Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youth make hand puppets with their adult partners to learn about each other.

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Items Needed:

• Brown paper bags, one for each Youth and adult partner
• Markers or crayons
• Construction paper of assorted colors
• Glue sticks
• Scissors, youth and adult sizes, enough to share
• (Optional) Googly eyes or stickers for decoration

Before the Meeting Starts:

1. Prepare the materials. (2–3 min)
   • Create one hand puppet as an example.
   • Set out supplies on a table before the meeting. Make sure each youth and adult partner has a bag.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15–20 min):

1. Show how the puppet works. (2–3 min)
   • Place a hand inside the bag and fold fingers to make the puppet “talk.”
   • Point out where the face will be decorated.
2. Create puppets. (6–8 min)
   • Youth and adult partners decorate their puppets with markers, paper, and optional decorations. Add names to each puppet. Keep designs simple but personal.
3. Introduce puppets. (4–5 min)
   • Gather in a circle. Each youth uses their puppet to share their name, favorite color, and/or favorite food.