Looking for a fun activity for children that helps them learn how to use FamilySearch.org? When children look at an online family tree for the first time, it is helpful for them to learn how to navigate around and see what information they can find out about their ancestors. This scavenger hunt does just that! With little clues like, “find a relative with an unusual name” or “find a woman who had more than ten children,” the scavenger hunt will pique their curiosity and help them get used to using FamilySearch.
This scavenger hunt can be used with children ages 6-13. It can be used for an activity days, cub scout, or even young men and young women activity (beehives and deacons). This can also be used at home for any children who can read and use a mouse!
For the activity, children need a FamilySearch.org account that has a family tree filled with their parents, grandparents, and connected to deceased ancestors in the collaborative family tree. Beforehand, send an email to the parents inviting them to help their child create their own FamilySearch account. You can send them the link to this document: Quick Start to Your FamilySearch Account. Some important points from the document:
- “Although anyone over the age of 13 may create an account, we encourage all minors seek parental permission before they proceed in creating an account. Children ages 8–12 may create an account only if parental consent is given during the registration process.”
- “If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enter your membership
information.” – This is especially helpful because it will add the parents and sometimes grandparents to the family tree automatically.
If parents help their children do this before the activity and write their username and password on a note card to bring to the activity, then you won’t have to worry about as many problems with logging in to FamilySearch at the activity.
Download the Scavenger Hunt document here:
Family Tree Scavenger Hunt PDF file
After they finish the scavenger hunt, give them a prize!
#FHforChildren Blog Link Up
This post is part of the Family history for children blog link up for January. The theme is “Teaching Children Genealogy Skills.” Check out the other posts here:
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