Children should learn as early as possible that life is give and take. We can put in requests to God for things we want, but we should also ask Him how we can help others. As part of a children’s ministry program, one of your key jobs will be to turn children’s hearts toward giving. A children’s service project is a great way to teach this valuable lesson!
Children’s Service Project: Chore Coupon Program
With family schedules and children’s maturity levels as coexisting challenges, it is better to start kids with easy service projects. “Easy” refers to the amount of time, organization, paperwork and commitment involved.
One of the most valued lessons in serving at home is that a child realizes he is a “vested” family member, meaning that his family functions best when he is doing his share of giving.
One of the easiest ways to inspire children to help families is with a “chore coupon program.”
1. Make up a coupon for children that simply says, “This week I promise to _____________ at least _____ times.”
Have the child fill in the blanks. Tell him to think of a chore that doesn’t get done often enough, that his parents would truly appreciate. But also tell him to think of
something that he might enjoy or that isn’t beyond his capabilities. Chores don’t have to be fun, but some fun chores include:
– Washing the dog (cleaning up the water/soap is part of the job!)
– Walking the dog
– Brushing/feeding the cat
– Picking flowers from the garden and making a centerpiece for the table
– Organizing that ever-growing box of photos and putting the pictures in a book.
– Cleaning the attic (and revisiting all your old toys)
– Cleaning closets and deciding what goes to Good Will
– Shoveling Snow (then making a snowman out of the mound)
– Raking leaves (and jumping in the pile before bagging it)
– Making mom’s bed (after jumping on it) so that she can enjoy getting into
a pretty bed.
This children’s service project need take won’t take more than an hour of a child’s time and yet the results may be great on the whole family.
Did you enjoy this children’s service project idea? Feel free to share your thoughts below! And don’t forget to Follow Me on Twitter, where I will share more great children’s service project ideas!
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