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Summer is a beautiful time to step into creation to learn about the Creator! During these summer months, try some of these popular activities — nature walks, beach trips, service projects — to help initiate and develop faith conversations with your children.

• Plant seeds of faith — literally! Gardening is a great way to teach about faith, as plants and faith both have seeds that grow. Jesus Himself used seeds and plants as metaphors for faithful Christian living.
• Hand out bottled water (or popsicles) to people you see outside. Workers, walkers and people who are homeless would all appreciate a kind gesture of and cool treat.
• Our area has many beautiful walking and hiking trails, for all levels! Use a nature walk or a hike as an opportunity to teach your kids about God’s abundant goodness and creation. Notice the warmth of the sun and the sounds of the animals, and thank God for everything. If you have older kids, talk about the particulars of how amazing aspects of God’s creation are as you walk. With younger children, focus on reminding them that God made everything!
• Teach your children about charity. Have them set up a lemonade stand in your driveway or neighborhood, and choose a ministry to support. Proceeds will go to the chosen ministry.
• Take time to talk about the important people in your children’s lives and be sure to express that gratitude. Consider grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, classmates, teachers, friends, mentors, priests and neighbors. Write a thank you note to each person. Kids can choose a Bible verse that expresses thanks or encouragement for each person. This is a great activity for a rainy summer day.
• Create a prayer table in your home. Decorate it with your favorite picture/statue of Jesus, Mary or the saints. If you don’t have a cross, you can make a mosaic one with colored tissue paper and glue and beads — or simply use construction paper and color!
• Make a family prayer board and write on it all the people and intentions you’re praying for right now.

By Andrea DePaola