This cross is a fun, simple and FREE activity to create at Bible camp, while sitting at a campfire, or on a nature walk. It’s also great for Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha’s Feast day (July 14)
All you need: (all free!!)
- two sticks (one shorter – one longer)
- a long stem of green grass. (about 1 to 2 feet long)
You could use twine if you wish.
Carefully tear off the grass blades from the grass stem.
Criss-cross the two sticks so they are in the shape of a cross.
Place the long grass stem behind the criss-crossed sticks.
Leave about 3 to 4 inches to use to tie a knot when finished.
Wrap the long end around the criss-cross sticks about 3 times.
Then switch directions and wrap it around the opposite corners 3 times.
Take both grass stem ends and knot them together.
Use a knot like you use when you start to tie your shoe.
Use this knot two or three times.
Break off the extra stem.
That’s it!
It’s great for bored kids on a camping trip!
Hope you can use this idea!
God Bless!
~Jen-Marie
Beautiful! I was thinking of making some wood crosses in honor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha's Feast day too! I thought it might be nice to take my kids on a nature walk and place them in the woods like Kateri did to remind her to stop and pray :o)
Hi Jessica! We took a nature walk in honor of Blessed Kateri last year! I'm sure the boys will have a great time on that nature walk! And placing the wooden crosses around like Bl. Kateri is a wonderful idea!!!! God bless and take care!
Great idea with grass, Jennifer! My husband taught the kids something similar, called lashing, used with string so my daughter made one of these crosses out of sticks a year or two ago. We still use it for costumes and various liturgical decor. I should re-post with Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha's feast day coming. I think she is being canonized very soon, if not already, right!? Awesome craft!
Thank you! I am sad to say my nature walk didn't work out due to the weather but I took my boys to an Indian Temple Mound and created some Native American sand art! It was still lots of fun. I am sure your day was exciting as well, you have some amazingly creative ideas!
Jessica, I'm so sad that your nature walk didn't workout! But I'm very glad you found another fun activity to do!! It sounds really neat! Save the nature walk for next year! And yes, we had a great day! God Bless.
YES!!! I was planning on having the kids make these while we are camping. Was thinking twine but grass is even better. Will be placing them all around the campground. – Jill