I love taking everyday items and transforming them into ministry tools. My friend Joe showed me how to make a Nerf® Blow Dart gun out of half-inch diameter PVC pipe. Actually, there is not much work you have to do since a Nerf® Dart fits perfectly in the half-inch PVC pipe.
Joe asked me to try it on him…he jokingly lifted his shirt and I immediately shot him in the stomach using only the force of my breath. With a 10 foot long barrel, the dart shot out like a bullet, cracking his skin. That sound mixed with the “YELP!” of his voice was music that brought a tear to my eye…literally, because I was laughing super hard.
The device was effective, the spot welted immediately and quickly bruised. If you try this, use shorter lengths of pipe and have kids sign a waiver (*wink). This is a sweet idea, but stay safe and know you are responsible for those kids. You can check out Joe’s full idea at his blog here.
He has a warning saying…
Two cautions: 1) Require the players to wear eye protection. You’d be surprised how fast the darts can come out of the barrel. 2) You must warn players to not accidentally choke on a dart when they are taking a deep breath to blow it out of the gun.
I would add, instead of cutting the pipe and passing out straight pieces you might consider adding a couple “elbow” pieces (as pictured here) so people don’t accidentally choke.
Brandon Early
@iambrandonearly