Everyone Loves Ice Cream

An ice cream social is a very simple program to put on. Food programs are always successful at my library, so I always kick off our teen summer reading club with an ice cream social. All it requires is ice cream sundae supplies, a group game that will get everyone moving, a word search, and some prizes.

There are two rules for an Ice Cream Social. One, everyone must have seconds; and two, no one is allowed to leave until the ice cream is all gone. When the teens arrive, I dish out heaping bowls of ice cream and let them go crazy with the toppings. There are cups and pop in case some teens want to make ice cream sodas instead. If the line for ice cream is long, get one of the teens to help you dish out ice cream.

The word search is to keep those who finish eating early occupied while the others go back for thirds. I do a draw from the word searches for prize books at the end of the program. When everyone's done eating, we play a big group game until it's time to go. Teens love prizes, so everyone gets something small, like a pen, at the end of the game.

Word Search: Discovery Education Puzzlemaker HTTP://www.discoveryeducation.com/free-puzzlemaker/?CFID=1120239&CFTOKEN=25310912 is a great site that lets you make up your own. I made an ice cream themed one years ago, and reuse it every summer.

Food Supplies:

• 2-3 four litre buckets of vanilla ice cream (will feed 20-30 teens)
• chocolate and caramel sauce
• M&M's
• lots of whipped cream in cans
• a variety of cans of pop
• spoons, bowls, cups, napkins, ice cream scoop.