tomb so that they could anoint His body. They brought oil….dunk the biscuit in the butter. And they brought spices…roll in spices. They did this so that when the body started to decay or rot, the spices would cover the smell. The sweet taste of this spice is a perfect reminder of the gift that Jesus gave to each of us…the sweetest gift we will ever receive…salvation. This means that when Jesus died on the cross, he took the punishment that we deserved. He died on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven…and so that we will be able to go to heaven when we die…to live with God forever and ever and ever.
Add scripture verse if desired.
Allow children to dip their biscuit into the butter and then immediately into the cinnamon spice mixture. (You may want to have 2-3 bowls of spices to pass along to each child) When each child is done with their biscuit, they will place it onto the cookie sheet beside their name.
5. Bake...as you close the door...talk about the tomb...the rock that was rolled in front of the tomb. Add anything else that you would like to teach while you are waiting for the biscuits to finish.
6. Open the oven - When the women went to the tomb, they weren’t sure HOW they were going to roll the big stone away…it was big…and it was heavy. BUT they didn’t need to worry about that…because at sunrise, a huge earthquake shook the ground…it shook and it rattled…and it made a terrible noise. And an angel came down from Heaven…and rolled the stone away.
7. If there is any white melted marshmallow goo left inside, you can explain the white
burial cloth that was left behind.
Resurrection Biscuits - 2 Sided Flash Cards
Take your children on a hands-on journey through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ by making resurrection biscuits.
Simple 2-Sided Flash cards provide a visual for the children while the back provides easy to follow...step by step topics and instructions for the leaders.
(See the Resurrection Biscuit post above for more information on how to create the biscuits)
PRINT FLASH CARDS USING WHITE CARDSTOCK
Grandparents Day
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Plan a special morning for your grandparents. Invite them to attend children's church with their grandchildren, afterwards take fun photos, enjoy grilled cheese and soup, and ask your grandparents to share how things have changed since they were children.
Plan your Grandparents' Day to fit your church, church rules, and children.
Hint: Ask for volunteer grandparents to attend the event and pair them with children who do not have grandparents... or whose grandparents live far away.
Free template below allows for you to design your event however you choose!
See Grandparents Day - Photo Booth for more fun ideas!
Grandparents Day - Photo Booth
Each year, in September, we celebrate Grandparents!
Don't have time to plan? One of the easiest and quickest ways to celebrate grandparents is to set up a fun photo booth with LOTS of props (hats, scarves, shawls...lots of things that grandparents will love) and invite your grandparents to
drop by for some fun family photos!
Please ensure that your children invite their grandparents to church on Grandparents Day and encourage your
grandparents to invite their grandchildren as well.
Tip: Have some fun and turn your photo's into black and white!
Touch A Truck
Looking for something something different?
Looking for a new Trunk or Treat idea? new this Halloween/Fall?
Looking for an event that will bring families in...and keep them there for a while?
Then a Touch a Truck event is exactly what you are looking for!
Get your church involved in lining up vehicles for your event...the more the better!
No more trying to come up with trunk ideas, no searching for tons of volunteers...simply line your parking lot with vehicles of all kinds and allow the children to look, touch, learn about, and climb on board those vehicles that call for a little more exploring! The vehicle owners will be added volunteers for the evening...cutting down on the number of volunteers needed...and they are always eager to share information about their rides with the children.
Don't forget the candy...the children will still expect lots of candy! And don't forget to share Jesus!
Touch A Truck - Trunk or Treat
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The Mad Hatter Day
Celebrate Spring with a Mad Hatter Day!
Ask your children/families/entire church to decorate hats and wear them on Mad Hatter Day.
Prizes can be awarded for different categories. (prizes can be fun and cheap). Create several different silly prize categories.
On Sunday (whichever day you choose for Mad Hatter Day), everyone will wear their hats and join in on the "parade of hats" showing off all the wonderful creations.
Make your event even more fun by hosting a "Creation" evening. Provide various craft items, glue, silk flowers, etc, and ask everyone to get creative. This is a great way to clean out the odds and ends in your resource room.
Children/Families/Entire church will bring their own hats and spend the evening decorating them for Mad Hatter Day! The devotion for the evening? Creation of course!
If involving the entire church, perhaps the Pastor could do a sermon on creation.
Have fun brainstorming!
Milk and Bookies
Are you looking for a way to connect with your community this year?
It may be hard to believe, but many children do not own a book of their own.
This is one reason you see Little Free libraries popping up in communities.
Research has found that children who own a book are 15 times more likely to read above the level expected for their age, They are also four times less likely to read below the expected level.
Hosting a "Milk and Bookies" event is a great way to bring awareness of this issue to our children...and their families.
By simply donating their unwanted books, they are giving less fortunate children in their community a chance to own a book of their very own...and to become better readers.
There is no set list of rules for hosting your event. Simply collect books and donate to a literacy organization in your community or take the kiddos out and fill Little Free Libraries in your community.
Your event can be a simple morning of bringing unwanted books and enjoying some cookies and milk OR it can be an entire evening of "Book" fun!
Below are a few things that I have done at our book drive events in the past. Keep in mind, your event can be as elaborate or as simple as you choose!
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I ALWAYS ask the children to clean out their books and bring whatever books they no longer want...or books that they have outgrown.
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Create a cookie and milk bar...always a big hit!
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Bake cookies if you choose. You can send the cookie dough home in ziplock baggies with baking instructions if you do not have a way to bake it. The children LOVE making and stirring the dough!
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Have the children come in their jammies...complete with a pillow and cozy blanket. Enjoy milk, cookies, and reading time where they can choose to read any of the books that were brought in before they are donated. (Keep this time rather short...perhaps 30 minutes as some children are not big reading fans.
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Create teams and plan a scavenger hunt throughout the church.
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Have the children come dressed as their favorite book characters.
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My daughter is a children's public librarian and one year, she was able to hook me up with some sample books. Our children selected 2 to 3 books each to take home for themselves (with the promise of donating them when finished). Check with your public libraries. They receive many free books that they do not put on the shelves for various reasons...paperback, not sturdy enough, etc. You can also snag some book jackets from them. These are perfect for making book jacket pennant banners for your event.
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Do a storytelling time.
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Create a story...start the children off by making up the first line of a story. Then go around the circle having each child add another line to create an original fun story.
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Set up a create-your-own bookmark table with craft materials.
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Set up a BIG milk and cookie bar with all sorts of cookies plus chocolate, strawberry, and white milk.
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Allow the children to create bookplates to go inside the books with a special message or scripture to the recipient.
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Have the children come dressed as their favorite book character
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Set up a fun "Book" themed photo booth with props
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Set up a "cake walk" and hand out books (again, check with your public library. If they do not have new books that they can give you, they will probably have some used ones that they are discarding)
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Have 2 or 3 people show up at different times dressed in costume. Allow the children to have their pics taken with the character (For example Dr. Seuss or Thing One and Thing Two, etc)
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Have Bible Characters show up and tell their story from the Bible.
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Each event is different so just use your imagination.
Open a Book and you will find, people and places of every kind. Open a book and you will be, anything you want to be. Open a book and you can share, the wondrous words you find in there. Open a book and I will too. You read to me, and I'll read to you.
Flying High With Jesus
Tired of hunting for Easter Eggs? Try something new this year!
To celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, Host a Flying High With Jesus...Family Kite Day instead!
Set a goal of how many kites you would like to put in the air!
Give families a choice of bringing their own kites to assemble or building one from scratch at a kite-building station. This will assure that all families can afford to participate. Make the building part of the "family fun".
Give the families a challenge...kites must have an Easter Message painted on them. Share Christ with others by putting your kites into the air for all to read!
Instead of spending $$ on candy and eggs, spend it on cheap kites and string.
Top off the event with a picnic lunch so that families can spend the day celebrating Jesus.
If you don't have a large area to fly your kites, consider hosting it at a park or a large outside area.
Host your own "Flying High With Jesus" event at Easter...or any time!
National Pi Day (March)
Looking for something different for Daylight Savings Time, or something new for March?
Skip the usual activities and celebrate National Pi Day instead (March 14th). Order some pizza and have a costume "Math Nerd" or "Albert Einstein" look-alike competition. Give each person who enters the completion an extra slice of Pi-zza Pi-e.
Pop-Tarts/Pancakes and Pajamas
Food Pantry Mission Event
Make any day special by hosting a Pop-Tarts and Pajamas Event.
Children will arrive in their pajamas and enjoy pop-tarts/pancakes and milk.
Turn your event into a mission opportunity by asking family or church members to bring a box (or two) of pop-tarts for the church food pantry, school, or even Sunday schools so that children can start the day off with a full tummy!
A Pop-Tarts and PJ or Pancake and PJ is a great event for any time of the year...including Daylight Saving Day so that kids can simply roll out of bed and be at church on time.
Blessing The Backpacks
It’s that time of year again...time for school to begin.
But don't let them go without a time of prayer for a safe and successful year.
One great way to do this is by hosting a Blessing the Backpack event.
Invite all the children to come to the front of the sanctuary with their backpacks. Depending on how many children you have, you may wish to recognize each child or grade level. You may wish to give them a prayer "Backpack tag" as a reminder that someone is praying for them.
Back to School Water Olympics
Planning a "Back to School" trip to the Water Park, City Pool or even a private pool event?
Download this FREE Back to School Splash flyer and start planning NOW!
No pool available? No problem, just host your own Back to School Splash event by using this flyer and my Water Olympics activity.
Tinker Tuesday/Workshop Wednesday
Tinker Tuesday (or Workshop Wednesday) can be done in several ways. Children may pickup a bag of misc. craft items (any theme that you choose...or no theme at all) on Sunday and create their own"one of a kind" piece of art at home (on Tuesday). Or, you can host an event each Tuesday...or as often as you like throughout the Summer, Spring Break, Winter Break, etc) and create the projects at church.
If Tinker Tuesday doesn't work for you? Try Workshop Wednesday instead. By switching up the theme or art medium, you can host this event as often as you like...use your imagination!! FYI...bags do not have to contain the same items...switch them up!
This event is a GREAT way to clean out your craft closet or use up odds and ends items that have been hanging around for way too long!
Homemade trophy's or hand made certificates are great prizes to hand out...or even the title of "Tinker Tuesday Champion" will work!
Tuesday's don't work for you? Try a Worshop Wednesday instead!
Stuff The Bus
The new school year will be here before you know it and there will be LOTS of children in need of school supplies.
Host a "Stuff the Bus" school supply drive in your community and help families...or teachers obtain supplies that are needed.
A church bus will work great however a school bus will attract even more attention.
Contact your local school bus lot, they are often receptive to supplying a school bus for this type of an event.
Here's The Scoop
Send them back to school with an Ice Cream Blast. Create a giant sundae, make ice cream in a bag or churn your own ice cream. The sky's the limit.
MORE FUN IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR ICE CREAM BLAST....A BLAST!!!
10', 20', 30' Sundae
https://www.steppingoutministry.com/giant-ice-cream-sundae
Ice Cream in a bag
https://www.steppingoutministry.com/free-two
Ice Cream Blast
Send them off to school with an Ice Cream BLAST! Complete with a FREE COLOR CHANGING SPOON!
Serve Sundae's, Banana Splits or any ice cream treat that you choose!
Spoons can be found by searching on the internet...Color Changing Spoons!
Spoons will change color when they get cold.
You can also order color changing bowls, straws, etc if you choose!
Easter Scavenger Hunt
Looking for an easy Palm Sunday event for your Children's Church or Sunday School classes? Try an Easter Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt. Send the children out with a list of items to find. When they are finished, take one item at a time and read the appropriate scripture (Easter Lesson). Have the children share what they found and what it represents...allow them plenty of time to talk...you will get some pretty amazing responses.
When we did this event, it was a super cold day. I sent the children out to find one item at a time. When they brought their items in, we reviewed them and then sent them out in search of the next item. This gave them time to warm up between each item and allowed for some AMAZING responses from the children.
Wonders of Winter Wildlife
Looking for a fun winter event? Hosting a Parent's Night Out for Valentine's Day? Are kids being dropped off at the church for an evening of fun? Why not host a Wonders of Winter Wildlife event. Create bird feeders...or gather some of your crafty men together to help the children build/paint birdhouses. If you live in an area where Park Rangers are available, consider contacting them about teaching the children about winter wildlife. My kiddo's ALWAYS love our nature hike and wildlife days!
Black Out Sunday/Total Eclipse Sunday
The Sunday following any major holiday is always a noisy and active day...and when the event lands on a Saturday, you know that the following day is going to be wild!
However, you can change this but simply changing the lighting, the seating arrangement, and all the "things as usual" routine.
Turn on several battery-operated candles (or battery-operated lanterns) and place them in the center of the circle (telling the children to remain where they are...not touching the candle).
Turn the lights off! Allow the children to lay down on their stomachs if they wish...but facing you.
Don't be a stickler...if they are not looking at you but they are listening and they are not disturbing others...let it go. The object is to get through the day and to plant whatever seeds you are able to plant for the day.
Now it's up to you!
I normally do not PLAN a lesson for this day. I simply allow the Lord to lead the entire morning. I like to have several topics in my head to get things rolling and to keep the children on track. But basically, I engage the children in conversation. With the lights low, they feel more comfortable speaking and you will receive some wonderful responses.
Don't rush the day...let them talk. If you don't get through each topic...it's ok. If that is what is on their hearts then just run with it. Ask thought-provoking questions and allow the children to speak.
Remember, it's their time to speak...don't dominate the morning...simply guide the conversation and go with it. Expand on their conversations and see where God will lead!
Following are a few ideas that you may want to add...but remember, keep everything simple and calm for the most part.
Use the template below to add any details that you would like to add to your event...wear all black, wear all white, free glow sticks, free pack of starburst, etc.
Finish your day off by giving the children glow sticks and singing a song (about light)...with the lights still off. Here is a really fun song that is super simple and easy to follow. Kids can sing and wave their glow sticks in the darkness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODLB8K7CZxY
A little tip...if you have...or can purchase... a light projector to project stars on the ceiling, it will add to the atmosphere. Use only stationary stars...nothing that involves motions or flashing stars as that will only lead to the movement of the children. You can normally order them from Wal-Mart for around $10.00.
Add whatever you would like...but remember to keep the day simple!
TOTAL ECLIPSE SUNDAY CELEBRATION
Looking for a no-fuzz Total Eclipse Sunday idea?
I normally reserve this event for a Sunday morning following a major holiday...where the children have been exposed to a lot of activities, sugar, and not much sleep.
You know what I am talking about...the day after Christmas, the day after Thanksgiving, the day after Spring Break...pick one...they are ALL wild!
To combat this, I simply change the lighting, the seating arrangement, and the "things as usual" routine.
I have the children sit on the floor in a very large circle. They can lay down or sit up...as long as they are facing me.
I place several battery-operated candles (or battery-operated lanterns) in the center of the circle (telling the children to remain where they are...not touching the candle).
And then...I turn all the lights off! (A total eclipse). Of course, you will want to flip on one of the candles almost instantly so that the children are not scared.) Or...if you have an extra $10 lying around, invest in a light projector to project stars on the ceiling. Turn it on prior to the lights going out...they will probaby won't even notice it until the lights go out.
Star projectors can normally be ordered from Wal-Mart for around $10.00.
Don't be a stickler...if the children are not looking at you but they are listening, looking at the stars and not disturbing others...it's a win!
The object is to enjoy the day and plant some seeds.
A perfect lesson for an eclipse party would be "The day the sun stood still."
If you want to enjoy snacks, a moon pie, "star"burst or any of the other snacks that I mentioned yesterday will work great!
Following are a few ideas that you may want to add...but remember, keep everything simple and calm for the most part.
Now it's up to you! Ask the children to wear all black, wear all white, enjoy snacks, etc.
Finish your day off by giving the children glow sticks and singing a song (about light)...with the lights still off. Here is a really fun song that is super simple and easy to follow. Kids can sing and wave their glow sticks in the darkness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODLB8K7CZxY
Add whatever you would like...but remember to keep the day simple!
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To download the video "FREE" click on the video tab at the top of the page
It's Slime Night!
Make it by the cup, make it by the bag, make it by the bucket! No matter how you make it, it is FUN, FUN, FUN!
I always make a huge bucket of slime to kick off the night! I allow the children to held add the ingredients and stir, stir, stir. It doesn't really take that much stirring but I allow each child to stir so that they are involved!
How To Make a Bucket of Borax Slime
Large Batch of Slime (30 Kids)
In a large bowl
Add:
30 Cups of Warm Water
30 tbsp Borax
Stir
Allow to sit while you are preparing the glue/water bucket
In a Large Bucket
Add:
15 Cups of Glue
15 Cups of Water
Food Coloring (Any color - Tint to your liking)
Stir
Add the Borax Mixture to the Glue Mixture…stir until the slime is thick.
Pour out any excess water
With both hands, life the slime out of the bucket for all to see...and feel!
Hand off the bucket of slime to a volunteer who will place slime into baggies for each
child to take home at the end of the evening!
Move on to allowing each child to make their own slime!
You can do this several ways. They can prepare their slime in two bowls, 2 cups or even in a
baggie where they squish, squish, squish. You can base your decision on your own group of children, ages, etc.
Small Batch Slime
Step One
Give each child one sandwich size ziplock baggie
Have them add 1 tsp of borax and 1 cup of water.
Seal, Squick and Mix until the borax is dissolved.
Set aside. (Note: If working with smaller children, you may want to have the
borax in the baggie and allow them to add the water only)
Step Two
Give each child a 1 quart size ziplock baggie
Add 1 bottle of Elmers glue to the baggie. (1 bottle of glue 4 oz size same as ½ Cup)
Fill the 4 oz. glue bottle with water and add to the baggie. (The glue bottle is 4 oz or 1/2 cup)
Seal bag and squish until mixed well.
Add 2 drops of food coloring and squish until well mixed.
Seal, squish, mix well.
Add the contents from the borax bag into the glue bag.
Sqish until you have slime.
Note: If too runny, pour off excess water and continue to squish.
Slime will not be stiff like playdough but you will be able to play with it.
You can always add extra borax to the first baggie if you want a thicker slime!
Option # 2 (I have made both types of slime and I like each one equally)
Liquid Starch Slime
1. In one bowl mix 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup of glue { mix to combine completely}.
2. Now's the time to add color, glitter, or confetti!
3. In another bowl measure out 1/2 cup of liquid starch.
4. Slowly mix the glue/water mixture into the starch with a spoon, make sure to get all glue out of bowl.
5. Switch to mixing with hands for a few minutes until you feel it come together.
6. Put in a clean, dry container or on a plate.
Hints: Liquid starch slime gets better with time but can be used right away. Playing with it helps it set. After about 10 minutes, I think it is just right and looks awesome. Decorate your liquid starch slime with confetti or other fun things!
Keeps at least a week.
Whip out the chalk and get ready for some AMAZING creations.
Chalk that Colorful Walk!
Grab your COLORFUL chalk and head out to the parking lot!
Select a theme or let their imaginations run wild! The KEY word is make it COLORFUL!
Allow the children to select a parking spot and let the creativity begin!
Provide plenty of chalk...the pavement LOVES to eat your chalk!
FYI - Watch for "End of Summer" sales and stock up on your chalk!
Chalk The Walk - Side Walk Chalk
Creations
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Bring in the Clowns
Have your children dress in bright clothing, mismatched shoes, bright socks, scarves, hats, dyed (spray can) hair, etc.
During the event, offer face painting, balloon animals (or helium balloons), and 2-3 carnival-type games.
Hints:
There are a LOT of videos on YouTube that teach how to make basic balloon animals. It's really not that hard!
Collaborate with your student director. Line up a few students to do the face painting and balloon animals for you.
Learn how to make ONE basic balloon animal and teach the children how to make their own.
If you're planning to make balloon animals at the event, twist a few beforehand and bring in a trash bag. You can twist a few at the event and pass out the rest. This will eliminate the stress of creating one for each anxious child.
Have the children select a partner and allow them to paint each other's faces. (This is a lot of fun and takes up some of your time.)
Face Painting
Face painting is always a great addition to a "Bring in the Clowns" event.
Gather some face paint, a few brushes, some water and paper towels and you are all set.
An alternative is to provide one cheap paintbrush for each child. Children will pick a team mate and each person will paint the others face. OR...have them put the brush in their mouth and try to paint their partners face without using their hands! See pics below!
Games
Add a couple of games, such as bean bag toss or a ring toss.
You can add any of the activities you would normally add to a Fall Festival. Keep in mind, 2-3 games are sufficient.
Remember, summer is the time for easy, quick, fun, and COLORFUL activities. Don't wear yourself out. Many of the things children will remember are the smaller, less stressful activities.
Teachers, remember to dress up as well.
Give the children time to enjoy each activity, and give yourself permission to breathe and enjoy your time together.
Just because you planned a certain number of activities doesn't mean you have to do ALL of the activities. Observe your children...are they having fun? Then let the activity run! When you see them getting bored, switch it up!
It is always best to plan extra activities, knowing you may not do everything. Any leftover activities can always be used for a future event.
The perfect snack for the evening is cotton candy and/or popcorn. You can make your own cotton candy or purchase tubs at Dollar General. Each tub will make several small baggies of cotton candy to pass out. You can also pop fresh popcorn or pop ahead of time and place it into individual-sized baggies to pass out.
A great lesson/devotion would be:
"Samuel Anoints a King" - God does not look at the outward appearances; He looks at the heart!
1 Samuel - But the Lord told Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart.”
Colorful String Art
Let's make some COOL, COLORFUL string art! Note: You can make this a two-week/two-day event if you choose!
Get the men in your church involved in your children's ministry! Believe me, they ALWAYS enjoy building projects!
Speak with your men's group about your project...they may handle all the prep work for you.
If not, visit Lowe's, Home Depot, or any other building supply company in your area. They normally have scrap lumber and will often cut it to size if you explain what you are doing.
Prepwork:
For this event, you will need a 1" X 10" (approximately) piece of thick (1") scrap lumber per child,
plus approximately 12 nails (depending on your design).
Cut the boards to size, allow the children to paint their boards. Allow them to dry and then trace out a cross (or whatever design you choose) in the center of the board. Nail hammer) the nails into the board at each point.
Provide colorful string...crochet thread is the best option, but any string (even yarn) will work. Again, ask your church family for any rolls of crochet thread or yarn that need a new home!
Tie one end of the thread to any nail and let the children create their string art however they choose. Children may choose to wrap their string around the edges of the cross or crisscross their string from side to side. Allow them to create their own design. No right or wrong! Simply wrap the string around a nail and proceed to another nail.
When they finish their design, tie off the end by wrapping it around a nail and tying a knot.
To make this a two-day/two-week project, allow the children paint their boards on day/week one.
On day two, trace a cross onto the artword and pound in the nails (one at each point). Then tie one end of your string to a nail and let the fun begin.
Children will string the thread around one nail and then proceed to the next. They will then circle the nail with the string and proceed to the next nail.
If they run out of thread, simply tie another piece to the end (knot and clip) and proceed. You can switch colors in the same manner.
Have extra painted boards available on week two for those who were not present on week one. You may
want to ask a few children to paint these for you on day one.
Note:
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You can use any design you choose; it does not have to be a cross.
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Random nails tacked around the board make for an interesting piece as we.. No rhyme or reason!
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If you are working with younger children, you may want to start the nails for them and then allow them to hit them a time or two with the hammer.
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Harbor Freight carries "tack" hammers, which are short and more suitable for children.
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A good lesson for the evening might be Rahab and the Spies...The Scarlet Cord.
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Colorful "Air heads" would make a great treat!
Hot Chocolate Bar and Photo Booth
Who's ready for Hot Chocolate?
This event is very versatile
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Host a 10', 20', or even longer Hot Chocolate bar with all the trimmings
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Kick off a winter gloves or socks mission
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Enjoy caroling and then back to the church to warm up
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Celebrate Valentine's Day with one of everyone's favorites CHOCOLATE!
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Add a fun photo booth and you score BIG with the kiddos. You can even host an all-inclusive hot chocolate bar and invite the entire church to indulge in a nice steamy cup of hot cocoa...or host a huge hat, gloves and socks mission to help keep those in your community warm this winter!
It's a winner all the way around!
A hot chocolate bar is the perfect way to use up all of those bits and pieces of Christmas goodies than to
turn them into a huge hot chocolate topping bar?
Crush up those peppermint candy canes and toffee, set out those chocolate chips, m&m's, red hots, and leftover baking goodies, grab the leftover whipped cream, and enjoy one of the best hot chocolate bars ever!
Simply set up some several tables (the more the better), toss on some red (plastic) table clothes, and create a unique and memorable event this Valentine's Day...or any day of the year!
Simply pour hot chocolate into a cup, squirt it with whipped topping, and allow kids to sprinkle their chosen toppings on top. (You may want to limit the children to a certain number of toppings. I always limited it to 3)
Make hot chocolate in advance and place it into a crockpot. The crockpot will keep the chocolate warm/hot.
When ready, pour the hot chocolate into a cup, squirt with whipped topping, and allow kids to sprinkle their chosen toppings on top. (You may want to limit the children to a certain number of toppings.)
Hot Chocolate Topping Suggestions
Chocolate Chips
Vanilla Chips
Butterscotch Chips
Oreo Cookie Crumbles
Mini Teddy Graham's
Heath Toffee Bits
Mini Marshmallows
Butterfinger bits (Crush them up)
Sprinkles
Caramel Bits
Andee's Mints (baking section)
Peppermint Crunch (crush peppermint candies)
Reese's Peanut Butter Chips (baking section)
Whipped Cream (squirt can
Maraschino Cherries
Mini M&M's
Chocolate Stir Spoons (Melt chocolate, dip a spoon into chocolate, add sprinkles on top...let dry)
Supply List
Hot chocolate (either envelope (hot water) or make your favorite recipe)
Crockpot(s)
Ladle
Cups (warm)
Plastic Spoons
Toppings (suggestions listed above...will need paper/foam bowls or some type of cute containers for each topping
Disposable Table Cloths (you will thank me later)
Photo Booth (Your own creation)
Props for the photo booth (Tip: make sure you hit after Valentine's Day or after Christmas sales to get cute props...cheap!)
Camera
Photo Booths
Add a photo booth to any event and get ready for fun! fun! fun!
Set up the booth, provide a few props and let the kids do the rest.
Purchase several plastic totes and start collecting props for each holiday or special day.
A good way to collect props is to wait until after a holiday and shop for discounted props.
Halloween, Valentine's Day, Christmas, Easter and Back to School props are a great way to get started!
The children LOVE dressing and posing for photo's.
Creating a Powerpoint the following week and showing all the photo's is ALWAYS a fun way to share them.
Have the Powerpoint movie playing as the children and parent's arrive.
Big, Beautiful, Colorful, Messy, Balloon Night!
Let's Get Started!
Water Balloon Fight - Colorful Balloons Filled With Water!
Purchase packages of water balloons, fill, give each child a bag full of water balloons, stand back, and enjoy the fun!
Note: You will want to purchase a Water Balloon Filler and Tying Gadget! If you are on a budget, locate a large meat fork with two tines. Wrap the neck of the balloon around the fork and then back up through the tines and knot it!
You can also purchase Bunch O Balloons if you have the buget for it. I have heard mixed reviews.
Balloon Stomp
Purchase 9" balloons and sturdy rubberbands (large enough to slip over a shoe.)
Fill the balloons and place a rubber band around the neck. Loop the band through itself and tie in a knot.
Each child will place their balloon around the ankle.
At the word "Go," children will try to stomp each others balloon.
Last child with an inflated balloon wins!
It is a good idea to make a boundary (small in size as to force the children to stay close together)
or the children will run to avoid getting their balloon stomped.
Make enough balloon/rubberbands to play 2-3 times.
Squash the Balloon
Purchase 9" Balloons
Inflate balloons
Divide into (2) teams
Place a chair on the opposite end of the room.
Teams will race to the chairs, place their balloons in the seat and sit on them to pop!
Some children may be scared to sit on the balloon. It is a good idea to have someone standing by each chair who is willing to sit on the balloon for them.
scared to sit on them.
Purchase enough balloons to play 2-3 rounds.
Shave the Balloon
Purchase 9-12" Balloons, Shaving Cream, Plastic Knives, Plastic Shower Caps (for those children not wishig to get messy. You can purchase at any beauty supply shop)
Inflate large 9-12" balloons.
Have children select a partner.
Squirt shaving cream on top of child's head.
Their partner will try to shave the balloon without popping it.
When finished, have the two switch places so that they both get a turn.
Since they are already messy, you might as well toss in a shave cream war!
Bubble Wrap Stomp
While stomping...why not toss in a Bubble Wrap Stomp! The children LOVE it!
Gather bubble wrap (make sure it is the kind that pops), Spread it across the gym floor, parking lot, etc.
At the word "Go," they children start stomping! It is so fun to watch kids...being kids!
You may even want to join in!
DIY Stress Ball
If you're looking for a fun balloon craft, consider making these DIY stress balls!
All you need is some netting (If you're on a budget, fruit/onion bag netting works just as well) and a small waterballoon size balloon.
Fill the balloon with water (or toothpaste to make a squishier ball) and tie a knot.
Place the balloon inside the netting and tie securely.
Then...squish, squish, squish!
Balloon Slap Toy
Purchase small balloons (water balloon size), sharpies, Baking Soda, Funel, Vinegar and several plastic food gloves.
Prepare in advance:
Pour vinegar in one finger of the glove. Cut the finger off and tie securely so that the vinegar does not escape.
During the event, pass out one balloon to each child.
Have the children draw a smiley face on their balloons.
Add 1 tbsp of baking soda to each balloon.
Drop the vinegar packet into each balloon and tie securely.
Have the children slap their balloon, breaking the vinegar packet and inflating their balloons.
Test in advance...making sure that you have enough vinegar and baking soda to inflate your particular balloon.
2 Timothy 3:16 or Genesis 2:7 would be a great lessons/devotions for this event.
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is God breathed" or Genesis 2:7 - God breathed the breath of life into Adam"
The Big Freeze
Looking for a "unique"
way to cool off this summer?
Try a GIANT Ice Block!
Easy to create...You just need a tub, some water, a few plastic
frogs and a freezer.
1. Locate a giant tub
2. Add 3-4" of water
3. Toss in a few plastic frogs
3. Freeze
4. Add 3-4" of water
5. Toss in a few plastic frogs
6. Freeze
7. Add 3-4" of water
8. Toss in a few plastic frogs
9. Freeze
Continue until the entire tub is full.
(This will take approx 1-2 weeks to fill and freeze solid)
Just add a little water each day until it is full.
On reveal day, just turn the tub upside down, allow to sit for 10-15 minutes, and dump it out.
Allow the kids to take turns sitting on the block of ice and then hand out plastic knives, squirt guns, and/or squirt bottles and allow them to "free the frogs" by chipping away at the ice.
Each frog that they successfully free...hops home with them!
(Frogs can be purchased from Oriental Trading. Add anything else that you would like to add.)
An ice block can be added to any summer activity!
What's all the BUZZ?
Get ready to teach your children how to "Bee" more like Jesus!
8 Weeks of walking like Jesus!
Teach your children to:
"Bee Kind"
"Bee" Compassionate"
"Bee" a Loyal Friend"
"Bee" Discerning"
"Bee" Forgiving"
"Bee" Helpful"
"Bee" Thankful"
"Bee" Giving"
Scripture Reading, Verse Memorization, Thought Provoking!
Serving and Giving Opportunities, Snack and Treat Ideas!
Build out to fit your needs! The topics are here, the flyers are here, sample ideas are here...all you will need is a little imagination to tailor fit to your church and children's needs!
I Want to "Bee" Like Jesus