More Summer Ideas for Kids
7. Smelly Feet and All
Let preteens experience servanthood firsthand with this activity. It’s one of the summer ideas for kids that works great outdoors!
Age Level: 10 to 12
You’ll need:
- 2 aluminum casserole pans filled with water
- 2 towels
- masking tape
- 2 bars of soap
- 2 chairs
- an activity area
The Activity
Place two chairs spaced 10 feet apart at the far end of the area. Place an aluminum pan filled with water, soap, and a towel on the floor in front of each chair. On the opposite side of the area, mark a starting line on the floor using masking tape. Form two teams and have the teams line up behind the starting mark facing the chairs.
Say: We’re going to do what Jesus did. Tell kids they’ll wash one another’s feet. But they’ll all get to experience what it’s like to have their feet washed. Remind them to wash with care—as Jesus would.
On “go,” the first preteen of each team runs to the chair, sits, and takes off his or her socks and shoes. The second preteens in line run to the pan and wash and dry the first people’s feet. When done, the first person moves aside, puts his or her socks and shoes back on, and runs to the back of the line. The preteen who just did the feet-washing now sits in the chair, while the next person in line washes his or her feet. The kids who were first in line wash the feet of the last kids in line.
After everyone has had a chance to experience both, ask:
- What was it like to kindly wash someone else’s feet?
- What was it like when someone kindly washed your feet?
Say: Jesus washed his disciples’ feet to show his love for them. And long ago, people had very dirty feet. They walked everywhere in sandals!
Read aloud John 13:13-15. Say: God wants us to love one another, smelly feet and all!
Nayoung Kim
Bergenfield, New Jersey
8. Remembering
Chart the course of your Sunday school year using a timeline.
Age Level: 6 to 12
You’ll need:
- bulletin board paper
- markers
- masking tape
- sticky notes
The Activity
Put up a large piece of bulletin board paper at the beginning of the year. Mark off a few defining events, such as the first day, holidays, and spring break. At the end of each month, give each child two sticky notes. Ask them to write two ways they’ve grown closer to Jesus that month.
One at a time, each child can place notes on the timeline and explain their significance. Afterward, thank God for the kids and the ways he’s worked in their lives to help them grow.
Misty Anne Winzenried
Seattle, Washington
These summer ideas for kids originally appeared here.
