Materials Needed:

• Stretchy jewelry cord (about 1 foot per person)
• Beads (enough for everyone to share with the group)
• Cross beads (optional, for a meaningful touch)
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut the Cord: Give each person a piece of stretchy cord, about 1 foot long.
2. Distribute Beads: Hand out enough beads so each person has one to give to everyone else.
3. Give Affirmations: Each person approaches someone in the group and shares a kind, specific affirmation about them. While doing this, they give one bead to that person to add to their bracelet.
4. Add Beads to the Cord: Each person adds the bead they receive to their cord. They should continue until everyone has given and received a bead from everyone in the group.
5. Tie the Bracelet: When all the beads are added, tie the ends of the cord securely with several knots. Be sure it fits snugly but comfortably.
6. Trim the Ends: Use scissors to clip off any extra cord, being careful not to cut too close to the knots.

Additional Notes:

• Safety Tips: Supervise the use of scissors, especially with younger participants.
• Inclusion: Ensure that no one is left out. Encourage everyone to share meaningful affirmations.
• Variations: Use color-coded beads to represent different qualities (e.g., kindness, joy, patience). You can also add a special bead, like a cross, to represent God’s love or a group leader’s affirmation.
• Alternative for Large Groups: If the group is very large, divide into smaller groups to make sharing easier.

For more information, see https://young-catholics.com/1557/friendship-bracelets-affirmation-activity/