Following on from previous posts about avoiding paper based crafts in children’s ministry settings this post will look at how we can use edible crafts as an alternative.

There are several great reasons why edible activities are worth trying with kids. One of the most obvious is that children LOVE to cook and LOVE to eat what they cook. In many homes these days children are not encouraged into the kitchen so the opportunity to cook is greeted enthusiastically. Admittedly, preparing food with kids does need some wisdom and preparation, including careful consideration of allergies etc. But it’s worth it.

Edible crafts also mean that there are no unwanted crafts being tossed in the bin, it is eaten, shared and memories made in the meantime. It also allows you the opportunity to do some basic education about healthy eating, or developing independence. Depending on where your ministry is, these may be important lessons for the children you are serving.

So how can you link a faith lesson or content with an edible craft? It depends on the subject matter. Once in a children’s ministry I was involved in we cooked for a whole term in the lead-up to Easter. As Easter is a festive time of year we made a range of related items and explored the themes both commercial and Biblical behind Easter. We made ‘resurrection buns’, ‘hot-cross buns’. ‘no-more-easter bunny cookies’ etc. As the cooking sessions progressed we added recipes to a cookbook the children then took home at the end of the term.

On the other hand, it’s sometimes worth cooking something that has no relation to the lesson subject at all. There is shared fellowship around a meal – even if it’s just a snack – and fellowship is crucial part of life as a follower of Jesus. Because of this cooking can occasionally be used as an activity for no other reason than to enjoy each other’s company and thank God for his provisions.

Here are some things you may need to think through before you consider using edible craft in your program:

• Are there any allergies you need to cater for? (This is VERY important.)
• How will you monitor hygiene and safety? Will you use individual portions for each child etc?
• What ‘kitchen’ resources do you have? If you do not have access to an oven, you may still be able to make no-bake items, or bring in portable cooking devices. Eg. we once cooked donuts in a leader’s deep-fryer machine.
• Will your food item match or compliment the lesson? Does it need to?
• How many volunteers have you got? Do you need to invite some extra helpers?
• How will you structure the lesson so the children feel secure knowing what to do when, and you maintain the order required?

Happy cooking!

Penny

Have you missed any of the posts in this series? Here are the links to the previous ones…
Something to take home #1
Something to take home #2 – Crafts that keeps!