Lower elementary/Day camp

Theme verse: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5Welcome to “A love that never ends!” What does it mean to live in the world as people that have been chosen by God? We know that God loves us, and we respond to that love by loving others. Jesus would have been taught these words from Deuteronomy as a child, and they still have importance for us today. As we learn about people from the Old Testament this week, we will focus on how we can show others the love that God gives us.

ObjectivesThis Bible study will help lower elementary campers and their leaders:

learn about God’s love for us.

understand that we are invited to love others.

practice ways of showing God’s love to others.

Age-level insightsLower elementary campers love to learn, but they may not learn well in “traditional” ways. Children who are in kindergarten through fourth grade crave opportunities that allow them to be active in their learning. Break up your learning time by alternating activities that require campers to sit, with active games and opportunities for them to express their creativity. Most campers in this age group learn best by doing, so giving them hands-on opportunities to engage the material and keep their interest is a must.You can expect your group to have campers with a wide range of skill levels. In the early elementary years, reading and writing skills vary widely from child to child, but by fourth grade the range has usually gotten smaller. Encourage campers to use their reading skills, but always remember that some may not be ready or comfortable reading aloud without help.Take the time to get to know the campers in your group. What works well one week may not work the next, and vice versa, so keep your current group in mind when planning your lessons.When reading from the Bible, pay attention to what your voice says about what you are reading. Your tone can help campers to see these passages as the exciting stories that they are, so read them like you would any other good story. Many stories in the Bible also contain a lot of drama. Encourage campers to act out these stories and to present them from their perspective. You may learn a lot too!Abstract theological concepts are difficult for young campers to understand. Remember that they are concrete thinkers. Be sure to use a lot of examples and use descriptive language, so that you can tie what you are talking about into things that they can understand.No matter what age campers are, you should be well prepared, but it is especially important with young campers, as they move through activities quickly. Make sure that

you read through all of your materials and become very familiar with the sessions. This will enable you to adjust your plans if necessary. As the week progresses, and you are more familiar with your group, you will be better able to make changes if campers become disinterested or distracted.Routine and structure are very comforting to young campers, so taking the time to set up routines in your Bible study time will make it easier for all of you. This will help to build the group’s anticipation as the kids look forward to what’s ahead, as well as provide boundaries for acceptable behavior and logical consequences.Lastly, don’t forget to pray for the campers that have been entrusted into your care this week. This is an important and formative time in their lives and you have the privilege to be a part of it!

Special hintsPreparation. Once again, nothing compares with being familiar with the studies and activities. Go over the lesson and gather all materials needed for the day. Sometimes the activities you have planned will take much less time than you expect. It’s always a good idea to have a couple of extra activities planned so you are ready if that happens.

Be flexible. One day, campers may take the discussion in a way that you had not planned. If it seems appropriate, follow their lead. Be prepared to direct them back to the topic if necessary.

You are an example. Remember that campers are watching what you do and are learning every minute. You have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of these campers.

Read the Bible together. Sometimes it may seem easier to just read the day’s Bible story to your campers, but it is important that they are given a chance. Encourage campers who are willing to help read from the Bible this week. If no one is willing to read aloud, or campers struggle with reading, take the time to make sure that everyone can find where each passage is located so that they can follow along. Giving campers the opportunity to explore the Bible themselves is very important and can help them realize that it is for all people, not just adults.

Think about creating a group covenant with campers this week. This can be a great way to set expectations while giving them a chance to have some input. You may see your small community develop as these children have the opportunity to grow and to hold one another accountable. (There is a covenant activity as a part of the Bible study for Day 1: Abraham.)

Remember to have fun! You have one of the best jobs possible. Who else gets to spend time outside in God’s creation while learning and playing with kids who are excited about God’s love? Remember to enjoy the time that you spend with the campers, and have fun!

Orientation event

Read and use the following activity ideas to create an orientation and welcoming event to kick off your camp week. This is a great time for campers to meet the camp staff and become familiar with the camp or church campus, as well learn more about what they will be doing this week. If families will be at the event, it can be a time for them to get a clear picture of what their campers will be experiencing during the week. This is also a great way to connect faith values and camp experiences with families at home.

Gather togetherAs campers and their families arrive, make sure that you have plenty of staff available to greet them. It is helpful to have an activity: a simple game or craft to engage participants right away, as people will most likely arrive at different times.When most families have arrived, gather the group together to begin the worship part of the evening. Begin by teaching a simple song or two and then open with prayer thanking God for the chance to spend your week with these campers and to learn about the love that God has for us and how we can share that love with others.Take a few minutes to have your staff introduce themselves. Have them share their names, where they are from or where they go to school, and one interesting fact about themselves.

“A love that never ends”Introduce the theme, “A love that never ends,” by presenting a puppet play or a skit. Make up your own, or use one of the skits from the “Large group worship” section of the curriculum. At the end of the skit, read the theme verse, Deuteronomy 6:5.Sing another song and close this gathering time with prayer.

ActivitiesIf you have a large group, these intergenerational activities can be done in stations by breaking the group into four or five smaller groups and having them rotate through stations. For a smaller group, they can be done together.

Name tagsHave a table of craft supplies available for a name tag creation station. Consider having more permanent options available so the name tags can be used throughout the week.

Camper expectationsMany of the campers will not have been to camp before. Use an acting game to explain what they can expect and what will be expected of them during the week. Have a volunteer act out an expectation while the rest of the group guesses.

GamesChoose a fun, active game or two from the “Games” section of this curriculum, or play another popular game that works well for young campers.

CraftIf you are not creating name tags, choose an easy craft from the “Crafts” section of this curriculum.

TourFirst time campers (and their families) may be nervous about this week. Taking them on a tour of the camp or church building can help to manage fears by taking away the unknown.

SnacksSnacks can either be served at the end of the evening, or groups can decorate cupcakes or create their own personalized snack mix at an additional snack station. Always check with caregivers before serving food and provide alternatives if necessary.

Daily stories

Day 1: AbrahamAnika and Alex were in the car with their dad, going to the eye doctor. “I don’t want to go to the eye doctor,” said Anika. “What if I need glasses?”“I think you might,” answered Dad. “That’s why we’re going. Your teacher said that you’ve been having trouble seeing the board at school and I think that might be what is causing your headaches.”“Then you’ll be a four eyes!” said Alex. “Alex. First of all, that’s not nice.” Dad reminded him. “Second, I think you may need glasses too. Oh, here we are. Now remember, I want both of you to be on your best behavior.”When the doctor came into the room, she said, “Hi! I’m Dr. Robinson. Let me see, you must be Anika, and you must be Alex. How old are you two?”“Nine.” Alex and Anika answered together. “I thought you might be twins,” the doctorsmiled. “Okay. Who’s first?”Dr. Robinson examined Alex’s eyes, and then it was Anika’s turn. When she was done, the doctor made some notes. Then she said, “Well, it looks like you’ll both be needing glasses. Your eyes aren’t too bad, but I think glasses will help you see things a little better and may help with those headaches, Anika.” Anika and Alex groaned. “It will take a little while to get used to them, but I think you’ll be happy when you can see better.”Dad took the twins to try on some glasses.There were so many choices! Alex settled on some that had silver frames and Anika chose frames with small purple and yellow stripes. “Won’t Mom be surprised!” exclaimed Dad as they headed to the car.When they walked in the front door, Mom was waiting for them. “Who are these smart looking kids?” she asked Dad.“Mom!” the twins shouted, “It’s us!”“I was just kidding,” Mom said. “How do they work? Can you see better?” she asked.“I guess so,” Anika said. “It is easier to see the leaves on the trees.” Alex nodded in agreement. “But I don’t want to wear them to school.”“Yeah!” added Alex. “People will make fun of us!”“Remember,” Mom said, “you are still the wonderful kids that God made. You just have glasses now. And if you like yourself, it’s going to be harder for other kids to find anything to make fun of.”

When the twins walked into their classroom the next morning, everyone was looking at them. “Wow! Look at you guys!” their teacher said. “Cool!” said their friend, Arturo. Anika and Alex smiled with relief. Maybe this would be okay.

What were Anika and Alex worried about?

What did their mom tell them?

Day 2: IsraelAnika woke up to the sound of Dad opening the curtains. “Good morning, sunshine,” he said. “I packed your breakfast, so you can eat it in the car. If you hurry up and get dressed, we can start our dad and daughter day!”Anika hurried to get ready, and a few minutes later they were on their way. Anika was excited to go to the museum, but she was even more excited about spending the day with Dad, just the two of them. Dad seemed to be thinking the same thing. “It’s nice to spend a Saturday with my girl,” he told her. Just then the car started making a horrible grinding sound. Dad looked worried. “That doesn’t sound good,” he said. “I’d better pull over.”When they got to the side of the road, Dad said, “Anika, I want you to stay in the car. I’m going to take a look and see if I can figure out what’s wrong.” Anika watched her dad open the hood of the car. Then she saw him take out his phone. It looked like he was calling someone.“What’s going on?” Anika asked when Dad got back in the car.“Well, it looks like something is wrong with the car. I called the mechanics, and they are sending someone.”“But what about our day together?” Anika asked.“I don’t know if we’re going to be able to make it to the museum, but I do know that God was looking out for us. If this had happened on a day when a lot of people had been on the road going to work, I might not have been able to get over to the side of the road in time.” Anika was quiet. “Why don’t we pray together,” Dad suggested. “I’ll start and then you can finish. Okay?”“Okay, Dad,” Anika agreed.“Dear God,” Dad began. “Thank you for all that you have given to us, and thank you for keeping us safe this morning.”He nodded at Anika and she continued, “Thank you for Dad, and thank you for the mechanic.Please help him to figure out what is wrong with the car so that dad and I can have our day together.”“Amen.” They ended the prayer together. “Look! The mechanic is here.” Dad smiled.“You stay here and I’ll go and see if he can figure it out.”The mechanic ended up towing their car to his garage. “Look!” Anika said. “There’s a park across the street!”Dad smiled, “I think we can have our dad and daughter fun day after all!” While the car was being worked on, Anika and dad played at the park. Then they found a deli for lunch, and finished with ice cream.As they were walking back to the garage, Anika said, “I had a lot of fun today, Dad.”

Dad smiled. “Me too,” he said. “I guess we got our dad and daughter fun day after all.”

What did Anika think when her dad had to stop the car?

What ended up happening?

Day 3: Ruth“Wake up!” Grandma called from the hallway. “It’s time to get up!” Alex and Anika came out of their rooms.“What are you doing here?” Alex asked. “Wait a minute!” Anika asked, “Are mom anddad at the hospital?”“Yes,” answered Grandma. “It looks like your mom is having the baby today. They called me in the middle of the night and went to the hospital after I came over.”“Yippee!” Anika jumped up and down. “We’re going to have a new little brother or sister today!”“It is exciting,” Grandma said. “But you still need to go to school. Go and get dressed, and then we’ll have breakfast.”Alex got dressed and went to the kitchen, where grandma had made pancakes.“When do we get to see the baby?” Anika asked as she skipped into the room.Grandma placed two plates on the table. “Well,” she said, “babies always seem to follow their own schedule, but I would guess that we might be able to go to the hospital and meet your new brother or sister after school this afternoon.”Anika said, “ I hope it’s a sister!” through a mouthful of pancakes.“Remember we don’t talk with our mouths full,” Grandma reminded her. “Now why don’t you go and finish getting ready for school. Alex and I are going to have a little talk.”Anika ran out of the room. “Alex honey,” Grandma said, “you seem pretty quiet this morning. Aren’t you excited about the new baby?”“Everything is going to change,” Alex said quietly.Grandma smiled, “Babies do have a way of turning things upside down for a little while,” she said.“But I don’t want anything to change!” Alex said. “I like things the way they are! Mom and Dad already have two kids. Why do they need more?”“God is giving us a new person to love, and it will be different,” Grandma said. “But your Mom and Dad will always love you, Alex. I promise.Now go and brush your teeth. I don’t want you to be late for school!”When Alex came out of his classroom at the end of the day, Grandma and Anika were waiting for him. Anika said, “Guess what? Mom had the baby! And it’s a boy!” Alex wasn’t sure what to say.“Well, let’s go and meet him!” said Grandma.When they entered the hospital room, Mom said, “This is your new brother. His name is Jared. Do you want to hold him, Alex?”Alex said, “I guess so.” Mom showed Alex how to support Jared’s head.“What do you think of your new brother?” Dad asked.Alex smiled. “He’s pretty cute. I think he’s going to look like me.”

Why didn’t Alex want a new baby?

What was Alex afraid of?

Day 4: JonahAnika came into the kitchen and slammed her backpack on the table. She stomped over to the refrigerator and flung the door open so that it almost hit her mom. Mom quickly stepped out of the way and said, “Is something wrong, sweetie?”Anika shrugged her shoulders as she poured herself a glass of juice, and then sat down at the table, scowling.“I’m not a detective,” said Mom, “but the clues are telling me that something happened at school today.”“Caitlyn wanted to sit by Maria at lunch,” Anika pouted.“Why can’t Caitlyn sit next to Maria?” Mom asked.“Because Maria isn’t nice! Don’t you remember?” Anika paused, “Last year she pushed me on the playground and called me shorty. I didn’t like that!”“I remember,” Mom said. “That really hurt your feelings, didn’t it?”“Yeah!” Anika answered.“But that was a long time ago. People change.” Mom put a hand on Anika’s shoulder.“But how could Caitlyn do this to me?” Anika whined. “Maria was mean to me, and Caitlyn is supposed to be my friend! That means Caitlyn shouldn’t be nice to her!”Later that evening, Anika was helping her dad put plates in the dishwasher when the doorbell rang. “Anika!” she heard her mom yell. “Someone is here to see you!”Anika went into the hallway and saw Caitlyn standing in the doorway talking to her mom. “Hi, Anika!” said Caitlyn. Anika mumbled “hi” back. “I brought back the book that I borrowed from you,” Caitlyn said uncertainly. Anika took the book without saying anything.Caitlyn said, “Is something wrong, Anika?” Anika couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Why were you sitting and laughing with Maria today?” she shouted. “You’re supposed to be my friend!”Caitlyn looked surprised. “I am your friend, Anika,” she said. “But I’m Maria’s friend too.”“But how? She was so mean to me last year!” “Well,” said Caitlyn, “you know how I go to karate on Tuesdays?” Anika nodded. “Maria started going to karate too, and I got to know her a little better.” Caitlyn continued, “I found out that she’s really nice.”“But she was so mean to me last year!” Anika insisted. “I asked her about that,” Caitlyn said. “And she says that she feels really bad about that. Maria said that she was trying to get the big kids to like her. She knows it wasn’t the right thing to do. She’s going to come to my house tomorrow afternoon. Why don’t you come too?”“I think that’s a good idea,” Mom said. “It sounds like Maria is sorry for what she did. I think it might be time to forgive her.”“But that’s so hard,” Anika whined. “Forgiving people that hurt us can be hard,”Mom agreed. “But God gave us forgiveness and asks us to forgive others.”

Why didn’t Anika want Caitlyn to be Maria’s friend?

Why is it hard to forgive sometimes?

Day 5: JeremiahMom came in to tell Alex good night. “Is something wrong?” she asked.Alex answered, “I’m worried about school tomorrow. Why do I have to go to a new school, anyway?”“We’ve been talking about that, Alex,” answered Mom. “Dad and I really think that this school is the place for you. You’ll be able to get the help that you need with reading, and. . . .”“I know,” interrupted Alex. “But it’s going to be different and I won’t know anybody.”“It may not be easy,” Mom answered, “but remember that God will be with you. Why don’t we say a prayer right now, and then you can try to get some sleep?”“Okay,” Alex said. “Can you start?”“Yes,” answered Mom. “Dear God, please be with Alex and give him comfort as he starts at his new school tomorrow. Help him to remember that you are always with him, no matter what.”“Amen,” added Alex.“I have a thought,” Mom said. “Remember how you met your friend Damien?”Alex was confused. “Yeah. He didn’t really have any friends and Ms. Young asked me to be his partner for a game during gym class”“Yes. And you’ve been friends ever since,” Mom answered. “What if you try this? What if when you go to the new school, you look for kids who might need a friend and try to make friends with them?”“Okay.” Alex looked skeptical. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try. . . .”“Exactly! Now you’ve got to try to get some sleep!”Alex really didn’t want to say good-bye to his mom at school the next day, but she said, “Remember what we talked about last night.”Alex nodded, took a deep breath, and went in. He found his desk, and the class began. At recess time, he spotted a boy all by himself looking sad. Alex remembered what his mom had suggested, and went over to the boy. “I’m Alex,” he said. “What’s your name?”“I’m Thomas,” the other boy said. “I like your shirt,” Alex told him.“It’s a stegosaurus,” Thomas told him. “Do you like dinosaurs?”“Yes!” Alex and Thomas talked about dinosaurs until the bell rang.At lunch, Alex found out a little more about Thomas. He and his mom had just moved to town. “I really miss where I used to live,” he told Alex. “And I really miss my church.”“I’m new to the school,” Alex told him. “But I’ve lived her for my whole life. Hey! Why don’t you come to my church with me sometime! And you can bring your mom!” Thomas was excited.At the end of the day, Alex’s mom was waiting for him outside his classroom. He came out and gave her a hug. “Mom! I made a friend! There he is. His name is Thomas. I invited him to come to church with us sometime. Is that okay?”“I think that’s more than okay,” Mom answered.

What was Alex worried about?

What happened when he tried to be a friend to another person?

DAY 1: Abraham

Focus questionWho is chosen by God?

Theme statementWe are chosen by God and respond with love for God, ourselves, and others.

ObjectivesThis Bible study will help lower elementary campers and their leaders:

know that we are chosen by God.

understand that we are called to love God, ourselves, and others.

show God’s love by helping others.

Bible textGenesis 17:1-8 (Covenant with Abraham)

MaterialsBibles, construction or drawing paper, crayons or markers, a pen or pencil, blank sticky name tags, a large piece of paper or poster boardNote: During today’s Bible study, remember to check in with your campers and see how they are doing after their first night at camp. Hearing about your first time away from home might help those that are feeling a little unsure about a new situation.

Gather

Name gameGather your group in a circle. Have campers introduce themselves by saying their name and something that they like to do that starts with the same letter as their name. For example, you might say, “Hi! My name is Teresa, and I like turtles.” Have the next person in the circle say the previous person’s name and what they like before they introduce themselves. See if anyone can go around the entire circle and say each person’s name and what they like!Variation: For younger children it might be too difficult to go around the entire circle and say each person’s name and what they like. Instead, you can have campers introduce themselves as mentioned above and once you have gone around the whole circle, have each person introduce the person on their right.

My name isPreparation: Look up or ask someone about the meaning of your name or the story of

why your own name was chosen.Give each camper a piece of paper and make sure that everyone has access to crayons or markers. Have campers write their name in the center of the piece of paper. In the top right-hand corner of the paper, have them write or draw something that they like. In the bottom right-hand corner, have them write or draw something special about them. In the bottom left-hand corner, have them write or draw somewhere that they like to go. In the top left-hand corner, have them write or draw somewhere that they would like to go but have never been. Leave some time for campers to decorate their name, if they are interested.When everyone in the group has finished, have campers share their name papers with the group. If campers are shy about sharing, ask questions to get them started. When everyone in the group has shared, ask if anyone knows either the meaning of their name or the reason that their name was chosen. Share the meaning or story behind your name, if you know it. Talk about names together.

Why are names important?

What does it mean to be called by name?

How do you feel when someone knows your name?

Word

ChoicesPreparation: Cut different colors of construction paper into strips to use as bookmarks. Think of two or three places where you might do this activity.Gather campers and tell them that you are going to pick one of them to choose where you are going to do your next activity. (It is helpful to give two or three choices of locations so that making the choice doesn’t take too long or a camper doesn’t choose an impractical location.) Once the camper has chosen the location, walk there together as a group. When you arrive, tell campers that you are going to choose a camper to help hand out Bibles to the group. When Bibles have been handed out and everyone has them, hand out the strips of construction paper, telling your campers that they get to choose what color they get to have for a Bible bookmark. When everyone has chosen a bookmark, talk about choices together. (You can save the bookmarks for the rest of the week. If you have time later, have campers decorate them if they are interested.)

How does it feel when we get to make choices?

How did it feel when someone else got to make the choice and you didn’t?

How did it feel when you were chosen to help?

How did it feel when someone else was chosen?

Today we are going to read a story about someone who was chosen by God. Show the

campers your Bible and where the book of Genesis can be found. Explain that this part of the Bible is called the Old Testament. Show them how to find today’s story, Genesis 17:1-8, and read it aloud as the campers follow along. Discuss the story with your group.

How old was Abram in the beginning of this story?

What is a covenant?

Why did Abram fall on his face when he was talking to God?

What was Abram’s new name?

What did God promise Abraham?

A new nameIn today’s story, God gave Abraham a new name. Like Abraham, God too chooses us. Give each camper a sticky name tag and have them write “Chosen by God” on it. Give help to those campers that need help spelling or writing. Have them place the name tag on their shirt and wear it for the rest of the day as a reminder that they have been chosen by God.

CommandmentHave campers stand in a line, and make a finish line about 30 feet [10 meters] away from them. Explain that you are going to play a game in which the object is to get to the finish line. You will give them directions such as, “Come forward 10 steps.” But they can only move if you say the phrase, “I command you to . . .” first. For example, if you say, “Skip forward 5 steps,” no one issupposed to move. If you say, “I command you to skip forward 5 steps,” they can move. If someone moves when they are not supposed to, they must go back to the beginning. Play the game until someone makes it to the finish line. Talk about the game together. Was it hard to make it to the finish line? What made it difficult?Ask the group if they know what a commandment is. A commandment is something that God tells us to do. Campers may have heard of the Ten Commandments. If you were only going to have one commandment, what would it be? Talk about this for a minute and give everyone the opportunity to share any ideas that they might have.Show campers where they can find the book of Mark in their Bibles. Explain that this part of the Bible is called the New Testament. Read Mark 12:28-31 aloud, with your campers following along. Talk about this passage together.

What did Jesus say was the greatest commandment? Where have you heard these words before?

What do you think it means to “love God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your mind”?

How can we show our love for God?

Who is your neighbor?

What does it mean to “love your neighbor as yourself”?

Why is it hard to love others sometimes?

What are some things that make it hard to love other people?

Send

Let’s make a covenant!As you get to know each other as a group, it can be helpful to have a group covenant. Talk with your campers about what the word covenant means. A covenant is an agreement or a promise. In today’s story, God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to take care of Abraham and his descendants and to give him a place to live. Together, come up with a covenant about how you will act and treat each other this week. Include some basic camp rules, such as not having food in your cabin, but encourage your campers to come up with other things to add. Campers of this age may naturally come up with wording such as “Don’t do ,” or “No .” Encourage them to word things in a positive way if possible.

How I can love othersTake a large piece of paper or poster board and draw a heart that covers most of it. Together, think of ways to show others that we love them. Write down campers’ ideas in the center of the heart and have everyone sign their name. If you have time, you may want to decorate this poster as a group. Hang this poster in your cabin or in another location where you will be able to see it throughout the week.

Resources

Crafts

Heart necklaceMaterials: Air-dry clay in at least two colors, straws, yarn, waxed paperGive each camper two almond sized pieces of air-dry clay in two different colors. Have them mix the two colors together for a minute, but not enough so that the colors mix completely. When the clay looks marbleized, have them make it into the shape of a heart. Take a straw and make a hole near the top of the heart. Lay the hearts onto the waxed paper to dry. When the hearts have hardened, put a piece of yarn through the hole.

Crystal heartsMaterials: Chenille craft stems, Borax bleach, empty jars (one for each camper), narrow tongue depressors, boiling water, yarn, paper towels, food coloring (optional)

Preparation: Boil water. Cut 6-inch [15 cm] lengths of yarn.Give campers a chenille craft stem, and then have them make it into the shape of a heart. Tie the yarn to the pipe cleaner and the narrow tongue depressor so that the heart can hang from the stick. Making sure that campers are standing out of the way, fill the jars with boiling water. Add ⅓ cup [90 ml] of Borax bleach and stir to dissolve. (Option: add a few drops of food coloring.) Place the tongue depressor stick across the mouth of the jar so that the heart hangs into the Borax solution. Leave it in the jar overnight, and the next day there will be crystals on the heart. Take the heart out of the solution and lay it on a paper towel to dry.

Games

Choosing colorsMaterials: Four towels, pieces of construction paper or (baseball) bases in four different colors, a blindfoldPlace the four towels so that they are 10 to 20 feet [3 to 6 m] apart. Put one piece of colored paper or a base on each towel. Ask for a volunteer and blindfold her or him. Have the volunteer sit in the middle between all four towels. Explain that the rest of the campers need to go and stand on one of the towels. Once they have done so, have the volunteer call out a color. Anyone who is on that color then goes and sits in the middle with the volunteer. The remaining campers then run around and go to a different towel. When everyone has chosen a spot, tell the volunteer to call out another color. Any campers that have chosen to stand on that color then go and sit in the middle. Continue playing until everyone is sitting in the middle.

Group tagAsk for a volunteer to be “it” in a game of tag. Explain that when they tag someone, they will then hold hands with that person and be “it” together. Play continues in this way, with “it” getting bigger and bigger until everyone is holding hands.

Small group devotions

Family treeMaterials: Bible, a large piece of paper or poster board, crayons or markersRead Genesis 17:1-8 together. In this passage God promises Abraham that he will be the ancestor of a “multitude of nations.” Together, have your group draw a large tree. At the base of the tree, write Abraham’s name. On the rest of the tree, have campers write the names of their family and friends. Do this until the tree is covered with names. Close with a prayer, thanking God for all of these descendants of Abraham.

The Great CommandmentMaterial: BibleRead Mark 12:28-31 and talk about it as a group.

What does it mean to love God with all your heart, all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength?

What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself?

What are some ways that we can do this?

Divide campers into two groups, and explain that each will come up with a skit about a child during recess at school. One skit will be about a child who only thinks about him- or herself. The other group will put on a skit about a child who is really trying to love their neighbor. Have each group perform their skit for the group. How are they different? Close with prayer, thanking God for helping us love our neighbors.

DAY 2: Israel

Focus questionWho gives us what we need?

Theme statementGod gives us what we need, and we can share what God gives us with others.

ObjectivesThis Bible study will help lower elementary campers and their leaders:

know that God gives us what we need.

understand that God gives us more than we need.

practice sharing what we have with others.

Bible textExodus 17:1-7 (Water in the wilderness)

MaterialsBibles, crayons or pencils, small magnifying glasses (optional), stickers or other small surprises, a large piece of paper or butcher paper

Gather

WildernessGo for a walk or a short hike to a secluded place. This doesn’t have to be far, just a place where you won’t be disturbed. In a church setting, a grass lawn is fine. Give each camper a small patch of ground, about two square feet [.6 m]. Explain that this is their wilderness, and you want them to get to know it as much as possible. Encourage campers to get down on their hands and knees and really explore their wilderness. What do they see? Give them at least 5 minutes so that they notice things that they might not notice at first. If you have magnifying glasses available, make sure that each camper gets a chance to use one. At the end, have campers share about what they were able to

see in their wilderness. What did they find?

Enough for allPreparation: Have a small surprise, such as a sticker, for each camper. Make sure that you have enough for each person. Spread most of the items out over an open area ahead of time. Hide a few of the items.Have campers line up. Tell them that you have something special for each of them and explain that when you say, “Go,” they are to go and find them. When most of the items have been found, tell the group that they need to help one another so that each person gets one. Give clues if necessary so that each person can have one at the end.

Word

Setting the sceneHave campers sit down and close their eyes. Tell them to imagine that they are in a wilderness.They have been away from home for a long time and they are very tired. Many of the people just want to go home. Everyone in the group is complaining, and they aren’t sure where they are going. Have the campers complain about being lost. They have food to eat, but it isn’t food that they are used to eating. Have the campers complain about being hungry. Now people are starting to get thirsty. They have been looking for water, but they can’t find any. Have the campers complain about being thirsty.Have campers open their eyes and talk about what they just imagined.

What kind of wilderness did they imagine that they were in?

How did it make them feel?

Have any of them ever been in a place of wilderness?

What was it like?

Explain that in today’s story we will hear about people who had been in the wilderness for a long time. Hand out Bibles and show campers where they can find the book of Exodus. Read Exodus 17:1-7 together. Talk about the story with the group.Why were the Israelites upset?

How do you think Moses felt when the people complained?

What do you think Moses thought when God told him to strike the rock with his staff?

What do you think the Israelites thought was going to happen?

Needs and wantsTake a large piece of paper and make a line down the middle. On one side write “Needs” and on the other side write “Wants.” Talk about the difference between wants

and needs with campers. Together, make a list of things that we need to survive under the “Needs” category. Make a list of things that we want under “Wants.”

Is there anything under “Needs” that we don’t really need?

Can anyone think of a time when they really thought that they needed something, but it was really only something that they wanted?

Open the Bible and help campers find the book of John. Read John 6:35-40 together. God gives us everything that we need.

Are there times when we worry about obtaining what we need?

Can you think of people who don’t have enough?

Send

Sharing what we haveGod gives us what we need, and asks us to share with others. As a group, think of a way that we can share with others who are in need. For example, your group might decide not to spend their canteen money for a day and give that money to an organization that gives food to people who need it. In a congregational day-camp setting, campers could bring canned food items to be donated to a local food shelf.

Resources

Crafts

Melted crayon rocksMaterials: Rocks (at least 1 for each camper), water source, old towels, an oven or other heat source, old crayons, aluminum foil, cookie sheet, pot holderPreparation: Line cookie sheet with foil. Peel paper off of old crayons.Have campers choose a rock and wash it. Dry the rocks and place them on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Heat the rocks in a 350-degree F. [175 C.] oven until warm. Carefully give each camper a rock and let her or him draw on it with crayons. Use different colors of blue to mimic water coming out of the rock!

Bubble paintingMaterials: Bubble solution, blue and green tempera paint, a large roll of butcher paper, bubble “wands” (either purchased or made from wire), shallow containersCut a large piece from your butcher paper and hang it up, by taping it to a wall or attaching it to two trees. Stir together 1 cup [.25 l] of bubble solution with 1 cup of tempera paint. Place the paint mixture in several containers. Have campers choose a bubble “wand” and have them dip it into the mixture. Blow bubbles onto the paper. When the paint dries, it will look like water! Please remind your campers to blow the solution only at the paper.

Games

Water relay raceMaterials: Four buckets, two plastic cups, a water sourcePreparation: Fill two buckets with water. Create a starting line and a finish line.Divide campers into two teams. Have them line up at the starting line with a bucket of water and give each team a plastic cup. Explain that they will have to fill up the empty bucket at the finish line with water from the bucket that is full. When you say, “Go!” the first camper should dip their cup into the bucket of water and walk or run to the emptybucket at the finish line while holding the cup over his or her head. When they reach the empty bucket, they should dump the water from the cup into the bucket and then run back and give the cup to the next camper. Continue the game until one team has emptied their first bucket. The winning team, however, is the one that has the most water in the bucket at the finish line.

Sponge tagMaterials: Big soft sponge, bucket of waterChoose one camper to be “it.” “It” tries to tag others by throwing the wet sponge. Anyone who gets hit by the sponge is now “it.” Replenish the sponge occasionally by putting it in the bucket of water.

Small group devotions

Water for allMaterial: BibleGather by some kind of water source, such as a lake, stream or even the camp swimming pool. Have each person think of at least one thing that they use water for each day. What would we do without water? Read Exodus 17:1-7 and then have the group think of the other things that God provides for us. Have campers sit in a circle and begin a closing prayer thanking God for all that we have been given. Go around the circle and have each person say one thing that they are thankful for that God has given to them. At the end, say “Amen” together.

Going campingMaterials: Tent or sleeping bagsPreparation: Set up a campsite by putting up a tent or sleeping bags in a place where you could camp out for the night.As you set up your camping spot, talk about what you need to go camping. What do you need to take? What would it be like to have to stay here for a long time?Read Exodus 17:1-7 and talk about it. How does your campsite compare to where the Israelites were? What would you need from God to stay here? How does God provide for you? Close in prayer thanking God for all that you have been given.

DAY 3: Ruth

Focus questionWho does God give to care for us?

Theme statementGod gives us people who care about us and God invites us to care for others.

ObjectivesThis Bible study will help lower elementary campers and their leaders:

know that God gives us people who care about us.

understand that God wants us to care for others.

show how we can care for others.

Bible textRuth 1:1-18 (Ruth and Naomi)

MaterialsBibles, paper, markers or crayons, pictures from magazines or travel brochures of places that are very different from your camp or day-camp setting, props for acting out the good Samaritan (optional), empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls

Gather

Let’s make a map!Talk with your group about going somewhere new. What is it like? What do you need when you go somewhere that you haven’t been before? If you are going to a new place, you might look at a map so that you know how to get there and have an idea of what the place is like.As a group, make a map of the camp or church setting. What should you include if this map is going to help someone who has never been here before?

Friend charadesHave campers think of ways that they can tell that two people are friends. For example, if two people are friends, they would be excited to see one another, or they might share something with one another.Divide campers into pairs. Have each pair think of two situations to act out: one in which they are friends, and one in which they are not friends. Give campers time to practice, and then have each pair act out their two situations for the rest of the group without speaking. After each situation is acted out, invite the group to decide if the two people were friends or not. After all campers have had a turn, talk about what it means to be friends.

Was it difficult to tell if the two people were friends or not in some situations?

What made it difficult?

Is it ever difficult to tell if someone is your friend?

Word

Going to a new landAs you prepare for today’s lesson, try to think of somewhere new for the campers to have their Bible study. Take the group to this new place and show them pictures of places that are completely different from where you are, such as a tropical island, a snow-topped mountain, and a desert.Give campers a minute to look at the pictures and talk about what they notice about them.

What is different about the pictures?

What is the same about the pictures?

Have the group think about what they would need to pack if they were going to the location in each picture. Would they need to pack different things? How would they decide what to pack?How do you know what to take with you if you have never been somewhere before? In today’s story, we are going to hear about Ruth, who was going to go somewhere that she had never been before.Make sure that each camper has a Bible, and show them where today’s story is located, in Ruth 1:1-18. Read the story and talk about the passage together.

Why did Naomi and her husband go to Moab?

Why did Naomi decide to leave Moab?

What did Naomi tell Ruth and Orpah when they were going to go with her?

What did Ruth tell Naomi?

How do you think Ruth felt about going to live in a new place?

Why do you think Ruth decided to go with Naomi?

How do you think that made Naomi feel?

A different endingDivide campers into two (or more) groups and tell them that you are going to make a different ending for the story. Review the story if necessary, and ask them to think of a different ending to the story. Give each group time think of their ending and then share the stories with the rest of the group. When each group has told their story, talk about

the new endings together.

What would it have been like for Naomi if Ruth had decided to stay in Moab?

What would it have been like for Naomi if she had decided not to leave Moab?

How do you feel when someone does something nice for you?

How does it feel when you do something nice for someone that they aren’t expecting?

The good SamaritanMake sure that each camper has a Bible. Help campers find the book of Luke. Read the parable of the good Samaritan from Luke 10:29-37 and talk about it together.

Why didn’t the first two men help the man who was injured?

What does it mean to be someone’s neighbor?

How do you think the injured man felt when the Samaritan man helped him?

Explain to the group that you are going to act out this story together. You can either assign parts, or ask which roles they would like to play, but make sure that everyone participates in some way. If your group is large, some campers can be townspeople or other passersby. Review the story by having campers tell it back to you, and then act it out. If campers are interested and you have time, work together to figure out what you can use for costumes and props. Encourage everyone to get creative with the story! After you have practiced a few times, see if there is someone who can be your “audience.” At the end, act out the story as if it were happening now. What would be different? What would be the same?

SendI spy . . . ways we can help othersOne way that we can show love for others is to help them. Together, brainstorm a list of ways that your group can help someone. For example, you might help another cabin with K.P. (kitchen patrol) or other chores so that they don’t take as long. In a congregational day-camp setting, you might ask if you can help by pulling weeds. In either setting, you might walk around the site and pick up garbage. Encourage your campers to think of ways to help a variety of people.Give each camper an empty paper towel or toilet paper tube. Explain that you are going to make telescopes. Allow campers to decorate their telescopes, providing help if necessary. (Don’t forget to make one for yourself!) When everyone has finished their telescope, tell the group that you are going to use these telescopes to find ways to help others. Carry them with you for the rest of your time together. When you have a few extra moments, have campers look through their telescopes to see if they can find a way to help someone. Incorporate service to others into the rest of your week.

Resources

Crafts

Easy friendship braceletMaterials: Embroidery floss or thread in a variety of colors, scissorsHave each camper choose two colors of thread and cut a piece of each color that is about 10 inches [25 cm] long. Make a knot to tie the thread together.Make a slipknot in one color of thread, and reach through to pull the other piece of thread. This will make a new loop. Reach through the new loop, and pull the other piece of thread through to make another loop. Keep going until the bracelet is of the desired size. Cut the thread a few inches past the last loop. Slip the end of the thread through the last loop and pull it tight. Tie both ends together, trim off the ends, and you are done!

Bead friendship braceletMaterials: Yarn, plastic pony beads in a variety of colors, small alphabet beadsPreparation: Sort the alphabet beads ahead of time so that you have enough beads to spell friend for each camper.Give each camper a piece of yarn that is about 10 inches [25 cm] long. Make sure that each camper has alphabet beads spelling friend, and some pony beads. Tie a knot in the end of the yarn, making sure that you leave enough yarn at the end to tie the bracelet when you are done. Have campers string beads on the yarn. They can either place the beads spelling the word friend together in the middle of the bracelet with other beads on the ends, or they can put other beads in between the letters.When campers have finished stringing beads, tie a knot in the other end to keep the beads on and then tie the ends together.

Games

Helping heart huntMaterials: Construction paper in three different colors, scissorsOptional: markers or crayonsPreparation: Cut hearts out of construction paper so that you have at least one heart of each color for each camper. Hide the hearts without campers knowing.Optional: Write Bible verses about friendship on each heart and have campers look up the verses after they have found the hearts.Tell campers that you are going to have a heart hunt, and give the boundaries of where they can go to look for the hearts. Explain that there are three different colors of hearts, and each person is supposed to end up with three hearts, one of each color. Before campers start looking, tell them that they must help one another by finding hearts for each other. When camper finds a heart, they are supposed to find someone else who needs that color. The hunt will be over when each person has a heart of each color.

Blanket volleyballMaterials: Volleyball net or rope tied between two trees, a large playground ball, two

blankets of equal sizeDivide the group into two teams and give each team a blanket. Explain that each team is supposed to work together to toss the ball over the net or rope, using the blanket. When the ball reaches the other side, the other team must work together to catch it and toss it over again. If campers are having a difficult time, stop play and talk about how they might work together in order to be more successful. Mix up the teams every few minutes so all campers get a chance to work together.

Small group devotions

Your people will be my peopleMaterials: Bible, construction paper, markers or crayonsRead Ruth 1:15-16 together. Distribute paper to campers and have them write their name down the center. Have everyone think of people that God has provided to help care for them. Help campers to write the names of these people on their paper, connecting those names to their name as if they were in a crossword puzzle. For example, Andrea might use the D in her name to start “Dad.” When everyone has finished, share papers with the group. Close in prayer by thanking God for those who care for us.

Helping othersMaterials: Bible, blindfoldsGather campers and read the story of the good Samaritan from Luke 10:29-37. Talk about the story together.

How could the priest and the Levite have helped the man?

Why didn’t they help?

What makes it difficult to help others sometimes?

Help campers to choose partners. Give each pair a blindfold and help one person put it on. Give the blindfolded camper a task. (Task suggestions: carrying something to another location, taking a piece of trash to the garbage can, or returning something that was borrowed.) Their partner must help them accomplish the task and make sure that they do not get hurt. When tasks have been accomplished, switch roles. After everyone has had a chance to be blindfolded, talk about it. How did it feel to be the one who was being helped? How did it feel to help someone else? Close in prayer, thanking God for opportunities to help others.

DAY 4: Jonah

Focus questionWhom does God forgive?

Theme statement

God forgives us and asks us to forgive others.

ObjectivesThis Bible study will help lower elementary campers and their leaders:

know that God offers forgiveness to all.

understand that we are called to forgive others.

think of ways that we can forgive others.

Bible textJonah 4:1-11 (Jonah and God)

MaterialsBibles, small mirror, paper, markers or crayons, plain white bedsheet or large piece of butcher paper, flashlight, dark construction paper, scissors

Gather

How do I look when I’m angry?Gather campers. Have them sit in a circle and ask them how you know someone is angry. Can you tell by looking at someone? Have everyone turn around so that they are facing the outside of the circle. Tell them that you want them to practice making their most angry face without others seeing it. When everyone has practiced, have the group turn around and sit facing the center of the circle again. Ask for a volunteer to show the group their most angry face. Pass the mirror around so that campers can see their own angry face. Give everyone who wants to share her or his angry face the opportunity to do so.

What makes me mad?Preparation: Think of at least ten situations that might make a child angry. It might be helpful to write them down so that you can remember them. A sample situation follows: Your brother breaks your favorite toy. Then make two signs. One should say “Very Mad,” and the other should say “Not Mad.” Put the signs 10-15 feet [3-4.5 m] apart.Explain to the group that you are going to describe several situations that might make someone mad or angry. When you read each one, have campers decide if it would make them “Very Mad” or “Not Mad,” then go and stand by the sign that describes how they would probably feel. If they aren’t sure how they would feel, they can stand somewhere in the middle, between the two signs. Read each situation to the campers and give them a minute to decide where they should go.

Word

Our own shelterTell the group that you are going to work together to make or find a shelter from the

sun. The shelter must be big enough to fit your whole group. What can you use to make it? Can you all fit under a picnic table? Are there some branches that you can prop up against a tree? Encourage the whole group to think of ideas and help make the shelter.Once the shelter is complete, have the group gather inside with Bibles. Talk about the shelter as a group. What do they like best about it? Does it really keep them out of the sun? How long do they think it will last? If they had more time, what changes would they like to make? How would you feel if someone came and tore it down?Make sure that each camper has a Bible, then find Jonah 4:1-11. Read the story together.

How did Jonah feel in this story?

Why was Jonah angry?

How did Jonah feel when the bush withered?

How did God want Jonah to treat the people of Nineveh?

What does it mean to forgive someone?

Why is it difficult to forgive?

How does it feel when someone forgives you?

Jonah cartoonHave campers take a piece of paper and fold it into quarters. (If you have a large group, it might be easier to fold the papers ahead of time.) Together, talk about how the story can be divided into four scenes. Have campers draw a cartoon strip of today’s story, drawing a scene in each section of paper.You can also have campers draw cartoons in groups. Create four groups and give each group a large piece of paper or a particular spot on a large roll of paper. Have each group draw one scene.When they are done, hang the scenes together to make a complete cartoon of the story.

The unforgiving servantHelp campers find the book of Matthew, and read chapter 18:21-35 together. Talk about what forgiveness means in this parable.

Do you think that the first slave that could not pay expected to be shown mercy?

How do you think the lord expected the first slave to act?

Why do you think the first slave didn’t show any mercy to the slave that owed him money?

What do you think Jesus meant when he told this story?

Take volunteers or have each camper pick a character from this parable. Give them each a piece of construction paper and have them draw the outline of their character. Hand out scissors and have campers cut out their character, providing help if necessary. Have two campers hold up the sheet, or hang it up in a doorway or between two trees.Have campers act out the story of the unforgiving slave while a volunteer shines a flashlight on them from behind. Divide up the group into two so that everyone gets a chance to watch, or have them trade parts. If you are having some kind of program at the end of the week, see if the group can perform this shadow play as a part of it.

Send

Forgiveness is letting goPreparation: Ahead of time, identify a location at camp or in your day-camp setting where you can find small rocks.Take campers somewhere where they can each find a rock. Have them each choose one. When everyone has chosen their rock, explain that you want them to get to know their rock for a minute. Have campers sit by themselves where you can still see everyone. Have them take some time to examine their rock so that they would be able to find it if necessary. After a few minutes, have campers think about someone that they can forgive.Call the group back and gather them together. Explain that you want this rock to stand for something someone did that they should forgive.Campers may share it if they are comfortable, but make it clear that this is something that they do not have to share with others. Have campers carry the rock around for the rest of the day or for several hours. At the end of the day, gather in a circle and have everyone place the rocks in the center.

What was it like to carry the rock around all day?

How did it feel to put the rock down?

Explain that like the rocks, sometimes we carry things around inside of us that we could offer forgiveness for. When we forgive others, we don’t have to “carry” those things around anymore. Say a prayer together asking God to help you forgive others and thanking God for forgiving us. Leave the rocks there and head home or back to your cabin for bed.

Resources

CraftsScratch artMaterials: Thick construction paper or card stock, oil pastels, black acrylic paint, paintbrushes, drop clothPreparation: Cover your workspace with newspaper or a drop cloth.Give each camper a piece of paper and have him or her write his or her name on the back. Have campers draw a design on their paper with oil pastels. Remind them to

cover the whole page with color. Paint over the design with black acrylic paint and let it dry. When the paint is dry, have campers use a stick or penny to scratch some paint away. The color should be able to be seen, taking something that couldn’t be seen and making it into something beautiful! Have campers scratch a cross or a Bible verse. Or campers can simply scratch a design into the paint and cut it into a cross shape afterward.

Sun printsMaterials: Solar print paper (also called sun-sensitive paper), objects found in nature, bucket of waterGo on a walk or short hike with campers and have them find objects such as leaves, seedpods, pinecones, and rocks. Take the objects back to your outdoor workspace. Give each camper a piece of solar paper. Invite campers to arrange their objects on the paper. Watch what happens! After 10 minutes or so, remove the objects. There should be light colored shapes where the objects were. Submerge the piece of paper in a bucket of water to stop the process, and then let it dry.

Games

Get it to the other side!Materials: Playground balls of various sizes (at least one for each camper), ropePreparation: Make a line (use rope if needed) on a field or grassy area and place half of the balls on each side of the line.Divide campers into two teams and have each team stand on one side of the line. Explain that when you say, “Go!” they are to try to get all of the balls onto the other side of the line. Both teams will be doing this at the same time. Campers can throw, roll, or kick the balls, but must not hit the other team. See if either team can get all of the balls over on the other side.

Squirt ballMaterials: Squirt bottles (one each camper), beach ball, ropePreparations: Make a line (using rope if needed) that is about 20 feet [6 m] long. Fill each squirt bottle with water.Divide the group into two teams. Explain that when you say, “Go!” each team must try to keep the beach ball on the other team’s side by squirting it with water.

Small group devotions

A bad memory?Materials: Deck of cards, BibleHave someone shuffle the deck of cards and lay them all facedown on the ground. Have campers take turns turning over two cards to see if the numbers match. If a camper picks two that match, they get to keep them. If the cards do not match, turn them back over again. Keep playing until all the pairs have been found. Talk about memory.What made it difficult to remember where cards were? Did it get easier as the game went on? What do you think God’s memory is like?

Read Psalm 103:1-5. What does this say about God’s forgiveness? Whose sins does God forget? Close in prayer, thanking God for the forgiveness of our sins.

The Lord’s Prayer in actionTeach the Lord’s Prayer to your campers. It may be familiar to some campers.Our Father in heaven.Hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come.Your will be done,on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins,as we forgive those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial.And deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power,and the glory are yours, now and forever.Amen.Then as a group, make up motions. Use this as a way to actively pray with your group for the rest of your time together.

DAY 5: Jeremiah

Focus questionWho are we called to love?

Theme statementGod sends us out to love others.

ObjectivesThis Bible study will help lower elementary campers and their leaders:

know that we are sent to love God and others.

understand that we are sent to love others.

practice ways of showing love to others.

Bible textJeremiah 1:4-10 (Jeremiah’s call)

MaterialsBibles, blindfold, markers or crayons, index cards, a large piece of paper, tape, two different kinds of stickers, construction paper, scissors

Gather

Left outPut a sticker on the back of each camper’s shirt. Half the campers get one kind of sticker; half get the other kind of sticker. Tell the group that you have something to show them, but only some people will be allowed to see it. Campers can ask you to let them see the object, but you will only show it to campers who have the first kind of sticker.Those who are allowed to see it must not tell the others what the object is. Hide a small object in your hand, and only show it to one group. After a few minutes, sit down to talk about the activity and show everyone what you had in your hand.

How did you feel when you weren’t chosen to see the object?

How did it feel to be a part of the group that could see it?

Who was chosen?Gather your group so that they are sitting in a circle, and ask for a volunteer. Put a blindfold on your volunteer and explain that they are going to try to figure out who the leader is. Once your volunteer is blindfolded, point to another person in the circle. This person will be the leader. Without making a sound, the leader will start an action, such as clapping their hands, tapping the top of their head, snapping their fingers, etc. Each person is to follow by doing what the leader is doing.Once the leader has started an action and the group is following them, take the blindfold off of the volunteer’s eyes. Give your volunteer a minute to watch the activity, and then give them three tries to guess the identity of the leader. The leader should change actions at least once during this time. If your volunteer cannot tell who the leader is, have the leader raise her or his hand. Pick another volunteer to guess, cover their eyes with the blindfold, and play again!

Word

Am I old enough?Preparation: Think of things that you have to be a certain age to do or that you must be an adult to do. Write each on an index card, making sure that you have one for each camper. (Suggestions: get a driver’s license, vote, get a job, etc.) On another card, write “Tell others about God.”Have campers sit in a circle and pass out the index cards that you have prepared. Keep the one that says, “Tell others about God.” On a large piece of paper, make two columns. At the top of one column write, “Things that kids can do.” At the top of the other column write, “Things that adults can do.” Going around the circle, have each camper read what their card says and place the card in the column where they think it fits. (They will all fit under things adults can do.) Look at the lists together and talk about it. What do campers think about it? How does it make them feel? As a group, come up with a list of things that kids can do, but adults cannot and write them in the “Things that kids can do” column. Bring out your card and read it to them. Which column do the campers think it belongs in?

Tell the group that today’s story is about someone who didn’t think he was old enough to tell people about God. Make sure that each camper has a Bible, and then read Jeremiah 1:4-10 together.

What did God want Jeremiah to do?

How did Jeremiah feel about this?

Why do you think Jeremiah felt this way?

Love one another as I have loved you Preparation: Cut six hearts from construction paper. Write each verse from John 15:12-17 on a different heart. Hide the hearts.Show campers where the book of John is in the Bible, then read John 15:12-17 together. Tell the group that you have planned a love hunt for them. Explain that there are six hearts hidden in the area and they must find them together. Once all of the hearts have been found, see if they can put the verses in order. Reread the passage to help them, if necessary.Once your campers have put all of the verses in order, talk about how God loves us by reviewing what you have learned this week. As this passage says, we are to “love one another as I have loved you.” Have campers work together to hide the hearts and plan a love hunt for another camper group.

Send

Affirmation heartHave each camper choose a piece of construction paper. Show them how to fold it in half lengthwise and then cut a half of a heart shape on the fold. When they open it up, they should have a heart! As a group, talk about what campers have learned this week. How have you learned about God’s love and how we can love others?Have each camper write their name on one side of the heart. Have them think of one way that they will show God’s love to others when this week is over or when they return home and write it on the other side. Pass the hearts around your group and have each person write an affirmation on everyone else’s heart. This can be something that they like about the person, something that they do well, or something that they are thankful for about the other person. Make sure that you take the opportunity to write an affirmation on each camper’s heart too. Be sure to include ways that each camper has been helpful or has shown love to someone else in your group.When each camper has had the opportunity to write on everyone else’s heart, say a prayer together thanking God for this week that you have shared and for the new friends that you all have made.

Resources

CraftsBirdseed ornamentsMaterials: ¾ cup [.2 l] flour, ½ cup [.1 l] water, 1 envelope unflavored gelatin, 3

tablespoons [45 ml] corn syrup, 4 cups [1 l] birdseed, heart cookie cutters, nonstick spray, spoons, a drinking straw, waxed paper, yarn or ribbonMix the flour, water, gelatin, and corn syrup in a large bowl. Add the birdseed and stir until it is well mixed. Spray the cookie cutters with nonstick cooking spray, and fill each cookie cutter with the mix. Smooth it down with a spoon. Use a straw to poke a hole in the top of each ornament, and let it sit for 2 or 3 hours. Gently take the ornaments out of the cookie cutters and lay them upside down on a piece of waxed paper. Let them dry again for another 2 to 3 hours. When they are completely dry, string the ribbon or yarn through the hole and hang it outside for the birds!

Glue sun catchersMaterials: Clear plastic or glass beads in a variety of colors, white glue, thin yarn, clear plastic lids that are at least 3 inches [8 cm] in diameter and have no writing on themPreparation: Cover the workspace with newspaper or a drop cloth.Give each camper a clear plastic lid and have them spread a layer of glue on one side. Place beads in the glue. Place them in a sunny spot and let dry.When the sun catcher is dry, peel the lid away. As you remove it from the lid, be careful not to bend it. Turn it over and lay it in the sun again to dry the other side. When the sun catcher is dry, find a small hole in it and thread a thin piece of yarn through it to hang it.

Games

Everyone is calledMaterials: Parachute that is large enough for the entire group to fit underGather campers around the parachute so that each person is holding onto a part of it. Give campers a few minutes to play by shaking and moving the parachute. See what happens when you try to lift it up and down as a group. Explain that you will call out a certain group of people—for example, “everyone who is wearing a blue shirt”—and those that have a blue shirt on must run under the parachute and trade places before the parachute goes down. Try this several times while calling out different colors of hair, different colors of clothing or shoes, or favorite foods. Make sure that each camper gets called at least one time. At the end call out, “We are all called to love others!” The entire group should run under the parachute. Pull down on the parachute from the inside so that the group can sit on the inside together.

One, two, three—go!Materials: Small pieces of paper or index cards (one per camper), pens or pencilsGive each camper a small piece of paper or an index card. Invite campers to write their name on the card. (Make sure that you help anyone who is having difficulty writing her or his name.) Collect all of the cards and shuffle them. Give each camper a card, and make sure that they do not receive their own name. Explain to the group that they need to keep the name on their card a secret. Tell the group that when you say, “Go!” they are all supposed to call the name on their card. Everyone will be calling at the same time, so it may be difficult to hear! When a camper hears someone calling their name, they

should go and stand next to that person. When you are done, everyone should be standing in a circle.

Small group devotions

Circle of loveMaterials: Candle, matches or lighterGather your group and have them sit in a circle. Light the candle and place it in the center of the circle. Go around the circle and have each person say one thing that they like about each person.Read John 15:12-17 and close with prayer.

Called to loveMaterials: Paper, markers or crayonsGive each camper a piece of paper. Invite campers to write their name going down the left side of the paper. As a group, help each person think of ways that they can show God’s love for others that start with each letter of their name. For example, Saramight start by writing “Sitting with new kids at school” after the first S in her name. Darius might write “Donating food to people who are hungry” after the D in his name. Read John 15:12-17 and then close in prayer, asking God for help in sharing love with others.

“A love that never ends” Outdoor ministries curriculum, © 2014 Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. May be reproduced for local use.