I am always looking for new ideas and this book fit the bill perfectly! I loved it and I am quite certain that I will be referring to it as we plan more and more projects.
This book has a simple, easy-to-read format. The first section is a couple chapters of why and how. The second section has 52 projects laid out in 2-3 pages with what the project is, how to adapt it for littles and for teens, what to discuss to make it more meaningful, and ideas if you want to make it an LDS "Family Home Evening". I liked how easy it was to quickly flip through and see what projects might be good for my family before I read from cover to cover. I really liked the questions to discuss with your kids, because I think for kids to really understandwhat they are doing, this is such a huge part of any project! I also liked that each project starts with a relevant quote. Some that were new to me are now included in my favorite quotes:
"Charity should begin at home, but it should not stay there." - Phillips Brooks, Episcopal Bishop
"Make it a rule . . . never, if possible, to lie down at night without being able to say, 'I have made one human being at least a little wiser, a little happier or a little better this day'." - Charles Kingsley, novelist
"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." -Mother Teresa
Many of the outcomes of service that she describes in this book are things that I have already discovered as we have served, but I really liked a few things that she points out:
- Family service will increase family unity and identity.
- Family service is an opportunity for family members to develop new skills and talents.
- It gives parents an opportunity to teach about family values first hand.
- Family members can feel proud of who they are and how they've helped.
A couple of our Summer of Service projects came directly from this book (for example, click here or here) and others have been adaptations of some of her ideas. But there are plenty more that I can't wait to do . .
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Placemats for Seniors
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Service Scavenger Hunt
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Librarian Appreciation Day
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Trick or Treat for UNICEF
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Help a Primary around the World
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Rock Art Sale
If you want to take a peak inside the book, you can check out this link. And while you're there, I highly recommend buying the book. It will be a great resource for doing service with your family!
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