Clean-up Day

To clean up an area around the church or other community area (park, community center, and so on)

The children will understand that we are all members of God's community and that service to God's community is important to the Catholic faith.

• Large garbage bags
• Plastic gloves

• Ahead of time, locate a safe area near your meeting space that is in need of a ?spring? clean-up.
• Ask chaperones to help if your place requires a walk. (You may also want to check with your Church's policy on permission slips.)
• Explain to the children that it is everybody's responsibility to care for others. One way we do this is by cleaning up around us. Explain that the group is going to help pick up garbage for the church or neighborhood community.
• Explain that picking up is a practical way to act on God's invitation in everyday living.
• Once in the designated area, arrange the children in groups. Give each group a garbage bag and enough gloves for each child. Ask the children to concentrate in different areas and pick up the garbage.
• Explain that this action, as a service to their community, exemplifies God's love in everyday life.

Body Smart, Nature Smart