Alvin M. Keeling 
Outdoor activities such as a creation scavenger hunt help children discover God’s world. Plus, they help build friendships and are a lot of fun! So bring the kids together in an adventurous way during the summer.
Remember: Not all children’s ministry activities have to fit the conventional Sunday morning mold. Instead, occasionally opt for unconventional products. Go out and help the kids interact with different aspects of God’s amazing world. Try a Creation Scavenger Hunt as well as these games, crafts, object lessons, prayer experiences, and service opportunities!
10 creation-based experiments for kids
1. God’s Creation Scavenger Hunt
Use this fun scavenger hunt to help kids explore God’s wonderful world.
You will need:
- Bible
- paper
- pencils
- 1 egg carton per child
Before your craft scavenger hunt, cut pieces of paper to fit on the egg cartons. Glue a piece on top of each egg carton. Next, draw lines to represent each of the sections of the cardboard.
Say: Today we leave on a creation treasure hunt to know the world of God.
Lily Genesis 1:1-5. Say: Find something in nature that helps you think about the first day of God’s creation.
For this creative scavenger hunt, encourage children to be creative. There is no “right” item they should choose. Ask the children to place the item in the upper left part of the egg carton. Ask them to write “Day 1” and draw a picture on the corresponding section of paper above the cardboard. Invite children to share what they collected on the Creation Scavenger Hunt and why they chose these items.
Continue the same process you go through each day from the creation of Genesis 1:1 through 2:4. Ask the children to fill each of the other sections of the egg carton with other things God created. They don’t have to be elements of nature. The goal is to help them understand that God created everything. Afterwards, invite the children to discuss the various objects they collected during the Creation Scavenger Hunt.
2. Footprints of God
Use this craft to help children discuss what it means that we are created in the image of God.
You will need:
- Bible
- paper
- white towels
- hammers
Take the kids outside to pick various plants. They will each need a handful of freshly picked leaves and flowers. Guide the children to the appropriate plants.
Demonstrate how to make footprints. First place a sheet on white paper, then cover it with a towel. With a hammer, gently tap the towel over the top of the sheet. (If you don’t want to use hammers, you can use a book to press the towel onto the sheet.) The sheet will leave an imprint on the paper. Gently lift the towel to check if you have applied enough pressure to transfer an imprint to the paper.
Lily Genesis 1:26-27 to the children as they make footprints of all the plants they have picked. Ask them to look for interesting details on each footprint. Lead a discussion on how footprints look or don’t look like how we are created in God’s image.
3. Take care of yourself
Use this simple service project idea to practice being good stewards of God’s creation.
You will need:
- Bible
- garbage bag
- disposable gloves
- hydroalcoholic gel
Beforehand, choose a safe place where you can take children who have a lot of trash or need basic cleaning, such as a park or vacant lot.
Say: In Genesis 1:26the Bible says that God has entrusted us with the care of the earth and that we must take care of it. read aloud Genesis 2:15. Caring for God’s creation is a responsibility, but it also means we can live in a clean and safe place.
Ask:
- How do you take care of the things God created?
- What difference does it make if we care for God’s creation?
Say: Working with others to love and care for God’s creation is a privilege. Explain that you will all be cleanse an area of God’s creation. Take the children to the place you have chosen in advance. Encourage a fun environment by getting the kids to sing along to their favorite songs while you work. You can also add an element of play by having children try to fill their bags.
Ask:
- What did you like or dislike about caring for God’s creation?
- Whether it’s fun or hard work, why do you want to care for God’s creation in the future?
