Purpose
Show gratitude for the people who serve your neighborhood, such as the police, firefighters, judges, teachers, and others.
Activity Suggestion
Arrange ahead of time to visit a police station, fire station, courthouse, or water treatment plant. Learn more about how the organization you visit helps the community and why it is needed. Talk about how supporting these organizations helps us be better citizens of our country and community. While there, deliver thank-you notes or treats to the workers.
Please adapt activities as necessary to ensure all individuals are able to participate, belong, and contribute.
Adaptation Ideas
If you can’t visit the organization in person, teach the children how the organization helps the community. Consider the following ideas:
- Have the children act out some of the ways these organizations help the community.
- Create a simple obstacle course that mimics some of the things police officers and firefighters do, such as lifting heavy things, running, climbing, and wearing protective clothing.
- Service idea: Invite the children to write thank-you notes to send in the mail.
Discussion
Encourage children to talk about how what they are learning can help them and others grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity and should last just a few minutes. You could ask questions like the following:
- How can being good citizens help us follow Jesus Christ?
- How can you use your gifts and talents that Heavenly Father has given you to serve our community?