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Scream and Shout School is Out
8 Weeks of Wild, Wet and Wacky Summer Fun
8 Weeks of Wild, Wet and Wacky Fun!
Scream andShout Intro
Intro
Get ready for 8 weeks of wild, wacky, wet, and wonderful Summer Fun.
During these 8 weeks, you will enjoy
Welcome to Summer - Messy Fun Night (Shave Cream Wars)
Super Messy Paint Wars
Super-Duper Giant Bubble Night
Giant Paint Slip and Slide (Paint Optional)
Kool-Aid Battles
The Great Water Shoot Out
Water Olympics
The Great Mestival Event
On this page...I will share some of my best tips and tricks for hosting a Scream and Shout School is Out event.
For the past several summers; while our AWANA program takes a break, I have hosted fun Wednesday night activities for our children.
Why? Because it's summer...because they're kids...because it increases attendance...because it is an outreach to the community...because kids need a break too...because it teaches children to play together...because it teaches children to follow rules...because it helps children make new friends...because it is a time of fellowship with other church kiddo's.
You pick....there are TONS of reasons!
Does the learning stop? No!
It's just done in a different way.
This will be one of the best summers you have ever had
"IF" you remember a couple of things.
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Let the children be your guide! If the children are having fun... don't even THINK about switching to another activity!
"If" the children start getting bored with an activity...that's the time to toss in a little competition...and then go right back to the originally planned activity. A short break will usually be all it takes before the children are recharged and ready to go again.
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Not all "extra" activities that you plan will be used...and that's ok. In fact, if you don't use them, it means that the kids were having a GREAT time!
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Plan a few "emergency" activities but don't plan on using them unless you have to. Normally dividing into teams, dividing into boys vs girls, dividing into girls vs girls and boys vs boys is all it takes to keep the activities going.
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Have several items that you bring with you each week. Items that would make good "gap" fillers if needed. For instance, I have several pool noodles that I have cut in half and stuck into 5-gallon buckets. I grab the buckets and take the noodles with me each week. If the kids get bored with an activity, I just pull out the pool noodles and let them have a pool noodle battle (boys vs boys and girls vs girls normally). After a little pool noodle battle, we go back to the scheduled activity.
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Most of the activities that I have planned (there are exceptions such as the Water Olympics) are just good old-fashioned free for all fun events. There are rules of course...which you will review before each activity begin. Aside from that...let them go! Let them be kids!
- You do not need to plan 10 different games to be played in a one-hour...or two-hour time slot. This will stress you out AND the whole idea of structured chaos is thrown right out of the door.
Plan an event but let the kids lead the way.
Many times, we plan an event and we have every single second accounted for...STOP! Let the kids lead the way.
Plan...Yes! Prepare...Yes! Lead...No!
This Summer...let the kids lead you.
This will be one of the most memorable summers you have ever had...and what the children anticipate each year!
I have done these events (with the exception of the last two) for YEARS! I have tons of tips and tricks that will make this summer much easier than you could ever imagine!
Thinking about hosting a Mid-Week Adventures event this Summer?
Down on the Farm, Slime Zone Summer, Splish Splash Summer Blast, Scream and Shout School is Out, Rootin Tootin Roundup...or any of the other great Summer themes?
Check out my Mid-Week Adventures page for TONS of tips, tricks, time, and money-saving ideas before you get started.
Simply click HERE to get started
So, let's jump right in!
First of all, these events ARE messy!
Parent Info
When you promote these events, make sure that parents know their children will be getting messy...but will be rinsed off before going home!
Encourage parents to:
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Send their kids in old clothing (and shoes) that WILL get stained. I normally ask them to select one set of old clothing and send the children in that same set of clothing each week.
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Bring a towel for their child each week
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Cover their car seat with a trash bag or an old towel...just in case.
Rinse-Off!
Swimming Pool/Water Tank/Water Hose
Before the children go home, it is a good idea to rinse them off with a water hose or have them jump into a kiddy pool or a water tank to rinse off.
This will not be needed for all of the activities but is a "must" with all events involving paint!
Tips and Ideas
Many of the items that you purchase will be used over and over again this summer...or year after year.
Many of the activities listed have very minimal cost and once you have purchased a few (inexpensive) essential items that you can re-use each year, you are all set!
These items will be used many. many times in your children's ministry.
Essential items to locate or purchase!
5-Gallon Buckets
In my opinion, you can never have too many 5-gallon buckets!
5-gallon buckets can be purchased for around $3.00 each. If your budget is tight, you may want to check with local sandwich shops to see if they will give you some...or sell you come at a minimal cost.
Sandwich shops purchase 5-gallon buckets filled with pickles and often sell or give away the buckets!
I use the buckets for the games as well as storing things in...such as the water shooters, goggles, glasses, etc.
Just grab the bucket and you're ready to go!
After an event, line up several of the buckets...one for goggles, one for water shooters, one for trash, etc.
Kids will drop their items into the buckets and you're ready to go!
A Good Garden Hose
You will definitely need a good garden hose...one of the lightweight, expandable ones.
Not a cheap one...a good one!
If you can't afford a good one...just make sure it is lightweight and expandable. You may have to replace it annually.
I purchased my own hose ($60) that I use on my flowers at home so I just take it back and forth.
The reason for a lightweight; the expandable hose is that you can gather it up, toss it into one of those amazing 5-gallon buckets that I mentioned above and head out with it.
No rolling up hoses, no trying to get kinks out, no water running down your shirt, etc. They are so light that you can hand the bucket off to a 1st grader and they are able to carry it with no problem.
Water Shooters
You will need a minimum of one water shooter per child.
A water shooter costs approx $1.00 each...or you can purchase packages of them cheaper (sometimes).
You will LOVE these shooters! I use them for LOTS of things!
Tip: Buy them as soon as they come out in the Spring. They will disappear quickly and you may not be able to find them later in the Summer.
Purchase extras if possible. The water shooters are very durable but they do break from time to time.
I purchase them every year...even if I have enough.
You never know when they will break, when extra children will attend, or when you will come up with new ideas!
You will be using the shooters for the Kool-Aid Wars, Super Soaker Night, and the Paint Wars event.
Tip: On the Paint Wars event, Fill 2 or 3 of the amazing 5-gallon buckets with warm, soapy water and 2-3 of them with warm
water (no soap)
When finished with all the fun, have the children rinse out their shooters. They will load and discharge their shooters (3-4 times) using warm soapy water and then load and discharge them (once or twice) using fresh water.
This will save you a lot of cleaning later.
Always check to make sure they are clean before storing them away.
I always use one of the handy dandy 5-gallon buckets to store them in. Just put the water end down into the bucket.
Eye Protection
You will need eye protection for the children.
I have both the glasses and the swim goggles. I use glasses for our Nerf wars event so I make
them available to the kids as well.
If you can only afford one set of eye protection per child, it would be best to purchase swim goggles.
If you can't afford the goggles have the children bring their own.
FYI - You can purchase construction goggles or glasses at the $$$ store for $1.00 per pair. Both would work fine!
Tempera Paint
Purchase your tempera paint by the gallon. It is much, much, much cheaper to do it this way.
Hint: I have a Staples reward account where I recycle ink cartridges (printer). I earn rewards ($2.00 per cartridge) that I use towards purchasing paint.
I have a collection box where everyone drops off their used cartridges.
I purchase paint each time I earn enough rewards. So far, I have spent $0.00 to purchase paint.
Check out a Staples Rewards account at your local Staples. It is FREE to apply.
Kool-Aid
When you host the Kool-Aid event, you will need 3 envelopes of Kool-Aid per 5-gallon bucket of water.
You WILL NOT use Sugar in your Kool-Aid
This event is almost Free to host!
Bubble Pool
If you are going to do a bubble pool during the Super Duper Bubble night...purchase 3-4 gallons of bubbles now! Once they are gone...they are gone. In fact, if you are going to do a bubble pool during your Fallfest...purchase them during the summer. Bubbles are seasonal items.
Bubble Wands and Bubble Powder
I purchased my bubble wands and bubble powder from
https://www.bigbubblecompany.com/
I am sure there are other places to purchase them as well.
If You have a WISH list...put this on it!
May as well wish big!
Vehicle - Cart or Trailer - Optional
I know that most of you will not have an extra vehicle around the church...or an extra vehicle around your house. However, I have a little PT Cruiser that is my extra car. I use it when hauling plants or potting soil or sometimes groceries. In the summertime, my little PT becomes my summer activity vehicle.
I load many of the items that I will use over and over and over again during my Wednesday night events...and I leave them there!
No loading and unloading and reloading again!
On Wednesday evenings, I simply drive onto the playing area, open the back hatch and work straight from the back of my car.
The kid's goggles and eye protection, the water shooters (in a 5-gallon bucket), paper towels, my water hose (in a handy dandy 5-gallon bucket), extra trash bags, a container or two of cheese puffs, paper cups, etc. are kept in my car. This saves me TONS of work each week. I just take my checklist and make sure I have everything and I am off and ready.
The kids call it my party wagon!
If you can find an extra vehicle...find it!
If you can find a trailer that can be moved to the play area...find it!
Maybe the church has a vehicle that is not being used.
Maybe someone in your church has one that they will allow
you to use (on church property).
It doesn't matter what it looks like... it doesn't matter if it can barely make it from one side of the church to the other...use it!
If you can have all of your supplies in one place...it will save you a TON of time and energy.
It is not a requirement...but something that will definitely make your life easier!
Tips
After each activity, have the children pick up any trash that was created during the activity (such as cans from the shave cream wars).
After each activity (when they are finished using them) have the children bring all items and put in a designated spot before you go on to the next activity.
I purchase different colors of 5-gallon buckets so that I can say "Bring your goggles and put in the red bucket" or "Bring your water shooters and put in the blue bucket.
At the end of the evening, you can easily hose down the items in the bucket, pour off the excess water and tote them inside using the buckets.
You will thank me for these tips later! :)
One Last Tip!
LOCK YOUR SUPPLIES UP!
SERIOUSLY, LOCK THEM UP!
I know that everything belongs to the church...I get that!
But if you are entrusted with the Children's budget then you are responsible for how it is spent...how it is used...what happens to the supplies.
Not everyone...even within the walls of the church...get it!
That doesn't mean that you won't share...it just means that they come to you to get it...they come to you to return it...they replace it if they break it!
Don't hate me!
Work to build up your supplies each year...and soon, your children's summer events will cost almost nothing. Then your budget can be spent on reaching even more children!
Scream and Shout - Messy Fun
Scream and Shout School is Out
Welcome to Summer
Messy Fun Night
Messy Fun Night
Get ready for a Wild and Crazy Evening!
Shave Cream Wars, Whipped Cream eating contest, Confetti, Silly String, Slime, and any other messy activity that you can imagine.
There is really no end to the fun you can have...and no set way to host a School is Out Scream and Shout - Welcome to Summer Party.
One thing is always a must...shave cream! And LOTS of it!
For a "Welcome to Summer" party, you will need a "whistle" to round up the crew between activities. After that, explain the rules, explain the activity, blow your whistle, and step back!
Just have plenty of messy games planned and your event will be a HUGE success!
#1 Discouragement - Don't think that you have to include ALL of your ideas, activities, etc in one event in order for the night to be considered a success. Plan your favorites first and go from there. If you don't get all of the activities in...then that means that the kids were having a GREAT time and that the event was successful.
As long as the kids are having fun and the fun never ends...it is a success.
If there is an activity that the children enjoy more than the others, go back to it a second time later in the evening. No set rules! No pressures! It's Summertime...and these are kids just wanting to be kids! Enjoy!
For more information or ideas, check out the Shave Cream Wars event.
Must Have
It's summertime...which means that it is time for one of the messiest events of the year.
Your kids will absolutely LOVE this event! I guarantee it!
Goggles
Goggles are a "must-have" for a messy fun night. Most children do fine without them however, it is better to be safe than sorry! The Dollar store is a great place to find goggles. They are in the hardware department and cost $1.00 each.
Swim goggles are an excellent choice as well. You may ask kids to bring a pair of goggles but don't rely on them to do so. Watch after summer sales and stock up on swim goggles or masks.
Paper Towels
Grab a couple of rolls of paper towels. At the start of each event, give each child a couple of towels to tuck inside their waistband. This prevents children from coming to you to have their faces wipes 1000 times.
Whistle
A whistle is a must for an event such as this. Children will be having so much fun that they will not hear you calling them.
Camera
Take TONS of pics and short video clips. If you have a zoom lens...that is even better.
Large trash cans with liners
Save yourself a lot of time and frustration by taking along 1-2 large trash cans with liners.
Before We Begin
Shaving Cream
Shaving cream will not damage the lawn. Once the event is over, the shaving cream will disappear overnight. You will not be able to tell there was even a party the evening before.
I normally pick up 2 cans per child...or I provide one and ask them to bring one. Shaving Cream goes a long way. I always make the children remove the cap and toss the cap in the trash before we begin. In order to get their second can of shaving cream, they must return their empty can and toss it in the trash. I normally remove the caps on the second cans before they run out of the first one.
Purchase several extra cans for additional games
At the end of each game, have the children bring their trash and put it in the trash can. Make sure you watch each child bring their cans and toss them. This will save you a TON of time plus cans will not be left for the mower to hit...OUCH!
Games do not continue until all trash (that you can see) is picked up!
I purchase the cheapest shaving cream that I can find. Walmart is normally the cheapest...once you consider the size. They carry regular and sensitive skin types (same brand...same price). I normally purchase the sensitive skin type...but not an absolute necessity. You will want to start purchasing the shaving cream a couple of weeks in advance because they normally do not carry a large number of cans.
LET THE FUN BEGIN
Below are a few ideas that you may want to incorporate into your evening. Some thoughts will have
to be put into each game to make sure they fit the social distancing suggestions for your area.
Shave Cream Wars
2 Cans of shave Cream Per Child (See specifications above)
2 Paper towels per child
1 Pair of goggles, safety glasses, or swim mask
Have the children put on a pair of goggles and stick 2 paper towels in their waistbands (for wiping eyes, nose, ears, mouth, etc). Have extra towels on hand.
Explain your rules, boundaries, etc.
Explain that no one starts until the whistle blows.
Explain that they have to bring back their empty can and toss in the trash to receive their second can.
Have each child grab a can of shaving cream, remove the lid and toss it in the trash (lid)
Blow the whistle and let them go at it!
Shave Cream Hair Out
For social distancing, you may have each child style their own hair.
2-3 Cans of shaving cream (Depends on the number of children you have)
Form teams (2-man teams)
Teach team will decide which one will be the hairstylist and which one will have their hair styled.
The person who is having their hair styled will sit on the ground. The stylist will stand behind them.
Start on one end (or both ends) and pass a can of shaving cream down the line. Each stylist will squirt a TON of shaving cream on their teammate's heads.
When the whistle blows, they begin styling.
When the whistle blows again everyone stops. There is really no time limit...if they are having fun then let them continue. As they finish, keep them busy by taking several pics of each one. When several have finished, blow the whistle, take pics of the remaining ones, and switch places.
Now, the stylist becomes the one having their hair styled.
Shave Cream Shaving
(For social distancing, you may give each child a balloon that they hold and shave themselves)
2 Ballons Per Team (Blow up in advance and have in large trash bags...blow up extras)
1 Plastic Knife Per Team
Form teams (2-man teams)
Each team will decide which one will be the barber and which one is receiving the shave.
The person who is receiving the shave will sit on the ground. The barber will stand behind them.
Hand out one balloon to each barber.
The barber will place the balloon on their teammate's head. (It is best to do this right after the "Hair Out" contest while the kids still have a lot of shave cream in their hair to help hold the balloon in place.
The person being shaved will hold the balloon (with their hands) on top of their head while the barber squirts shave cream all over the balloon, smooths it out, and shaves the balloon clean.
Object...to shave the balloon clean without popping it. If the balloon pops...they are out.
Start on one end (or both ends) and pass a can of shaving cream down the line. Each barber will squirt a pile of shaving cream on their balloon and smooth it out.
When the whistle blows...they begin to shave.
Take lots of pics!
Once everyone is done, switch spots and begin again.
Cheeseball Head
Bucket of Cheese Balls
Plastic Cups (1 per person)
Shave Cream 1-2 Cans
Rope (to mark a line)
Form teams (2-4 man teams)
Teams will select 1 person to sit on the ground with a blob of shaving cream on top of their head.
The rest of the team will receive a cup of cheese balls (each)
Teams will stand behind the rope line and toss the cheese balls at their teammate's head...trying to stick the cheese ball in the shaving cream.
Whipped Cream Eating Contest
2-3 Cans of Whipped Cream (Spray cans)
1 Paper Plates per child
Make a semi-circle with the kids.
Give each child a paper plate and have them set the plate in front of them
Have each child lay on the grass...on their stomach.
Start on both ends and squirt some whipped cream on each plate (you may want to squirt a smaller amount on the younger kids' plates.
Have each child put their hands behind their backs
When the whistle blows, the kids must lick their plates clean.
Small prize for the first one done. Consider a prize for 1st-3rd and 5th-6th or however your group is organized.
Paper plates are picked up and tossed in the trash before games resume
Musical Cream Pie Face
Whipped Cream - 3 Tubs
Foil Pie Pans - 3
Music (Cell phone with music will work fine)
Children will form a circle and pass a pie pan filled with whipped cream around the circle while the music plays…once the music stops…the child stuck with the pan of whipped cream will shove the pan in their own face...or in the face of the person to their left or right. (Make up your own rules)
You may also form several small circles if you choose.
Pie pans in the trash before games resume.
Silly String Wars (Optional)
1-2 Cans of Silly String Per Person (You can also provide one and ask the children to bring one...but don't count on them bringing it...they often will not)
Give your list of rules
Have children select a can of silly string and remove the cap.
Have them throw the cap in the trash
Instruct them to bring back their empty can to receive a second can.
Blow the whistle when it is time for the activity to begin
Blow whistle when it is time to end the activity and bring their empty cans to the trash.
Play does not continue until all trash is picked up
Face Painting…No hands
Tempera Paint - Several paper plates with a small amount of paint...2-3 colors each)
Paper Plates- 1 Per 2 man team
Art Brushes - 1 Per Person
Have children select a partner up (2 man teams)
Give each person a small art brush (cheap brushes)
Give each team a paper plate with tempera paint on it.
Object...To paint your partner’s face without using your hands…use your mouth to hold the paintbrush and paint their face.
Have Paper towels handy to wipe your eyes. (Trade-off when done…using a clean paintbrush)
*** Pudding Face –You will need the following: a blindfold, a bowl of chocolate pudding, and plastic spoons.
Select partners. Have one person sit in a chair with their partner standing behind them. The standing partner will wear the blindfold. When you say, "Go!" the blindfolded students must feed the pudding to their partners from behind. The first ones to drain the bowl wins.
Add your own activities...I normally use anything that I have left over in my storage closet such as confetti cannons, confetti eggs, etc. I also add events that will go with my theme for the summer...such as slime...to go with our Slime Zone summer, etc.
Food
Like all summer outdoor activities...simple is better.
If you have a snow cone machine, consider serving snow cones with all the flavors mixed together (like the paint).
If you do not have a snow cone machine then consider purchasing simple ice pops or multi-colored popsicles.
If you have extra cheese balls handy...give them a cut of cheese balls.
Keep your summer as easy as possible...you have lots of BIG summer activities coming up!
Be Prepared
Not all children are the same.
Keep in mind that not all children are the same. You may have some children show up who do not want to get wet or dirty. Grab a small "emergency" tote with a lid that you take to all of your summer events. Add a couple of coloring books, crayons, bubbles, a jump rope or two, sidewalk chalk, etc. to your tote. Place it in an area where the kids cannot see it. Bring it out only if needed.
All children are different...all churches are different...Plan for the best event ever but prepare for the worst.
Have a few extra games in mind just in case you finish early or the kids get tired of doing what you have planned. You do not have to drag out more stuff...just plan some extra activities using the items that you brought or some "no supplies" needed for group games.
Do not try to cram everything that you have planned into one evening. Let the kids be your guide. Are they having fun? Leave them alone. Are they bored? Toss in an extra game or two and then resume your planned activities. Occasionally the kids will start a game of their own...if they are having fun...let them play! No evening is a failure if the children are having fun!
Messy Ideas
Scream and Shout - Paint Wars
Scream and Shout School is Out
Paint Wars
Get ready for fun...fun...fun with a Super Messy Paint Wars.
This event is one of our kid's absolute favorites...they insist on it every summer.
I have done paint wars for years and it is the one event that my kids ask for again and again and again.
Over the years, I have added a few extra activities such as a paint water balloon fight, powder paint wars etc. but it remains basically the same...why change a good thing?
It's summertime...which means that it is time for one of the messiest events of the year.
Your kids will absolutely LOVE this event! I guarantee it!
Paint
All paint is washable tempera paint. Although it washed off of hands and hair, it does not wash out of clothing. Make sure that parents know to dress the kids in old clothing (and shoes) that WILL get stained.
The paint will not stain or harm the grass. You will NOT have to spray/wash/rinse the grass afterward.
I purchase paint by the gallon. I normally choose 3-4 colors. Water is added to make it go a long way.
All paint will be watered down so if you find some paint that has thickened, (older) it will be perfect! The brilliance of the paint will depend on how much you have watered it down. In reality, the kids do not care about how bright the color is...they just like to get messy!
Mixing the Paint
You will need one 5-gallon bucket, one 5-gallon paint stir stick, and one item to dip the paint with (I just use a solo cup for dipping) per paint color.
Pour an approx one-half gallon of paint into each bucket (1 bucket per color).
Fill the rest of the bucket with water.
Use your stir stick (or any stirring item) to mix the paint and water together.
Stir the paint once again right before the fun begins.
Note: You will be able to add more water to the bucket of paint in order to stretch the paint further. When the bucket is about half empty, Just add water and stir again.
If the bucket of paint gets too low, you may have to add a little more paint.
Colored Powder Paint Wars
If you are going to add a powder paint war to your event, you can either purchase your powder paint online or create your own by using corn starch.
Tip: If you are making your own colored powder, make it weeks, even months in advance so that you are not working under pressure when you are preparing for your event.
There are several instructions and tutorials online. Simply search for colored powder.
The following are a couple of tutorials that I have found.
https://www.inspirationmadesimple.com/2016/06/diy-colored-powder-fast/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgzRafKvpqI
Water Balloon Wars
If you are going to add a water balloon war, you will need to purchase water balloons and fill them in advance. Place filled balloons in 5-gallon buckets
Water Hose
Make sure to have enough water hose to reach the buckets of paint. It is much easier to run a hose to the buckets than to carry a 5-gallon bucket of paint to the playing area.
Use the same water hose to rinse the kids off at the end of the evening.
Eye protection
Each child will need eye protection. Request that they bring eye protection, swim goggles or safety glasses. Have plenty available in case they forget theirs. You can purchase some safety glasses at the dollar store for $1 per pair...hardware department
Towels
Ask the parent to bring two old towels. One is for the child to use during the event (if they get cold, etc) the other will be for the car seat.
We always use a water hose and spray the kids off after the event however, they will not have paint on them however, and they will be wet.
Suggestion: Plan ahead: Request old bath towel donations from your church members. I always keep an old tote full of towels for our summer activities. They come in VERY handy.
White T-Shirts
I ask the parents to dress their children in an old white t-shirt. Once the t-shirt is washed, it will be a beautiful tie-dyed shirt...a one-of-a-kind memory of your event.
Gather the following items
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Paint/Water Shooters - $1.00 at most stores (1 Per Child - Plus a few extras in case of breakage)
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2 Plastic (Solo) cup per child (have some extras handy in case one breaks)
-
1 - 1" paintbrush per child (You can purchase these in the Wal-Mart paint section...cheap!)
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2-3 Rolls of paper towels (I always give each child 1-2 towels that they tuck inside their waistband in case they have paint drip into their mouths, ears, eyes, or anywhere else that they do not like it. They simply pull out their towel and wipe off the drip...saves the children coming to you each time they need to be wiped off)
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Large Trash can (with liner). This is where the kids will drop their cups and paper towels when finished...saves a lot of pickups afterward.
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1- 5 Gallon bucket (half full) of water. This is where the kids will drop their brushes when finished.
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1- 5 Gallon bucket (half full) of water. This is where the kids will wash their eye protection when needed.
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Eye protection (all children)
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Old bath towels
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Your 5-gallon buckets of paint (pre-mixes), stir stick, and dipping utensil.
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Water hose
Extra Items to Gather if Adding a Powder Paint Wars
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Bags of powder paint
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Solo cups (1 per child)
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Plastic spoon (1 per child)
Extra Items to Gather if Adding a Water Balloon Fight
-
Balloons that have been filled with water
-
Plastic Wal-Mart bags (1 Per Child...to hold their balloons)
For more fun ideas, check out this Paint Wars Link
Scream and Shout - Kool Aid
Scream and Shout School is Out
Fruit of the Spirit Kool-Aid Wars
Anyone working with children knows that the word "CHILDREN" and "FRAGRANT" are two words that are seldom used together.
However, when you mix kids with Kool-Aid...add a little water, and a few $1.00 water shooters…that's exactly what you get!
"Kool-Aid Wars" is a glorified water gun fight...that smells divine!
Strawberry, grape, orange, and cherry scents will fill the air as kids are drenched with the yummy scent of Kool-Aid.
The cost for this event is minimal.
The clean-up is minimal.
A few packages of Kool-Aid and a $1.00 water shooter
for each child and the battle is on!
Make sure to save your water shooters...they can be used again and again!
It is always a good idea to purchase your shooters at the beginning of Summer. They disappear fast!
Pick up a few extra in case of breakage.
The shooters are durable...but they do occasionally break.
You will also need a few 5-gallon buckets and a water hose for this event!
I normally store the water shooters in one or two of the buckets
after the event.
Before We Begin
A Kool-Aid Battle is all about good, cool, fragrant fun!
Plan a Kool-Aid Battle during the summer months...a great "cooling off" event with a twist.
Water Shooters
Water shooters are normally $1.00 each. You can sometimes find packages of 5 at a discount price. Purchase at Wal-Mart, The Dollar Store, or other discount stores.
WORD TO THE WISE...Purchase your water shooters as soon as they become available in the stores (summer merchandise). They will sell out quickly! (purchase extras and replace them as needed. They are long-lasting however, they WILL break sooner or later.
Eye Protection
Eye protection - If you use eye protection for this event, it will need to be swim goggles. Glasses will not stay on.
You can purchase swim goggles (if you have a budget for them) or ask children to bring their own.
If you purchase goggles, make sure to collect, wash, dry, and store them in an area that does not get too hot or too cold. (plastic straps can become brittle if exposed to too much heat or cold)
Buckets
You will need several 5-gallon buckets filled with water. The number will depend on how many children you have.
I normally figure 5-6 kids per bucket.
Keep in mind though...children are allowed to run to any bucket.
If we are still social distancing, you may want to have more buckets and more rules. I will not be covering social-distancing rules here...I will leave that planning up to you.
Kool-Aid
Strawberry, Grape, Orange...any fruity-smelling flavors.
Figure 3 packages of Kool-Aid per 5-gallon bucket of water. Make sure to purchase extra for
re-filling buckets
Don't forget to pick up some 5-gallon paint sticks (or a long handle wooden spoon, etc) to stir the kool-aid with.
Water Hose
It is a good idea to have a long water hose attached to the hydrant. It is much easier to stretch the hose to every 5-gallon bucket to refill than to carry them to their location.
Full buckets are heavy!
I purchased a good quality...lightweight expandable hose...super lightweight and durable. I did not purchase one of the cheap ones as they will only last a short while.
I just toss it into a 5-gallon bucket when done and take it with me.
They are a little pricey so I purchased them myself and I keep them with me at all times...I have used it for three years so far and it is still in perfect shape.
Whistle
A whistle is always a great thing to have when playing outdoors
Let the Games Begin
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Hook up the water hose
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Place the 5-gallon buckets in place
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Fill the 5-gallon buckets with water
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Pour 3 packages of Kool-Aid into each bucket of water. (Prepare a bucket of grapes, a bucket of strawberries, a bucket of oranges, etc) DO NOT ADD SUGAR
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Stir each bucket of kool-aid (stir stick or wooden spoon)
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Explain your rules, boundaries, consequences for breaking rules, etc. (Hint...one of my rules was "no headshots". Of course there will be accidents and they can be overlooked unless it happens repeatedly by the same child.) My punishment was always time-outs...and don't e afraid to use them...It lets them know that rules are important. 5-minute penalties are sufficient. We want them to have fun...and 5 minutes will seem like an eternity.
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Pass out water shooters (AFTER you have given them the rules otherwise they will be playing with them and not listening to the rules...believe me on this one!
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Blow the whistle to start play
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Stand back and enjoy the fun... don't forget to take pics!
FOOD
Food is not necessary for a Kool-Aid battle event however, it is the perfect time for fruity snow cones, popsicles, or Kool-Aid (optional)
BE PREPARED
It is always a good idea to have some games in mind...just in case your kids get bored.
I rarely have to use any of my prepared games but they are a lifesaver when I do.
I make a list of ideas and have it handy at all times.
If the kids get a little bored, we play a game or two and then go back to the original activity.
These game ideas should be things that require little or no extra supplies.
HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS!
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Continue with the same game but have a boys VS girls competition.
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Continue with the same game but instead of it being a free-for-all divide up into teams
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Line the kids up side by side...all facing the same direction...with shooters loaded, have them hold their shooters up (or out) and see how far they can shoot...perfect picture opportunity
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Pool noodle battles - I always cut pool noodles in half and let the kids battle each other (no headshots)
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Take along some solo cups and set them up (upside down) for the kids to knock over with their water shooters...team competition, etc.
Any time the kids seem to have too much time on their hands...throw in a competition or two and then go back to playing!
PICS
Take Pics, Take Pics, Take Pics!
Take short video clips, take short video clips, take short video clips!
If you have extra help, assign the picture-taking duties to someone else!
CANDID SHOTS ARE GREAT!!!
I always took TONS of pics and then made a quick video with music behind it and played it on Sunday morning for the kids to see.
Builds excitement and increases attendance for the next week.
Extra Help
This activity is very, very, very easy to do. Very little setup and very little clean-up. But extra help is always a plus. This is a great event to ask a few of your youth boys or girls to help with!
Clean Up
Clean-up is a snap!
When the event is over, just have the kids toss their shooters into one of the empty 5-gallon buckets, their goggles into a second bucket, roll up your hose, toss any trash and you're done.
I always have a hose available for any child wanting to hose off before getting into their car...but it really isn't necessary with this event.
Supply List
Water Hose
5-Gallon Buckets (1 per every 5-6 Kids)
Kool-Aid - Fruity Flavors (3 packets per 5-gallon bucket)
5 Gallon Bucket Stir Sticks (or wooden spoons)
Water Shooters - 1 per child (plus a few extras in case of breakage)
Swim goggles - Optional
Whistle
If you are planning any boredom-buster games, you will need to add those supplies to your list.
If you are planning any snacks, you will need to add those supplies to your list.
For more fun ideas, check out this Kool-Aid Wars Link
Scream and hout - Bubble Night
Scream and Shout - School is Out - Giant Bubble Night
What could be more fun than bubbles, bubbles, bubbles? GIANT Bubbles!
Get ready for an entire evening of nothing but bubbles.
Bubble Barrels
Bubble Pool
Super-Duper Giant Bubbles
Grape Soda "POP"
Bubble Gum "Bubble Blowing" Competition
and POP-sicles
Bubble Barrels
1 - 55 Gallon Drum (Barrel)
A Leaf Blower or Shop-Vac (One that blows air OUT!)
A long hose (Shop Vac Hose)
Baby Shampoo or Bubble Bath
Ratchet Strap or Rope...or both!
A Large Beach Towel
Duck Tape
Fill the barrel half full of Water, Add Soap (More Soap/More Bubbles), Place Hose into the Barrel, and place the towel over the top of the barrel. Place the ratchet strap (or rope) around the barrel and around the towel...catching all edges. Tighten the ratchet strap tightly. Turn on the leaf blower/shop vac.
If you have a lot of children consider preparing more than one barrel.
You can prepare everything in advance and simply move the hose from one barrel to the other when ready to fire up another barrel.
If you have a lot of helpers, consider rotating the children between the activities so that everyone is not trying to do the same activity at the same time.
Giant Bubbles - Wands
Small, Medium, and Large Bubble Wands
Several 5 Gallon Buckets
Bubble Powder
Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
I purchased my bubble wands and bubble powder from
http://www.bigbubblecompany.com/
Small Bubble Wand (30" top rope on 18" sticks) - $8.00
Medium Bubble Wand (36" top rope on 36" sticks) - $10.00
Large Bubble Wand (48" top rope on 48" sticks) - $12.00
Mix w 9oz liquid Dawn
Single One Gallon Magic Bubble Powder Mix - $3.00
Triple One Gallon Magic Bubble Powder Mix (Save $1
$8.00
Mix w 24oz liquid Dawn
Event Magic Bubble Powder (to make 3 gallons)
$6.00
I have seen websites that teach you how to make your own wands. I have never tried this before however if you have some crafty people in your church...give it a try.
Bubble Pool
Purchase several gallon jugs of Bubbles.
You will need a Kiddy Pool and various sizes of bubble wands.
NOTE: BUBBLES ARE A SEASONAL ITEM...MAKE SURE TO PURCHASE ALL THE BUBBLES THAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR IN EARLY SPRING...AS SOON AS THEY HIT THE SHELVES!
Popsicles, Grape Soda "Pop"
Purchase
Popsicles
Grape Soda Pop - Cans or bottles - You will need some
Cups - if you purchase bottles.
Whistle
Any time you are playing outdoors, a whistle comes in very handy
Pictures
Take Pics, Pics, Pics! Take Pics, Take Pics, Take Pics!
Take short video clips, take short video clips, take short video clips!
If you have extra help, assign the picture-taking duties to someone else!
CANDID SHOTS ARE GREAT!!!
Make sure you have some extra help on hand.
A great event to ask your youth to help with!
Looking for some extra fun? Check this out!
https://planetshopper.co/products/new-amazing-giant-bubble-ball?pp=0&epik=dj0yJnU9Ujh4RE51U3ZkTGo2dFliMzR2SlJ4TGs2VVlIR2FwTUQmcD0xJm49LTVnQ2dyTkpDU2hMcl8wTmswQVRodyZ0PUFBQUFBRjcxM2kw
Fill with water or air!
I have not purchased one of these but I think they would
be a lot of fun!
Scream and Shout - Olympics
Scream And Shout School Is Out
Water Olympics
Intro
Get ready for a WET and WILD Evening!
With Water Olympics!
Good...Wet...Wild...Fun!
Hint: Download and print out all games onto heavy card stock and laminate.
You will use these games year after year
Sample Pics
Games
Game #1
There’s a hole in my bucket
Supplies:
2 identical pitchers with holes drilled in the sides
2 identical clear plastic totes – with a "fill line" marked on the side. I use blue painter's tape to mark the fill line
2 folding chairs
2 kiddy pools filled with water
2 water hoses – hooked up and ready to spray kids as they run past
Instructions
Place two folding chairs side by side (10' apart) on one end of the playing area.
Place the two kiddy pools on the opposite end of the playing area. (10' apart) You choose the playing field distance...50' is a good distance.
Divide the kids into two teams and have them stand in two lines (one behind the other). Each line will start on the outer side of the two chairs.
Select one person from each team to sit in the two chairs. (Make sure to select someone who does not mind water being poured over their head...you will see why later)
Place one plastic tote in each of their laps. (the sitting team members)
Hand a pitcher (with holes) to the first person in each line (each team).
The object of the game is to be the first team to fill their plastic tote (to the fill line)
On "GO" the first person will run to the pool, dip the leaky pitcher into the pool and then place the leaky pitcher on top of their head.
They must run to the plastic tote, lean over and pour the water into the tote (without taking it off of their head)
They will then hand the pitcher to the next person in line.
The first team to fill their tote wins.
The winning team will pick up their tote full of water and pour it onto the "chair" person's head.
Then the other team gets to pick up their tote and pour it over their "chair" person's head.
A new "chair" person is selected and the game continues until the kids get tired of playing.
GAME #2
Sponge Rally
Supplies:
2 kiddy pools filled with water
Large Sponges (6-8 per team)
2 Identical Clear Totes with a fill line marked with masking tape
Colored Masking Tape
2 water hoses – hooked up and ready to spray kids as they run past
Instructions
Pair off into teams
Mark off a 50' playing field with the two kiddy pools at one end (side by side) and the two plastic totes at the other end (side by side)
Line teams up starting at the pool and spanning the distance from the pool to the clear tote at the opposite end.
The first person will dip the sponge into the pool, toss it to the next person who tosses it to the next person, etc.
Once the first sponge gets halfway down the line, the first person dips a second sponge and tosses it also, then a third and fourth, etc.
When the sponges get to the end of the line; the last person squeezes out the water into the clear container.
When the water reaches the fill line, that team wins and the last person pours the container of water over his own head.
Game # 3
WET HEAD
Supplies
2 plastic water bottles
2 small paper cups (Small paper bathroom drink cups)
2 pairs of goggles
2 water hoses – hooked up and ready to spray kids as they run past
Instructions
Pair off into teams (2)
One person from each team is selected and lays on the ground (with goggles on) and holds a plastic bottle on their forehead.
The first person on each team runs to the pool with their small paper cup, dips the cup into the water, and runs back to the person lying on the ground.
They pour their cup of water into the bottle and hand off the cup to the next person in line.
Play continues until one bottle is filled and a winner is announced.
The person who was lying on the ground can now pour the bottle of water over their own head.
The game continues with a second-round etc. until kids are tired of the game or until everyone has rotated through.
Game # 4
Jump
Supplies
Long jump rope
Solo Cup
Water
For this game, children will fill a solo cup with water and take turns jumping rope. They must jump a total of 10 times each.
The child with the most water left in their cup wins.
Game # 5
Jump the Rope
Supplies: Plastic cups filled with water, a large jump rope
Everyone stands in a circle holding a cup of water.
One person stands in the center and spins the rope in a circle.
As the rope spins around, each child will jump over the rope…trying to save as much water as possible.
The person with the most water at the end of the game wins.
The person(s) hit by the rope is out.
Game # 6
Bucket Brigade
Supplies:
You will use many of the same supplies that you used for game
# 1 above
2 pitchers with holes drilled into the sides
2 kiddy pools filled with water
2 Identical clear totes with a fill line marked.
Colored Masking Tape - To mark the line on totes
A water hose – hooked up and ready to spray kids as they run past...optional... but adds lots of fun!
Instructions
Pair off into teams
Place the two pools side by side (10' apart) and fill them with water.
On the opposite end of the playing field, set the two plastic totes (10' apart)
Line teams up...starting at the pool and spanning the distance from the pool to the clear tote at the opposite end.
The first person dips the pitcher into the pool and fills it with water, they then hand it to the next person who hands it to the third, etc., etc.
Once the pitcher reaches the end of the line; the last person pours the pitcher of water into the clear container.
They have to pass it fast before all of the water leaks out!
The first team to fill their tote to the fill line wins.
Don't waste the water...let the children pick up the tote and pour it over someone's head!
GAME #7
Beach Towel Toss
Supplies:
Water Balloons
Large Towels
A water hose – hooked up and ready to spray kids as they run past (optional...adds fun)
Instructions
Divide up into teams of 8
Form two lines. Line up 4 members of one team across from the other 4 members of the same team.
Give each group a towel and instruct each member of the group to hold a corner of the towel.
One group will be given a water balloon and instructed to place the balloon in the center of the towel.
The water balloon is tossed from one group to another…back and forth…using the towel only…no touching the balloon.
The last team standing wins.
Game # 8
Water Toss
Supplies:
Zip-lock baggies half full of water
2 water hoses – hooked up and ready to spray kids as they run past
Instructions
Each person selects a partner. Two lines are formed with partners standing across from each other.
Toss the baggie back and forth. If a baggie is dropped, pick it up and continue.
A team is not out until the baggie actually breaks!
Game # 9
Water Balloon Squash
Supplies:
2 folding chairs
Water Balloons – 1 per child
1-2 water hoses – hooked up and ready to spray kids as they run past
Instructions
Pair off into teams
First-person on each team takes a water balloon, races to the folding chair, sit on the balloon, and pops it.
Once they pop their balloon, they race back to the starting line pick up another balloon, hand it to the next person in line and they repeat.
Game # 10
Human table
Supplies:
1 solo cup per child
Water hose or buckets/kiddy pool filled with water
Whistle
A watch or a stopwatch…anything to keep track of time
Divide into teams
One person from the team gets down on their hands and knees and forms a table.
Team members will fill their cups with water and place them on their teammate's backs.
The object is to see how many cups of water they can balance on their teammate's backs at one time.
Set a time limit.
When the time expires, the team with the most cups of water wins.
Switch around and play again until the children tire of the game.
Game # 11
Frosty Toes - Ice Cube Game
Supplies
A kiddy pool filled with water
Ice Cubes
Several Folding Chairs
Cooler for the ice cubes
Instructions:
Fill the kiddy pool with water
Pour ice cubes into a pool.
Children will sit in the folding chairs with their feet in the pool.
Children will attempt to pick up the ice cubes with their feet.
1-minute rounds.
The child or team with the most ice cubes wins.
Note: You can freeze some colored ice cubes by putting food coloring into the trays. Different colors could represent different point values.
Game # 12
Wet T-Shirt Relay
Supplies
2 - X-L T-Shirts- 1 per team (if you choose to have more than 2 teams, you will need extra T-shirts.
Buckets or kiddy pool filled with water
Orange Cones – 1 per team
Instructions:
Divide into teams (Relay).
Children will dunk a t-shirt into the water, put it on, run to the cone, circle it, run back to the water, remove the shirt, and toss it back into the water.
The next child repeats the actions.
The game continues until one team completes the tasks. This team is the winner.
GAME #13
Water Balloon Battle
Supplies
Water Balloons – 20 per child (or more)
20 plastic bags (Wal-Mart bags)
2 water hoses – hooked up and ready to spray kids as they run past (Optional...but adds lots of wet fun!)
Instructions
Give each person a plastic bag filled with water balloons.
Toss balloons at each other. Enjoy a water balloon fight.
After the water balloon fight, have each child take their bag and pick up the busted water balloons…It only takes a couple of minutes and saves you a lot of clean-up time.
GAME #14
Chip Away
The Big Freeze
NOTE: In order to make a giant block of ice, you will need to start approx. 2 weeks in advance. Block will be frozen in stages so that there will be prizes throughout the block of ice.
Supplies:
Large Tub or tote
Water
Freezer space
Time: Approx. 2 weeks (to freeze ice)
Plastic frogs (or any plastic prizes that you would like to freeze inside of your block of ice)
Squirt guns (To use to help melt the ice away and win a prize)
Plastic knives (To chip ice away)
To create your giant block of ice, you will need a large tub or tote…make sure that the container that you use is larger on the top than on the bottom or you will not be able to remove your block of ice from the container.
Start by adding 3-4” of water to your tub.
Add a few plastic frogs
Freeze for 2 days.
After you have waited 2 days, add an additional 3-4” of water and a few more frogs.
Freeze for 2 more days.
Continue until your tub is full!
You set your own rules….kids can chip ice away with plastic knives or use the squirt guns to melt the ice away.
Make sure to set the ice block in a sunny spot so that the sun will help with the ice melting too.
If you choose, you can bring the water hose around and give it a few squirts to help melt the ice as well.
Game 15
Slip and Slide (Water or Paint Slide)
Slip and Slide
Purchase a large piece of Visqueen plastic and create your own slip-and-slide activity...kids love it! For instructions on how to create your own slide, click on the link above.
Scream andShout - Water Shootout
Scream and Shout School is Out
The Great Water Shootout
Have your kiddo's round-up their Water Blasters, Water Guns, Water Shooters, Squirt Bottles of anything that will squirt water and get ready for "The Great Water Shoot Out"
Provide the water, a few $1.00 shooters for those who show up without them and a playing field and you are ready to go!
The cost for this event is minimal.
The clean up is minimal.
The fun is maximum!
Make sure to save your water shooters...they can be used again and again!
It is always a good idea to purchase your shooters at the beginning of Summer. They disappear fast!
Pick up a few extra in case of breakage.
The shooters are durable...but they do occasionally break.
You will also need a few 5-gallon buckets and a water hose for this event!
I normally store the water shooters in one or two of the buckets
after the event.
Paint Slip and Slide
Scream and Shout School is Out
Paint Slip and Slide
This Slip and slide event is very versatile. It can be done as a stand-alone event or as part of the paint wars event.
It is a perfect way to end the Paint wars event as the paint will get rinsed off during play.
I have done this event both ways.
It can also be done as a simple slip and slide event with no paint.
A few answers before we begin
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I normally do this event during the summer and it is part of our Mid-Week Adventures (Wednesday night) event...which is always fun, always messy! This even can be done as part of the "Paint wars" event or it can be a stand-alone event.
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Paint DOES NOT stain skin
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Paint DOES stain clothing.
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Paint DOES not stain or damage the grass. It will wash right into the ground...along with the water.
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Tarp will kill the grass if you do not take it up after the event. Do not leave it on the grass overnight.
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I encourage the kids to wear swim goggles but I do not enforce it with this event. Paint is diluted so it does not hurt the eyes however dishwashing liquid will sting if it gets into their eyes. Consider using baby shampoo instead of dishwashing liquid.
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ALWAYS inform your parents that their kids WILL be getting messy. Although this event IS messy, the paint will wash off easily. If you stop adding paint to the slide for the last 5 minutes, they will probably be clean by the time the event ends.
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Water hose comes in handy for last-minute kid cleanups.
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Have the parents send their child in an old white t-shirt. They will have a one of a kind masterpiece when finished.
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Have the parents bring a towel for their child and a towel for their car seat...just in case.
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Kids DO NOT change clothing to go home. They come in old clothing, bring a towel and go home wet...just as they would from the pool.
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If a parent want's to change their child's clothing, the child cannot be dripping when entering the church and the parent has to take them to change.
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Allowing a 5-minute drying off time before they go home is good (snack time/dry off time)
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Plastic is re-usable if you allow it to dry. Rince the tarp off, roll it up, place inside a 5-gallon bucket, layout to dry the next day. I set mine out on the driveway and flip it over a time or two to dry. Make sure to weight it down or it will fly away.
Before We Begin
Tarp, Stakes, Traffic Cones
Purchase a thick roll of Visqueen plastic. You can purchase this at any hardware store or at Wal-Mart. I have also heard of others using an old vinyl billboard however, I have never tried it.
I reinforce all four corners with 6-8 pieces of duck tape (about 6" long...one on top of the other) then I use tent stakes to stake it down. Just center the stake in the center of the tape and pound a hole through the tape.
Make sure to hammer the stakes into the ground far enough so that you cannot see or feel them. I normally place an orange cone over the stake and have someone stand over the cone to stop any child that is sliding too close to the stake...just as an added precaution. After the event, the ground will be soaked and the stakes can be removed easily by using the claw end of a hammer.
Garden Hose
Run a garden hose to the tarp.
Paint and Bottles
If you are doing a simple slip-and-slide with no paint then you can skip this section
Prepare several squirt bottles (empty dishwashing liquid bottles work great...just flip the lid and squirt the paint onto the tarp) ask church members to start saving them months before the event)
Fill the bottles with approx 1/3 (tempera) paint, and approx 2/3 water and shake to mix...add 1-2 squirts of baby shampoo and slowly rotate the bottle back and forth a few times to mix...do not shake.
Place the prepared paint bottles into a 5-gallon bucket for easy handling.
Note: For your best value, purchase gallon jugs of tempera paint.
If you only want to do a one-color water slide then purchase 1 gallon per approx
100 kids. If you want to use more colors then purchase smaller bottles that add up to 1 gallon. The paint will be watered down so it will go further than you think.
Budget saver: If you are like most leaders, you will have several bottles of leftover Tempra paint...grab them, add some water, and a squirt of baby shampoo, and use them up.
Whistle
A whistle is always a great thing to have when playing outdoors
Let the Games Begin
As the Children Begin to Arrive:
Send everyone to the restroom...there is always that one kid who will need to go to the restroom...even if your event is for one hour.
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While there are in the restroom, water down the tarp
-
Squirt a little baby shampoo on the tarp in advance...and any time that the slide needs to be a little more slippery.
4. Explain rules (make up your own rules. Make sure a "no running on the tarp" rule is included. Once they hit the slick tarp, they will fall. Just run, land on your stomach (at the start of the tarp), and slide.
5. Squirt some paint/water/baby shampoo mixture (squirt bottles) on the tarp
6. Blow the whistle to start play
7. Make sure a steady spray of water is hitting the tarp and add paint as needed for fun and mess.
Food? Dry Off Time
Stop the games 5-10 minutes before the ending time.
Pass out popsicles and allow the kids to dry off (in the sun) while enjoying their popsicles.
Be Prepared
Have several different games in mind in case the kids get bored.
Suggestions:
-
Who can slide the furthest
-
Who is the messiest at the end of the night
-
Most colorful T-shirt at the end of the evening
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Line the kids up along the church...backs to the wall (or faces to the wall if you choose) tell them to strike a pose and hold it while you hose them down. When they step away from the wall, their shadows will make a mural on the wall. Works on brick or rock-type walls. Will not work on metal or vinyl siding. Try it out in advance to make sure it works on your church exterior.
-
Don't try to do all the activities that you have planned. Use these as fillers only! Don't ruin your evening by trying to cram everything in. Have easy...no (or little) prep work "extra activities" in mind.
Pics
Take Pics, Take Pics, Take Pics!
Take short video clips, take short video clips, take short video clips!
If you have extra help, assign the picture-taking duties to someone else!
CANDID SHOTS ARE GREAT!!!
Extra Help
This activity is very, very, very easy to do. Very little setup and very little clean-up.
When the event is over, just spray off your tarp, use a claw hammer to pull up the stakes, roll up the tarp, and place it in a 5-gallon bucket until the next day. The following day, spread out your tarp on the driveway or pavement to dry.
If you are not keeping your tarp then simply roll it up and toss it in the dumpster.
Make sure you have some extra help on hand.
Great event to ask your youth to help with!
Supply List
-
Water Hose
-
Roll of thick Visqueen plastic
-
Duck tape (Can use for patches if there is a hole in the plastic)
-
Tent stakes
-
Hammer (Claw Hammer)
-
Orange Cones
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1 gallon of brightly colored tempera paint (If you want to use different colors then purchase enough smaller bottles to add up to 1 gallon total. 1 gallon of watered down paint should be enough for approx 100 kids) You can always use the leftover paint for a paint wars event.
-
1-2 Gallon Buckets
-
Baby Shampoo
-
Empty dish washing liquid (or any type squirt bottle) bottles
-
Blow up raft or ring if you choose to use one for sliding
-
Whistle
-
Popsicles
-
Extra old towels (a good idea to have a few on hand) I keep a tote filled with old towels for summer activities...ask your church members for old towels...they will have plenty.
Scream a nd Shout - Mestival
Scream And Shout School Is Out
The Great Mestival Event - All Things Messy
A Mestival Event is basically the messiest activity that you can imagine...an "All Things Messy" event.
The devotion for this event is "Trusting God through the Messiest
times of our lives"...so you want to think MESSY!
This is your opportunity to get away with some of the things that you have always wanted to do...but were afraid to try.
It is also a way to use up all of the leftover "Scream and Shout" supplies from the past few weeks and incorporate them into new activities.
For this Mestival event, I chose a food theme with the main attraction being a huge Food Fight!
I have also done a mud theme...where our Pastor brought in a huge load of sifted dirt and we did all kinds of mud activities. I will post a couple of pictures of this event at the bottom of the page.
Choose games from the list below...or create your own!
Food Fight
Get ready for the world's messiest "Food Fight"
Prior to your event, ask your members to check their refrigerators and pantries for bottles or cans of food that have expired.
Ketchup, mustard, chocolate syrup, mayonnaise, soy sauce, pudding, jello, marshmallows, spaghetti sauce, etc...anything that has passed its expiration date.
Check with your local grocer for anything that they would be willing to donate as well.
Prepare a few items of your own to incorporate into the mix.
Here is a short item of things that work well as base items.
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Beans - Cooked
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Pasta - Cooked
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Instant Potatoes - Prepared
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Oatmeal - Prepared
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Corn, peas, etc.
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All condoments...no hot sauces or things that will burn.
Ask each child to bring an item to add to the food fight.
There will be those who may complain about wasting food...and I understand completely. This is why you look for out-of-date items.
How does it work?
This food fight is not like most food fights that you have seen in the past...oh no!
For this food fight, you grab a large tub/container and toss all of your items into the tub...and give it a good stir.
Let the kids do this part....they LOVE IT!
It is Oooey...it is Gooey...it is Slimy...and it smells!
Perfect!
Each child will receive:
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A Red Solo Cup full of Oooey, Gooey...magic food slime
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One Plastic spoon for flipping food
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Goggles (safety glasses) if desired
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Hairnet (if desired) you can purchase a huge bag of these at a beauty supply store for a reasonable price...they are good to have on hand for other events.
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Children will fill their cups and the fight will begin!
Refills are allowed
You can switch up your food fight any way that you would like!
Guess The Food - Body Part
Place the following items inside a brown paper bag
(separate bag for each item)
Write the name of the body part on the outside of the bag.
Choose one bag at a time and pass it down the row...allow the children to stick their hands inside the bag to feel the body part.
Pick and choose which body part you want to use...and how many you would like to do.
OPTION 2
Create a bag for each child. The bag will contain several "body parts."
Call off a body part
Kids
stick their hand inside the bag...without looking and find the item that they think is the correct body part.
Once everyone has found what they think is the correct body part, they close their eyes and on the count of three, pull out the body part and eat it!
Eye Ball – Peeled Grapes
Intestines – Spaghetti
Nose – Cut hot dogs
Teeth – Popcorn Kernels
Blood – Warm unset Jello
Brain –CowLiver
Dried Ear – Dried Apple
Kidney – Chicken Liver
Fingernails – Sliced Almonds
Toes – Baby Carrots
Heart – Chicken Breast
Hard boil eggs, remove the shell, cut in half, and remove the yolk, add a little oil and you could have slimy eye sockets
Turkey neck bone – Neck Bone
A glove filled with water for a hand
Alphabet Soup
Split your group into several teams....or do this as an individual activity.
Give each team or player a paper plate (2-3 each) and a couple of cans of alphabet soup, or for a less messy option, give them a paper plate filled with Alphabet cereal.
Each team must sift through the goo and spell as many words as they can.
Give them a set amount of time...the team or person with the most words wins.
Spaghetti Stuff
Set out small paper plates with spaghetti and sauce. (1 per child). Spaghetti or sauce does not have to be hot...just room temp.
Use a small amount of spaghetti...lots of messy sauce!
Explain that the first person to finish their spaghetti wins.
The Catch?
They must eat their spaghetti with their hands behind their backs! No spoons, no forks!
Whistle and Burp
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Invite three couples to take part in this simple game.
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Ask them to sit together at the front of the group.
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Give each of the boys five crackers and give each of the girls a can of coke. On the signal, the boys must eat the crackers as fast as possible and then whistle a pre-selected tune to the satisfaction of the rest of the group.
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They then hand over to their partner (girl) who must drink the coke and then burp audibly.
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The first couple to finish wins a packet of crackers and a can of coke!
Wheelbarrow Munchies
Divide up into teams. Teams will choose who will do the wheeling i.e. holding the other person's legs while they balance on their hands and who will be the wheelbarrow.
The object of the game is for the "wheeler" to wheel their partner from one end of the playing field to the finishing line at the other end.
Sounds easy...but wait!
The "wheelbarrow" must eat a number of things along the course i.e. gummy worms, marshmallows, whipped cream etc.
Make sure the food is placed on clean paper plates.
Try doing it again, but this time blindfold the wheelbarrow.
Don't forget to take some photographic evidence!
Baby Food Game
Line up several jars of baby food (or use a paper plate, place a spoon full of baby food in one area of the plate and place a number beside it. Continue adding more baby food and more numbers. You can add several different flavors to each plate by numbering them).
Let the children sample each food and then on the count of 3 they can shout out what they think it is.
Find The Worm - Pudding Eating Contest
Place a gummy worm on each paper plate (1 per child). Put a spoon of chocolate pudding on top of the worm.
Children will put their hands behind their backs and dive into the pudding.
The first one to find the worm and pull it out wins.
Continue the contest by having the children eat their pudding... the first one finished...plate licked clean wins!
You can substitute the pudding with whipped cream.
If you want to take this event even further, check out our Mud Days. Information on this event can be found on the event's page.
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