Here is how the project went:
The Earth Care scavenger hunt went very well! The kids and their parents had a great time exploring outside and discovering different parts of creation together. Each time they found an item, they enjoyed reading reflections and saying a short prayer, which made the experience more meaningful. It was lovely to see everyone come together to give thanks for God’s creation.
Through this project I/we learned:
We learned that hands-on activities like this help kids connect more deeply with nature and faith. The kids were able to appreciate nature in new ways by seeing how everything in nature is created with love. We also saw the value of giving kids time to express gratitude through art, as their drawings and writings were able to be displayed in the Church on our “Thankful Tree.”
What I/we might change:
Since this scavenger hunt was fall-themed, if we did it again in another season, we would change the theme to match the time of year. For example, in winter, we would have kids look for signs of snow. This way, they would get to see and learn about the beauty of each season.
My/our favorite part of this project was:
Our favorite part was creating the “Thankful Tree” with all the kids’ drawings and writings. Seeing all the leaves displayed together in the gathering space made it a lovely community project. It was heartwarming to create the tree and see all the ways the kids showed their gratitude.
Some tips, tricks or fun facts about the project:
One tip is to let the kids and parents work at their own pace. Some groups finished the scavenger hunt very quickly, while others took their time finding each time. Time spent in nature should feel calm and not have too many strict guidelines. Allow each group and start and finish at whatever pace they would like to work at. Stickers and small treats as prizes worked well and kept everyone excited. Also, for anyone looking to try this activity, seasonal themes add a nice touch! Kids enjoy connecting what they see in nature to the season, which makes each hunt unique and memorable.
