Rotation.org's Ideas for Conducting Better Easter Egg Hunts
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It goes without saying that Easter Egg Hunts are about OUTREACH, and can be a lot of work. That's why you want to maximize their potential by doing more than just having kids run around looking for candy.
- Create a "promotional item" such as a plastic cup with the church's name and worship services on it. Give those out at the free drinks table.
- Consider doing all or part of the hunt INDOORS so that visitors can see the inside of your building.
- Have the Youth Group create an Easter Story Walk-Through (like an Advent manger scene but at stations).
- Offer free hot dogs, chips and drinks to give people a reason to stick around after the hunt.
- Divide hunts and hunting areas by age group so the older kids don't trample the younger ones.
- Create an age limit of 10 and invite older kids to be helpers.
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- Do not let parents pick up eggs or point them out to children over the age of 2 as they will become the hunters and may cause other parents to complain. Instead, have a viewing area marked off.
- Have "helpers" with full pockets on the look-out for kids who might need something dropped near them.
- Do not fill the plastic eggs. Instead, keep them empty and allow kids to "exchange" their eggs for candy at a candy and prize table. You can even color-code the candy with the egg colors. Include healthy snacks.
- Have a craft table where kids can create an Easter craft before and after the hunt.
- Have an exciting Easter story-telling time prior to the hunt when you have a captive audience.
- Have traffic attendants in the parking lot to keep cars and kids from colliding.
- Have a portable PA system, and make sure the pastor welcomes everyone.
- Scout out when other egg hunts may be taking place in your community so that you are not competing with them.
- If you have a children's choir, invite them to sing a song before the Hunt.
- Suggest a voluntary "admission fee" of one canned good per child or $1 that will be given to a local food bank.
- Ask your local dentist for sample tooth-brushes and toothpaste to distribute.
