Ages Branching Out.pdf

Writers

License, Copyright and Online Permission Statement Copyright © 2016 by Chalice Press. Outlines developed by an Editorial Advisory Team of outdoor ministry leaders representing five mainline protestant denominations. Purchase of this resource gives license for its use, adaptation, and copying for programmatic use at one outdoor ministry or day camp core facility/operation (hereinafter, “FACILITY”) for up to one year from purchase. Governing bodies that own and operate more than one FACILITY must buy one copy of the resource for each FACILITY using the resource. Copies of the DVD files may be made for use only within each FACILITY for staff and volunteer use only. Each FACILITY’s one-year permission now includes the use of this material for one year at up to three additional venues to expand the FACILITY’s reach into the local community. Examples would include offering outdoor ministry experiences at churches, schools, or community parks that are not part of your core FACILITY program. Copies of the DVD files are for programming use only by staff and volunteers and distribution for resale is strictly prohibited in any form electronically or in hard copy such as printing, copying, website posting/ re-posting, emails, etc. Upon request and approval this site license allows your FACILITY to post this edition of InsideOut resources for up to one year from purchase on a password-protected Web site for the exclusive use of volunteer directors and authorized staff. The password must expire within one year of purchase, and the administrator must change the password immediately upon discovery of unauthorized use. Please e-mail the Web site link to [email protected] for approval. The FACILITY must include the following copyright permission statement on each Web page, posted file, or item of the InsideOut resource: Copyright ©[theyearofthecopyrightedmaterials] Chalice Press. Used by permission. For use only at [insert FACILITY name and location]. Distribution for resale is strictly prohibited in any form electronically or in hard copy such as printing, copying, website posting/ re-posting, emails, etc. For questions or permission for other uses, contact Chalice Press at 314-231-8500 or permissions@ chalicepress.com. Project Manager Erin Reed Cooper Copy Editor John Patrick Carey Art Director/Design, Cover Images Connie H.C. Wang Interior Photographs and Images Shutterstock

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Erin Reed Cooper is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is the Program Director at the Calvin Center, a conference and retreat center near Atlanta. She loves mom-ing, wife-ing and sister-ing. Her favorite life stage is whatever one her kids are in (right now, that’s teenagers). Erin is the Editorial Project Manager for InsideOut, and wrote some of the Extra Resources. Susan Daniel-Brey is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and has been serving as a pastor in the Great Plains Conference (formerly Kansas East Conference) for 30 years. She lives in Kansas with a small goat herd, two dogs, and two cats. She’s been a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader, and camp counselor at church and Scout camps and special events. This year Susan and her husband, Ed, celebrated 20 years of marriage and saw their daughter graduate from high school and branch out to college. Susan is blessed to experience a loving Christian network of caring as she has been facing breast cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation; she looks forward to preaching about Elijah the Sunday after her final chemo treatment. Susan gave deep insight to the Biblical and Theological Overview section. Jan Gilbert Hurst is a lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren who has served in Brethren Volunteer Service and graduated from Manchester College/University. She has had a passion for camp from the age of eight and has volunteered at five Brethren camps in various leadership positions. Currently Jan serves as chair of the Western Plains District’s Outdoor Ministry Team. She lives in McPherson, Kansas, with her husband and their two cats. In her business Author’s Voice, Jan helps aspiring writers become published authors by providing editing, design, and production services for their books. Jan bought the joy of camping to the Younger and Older Children’s sections. Lara Blackwood Pickrel is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She serves alongside the people of First Christian Church (Smithville, Missouri) as their associate minister, and spends much of her time accompanying tweens and teens as they walk in faith. Writing curriculum has become a major part of her calling, and Lara also writes for Bible Lessons 4 Youth (a quarterly Sunday school curriculum). Lara’s husband, Chuck, also serves in Disciples youth ministry, and they enjoy counseling/directing camps and retreats together. When they aren’t at church or camp, Lara and Chuck enjoy time at home with their squirrelly dogs, as well as time with their tribe of young(ish) pastor friends. Lara’s spirit shines through the whole Group Worship materials and Litanies. Sandy Safford has served as a Christian educator for 25 years and currently serves as a lay pastor for a rural church on the plains of Colorado. For 17 summers Sandy has served as a volunteer leading camps at Highlands Presbyterian Camp near Estes Park, Colorado. Her favorite camps are Grandparent/Grandchild Camp and 5th/6th Grade Respite Camp, where she gets to lead using hands-on experiences that shape the outdoor ministry to be a lasting and transforming experience for all ages. Sandy developed meaningful activities for our Day Camp and Intergenerational sections. Troy Taylor has worked in United Methodist camping for more than 20 years and is currently assistant director at Camp Magruder on the Oregon Coast. He’s been crafting lessons, worships, skits, and stories since he started and is also a published poet. He and his wife, Allyson, live within a short walk from a mountain, an old growth Sitka Spruce, and the Pacific Ocean, and they do their best to get out every time the sun shines. Troy helped design exciting Extra Resources. Lee Yates is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). His writing can be found in BLY (Bible Lessons for Youth), Faith Practices, and Vibrant Faith at Home. Lee also produces his own vacation Bible school material under the name Yoda Yada Yada Publishing. When he is not writing, Lee consults with local congregations on multigenerational faith formation, and directs youth and hands-on mission events. Lee’s love of camp began with long walks in the woods with Snort the bear. Snort was imaginary, but that didn’t make creation any less amazing. Lee made the Younger and Older Youth Sections lots of fun.

Contents Welcome to InsideOut

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Daily Overview for Branching Out

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Images for Each Day

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Additional Resources for Leaders

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What’s on the InsideOut Website?

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Biblical and Theological Overview

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Staff Devotions

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Daily Guides for Younger Children

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Daily Guides for Older Children

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Daily Guides for Younger Youth

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Daily Guides for Older Youth

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Daily Guides for Intergenerational or Family Camps

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Extras

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Daily Worship Plans

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Challenge Course Activities

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Arts, Crafts, and Multi-day Projects

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Science and Nature

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Spiritual Disciplines

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Games

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Table Talk

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Tell Us What You Think

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InsideOut themes and Sneak Peek at Next Year

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InsideOut:

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Welcome to InsideOut

When you are a leader at church camp, you are an educator, guidance counselor, maintenance person, crisis manager and song leader. You are also a pastor, a friend and you have the highest honor and responsibility of being the embodiment of Christ Jesus to many people who are longing to know God’s tender love. It is a hard job, but a worthy one. Probably the best news is that Christ dwells in you, and you can listen to that still-small voice and all the communion of the saints who support you, bless you and cheer you on. All the same, you need to have the skills of a teacher, the comfort of a parent and the wisdom of an elder to do the work of camp ministry. This curriculum is here to support you in that work. You will find in the pages ahead Biblical theology done by scholars (who are also camp leaders) activities designed to help you share the Bible stories, games and projects that reinforce ideas and skills, and a whole lot of camping fun!

How to use InsideOut Branching Out: Connecting Through Christ On your disc are several files, including a PDF and a MS Word document both called “All Ages Branching Out.” Open either the PDF or the Microsoft Word document. In this document you will find a Biblical and Theological Overview for each of seven days; Daily Guides for seven days of materials for younger children, older children, younger youth, older youth, and seven days for intergenerational or family camp; and extra resources, including arts, games, science and nature, multi-day projects, Daily Worship Plans and Table Talk. The Microsoft Word document makes customizing the text for your camp easier. For your convenience, the disc also has a separate file for each age level and a separate file for each day of the week. The “Branching Out Day Camp” PDF gives you complete plans for eight weeks of day camp. Your disc also contains Artwork and Graphics suitable for T-shirts, marketing, and other use within the camp. See the “License, Copyright, and Online Permission Statement” on page 2 for details about permitted uses of the files.

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You will see Hashtags (#ThisIsAHashtag) listed beside each activity. They are there to help you categorize the types of activities you do with your campers, to ensure that you engage in many forms of Christian community. Really, they are just notating contemporary words for ancient Christian practices or spiritual disciplines. You could call them, “things Christians do in community.” For each day’s activities, you will see things that fall under five categories or disciplines: #learn, #play, #create, #pray and #serve. For those of you who have used InsideOut curricula before, these categories function like the multiple intelligences notes have in the past. They help you to provide a balanced day, appealing to differing needs of the campers and needs of the community. As you shape each day, try to include at least one activity from each of the five #disciplines. There are many things that Christian communities do together (it might be fun for you and your staff to make your own list) but these are some essential things that will help your community at camp “gel.” It may help you to think the phrase “Christians #learn together,” or “Together, we #serve.” We also worship together. Worship at camp offers the unique chance to experiment – to try things that your campers might never have experienced in a traditional congregation. Each day you are offered idea starters for worship experiences. On most days, you will have two ideas, labeled #celebrate and #centering. Your camp may be the kind that loves to use morning worship to get the juices flowing and the energy going and end the day with a gentle vesper service. Therefore you might want to use #celebrate for your morning time together and #centering in the evening. Or your camp may be more designed to have a quiet morning watch and end the day with a campfire celebration. You can see how you might flip the activities to reflect those moods. This is your camp, and you know what’s best for it. InsideOut is here to provide you with ideas and resources for you to choose from.

Daily Guide

Worship Practices

Each Daily Guide begins with a Title. The reference Scripture is given. The Scripture Focus is one or two verses from a key moment in the story. It may be used as a memory verse. If not indicated otherwise, the Scripture and Scripture Focus are taken from the New Revised Standard Version. Next, a Theological Summary is provided in a sentence that demonstrates how the scripture is related to the theme of Christian community. Campers Will offers several bullet points that will be the aim of the activity. Next the Daily Activities are listed with one or more #hashtags. Finally, Leader Notes call attention to special details that counselors and other staff may want to notice.

The tools to design your daily worship can be found on the Worship Practices pages. These can be used for devotional Cabin Time, small-group worship, or large-group worship. You will find suggested Song Ideas either to sing or to play for your campers. A Prayer that relates to the day’s theme is suggested and can be used in a variety of settings. Because camps daily routines vary, you may need energetic worship experiences as well as more contemplative ones. Most Worship Ideas pages offer you two suggestions. One, #celebrate, will work for eye-openers, campfire or other enthusiastic, high-energy settings. The other, #centering, offers a more calming and contemplative suggestion. Additional worship resources will be found in the Extras section at the back of the book.

Daily Guide Day 1: theme and scripture for the day Scripture Focus: Quoted from the NRSV. If another translation or paraphrase is recommended for your age group, it will be listed here. Theological Summary: This is a sentence that relates the scripture to the theme of the day. Campers Will: • These will list some goals for your campers today. • You may have one or two to whom you want to give special attention. • You will also find one acknowledging a legitimate fear. Daily Activities: This is a list of the activities that will be featured this day. Instructions and information will be found on following pages #HASHTAGS Beside each activity is one or two #hashtags. These correspond to 5 categories that the activities fall into. As you plan your day, you will want to have at least one activity from each category. The categories are things Christian communities do together. They are: #play includes games, sensory experiments, physical challenges #pray

includes prayer or reflection

#create includes creative writing, arts, music, crafts, design, drama #serve

includes outreach projects, consideration of others

#learn

includes Bible reflection, life application, understanding theme

Leader Notes: This section lists theological road bumps to be aware of, special notes of main theme, or important reminders about the nature of camp.

Worship Practices Cabin Time: This is a guide for cabin counselors to incorporate into their morning or evening routine. These are ways that you can connect with your campers and help them know they are in a safe and secure environment. Song Ideas: Some suggested songs to either sing or listen to that support the theme Prayer: You can use this prayer during worship time, as a meal blessing, etc. Worship Ideas: #centering, #CELEBRATE Here you will find two different activities to make worship meaningful. Because different camps have different types of worship (Eye-Openers or Morning Watch, Vespers or Campfire) you will find one worship type that has an enthusiastic and energetic mood #CELEBRATE. The other worship idea, #centering, will be more contemplative or inward focused.

Story Help Following the Worship Practices pages you will find a page to help you relate your story to your age group. In some places, this will be in the form of a Story Summary- a tool for some of the longer stories in the curriculum. You may find a Story Synopsis, a present-tense telling of the story that catches you up on the action just before the story. Especially with the younger age groups, you may see Story Resources; either a list of storybooks that are faithful to the Biblical text, or sometimes a script for a play. You will want to check this page before camp to see if there are books you want to borrow from your library or purchase.

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Daily Activities The bulk of the pages in each Daily Guide are the Daily Activities. These are the step-by-step instructions for the activities. Each practice will be Titled and #tagged so that you can quickly find the one you’re looking for. The descriptions of the activities include 4 sections: Why, Supplies, How, and BTW. Why gives your leaders a rationale for the activity. This will explain how the activity will function in your group. Sometimes the purpose of an activity isn’t clear, but this section will tell your leaders how it relates to the Campers Will… goals for the day. It also lets them know if the activity helps to burn off steam, calm and center, or reinforce learning the Bible story. Supplies obviously lists the items or resources you will need to complete the activity. How many of each item you will need will vary depending upon your group size. How gives step-by-step instructions to the activity, whether those are game rules, recipes, discussion questions or other pointers. BTW. By The Way—camp is not just a series of programmed activities. This section calls attention to all the teachable moments that happen between programmed events. It helps your leaders find times and places to reinforce the Biblical message, opportunities for pastoral response, and sometimes just other supplies or resources you could consider. It will offer you modifications that you can make on-the-fly. Since InsideOut is so customizable to your camp’s needs, you will have your unique ways of doing things. This section helps you to “change it up” to fit your camp.

the more opportunities brains have to practice empathy, compassion, justice and relationships. Camp engages the senses. Even if your facility isn’t the typical outdoor summer camp, you have the opportunity to engage body, mind and spirit – to engage the whole person. In order to provide resources for a wide variety of experiences for your campers, each Daily Activity in Branching Out falls into one or more of five disciplines. These categories will help you to determine what sort of activity it is. As you plan you will want to be sure to include at least one of each of the five disciplines every day. The disciplines are: #play

includes games, sensory experiments, physical challenges

#pray

includes prayer or reflection

#create includes creative writing, arts, music, crafts, design, drama #serve includes outreach projects, consideration of others #learn

includes Bible reflection, life application, understanding the theme

Customize Your Program Your camp is special. One of the greatest things about InsideOut is how customizable it is to your setting. Some of the variables that may change the experience are: • Number of days/length of camp • Theme of camp (Music, Arts, Drama, Sports, Adventure, etc.) • Denominational or doctrinal content • Special resources you have (garden, animals, waterfront)

The Five Disciplines

• Time of year/weather

Camp is a unique setting for community-building to take place. The go-go-go atmosphere at camp wakes campers from their typical school or work schedule of sit, sit, sit. Scientists keep finding more ways in which physical activity is good for us. We know that learning takes place better when bodies are moving. Brains in motion create stronger memories. It is also true that the more human senses that are engaged in an event,

You may want to print out the first and second pages of the Daily Guides to distribute to your staff. Plan ahead which activities you will do as a large group. You may want to give your leaders choices in what individual activities to do with their campers. Create a daily schedule that lists titles of Daily Activities and a page number of the Daily Guide where they can find a detailed description of the activity.

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Time

Activity

Title

Page

Location

#discipline

Dining Hall

Leaders

8:00

Breakfast

9:00

Morning Worship

Circle in the Sand

p. 40

Lakeside Chapel

#celebrate

Sandy

10:00

Small Group

Who’s Shoes?

p. 47

Villas 1, 2 & 5

#learn #play

Troy, Jon

Suggestions for Shorter Camps 1 Day – For a retreat study or an “open house” event, Day 7 – I Abide with You 2 Days – For an overnight camp or a lock-in, Day Two – I am the VIne, and Day Six – Abide with Me are both about Jesus’ love revealed in the breaking of bread. 3 Days – Days 2, 6 and 7 present you with opportunity to share the theme well. 4 Days or longer – you may want to consider using more than one scripture on a couple of days. In that case, consider combining Days 2 & 6 (meal stories) or Days 1 & 5 (Old Testament stories) While the material is laid-out for seven days, there is more than you could ever fit into one week. To extend the materials for a longer camp, split a few days in half.

Shape Your Day A typical schedule at camp includes three meals, worship, keynote or plenary sessions, small group sessions, large-group activities, free-time, recreation, cabin and hygiene time. There is a lot to get into a day. This makes for a long day for your campers and for your leaders. When planning your day, be sure that it includes enough time for rest at night and that you provide a little “down-time” during the day. It is important to find opportunities to give campers choices. They may take the form of picking which craft project they want to work on, or where they want to go for a snack. As you plan your days at camp, take note of the arc of the week. Each day’s theme and scripture is building on the last. Your individual days at camp have an arc, too. In the early part of the day, your campers will be presented with the Bible story. Throughout the day, Daily Activities will

Lee, Jan

give your campers opportunities to come into deeper understanding of the scripture, of their community and of God. By evening, your campers are relating the knowledge gained from the day to their world.

About Your Campers Learning and Development In addition to being familiar and comfortable with the content of the resource and the scripture, counselors need to understand the campers with whom they will be working. You don’t need to be a certified teacher or neuroscientist to understand and respond to the needs of your campers. In the past decade, significant discoveries about human learning and development have been made. While it is important to understand some general physical and social milestones your campers display, it is equally important to learn to assess and meet the needs of your individual campers. Children and adults within specific age ranges have multiple factors that determine the kind of input they require to learn and grow. As you get to know your campers, learn some of the facts about how brains work and how to maximize their potential. Safety First: In order for a human to learn, the environment he or she is in must feel safe. Because the human brain developed as a tool to ensure safety, it functions best when it is safe. Safety is physical, emotional and rational and as a leader you need to consider how safe you are making your campers feel. Affirmation of behaviors that are safe will inspire confidence and your campers will be more willing to take risks, a necessary element in learning. Learning Is Physical: Healthy, moving bodies make for active brains.

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Even emotional and spiritual development depend upon physical health. Be sure to provide your campers with lots of physical activity, healthy foods and plenty of rest. Camp can be a demanding physical endeavor, but science is showing that this is part of what makes it so transformative. Also, healthy habits formed at camp can make it home with your campers. Every Body Is Different: Each individual’s needs are unique to him or her. Life experience, gender, physical development and chemistry shape not only desires but also needs. Remember that not all of your campers will benefit from all activities. It is important to get to know your campers’ physical limitations and interpersonal abilities. Learn about each of your campers’ special needs and be sure to communicate your findings with other leaders.

General Developmental Characteristics Some developmental characteristics identified through years of research provide insight into the needs and capabilities of campers. This knowledge can serve the goals of Christian camping, enabling resource designers, camp leaders, and counselors to create experiences with campers that challenge them to grow individually as persons of faith and to discover the value of group interaction and Christian community. As staff members prepare to lead children and youth, they need to know what is appropriate for each age group. In training, your goals are for staff to: • Become familiar with the various age-level characteristics, especially for the group(s) they will be with the most; • Identify ways in which those developmental characteristics affect day-to-day interactions with campers; • Understand camp policies and procedures in light of age-appropriateness. Here is a suggested plan for reaching your training goals; modify it as needed: Divide into small groups, giving the Developmental Characteristics to each person to

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put in his or her staff manual or simply to keep. Depending upon your camp set-up, the number of staff, and the time allotted for training, you may choose to assign persons to their small group by a particular age focus or go broadly across agelevels. Groups are to: 1. Read through the information, stopping to clarify descriptors that any staff have questions about. 2. Choose a descriptor and discuss it, using prompts such as, “What would that look like?” “How would that show up?” “How should we handle that?” “What might we need to avoid?” Consider roleplaying some situations. 3. Make connections, where appropriate, to sample learning activities and to specific camp policies and procedures. For example, seeing that younger children (7–9 years old) have minimal upper body strength, a group assigned to this age group could note how that relates to the camp policy about not having young campers paddle a canoe by themselves or the expectation that counselors will be the ones to pour the campers’ drinks from the large pitchers. 4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 as time allows. Having the small groups report highlights from their discussion may also be helpful.

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Daily Overview for Branching Out .

Daily Guide Scripture

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Title

Theological Summary

Campers Will

What do these stones mean? We mark special places as sacred and give ourselves reminders of our relationship to place. It can be anywhere we notice and are aware of God’s presence with us.

• Connect with the place, and explore the value of sacred space. • Understand that we follow in the footsteps of believers who came before us. • Discover the importance of asking questions as they learn about God. • Learn how the story of God is passed from one generation to the next.

I Am the Vine

Words of institution at the Last Supper. We make sacred bonds with one another and God by covenanting. Covenant is a way to express our connection beyond space and time. Jesus entered into covenant with us, and we with him, in Holy Communion.

• Experience their connectedness to Christ through covenant • Reflect on the power of shared meals in community • Discover the roots of Christian worship in scripture

Love One Another

Cast the first stone. We have to look around to see that we are all valuable to God. People and their relationships to us are a treasure for us to protect.

• Know that their actions toward others can be transformative • See Christ’s example of compassion and grace with patience and courage • Be called to follow Christ’s example to connect to others without judgement, prejudice or injustice • Distinguish between judgement and justice.

Prodigal Son We make decisions that affect the ways we are connected. Sometimes we need to choose to disconnect to learn where God is.

• Learn the impact of choice in their connection with God and others. • Hear of God’s forgiveness and grace • Know that they can admit to their brokenness, and that they can change • Identify trustworthy individuals in their lives that will show them God’s grace and forgiveness

Joshua 4:1–9 John The Place 15:1–11 Where (Branching We Camp Out Theme)

1 Corinthians 11:23b–26

John 8:2–11

Luke 15:11–32

I Chose You

Day 5

1 Kings 19:11–13

I Have Spoken to You

We don’t always hear God through loud or obvious communication. We have to listen for the still small voice.

• Experience many ways to connect to God through the mystery of prayer. • Practice listening for God’s voice • Become aware of how God provides for them in many different ways. • Explore ways of connecting to God on their own

Day 6

Luke 24:13–35

Abide with Me

We have tools we can use to reconnect to God, and we find them as we walk the road with Jesus.

• Discover how they might deepen their connection with God • Learn to sustain this relationship after they leave the camp community • Become more familiar with their Bibles • Serve one another by being Christ-like to each other

Nothing can separate us from the love of God

• Understand how the magnitude of interconnectedness influences their encounters in the world. • Declare that they are connected to God’s love in Christ no matter what. • Identify things that try to disconnect them from God • Become equipped to share the Good News with others • Reflect on what things from camp will help them keep their connection to God.

Day 4

Day 7

Romans 8:35,37–39

I Abide in You

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Images for Each Day These images represent the themes of each day of Branching Out. They are simple to reproduce and they can be found in the Art file of your DVD.

Day 1 Day 7

Day 2

Introduction: John 15:1–11

Day 6

Day 1: The Place Where We Camp Joshua 4:1–9 Day 2: I Am the Vine 1 Corinthians 11:23b–26 Day 3: Love One Another John 8:2–11 Day 4: I Chose You Luke 15:11–32 Day 5: I Have Spoken to You 1 Kings 19:8–16 Day 6: Abide with Me Luke 24:13–35 Day 7: I Abide in You Romans 8:35, 37–39

Day 5

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Day 4

Day 3

Additional Resources for Leaders Connecting with the Camping Community There’s more to InsideOut than what you have in front of you. For example, have you “liked” InsideOut’s Facebook page? https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutChurchCampResources

InsideOut’s Facebook page links you to the larger InsideOut community, with regular posts about the benefits of camp, news and inspiration from other camps, and a quick way to share your creativity with other camp directors. Connect with camp leaders from across the country, sharing ideas, frustrations, and solutions. Some of the topics are: • Are church camps and conference retreat centers going away? • Is your camp really prepared for tick season? • What are your campers’ morning rituals? • What 5 things should all parents know about today’s camps? See how other camps are using InsideOut materials and show off your own camp’s T-shirt design.

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What’s on the InsideOut Website?

ChristianCampResources.com provides you with videos, additional camp activities, planning and training resources, and a variety of flyers and logos that you can customize for your camp’s needs. This is where you can get an early look at next year’s resource about Church, Community, and Mission.

If you want activities beyond what’s available in Branching Out or would like activities that fit in with your campers’ special interests—such as Nature Study and Creation Care or Spiritual Practices—download the free PDF of camp activities.

Other free PDFs offer training activities for counselors, tips on setting up your camp and planning your week of fun. Downloadable logos for each year’s theme can help you promote your camp.

InsideOut’s Twitter feed, https://twitter.com/InsideOutCamps, provides another way to keep up with InsideOut.

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Biblical and Theological Overview Introduction for Days 1–7 Branching Out: Connecting through Christ John 15:1–11 “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) When we head outdoors for summer camp, we encounter growing things we may not experience everyday in our lives in cities and towns. There are insects that buzz and sting—some with lacy wings and some less graceful. There are lizards and toads and snakes, and it is helpful to learn which ones might be dangerous and how to avoid them. Trees and plants are bountiful. It is helpful to learn about plants. What does poison ivy look like? What is edible? What is poisonous? An expert can teach us much about the amazing world of plants. One thing is for certain: there are lots of green, growing things out in nature. This year’s theme is “Branching Out: Connecting through Christ.” Camp is a good time to branch out in our lives—to stay overnight in a cabin or tent; to make new friends; to learn more about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and about God’s people; to try new activities such as swimming, canoeing, and horseback riding; and to discover new things about ourselves. Constancy in relationships, safety, and basic activities give us roots; change gives us branches and adventure—to try new things, discover things about ourselves, and stretch us to grow. The second part of our theme is we are “Connecting through Christ.” Jesus gave us seven “I am” statements about himself in the gospel of John. In chapter 15 Jesus tells us that he is the vine and we are the branches. We have two jobs as branches: to stay connected to the vine and to bear fruit. Jesus’ life will flow through us if we remain in him. This week you will explore ways to deepen your faith in Christ.

Let’s use the example of a pumpkin patch. Vines can grow prolifically, spreading all over the garden; here and there we spy the beginnings of pumpkins and then watch with anticipation as one grows from a small bud to a giant, heavy, green pumpkin. Green, yes, and then the orange color slowly starts to spread until it is October orange. But if that vine gets cut, and the growing pumpkin is dissected from the vine, it will shrivel up. Or if insects start eating into the stem, what had been beautiful and healthy one day can become wilted and hopeless a few days later. These are vivid examples of the urgency of remaining connected to the vine. When Jesus tells us he is the vine and we are the branches, he is using, specifically, the metaphor of a grapevine whose stock remains throughout the years. This branch stock can be transplanted; it produces tendrils of green branches, clinging to rocks and wires. In time these branches will be heavy with clusters of grapes. Each season branches will be pruned back, keeping some parts but eliminating others, all for the purpose of greater growth and fruitfulness. This metaphor fits our lives in Christ.

The Story’s Context and Background The vine image is strong throughout the Bible. Noah was the first man to plant a vineyard. The land of Egypt was rich with gardens and vineyards, but, when the Israelites left, no gardens grew in the wilderness in which they wandered. They looked forward to the “promised land,” where they would once again enjoy vineyards, gardens, and houses! Vineyards became an important part of agriculture, the rich juice of grapes adding joy to life. There were guidelines about not harvesting one’s fields to the edges or stripping the vineyard of all its grapes, in order to leave some for the poorer people of the land to glean for themselves. Psalm 80 is a key chapter that pictures the nation Israel as similar to a vine transplanted by God. In Isaiah 5, the prophet describes Israel as a choice vine that the Beloved (God) cared for carefully— clearing the land of rocks, building a protective fence, and giving it the proper care for it to produce fruits. Instead it produced wild grapes, tart and useless. Not only Isaiah but Ezekiel as well calls Israel to respond to God and bear fruit.

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It’s the same message of remaining connected and bearing fruit that Jesus employs in John 15. Additionally, Jesus told several parables about vineyards, stressing that God is the true owner of the vineyard and we must give account to God: “The Laborers in the Vineyard” is told in Matthew 20:1–16, “The Parable of Two Sons” in Matthew 21:28–32, and “The Parable of the Wicked Tenants” in Matthew 21:33–41, Mark 12:1–12, and Luke 20:9–19. Jesus wants us to be connected to him; he reminds us that if we don’t remain connected in him, we won’t have his life in us; but if we remain in him, we will experience life and joy, and we will bear fruit as his disciples. This week we will experience ways to deepen our connection with Christ: Joshua 4:1–9 – We hear about the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the promised land, led by their new leader Joshua. We will explore how connecting with sacred places strengthens our connections with God’s promises and God’s people. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 – Paul gives us the words of Jesus as the basis for our celebration of holy communion. Even though our different traditions might have different ways of observing this sacrament, we learn how God’s intention is for all people to have a place in the community of faith. John 8:2–11 – Some of the religious leaders were more interested in testing Jesus than in listening to what he had to say, but Jesus had an unnerving way of getting them to listen—to listen to their own hearts and to discover their connections to one another. We are invited to see with the eyes of our hearts and discover ways to build bridges with one another. Luke 15:11–32 – Jesus used parables—stories that were often memorable with a surprise ending—to teach important truths. Today we have a familiar story of two brothers who must each explore their world and choose their connections. We have a loving father who gives each son permission to define himself on his own terms, yet his love for each of them is evident in the ways he reaches out and invites them in. God grants us freedom to explore who we are and to define our lives, all the while standing ready to embrace and welcome us. 1 Kings 19:8–16 – The prophet Elijah is on the run after a powerful contest with prophets of

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other gods. In the wilderness he is sustained by God’s providential care. Elijah experiences storms—wind, earthquake, fire—but he hears God’s voice most powerfully in a quiet whisper. We explore how we might listen for God’s voice speaking to us. Luke 24:13–35 – The afternoon of the day in which Jesus was raised from the dead, two disciples were walking away from Jerusalem, sad and dejected. A stranger joined them on the road; he explained scriptures to them as they walked, and when they arrived at their home and started to eat, it was then they realized that Jesus was the one who was with them. Like the disciples, we have tools for reconnecting with God, and we find them as we walk the road with Jesus. Romans 8:35, 37–39 – Paul’s powerful and affirming words about how nothing can separate us from the love of Christ were learned from going through hardship and discovering that he was still connected to the vine that is Christ. As we wrap up our week at camp, it is so amazing to learn that indeed nothing can separate us from God’s love for us shown in Jesus Christ! This week we want to experience growth as young disciples of Jesus Christ, branching out to try new things, including experiencing the joy of Christ’s life in us.

Day 1: The Place Where We Camp—Joshua 4:1–9 Experience the Story Samuel was thrilled; his father, Naaman, was chosen to represent the tribe of Benjamin for a very special task. Now Naaman was on his way to a special meeting with Joshua, who had succeeded Moses as the leader of the entire nation of Israel, over 1 million people. Samuel kept his eyes alert, watching for his father to return. Soon he spotted him, taking long strides with his legs and looking very thoughtful. Rachel, Samuel’s mother, spoke first: “What did Joshua say? What are your instructions?” Naaman raised his eyebrows in his teasing sort of way. “First we camp, right here in the plain of Moab.” That didn’t sound very exciting, thought Samuel. “Then, on the third day, we move out in order to cross

the Jordan River and enter the land of Canaan.” Samuel cocked his head, a puzzled expression on his face as he thought of the river, swollen with spring rains.

bank of a boundary-marking river and expansion into land where other people-groups lived is remarkably akin to Israel’s crossing of the Jordan River and entry into the promised land.

“The priests who bear the ark of the covenant will go ahead of everyone. They are to step into the waters, trusting the Lord God Almighty to lead us through. What will happen exactly after that, Joshua didn’t say. But he was quite confident that, just as God led our ancestors across the Red Sea when they escaped from Egypt, so God will also bear us safely across,” explained Naaman.

The Word

“What is your job, Father?” asked Samuel. “My job is to take one of the large stones from the riverbed and carry it to the other side. Each of the representatives of the Twelve Tribes is to carry one large river rock, taken from where the priests stand bearing the Ark. Wherever we camp the night after the crossing, we are told to pile the rocks together as a memorial, and worship the Lord in the new land.” Samuel’s heart was beating fast as he thought of his father—strong, tall, and broad-shouldered—carrying a large rock to build an altar in the promised land, where all their people would worship in days to come. “Joshua told us that, in years to come, when our children look at the altar of stones and ask us about this event, we are to tell the story of our deliverance at the crossing of the Jordan River.” “I’ll tell my children and my children’s children,” laughed Samuel. He rubbed his little brother’s head of hair and laughed again. “And I’ll tell you, Isaac, every time you say, ‘Again, again,’ I’ll tell you how God took us safely across the river into the promised land.”

Our World Monuments mark significant places in our cultural memory that remind us how far we’ve come and inspire us for what may be. These monuments mark significant places and moments in history when large groups of people accomplished something important, and entered a new era of human history. What are some monuments near you? The St. Louis Arch, for example, is an elegant and beautiful tribute to the opening up of the West for America’s growth. The concept of the western

Context, Geography, and History of the Story God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous as he led the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan. The people of Israel camped out on the eastern side of the Jordan River, several miles north of where it enters the Dead Sea. It was the springtime of the year, and the river was swollen. There was no Israeli Corps of Engineers building a bridge or dam, no ferry system, only the word of the Lord to wait, trust, and participate in what God was about to do. God gave Joshua instructions: the priests were to move 1000 yards in front of the people, and lead them into the Jordan. The power of God would clear their way, and the people would have a clear view of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant. The priests walked into the waters, not waiting for the river to stop and the land to dry up first, as would, no doubt, have been their preference. As their feet sloshed into the water at the river’s edge, there was a miracle, and the waters flowing down the Jordan were somehow stopped, and the waters dissipated. Some have suggested an earthquake stopped the waters’ flow; whatever it was, God’s timing and working on their behalf enabled the people to cross the Jordan River, while the priests waited, standing with the ark of the covenant in the midst of the dried-up Jordan. None of those crossing the Jordan River had been alive at the time when Israel crossed the Red Sea coming out of Egypt, except for Joshua and Caleb. The others had heard the stories of deliverance; now it was their turn to have a definitive sense of God’s presence and power. They felt more connected to the ancient story than ever before! Joshua commanded a representative of each tribe to take a stone from the middle of the river, where the priests’ were standing, and carry them across to the place where they were camping that first night. An altar would be built of these stones, a place to memorialize what God had done for

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them. When their children asked in days to come what the stone altar meant, they could give a firsthand testimonial. Just as these Israelites who had crossed the river had heard the stories from their parents and grandparents before, from now on it was their turn to pass on the stories of faith. Crossing The Red Sea: When the Israelites escaped from Egypt under the leadership of Moses, God parted the waters of the Red Sea to allow them to cross on dry ground. That river crossing formed the first major step of their passage from slavery to freedom, and marked the beginning of their journey through the wilderness. Forty years had passed, for the first generation was not permitted to enter the promised land; now their children and grandchildren crossed another body of water, the Jordan, into the promised land. Organized by tribes: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were the first three generations of the patriarchs. Jacob’s twelve sons became the heads of the twelve tribes. Having tribes helped to organize the people and give them a greater sense of identity and belonging. Ark of the Covenant: The Israelite priests carried something very important in their trek across the wilderness: the ark of the covenant. Details for its construction were provided to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and the skilled workman Bezalel followed those instructions. (See Exodus 25:10–22; 37:1–9.) It was a box made of acacia wood, 2½ cubits long, 1½ cubits wide. and 1½ cubits high. A cubit (Hebrew ammah, meaning forearm) was measured from the bend of the elbow to the tip of the longest finger. The royal cubit, used in building projects, was about 20.6 inches; a shorter cubit was used in commerce. This box was overlaid with hammered gold, inside and out; four rings were attached to its sides and poles inserted to carry the Ark. On top was a mercy seat of pure gold; two cherubim, wings outstretch above the seat, facing inward, guarded the seat. Inside the ark were the two stone tablets upon which were written the Ten Commandments. The ark was holy and beautiful to behold, the place where God met with God’s people. When the people traveled, they took up the curtains and the tabernacle, and when they camped at a place, it was set up again. This ark of the covenant was borne by the priests, who carried it on their shoulders at they stepped into the flooding Jordan River.

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Crossing the Jordan River: The crossing of the Jordan River took place between Shittim on the eastern side and Jericho on the western side. The area closer to the river is called the “plain of Moab, opposite Jericho” (Numbers 26:3). According to Joshua 3:16, as soon as the priests’ feet stepped into the river, the waters “stopped” and “stood in a heap” at Adam, near Zarethan, about 24 miles north of the Dead Sea. The waters flowing from the north dried up, and soon all that was left was a trickle of water in pools. The people began their crossing. The people of Israel crossed the riverbed by tribes—not single file but stretched out across the length of the riverbed for several miles. Just as thousands of people can enter a ballpark through multiple gates in a short period of time, the tens of thousands of Israelites that day entered into the promised land. Stones from the riverbed for an altar: After the tribes of Israel crossed the riverbed, representatives of each tribe took stones from the riverbed onto their shoulders, carried them back, and stacked them up at the place they would camp that night, to create a worship center—Gilgal. Gilgal’s importance: Gilgal became an important gathering place for the community, called an amphictyony. This word is of Greek origin, made up from amphi = neighbors and ktizein = to found. Gilgal became an important religious center shared by several tribes, where Israel under Joshua’s leadership celebrated the Passover, circumcised a new generation, and from which they went forth on military campaigns to conquer the land. Gilgal lies about three miles northeast of Jericho. In 1897 an ancient mosaic map was uncovered in the area of Madaba, Jordan. This mosaic Madaba map, dating from 567 C.E., is astounding in its scope, detail, and accuracy. It indicates the importance of Gilgal for God’s people in Old Testament times, but also through the early Christian centuries. Conquest of the land: Some monuments are tributes to westward expansion, including settlers claiming lands that belonged to native people. The crossing of the Israelites into the “promised land” of Canaan inaugurated the period of Israel’s

history known as the “Conquest.” A huge surge of peoples new to the land had just crossed the river and were claiming this land as a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham—to give him descendants, land, and blessing. This conquest included instructions to destroy many peoples who already lived in the land, who had built houses and gardens and vineyards. In the twentieth century, as the nation of Israel was founded, some saw this as another way to establish the promised Israeli presence in the Middle East. Others argued that it wasn’t right to take the land from the Palestinians. However, careful analyses show that numerous peoplegroups have inhabited this land in waves over time, and that none have an exclusive claim on it. Furthermore, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that some areas were settled without conflict, leading them to conclude that some Hebrews were already living in the land peacefully even before the conquest.

The Word in Our World We mark special places as sacred and give ourselves reminders of our relationship to place. Gilgal became the place where the covenant with God, initiated at Mt. Sinai, was renewed. There Israelites celebrated God’s deliverance and protection, circumcised all their males, and celebrated the Passover. At Gilgal they worshiped the God who delivered them. We worship God at sacred places in our camps, renewing our connections with God and one another. God acted on the Israelites’ behalf; so, they were to remain faithful to God. They did not need to be afraid of other nations, for God’s intention was to bless them richly and fulfill the divine covenant with them. They were to worship God alone, keep the commandments, remember it was God who worked on their behalf, and teach their children. God cautioned them that when all these blessings had been fulfilled, and they lived in fine houses and ate rich foods, they were not to forget the Lord their God who brought them out of slavery into that good land (Deuteronomy 3—8). God acts to bless us in many ways; we are to remain faithful in return. We have lots of good things in our lives, results of hard work and God’s

blessings. It is too easy for us to think, “We’ve done all this ourselves. We are good people, and we deserve all these good things.” We should thank God for all blessings and maintain humility in living our richly blessed lives. Of course, not everyone’s lives are blessed by abundance or ease. We do not want to discount their troubles or imply that they do not deserve good things. Keeping this in mind, we realize that in many ways our way of life in this country, in this good land, is blessed. Israel crossed over to become a grounded people. Crossing into the promised land fulfilled the promise God made long ago; no longer a wandering people, they were now a landed nation. Many campers and staff will have moved in the past, leaving something familiar for a new place, new home, and new friends. For some children and adults, moving has almost become part of their DNA, perhaps as military families or pastors’ kids. Transitioning from being on the move to becoming landed may convey a sense of security. The Israelites had been a people on the move for forty years. Now, en masse, they moved into the land promised to their ancestors Abraham and Sarah. Some people groups also move en masse and together claim a new place as home. The very act of moving together gives people a group identity. Can you think of groups of people who are leaving one place to seek a new homeland? Transitioning from being people on the move to becoming landed people gives a clearer sense of identity, connecting past with future and the hopes we have for our lives. We may be afraid when we face new challenges, but God will help us. When we have sensed that God is leading us to something new, we believe God will also be present with us and give us grace to make it through. Children don’t have control over the big decisions; they need to trust their parents when parents believe God is leading them. God is present in the past, with us now, and goes into the future with us. When Joshua gave the command to take the stones from the riverbed and use them to build an altar of commemoration, it was so that those crossing the Jordan River could have this as an object lesson for their children. No longer would they report

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the ancestors’ stories of how God delivered them; now it was their turn. In our twenty-first–century lives, God is still present and at work, and we still have the privilege of sharing how God is active in our lives!

Leader Reflections What are some of the special places at your camp whose meaning goes back several generations? Are there clues to the back story? How do you tell the stories of what these places mean to newer campers? One advantage of the priests going ahead of the people 1000 yards was so that everyone could see them clearly. The principle was that God leads, the people follow. They hadn’t been that way before, so they needed the direction of God and those appointed to lead them. Cairns and other markers have long been used to mark pathways and the safest routes to follow. Are there trails at your camps that may be unfamiliar to campers or even newer counselors? Long ago, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, that they would inherit this promised land, and would be a blessing to all nations. Crossing the Jordan into the promised land was a major step in the fulfillment of God’s promise. As you walk in camp at night, look at the sky and remember God’s promise to Abraham. Gilgal became an amphictyonic site, a place where the tribes came together for worship, a sense of community, and a base for further action. Camps often become places where groups come together for worship, a sense of community, and to help campers grow and further their lives. What are some ways that we become neighbors during our week at camp? How does this sense of community shape us now and when we go back to our homes? In what ways are we connected to the bigger community that finds God in this camp setting? Faith formation is intergenerational. This week you will be telling stories of God’s people, and giving campers opportunities to ask questions. This process helps them develop confidence in their own growth and development, intellectually and spiritually, when they begin to recognize the stories and own them. Faith-sharing across

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generations is especially important. Several Psalms emphasize this generation-to-generation aspect of faith sharing and claiming: Psalms 78, 79, 102, and 145.

Day 2: I Am the Vine —1 Corinthians 11:23b–26 Experience the Story The Apostle Paul stood up from his writing desk in Ephesus, stretched, and sighed. The spring breezes carried the sounds of children playing as well as tantalizing smells of women cooking the evening meal, reminding Paul that Passover was near. Paul shook his head, his brow creased and his chin trembling. Closing his eyes he was suddenly transported in his mind to another room, where the Lord himself took the bread into his hands and spoke the immortal words: “This is my body, given for you.” With cup in hand, he spoke again, “This cup is my blood poured out…[for a] new covenant.” This tradition was as indelibly ingrained in Paul’s’ brain as if he had been there—passed on to him by Peter and the other apostles. It was a treasure to hold, ponder, and partake, all the while remembering the hope: “You proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes again.” Paul returned to his desk. In Paul’s day the celebration of the Lord’s supper took place in private houses, most often in larger villas owned by wealthier members of a congregation, just as the Passover was celebrated in the context of a meal with the Haggaddah—the questions, rituals, and symbolic foods all pointing to what the Lord had done for his captive people, delivering them from slavery in Egypt and making of them a new people. Similarly, when the Lord Jesus gave his life on the cross, he did so freely and in order to redeem Jews and Gentiles alike from slavery to sin and death, to seal a new covenant, making of them—of us all—a new people. The power of this truth thrilled Paul and he felt a surge of energy course through his body, the Holy Spirit filling him with a deep and profound joy. “Whenever you eat or drink, do this in remembrance of me.” He thought of the Christians at Corinth. Throughout the letter he was currently writing to them, he had been addressing factions, moral problems, and pride.

Then a letter from them had arrived, its language respectful but describing additional problems on which they sought his guidance. The way they had turned the Lord’s supper into a feast for the affluent while the lower-classes stood by, at times receiving nothing to eat, was a betrayal of what Jesus Christ had died for. This matter in particular weighed heavily on Paul’s heart. Thoughts began to swirl inside Paul’s mind, phrases that would take full shape in future letters: “died to the old self,” “the same mind in you as in Christ Jesus,” “neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, but all one in Christ Jesus,” “Christ Jesus lay down his life.” How to express this joy, this new life, this unity of the body to the Corinthians? “It all centers on what God in Christ has done for us all,” thought Paul. He remembered studying scriptures as a young man, and how his eyes were opened to the meaning of the “suffering servant” passages in the book of the prophet Isaiah when he came to follow Christ. He chose to emphasize this redemptive action on God’s part as he used the verb paradidṓmi, “to hand on / to hand over.” A smile crossed Paul’s lips, and he readied his pen, writing: “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” I will talk with them more about this when I come in person, determined Paul. He bowed his head and sighed… (Whenever we take the bread and cup, it is a sign that we accept Christ’s sacrificial gift for ourselves. It means that we, too, will live in a way befitting this divine generosity.)1

Our World How many people have experienced a separate table for the children when families gather for big holiday dinners such as Thanksgiving and Christmas? Even though it is wonderful to have everyone there, sometimes there is not

enough room at the formal table for everyone, or people want to keep the mess in the kitchen, so they politely seat the grown-ups at the dining room table and the children at the “children’s table.” This can be awkward for teens, who no longer identify with the children and want to be considered “grown up.” They are tired of the children’s shenanigans, but they might get bored by the grown-up conversation. Perhaps it is emphasized, “You can supervise the little ones.” But, hey, who wants to have that distinction? Isn’t the idea of family reunions and family dinners that we are all together? (One good thing is that the kids usually get the same delicious food.) A similar problem existed when the Corinthian Christians gathered for the Lord’s supper.

The Word Context, Geography, and History of the Story Paul had written to the Corinthians to address issues and provide guidance for their Christian lives. Because of their conflicts, we have some of the most profound teachings on Christian unity, love, marriage, and the original tradition of how Jesus first did communion. This narrative reveals how Paul cherished the tradition and handed it on to them. His heart aches for them to know the depth of Christ’s love, his sacrifice, and his desire for those who believe in him to love one another. The apostle Paul spent eighteen months at Corinth during his second missionary journey, spring of 50 until fall of 52 C.E. During this time he met Priscilla and Aquila, two Jewish-Christians who had come from Rome during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Paul took his ministry first to the synagogue, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. When they opposed him, Paul took his testimony to the Gentiles. Several leaders, Jewish and Gentile, became part of the Christian community in Corinth. Like Athens, 50 miles to the east, Corinth was a cosmopolitan center. It was located two miles south of the narrow isthmus which forms the land bridge between the main land mass of Greece and the Peloponnesus (the southernmost part of Insights from Richard B. Hays, 1 Corinthians from Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1997), 204.

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mainland Greece), and thus commanded a major east-west trade route between the Aegean and Ionian Seas. This brought sailors, merchants, and military people from many parts of the world through their area, contributing to a robust economy. Rome conquered the city in 146 B.C.E. and recolonized it in 44 B.C.E. Many of the colonists were former slaves, older soldiers, and undesirables from Rome, who found opportunities for advancement in Corinth. It is very likely that that the friction and competition that Paul discovered among the new Christians was due in large part to the mix of people in Corinth. During Paul’s visits to Corinth, and in his letters, he elaborated on beautiful theological concepts such as the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, marriage, love, and the body of Christ. But he was also troubled by the need that arose repeatedly to address the Christians in Corinth on basic issues of unity. In our passage Paul must repeat his instructions about the Lord’s supper, holy communion. the Corinth Christians’ social divisions were affecting the way they shared this meal. As a result, instead of expressing unity, it was creating new divisions. As mentioned earlier, the city of Corinth is located about two miles south of a key isthmus. Thus Corinth sat at a prosperous commercial crossroads in classical antiquity, overlooking the two ports of Cenchraea and Lechaeum on the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The sea voyage around the southern coast of the Peloponnesian peninsula was difficult and dangerous. Merchants shipping goods between Asia and Italy preferred to send their cargo via the isthmus route. Acrocorinth lies to the south of the main city. On it stood the Temple of Aphrodite. The prominence of the mount was one reason Rome wanted to conquer the city. The isthmus is less than five miles wide. In ancient times small ships could be carted across the isthmus on a paved road called the diolkos. Small portions of the diolkos may still be seen. Larger ships unloaded their cargo, which was carried across and reloaded. This avoided the long 200-mile journey around the Peloponnesus. At one point, Emperor Nero tried to dig a canal across the isthmus to make the trip even

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smoother, but eventually abandoned his attempts (67 C.E.). Corinth also hosted the Isthmian games, an athletic festival second only to the Olympic games in importance. Held every two years, the games attracted large crowds and generated revenues for the city. The apostle Paul likely came to Corinth about 51 C.E., during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius, and remained there for eighteen months (Acts 18). The book of Acts records the success of that work. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul answers the Corinthians’ questions about the Lord’s supper. A particular point of contention was that the community meal, which was hosted in the homes of wealthier members, involved fine dining for the upper-class members, and exclusion of lower-class members of the church.

The Word in Our World We make sacred bonds with one another and with God by covenant. Holy communion embodies a covenant relationship with God and one another. Through the life and death of Jesus, God initiated a new covenant, extending the welcome to all people because of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. We belong to a covenant people bound together by responsibilities to God and to one another. If anyone celebrates the Lord’s supper while excluding others, the way the Corinthians were doing, this shows disregard for the covenant relationships that we have with one another; it’s a red flag that we have an odd amnesia about Jesus’ death. Christians should always consider how their behavior is affecting their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul stated a profound unity between the meal and the fellowship (1 Cor. 10:16–17). He developed the idea of the body of Christ and how we are all members together (Cor. 12). In 1 Corinthians 11:17, Paul uses the term synerchesthai to describe the sense of community as Christians gather around the table. What are some experiences of Christian unity and rich fellowship your campers have experienced? The Lord’s supper is a proclamation of the Lord’s death. There were no written Gospels in Paul’s

time, yet telling the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection stood at the center of Christian proclamation from the very beginning. The Lord’s supper is not just any church dinner; it is modeled after the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples. Paul passed on to the Corinthians what was handed to him: the early Christian tradition. Paul received this word from the Lord in the sense that it was Jesus himself who originated the tradition of sharing the bread and cup as a sign of his impending death and the new covenant between God and humanity. There is an organic connection between sharing the meal and remembering that Jesus offered his life for us all to initiate a new covenant. Memory is linked to hope. The church is twice instructed to “do this in remembrance of me” in 1 Corinthians 11: 23b–26.These symbolic actions remind the church of Jesus’ death for the benefit of the community of faith. There is a link between the Lord’s supper and Passover— Exodus 12:14 says that Passover is to be “a day of remembrance for you,” a day in which Israel recalls God’s deliverance of the people from bondage. In the same way, the Lord’s supper is an opportunity for the people of God to remember God’s action of deliverance through Jesus’ death. The meal acknowledges the absence of the Lord— it mingles memory and hope, recalling his death and awaiting his coming again. We remember Christ; the Greek word for this is anamnesis = “not amnesia.” Looking forward with hope to his coming again infuses our celebration of the Lord’s supper. In Holy communion, we are vowing to uphold our end of the covenant. We promise to live as Christ’s disciples in the world.

Leader Reflections We use many names for the celebration of holy communion. List those names and meanings. Look at descriptions of the Last Supper in the Gospels: Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; and especially John 13—17 in which Jesus gives a specific command—to love one another—and acts this out as he washes the disciples’ feet.

Jesus taught us to love without distinction. Read the two great commandments and the parable of the good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25–37). Challenge yourself to memorize the two great commandments. Look at meals that included many, such as feeding the five thousand, John 6:1–11. At some meals exclusion was obvious, such as Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus, in Luke 16:19–31. James 2:1–9 warns against showing partiality. Isaiah 55:1 is a great call to worship. Matthew 25:31–46 and Isaiah 58:6–7 call us to show compassion and care for those who are vulnerable. The movie Antwone Fisher is a powerful story about being included in a community and at their table. Because what is ultimately involved is Antwone’s healing from his past, this conveys a deep truth that people may experience healing and resolution when they are welcomed into the community of faith and experience true generosity.

Day 3: Love One Another —John 8:2–11 Experience the Story It was the breaking of dawn when Jesus began his walk into the city—that moment when, by Jewish definition, there was a line between the darkness and the light. Within hours the controversy between the scribes and Pharisees about Jesus’ identity would erupt again and Jesus would declare he was “the Light of the world.” The choice about whether to choose Jesus and live in the light, or reject Jesus and choose darkness would be played out in the lives of countless listeners. The city itself was waking up after a week of festivities: the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus entered the outer courts and sat down, with people gathering around him. Suddenly a woman was thrust before him, shoved roughly to the ground. It was another test by the scribes and Pharisees. “The Law of Moses,” they said, “requires us to stone such women.” But this was misquoting Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22, both of which required the stoning of both the man and woman caught in adultery.

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It was a double-bind for Jesus; would he convict or acquit the woman? However, Jesus did not speak a word; instead, he knelt and wrote in the dirt with his finger. They kept pressing him, until he straightened up and spoke, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” And he knelt and wrote again. What he wrote we’ll never know, but his action was symbolic, for in the Hebrew Scriptures when God inscribed the first tablets of the Law, they were written with “God’s finger.” Here, as Jesus is interpreting the Law and shedding light on this controversy, he writes with his finger. The trap that had been set for Jesus instead trapped those who set it, for, one by one, they slipped away. Had their hearts convicted them of sin, or had their eyes been opened so they saw with new sympathy? Jesus rose once more, addressing the woman, offering forgiveness and the chance to begin anew.

Our World Writing in the dust can be a fun pastime for little children. The dust becomes a tablet for creativity as a little one draws roads, shapes hills, and drives an imaginary pebble car. Writing in the dust on the back end of a vehicle with the message, “Wash Me,” leaves a message visible to all. Writing in the dust can be helpful when two people are outside talking about a project and need someplace to draw out their ideas. Writing in the dust can be a useful way to leave clues along a dusty hiking trail. Jesus wrote in the dust the day the scribes and Pharisees put him to the test in Jerusalem, and it was transformative for accused and accusers alike.

The Word Context, Geography, and History of the Story This story in John 8:2–11 is not found in the early versions of the gospel of John; yet, most authorities believe it has the ring of truth to it. The setting is in Jerusalem at the end of the Festival of Booths (or Tabernacles), one of three pilgrim festivals ordered by God (Lev. 23:33–43; Deut. 16:13–17). God established these so each generation can act out their history and connect with their ancestors, helping them to experience by faith the mighty acts of God in the past and

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to anticipate God’s work on their behalf in the present and future. The Festival of Booths (or Tabernacles), also known as Sukkoth, is in the seventh month. The Israelites are to make booths out of leafy tree branches and camp out in them for the seven days of the festival. Imagine a community campout in September or October. Even today during this festival, people build temporary dwellings, eat their meals in them, and sleep in them—except in case of rain. All Jewish men were required to come to Jerusalem for the Festival of Booths. Jesus’ brothers at this point in his life are not believers in him as the Messiah, but they bait him in chapter. 7: “Don’t you think we’d better be going to Jerusalem for the festival?” even though they know the Jewish authorities are looking for Jesus to try and trap him. Jesus says no to his brothers, and he supposedly stays in Galilee while they go on. But then he goes, sort of undercover, and is in Jerusalem for a few days, watching. Midway through the festival, Jesus appears near the temple, teaching people. Before long, the Pharisees and scribes catch wind of his presence and come to watch and question him. Then, the authorities send the temple police to arrest Jesus, but they get caught up in listening to him and return without making an arrest. On the last day of the festival, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “Let any one who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink” (Jn. 7:37b–38a). Jesus draws on the festival imagery of water to proclaim himself as the one who satisfies human thirst. When the festival was over, ending at sunset of the seventh day, everyone went home, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. The story about the woman taken in adultery and the controversy between the leaders and Jesus takes place the next morning, after he returned to the temple. Scribes and Pharisees: Scribes were learned men whose business was to study the Law, transcribe it, and write commentaries on it. They went beyond interpretation of Scripture, adding many humanmade traditions, becoming skillful at spelling out the letter of the Law while ignoring the spirit behind it. They faulted Jesus for assuming authority over the Law, as well as for his particular

interpretations. Pharisees are those Jews who seek to live strictly by the Law and its oral additions. In some specific cases, they were friendly to Jesus, but because he claimed authority over the Law, the group opposed him. In this section, even though the religious leaders are trying to test and trap Jesus, there is a slight difference in tone; they dialogue with him, suggesting a nuance of guarded respect. It can be challenging to explain “caught in adultery” to children. Probably the best contemporary language is “cheating on her husband.” Some children will also note that the man is also cheating on his wife. It takes two to commit this sin. The Godly Play curriculum uses the phrase “don’t break your marriage.” The nature of the woman’s sin is actually not necessary for the meaning in this story. In fact, Jesus challenges everyone present to consider whether or not they always kept the letter of the law. Rather than simply keeping the letter of the law, Jesus wants people to show compassion, especially to those who are broken and hurting. The scribes and Pharisees quote the Hebrew law about “stoning such women” and ask for Jesus’ response. One problem was that they provide a very incomplete interpretation of the Law of Moses, focusing only on the woman. Read Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22–24. In the time of this story, a girl was considered the property of her father; when she married she became the property of her husband. Adultery was considered a form of abusing a husband’s property. See Leviticus 18:8, 16; 20:20–21. The Pharisees brought this question to Jesus to test him; they wanted to discover some way to bring charges against him. He knelt and wrote with his finger on the ground. Finally he stood and said, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (Jn. 7b). On one hand, the Law was given to guide Israel into being a holy nation. The trouble was, the Law was applied unevenly, inaccurately, and when convenient. Jesus did not want to endorse this interpretation of the Law, nor side with these religious leaders who seemed more intent on trapping him than getting a clean legal opinion. On the other hand, if Jesus were to completely

bypass the Law, he would be morally lax and suspect. Would he convict or acquit? What did Jesus write in the dirt? There has been much speculation. Roman judges wrote sentences before announcing them. Some scholars say that ancient authorities claim Jesus wrote the sins of each of them. By pausing to write, Jesus created space for them to think, to awaken their consciences. Slowly, one by one, the accusers begin to depart. Jesus was left alone with the woman. Then according to the scripture, “Jesus straightened up and said to her. ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on, do not sin again.’” The officials tried to trap Jesus, but he escaped with a gracious, compassionate, and wise spoken word.

The Word in Our World We learn in Christ to love one another. God issued laws as part of the covenant God made with the people of Israel. By this covenant God set this people apart from all other peoples, sanctifying them to be a priestly kingdom and holy nation. Though Christians are not bound by the ritual laws in the Old Testament, the command to love God with all our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves is the standard for the Christian life. We are forgiven and reconciled people. God invites us to relate to one another in ways that liberate us all to be what God has created us to be, and to connect with others without judgment, prejudice, or injustice. We are forgiven even before we repent. When God forgives us, it isn’t that God is excusing our behavior. Rather, God says sin doesn’t have to define us. Salvation means repentance and transformation. Jesus’ saving word is not an offer of cheap grace. Mercy is extended to this woman. He counsels her to, “Go…and from now on do not sin again.” He is concerned for the future shape of her life.

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Leader Reflections We seek to understand how our actions toward others make a difference. Christ sets an example for us of connecting to others without judgment, prejudice, or injustice. People generally live up to what we expect of them. If we are judgmental, they will disappoint us. If we are gracious, they often rise to meet our expectations. Through this lesson we seek to have our eyes opened to one another, to practice understanding and compassion, to accept God’s grace for ourselves, and to extend this grace to others. Can you recall times you have forgiven someone? How did forgiveness change you, the other person, and the relationship? Christians do well to cultivate a new way of seeing people. In Ephesians 1:18 Paul prays the “eyes” of the Ephesians’ hearts may be “enlightened” so they will see the great and wonderful things of God, which not everyone can see. Seeing with “eyes of [the] heart” enables us to see people with compassion and understanding and move from condemnation to forgiveness. When someone has wronged someone else, the one who is hurt often suddenly sees the person in a new way. Whereas before they may have been friends and playmates, now the hurt person may now see the other as an enemy. But if we cultivate “eyes of love,” we will see the other person in ways that lead to forgiveness and reconciliation. We will be sensitive to the other’s repentance, eager to know if he or she has excuses; we will care more about our relationship with the offender, and be keenly aware of our own failings. 

Day 4: I Chose You —Luke 15:11–32 Experience the Story They’d been walking half the morning, south along the hard-trodden path near the river’s edge. Sea gulls and pelicans had given way to red-winged blackbirds and blue herons. Jesus spoke to the crowds about the costs involved in discipleship, but still they came, hungry for the words of truth and hope that he delivered daily like platters heaping with fish. The scribes and Pharisees could not be satisfied with this fare; their joy was thin like broth with no meat, and

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they picked at his words like children who disdained vegetables. Yet they followed, poking at Jesus with their critiques like some might tease a cat with a stick. With the sun starting to get hotter, Jesus held up his hand and gestured for the crowds to be seated—the rabbi had something to say. Skins of water were passed around until all were satisfied. Deftly, like a gourmet cook, Jesus began to offer a three-course story. “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls to his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost’” (Luke 15:4–6). The crowd was eating this up. Oh, yes, they knew this fear of loss and this joy of finding. It was a good story, and they lapped it up. “Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?” (v. 8). Some women in the crowd looked panicky at this question. “When she has found it, she calls to her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that was lost!’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents!” (vv. 9–10). The crowd was with him at this point; even the secure identified with the sense of loss, and so they rejoiced when Jesus announced joy in heaven. It was like a second helping of comfort food to a hungry crowd. However, the next serving caught them off-guard. “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to

spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’” The crowd was spellbound; in all the tellings of faith stories about two brothers, it was not such a surprise that the younger one was favored and the elder pushed aside. However, here it seemed that Jesus was associating the younger son with the sinners who now flocked to Jesus. The Pharisees felt the sting very intensely, because they understood that they were like the elder brother in this tale— not rejected but tested. They all waited with baited breath for the final line, about angels rejoicing in the presence of God, as in the other stories…but it didn’t come. “What! Does he expect us to rejoice over these sinners?”

Our World Two very different lifestyles can coexist in relative proximity. The Jewish lifestyle meant keeping the commandments, worshiping only God, observing kosher food laws, and honoring family. The lifestyle in the Roman Decapolis cities, less than two miles from Jewish communities, meant worshiping idols, participating in Roman-style games and theater, eating food that wasn’t kosher, and abandoning one’s family for new friends and acquaintances. Likewise, our varying cultures live in relative proximity today. Consider how quickly one can drive from an urban area to a suburb or even rural area. It is fairly commonplace to live in communities with people of many ethnicities, religions and languages. Some pockets of isolation still exist, but as cities continue to grow, these will likely become fewer.

The Word Context, Geography, and History of the Story From Luke 9:51 on, Jesus’ destination is Jerusalem. There is a tone of urgency to his encounters and parables: the reign of God is at hand and now is the time to respond. The route Jesus took was direct, straight through Samaria; Luke 9:52 is the first clue. This region along the Jordan River Valley is called Perea: one side has strong Jewish culture, the other has numerous GrecoRoman cities, and the lifestyle is hugely different. A person can travel a short distance and be in another world. This story is told only in the gospel of Luke. Tell the whole story—do not omit the second half; it transforms the first part of the story. A man has two sons. Since the father has property, he clearly has wealth. This story invokes the legal code associated with property, the honor code of families, and the mytheme (essential kernel of a myth) of two-son stories, an important thread in the Hebrew Bible. The younger son asks for and receives his portion of the inheritance, sells it off, and departs. This extraordinary occurrence was a slap in the face to the father. Property and inheritance codes: Deuteronomy 21:17 specifies the firstborn son must be given a double portion of all the father has. There is a distinction between the right of possession

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and the right of disposition. The term usufruct is important: it is the legal right of using and enjoying the fruits or profits of something belonging to another. When using another’s property, that property must not be damaged or altered in any way. The law provides two ways for property to pass from father to son—by a will or by a gift during the father’s lifetime. In the latter case, the beneficiary obtained possession of the capital at once, but he did not acquire the usufruct till after his father’s death. This means the son obtains the right of possession, but he does not acquire the right to dispose of the property. In the meantime, the father has full use of the property, its crops, etc., since it remains the father’s unrestricted possession till his death. There was a certain attraction for a younger son to go on an adventure and seek his fortune in the cities of the Diaspora. There were 4 million Jews in the area of the Diaspora, half a million in Palestine,; lots of business opportunities in the Diaspora and frequent famine in Palestine. Because he is unmarried, we can figure his age at 18-20 years old. In some countries the younger son of a landed family was expected to have the virtue of adventurousness. Can you see parallels in today’s world? There’s no mention of mother or sisters. The claim of daughters and mother for maintenance from the property precedes the sons’ right of inheritance! If a man died and left sons and daughters, and the property was great, the sons inherit and the daughters receive maintenance; but if the property was small the daughters receive maintenance and the sons go a-begging. The younger son mytheme: The Bible is full of many stories regarding brothers: Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob, Aaron and Moses, and many more. These stories tend to follow a similar pattern: younger sons frequently leave the house of their father to find their wealth; there is something slightly scandalous or off-color in their stories; and they are the favorites. Because this mytheme is familiar, Jesus’ audience is already expecting the younger son to be something of a rogue and a favorite.

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The Word in Our World Sometimes we need to choose to disconnect to learn where God is. Realizing that we have the power of choice is a big step in our maturation. In this parable the younger son embraces his power to choose, and is ready to set out on a grand adventure; naturally, he needs money. The son’s division of property is a painful blow to the father. People make painful choices in their relationships. The parable is not an allegory with a direct correlation between the father and God, yet Jesus gives us a picture of the great divide between human beings who are far from God and the heart of God that aches for renewal and reconciliation. We make decisions that affect the ways we are connected. Having the power of choice feels good. We can forfeit our personal power. The younger son sinks to his lowest point, no longer the master of his own life. He’s surrendered his honor and religious dignity. But we can never sink so low that we are beyond God’s care or reach. When the son finally comes to his senses, you can bet that God is stirring his heart, giving a foothold for hope. God empowers turnarounds. At his lowest point, the younger son came to his senses. The crowd listening to Jesus had anticipated a turn-around, but it was so slow in coming they wondered if maybe this story of a younger son was going to be different. They were probably holding their breaths; now they let out a collective sigh. There is hope for this rogue. Finally he comes to himself— it’s not really repentance; it was his stomach, after all, that induced him to awareness—but at least he wants to change his destructive behavior. (Think of people who are determined to change a drinking or drug habit, or abusive behaviors when they realize they are losing everything they hold dear.) God meets us in the middle to effect reconciliation. The father goes overboard in receiving his wayward son; he even runs to meet him (so undignified!), embracing and kissing his son affectionately. Even more surprisingly, there is no test of the son’s sincerity. The son tries to express the speech he had been practicing, in which he showed real remorse, both to God in heaven and his father on earth. But the

father accepts him no questions asked. He gives commands to the servants: best robe, (signet) ring, and shoes on his feet. The father is restoring the son to his place of honor in the family. Grace and mercy are lavished upon this son. The older son stayed home but experienced distance. For the first time he is referred to as brother at the younger son’s return. The elder son challenges the father. Why does he refuse to go in? Why is he so angry? Discuss the possibilities. Point of view makes a huge difference. Relationships are complicated. Discuss what each person is like from the point of view of each of the other characters, including their own opinions of themselves. For example: “To the older son, the younger is…,” etc. What is the audience’s opinion of each character? What seems to be missing is the father’s view of the elder son; look carefully at verse 31. Love and generosity win over legalities and limited goods. In most mytheme stories, the younger son is chosen over the elder; one is included and one is rejected. In this story the father wants the elder son to come in too. Inclusion is the surprise ending. The father addresses the older son this time with the familiar term teknon, which means “child.” All the other terms were formal; this one denotes tender love. In the end, the father dismisses legalities and deals with his sons as children. Like the father, God is willing to forgive and rejoices continually with those who return.

Leader Reflections By Day 4 your groups may feel comfortable sharing with one another. The following questions could be shared in small groups or be used for journaling. Does it feel good to make choices for ourselves? Is it sometimes scary to have the power of choice? Reflect on when we relinquish decision-making to others. In real life, it is sometimes more comfortable to have distance between people, and coming together can be more difficult. What are the advantages and disadvantages of distance? Of coming closer again?

Recall the lessons from Day 3 about seeing people with understanding and practicing empathy. Roleplay some conflict situations, explore the feelings involved, and practice taking a different point of view and reframing the problem situation. Try out different tools to clear up misunderstanding and move toward reconciliation. Yes, the Bible heavily favors brothers; it was a patriarchal society, and there are still patriarchal societies in the world today. We are fortunate to live in a country where girls and women are valued and, for the most part, have equal rights. For other stories of brothers reuniting, read Genesis 33:1–11 about Jacob and Esau and Genesis 45:1–15 about Joseph welcoming his brothers. You might also watch the scene in the movie Joseph: King of Dreams.

Day 5: I Have Spoken to You —1 Kings 19:8–16 Experience the Story Elijah was on the run. He had confronted the prophets of Baal in the famous contest on Mt. Carmel. When King Ahab told Queen Jezebel, she was furious. Instead of it being a day of celebration for Elijah, Jezebel was after him now. So he ran. He left his servant at Beersheba and kept going further into the wilderness. Completely worn out, he took shelter under a broom tree (a tree-like shrub with white flowers). Elijah was so disheartened that he prayed he would die, then he laid down and fell asleep. When he woke up, there was warm bread and cool water sitting next to his head. He ate and drank, then fell back asleep. When he woke again, there was more food to eat. This time he felt refreshed, and strengthened by that food, he traveled for forty days and forty nights to Mt. Horeb. A Middle Easterner reading this story would understand that when Elijah fell asleep under the broom tree, it was a spot that served as a resting place for many a weary traveler. The ground may still have been warm from ashes under the sand. Elijah’s tired body was kept warm over these ashes as night fell in the desert and the temperature dropped. The wind could have fanned other ashes into flame so that bread could be baked. There was

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an underground aquifer in the vicinity and hand-dug wells in the area filled with life-giving water. There were communities nearby, and kind persons may have been motivated to offer care to this weary traveler. To Elijah, it was like an angel of the Lord providing him this care. Carolyn Adams Roth, author of “God as a Gardener” blog, says the broom tree is a symbol of renewal. “With renewal comes a restoration of vigor and a new freshness; what is faded or disintegrated is made whole.” Elijah was certainly in need of renewal! When he was on the run, he was afraid and ready to give up. Instead of celebrating God’s victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah was instead running for his life and ready to die—a perplexing situation! When he took shelter under the broom tree, Elijah found rest and refreshment. Strengthened, he continued his journey forty days and forty nights. Elijah put distance between himself and danger— one hundred miles from Mt. Carmel and the Jezreel Valley; then twice that distance as he continued on into the wilderness and arrived at Mt. Horeb, also known as Mt. Sinai (where Moses received the Ten Commandments). Time also passed during his escape: forty days. Time and distance made Elijah feel better. Arriving at Mt. Horeb, Elijah took shelter in a cave. In the morning, the word of the Lord came to him, asking him what he was doing there. Elijah responded with quite a speech, as if he had a chip on his shoulder. He complained of his zealous struggle on behalf of the one true God. He grieved the loss of all the true prophets and spoke of his concern about who would carry on his work. In reply, the Lord commanded him to come forth from the cave, to stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord was about to pass by. There was a storm, more powerful than Jezebel’s fury or Elijah’s own anger. He remembered God’s power unleashed during the contest at Mt. Carmel, burning up the sacrifice, wood, and water. This storm took Elijah’s breath away, but God wasn’t in the storm. There was an earthquake, shaking the ground, sending boulders tumbling, but God wasn’t in the earthquake. There was a fire; unlike the burning bush that Moses experienced on this same mountain, this fire burned up the bushes and roared with heat and power. But God wasn’t in the fire. Then there was a quietness that followed storm, earthquake, and fire.

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Elijah faintly perceived the voice of the Lord calling him, echoing from rock to rock, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah recited his litany of worries and complaints; the words were the same as before, but this time his tone of voice was changed. Instead of arrogance there was humility. And instead of feeling isolated, God informed him that there were thousands of others (found immediately following the end of our selected scripture) who were also faithful to God. In fact, the Lord named three other leaders—two kings-to-be and a prophet—who would be there to help Elijah lead and guide God’s people. He was not alone.

Our World The broom tree is a beautiful, fragrant tree-like shrub covered with white flowers from January through April. It is found throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and into Sicily. The broom tree is very useful, mainly because its roots, branches, and trunk are used for building fires for travelers. The embers of the broom tree retain their heat long after they appear to be dead ashes. A person can blow gently on the apparently dead ashes, and they will reignite into flame. Another use for these ashes is that they can be spread out into the size and shape of a person’s body, then covered with two to four inches of sand or fine soil, and they make a wonderful bed to keep a person warm on a cool night in the desert. When the properties of different kinds of wood are known, people can use that knowledge to benefit most from trees. Pine can be soft and yielding. Oak is hard and long-lasting. Yew and hawthorn are good for building fires. We learn from practice—trial and error—what works and what doesn’t work. Likewise, prayer is something that can come in many forms, and, with practice and attention, its different properties can be understood and used.

The Word Context, Geography, and History of the Story Ahab and Jezebel were king and queen of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Often Jezebel encouraged Ahab to take whatever he wanted and to worship idols such as Baal and Asherah. Wickedness, injustice, and idolatry polluted the

land. Elijah was the leading prophet of God, and he stood up to Ahab, speaking truth to power. The famous contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal took place near Mt. Carmel in the northwest part of Israel. Though God answered Elijah’s prayers, Ahab and Jezebel were humiliated and furious, and vowed to destroy the prophet. Elijah ran southward, left his servant at Beersheba, and went further into the wilderness until he arrived at Mt. Horeb, the mountain of God, also known at Mt. Sinai. Though he experienced the raging elements (storm, earthquake, fire), it was in the stillness afterward that Elijah most strongly experienced God speaking to him.

The Word in Our World The very heart of the Bible is about meeting God in unexpected ways. Elijah was scared for his life. He felt that he had done enough for God; he didn’t want to face any more threats, but just wanted to rest in peace. So he ran, slept, and hid. Little did he know that God was preparing him for an experience with the Divine. Where do we meet God? How does God prepare us to meet with the Divine? We don’t always hear God through loud or obvious communication. We may experience God in the powerful aspects of nature. Psalm 29 is a good example. Sometimes we may be afraid of storms; other times we may enjoy their display of power, even finding them comforting. When strong storms come, it’s generally best to be inside—even in a tornado shelter, when necessary. Often it is in the quiet after the storm that we can hear God’s voice more clearly, speaking to our hearts and minds more than to our ears. This is true in relationships as well; quietness and space clear out distractions and provide openness for reflection. God renews us in many ways. Psalm 23 tells us, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / [God] makes me to lie down in green pastures; / [God] leads me beside still waters; [God] restores my soul” (vv. 1–3a). God renews us both physically and spiritually. When we are weary and want to quit sometimes, God gives us rest and food and a renewed sense of purpose. Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; / they shall mount up with wings like eagles, / they shall run and not be weary, / they shall walk and not faint.”

When we wait on God, and seek God in prayer, we will often experience a renewed sense of God’s presence, goodness, and direction for our lives. Other times, we may do what Elijah did next—he kept running. We have to listen for the still, small voice. This includes meeting God in our stories, which becomes an act of healing. Often people will tell the same story over and over as they seek resolution. In her short story The Crucible of Story, Sue Monk Kidd says: “To fashion an inner story of our pain carries us into the heart of it, which is where rebirth inevitably occurs. Telling our story puts us in an inner room with our suffering and allows us to dialogue with it in God’s presence, to reinterpret it in the light of God’s participation. God enables us to see our difficulty in a new context and thereby to find the comfort and courage to live it.” When Elijah met God at Mt. Horeb, the first time that God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah was very self-righteous, angry, and worried at the same time. Then came the storm, earthquake, fire, and the quiet voice. The second time God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” he answered with the same words, but a different attitude. How many times, we may wonder, did Elijah practice this speech? Note that the prodigal son practiced the speech he was planning to give his father while traveling home. In the heart of his story, Elijah is able to dialogue with his memories/experiences in God’s presence, and to reinterpret what he has gone through in the light of God’s participation. As Elijah talks with God and faces his fears, he hears a message of recommission. The voice lets him know that there are other faithful followers of the Lord. In fact, in verse 18, God tells Elijah there are seven thousand who have not bent the knee the Baal. He is not the only faithful one!

Leader Reflections The movie The Nativity Story has is a scene in the village of Nazareth, in which the storyteller woman has a group of children gathered in her home. She tells this story of Elijah, the storm, the fire, the still small voice. The children know the story, they anticipate each movement, and respond at the appropriate times.

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God used the attributes of the broom tree to renew Elijah. God also renews us in so many ways. What are some ways that God renews you through nature? Through the events of your day?

Day 6: Abide with Me —Luke 24:13–35 Experience the Story Sometimes walking helps to clear my mind, but trudging the familiar road from Jerusalem toward the western sun on this Sunday afternoon did nothing to help my mind or my heart. Neither my companion nor I had anything to say that might clear up the puzzles that hung like heavy storm clouds all around us. The tension and fears felt like they had a stranglehold on my throat. We were afraid for our lives, and our hopes had been crushed. At what point the stranger caught up to us we didn’t even notice. After a few hills and turns in the road, we realized he was keeping step with us. I nearly jumped out of my skin when he asked us what we’d been discussing. “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” (24:18), Cleopas retorted. “What things?” he replied in a way that invited a conversation. And so we began to talk. The stranger had a deep knowledge of the scriptures, and he drew connections between the prophecies of old and the things we had experienced with our rabbi Jesus. So many times the things he said sounded like something we had heard before. Even though we were still sad, that conversation brought understanding, and understanding brought peace. As we arrived at the edge of Emmaus, with the sun beginning to touch the horizon, the stranger appeared to be going further on. Naturally, we invited him to come into our home and sup with us. We washed our hands and faces. I brought out bread, cheese, and fresh nectarines, while Cleopas drew fresh water from the well. As we sat down at the table, the stranger bowed his head, then he took the bread, gave thanks—and it all seemed so familiar! When he broke the bread and passed each of us a piece of it, suddenly it all became clear—this was Jesus, our rabbi, our Lord! We didn’t see the nailscarred hands or have a chance to look into his eyes, for suddenly his disappeared from our sight. Cleopas

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and I looked at each other, our hearts beating wildly, and our skin covered with goose bumps! We knew this had been Jesus who had been walking with us on the road, opening the scriptures to us, breaking bread with us in our home! We had to tell the others! So, without eating the meal or clearing the table, taking only a moment to quench our thirst, Cleopas and I ran into the night, back to Jerusalem, to tell the others—Jesus is alive!

Our World A kaleidoscope lets us look at the world around us and see colors and patterns in new ways. Kaleidoscopes make nice gifts or party favors. We can create our own DIY kaleidoscopes from repurposed items. There is even a giant kaleidoscope made from folded metallic paper (origami style) inside a large shipping container; it won a contest a few years back. Sir David Brewster was a Scottish man who studied polarization optics and properties of light. While looking at some objects at the end of two mirrors, he noticed patterns and colors were recreated and reformed into beautiful new arrangements. In 1817 Brewster invented the first kaleidoscope, naming his invention after the Greek words meaning beautiful form watcher: kalos = beautiful, eidos = shape, scopeo = to look at. The word kaleidoscope is also used to refer to experiences rich with pattern and meaning. For many people, sharing holy communion is a kaleidoscopic experience. It is rich with meaning and can be seen and experienced in a variety of ways. The Lord’s supper can be a way of knowing Jesus, drawing closer to God, and enacting our love for the people in the world around us. There are so many different, beautiful angles from which to view this sacrament.

The Word Context, Geography, and History of the Story This is the second resurrection appearance according to Luke; the first was at the tomb in the morning (Lk. 24:1–12); a third takes place in the upper room that evening (Lk. 24:36–49). The Emmaus of our story is located about seven miles northwest of Jerusalem; the site is now the modern day city of Motza. There is some thought

that the two disciples were Cleopas and his wife, since only Cleopas is mentioned by name. Most artistic renderings show two men on the road, but others show a couple. The story is related above in such a way that it could be either a woman or a man relating the account of this eye-opening journey.

The Word in Our World We have tools we can use to reconnect to God, and we find them as we walk the road with Jesus. It is important to study the Bible with others and seek deeper understanding. It is helpful to share our experiences with one another, especially when we’re going through difficult times. Just as having the priests go ahead of the tribes to show the way, having traditions to pass down such as Paul did with communion, developing empathy to prevent prejudice, discovering younger and older siblings are welcome, and finding renewal in quiet ways, studying the Bible and sharing our witness of Christ’s presence are important and powerful ways to reconnect to God. Word and table, sermon and sacrament, belong together. “Word and table” refers to the two main parts of our worship. Acts 2:46 describes how the first Christians attended the temple and then broke bread in their homes. “Word and table” together connects us with the believers throughout the more than 2000 years of church history. “From the Jewish temple and synagogue tradition came scriptures, psalms, prayers, and the spoken word or sermon. From the upper room came the sacred meal or visible Word, with roots in the Jewish Passover tradition and Jesus’ table fellowship with disciples, women, tax collectors, sinners, the self-righteous, and hungry crowds.”2 In Luke 24:13–35 two disciples were walking along the road when Jesus (unknown to them) joined them; he interpreted the scriptures and then broke bread at table with them: Word and table. Word and table together preceded the New Testament itself, before the formulation of creed and doctrine and all but the most basic forms of church organization. After the beginning of the Christian movement, and for about 1500 years, the emphasis was heavily on communion. During the Reformation, the sermon was elevated

in importance among Protestants. It was very exciting to have the Bible translated into the language of the common people! Can you imagine having the Bible read only a tiny bit, and then in Latin? Whenever the Bible became available in someone’s vernacular—whether German, French, English, Spanish, Chinese, etc.—it was cause for celebration. For about 400 years, the sermon became more important than the communion meal in Protestant traditions. This was still out of balance. Then, during the 1960s, as a result of Vatican II, reforms were made in Catholic and Protestant church traditions, creating more balance between Word and table. Sharing in communion and worship can create unity. “Communion” means a possessing or sharing in common; sharing of thoughts or feelings; religious or spiritual fellowship. Not all traditions include children at the communion table, yet hopefully there is a sense of unity in our worship. Read Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:16–17. How does sharing the Lord’s supper or holy communion connect us with one another? How does sharing communion connect us with the wider world? The bread and cup remind us of what Jesus has done. Think back to our lesson for Day 2 and Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11. We remember that Jesus died on the cross, laying down his life for our sakes. We often say, “The body of Christ broken for you.” “The blood of Christ shed for you.” For some literal thinkers, it may be helpful to say, “When you eat the bread, remember how much Jesus loves you. When you drink the juice, remember how much Jesus loves you.” What are the most helpful words for the campers in your setting? Sharing our experience of Christ’s presence is called giving our testimony. When the two disciples on the road to Emmaus realized it was the Risen Lord with them all the way, they were so amazed they immediately got up and ran back to Jerusalem to share this good news with the others. An important part of Christian life is sharing with others our experience of Christ; this is called giving a testimony. Your testimony

Eating and Drinking at the Welcome Table: The Holy Supper for All People, by William K. McElvaney. 2

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doesn’t have to be complicated or long, but whenever you share how Jesus, God, or the Holy Spirit has touched you, it is a good thing to share. When we feel the nudge of God working in us, it is important to listen to our spirits/hearts and act on that nudge. When we share our experience, this encourages other people; plus, they may have their own experiences of Christ to share. This helps us all to grow in faith.

Leader Reflections During this week of camp, we have made use of tools and practices that help us to connect with God; we have discovered these as we walk the roads this week with Jesus, and we can continue to make use of these tools as we return to our homes. Coming to camp usually involves a lot of walking and dust on our feet. Taking more walks back home can help us to remember the walking, stories, and experiences of camp, and can give us time away from other things so we can experience Jesus walking with us. Being quiet as we walk or rest—setting aside our cell phones and tablets—creates an opening for us to hear the still, small voice of God and to experience Jesus with us. Especially in our busy, noisy world, this is an important tool to reconnect with God. Reading the Bible helps us to learn more of the story of God, the people of God, and discover ourselves in the story. As the two disciples reflected on their experience of walking and talking with the stranger on the road to Emmaus, they remarked, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?” (v. 32a). Listen to your heart. What messages is it giving you? Take these to God in prayer, and follow up if your heart is giving you suggestions. As the two disciples on the road to Emmaus reached the village, the stranger (Jesus) acted as if he were going to go on, so they invited them into their home to eat supper with them. When possible, with your parents’ permission, invite people to come and eat with you, whether at home or away from home (Heb. 13:2).

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Sometimes it is helpful, when we sit down to eat, to imagine that Jesus is an unseen guest at our tables. When Jews celebrate Passover, they have the “cup of Elijah” at the end of the meal and a child will open the door to symbolize welcoming the prophet Elijah. There were some old paintings from the nineteenth century about “the unseen guest,” understood to be Jesus. How would your mealtime be transformed if Jesus were sitting at the table with you? Can you imagine Jesus sitting on the sofa next to you if you eat there while watching TV? How can this awareness make mealtimes better? Look at related scriptures: Revelation 3:20; Hebrews 13:2; Acts 8:26–40.

Day 7: I Abide in You —Romans 8:35, 37–39 Experience the Story Paul is an amazing man of God! There we were, imprisoned in the innermost cell of the jail in Philippi, our feet locked in stocks, no way out, and what did Paul do? He started singing and praising God! His confidence was contagious, and I joined in the singing, too. We praised God for delivering the slave girl from the spirit of divination earlier that day. We praised God for giving us strength to endure the beatings from the authorities and crowds in the city square. We thanked God for the privilege of suffering like Jesus Christ our Savior. Then the most miraculous thing happened: the foundations of the earth trembled, the cell doors swung open, and our chains became unfastened. Why should I be surprised? The Lord was always meeting us in unexpected ways! The jailer was afraid all the prisoners escaped. He was about to take his life, for fear of the punishment he would incur, but Paul assured him we were all there. He called for a light, just to make sure; the relief on his face was noticeable. He fell to his knees, asking, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then he took us to his home, where he washed our wounds and fed us—it was the middle of the night. With his entire family listening to our testimony, that jailer became a believer in the Lord Jesus. We

baptized them without delay, and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in Christ! Just when you think that the kingdom of heaven couldn’t be any bigger, someone comes along and throws the doors even wider. It is as if God’s love through Jesus can reach all the dark places, all the nooks and crannies—the heights of the sky and the depths of the earth. Prison can’t keep God’s love out—there seems to be nothing that can! (Acts 16:16–34).

Our World This week we have been learning how Jesus Christ is the Vine and we are all the branches. As Christians the life that is in us flows from our connection to Christ. Each day this week at camp we have been branching out—making new friends, trying new experiences, studying the Bible, praying and worshiping, exploring. Soon we’ll pack our bags, say goodbye to our camp counselors and friends, and then greet our parents or church sponsors when they come to pick us up. Hopefully we will continue to make use of the tools that we’ve used this week: communion, walking, praying, listening for God, working together to accomplish tasks, remembering our covenant, facing new challenges with courage, sharing with people in need, including people in the spirit of Christian love. Let’s think again about Jesus’ words: “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:4–5). Jesus says we can abide in him by keeping his words within us, following his commandments, remaining in the Father’s love—and, in doing so, we will have joy in our hearts.

The Word Context, Geography, and History of the Story In this letter Paul is on fire to preach the good news of the gracious sovereignty of God expressed in Jesus Christ. Because God as creator is sovereign over the whole of created reality, God’s care

encompasses the full range of human problems— from small scale to global issues. Paul deals with problems of his time, many of which are still issues in our world today. A letter to Rome was a letter to the political, military, and economic capital of Paul’s world, so Paul addressed essential matters. It’s as if a great Christian leader today were writing to Christians in Washington, D.C., about serious matters. The letter to the Romans is Paul’s most mature, sophisticated, and important writing on the Christian faith—his magnum opus, his masterpiece. Paul is writing from Corinth, during a quick visit in the early spring of 57 C.E., before he makes the trip to Jerusalem to deliver a collection they have assembled. His desire is to someday make it to the capital of the Roman Empire, to make his witness there, before he goes on to the western frontier. Paul and the other apostles are in the process of fulfilling the great commission to take the words and teachings of Jesus to all the world and to make disciples of all nations.

The Word in Our World Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. This assurance is grounded in Paul’s understanding that God has lordship over all the creation and all time. The past was dominated by the Law, represented by Adam, and marked by sin, wrath, and death. The present is dominated by grace, brought to reality in Christ, and marked by faith, hope, reconciliation, and life. The future is also in God’s hands; it’s a new age that is already breaking into the present, marked by salvation and God’s invisible rule. God cares for us, no matter what! In Romans 8:31, Paul—in a style called diatribe, a Q&A style— raises a rhetorical question: “If God is for us, who is against us?” Then Paul reminds us that God did not withhold God’s own Son, but handed him over for us. Based on this evidence of God’s commitment to this entire world, Paul issues another question in verse 35: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” He begins to list the possibilities, but in each and every case the answer is NO, none of these have any power to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord! Paul’s confidence in God’s love and commitment is not just words; this is lived truth. Paul himself

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had experienced all sorts of hardships and perils: beatings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks, to name a few. In 2 Corinthians 4:8–10, Paul summarizes these difficulties, but he affirms these did not/could not utterly destroy him and his companions. His words, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13), encourage us in many circumstances. Paul is like the yell leader at the game, like the chaplain in the hospital, like our life coach—reminding us of bedrock truths: God is for us!

is that because Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches, as we remain connected to him, his life flows in us. Sometimes we may struggle because of outer circumstances, while at other times it may be inner conflicts that really eat at us. But Christ is in us, too, and nothing can separate us from the love of Christ that God has poured into our hearts. (Also see Rom. 5:1–5.) As we leave camp, let us emphasize that Christ lives in us, like the life of the Vine flows into the branches. We are absolutely connected in Christ!

So Paul affirms: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (v. 37). A crucial realization in life is that our attitudes, the way we approach situations, are crucial in gaining a greater win.

Leader Reflections

Paul conveys confidence. Confidence comes from two words: con = with, and fides = faith. Paul has confidence that God is with him in every circumstance and will bring about good results. Neither life nor death can separate us from God. In this life, we are within God’s keeping, and death does not undo God’s power; after all, God raised Jesus from death and gives us eternal life. None of the angelic powers can separate us from God. The Jews in Paul’s day had a very intricate idea of how angels worked, even believing that they were sometimes jealous of the attention God gives humans. Paul says none of them can interfere with God’s investment in our lives. There is no age in time that can separate us from God. The past, present, and future all are within the scope of God’s command of the ages. Paul also states that neither height nor depth can separate us from God. Biblical scholar William Barclay explains that this was referring to the astrological powers that many people in Paul’s day believed controlled their fates. The word here translated as “height,” hupsōma, meant a star at its zenith when it had the greatest influence over a person’s life and destiny. Similarly, the word translated as “depth,” hathos, meant a star at its lowest point as it was waiting to rise and influence a person. Paul is saying that the stars cannot hurt you. God is the creator of all of these. Christ is in us. An important take-away for this final day, a theme running throughout the week,

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A powerful true-life story about this conviction that nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord comes out of the terrible events that transpired in the Mother Bethel Church of Charleston, South Carolina, in June of 2015 and the ways that church leaders and members have risen above hate through faith in Christ Jesus our Savior. Look online for updates on this story. How does their witness encourage you to face difficult situations with faith and courage? As you prepare to say goodbye to your campers, what thoughts come to mind? Sometimes, you might feel great sadness. For other campers, saying goodbye is a relief. Be aware that, even as you helped God transform the lives of campers, they have helped God transform yours too. Do you remember a time when you left camp or another life-shaping event and, for the first time, realized that the community you spent time building would never exist in the same way again? Do you have rituals at your camp that you use to send off graduates of your program? Why do you think that is such a common practice at camps? The vine is rooted deep in the ground. It will provide the branches with everything they need to produce fruit. How will you be fruitful?

Staff Devotions This section is designed for use by staff. It is important to have time together to pray, to share concerns and joys, and to remind one another why you are doing this. You can connect your devotion to a staff meeting if that works best, or you can find a separate time and place. Each devotion can be used alone as well. You may designate different people to be the leader each day, or you may choose a staff member to act as your chaplain. Each devotion suggests an activity or focus, and some may require a small amount of supplies to be gathered ahead of time. Begin your devotion together by designating the time as holy. Light a candle or dim the lights. Play

some soft music or sing a song. The devotions allow time to share personal prayers and they offer guided questions to invite those prayers. You may choose to say these aloud, silently think about them, speak them with a partner, or write them in a journal. Before you begin, it is helpful for the chaplain to explain what prayer form you will be using. Each devotion suggests a psalm to be read. You may choose to read all of it or some of it, depending on your time and needs. To close, the materials offer a blessing that staff members can give one another. Your group may be huggers or hand-shakers, or you may prefer to pray together as partners. Find the means of blessing each other that works best for your group dynamics.

Day 1: The Place Where We Camp You made it! The first day of camp is so filled with excitement and potential. Spend some time with your fellow staff members or alone to work through these questions together. Make an atmosphere of prayer, and notice the presence of God in your midst. Gather several small rocks or pebbles. As you list each item below, add a rock to the pile. You can make this altar part of your daily staff worship time. • You have done a lot to prepare for this moment. Take a moment to list the things that you’ve done to prepare for your first day of camp. Pray: God, bless the work that has gone into preparing for this moment. • You still have things left undone. What needs to be finished? Pray: God, grant us peace of mind to know that you will see us through. • You have a life outside of camp. What things have you left behind that you find draw your attention elsewhere? Pray: God, we trust that the people and places we love are in your hands. Thank you for giving us the courage to be present here. Bless our loved ones. • Today, your campers have also left their homes and loved ones. For some this may be a great joy and adventure, for others, a terrifying challenge. What might your campers be facing? Pray: God, you have brought these campers into our care. Give us all we need to share with them the love you show us through your son, Jesus. Amen. We have been called to participate in your story. You have been working to bless all of creation, and you need us in order for that to happen. You led us to this place and are with us now. We thank you for leading us through the chaos to this holy and set-apart place. Invite someone to read from Psalm 121. Pray together: Here we are, loving God. You have called us here and we have responded. Be with us this week as you were with the Israelites long ago, even in the dry bed of the Jordan River. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to bless your children. Amen. Turn to one another and offer a blessing. Say: I thank God you are here!

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Staff Devotions Day 2: I Am the Vine As a staff, it is important to remember that we are a part of one another. Take some time to share your stories about how you came to be a camp leader. Bring a communal snack to this devotion time. Popcorn, crackers, grapes, whatever you love to share. Place them in a bowl in the center of your group. Share a prayer, take a piece of popcorn! • What are you depending on others for? What are some things you notice are weaknesses of yours but God has provided as a strength in another staff member? Pray: God, you fill our every need. Help us use each other’s gifts. • It is easy to forget that we are all of ultimate value to God. God calls us into community to witness to this and love each other unconditionally. When is it hard to remember this and treat others as equals? When do you not treat yourself with this respect and love? God, help us remember that we are your treasure. All of us are your treasure. • Often we come to camp ministry because someone before us influenced our lives in a positive way. Who are the people who have led you here? Pray: God, these people are with us, even if we can’t see them. Thank you for putting them into our lives. • We are also shaping the lives of others. Name campers (all or some) who are following in our footsteps. Pray: God, your story is continuing in the lives of these campers. Because we have been loved and nurtured, we have trusted and followed Jesus. We open ourselves up to the adventure that Christ leads us on. You called the early Christians to treat one another as a loving family. You call us to live that way too. Invite someone to read Psalm 73. Pray together: Loving God, you invite us on a journey with you into the unknown. But you do not invite us to come alone. You have given us companions. Thank you for giving us to each other. Help us be willing to walk along with those who need to trust us. Amen. Turn to one another and offer a blessing. Say: I am your brother/sister in Christ!

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Staff Devotions Day 3: Love One Another To help teach the concept of forgiveness, it helps for you yourself to be willing to forgive. The angry crowd found it easy to cast fault and punishment on a woman they judged to be in the wrong, but Jesus saw someone hurt and in need of forgiveness, not punishment. Take some time to talk about the difference between retribution and God’s justice. Most people learn better when they feel free to grow rather than feel ashamed. How do you respond to punishment and shame? • It is not always easy to forgive hurts. Without naming persons, name some of the feelings you have about those you need to forgive. When you are wronged, how does it feel? Pray: God, you have blessed us with the ability to feel. Though not all of these feelings are positive, all of them are a gift from you. We thank you that you make our hearts tender. • Pain in the body and pain in the spirit are often indicators that there is healing to be done. Notice pain in your body and spirit. What kind of healing do you need? Pray: God, we will pay attention to the ways we know we need to be healed. Your love is ointment to our wounded hearts. • We don’t just forgive as individuals; we must also forgive as a community. What do you need to forgive together? If you need to apologize for a wrong to the community, you are welcome to do so. Pray: God, our intention is to live as your people together. Grant us the courage to forgive each other, so that we might better reflect your love. • Forgiveness is liberating. Name some of the freedoms you enjoy from sins forgiven. How could you share these testimonies with your campers? Pray: God, we are freer people because you encourage us to forgive. Thank you for allowing us to participate in your liberating love. Amen. We are bound to cause hurts when we live together in community. We are all broken people in need of healing. We are imperfect people. But when we live together as brothers and sisters in Christ, we commit to live in love and to bless each other. Invite someone to read from Psalm 30. Pray together: Loving God, help us to cling tightly to the people and things that bring us and others joy. Help us to let go of the things that cause us pain, and turn our wounds into opportunities for healing. Amen. Turn to one another and offer a blessing. Say: You are forgiven!

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Staff Devotions Day 4: I Chose You Find a partner and sit back-to-back on the floor, if you are able. Really relax and try and feel the support of the other person holding you up. If you are alone, take a moment to relax into your chair or bunk and notice how it is supporting your body. Our lives are made better by having others to share our burdens. • Sometimes we may know that a choice isn’t good for us, but we find ourselves trying it anyway. When have you needed to find out something for yourself? Pray: God, thank you for being with us even when we make questionable choices. • Who has given you strength when you have needed it? Who stands with you when you are in need? Pray: God, thank you for giving us to each other to make us stronger. • When have you been able to love your friends through difficult times? What do you do when friends make choices that you don’t think will lead to blessing? Pray: God, let me be the blessing to my brothers and sisters that they are to me. • What things do your campers need to try for themselves in order to learn? Which campers could use open arms to run to? Pray: God, you are always ready to welcome us home. For the challenges and temptations unknown, show us how to open our arms to each other. Amen. While there are times that we find ourselves strangers in a strange land, more often we are surrounded by the people of God. We are also surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have stood before and stand with us now. With their courage and ours, we can be a blessing to the world. Invite someone to read from Psalm 122. Pray together: You have shown us what is good, O God. We want to give each other the strength needed to live the life you call us to. When we think we can no longer stand, we will look to one another for support. Amen. Turn to one another and offer a blessing. Say: When you wander, I will be here for you to come home to.

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Staff Devotions Day 5: I Have Spoken to You Prayer is a tool we can all use anytime, anyplace, for any need. But we often forget that it is a tool at our disposal. We fret, get anxious, and can be wrapped up in doubt. Prayer can help open us back up again. For this time of devotion and reflection, ask everyone to bring a pair of earbuds or headphones. Find a partner to pray with. As you pray, hold the end of your partner’s headphone wire between your clasped hands. Try to listen to the prayers of your partner as you listen for God’s voice. • When has God called you to something that seems too difficult for you to handle? Who do you turn to for support? How do you identify people who will truly listen to you? Pray: God, help me find others who will speak your word to me. • When have you been there for others? How do you find the words to encourage them? Pray: God, keep me so close to your heart that I can share your goodness with people who trust me. • When have you been able to speak on God’s behalf this week at camp? When have you seen others speak on God’s behalf? Pray: God, thank you for giving us voices to share your love. • How can you encourage your campers to listen for God? How can you help them know that they are powerful? Pray: God, open our eyes to the injustices of the world, and help us open the eyes of others. Our faith is built on the foundation that God desires blessing and goodness for all the people of the earth. But not all the people of the earth feel goodness and blessing. God speaks to us and encourages us. Invite someone to read from Psalm 107:17–31. Pray together: Open our ears, O God, and open our minds between our ears. Teach us to listen for your voice in the wind, in the storm, in the shouts of joy and the cries for help. Teach us to listen to the silence. Amen. Turn to one another and offer a blessing. Say: I hear you. I’m listening.

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Staff Devotions Day 6: Abide with Me When you gather for devotion today, have in mind an example of something that surprised you this week. For some that might be a camper whom you expected would behave one way, but behaved an entirely different way. It might be the weather, or it might be an activity you led. Be prepared to tell about your surprise and how it affected you. • Was your surprise for the better or for the worse? How did you have to adjust your expectations? Pray: God, be with us as we try our best to understand and grow. • What would you have missed out on if your surprise hadn’t happened? What did you miss out on because your surprise happened? Pray: God, you are always doing a new thing with us. Help us lower our defenses and be willing to change and grow. • What changes do you hope will be made in the lives of your campers this week? How have you opened them to new ways of understanding God’s love? Pray: God, thank you for making camp such a transformative place. Amen. God’s love is bigger and deeper and fuller than you’ve ever imagined. To live as Christ’s community is to look for ways to be better at sharing this love. It will require change. Thankfully, God has created you to do just that. Invite someone to read from Psalm 8. Pray together: You surprise us, Loving God. Not just once, but always you are growing us, moving us to be closer to you and understand you better. Let our hearts burn within us, and shape us to be your people. We can’t wait to see what you will do in our lives next! Amen. Turn to one another and offer a blessing. Say: Jesus is walking right beside you.

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Staff Devotions Day 7: I Abide in You The last day. You may be preparing to go home, or you may be gearing up for a new group of campers. Though this is an ending, it is also a new beginning. You have formed an important community, and you’ve seen each other through some crazy things. Now it is time to entrust your campers into God’s hands. It will be helpful to remember that there is nothing in the world that can separate your campers from God’s love in Christ. Be sure to bring information about how to stay connected to your devotion time today. Take a few minutes to share cell phone numbers, enter them in your contacts, message each other, or trade business cards or addresses. Find the same pile of rocks from the first day or create a new one. Today, as prayers are offered, take a rock or pebble as you offer them. Use your small collection of rocks as a way of remembering this community and what God has done with it. • For what do you give thanks to God? What has God done among you this week that could only have happened here? Pray: God, thank you for gathering this community together for this time. Thank you for journeying with us. • What are the things that you wish could have happened, but didn’t? What are your disappointments from the week? Pray: God, forgive us for any mistakes we have made and help mend anything that has been broken or hurt. • Who are you eager to connect with as you leave camp? What people and places do you look forward to seeing outside of camp? Pray: God, we have trusted that the people and places we love are in your hands. Thank you for giving us the courage to be present here. Bless us as we return to our loved ones. • What connections do you hope your campers will make as they return home? Pray: God, thank you for trusting us with your most precious people. Help us to all live together as one as you desire. Amen. There is nothing in all of creation that can undo the powerful love of God. So many things threaten to separate us, but none of them have the power to do so. Take courage in knowing the strength of God. Allow yourself to be fully filled with God’s love. Invite someone to read from Psalm 66. Pray together: Send us out, O God. And come with us. Only you can be in all our hearts at once. Send us out that we may open other hearts to your love. Thank you for being with us at camp! We have been changed by your son’s love, and we recommit our hearts and reconnect our lives to Christ’s. Amen. Turn to one another and offer a blessing. Say: Nothing, no, nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ our Lord!

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YOUNGER CHILDREN

Day 1: The Place Where We Camp Younger Children

Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Joshua 4:1–9, John 15:1–11 Scripture Focus: Joshua 4:7 “[T]hen you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever.” Theological Summary: What do these stones mean? We mark special places as sacred and give ourselves reminders of our relationship to place. It can be anywhere we notice and are aware of God’s presence with us. Campers will: • connect with the place and explore the value of sacred space • understand that they follow in the footsteps of believers who came before them • discover the importance of asking questions as they learn about God • learn how the story of God is passed from one generation to the next

Daily Activities — Name tag Connections:

#CREATE Get to know each other

— Stones to Remember: #LEARN Get to know the camp — Footprint Tic-Tac-Toe:

#CREATE # P L A Y Work together to make a game

— Listening to the Night: #LEARN # P R A Y Help campers feel comfortable overnight — Flashlight Name Tag: # P L A Y #LEARN Nighttime name game Leader Notes: Today may be the first day at camp ever for some of your campers. They don’t know what to expect. They may be frightened, excited, sad, nervous, or really shy. Be sure that you are clear about expectations and err on the side of over-explaining today. Check to make sure you’re not assuming they know something they haven’t learned yet. The scripture today gives ample opportunity to introduce the facility and the camping experience to everyone.

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Worship Activities Cabin Devotions

Drumming Litany #CELEBRATE

Why: This scripture, John 15:1–11, with a bit of explanation for younger children, helps campers to understand their connection to Jesus and what he asks them to do.

Let campers release some of their energy and excitement with this joyous worship.

How: Ask campers to listen carefully as you read John 15:1–11. Invite them to say what words stood out to them. Read the scripture again and ask what Jesus meant by “the vine” and “the branches.” What did he mean by “bear much fruit”? “Abide in his love”? You can explain that when Jesus said he wants us to produce fruit, he didn’t mean we would produce grapes! He wants our lives to produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, and patience. We will produce this fruit of the Spirit if we stay closely connected to Jesus. Finish with a prayer, asking God for help in keeping our connection to Jesus. Then read the children’s book Secrets of the Vine for Little Ones if you like.

How: Pass out the instruments and let campers experiment a bit with them. Then, explain to campers that they are to play their instruments in response to each of your statements (below), in order to joyfully praise God. Be sure to show them your signal for stopping (can be whatever you decide) and practice that before you begin. We gather to praise your name, O God!... From the mountains to the seashore, let your people rejoice… Let all of creation praise your creative works… From the smallest insect to the largest beast, let your creatures rejoice… The planets and stars, the sun and moon praise you…

Song Ideas

From the tiny creeks to the wide rivers, roaring waterfalls, and oceans, let nature rejoice…

• “Doxology”

Praise God!...

• “This is the Day”

This worship activity can be repeated on another day, allowing campers to choose different instruments.

• “Rejoice in the Lord Always” “How Majestic is Your Name” (Michael W. Smith) • “Allelu, Allelu, Allelu, Alleluia, Praise Ye the Lord” • “What a Wonderful World” by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele • “This Is My Father’s World” (Traditional) • “Awesome God” by Rich Mullins

Prayer Thank you, God, for bringing everyone here to this camp for a “wonder-full” week. May we ask lots of questions, discover many interesting things, and get to know many new friends. Amen.

Wondering Worship

#centering

Why: Camp is a great place to wonder and to ask questions, even if sometimes adults don’t know the answers. Supplies: children’s book I Wonder, by Annaka Harris How: First share with campers your own awe and wonder about God’s creation. How, for example, can hippos run faster than a man, or why do cows and horses sleep standing up? Read the book to your group of campers. Then invite campers to marvel at all the “wonder-full” things God has made, ask questions, look closely, and listen carefully.

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Supplies: Bible; (optional): Secrets of the Vine for Little Ones, by Bruce Wilkinson and Melody Carlson, published by Thomas Nelson, 2002

Supplies: percussion instruments such as shakers, tambourines, jingle bells, small cymbals, djembe drums, bongos, etc., or over-turned buckets, cooking pans with wooden spoons, and plastic containers with dry beans inside (and taped lids)

Younger Children

. Story Resources .

nametags up in the cabin at night so that campers learn the names of cabin-mates sooner.

I Wonder, by Annaka Harris (Four Elephants Press, 2013)

STONES TO REMEMBER #LEARN

God’s Promise (Making Him Known), by Sally Michael (P & R Publishing, 2012)

Why: This activity helps campers relate to the Bible story and connects them with the camp space.

Secrets of the Vine for Little Ones, by Bruce Wilkinson and Melody Carlson (Thomas Nelson, 2002)

Supplies: campers’ Bibles, a stream or lakeshore, stones

Daily Activities NAME TAG CONNECTIONS #CREATE Why: Name tags help campers and leaders learn each other’s names. The task might be easier if you can associate something else with that person, hence the little, connected tags. The concept of connection is made tangible, too. Supplies: White poster board, five small (about one inch wide) colored tags for each person, permanent markers in different colors, a skein of white cotton yarn, two or three scissors, hole punch How: Ahead of time, cut the poster board into 5” x 2” strips (at least one for each person in your group) and, in each strip, use a hole-punching tool to punch two holes for hanging horizontally (one hole in each top corner) and five holes spread out in a row across the long bottom edge. Punch a hole in the colored tags too. Invite campers to take one poster board strip and five tags. Instruct them to write their names in big letters on the strip and one word of something they like on each tag. These words could be food, sports, hobbies, subjects at school, or something else. Then help them cut one long piece of yarn for hanging the nametags around their necks and five short pieces for tying the tags to the name strip. BTW: Campers can be encouraged to start conversations by asking about each others’ tags. Instead of labeling tags with things they like, campers could write names of pets and people they love, including Jesus. You can also hang

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How: Escort your campers (with their Bibles) to a stream or lakeshore and choose a comfortable place to sit. Help them find Joshua 4:1–9 and invite them to follow along as you read it. Ask them questions about it regarding characters and setting. Explain that this scene is part of the bigger story of God leading the Israelites into the promised land. (You may need to back up a bit into Joshua 3 for the complete story.) Invite campers to leave their Bibles there and to look for flat stones on the bank of the stream or lakeshore. When they each find one, ask them to bring their stones and get their Bibles. Then talk about the special places at camp where they have felt the presence of God. Ask them to agree on one place, then lead the group to this place and have them stack their stones there to mark this meaningful spot. Offer prayers dedicating their stones in remembrance of—as a memorial to—God. BTW: If you are short on time, you can collect stones in a place close at hand, like a gravel drive, and have campers pretend that it is the Jordan River.

FOOTPRINT TIC-TAC-TOE #CREATE #PLAY Why: This craft/game helps campers use their skills with scissors, get to know each other, and work cooperatively. Supplies: one poster board sheet for each camper in group, at least 9”x12” in size, half of them in one color and half in another; pattern of oversized footprint to fit on the poster board; yarn or string; scissors (one pair for each camper); pencils; masking tape, hole punch How: Make the pattern ahead of time and put out a pencil, scissors, and sheet of poster board for each camper. Invite each camper to trace around

the pattern on his or her poster board, pass it to the next camper, and then cut out the footprint. For those waiting to use the pattern, you can help them cut a piece of yarn or string about 15 inches long. While campers are working, talk about young people following in their elders’ footprints of faith.

Encourage campers to play the game of tic-tac-toe, with all those wearing the same color footprints on the same team, thus dividing the campers into two teams. Have teams take turns deciding, together, where to place one of their members on the grid. Help campers call each other by name. BTW: You can use this game again later, especially on a rainy day. If necessary, add hole-protectors on both sides of the poster board, or laminate the footprints to make them last longer.

LISTENING TO THE NIGHT #LEARN # P R AY Why: Campers need a way to feel comfortable with the new sounds they hear at night while trying to go to sleep. This activity helps them listen carefully, learn something about their environment, and be more at ease with it. Supplies: none How: Gather your cabin group just outside the door of your cabin. Invite them to sit comfortably and use their best listening skills. Encourage them to sit for a full minute, close their eyes, and listen without making a sound. Then ask them to use their “night” voices to tell you three things (one at a time—can have them raise hands and wait to be picked to avoid chaos) that they heard. Explain what probably causes those sounds—certain birds, insects, tree frogs, etc. Have them listen again and see if they notice any sound they didn’t before (or

BTW: If you can’t identify some sounds, that’s okay. Give campers your best guess to ease their fears. If you provide drawing paper and pencils, campers may want to draw what they think they are hearing.

FLASHLIGHT NAME TAG # P L A Y #LEARN Why: Learning names of other campers and leaders encourages campers to think of each other as unique human beings. This game helps campers learn the names of others in their cabin. Supplies: campers’ flashlights and nametags How: After campers have prepared for bed, have them hang their nametags on their bunks in full view. Then ask them to find their flashlights and sit on their bunks. Invite campers to turn on their flashlights and point them at the ceiling, while you turn off cabin lights. Caution them not to shine their lights in the eyes of other people. Designate one camper as “It,” whose beam of light—slowly at first—chases the others. When one is “caught,” the owner of that beam will call out his or her name. “It” immediately repeats the name and shines his or her flashlight on the nametag of that person, so that campers get a visual of the name. This new person becomes “It” and the game is repeated. BTW: You will want to do this game before devotions and story reading so that campers have time to calm down. A variation of this could be to have campers guess who is speaking in the dark, and then check to see if they are correct by having the speaker shine his or her flashlight on his or her own face.

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When all have finished making their footprints, ask campers to help you make a tic-tac-toe grid on the floor or paved parking lot with the masking tape. It should be about six feet square, with each inside square large enough for a camper to stand in comfortably. Then, using pointed scissors (or a hole punch), make two holes about four inches apart on either long side of each footprint so that you can thread the yarn through to tie it to a camper’s foot.

haven’t been named). Ask them to mention three more different things and identify those. Repeat until you run out of new sounds. Then invite campers to bow in prayer. Acknowledge campers’ fears of unfamiliar sounds. Thank God for the day creatures (name a few), which are going to sleep now. Thank God for all the wonderful night creatures you heard, which are awake and will keep watch through the night. Make the prayer a comforting one, inspiring peace in your campers.

YOUNGER CHILDREN

Day 2: I Am the Vine Younger Children

Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Corinthians 11: 23b–26 Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Theological Summary: We make sacred bonds with one another and God through covenant. Covenant is a way to express our connection beyond space and time. Jesus entered into covenant with us, and we with him, in holy communion. Campers will: • experience their connectedness to Christ through covenant • reflect on the power of shared meals in community • discover the roots of Christian worship (communion) in scripture

Daily Activities — Making a Covenant #LEARN Go deeper than camp rules — Life Raft

# P L A Y Encourage leadership and communications through play

— Friendly Footwear # P L A Y Establish cooperation skills with a game — Real Estate Inspection #LEARN Focus on nature, appreciate creation — Finger Prayer # P R A Y #LEARN Teach a helpful prayer tool — All Are Invited # P R A Y Reinforce context of Bible story

#CREATE Decorate with the theme for the week — Frozen Grape Snack #serve #CREATE Make a cool snack that connects to story — Oversized Jenga Game #serve #CREATE Build a game that can be reused

— Vine and Branches

Leader Notes: Keep in mind that your campers may or may not celebrate communion at home. Don’t be afraid to answer questions, but be respectful of varying experiences. It is okay to direct the conversation to emphasize the ways that eating in general can bring people closer together.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time When campers are ready for bed, help them process the day by sharing “highs and lows.” Then read them Best Friends (see Story Resources).

• “To God Be the Glory” (Traditional) • “God’s Love Song” by Jeannie Deal • “God Loves You” by Jaci Velasquez • “Forever Loved” by Don Francisco • “His Banner Over Me Is Love” (Alfred B. Smith) • “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in My Heart” (Traditional) • “John 15:5 Memory Song”

Then remind campers: “Jesus came to show us that God loves us now and, as God’s children, we belong to the family of God. God loves you!” Play song “God’s Love Song”by Jeannie Deal, or “God Loves You” by Jaci Velasquez, or “Forever Loved” by Don Francisco.

Your Connection to God #CELEBRATION

Prayer Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to show us how to be his friends by obeying his commandments, and for showing us how to be friends with each other—by being kind, patient, and forgiving.

You Belong to God

Explain the symbolism of the bread and cup, and that Jesus’ sacrifice of his life on the cross was God’s way of paying for our sins, so that we may have a love relationship with God forever.

#centering

Why: Whether you celebrate communion with the campers or not, the important “take away” is that God loves us, and we belong to God. Supplies: a portrait of Jesus, a piece of grape vine with leaves, and a candle (with matches), a piece of bread, and a small cup of grape juice, Bible, way to play song How: Ahead of time, collect the supplies and select five campers to carry them. When your group is gathered and quiet, have each of your five helpers—one at a time—reverently carry into the gathering the portrait, vine, candle, bread, and cup, as you create a worship center and, lastly, light the candle. Sing. Then read aloud today’s scripture: 1 Corinthians 11: 23b–26. Explain: “Christians remember Jesus in the sacrament of communion. Some churches keep this tradition only for members who have been baptized and have already made public their commitment (or promise) to Christ. If you haven’t

Why: Assuring campers of their connection to God can be celebrative as well as comforting. Supplies: Bible, way to play song How: Ask campers to repeat the following words and actions after you: Words Hello, God! Campers here. Why are we at camp? For new experiences, For outdoor fun, For making new friends, For catching spiders? For new growth, Growth? Yes, God! Because Jesus is the vine And we are the branches. Amen!

Actions (Pretend to talk into a cell phone.) (Shrug shoulders) (Hold up fingers—1) (Hold up fingers—2) (Hold up fingers—3) (Hold up fingers—4, then shake head no.) (Hold up outstretched hand) (Shrug shoulders) (Nod head yes.) (Hands and arms out to the side.) (Support one arm with the other hand.) (Clap twice.)

Read the scripture that says Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, in John 15:5–11. Explain that in this scripture, Jesus compares God to a vine-grower and himself to a grape vine. Ask, “And what are we?” (The branches that make fruit: grapes.) Continue, “We are connected to Jesus like branches are connected to a grapevine. Do we make grapes? No, our fruit is good deeds,…doing good things,…sharing Jesus’ love.”

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Song Ideas

already, you will get a chance to participate in communion when you make that commitment too.”

. Story Resources . Rebel, by Allan Baillie (Houghton Mifflin, 1994) Celebrate!: Connections Among Cultures (Lee and Low Books, 2010)

Younger Children

Best Friends (Cork and Fuzz Series), by Dori Chaconas and Lisa McCue (Penguin Young Readers Group, 2010)

Daily Activities MAKING A COVENANT #LEARN Why: If campers agree to a code of behavior that they have created, they are more likely to live by it. This activity is on the second day to allow the campers some time to become accustomed to rules and expected conduct at camp. This covenant should be made in addition to learning the rules. Supplies: large sheet of paper, marker, tape How: Explain what a covenant is (a promise God made with people, such as Noah, or a promise people make with each other involving God’s help, like a marriage) and tell campers that they can make a covenant with each other for the time they are at camp. Ask, “What are some ways that we can all help each other have a good experience at camp this week?” On a large sheet of paper, record campers’ suggestions. Encourage everyone to participate. When the suggestions have been made, read through the list. Ask campers whether they will all agree to keep this covenant. Revise as necessary. Invite everyone to sign the group covenant as a symbol of their promise to each other. Close this time with prayer, thanking God for these campers and their desire to treat each other with respect, as Jesus does. BTW: To emphasize the importance of the covenant, use a special metallic pen or marker to sign the covenant. If you have the supplies, you could stamp it with a wax seal. You could offer your covenant as a gift during worship. You may want to tape this covenant to the back of the cabin door to refer to later.

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LIFE RAFT # P L A Y Why: This initiative game calls forth communication and leadership skills and requires campers to work as a team to accomplish the goal. Supplies: blanket or small tarp How: Spread the blanket or tarp out on the ground and instruct your campers to stand on it. Tell them they are on a life raft in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by sharks. The goal: Their life raft must be flipped over to reach the sealed packages of food on the other side. They must remain standing on the raft while they turn it over. If any foot touches the “water,” the sharks will win! Encourage campers to work together to accomplish the goal; it can only be won if they all win. Remind campers of Paul’s story to the Corinthians. He wanted to remind them that Jesus cared about each member of the community. BTW: Try folding the blanket or tarp in half to begin, or try it with more or fewer campers to see if that makes any difference in the difficulty of the game. If this game proves easy, see if campers can use the tarp to get from one activity to the next. If anyone “falls off,” start back at the beginning!

FRIENDLY FOOTWEAR # P L A Y Why: This activity helps campers learn the value of participation, cooperation, and persistence. Besides that, accomplishment is fun. Nobody loses here! Supplies: none How: Lead your group to a grassy area. Encourage campers to take off both of their sandals, or shoes and socks, and put them all in a pile. Then ask campers to take two unmatched sandals or shoes (leave the smelly socks!) that do not belong to them, one in each hand. Instruct all campers to line up shoulder to shoulder so that every shoe or sandal ends up as a matched pair beside each other. Make sure all campers understand the goal, but let them figure out how to do it. When they achieve the goal, share your congratulations for their accomplishment, and go on to tell campers that they aren’t done yet. Campers must trade one shoe at a time until they get their own back. Then have them sit down in a circle.

To debrief, ask campers what the original goal was. Ask: “What behavior interfered with achieving the goal? What behavior or strategy contributed to achieving the goal? Did one person become the leader in sorting out the shoes? How did you feel during this activity?” Help all contribute to the conversation and feel heard.

BTW: For an even closer view, give campers a couple of magnifying glasses to pass around. (Just don’t let them scorch the grass or fry the insects by focusing the sun’s rays!) You could also use hula-hoops instead of yarn circles.

BTW: The children’s picture book, Rebel, by Allan Baillie, tells the story of an arrogant army general who, in the process of taking over a Burmese village with his army, had his hat knocked off by a thrown sandal. He was so angered that he rousted the whole village to find the person responsible. The ending may surprise you, because it celebrates finding a third way—instead of flight or fight—to solve a problem. Although the book is now out of print, you may locate one online or in a used bookstore or library.

Why: Campers who are growing up in a Christian home may already know this way to pray, but this is a good reminder for them and a helpful tool for everyone.

Why: This activity gives campers a chance to really focus on a bit of nature, maybe even seeing something fascinating. Supplies: yarn, scissors How: Cut yarn in 36-inch lengths and give one to each camper. Instruct each camper to tie the ends of the piece together to make a circle. Then lead the campers to a mowed area of grass where they will spread out a short distance from each other and select spots to lay their yarn circles. Invite campers to sit and spend five to ten minutes observing everything there is to see within their yarn circles, such as ants and other insects, different kinds of plants, color of the soil, quantity of leaves, etc. Ask them to remember everything they can about their pieces of ground. Then gather campers and invite them to sit a circle and talk about what they observed. Ask, “What was there besides grass? What were the insects doing? What else? Did you count anything?” Wrap up the discussion with congratulations to campers for taking a beginning step in becoming real naturalists. Pray together, thanking God for diversity even in small spaces. You could then travel as a group to each yarn circle and ask the observer to show you around his or her “property.”

Supplies: none How: Let campers know that there are many different ways to pray, and explain that their fingers can help them to remember one way to pray. First, ask campers to put their hands together in front of them. Tell them they can keep their eyes open so that they can see their hands, and begin “breaking it down” this way, finger by finger: • Notice that your thumbs are the closest to your face. This reminds you to pray for people who are closest to you. Use the thumb to pray for your parents and your brothers or sisters. • The index or pointer finger can remind you to pray for those who point you in the right direction. Pray for your teachers at school, your Sunday school teacher, and your pastor. • The tallest finger reminds us to pray for our leaders. Pray for the president and other leaders in our country and in other countries. • The fourth finger is rather weak compared to the others. Let this finger remind you to pray for those who are weak or sick, the homeless, and the powerless. • The smallest finger is last. The Bible says we should never think of ourselves as higher than others. Let the little finger remind you to pray for yourself. BTW: Alternatively, you could let the fingers represent five parts of prayer: Praise, Thanks, Confession, Requests for others, and Requests for self. For a giggle, have the campers make up a “toe-prayer.”

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REAL ESTATE INSPECTION #LEARN

FINGER PRAYER # P R A Y #LEARN

ALL ARE INVITED # P R A Y Why: This meditative prayer focuses on the equity of each one coming to Jesus’ table. Supplies: none

Younger Children

How: Walk with campers to a quiet place where you all can sit comfortably. Open a conversation by asking how eating together as a family is different from eating by yourself. Talk about the significance of eating with others in Jesus’ time. Ask campers whom Jesus ate with. Point out that he ate with everyone—whether poor or rich, weak or strong, sick or well—even with people who the religious leaders didn’t like. Talk about how Jesus’ message of God’s love was and is for everyone, too. All are invited to Jesus’ “table.” Invite campers each to find his or her own spot to sit, beyond reach of other campers, yet still within hearing distance of your voice. Explain that you are going to lead them all in a meditative prayer. Ask them to cross their legs, rest their hands on their knees, close their eyes, and listen carefully. Pray, giving thanks to God for loving everyone— good and bad, rich and poor, sick and well. Say, “We ask God’s forgiveness for times when we have not welcomed others to eat or play with us or to share our toys. We Aask for God’s help in recognizing when we have chances to welcome others, even if they are different from us.” BTW: For a playful (boisterous) version of this activity, have campers spread apart as above, but ask them to take turns shouting out their prayers of inclusion. Don’t give them too much instruction, other than to take turns and to listen to one another. Then gather them all back together and close the prayer with a soft voice. Ask campers to list some of the benefits of sitting at a table to pray!

VINE AND BRANCHES #CREATE Why: Campers can make a vine and branches to decorate the dining hall for the camp’s theme and be reminded of their connection to Jesus. Supplies: Roll of kraft paper, brown chenille stems (one per camper), small grape leaf for tracing or a template from online, purple tempera or acrylic

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paint, white cardstock, green cardstock, paper plates, one brayer or large spoon, pencils, scissors (one per camper), transparent tape, ¼-inch holepunch (or two), tub of water and towel; (optional): hole protectors How: Ahead of time, set out the tub and towel. Trace two grape leaves on green cardstock per each camper. Cut white cardstock in half to make 5 ½ x 8 ½ -size sheets (enough so each camper will have one). Squirt paint onto one paper plate for each pair of campers. Smooth it out with the brayer or the back of a spoon. When campers arrive, explain that they will be making grape clusters to hang on a vine in the dining hall to show their connection to Jesus. Show campers where to put their prints to dry and where to wash their hands in the tub. Pass out the white cardstock and pencils, and have campers label these with their names. Then demonstrate how each camper will use the paint to make thumbprints in the shape of a grape cluster on the white cardstock. When they are done, they set their prints to dry and wash their hands. Then, pass out the green cardstock and scissors and have each campers cut out two leaves. Next, pass around the hole punch. Each camper punches one hole in the top of each leaf and passes the hole-punch to the next camper. Pass out the chenille stems and demonstrate how to carefully push one through the holes of both leaves. Pass out their now-dry prints and instruct campers to cut around the outside edge of the clusters. After they are done, pass around the tape so they can attach their grape clusters to one end of the stem. To make the vine for hanging the branches, cut a long length of the kraft paper, about 4 inches wide. Then twist it into a long vine shape. If you need to join two pieces, twist one end inside the other and tape around it. Hang the vine in the dining hall. Label it with a sign that says “Jesus.” Attach the branches by bending a hook in each chenille stem and hooking it over the vine. Add a few coiled chenille stems to be the tendrils.

BTW: If campers are having difficulty with the hole-punch, they could tape their leaves to the chenille stem. You could also use a very thick rope instead of the kraft paper for a vine. If you have extra time, campers can draw eyes and smiles on each of their “grapes.”

FROZEN GRAPE SNACK #SERVE #CREATE

Supplies: table, plenty of red and green grapes, scissors, gallon-size freezer bags; (one per camper): bamboo skewers, pairs of food handlers’ gloves

BTW: If you do this project at the beginning of the week, the blocks could be finished in time for the hard-working campers to play the game. A good instructional video for this can be found online at: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ruxBBB03nFk .

Younger Children

Why: This healthful treat presented in a fun way keeps campers cool (without the sugar in commercial frozen pops).

inches long. Some waste at the end of each 2x4 allows you to adjust cutting to avoid knots. The campers’ job is to sand the blocks. After sanding is done, campers can apply a color wash with small pieces of cotton rags. When the blocks are dry, campers (another group, perhaps?) apply the paste finishing wax and buff the blocks with cotton rags. The wax seals the wood and makes the blocks slide well.

How: Instruct campers to put on food handlers’ gloves. Demonstrate proper use of the skewers by poking a skewer straight down into a grape sitting on the table—not by holding the grape in your other hand. Invite each camper to thread grapes on a skewer, leaving about two inches empty for a handle. Place filled skewers side by side (one layer) in the freezer bags, and put them in the freezer for three hours before serving. For safety, snip off the skewer points before serving. BTW: Campers may enjoy making patterns of green and red grapes. They may want their specific patterns, so be sure to label skewers somehow. If you prefer, have camp cooks do the threading of grapes on the skewers.

OVERSIZED JENGA GAME #SERVE #CREATE Why: The effort of staff and a few campers can help create a huge copy of this popular game for the camp—one to be enjoyed by everyone who comes after them. Supplies: Seven (7) pine 2x4s, eight feet long (get the best you can find: straight with minimal knots); 80-grit sandpaper; three or more colors of color wash; paste finishing wax; cotton rags; measuring tape; chop saw How: Make arrangements ahead of time with the camp facilities manager to buy the supplies and cut the 2x4s into at least 54 blocks that are 10 ½

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Day 3: Love One Another Younger Children

Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: John 8:2–11 Scripture Focus: John 8:7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Theological Summary: Cast the first stone. We have to look around to see that we are all valuable to God. People and their relationships to us are a treasure for us to protect. When the legalistic Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about the law, Jesus’ compassion created a “third way” with his answer, neither condemning the woman for her sin nor denying the law. Campers will: • know that their actions toward others can be transformative • see Christ’s example of addressing injustice with patience and courage • be called to Christ’s example to connect without judgment, prejudice, or injustice • distinguish between judgment and justice

Daily Activities — Caring Conversation: #LEARN Practice listening with open minds — No Judgment Here: #LEARN # P R A Y A lesson about Jesus’ teaching style — Lines in the Sand:

# P L A Y #LEARN Notice things that divide us

— Uphill Battle: # P L A Y Model how we can cheer each other on — Catch the Sound: # P L A Y Keep campers on their toes — Pray While People-watching: # P R A Y Turn a boring wait into a sacred moment

#CREATE #LEARN Reinforce Bible story with ancient art — Create Pick-up Sticks: #CREATE #serve Notice how our actions affect others

— Doodles in Sand:

— Play Pick-up Sticks: # P L A Y A challenging game of skill and luck — What Does Service Mean?: #serve Discuss moments campers can show they care Leader Notes: You’ve probably noticed that today’s content contains a mature concept in that the woman in the story is accused of adultery. There are lots of ways to talk around this, but it may be best to defer to the idea that she broke her promises to her husband. Godly Play curriculum uses the phrase “breaking your marriage,” which may be helpful. Today’s story is about Jesus’ grace even when promises get broken.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time Help campers process the day by asking what things they especially enjoyed today. Also ask what some of moments were that they didn’t like very much. Ask how they can make tomorrow better.

their animals, then move, then stretch like their animals. Ask campers questions such as, “Do you suppose that after God created the animals they were thankful? How would an animal praise God?”

• “All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir” by Bill Staines

Pick-up Love Worship #centering

• “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” by Brian Doerksen

Supplies: signs (with wooden stakes attached) with group names on them, yarn

• “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” (Paul Baloche), performed by The African Children’s Choir at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=v8qPKR9hgL0

How: On the route to the worship site, post signs indicating Group One, Group Two, etc., or whatever the names of your groups are, a little distance apart. Instruct campers to meet at their with their group. Have the first group (the one standing farthest from the worship site) begin singing the song “Love, Love, Love, Love,” and walk toward the next group. The second group joins in singing and walking with the first. They continue singing on their way to pick up the next group, etc. At the worship site, invite everyone to take his or her seat and conclude the singing.

• “Doxology” (Traditional hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”) • “All Creatures of Our God and King” (Traditional hymn) • “Love, Love, Love, Love” (Traditional—try singing this song as a round) • “Love Isn’t Love ’Til You Give It Away” (as sung by Reba McEntire)

Prayer Our God, who loves us more than we can imagine, we give thanks for your love and care. Help us to draw larger circles of love to include people whom we may not particularly like but who are your children, too. Amen.

Animal Praise #CELEBRATE Why: Connection to creation will happen when campers identify with an animal and sing praise to God. Supplies: none How: Invite campers each to choose an animal he or she likes. First have the campers stand like

Then read the poem “Outwitted” by Edwin Markham. Invite campers to suggest ways they can show Jesus’ love to other people. Have campers form a ring around the main focal point of your worship space: the Lord’s table, a cross, or the campfire. Pass yarn around the circle and tie the ends together. Have campers set the ring of yarn on the ground in front of them. Ask them to take a moment to notice how it feels to be on the outside of the circle. Then have a leader step into the circle and extend his or her hand to a camper, saying, “With the love of Jesus, you are welcome,” And have the leader gently pull the camper into the circle. Have that camper turn to the next person and repeat the phrase and action until everyone is inside the circle.

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Song Ideas

As the campers pretend they are the animals, ask them to praise God with their animals’ voices. Ask all the animals of one kind (e.g., tigers) to praise God; then others, such as horses, etc. When all the different animal groups have had a chance to sing praises, let all the animals together to praise God!

Then enjoy reading The Forgiveness Garden by Lauren Thompson to the campers. There are some questions at the end you can use to start a conversation if you like, or save them for another time.

. Story Resources . Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down, by Andrea Davis Pinkney (Little, Brown, 2010) Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen, by Michelle Roehm McCann (Tricycle, 2003)

Younger Children

The Forgiveness Garden by Lauren Thompson (Macmillan, 2012)

Daily Activities CARING CONVERSATION #LEARN Why: Instead of focusing on the sin or the law in this scripture passage, we can lift up Jesus’ response to the situation and see an example of compassion. This activity helps campers learn that their caring action can be transformative, too. Supplies: campers’ Bibles How: When campers have their Bibles open to today’s scripture passage, ask for volunteers to read each verse, on at a time. Then start the conversation by explaining that Jesus was not fooled by the Pharisees’ question. He knew they were trying to trap him into disobeying the law. Ask campers what Jesus’ response was and wait for their answers. Ask, “Did Jesus judge anyone? How did he show that he cared about the woman?” Explain that showing that you care is having compassion. Then, encourage campers to answer these questions, giving them time to think about each one: 1. “Do you consider yourself a caring person? In what ways?” 2. “What usually happens to a person who receives caring and kindness?” 3. “What do you think the world would look like if nobody cared about anybody else?” 4. “And what would the world look like if everybody did care?” Then, ask campers which world they would prefer and why. Encourage them to think about what they can do to make the “world” of camp full of

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caring and kindness. Pair up campers and instruct each to tell his or her partner at least one thing he or she will do this week to show caring and kindness to someone else at camp, and something he or she will do at home. Finally, invite campers to share these intentions with the group. BTW: Another way to do this would be to pair campers up first to discuss the questions and tell what they will do at camp and at home. Then bring them back together at the end to report. When you see campers carrying out their compassionate acts this week, give them a wink and a nod. And, remember, the most powerful method of teaching is modeling the behavior you want campers to learn.

NO JUDGMENT HERE #LEARN # P R A Y Why: Jesus models compassion without judgment—an excellent attitude to keep us connected to others and to create peace. Supplies: Bible How: First, read aloud to campers John 8:2–11. Explain that the Pharisees, as religious authorities in Jesus’ day, were very interested in seeing that everyone followed the Jewish law. Sometimes women were punished for breaking a law and men weren’t. And sometimes the consequences for breaking the law were harsh—for example, being stoned to death,as almost happened in this case. Then explain that Jesus knew the woman in the story had sinned and he knew that the Pharisees had, too, yet Jesus didn’t pronounce judgment on anyone. Ask campers to describe Jesus’ response to the Pharisees. Accept all answers. More importantly, ask campers to describe Jesus’ response to the woman. Help everyone in your group have a chance to answer. Invite campers each to think of a time when he or she judged someone. Choose a volunteer to mime how that camper might have looked (nose in the air? pointing?). Choose a volunteer to mime how he or she feels when someone judges him or her (guilty? sad and droopy? angry with hands on hips?). Suggest that this is probably how the people in the Bible story looked, too. Thank your volunteers. Close with prayer, thanking God for Jesus’ example of not judging other people, and ask for help for all to follow Jesus’ example.

BTW: If you have time, encourage campers to imagine how Jesus would respond to their sins. Ask what he would say to them. You might get some surprising answers.

LINES IN THE SAND # P L A Y #LEARN

Supplies: sand on a volleyball court or beach How: Divide campers into two equal lines, standing shoulder to shoulder, each line facing the other. Name one line “Orange” and the other “Blue.” Have each camper partner up with the camper facing him or her in the other line and shake hands with that partner to make sure everyone has one. Then have each pair move themselves a few feet away from other pairs. Explain that each of the campers on the Orange team will use his or her toes to draw a line in the sand between him or her and the partner. (Demonstrate how to do this, with the line somewhat curved in an arc.) Ask Orange team members to name something that divides people, such as telling a lie or taking someone else’s toy. Then have the Blue team members think of and present a solution to the problem that would allow the people involved to stay friends. Then they each use his or her toes to draw an arc or arch that intersects the partner’s line. (The resulting image should look like a fish.) Then have the partners trade roles, with the Blue team suggesting the divisive actions and the Orange team creating solutions. After both teams have had a chance to play both roles, ask questions such as: “Was it difficult to think of problems or solutions? What problems did you think of? What solutions did you come up with? Ask what would have been the result if one person started a fight or ran away?” Explain:“Often, we act too quickly in conflict situations, either fighting or fleeing. Both of these reactions separate people. It takes time and creativity to think of a third solution to problems, so that we stay friends and keep connected to Jesus, but these connections are worth the effort.” And remember to tell them, before you go, that

BTW: If you don’t have sand or dirt, you can do this activity using sidewalk chalk, masking tape, or imagination.

UPHILL BATTLE # P L A Y Why: This simple Minute-to-Win-It game is challenging and fun for any age level, but requires only a few common items. Supplies: Table, books or blocks, wooden spoon(s), two or three marbles, clock or watch How: Raise one end (or side) of the table with books or small blocks. Instruct one camper to start the marbles rolling down the slant while another camper uses the back of the spoon to tap (not hit!) them back up and keep the marbles on the table. A third camper can watch the clock to time them for two or three minutes. Then they can rotate positions. BTW: You can increase the challenge of the game by raising the end of the table higher or using more marbles. You could also try small balls instead of marbles. Try a wider table and more campers, too! For a safer version, use rolled-up aluminum foil balls.

CATCH THE SOUND # P L A Y Why: Participation in this improvisation game requires a little creativity, but its rewards are affirmation and fun. Remind campers that Jesus was quick-witted in a high-stakes situation. Supplies: none How: Invite campers to stand in a circle, facing in. You start by making a sound—any sound—while also making a throwing gesture toward a camper across the circle. That camper then “receives” the sound with a physical motion like catching a ball and repeats the sound sent to him or her. (That’s important to give affirmation to the thrower.) Then, without hesitation, that camper “throws” a new sound to another camper. Keep the sound moving quickly and make sure everyone gets a chance to play. Try to get the body involved and not just the voice. Also require campers to actively receive the sound sent to them

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Why: This activity gets campers to think about what divides us from each other and what can reconnect us to each other and, consequently, to Jesus.

the fish they have drawn in the sand—Ichthys in Greek—are symbols for Jesus!

before they send one on. The more exaggerated the motions, the better! BTW: Variation on this game might be to throw out words that require a match in answer, like peanut and butter, bumble and bee, tooth and brush, etc.

PRAY WHILE PEOPLE-WATCHING # P R AY Younger Children

Why: This activity lets campers use their imaginations (or open themselves to the Holy Spirit) and teaches them to turn a boring wait into a sacred moment. Supplies: (optional): van How: Gather your campers and ask if they have ever sat in a boring public place—such as in a doctor’s office, hospital, or the car—and watched people go by. Let them tell about times they have done so. Explain: “To give yourself something to do, you can look carefully at people to see if they look worried, tired, sad, or sick; or are limping; or are dressed poorly. Even better, ask God to tell you what they need. Maybe someone is worried about paying her bills, tired because he was up all night with a crying baby, sad because a pet died, or sick and need to be healed. Maybe he is limping because of an aching knee, or is dressed poorly because she can’t afford any new clothes.” Ask campers what they might pray for these people. Point out that even people who look happy or look well-dressed have problems. What could campers pray for them? Remind campers that they don’t have to guess or know what a person’s problems are, but just need to be aware that they may have them. If transportation is not a problem, take your small group of campers to a public place to practice this prayer. A small van would work better than a large bus so that you could talk together about the people before you pray for them. You don’t even have to get out of the van. Invite campers to pray silently or aloud, as they prefer. Emphasize a reverent attitude. A sentence for each person is all that is needed. Before you head back to camp, offer a prayer aloud, thanking God for your campers’ compassion for people they don’t even know, and asking a blessing on all of them.

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BTW: If you aren’t able to travel to a public place, you could have campers pray for people at camp, such as staff who are working in various buildings. When you enter those buildings, tell the people that your campers are going to pray silently for them. Their response may be a pleasant surprise!

DOODLES IN SAND #CREATE #LEARN Why: In the Navajo culture, sand paintings are made as part of a healing ritual, and are not meant to be works of art. They are beautiful, nonetheless. Jesus’ writing in the sand in John 8:2–11 probably wasn’t meant to be art either, but whatever it was, it evidently had a powerful effect on the Pharisees! In this activity, campers get to practice fine motor skills and create their own doodle art with colored sand. Supplies: Clean, dry, fine sand; powdered tempera paint in six colors; black, letter-size cardstock; scissors; tablespoon; teaspoon; 6 small shallow containers (with lids, like butter tubs); for each camper: 1 small bottle of white glue, paper plate, pencil How: Ahead of time, cut cardstock in half to 5 ½ x 8 ½ inches, so there is enough for each camper to have a piece. Measure two tablespoons of sand into each container. Then mix in one teaspoon of paint powder—a different color in each container. Line up the containers down the length of your table. For each camper, set out one bottle of glue, a pencil, a paper plate, and a piece of cardstock. When campers arrive, ask them to write their names on the back of their cardstock. Refer to Jesus’ act of writing in the sand and wonder with campers what Jesus might have written in the sand. Explain that it’s okay that they don’t know; no one knows but Jesus. Demonstrate for the campers the process they will use to make their art. Begin by squirting glue on the cardstock in one thin, continuous line to make an abstract “doodle.” Then, before it dries, begin carefully sprinkling (with your fingers) colored sand on the glue, one color at a time. Shake off the excess sand onto a paper plate. Have the campers follow suite. BTW: Alternatively, you can use pre-colored sand instead of coloring your own. If you have more time, you could have campers sketch out a shape, like a butterfly, and use the glue and sand to fill

in different sections of the shape. Any leftover sand can be moistened to make textured paint for another craft.

CREATE PICK-UP STICKS #CREATE #SERVE

Supplies: Thirty 3/16” round wooden dowels, 12 to 15 inches long; acrylic paint in red, blue, yellow, and green, plus a small amount of black; four one-pint mason jars; clothesline; at least 30 clothes pins (spring-type); newspapers; one roll of paper towels; 9x12” pad of heavy paper suitable for painting; a paintbrush for each camper; 16 small plastic cups; at least one adult assistant How: Ahead of time, hang the clothesline and prepare paint if you’re using tubes of acrylic. Thin each color of paint—except black—in a pint mason jar with a little water to make 12 ounces, about three inches deep. Set these out six or eight feet apart on the floor on a couple sheets of newspaper. Divide dowels like this at each “paint station”: 7 red, 7 blue, 7 yellow, and 8 green. Put 8 half-sheets of paper towel at each station, too. Prepare the black “helper stick” ahead of time, painting the ends black, three inches on each end. When campers arrive, demonstrate how, at each station, they are going to dip one end of each dowel into the jar until it touches the bottom, then pull it out and let it drip a minute over the jar. Then, holding a paper towel under it to catch drips, show them how to bring it to the clothesline, where your assistant will hang the dowel to dry. Then they will come back to the same jar and dip another dowel. Tell them to dip one dowel at a time, and that it doesn’t matter how many dowels they get to dip. Divide campers into four groups and assign one group to each paint station. While dowels are drying, explain that each camper will use the same paint to make a picture related to today’s scripture, focusing on the theme of: “How I Can Show Compassion.” Pour the leftover paint into small plastic cups, a set of all four colors for each of the four camper

BTW: If you are planning to do this outside, make sure the jars have something flat and stable to sit on. Cover the painting table with newspaper.

PLAY PICK-UP STICKS: # P L A Y How: Gather campers in a circle, facing inward. Hold all the sticks (except the “black stick”) vertically above the center of the circle and let them drop to the ground in one pile. Each camper takes a turn picking up a stick without touching any of the others. The black stick can be used as a helper to flip a stick off a pile. You can keep score according to colors of sticks collected, or win just by collecting the most sticks. BTW: Make it a group effort and see how many sticks they can get in five minutes. Or try playing it in teams of two, alternating turns at removing a stick.

WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN? #SERVE Why: Some campers have never had the opportunity to serve others and may need a conversation about what that looks like. Campers who have done service for others can share their experiences with the group. The conversation can lead to campers choosing to do something nice for people at camp. Supplies: whatever is needed to do the activities campers come up with How: Gather campers and start the conversation about service, mentioning one service opportunity you have had. Invite campers to share their experiences. After everyone has had a chance to share, offer the group an opportunity to do service at camp. Ask for their suggestions, especially services that are actions that require no supplies, such as: making a bed, hanging up a swimsuit and towel, or saving a seat for someone whom they don’t know. Remember that service is not just talking about it; encourage and help campers to carry out their service ideas. BTW: If you want to push the activity up a notch, try baking cookies for someone outside your camp.

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Why: Campers will make for the camp a set of “pick-up sticks” that they can use to play a game later in the day or in the week. They will use the leftover paint to create a picture related to today’s scripture.

groups. Give each camper a sheet of paper and a brush. Show campers where to lay their pictures when they are done. You may want to label the paintings with campers’ names.

YOUNGER CHILDREN

Day 4: I Chose You Younger Children

Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 15:11–32 Scripture Focus: Luke 15:32 “But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” Theological Summary: Decisions we make affect the ways we connect with people. Your choices matter, but they don’t change God’s love for you. Campers will: • learn the impact of choice in their connection with God and others • hear of God’s forgiveness and grace • know that they can admit to their brokenness, and that they can change • identify trustworthy individuals in their lives who will show them God’s grace and forgiveness

Daily Activities — Once upon a Parable: The Compassion of God #LEARN What is a parable? — Green Eggs or Ham?: # P L A Y #LEARN Silly game reinforcing choice-making — Foot Pass: # P L A Y Be silly and lighten the mood — Tree Detectives: #LEARN #CREATE Get to know camp as their “home” — Garden Tag: # P L A Y A game of welcoming each other home — Motions of Thanks: #LEARN # P R A Y Add a new table blessing to your repertoire — Jesus Is the Vine: # P R A Y # P L A Y An object-lesson discussion — Watercolor Resists Spiderwebs: #CREATE Notice the interconnectness of nature — Garden Goodness: #serve #LEARN Do new things, like the prodigal son did

Leader Notes: Because it is the middle of the week of camp, your younger campers may identify with the theme of wanting to go home and returning to their parents’ loving embrace. You can remind campers that it was important for the younger son to go out and experience the world before going home. If this story does stir up homesickness, comfort your campers, telling them that you understand that feeling, and so does God.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Help campers process the day by asking what things they especially enjoyed today. Also ask what moments didn’t they like very much. Ask how they can make tomorrow better.

Song Ideas • “God Has Chosen Me” (Bernadette Farrell) • “Put Your Hand in the Hand” (Gene MacLellan) • “Sweet Song of Salvation” (performed by Selah, 2012)

Prayer God, thank you for your forgiveness.

Coming Home to God #CELEBRATION Why: Campers need to know that even when they make bad choices, they can come back to God for forgiveness. Supplies: one suitcase with things a child might pack in it, such as a blankie, flashlight, a toy or teddy bear; and the second suitcase packed with party supplies How: As you read the following text to the campers, have an adult leader act out the scene. “Have you ever run away from home? Why? Were you mad at Mom or Dad? Well, that’s what happened to ___(actor’s name)___. You know how things go—one argument led to another, and suddenly (name) felt like leaving home was the right thing to do. What did you pack for your trip, (name)? [Here, actor shows what he or she has in the first suitcase and, as each item is taken out, the narrator talks about how important each item will be. After going through and commenting on the items, the narrator continues…] “Do you have big plans? How are you feeling? Once you get on the road, do you think you might change your mind? Are you scared? Are you a little excited? Well, we wish you well. It sure will

“That’s pretty much the way it was for the prodigal son, too. He chose to go away from home and have a good ol’ time, but when he ran out of money and friends, and had to get a job feeding pigs, life away from home wasn’t any more rewarding than life had been before he left. So he decided to go back home. He was sorry he had made bad choices. And, honestly, he was nervous about going back. What if his family was angry with him and wouldn’t take him back? [Offstage, the actor empties the suitcase. Then he or she returns with the empty suitcase.] “Oh my! Look who’s back! (Name,) are you okay? Was life out there on the road easy? What happened to your (list items he or she took with him or her.) [Adult mimes the things that happened.] What do you have left in your suitcase? [Shows empty suitcase.] Oh, how sad. What will you do now? [Sadly shrugs]. I’ve got an idea, what if we used the things I’ve packed in my suitcase and you stay at home here with us? [shows delight and surprise]. Would you like that? Well, it just so happens that I have exactly the things that you will need here at home. Wanna see? [One by one, take out the party items from second suitcase and hand them to the actor. The actor is delighted and overcome with joy. The narrator then explains what each item will be for.] “Here’s a balloon. And confetti! Those will come in handy as we celebrate that you came home! [Repeat the process with each item. Have actor distribute items to campers.] “You know, I’m not sure it was the best decision to leave in the first place. What do you think (name)? But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Jesus, it’s that even when you’ve chosen the wrong things, or behaved badly, you don’t have to be afraid to come back to God. When you ask for forgiveness, God will forgive you and welcome you back. You are a child of God, (name). I think that we should celebrate you coming home. (Use the party supplies to celebrate the actor.)

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Then read Because I Love You by Max Lucado.

be hard out there on your own. Please stay safe. Please only stay with friends you know. Call me? Take care! [Adult timidly takes suitcase and leaves the scene.]

. Story Resources . God’s Dream, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Candlewick, 2010) The Sheep That No One Could Find, by Anthony DeStefano (Harvest House Publishers, 2014) Because I Love You, by Max Lucado (Crossway, 1999)

Younger Children

Daily Activities

father’s compassion, forgiveness, and joy with that of God. Let campers know that they do not need to fear rejection from God, for, like the father in the story, God will always wait for them to return and will accept them with open arms. BTW: Try to find other “quotes” from Jesus that you can use in place of everyday camp talk. Instead of, “If you can hear me, clap once,” say, “Let those with ears to hear, listen,” or in place o,f “Come over here,” use, “Let the children come to me!” This can be fun and silly, but also a meaningful way to think about Jesus’ words in a new way.

ONCE UPON A PARABLE: THE COMPASSION OF GOD #LEARN

GREEN EGGS OR HAM? # P L A Y #LEARN

Why: This activity will help campers see how God is like the father in the Bible story of the prodigal son.

Why: This activity gets campers up and moving and helps campers think about making choices and ties into the story of the prodigal son. It’s also active because of instead of voting with their hands, they vote with their whole bodies!

Supplies: campers’ Bibles; table; three solid elements of nature, such as pinecones or rocks, to represent the characters in Jesus’ story How: Help campers find the story in chapter 15 of Luke, verses 11–32 in their Bibles, and invite them to follow along while you read it aloud. Ask them to identify the characters in this story. Tell the campers that Jesus was a storyteller. We call these kinds of stories “parables” and Jesus used them to tell people what God was like. This section of the Gospel of Luke contains a lot of parables. Help campers identify several different stories of Jesus. Ask them to find the way Jesus began or ended his stories. Have campers use Jesus’ beginning and ending words to replace “once upon a time…” in some common stories, using instead: “The kingdom of heaven is like…” Choose three campers to tell the story and act it out on a table, using the pinecones or rocks as the father and his two sons. Encourage campers to think about the prodigal son as a character in a fable or fairytale. Ask them to imagine out loud how each of the characters might make choices. Ask questions using “where,” “how,” and “why.” Be sure to ask questions about all the characters (maybe even some they imagine into the story— innkeeper, sisters, mother, etc.). Ask campers how they might be like the characters in the story. When you talk about the father, use the same question format to help campers connect the

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Supplies: volleyball court; Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss; Bible; enough note cards for each player to have one, each with a different word from Green Eggs and Ham written on it (fox, house, mouse, train, rain, green, eggs, Sam, would,…there are 50 words total in the book…) How: For the first part of this game, create a list of questions with this format: “Would you rather ‘x’ or ‘y’?” These could be choices on a variety of topics, such as food, sports, animals, etc., but all pairs of x and y should be comparable: Would you rather eat asparagus or spinach? …eat a worm or a beetle? …play soccer or football? …play checkers or chess? …ride an elephant or a camel? …learn to juggle or do a magic trick? …etc. Ask campers these questions and have them vote for their choices by standing on one side of the volleyball court or the other. After each set of choices, ask each side “why” they made that choice. (Campers could probably enjoy doing this for hours, but end this part of the activity even before they are done.) For the second part, pass out a note card to each camper with a word from the book Green Eggs and Ham on it. Sit in a circle. Instruct campers that, when a camper hears his or her word, that camper is to stand up and move to another spot in the

circle. Then read the book out loud. Start slowly, then get going faster. Enjoy.

because that would hurt if it fell on a camper’s face!

Then discuss the book. Point out the harmless ending. Ask campers, “What if the story involved a different scenario, such as drinking a whole 2-liter bottle of soda, spending all your money on candy, dropping all your trash on the ground, or playing a trick on someone you don’t like?” Ask what might happen if they chose to do those things. Accept all answers, encouraging quiet campers to speak too.

TREE DETECTIVES #LEARN #CREATE

BTW: You could play this game indoors if you have a large empty space that you can divide with a rope or a long extension cord. Online, there is a whole list of these “Would You Rather?” questions at www.themeasuredmom.com/would-you-ratherfor-kids/

FOOT PASS # P L A Y Why: This is just a fun cooperative game that may even cause the giggles. Use it as a transition between more serious, cognitive activities. Supplies: beach ball How: Invite campers to remove shoes and stand in a circle facing outward. Then instruct them to lie down with their heads toward the middle of the circle and stick their feet straight up in the air. Put the ball on the feet of one camper and ask him or her to pass the ball, using only feet, to a person next to him or her. That camper passes the ball on with his or her feet to the next camper. Can campers pass the ball all the way around the circle using only their feet and without it falling off? How fast can they pass it? BTW: You could time this activity and encourage campers to beat their time. Could one group do it faster than another group? Invite campers to think of other ways to pass the ball; only elbows, nosenudge, etc. Note that campers have differing levels of physical comfort, and be prepared to redirect the game if you notice uncomfortable players. Do not substitute a harder ball like a basketball

Supplies: piece of cardboard about 9x12 inches, tree leaves, glue, table; for each camper: sheet of letter-size white paper, pencil, crayons How: Ahead of time, select three leaves from different trees at camp and glue them to the cardboard. Label them with the correct names of the trees. Have campers examine them and talk about their differences and similarities. Take campers on a tree hunt to find trees with leaves that match those on your cardboard. Ask how they can tell that the leaves match. Then have campers observe textures and feel and smell the bark. Be sure to identify any dangerous plants or trees, point them out, and instruct campers to avoid these plants. Invite campers to take leaves only off the ground from matching trees. After they each have collected the three different leaves, instruct campers to carry them back to a table. Give each camper a pencil and sheet of paper. Ask campers to lightly trace around their leaves or do rubbings of their leaves. Tracings can be separate or overlapped and should fill the paper. Then put out the crayons and invite campers to color their leaf tracings. While campers are working, remind them that the son in the Bible story traveled to a strange new land. Invite casual conversation about times campers have been in new places and how the plants looked different. Ask them if they could recognize “home” by the leaves nearby. BTW: You can use the leaf art as placemats at dinner. You might want to use a tree identification book to correctly label the leaves. As an alternative, instead of mounting real leaves (which will eventually dry and shrivel), you could trace leaves and color them, OR you could lay leaves on a plain background and photograph them with a digital camera. Then print out the photograph to show campers.

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If you haven’t already read the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–32, do so now and ask campers to consider what kinds of choices he made and the consequences of those choices.

Why: This helps campers see that being familiar with their surroundings can make them feel more comfortable, and helps them get to know some trees and observe differences and similarities of their leaves.

GARDEN TAG # P L A Y

Hold up hands and bend fingers like claws

Why: This tag is a little more complicated than plain tag, but campers will enjoy the role-playing. Nobody has to sit out when tagged. After a flurry of activity, the campers will all be welcomed home, like the son in our Bible story.

“…the Lord for…” Make an “L” with both index fingers and thumbs

Supplies: bases to serve as “flowers,” such as hulahoops, pieces of cardboard, Frisbees, etc.

Younger Children

How: Gather campers in a large open area and choose volunteers to play these roles: One gardener, who tells bees how to move about the garden: hop, skip, gallop, walk, etc., redirecting bees as desired. One beekeeper, who chases bees. If bees are caught, they must do an exercise that the beekeeper directs, such as three jumping jacks or sit-ups, or spelling a word, or answering a question, such as, “What do bees collect?” “Where do bees live?” or, “What do bees make?” Then bees are released to move around again. Bees (remainder of the group), who move from “flower” to “flower” as the gardener instructs. On a flower, the bees are “safe” from the beekeeper, but they can stay on a flower for only 10 seconds. After a few minutes of this tag, designate bees to trade roles with the gardener and beekeeper. To end the game or switch the players, tell the gardener to announce, “All the bees are welcome in my garden!” BTW: If you have a crowd of bees, try designating two beekeepers to chase them. To keep bees from being confused about who is who, the gardener can wear a straw hat and the beekeeper(s) can wear another hat with a bandanna tied over it and under the chin.

MOTIONS OF THANKS #LEARN # P R A Y Why: This pre-meal grace offers a physical expression for assisting memory and for campers who may need something to do with their hands. Supplies: none How: Sing this prayer to the tune of “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean,” slowly. “The bear thanks…”

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“…the mountain.” Form a mountain peak with fingertips. “The fish thanks…” Flatten hands; touch left fingertips to base of right palm; flap right hand like a fish’s tail. “…the Lord for…” Make an “L” with both index fingers and thumbs. “…the sea.” Use right, cupped palm to make waves from right to left. “And we thank…” Make fists and point thumbs toward self. “…the Lord for…” Make an “L” with both index fingers and thumbs. “…God’s goodness,…” Make fists and point thumbs up. “…and what we’re…” Hold out cupped hands together. “…about to receive.” Close fingertips to thumb of one hand; use them to point to mouth. BTW: This is a simpler version. If you’d like the real sign language motions for this, see Older Children’s section, page 121. Challenge campers to make up some other rhyming verses.

JESUS IS THE VINE # P R A Y # P L A Y Why: This prayer activity will help campers understand the impact of choice in their connection with God and others. Supplies: long rope or extension cord, balloons, Bible How: Invite campers to sit cross-legged in a circle with you, facing in. Distance apart doesn’t matter. Lay the rope in their laps and ask everyone to hold onto it with both hands. Emphasize that they must keep hold of the rope throughout the time together. Then read about Jesus being the vine in John 15:1–5 and 7–11 (while still holding onto the rope with one hand).

Begin a conversation about the scripture, asking campers to think about what this means. Ask questions such as, “Who is Jesus talking to? Who does Jesus mean when he says ‘The Father’? What kind of fruit is Jesus talking about? What does Jesus want us to do?” Explain what it means to “abide” in Jesus.

Conclude this activity with prayer. Ask campers to repeat what you say: “I want to be a branch connected to Jesus,…” (repeat) “…glorifying God.” (repeat) “I want to live in Jesus’ love,…” (repeat) “…keeping Jesus’ commandments.” (repeat) “I want to bear the fruit of Jesus’ love,…” (repeat) “…being kind and loving to others.” (repeat) “Amen.” (repeat) BTW: If you prefer, you can break up the scripture verse by verse, asking only one or two questions after each verse. If you have a particularly astute group, you can ask campers what they want to say to God about the scripture.

WATERCOLOR RESISTS SPIDERWEBS #CREATE Why: Spider webs serve not only as a unique way of catching prey; they present a beautiful geometric shape that sparkles with dew in the early morning light. This art activity helps campers to see the beauty in webs and allows them to create their own.

How: Prepare ahead of time by setting out one sheet of watercolor paper, a white oil pastel or white crayon, a pencil, and a flat wash brush at each seat at the campers’ worktable. Pour liquid watercolor into the jars, about half full. Set out a jar of each color (3) plus larger jar of water (to clean brushes between each color) for every trio of campers. Set out the tub of water (with just a bit of detergent in it), rags for cleaning brushes and the drying towel. When campers arrive, show them where to lay their finished art and how to clean their brushes, and invite them each to take a seat. First, have campers print their names on the back of their papers. Then ask campers if they have ever seen a spider create a web, and what they have observed about spider webs. Confirm that many webs have straight threads radiating from a central point, joined by connecting curves. You may want to draw an example on a piece of scrap paper. Then instruct campers to draw these lines on their papers with the oil pastel or crayon. When that is done, they can use their brushes and different colors of paint to wash over sections of their webs. The webs will “magically” appear! Encourage them to rinse and squeeze their brushes in the clear water jar before dipping into a new color of paint. This keeps the paint from becoming too “muddy.” When campers are done, remind them to take their papers to your designated spot to dry, and to clean their brushes. BTW: An option for increasing the enjoyment of the activity is to sprinkle salt on still-wet areas of their webs. This makes an interesting mottled star pattern as the salt absorbs the moisture. This is best done where the papers can be left undisturbed; the salt can be brushed off later when completely dry.

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Younger Children

During this long discussion, campers may forget to keep hold of the rope. That’s OK because the rope makes this an object lesson. Explain, “Jesus is the ‘vine’ and the rope represents the vine. We are the branches. Letting go of the rope is like when we break our connection to Jesus.” Ask, “What makes us forget about Jesus? (distractions, choices, etc.) What distracts us? What choices separate us from Jesus? How can we reconnect? What good does connection do us?” Accept and affirm all answers.

Supplies: table, watercolor paper; white oil pastels or white crayons; liquid watercolor paint (because it is transparent) in three dark colors such as blue, blue-violet, and purple; ½” flat wash brushes; small, clean baby-food jars; larger jars; pencils; dish tub and detergent; rags and old towel (paint and brushes are available at art supply or craft stores.)

GARDEN GOODNESS #SERVE #LEARN Why: Some campers may never have had the opportunity to work in a garden. This activity gives campers a chance to learn about cultivated plants and how to take care of them. It also helps the camp have a convenient source of vegetables for the kitchen; or, the harvest could be given to a nearby food bank.

Younger Children

Supplies: garden tools for digging dandelions and other weeds, watering cans; (optional, depending on time of growing season): seeds to plant or baskets for harvesting How: Prepare ahead of time by discussing with the camp administrator or facilities manager the ways they would like campers to help in the garden. Find out what campers already know about planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting. Explain what their tasks will be in the camp garden and what you expect for their behavior. BTW: If your camp doesn’t already have a vegetable garden, you could start one or have campers plant seeds in paper cups to take home.

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YOUNGER CHILDREN

Day 5: I Have Spoken to You Younger Children

Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Kings 19:8–16 Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 19:11a He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Theological Summary: Elijah found God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the silence that followed. We can find God in the silence, too, and connect with God through prayer. Campers will: • experience many ways to connect to God through the mystery of prayer • practice listening for God’s voice • become aware of how God provides for them in many different ways • explore ways of connecting to God on their own

Daily Activities — Listening for God’s Voice: # P R A Y Practice listening in the silence — Take a Hike: #LEARN # P L A Y Find many ways to connect with creation — Cow-Tipping Tag: # P L A Y Shake the sillies out and practice being rescued — Windy Relay: # P L A Y Reinforce Bible story in a game — Listen to Bird Language: #LEARN Pay attention to communication

#CREATE Make a take-home reminder of the story — Finding Finger Puppets: #CREATE #LEARN We might already have all we need

— Butterfly Kites:

— Trash the Trash: #serve Talk about uncluttering while uncluttering

Leader Notes: It can be hard for young children to be comfortable with silence—it’s difficult with most adults, too. Be a good role model for your campers. They are watching to see if you spend any extra time on the phone, or are being over-busy. Remember that you yourself need to “Be still and know that God is God.” Your peaceful, quiet behavior can be contagious.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time

Younger Children

Gather campers and start a conversation about listening for God’s voice. Ask questions such as, “How has today been a listening day? When have you felt a connection with God today? Explain: “We don’t expect to hear God speaking to us like another human being would, but God speaks to us through the Bible, through the words of others (like parents and pastors), and sometimes in our minds while we pray.” Using the practical book Journey to the Heart: Centering Prayer for Children by Frank Jelenek help campers adopt an attitude for contemplative prayer, preparing heart and mind to receive the gift of intimate relationship with God.

Song Ideas • “Peace Be Still and Know That I Am God” • “Be Still and Know” (Hidden In My Heart, Vol. 1, from Scripture Lullabies) • “Here I Am, Lord”

Prayer God of the earth, the sky, the sea! Maker of all above, below! Creation lives and moves in thee, thy present life through all does flow. We give thee thanks, thy name we sing! Almighty God, our praise we bring” (from hymn text by Samuel Longfellow).

Gifts from God #centering Why: This worship for the whole camp will help campers understand that God provides for them in intangible ways if they stay connected as branches to the vine, and that they can pass on their gifts in the form of service. Supplies: small index cards for all who attend worship; a pencil for each counselor; a small table, stacked rocks, or something else that can serve as an altar; a basket; someone to play music

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How: Worship leader, ask campers if they remember the story of the Wizard of Oz. Point out that Dorothy and her three friends all needed something that they wanted the wizard to give them. Ask campers questions such as: “What were those things? Are courage, compassion, and intelligence (or being brave, caring about others, and being smart) things we can see and touch? Could the wizard really give them those qualities? Why or why not?” Ask campers if they know that they can ask God for qualities like those. Name the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), and explain that these qualities—the fruits of the Spirit—are what we receive and develop when we—the branches—stay connected to Jesus, the vine. Ask campers to get into their cabin groups, and give a counselor in each group one pencil, and index cards for each of his or her campers. Tell everyone that each camper will choose a fruit of the Spirit that he or she would most like to have, and the counselor will write it on a card for that camper. Cabin counselors, when you get with your cabin group, name the fruits again and ask each camper in your group which one he or she would most like to have. You may need to explain what some of them mean. Write a camper’s name on a card and add the quality he or she chooses. Make a card for each camper in your group. Then, ask each camper what he or she can do for someone else that would involve use of this quality. Record that service action on that camper’s card and give campers their cards to hold. Then come back together with the whole camp group. Worship leader, when everyone has assembled again, lead the song “Here I Am, Lord.” Then ask campers to come and offer their service to God by putting their cards in the basket while music is playing.

. Story Resources .

1. Settle everyone’s hearts and minds with quiet, encouraging words to bring them into the presence of God.

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen, by Howard Binkow (Lerner Publishing Group, 2006)

2. Ask God to tell campers what to pray. Encourage campers to listen for as long as they need to, and then slowly pray, out loud, one or two sentences.

The Worst Day of My Life Ever! by Julia Cook (Boys Town Press, 2011)

http://shriverreport.org/teaching-our-kids-silenceand-meditation/ The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall (Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1978).

Daily Activities LISTENING FOR GOD’S VOICE # P R A Y Why: The voice of God may be easier for children to hear than for adults, for children’s minds are not yet burdened with a lot of preconceptions. This activity offers a good opportunity to practice listening, and may even reveal some accurate hearing. Supplies: campers’ Bibles; (optional): large Styrofoam ball or block and sets of headphones for BTW activity How: Take campers to a quiet and peaceful place to sit. When they have settled, read aloud the scripture: 1 Kings 19:11–13. Ask them if they have any questions about the scripture. Ask them, “Did Elijah heard God? Where?” (at a cave on Mt. Horeb). Ask if anyone has ever been in a cave. Tell them how silent caves can be, often with no wind or animals to make a sound. Explain: “Caves can be very good places to hear the voice of God, but we don’t have to go to one to listen. We can listen with our hearts and minds wherever we are.” Invite campers each to choose a partner. If you have an odd number of campers, a counselor or counselor-in-training can participate. Explain that campers are to pray for their partners, first asking God for information, listening for God’s voice in the silence of their hearts, and then praying aloud, so only their partners can hear them. Ask the pairs to decide who will pray first, then begin:

3. When everyone is finished with this first prayer, instruct the ones who prayed to listen to their partners, as they, too, then slowly pray, out loud, one or two sentences about what they “heard” from listening to God. 4. Invite campers to share, if they like, what prayers they received and how the prayers have meaning for their lives. Close the session with a prayer of your own, thanking God for speaking to your campers. BTW: For a sensory lesson, dig through your box of confiscated electronics for headphones and earbuds, and find enough for several campers to use at once. Gather campers around a large Styrofoam ball or florist’s foam with the word “prayer” written on it. Have campers “plug in” to the “prayer” and listen through their devices for God. Remind them that they can always do this with their headphones. You could even pass out individual Styrofoam balls for campers to keep and “plug in” to whenever they need to pray.

TAKE A HIKE #LEARN # P L A Y Why: What’s a week at camp without a hike? Hikes get kids on their feet and offer opportunities to discover the real world. Supplies: first-aid kit, water bottle for each camper, magnifying glass, binoculars How: After campers get ready to go (i.e., with close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and their water bottles), don’t just walk them through the woods, down to the lake, or across the meadow—not without pausing many times to investigate interesting bits of nature along the way. Provide campers with a “menu” of types of hikes to take and allow them to “place their order” (choose which thing to do). Print out or refer to menu on pages 72–73. Invite them to try these activities, ask questions, and point out what they discover to other campers:

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Younger Children

Journey to the Heart, by Frank Jelenek (Paraclete Press, 2007)

• Look for fungus on trees or logs • Listen for birdcalls • Notice the shapes of clouds • Detect temperature differences • Smell the leaves of a spice bush • Count how many different beetles they see • Feel the softness of moss

Younger Children

• Recognize “jewelweed”—an antidote plant for stinging nettles • Observe different patterns of tree bark • Learn whether that fluttering insect is a moth or butterfly • Identify poison ivy and nettles! BTW: You can also take along a pocket-sized book of trees, insects, or birds to help identify them and answer campers’ questions.

COW-TIPPING TAG # P L A Y Why: Kids need to run. This version of freeze tag requires the cooperation of campers to get frozen ones back into the game. Supplies: bandanna How: Choose a camper to be the “Farmer” who chases the “Cows.” Give him or her a bandanna to wear so that other campers recognize him or her. When the farmer tags a cow, the cow must get down on hands and knees and moo. This cow can be rescued by another cow, who gently tips him or her over. Then the cow can get up and run again. If the farmer can get three cows all mooing at once, the farmer can trade places with one and let that person be the farmer. Make sure the bandanna gets transferred to the new farmer. BTW: With a large group, try having two or three farmers chase cows.

WINDY RELAY # P L A Y Why: This game relies on lung power for campers to succeed. Differences in height, weight, and agility don’t matter. (Do take note of asthmatic campers. Appoint them as referees.) Supplies: 1 straw per each camper, tissue paper cut into six 2-inch squares

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How: Form at least two teams of your campers and line them up. Give each camper a straw. Give one camper on each team a small square of tissue paper. They each draw breath through the straw to hold the paper against the end of his or her straw. Each one turns to the next camper in line, who takes the paper with his or her own straw, using the same method. He or she passes it on to the next camper, and so on down the line. No touching the paper with hands is allowed! If the paper falls to the floor, it must be picked up by putting the end of the straw against it and breathing in. The team that finishes first wins. The other team may want a rematch! Two out of three? BTW: This activity would be good to do indoors on a rainy day. Variation: See if campers can keep the paper on their straws long enough to drop it into a cup across the room. Another option: Tape two plastic cups, facing up, to the edge of one end of a table by their “lips” (so the cups are hanging from the edge). Give each camper a cotton ball and a straw. Race to see which team can blow all their cotton balls across the table and into their cup first.

LISTEN TO BIRD LANGUAGE #LEARN Why: Listening to birds can tell you a lot about what’s going on in their (and your) environment. By listening to birds, you may see other wildlife. This activity encourages campers to open their senses to nature and, with practice, maybe they will be more open to hearing God. Supplies: none, unless grass is wet and you’d like something to sit on; (optional): for your benefit, ahead of time you might read What the Robin Knows by Jon Young, Mariner Books, reprint edition, May 21, 2013, or go to www.birdlanguage. com How: Escort campers to a place where a meadow meets the forest. First gather them into a circle and remind them that they are to listen and respect the birds’ space so that the birds won’t fly away. Quietly explain that each different kind of bird makes different sounds that communicate different bits of information, and that listening to birds can tell a lot about what’s going on in their

environment. Instruct campers to listen for three different calls:

1 piece 10 inches long. Cut 10 pieces of thread, about 10 inches long, for each camper.

• bird song — a relaxed singing that sounds like all is well

When campers arrive, explain that they will be working with partners to make butterfly kites. Each kite can be special because of the colors and shapes used to decorate them. Campers will need to spread out on the floor because they need plenty of space to work. Designate partners.

• alarm call — a call that sounds urgent or upset • companion calls — one bird calling to another

After about ten minutes (or as long as campers can stand) bring the group back together to talk about what they heard. Ask questions such as: “Did you hear one bird more than others? Did you hear all three kinds of calls? Did you see any other animal that might have upset the birds?” Suggest that campers find a spot at home to listen to the birds regularly. BTW: You might allow campers to try to mimic the bird calls they heard. Together, you could make up your own group bird calls, with all three kinds. Use your birdcalls to communicate with each other across camp. Another option: bring binoculars along, so campers can see birds they are listening to. Try listening at different times of the day in the same spot. Dawn, mid-morning, and evening are when the birds are usually most active. If campers can sit for longer than ten minutes, twenty minutes would be better because it takes a while for birds to get used to your presence.

BUTTERFLY KITES #CREATE Why: This craft challenges campers to follow directions, use small-motor skills, and to work together in construction. Campers will enjoy the bright colors and the anticipation of flying their kites. Supplies: spools of round basket-weaving reed, 2.75 mm size; large, wax paper of various colors, 2 spools of heavy-duty thread; scissors, pencils, and glue sticks for each camper; darning needle; kite string; at least one assistant How: Ahead of time, cut reed for each camper: 2 pieces 36 inches long, 2 pieces 30 inches long, and

1. Pass out the pre-cut pieces of reed and thread to campers. 2. Demonstrate how to construct the frame of the kite by bending one piece of reed until the ends come together. Cross the last half inch of each end and have an assistant wrap thread a dozen times around the intersection while you hold the reed in place, and tie a tight knot. This makes a teardrop shape. Instruct campers to do this to all four of their reeds, with help from their partners or your assistant. 3. Have the campers lay these four teardrop shapes (two large and two small) on the floor in the shape of a butterfly and tie them together. See the diagram on page 71 to see where to join the pieces. 4. Cut and tie an extra piece of reed across the two larger wings for stability. 5. Give each camper a piece of colored wax paper, a pencil, and scissors. Show the group how to lay the frame on the paper and draw one line around its perimeter, and an outer line an inch bigger all around. 6. Instruct them to tell you when they are ready to cut along the outer line so you can check for sufficient border. 7. After campers have cut out their butterfly shapes, show campers how to cut notches in the border, about ½” apart, to make tabs. 8. Demonstrate how to reposition the frame on the paper, apply glue to the tabs, and fold them over the frame. 9. Have them turn the frames over, paper-side up. Invite campers to use scraps of other camper’s different-colored waxed paper to cut out circles and ovals and glue them to the front of their kites for decoration.

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Younger Children

Have each camper quietly choose his or her own spot to sit and listen, preferably with each camper several feet away from the next. One can learn the most by sitting in the same spot many times, but this once is just to practice listening.

Younger Children

10. Later, after campers have gone, attach kite string to the decorated front of each kite: use the darning needle to punch through the paper and pull the string around the reed and back out the front. The three points where you do this are: where the top wing parts intersect in the center and both places where the top wings join the bottom wings. See diagram on page 71. Then join each of those strings together about 12 inches from the kite. When campers get home, they can tie a longer kite string to that string joint for flying the kite. BTW: As an alternative, you could make the kites miniature ones if you get thinner reed, cut it shorter, and use tissue paper instead of colored wax paper. (We do not recommend using tissue paper for the larger kites because it would be too fragile.) You may design a simpler kite for younger children (e.g., a teardrop bug shape with two ovals for wings). Or, use two straws tied together in the shape of a cross, with string threaded through the ends to form the border.

FINDING FINGER PUPPETS #CREATE #LEARN Why: This craft encourages creativity and gives those fine-motor muscles a workout. The campers will relate to finding things when they stop trying so hard to look for them. Supplies: chenille pipe cleaners, googly eyes, pom-poms in two small sizes, several small bottles of Tacky glue, scissors How: Give the campers these brief instructions to begin “You can coil a pipe cleaner around a finger to create the body, then glue on a pom-pom for the head and add googly eyes. Shorter pieces of pipe cleaners can make arms, legs, hats, or antennae.” Then, let their imaginations take over, and see what they can create. Some animals they can try to make are an owl, a parrot, a caterpillar, a spider, a ladybug, a dog, a giraffe, and a deer (with antlers!), or campers can make up their own creatures. When their characters are finished, put the the campers in teams of 2 or 3, and give them about 10 minutes to make up stories together using their finger puppets. Each skit should have a moment

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when a character is looking for something important. The character will look in three places, and the audience can respond with, “but it wasn’t there!” Finally, the character will stop looking and the important thing will have been there all along. Demonstrate the form by giving them an example: “Sam the giraffe looked at the tip-top of his tree for his special scarf.” Audience: “But it wasn’t there!” “Sam dug under his tree and looked through the roots for his special scarf.” Audience: “But it wasn’t there!” “Sam wrapped his long neck around his tree trunk looking for his special scarf.” Audience: “But it wasn’t there!” “So Sam decided to go play outside anyway, even if he didn’t have his special scarf. But his neck stayed toasty warm. Know why? Because his scarf was right there all along.” BTW: With adult supervision, hot glue may work better to stick pieces together. If you have scraps of felt, you use it for a super-hero’s cape, pointed gnome hat, apron, dog ears, a nose, tongue, etc. Small, brightly colored feathers could create fantastic birds. You can also use items from the recycle bin, such as plastic bottle caps and cardboard.

TRASH THE TRASH #SERVE Why: This activity takes the “Leave No Trace” philosophy one step further and gives campers an opportunity to care for the environment by collecting trash. Supplies: plastic painters’ gloves, kitchen trash bags, map, first-aid kit, cooler of water, paper cups How: Prepare for a visit to a nearby state or national park. You will need to know regulations for the area, consult a map, and carry a first-aid kit and a cooler of water with paper cups. At the park, gather campers in a circle and spend a few moments sharing appreciation of the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. Explain the importance of leaving nature uncluttered with our trash and of leaving rocks, plants, and other

natural objects as you find them. Staying on the trail helps prevent plant damage and erosion. Give campers safety instructions, too.

Younger Children

Assign each camper a buddy and provide gloves and one trash bag per pair. Have campers pick up trash. Before you leave the park, find a dumpster for the filled bags or take the bags back to the dumpster at camp. Also give campers an opportunity to drink water during the activity (making sure to properly dispose of the paper cups, too. BTW: Although they cost a little more, washable gardening gloves in small sizes would also protect campers and be better for the environment than plastic ones. If campers need motivation, you could provide a reward, such as ice cream for all afterward.

BUTTERFLY KITE

x2

x2 x1

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Drinks Younger Children

Water Refreshing beverage for hydration More Water Delicious Sky Juice Different Water Try this – it’s wet! Plenty of Water For the exceptionally thirsty Big Gulp (of water) Our loudest hydration drink

Ordering

Take A Hike Hiking Menu

Your counselor, server, or adult leader will be glad to take your order. For reservations or carryout, call 800.NOT. GONNA.HAPPEN or tell your adult leader. [web address]

Open Daily and nightly upon request

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The World is Your Oyster Hikes P. 800.NOT.GONNA.HAPPEN

Main course Choose a path and direction for your hike. Try the woods, it’s amazing!

A Walk in the Park You’ll delight by walking around the main campus of the camp. Try to stay on designated paths and notice things you haven’t before. Savor this experience with all of our best-known delights. Sights Unseen This hike will provide you with a taste of someplace you’ve probably never been on campus. This is a guided tour, and you must be accompanied by a seasoned adult. Ole’ Trusty This is a partner hike. Don your napkin as a blindfold and find a buddy (actually, find a buddy first, then use blindfold. Duh.) Your buddy will guide you on a tour of their choice and keep your safety first.

Dessert

Boot Hike No flip-flops allowed on this hike. You’re going to get deep in the weeds or on rough terrain. Splash Gear You’ll ether need to plan to get wet, or use special gear to stay dry- chances for wetness98%. Heat Stroke Chances are you’ll need to take extra sun protection. You should take frequent breaks, drink lots of water, and re-apply sunscreen as needed.

Side Order of… Creepy Critters Take note of every creeping thing that creeps on the earth- your part of it, anyway. Side Salad Collect fallen leaves as you walk. Stay away from the no-no plants! Touchy Feely Gather your feelings! In other words, touch things and notice how they feel. Compare bark, moss, stones. Touch everything that’s safe to touch!

Oral Report Tell the group about your adventure. Work of Art Create a masterpiece to share. Interpretative Dance I mean, if you’re serious… go for it! Silent Reflection Spend time with your journal and Bible.

Younger Children

Down by the Riverside This hike will take you down near the lake, pond, pool, shore, wading pool or sprinkler system. In other words, you’ll be by the water.

Special Spices

Prayer Thank You Very Much Give some gratitude to the Creator More, Please! Offer to be God’s server A Little Help Here? When things are not as you hoped

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YOUNGER CHILDREN

Day 6: Abide with Me Younger Children

Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 24:13–35 Scripture Focus: Luke 24:32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” Theological Summary: We have tools we can use to reconnect to God, and we find them as we walk the road with Jesus. Campers will: • discover how they might deepen their connection with God • learn how to sustain this relationship after they leave the camp community • become more familiar with their Bibles • serve one another by being Christ-like to each other

Daily Activities — Role-play the Scripture: #LEARN Imagine yourself a disciple — Recognizing Jesus: #LEARN When visible truth seems invisible — Pray a Finger Labyrinth: # P R A Y Make a pathway experience tool — Fox and Squirrels in the Trees: # P L A Y Tag game to lighten the mood — Food Chain: # P L A Y Like the disciples, practice listening to each other — Nature Puzzle: #LEARN Go out in teams and work together — Slinky Bird Feeder: — Art of Serving:

#CREATE #serve Welcome critters to “the table”

#CREATE #serve Visual reminders of ways to serve

Leader Notes: There is an element of disbelief in this story. Why didn’t Jesus’ friends recognize him when they were walking right beside them? Encourage your campers to take time to notice who is with them on their journey. Coming to camp isn’t just about them; it is about every camper and staff person. Help campers really get to know each other and you so that they would recognize you even out of context.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time

Pray, “Dear God, even though we don’t recognize you sometimes, thank you for being with us. We know we can talk to you anytime.” Play “I Will Never Leave You.”

Song Ideas • “I Will Never Leave You” (Hidden In My Heart, Vol. 1, from Scripture Lullabies) • “Peace Be Still and Know That I Am God” (AKA, the Peace Pilgrim’s Prayer) • “Open My Eyes, That I May See” (Hymn)

Invite campers to open their eyes. Ask what they heard. Allow them to share what they think the disciples and Jesus might have been saying. Explain: “Even though we can’t see Jesus in person, we can connect to him through his messages of love and peace. And, we see Jesus and God, not with our eyes, but with our hearts and minds.”

Whenever Prayer #CELEBRATION

• “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” (by Paul Baloche)

Why: Campers may think prayer is just for certain occasions, like before meals, or bedtime, or just at church. This worship will help them understand that prayer is for any time.

• “Pray about Everything”

Supplies: none

• “I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing” (Traditional)

How: Tell campers, “We have been talking a lot this week about connection—with God, with Jesus, and with each other. What are good ways to connect with God?” Accept all answers and affirm that prayer is an especially good way to connect with God. Ask campers, “When do we pray?” Explain that people can pray about anything at any time.

• “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” (Hymn)

Prayer Thank you, God, for being there to hear us any time we want to tell you something.

Seeing Jesus, Hearing Jesus #centering Why: This worship helps campers to think about the mystery of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection and about connecting with Jesus with our hearts and minds.

Start a slow rhythm, clapping hands on thighs and chant:

How: Sing to help center the group. Then, instruct campers: “Rest hands on your knees; close your eyes; breathe two deep breaths. Let worries fade away. Let thoughts float by. Come now, to worship God, with open hearts and open eyes.”

“We can pray to God when we are hungry.” (“Yum, yum!”)

Explain that they are going to hear a “mumble mime” of the story in Luke 24:13–35. Have three adult leaders perform this. The actors won’t use

“We can pray to God when we are happy.” (Laugh) “We can pray to God when we are sad.” (Sniffle)

“We can pray to God when we are sleepy.” (Yawn) “We can pray to God when we are _____.” (______) Let campers come up with some more examples and add the sound. Keep up the rhythm. End with: “We can pray to God…anytime! Amen!”

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After campers have prepared for bed, engage them in sharing highs and lows of the day. Tell campers that they can also do this with a sibling or a parent when they go to bed at home. Encourage them to pray with their families.

words, but will go through the motions of the story, scuffling their feet along the road, sadly talking to each other (think of the adults in Charlie Brown cartoons; you can’t understand the words, but you understand the meaning). Jesus joins them and explains the scriptures. They invite him in and mumble the words of institution and the disciples gasp in recognition.

. Story Resources . The Boy and the Ocean, by Max Lucado (Crossway, 2013) The Way Home: A Princess Story, by Max Lucado (Crossway, 2005)

Younger Children

Daily Activities ROLE-PLAY THE SCRIPTURE #LEARN Why: This two-fold activity helps campers imagine what it must have been like to be one of the disciples when Jesus revealed himself. Supplies: campers’ Bibles, pencil, index cards How: Help campers find today’s passage and follow along as you read this whole scripture aloud. Ask campers to identify, in random order, all the things that happened in the story. As they speak, you write down each action on a different index card. Then invite them to put the story together, by putting the cards in chronological order. When they are finished, number the cards, beginning with the first action. Choose volunteers to act out the story with the cards as prompts. Make sure everyone has a role to play. Ask questions to encourage campers to get into the feelings of the characters. Once the campers have done the skit in the correct chronological order, have a playful time where you shuffle the cards and read them in random order as the campers act out the story out of order. BTW: Props and simple costume pieces make roleplaying easier and more memorable. Have a few things on hand—perhaps play dough to use as bread, walking sticks, sheets or blankets to use as robes, etc. This drama could be a program element for a campfire campwide gathering.

RECOGNIZING JESUS #LEARN Why: This activity will help campers look for and recognize Jesus in their own lives. Supplies: campers’ Bibles; optical illusions, printed from the Internet

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How: If you haven’t already read together the story of the disciples’ walk to Emmaus, help campers find Luke 24:13–35 in their Bibles. Read the passage aloud and point out that, at first, the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus. Ask if campers have ever seen optical illusions and show them your selections. Ask why it’s so hard to make sense of what they see. Point out that, in a similar way, the disciples had trouble recognizing Jesus. Ask campers how they know Jesus, and to name some of his qualities. These probably will include at least some of fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23. Ask if they know people who have some of these same qualities at their homes, schools, or churches. Talk about how being around people like Jesus, reading the Bible, praying, and serving others will help campers keep connected to Jesus after they leave camp. BTW: Although it is from a different story, read John 20:19–29. It is another gospel writer’s account of one of Jesus appearances to the disciples after he had died. The apostle Thomas had to “see it to believe it” to know that Jesus had risen from the dead. Though Jesus appears to Thomas to relieve his doubt, Jesus tells the disciples, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (Jn. 20:29b). You can also have the campers perform an optical illusion with a rolled sheet of paper or a paper towel tube. Have each camper hold a tube to one eye like a telescope, hold the other hand palm up next to it, keep both eyes open, and look straight ahead. At the right distance, it looks like there is a hole in the palm of the hand. Remind campers that seeing with their eyes can help them understand, but noticing God requires seeing with their hearts.

PRAY A FINGER LABYRINTH # P R A Y Why: Labyrinths have long been considered spiritual tools. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no dead ends and is not a puzzle. It is a single, continuous path leading into the center of a circle and back out. Following the path stills the mind and prepares the spirit for greater connection to God. Even young campers can benefit from this activity, whether they use their whole bodies or just their fingers, as suggested here.

Supplies: 1 photocopy per camper of the labyrinth diagram on page 79; scissors; 8 ½x11 inch sheets of stiff cardboard, one for each photocopy; masking tape

Give each camper one of the labyrinths. Ask campers to close their eyes and take some slow, deep breaths. Speak to them in a soothing voice about many ways to pray and connecting with God. Explain what a labyrinth is and that in this quiet place you are going to teach them how to pray with one. Then ask them to open their eyes and put a pointer finger at the beginning—the opening on the outside edge of the labyrinth circle. Encourage them to follow the open path between the lines with their finger, listening for God as they go. Tell them to focus on the moment—not the past, nor the future. This is not about getting anywhere, but about the journey. Tell them it’s OK if their minds wander. They can just watch those thoughts pass, let their minds come back to the present, and focus on their breathing. When they get to the center, they can pause there and speak silently to God about what is on their hearts. Then tell them they can slowly move their fingers back along the path the way they came. When the path leads them out, they should close their eyes and continue praying silently and listening for God. When the last camper has completed the labyrinth, lead the campers in praying the Lord’s Prayer together. BTW: You can explain the above process before campers begin, or talk them through it as a meditation. For another alternative while doing it as a meditation, pause at points along the way, asking campers to pray for their families, teachers, pastors, doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, etc. If your camp has a walking

FOX AND SQUIRRELS IN THE TREES #PLAY Why: This is just a fun tag game that requires players to carefully watch the action so they are ready to run at a moment’s notice. Supplies: Several hula-hoops (one for each pair of campers) How: Divide campers into pairs (“squirrels”) and give each pair a hoop (“tree”) that they lay on the ground, about ten feet away from the other “trees.” Squirrels stand with one foot inside the safety of the tree, yet must be ready to run. Choose one camper to be a “fox” and another camper to be a “loose” squirrel. At your signal, the fox chases this squirrel. If the fox tags the squirrel, they switch roles and the chase reverses. If the squirrel can reach a tree, he or she bumps out another squirrel, which then becomes the fox’s prey. This is an unending game that you stop before campers get tired of it. BTW: To change things up, you can add another fox and loose squirrel who chase at the same time as the first set.

FOOD CHAIN # P L A Y Why: This game requires campers to use listening skills and memory to quickly tag another player or avoid being tagged. Supplies: one pool noodle How: Gather campers in a loose circle and instruct them each to choose a different animal he or she would like to be. No two campers can be the same animal. One at a time, each camper is to say his or her animal aloud—slowly, because everyone must remember—going around the circle to be sure there are no repeats. Choose one camper to be “It,” and give him or her the pool noodle with instructions to stand in the middle of the circle. Choose another camper to start by saying his or her animal and someone else’s animal name, such as: “Frog eats Tiger.” (Real-life prey and predator relationships don’t matter.) “It” must remember who “Tiger” is and tag “Tiger” with the noodle before that camper can say, “Tiger eats Elephant

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How: Ahead of time, cut out each labyrinth diagram and tape each to a sheet of cardboard—as a border protecting the edges. Take campers to a quiet spot and invite them to sit cross-legged (AKA, “criss-cross applesauce”) on the ground, far enough apart that they won’t bother each other.

labyrinth, be sure to let the campers try walking it with the same meditative attitude.

(or any other animal, as long as a camper has chosen it).” If “Tiger” can say the phrase fast enough, then “It” must go after “Elephant.” If not, and “It” tags “Tiger” first, then the “It” changes places with “Tiger,” who becomes the new “It.” Make sure everyone gets a chance to be “It.”

Younger Children

BTW: If you’d rather have this serve as a name game, use campers’ real names instead of animal names. And say “taps” instead of “eats”!! This would be a good game for those who cannot walk, if the pool noodle is long and the circle is small. In case of rain, the game can be done indoors.

NATURE PUZZLE #LEARN Why: This activity is designed to get campers out into “nature,” looking for certain things, but they will likely see lots of other plants, insects, or animals, as well. That’s even better! Supplies: 4” x 24” strip of cardboard, scissors or utility knife, 6 pencils, 1 black marker, bandanna How: Ahead of time, with a pencil, divide the cardboard strip into six blocks, 4 inches square. Then make them into interlocking puzzle pieces by drawing puzzle tabs between the blocks.. With the marker, write one letter on each piece, in order, to spell N-A-T-U-R-E. Cut the pieces apart, keeping the tabs on. When campers arrive, divide your group into six teams. Give each team a puzzle piece and a pencil. Instruct them to walk around camp, within boundaries you choose, to find two or three natural things that start with the letter on their puzzle piece. They are to write those words on the back of the piece. If they have trouble finding something (especially for U and E), they can think of an animal, plant, or mineral that starts with that letter (such as “universe” or “elephant”). Send an adult with each group or keep everyone within your sight. Select a signal so they will know when to come back, such as blowing a whistle. Give them plenty of time to explore. When campers have returned, seat them in a circle and invite them to talk about what they found to fit their letter, and what other interesting things they saw or heard. Then encourage them to work together, joining the puzzle pieces to discover the word.

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BTW: If you have time, you can extend this activity by making acrostics. Let each team write the word NATURE vertically down the left side of a piece of paper. Instruct them to write a sentence that starts with each letter, possibly incorporating a word from the back of the puzzle piece with the same letter. Another option might be to just write down any things they see and work those initial letters into some other word.

SLINKY BIRD FEEDER #CREATE #SERVE Why: This is a group activity to make two bird feeders for the camp. Supplies: Two metal Slinkys (second-hand if possible); two wire coat hangers; two feet of ribbon (any kind); pliers; scissors; 2-gallon tub or bucket of nuts in the shell, such as peanuts, walnuts, and acorns How: Ahead of time, untwist the coat hangers with the pliers. Leave the hook in place and stretch the rest of the coat hanger out and into a U-shape. Divide your campers into two groups. Each group will make one feeder. 1. Invite a camper in each group to cut a strip of ribbon approximately 12 inches long. This strand of ribbon will be used to temporarily tie the Slinky in place. 2. Invite another camper in each group to slide the metal coils of the Slinky over the open end of the U-shaped wire hanger and around to where the hook starts. 3. Show campers how to fill the Slinky with nuts at the top, near the hook. Make sure that the Slinky isn’t stretched out so far that the nuts fall out. There should be enough space for a bird to work the nuts loose from the coil. 4. Once the nuts are properly positioned, hold the coil still while another camper ties the ends of the coil together with the ribbon to keep the coil stable. 5. Use the pliers to wrap the loose end of the metal hanger around the base of the hook several times to secure the bird feeder. 6. Remove the ribbon and let campers help decide where to hang the feeders.

BTW: If you have trouble keeping the nuts within the coil, you could put brightly colored yarn scraps for nest material through the coils. To involve more campers, you could lay the coil down on the table and have campers push the nuts into it at any point along the coil, instead of filling at the top.

ART OF SERVING #CREATE #SERVE

Ask them each to choose one thing he or she can do to help others and draw a pictures of him- or herself doing that. Encourage campers to include a background and fill the paper. BTW: If they like, campers can choose a friend to put in their drawings, too. Also, you could have campers act out their service ideas for the others to guess.

Supplies: pad of 12 x 18 inch drawing paper; crayons, colored pencils, or markers for all campers

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Why: This drawing exercise prompts campers to think about how they can serve others and imagine themselves in these activities.

How: Discuss with campers what they might do after they go home to help others (serving cold drinks, sending a greeting card, weeding a garden, etc.). Ask them to come up with their own ideas.

YOUNGER CHILDREN

Day 7: I Abide in You Younger Children

Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Romans 8:35, 37–39 Scripture Focus: Romans 8:38–39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Theological Summary: Nothing can separate us from God’s love for us shown in Jesus Christ. Campers will: • understand how the magnitude of interconnectedness influences their encounters in the world • declare that they are connected to God’s love in Christ no matter what • identify things that try to disconnect them from God • become equipped to share the good news with others • reflect on what things from camp will help them keep their connection to God

Daily Activities — God Connection: #LEARN

#CREATE Make a reminder of camp connections

— Humming Haylen Home: # P L A Y A game that celebrates interdependence — Gratitude Circle: # P R A Y Give campers a chance to voice their gratitude — And So Do We!: # P R A Y Make a take-home vine

Leader Notes: Camp is an isolated community, meaning, this community that you formed this week is unique to this time and space. It is doubtful that you will all be together in this combination again. Even if you do, you will have had separate experiences. As a leader, take time today to give thanks to God for your role in this community this week. You are connected to these campers.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time

God Loves You #CELEBRATE

Thank each camper for coming and remember with each of them one of your favorite moments with that camper.

Supplies: Heart-shaped balloons (available, for example, from Oriental Trading Company), music source (optional)

• “God Loves You” (Jaci Velasquez,) or • “Awesome God” by Rich Mullins (Michael W. Smith, 1998) Sing: “God Loves You and Me” (Sagebrush Kids, 2009) or “He Knows My Name” (by Tommy Walker, 2008)

How: Ask campers what they are taking home besides dirty laundry. Encourage all to name something, quickly, even if it is a duplicate of someone else’s answer. Then have campers think about the intangibles: memories, new skills, friendships, and maybe even a new-found faith. Explain that even though campers are going their separate ways, God’s love will go with them all. Say, “You belong to God; nothing can separate you from God’s love,” and have counselors distribute heart-shaped balloons to campers.

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Song Ideas

Daily Activities GOD CONNECTION #LEARN #CREATE

Younger Children

Why: This short study helps campers reflect on their connection to God in their everyday lives. The bookmark will be a good reminder to them when they’re home that they’re connected to God, to each other, and even to the camp itself.

Help campers brainstorm ways they can keep connected to God. BTW: If you have time, you can invite campers to play the game “Knots” as a tangible example of connection. Instructions for this game can be found in The New Games Book, or online at www. education.com/activity/article/untangle-groupknot/

HUMMING HAYLEN HOME # P L A Y

Supplies: campers’ Bibles; 1 piece per camper of ribbon cut in 8” strips (3/4” wide or wider—any colors); 2 pieces per camper of clear contact paper, cut just wider than the width and length of the ribbon; petals or leaves from small plants; pinking shears or scrapbook scissors

Why: This cooperative game demonstrates that a shared investment in success can lead to satisfaction for all. Everyone is on the same “side” and no one loses. As a metaphor, it represents the effort of the church family to support members.

How: Help campers open their Bibles to today’s scripture: Romans 8:35, 37–39. Read the verses. Ask campers, “To whom do you belong?” After they come up with answers such as parents, clan, school, scouts, 4-H, sports teams, band, choir, etc., remind them of their place in the family of God. Emphasize God’s love for them and permanent connection as stated in the scripture.

How: Invite your group of campers to decide on a specific spot to be a goal, such as a certain tree, an area of gravel/sand, or a cabin wall. This is “home.” Move the group to about 10 yards away from the goal.

Allow campers each to choose a ribbon. Give the campers a minute or two to collect fallen leaves or petals that have dropped from nearby plants (never pick from living plants at camp) that won’t harm the eco-system. Have them each peel the back off one sheet of contact paper, and center the ribbon on the sticky side. Then have them arrange the leaves and petals however they would like. Have them center the second sheet of contact paper on top the first. Use the pinking shears to trim even edges all around for them. The cool thing is that they can stick these bookmarks in their Bibles right away— perhaps at Romans 8, which is a good reminder to read when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Then ask campers to identify things that threaten to disconnect them from God. Might these include a schedule “too busy” for time to attend worship? People and situations that tempt them to sin? Video games that take away from prayer time? Help all campers to participate in the discussion and feel that they have been heard.

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Supplies: one bandanna or other blindfold

Choose one volunteer (AKA, “Haylen”) to wear the blindfold, and put it on him or her. Have the rest of the group gather loosely around this camper. Explain that they are helping Haylen get home by humming louder or softer, depending on how close Haylen gets to the goal. Turn this camper around and around to disorient him or her. Explain that the group will hum louder as Haylen walks closer to home or softer as Haylen gets farther away. Then have the group take ten steps back and hum the “Alphabet Song” (or a well-known camp song), beginning at a medium volume. Start Haylen on his or her quest for home. Lead a cheer of congratulations when Haylen reaches the goal. To debrief with your group, ask campers questions such as, “How did it feel to be Haylen?” “How did it feel to be part of the humming group?” Give quiet campers a chance to speak. Point out that individuals may have played different roles, but all were working toward the same goal. BTW: You can repeat this game several times with different campers as Haylen, but end it before campers get tired or bored.

GRATITUDE CIRCLE # P R A Y

AND SO DO WE! # P R A Y

Why: This activity gives campers the opportunity to reflect on their week at camp and identify things for which they are thankful.

Why: Give campers a reminder of camp to take home.

Supplies: none

Finish with a group hug! BTW: This activity could be done with all the campers and leaders in the camp, just before departure. You could add a token of the week, something for each camper to carry home and help him or her remember camp’s great experience.

How: Before camp, purchase a large grape-vine wreath and cut pieces of plain cotton fabric (an old sheet would be great!), each about 8 inches square—one for each camper. With an extra-fine permanent marker, print in the center of each piece: “God loves you and so do we!” surrounded by a linear heart. Then at camp, have each counselor sign his or her name to each piece. Tuck the fabric squares into the spaces all around the wreath. Create a worship center arrangement with the wreath lying in the middle of the gathering space, putting candle(s) and small evergreen tree twigs in the center of the wreath. You can add any other meaningful items to the arrangement. When campers gather for this closing activity, talk about a special memory or concept of the week that you would like to share with your family members or friends at home. Invite campers to do the same. Then, talk about how the camp community includes everyone there and that God loves each person.

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How: Gather campers in a circle and ask them to think over the week of camp. Invite them each to mention one thing he or she experienced, or a person the camper met, for whom he or she would like to give thanks. You might get the campers started with an experience of your own, and then go around the circle. When everyone has had a chance to share, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for so many blessings. Ask God to continue to bless campers as they travel home and share their week with others.

Supplies: large grape-vine wreath, white cotton sheet, scissors, fine-line permanent marker, candles, evergreen twigs

OLDER CHILDREN

Day 1: The Place Where We Camp Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Joshua 4:1–9, John 15 Scripture Focus: Joshua 4:7

Older Children

“[T]hen you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever.” Theological Summary: What do these stones mean? We mark special places as sacred and give ourselves reminders of our relationship to place. It can be anywhere we notice and are aware of God’s presence with us. Campers will: • connect with the place and explore the value of sacred space • understand that they follow in the footsteps of believers who came before them • discover the importance of asking questions as they learn about God • learn how the story of God is passed from one generation to the next

Daily Activities — Name Tag Connections:

#CREATE Get to know each other

— Rocks Tell the Story: # P L A Y #LEARN Take the story apart and put it back together — Moving (Name) Game: # P L A Y #LEARN The Bible story made relevant — Passing on the Faith:

# P L A Y A game to reinforce the summary for the day

— Stack ’Em Up: #LEARN

#CREATE An ancient practice of stacking stone cairns

— Camp as Sacred Space: # P R A Y Sharing the stories of camp — What Does Service Mean?: #serve A discussion about Christian service

Leader Notes: Encouraging children to understand their place in the progression of generations and in a family of faith helps them feel connected and valued. Getting a sense of being part of a larger group takes away the misconception that the world revolves around them as individuals.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time Devotions #centering Before campers go into their cabins for the night, invite them to pick up a smooth stone that feels good in their hands. Have campers wash the stones if needed.

Campers enjoy hearing a bedtime story; try making up one that relates to today’s scripture— perhaps about a boy or girl who was one of the Israelites crossing the Jordan. Describe the child’s feelings of fear, excitement, and awe about the journey. End it with a comforting description of the relief of finally arriving in the promised land, his or her new home.

Song Ideas • “Come Join the Circle” (from the songbook Come Join the Circle) • “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship” (Hymn) • “How Can I Keep from Singing” (Traditional Shaker Hymn) • “Praise Him, Praise Him” (Traditional)

Prayer Creator God, who led the Israelites across the desert and into your promised land, we praise you and thank you for being here for us, too. We enter into your presence with bowed heads. Draw us close so we can feel your love and support. Guide us as we learn more about you and your creation, and how to live in Christian community.

Turn out the lights and offer a prayer of thanks for your campers’ presence, and in joyful anticipation for the week ahead.

Vespers in a New Land #CELEBRATE Why: This activity gives you an opportunity to set the tone for the week: one of joyful anticipation, nurturing the beginnings of community. Supplies: none How: Welcome campers and leaders to their new home for a week. Acknowledge their feelings of anticipation, both negative and positive. Mention some of the wonderful expectations you have for the week. Draw the parallel of the Israelites arriving at their new home in the promised land. Ask, “What did they anticipate?”

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After campers have prepared for sleeping, invite them to take their stones with them to bed. Mention something from the day that made you happy today, and something that wasn’t so good. Encourage campers to share their own “highs and lows.” Tell them to give their stones a meaning to help them remember something good that happened today.

Point out God’s presence with the Israelites. Assure campers of God’s presence with them this week.

. Story Resources . Follow the Drinking Gourd, by Jeanette Winter (Knopf Books for Young Readers, Reissue edition, 2014) Children of Destiny, by Enuma Chigbo (Kindle edition, 2013)

Daily Activities NAME TAG CONNECTIONS #CREATE

Older Children

Why: Name tags help campers and leaders learn each other’s names. The task might be easier if you can associate something else with that person, hence the little, connected tags. The concept of connection is made tangible, too. Supplies: White poster board, five small (about one inch wide) colored tags for each person, permanent markers in different colors, a skein of white cotton yarn, two or three scissors, hole punch How: Ahead of time, cut the poster board into 5” x 2” strips (at least one for each person in your group) and, in each strip, use a hole-punching tool to punch two holes for hanging horizontally (one hole in each top corner) and five holes spread out in a row across the long bottom edge. Punch holes in the colored tags too. Invite campers to take one poster board strip and five tags. Instruct them to write their names in big letters on the strip and one word of something they like on each tag. These words could be food, sports, hobbies, subjects at school, or something else. Then help them cut one long piece of yarn for hanging the nametags around their necks and five short pieces for tying the tags to the name strip. BTW: Campers can be encouraged to start conversations by asking about each others’ tags. Instead of labeling tags with things they like, campers could write names of pets and people they love, including Jesus. You can also hang nametags up in the cabin at night so that campers learn the names of cabin-mates sooner.

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ROCKS TELL THE STORY # P L A Y #LEARN Why: This activity will help campers understand the scripture story through “taking it apart” by asking questions and “putting it back together” by retelling it. Visual cues will help cue campers’ memories. Supplies: map of Israel showing the Jordan River (north of the Dead Sea), that includes the towns mentioned in the scripture passage; campers’ Bibles; per each camper: 4 pre-cut cardboard “rocks” about the size of greeting cards, 1 marker from a variety of dark colors How: Ahead of time, cut out the cardboard rocks. Read aloud to the campers the Joshua 4 story of Joshua leading the Israelites into the promised land, while they follow along in their Bibles. Instruct campers to come up with questions to answer about the story. Start with questions such as, “Who were the Israelites? Who was their leader? Why were they crossing the Jordan River? Where is the Jordan River? Into what land were the Israelites crossing? What is the ark of the covenant? What does this story tell us about God?” Campers can find the answers in the scripture passage, although you may need to help them come up with both questions and answers. Give each camper four “rocks” and a marker, and group campers into trios. Even if not every group can have exactly three campers, make sure each group has 12 “rocks.” Remind the campers that a member of each of the 12 tribes of Israel carried a rock from the river to a spot in their new land. In this activity, campers will work together to decide what words or symbols to draw on their 12 cardboard rocks (one per rock) to represent each element of the story, such as: Joshua, river, rocks, etc. Give them about ten minutes to do this. When they are done, invite each trio to tell the scripture story to the whole group, using their rocks as illustrations. (This will be easier if they first put their rocks in chronological order.) BTW: This activity takes a fair amount of time, so you will want to keep the stories moving. It might be fun to have your campers put all the rocks in order, and then tell the story using everyone’s stones.

You also could have campers cut out the “rocks” from the cardboard themselves, or, instead of cardboard, campers could collect and use actual small rocks and poster paint.

MOVING (NAME) GAME # P L A Y #LEARN Why: Many campers have had the experience of their families moving from one location to another. One of the challenges of doing so is learning names of people in the new location. The Israelites probably had to do this, too, when they crossed into the promised land. Campers need to learn names of other campers and this game will help them do it.

How: Position the paper plates on the playing ground, about two feet apart in one long line. Invite campers to stand together at one end of the line of plates. Help campers visualize the Israelites crossing the Jordan by describing the large number of people (thousands and thousands!) moving to their new home. They are carrying all their possessions with them, calling to one another, hurrying, etc. The Israelites will have to learn names of the new people they encounter in the promised land. Explain that the campers’ task is to cross the “Jordan River” by learning everyone’s name and stepping on the paper-plate “stones.” Then, one at a time, invite each camper to step from plate to plate, all the way down the line, naming and pointing to another camper in the group for each step/plate. (The first few campers, especially, will likely be able to name only a few.) When a camper makes a mistake, he or she must stop moving forward and wait there, listening carefully as the next camper names the others. Assure campers that it’s not unusual to not know everybody yet. After all the campers have stepped as far as they can, the campers, starting in order with the first, get a chance to try again, continuing on from the points where they are standing by adding new names they have learned. Hearing the names repeated will help them learn. Give campers as

The last camper to cross the “Jordan River” will pick up each plate after stepping on it, bringing them all with him or her. Celebrate the crossing and learning of names. BTW: Have campers identify themselves in the group before starting. If merely naming other campers is too easy, have campers go one at a time, carrying an armload of balls as they step across the “river.” If they drop any, or miss stepping on a plate, they have to start over. If you have extra time, you also could write a camper’s name on each plate and lay them in a line on the ground. In this case each camper needs to physically match campers to plates. If all the matches are correct, the camper is successful. If not, he or she does it again until all campers are correctly matched to names.

PASSING ON THE FAITH # P L A Y Why: As the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, the elders needed to pass their faith from one generation to the next. This active relay race symbolizes that effort, emphasizing cooperation rather than competition. Supplies: a watch that can count seconds How: In a large grassy area, divide the group of campers into pairs, with a single camper left over; counselor may have to step in as the “leftover.” Have each pair hold hands. Position each pair about 10 yards apart from the next pair, in a very large circle. Ask one pair to form a “saddle” by grasping each other’s forearms. The single camper will sit on this “saddle.” When you tell them to start (noting the time), the pair, carrying the single, will move quickly toward the next pair of campers, who will form the same kind of saddle. The single camper transfers to the second saddle and the second pair, now carrying the camper, race on toward the next pair, where the single camper transfers again, and so on, depending on how many campers you have. When the last pair has carried the single camper back to the beginning point, you note the time and report how long the “race” took. Then the “rider” takes the place of one of the last pair, and that replaced person becomes the “rider.” If you have time, play

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Supplies: 1 paper plate per camper; (optional): a pen or permanent marker, five or six large balls (enough to make an armful)

many chances as they need to get all the names correct and arrive in the “promised land.”

until all campers have had the chance to be the “rider.” Between turns, invite campers to evaluate their performance and make any adjustments to try to surpass their previous time. How fast can they pass the “faith” on to the next “generation”? Be sure to cheer them on! BTW: You could also do this in one long line instead of a circle. If campers have mobility issues, you could use a wagon, or even a sled.

STACK ’EM UP #LEARN #CREATE

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Why: Many cultures and religions stack stones for different reasons and with different meanings. Some stacks serve as mileposts or road markers. Some represent three parts of a person’s body seated in meditation. Some serve as reminders of balance in one’s life. Stacked stones are often used in Japanese Zen gardens. In Vancouver, Canada, a human-shaped set of balanced stones is called an inukshuk. Stacked stones in Celtic lands are used to cover graves and are called cairns. Some stacks of stones have a spiritual meaning, or are used as a memorial. This purpose of memorial is what the Israelites intended in the stacking of stones from the Jordan River. Supplies: Bible; gravel driveway How: Gather your group at the edge of a gravel driveway (symbolizing the Jordan River). Invite campers to think of memorials they know of or have seen, such as the memorials to presidents in Washington, D.C., the St. Louis Arch, gravestones in cemeteries, etc. Discuss the difference between memorials and graffiti. Explain that leaving marks in public places, such as your name carved into the bark of trees or written on the cabin wall, is spoiling the space for those who come after you. People want to see the untouched beauty of nature, not “John loves Mary” or “Cassandra is pretty”! Suggest to campers that there must be in human beings some innate sense of wanting to leave a meaningful, lasting mark on places they have been or to remember those they have admired, for people have been doing so for thousands of years. Remind them that this is what the Israelites did after crossing the Jordan River into the promised land. If you haven’t already, read aloud to campers the scripture passage for today: Joshua 4 (1–9).

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Have campers act out the scripture story (go back into Joshua 3 to get the background) using 12 flat rocks from the driveway to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Have campers carry them across the driveway to the other side from where you began and find a secluded place to stack them, where only your group will know. Dedicate the stones to God and God’s almighty works. BTW: If you want to leave a more visible memorial, you can stack larger stones in a more public spot.

CAMP AS SACRED SPACE # P R A Y Why: This activity can serve to introduce the camp site to new campers by those who probably know it best—seasoned campers! With a positive attitude, the tour will stimulate enthusiasm for camp, illustrate its value, and create respect for God’s creation. Supplies: paper and a pencil How: Identify campers in your group who have been there before and ask them to name some of their favorite spaces at camp. Invite one camper to record these on the sheet of paper. Then, use this list, numbering the items in “tour” order, to lead campers on a tour of your camp. At each special place, encourage returning campers to explain why the place is meaningful or sacred to them. Before moving to the next, pray there, thanking God for the beauty, utility, or meaning of the space and asking for blessings on it. BTW: You may want to include a few spaces of your own and talk about what God has done or is doing there. If you have no campers who have been there before, you can gather a list of all the counselors’ favorite spaces. You could end your tour at the special place where you stacked stones in “Stack ‘‘Em Up.”

WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN? #SERVE Why: Some campers have never had the opportunity to serve others and may need a conversation about what that looks like. Campers who have done service can share their experiences with the group. The conversation can lead to campers choosing to do something nice for people at camp.

Supplies: whatever is needed to do the campers’ activities

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How: Gather campers and start the conversation about service, mentioning one service opportunity you have had. Discuss different ways that service happens and what different people mean by service: at a restaurant…in a tennis game…in a worship experience, etc. List many and find the things that they have in common. Invite campers to share their experiences doing service on behalf of others. (Some may be more familiar with calling this mission work). After everyone has had a chance to share, offer the group an opportunity to do service at camp. Ask for their suggestions, especially for service ideas that involve actions that require no supplies, such as: making a bed, hanging up a swimsuit and towel, or saving a seat for someone whom they don’t know. Remember that service is not just talking about it; encourage and help campers to carry out their service ideas. BTW: This activity could be done during small group time or cabin time. When you have a list of service ideas you could do at camp, either make a service chart showing what is to be done each day, or appoint one or two campers as “service coordinator(s)” for each project.

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Day 2: I Am the Vine Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Corinthians 11:23b–26 Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

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Theological Summary: We make sacred bonds with one another and God through covenant. Covenant is a way to express our connection beyond space and time. Jesus entered into covenant with us, and we with him, in holy communion. Campers will: • experience their connectedness to Christ through covenant • reflect on the power of shared meals in community • discover the roots of Christian worship (communion) in scripture

Daily Activities — Remembering Jesus at the Communion Table: #LEARN Introduction to communion — Missing Twig: # P L A Y Learn how they are important to the camp experience — Cross the Line: # P L A Y #LEARN Compromise or cooperate? — Make a Covenant: # P L A Y #LEARN Give deeper meaning to the camp rules — Colors of Nature: #LEARN An opportunity to explore the camp — I’m Knot-Praying!: # P R A Y

#CREATE Make a tool to help campers pray

— Hospitality Prayer: # P R A Y A holy conversation about Jesus’ invitation to the table — The Number 12 Mosaic: — Plastic Cup Art:

#CREATE #LEARN Multisensory project of cooperation

#CREATE #serve A really fun way for campers to explore their gifts

— Serving Others at Mealtime: #serve Embody Paul’s concern for everyone Leader Notes: Many children this age at camp may not yet have been introduced to communion as members of the church. The emphasis of this day’s theme isn’t on the communion process but on the sharing of community and Jesus’ connection with us through covenant.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time When campers are ready for bed, help them process the day by sharing “highs and lows.” Then read them a book about friends: Best Friends, by Mary Bard (Amazon Children’s Publishing, 2015). You probably won’t have time to read the whole book in one sitting, so continue tomorrow night. Encourage campers to make new friends at camp, even if they are different from each other.

Song Ideas • “There Are Many Gifts” (Hymn, 1977) • “If I Had a Hammer” (Lee Hayes and Pete Seeger) • “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in My Heart” (Traditional) • “Amen” (Traditional) • “Lord I Want to Be a Christian in My Heart” (African American Spiritual), • “Till All My People Are One” (Ray Repp), • “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” (Peter Scholtes)

Who’s the Greatest? #CELEBRATE Why: This active worship focuses on what Jesus asks of us: to follow his teachings, love one another, and bear fruit. Supplies: Bible How: Invite campers to think about two things they are good at doing and one positive character trait they have (such as being friendly, or patient). Ask two volunteers to share what their talents are. Ask two other campers to read sections of the scripture John 15: 8–17.

Pray: Dear God, our world keeps telling us to be bigger, faster, stronger, prettier, and richer. And, really, none of these things will bring us true happiness. Help us all to show Jesus’ love to others by sharing our fruit—our talents—with everyone, without competing to be the best.

Christians Are We #centering Why: This quiet worship helps campers understand what it means to be Christians, branches to Jesus’ vine. Supplies: Bible How: Ask campers, “What is a Christian?” (followers of Jesus the Christ). Continue: “If we follow Jesus, we are connected to him.” Ask two campers to read sections of the scripture John 15:8–17. Lead a discussion of the scripture, saying something along the lines of: “In this scripture, Jesus compares God to a vine-grower and himself to a grape vine. And what are we? The branches that make fruit: grapes. We are connected to Jesus like branches are connected to a grapevine. Do we make grapes? No, our fruit is good deeds…doing good things…sharing Jesus’ love.” Pray: Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to love us. , and for showing us the way you want us to live. Help us to remember our connection to Jesus, as branches connected to his vine—Christians.

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Pray: Thank you, God, for sending Jesus, who showed us how to be his friends by following his teachings. And for showing us how to be friends with each other—by being kind, patient, and forgiving.

Say to your campers, “So, if ______ is good at [basketball], and _______ is not, does that mean that ______ is a better person than ______? Does ______ please God more than ______? No. Maybe _______ [swims like a fish], and ______ makes beautiful art, and ______ is fast at multiplication and division. Does Jesus love one of these children more than the others? No. We aren’t in competition for the love of Jesus and God. We’re not trying to see who’s best. Jesus wants us to share what we are good at—our talents—to help other people. That’s what bearing fruit is. We are all equally able to use our skills and talents to make good things happen and show Jesus’ love.”

. Story Resources .

through the scripture, is asking them to do. Give campers plenty of time to respond.

Stone Soup by Heather Forest (August House, 2005). This interpretation of the classic tale offers a multi-cultural view with colorful pictures and descriptive wording.

End this study with prayer, thanking God for the written word and asking God to touch each of your campers through the scripture.

Welcome to Cuckooville by Susan Chandler (Meadowside Children’s, 2011). Author Susan Chandler and illustrator Delphine Durand have collaborated to present this funny and entertaining book about acceptance, diversity, and neighborliness.

Daily Activities Older Children

REMEMBERING JESUS AT THE COMMUNION TABLE #LEARN Why: Campers may not know why we celebrate communion. Study of today’s Bible passage will help them discover how this part of Christian worship is rooted in scripture. Supplies: your Bible, and a Bible for every camper How: Invite campers to open their Bibles to 1 Corinthians 11: 23b–26 and guide them in a lectio divina–style process of studying scripture: 1. Slowly read the scripture passage aloud while campers follow along in their Bibles. Encourage them to be silent for a moment and then ask them what they think the text is saying (in their own words). Accept all answers. 2. Invite one camper to slowly and audibly read the passage again; allow silence to follow and ask each camper to pick a specific word or phrase that stood out to him or her, and share it with the group. 3. Now ask campers to read the scripture silently and imagine themselves sitting at the table with Jesus, and that Jesus is talking to them directly. Tell them to imagine what they might want to ask Jesus. When campers are ready, ask them how they felt, and what they might have asked Jesus. 4. Read aloud the passage one more time. Ask campers to think about what God is saying to them about their own lives. Ask what Jesus,

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BTW: You may want to elaborate on the part where campers imagine themselves sitting with Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper. You can make it a guided meditation in which you describe the setting, including the food on the table, the men seated there, and Jesus in their midst. If you have really good daydreamers in your group, offer some “alone time” (during rest time, FOB, morning watch) to continue to imagine the scene.

MISSING TWIG # P L A Y Why: This memory game challenges campers to remember names as well as faces. It can also illustrate that when even one person is missing, the group dynamic feels different. Supplies: twigs found around the area on the ground How: instruct everyone to stay close, but to find and bring back a twig that they like. Remind them to only take twigs from the ground and that their twigs should be about the length of their hands. You have a twig too, but don’t tell or show the campers that. Next, have each camper introduce his or her twig as though it is his- or herself. For example: “My stick’s name is Tasha. She’s 10 years old and loves her baby sister.” Tell everyone that they need to notice what Tasha the Twig looks like—what makes her twig look unique. That camper places her twig in front of her and invites another player to introduce his or her twig—for example, “Mack, tell us about your twig.” After everyone has introduced his or her twig, gather all the twigs. Tell campers to close their eyes. Remove two twigs from the bundle and add your twig in. Scatter the twigs in the center of the circle. Have campers open their eyes and ask them, “Who is missing? If it’s you missing, don’t give it away.” Allow the campers to discuss characteristics and do their best to identify which twig is gone by describing whose twigs are present. It may take them a while to figure out that there is a new twig they don’t recognize. When they do, you can

explain that no one invited you to introduce your twig, but then introduce your twig. (If campers do invite you during the process, congratulate them right away on being so thoughtful, introduce your twig, and only remove one twig on the first turn). Once the missing twigs are correctly identified, play another round. It should go more quickly as the game goes on. BTW: Run this game fairly quickly to keep campers engaged. The number of guesses per camper can be varied to suit the skill level of the group. Try this game at the end of the week also, to see how much faster they can guess who is missing.

CROSS THE LINE # P L A Y #LEARN

Supplies: rope at least long enough to measure about one foot per camper in your group, or some other distinct border like the edge of a driveway; a watch that can count seconds How: Stretch the rope out in one long line. Divide your group of campers in half and instruct each half to line up along the rope on opposite sides, with campers facing each other directly across the line. Make sure everyone has an opponent. Tell campers that the goal is for them to convince their opponents to cross the rope and stand on their side; the first camper to convince their opponent will win. If you have an odd number of campers, you can play opposite one, letting this camper try to convince you. After any one camper is successful (or if you have a total stalemate for too long), invite the group to sit in a circle to talk about what happened. Ask campers how they felt going into the activity and how they feel now. Ask if they were resistant to crossing the rope and why. Ask questions such as: “What did the winning camper do? What affect did using the word ‘opponent’ instead of ‘partner’ have on your thinking? Did competition rather than cooperation influence your approach to the

BTW: This activity is more effective if “opponents” don’t know each other or are not close friends. A prize (like a bag of treats) for the winner can stimulate motivation and, if the winner thinks like Jesus, the group can share the prize. You also can put a little pressure on the campers with a time constraint, telling them they have only one minute to accomplish the goal.

MAKE A COVENANT # P L A Y #LEARN Why: If campers agree to a code of behavior that they have created, they are more likely to live by it. This would be a good follow-up to “Cross the Line.” This activity is done on the second day so that campers have some time to acclimate to the expectations and rules of camp. This covenant should serve in addition to—not in place of—the standard camp rules. Supplies: a large sheet of paper, marker, tape How: In reference to the “Cross the Line” activity above, talk about camp as a place where you want trust to flourish and where replacing competitiveness with cooperation allows everyone to “win.” Explain what a covenant is (a promise God made with people such as Noah, or a promise people make with each other involving God’s help, like a marriage) and tell campers that they can make a covenant with each other for the time they are at camp. Ask, “What are some ways that we can all help each other have a good experience at camp this week?” On a large sheet of paper, record campers’ suggestions. Encourage everyone to participate. When the suggestions have been made, read through the list. Ask campers whether they will all agree to keep this covenant. Revise as necessary. Invite everyone to sign the group covenant as a symbol of the group’s promise to each other. Close this time with prayer, thanking God for these campers and their desire to treat each other with respect, as Jesus does. BTW: To emphasize the importance of the covenant, use a special metallic pen or marker to sign the covenant. If you have the supplies, you could stamp it with a wax seal. You could offer your covenant as a gift during worship. You may

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Why: This simple activity contains a powerful lesson in trust and promise, showing campers that cooperation, rather than competition, will suggest a win-win solution. Combined with creating a covenant (in the activity “Make a Covenant”), campers will experience their connectedness to Christ.

problem? Which is Jesus’ style of thinking? Were any promises made? What happened to trust?”

want to tape this covenant to the back of the cabin door to refer to later.

cord, with each knot representing a person that campers want to include in their prayers.

COLORS OF NATURE #LEARN

Supplies: thick cord, such as woven nylon clothesline or paracord (long enough that each camper, and yourself, can have a 12-inch length); scissors; lighter; candle

Why: This activity gets campers to explore and observe nature and to use their best colordiscrimination skills. Supplies: wild area free of poison ivy; 15 to 20 paint swatch cards (enough for each camper to have 2 or more) in browns, greens, yellows, and grays, with several shades/tints of one color on each swatch card; pencils and scissors for each camper; (optional): digital camera

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How: Gather campers at an outdoor location that you designate as the meeting spot. Explain to campers that, if they look closely, they will be able see that nature is made in many different colors, not just one shade of green or brown, etc. Give each camper two or more paint swatch cards. As a group, cut the cards into individual colors. Mix up the pile and distribute the cards equally. Encourage campers to go and find plants, leaves, rocks, bark, etc., that match these colors as closely as possible. After finding a match, they can use a pencil to checkmark the color sample on their cards. When they have matched all their cards, they will come back to the meeting spot and sit close together in a group or a circle. Talk about what they found, and allow them to compare cards and note similarities/differences in color and shades of color. Campers might bring back leaves, stones, or pieces of bark (only those found on the ground) to show their matches. BTW: If you have time, campers can trade cards, go out again, and checkmark the color matches they find before sharing in the circle a second time. If you have a digital camera, you can photograph some living objects that match their swatch cards to add more showing to their telling. Try to remember to have a pair of left-handed scissors available.

I’M KNOT-PRAYING! # P R A Y #CREATE Why: Campers (and even adults) often find that having something in their hands helps them pray, keeping their minds focused. In this prayer activity, that “something” is a piece of knotted

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How: Prepare the cord by cutting it in approximately 12-inch lengths and use the lit candle to melt the ends to avoid fraying. Encourage campers to sit in a circle, and give each one a length of cord and take one for yourself. Explain that each may tie as many knots in the cord as they would like, to represent people they want to pray for. After campers have time to make their knots, explain that when you lead them in prayer, they may call out a person’s name represented by one of their knots (one camper at a time). They may pass if they prefer not to pray aloud or have run out of knots. First ask campers to close their eyes and focus on their knotted cords and how the cords feel in their hands. You begin the prayer by inviting them to enter the presence of God, asking God to bless the campers and their requests. Pray for a person in your own life, saying only that person’s first name and a sentence about his or her situation/ need. Then encourage the camper next to you to do the same and so on, around the circle. You can keep the prayers going for as long as you have time and knots on your cord, and mention that your prayers are also for those who haven’t been named, but who “we hold in our hearts.” Close the prayer with a final request for the group and “Amen.” If campers have knots they haven’t “used” in this prayer, you can suggest that they keep their cords with them and think a prayer about them at any time. BTW: An option is to encourage campers to use their prayer cords before they go to sleep at night. If campers didn’t pull their knots too tight, they can untie them and use them again and again.

HOSPITALITY PRAYER # P R A Y Why: This meditative prayer focuses on the equity of each one coming to Jesus’ table. Supplies: a quiet place

How: Open a conversation by talking about the significance of eating with others, especially in Jesus’ time. Ask campers, “Who did Jesus eat with?” Point out the poor reputations of many of these people: the tax collectors, foreigners, people from other countries, sinners, and the sick. Explain that they lived on the margins of Jewish society; they certainly weren’t popular, and were avoided or even punished by the general population.

Encourage campers to quietly spread apart (within sight) and sit alone for five minutes, conversing with God about how they might show hospitality to others in their schools and communities. When you think they are ready, invite them back into a group and to share their ideas if they like. Then ask a prayer of blessing on your campers, to have courage to live Jesus’ hospitality. BTW: You could provide pencil and paper for campers who would like to write down their thoughts or compose a prayer. Sometimes restless campers can focus better if they have something in their hands.

THE NUMBER 12 MOSAIC #CREATE #LEARN Why: The number 12 appears several times in the Bible and in our culture as well: 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles, 12 baskets of leftover fish and bread, 12 months of the year, 12 numbers on a clock, 12 eggs in a dozen, and 12 inches in a foot. In recognition of this phenomenon, this activity creates a piece of art—a mosaic—of eggshells to specifically represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Campers can get a sense of the number of people in this large group if told that each piece of shell represents one family.

How: Note: Prepare an example of this artwork ahead of time to be used as a visual aid by the campers. Seat campers in pairs across from one another. Give each camper a piece of black cardstock. Give each pair a salad plate, a pencil, ruler, and bottle of glue to share. Instruct campers to trace around the plate rim to make a circle and use the ruler to divide the circle into 12 sections, pie shaped. If the sections are not quite the same size, that’s OK. Give each camper the shells of three eggs and show them how to break the shells into differentsized pieces. The camper uses the glue to adhere the pieces of shell to the paper inside the section lines, leaving a space between the sections. Your example prepared ahead of time will help them understand this. When campers are finished, tell them that the sections represent tribes and the pieces of shell represent families in each tribe. BTW: Ask your cook to collect shells or do so yourself. Please don’t crack eggs just for the sake of this game. For even more fun and variety, boil and dye Easter eggs, give them to the cook, who will remove the shells, return them to you, and use the boiled eggs for dinner. If you’ve got a cooking facility, allow the campers to shell the eggs themselves. The more senses involved, the more memorable the activity.

PLASTIC CUP ART #CREATE #SERVE Why: This drawing exercise prompts campers to think about how they can serve others and imagine themselves in these activities. Supplies: three tall, clear plastic cups per camper; permanent markers; and a human shape pattern (Gingerbread style) that fits on the cups How: Prepare ahead of time one cup for each camper, using the pattern to draw the human shape in the same place on each cup, with the cup upside down.

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Ask campers about the social strata or layers in their schools or churches. Can they think of popular people who are “on top,” a middle “class” excluded from that group, and those on the “bottom” who are outcasts shunned by all? Explain that we learn in the New Testament about Jesus showing hospitality, welcoming everyone to his “table”—not a literal table (he didn’t even own a house!), but a figurative or “invisible” one. Ask campers to wonder about why Jesus may have done this.

Supplies: each camper will need the shells of three eggs (rinsed and dried) and 1 sheet of black construction paper; every pair of campers will need 1 salad plate for tracing a circle, 1 pencil, 1 ruler, 1 small bottle of white glue

Discuss with campers what they might do to help others (serving cold drinks, sending a greeting card, weeding a garden, etc.). Ask them to come up with their own ideas. Ask them to choose three different things they can do to help others. Then distribute three cups and a marker to each camper. Then instruct campers to: • “On cup 1 (the one with the body pattern on it), color the head and body, pretending this outline is of you; add a swimsuit.” • “Slip cup 2 over cup 1 and on top of the first drawing, draw a set of clothes you would wear while serving in one way.”

Older Children

• “Twist cup 2 to the left far enough to draw a second set of clothes to represent a different service activity. Then twist cup 2 to the left again and draw a third outfit.” • “Slip cup 3 over cup 2 and draw different tools in your hands that you would use to serve others, turning the cup for each way to serve.” Then have campers guess each other’s service by looking at the cups. Note: Be sure to collect all markers so that campers aren’t tempted to use them for drawing on unapproved surfaces. For skin and plastic surfaces, permanent marks can usually be removed with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. BTW: Invite your campers to “try-on” each other’s service projects, making new things by combination of tools and outfits. If you do this, remember to write everyone’s name on all three cups first.

SERVING OTHERS AT MEALTIME #SERVE Why: Jesus modeled the concept of serving when he washed the feet of his disciples in preparation for the Passover meal. Serving helps us think beyond our own wants and needs and to focus on the needs of others. Campers can experience the perspective of selflessness by practicing serving with this activity. Supplies: beverage-serving materials at meal time

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How: Explain to campers the benefit of serving others, both for the one served and for the one doing the serving. Remind them that considering the needs of others is what Jesus wants us to do. Encourage campers to take drink requests from at least two other people either in line behind them or sitting near them at the dinner table. Whether your dining room set-up is self-service at the beverage bar or pitchers of beverage at the familystyle table, campers in your group are to make sure that everyone at their table has something to drink—and to offer refills! Challenge campers to think of other ways to serve one another at the table. At your next small-group gathering, ask campers about their service experience. How did it go? Ask if they were able to be aware of others’ needs for the duration of the meal; ask how they felt about serving beverages to others. Remind them that, with the right attitude, serving can be fun and rewarding. BTW: You might arrange with the rest of your camp leaders to do this activity, with each small group serving beverages at different meals. Each camper in your small group could be assigned to serve a different table.

OLDER CHILDREN

Day 3: Love One Another Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: John 8:2–11 Scripture Focus: John 8:7

Theological Summary: We have to look around to see that we are all valuable to God. People and their relationships to us are a treasure for us to protect. When the legalistic Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about the law, Jesus’ compassion created a “third way” with his answer, neither condemning the woman for her sin nor denying the law. Campers will: • know that their actions toward others can be transformative • see Christ’s example of addressing injustice with patience and courage • be called to Christ’s example to connect without judgment, prejudice, or injustice • distinguish between judgment and justice

Daily Activities — Caring Conversation, Not Debate: # P L A Y #LEARN Share new conversation techniques — Cats and Cows: # P L A Y Learn that it’s okay to change your alliance — Thumbs Up: # P L A Y Develop empathy and notice how our actions matter to others — Compassion in the Wild: #LEARN Demonstration of love crossing barriers — No Judgment Here!: #LEARN # P R A Y Learn Jesus’ model of compassion — Pray for Courage, Patience, Justice: # P R A Y Hands-on prayer for our world — Painted Plate Weaving: Connecting Neighbors: #CREATE Practice an art and learn about neighbors

#CREATE Reinforce the Bible story with a craft — Wheat Sand Cookies: #serve #CREATE A multisensory cooking project — Build a Bin Project: #serve #CREATE Reach out and help nature and each other

— “Love in the Sand” Casting:

Leader Notes: Some of your campers may pick up on the language of adultery in this passage. Some won’t. You don’t need to go into it if it doesn’t come up organically. Today’s story is a progression from the Day 2 theme of being a covenant community. The accusers are focused on the broken marriage covenant, but Jesus shows how the rules are there to protect people and their relationships.

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When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Worship Activities Cabin Time When campers are ready for bed, help them process the day by sharing “highs and lows.” Then continue the book about friends: Best Friends by Mary Bard. Ask campers if they are trying to make new friends at camp. Encourage them to learn the names of new friends.

As the campers pretend they are the animals, ask them to praise God with their animals’ voices. Ask all the animals of one kind (e.g., tigers) to praise God; then others, such as horses, etc. When all the different animal groups have had a chance to sing praises, let all the animals together to praise God!

Pray: Thank you, God, for giving us other children to be our friends. Help us to remember how to be good friends to them.

Pray: Creator God, we give you praise in the voices of your creation. Thank you for making all the different creatures on earth. We all praise your name.

Song Ideas

Compassion of Jesus #centering

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• “Compassion Hymn” (Keith Getty, Kristyn Lennox Getty, and Stuart Townsend) • “Weave” (Rosemary Crow) • “Lean on Me” (Bill Withers) • “All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir” (Bill Staines) • “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” (Brian Doerksen) • “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” (Paul Baloche) • “Doxology” (Traditional Hymn, AKA “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”) • “All Creatures of Our God and King” (Traditional Hymn)

Prayer Animal Praise #CELEBRATE Why: Connection to creation will happen when campers identify with an animal and sing praise to God. Supplies: none How: Invite campers each to choose an animal he or she likes. First have the campers stand like their animals, then move, then stretch like their animals. Ask campers questions such as, “Do you suppose that after God created the animals they were thankful? How would an animal praise God?”

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Why: This quiet worship will help campers understand the meaning of compassion and how they might show their kindness to others. Supplies: Bible, campers’ prayer cords (made yesterday in “I’m Knot-Praying”) How: Tell campers the story of the woman brought to Jesus in today’s Bible passage, John 8:2–11. Choose volunteers to answer questions such as, “Did Jesus scold or yell at the woman? Did Jesus approve of her sin? What is compassion? Did Jesus show her compassion? How? How can we show compassion to others?” Ask campers to use their prayer cords in a different way today. One knot will stand for another camper who they can be compassionate toward at camp, one for someone at school, one for someone at church, and one for someone at home. Pray: Compassionate God, we pray for the first person on our prayer cords, asking you for what that camper needs. [Pause] For the second person at school, we ask you to bless his or her life. [Pause] For the third person at church, please give that person your personal care and comfort. [Pause] For the family member at home, we ask you to give your blessing, too. And, God, I ask you to remind these campers how they can be kind to all these people. Amen.

. Story Resources . Hermie: God Forgives Me and I Forgive You, by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson, 2010) Weedflower, by Cynthia Kadohata (Atheneum, 2006) Counting on Grace, by Elizabeth Winthrop (Wendy Lamb Books, 2006) Best Friends, by Mary Bard (Amazon Children’s Publishing, 2015)

Daily Activities

Why: Instead of focusing on the sin or the law in this scripture passage, we can lift up Jesus’ response to the situation and see an example of compassion. This activity helps campers learn that their caring action can be transforming, too. Supplies: a Bible, paper, and pencil for each camper; hard surface such as a table or floor How: When campers have their Bibles open to today’s scripture passage, ask for volunteers to read each verse, one at a time. Then start the conversation by explaining that Jesus was not fooled by the Pharisees’ question. He knew they were trying to trap him into disobeying the law. Ask campers what Jesus’ response was and wait for their answers. Ask, “Did Jesus judge anyone? How did he show that he cared about the woman?” Explain that showing that you care is having compassion. Then distribute the paper and pencils and invite campers to think about and write answers to these questions, giving them time to write between each one: 1. “Even if you don’t start out as a caring person, you can become caring by doing caring things—True or False? What are some examples you could give?” 2. “You consider yourself a caring person—True or False? In what ways?”

4. “If everyone was always compassionate, the world would grow weak—True or False? Give an example.” 5. “Jesus was using kindness toward the woman just to teach a lesson—True or False? Why do you think that?” Then ask campers to lay down their pencils. Ask, “Does anyone know what a debate is, and why it’s done?” They may have seen candidates debate on TV. Talk about how debate is (usually) a civilized form of figuring out who is right and who is wrong. The “classic” debate format is used to allow people to have a conversation in which all the facts are presented, and then a judgment can be made. In the Bible story, Jesus refused to enter into a debate about who was right and wrong, and instead chose to show forgiveness and compassion. Jesus did this when asked questions about right and wrong a lot, and it is often called “the third way.” Tell the campers: “We could have a debate about the questions I just asked and try to figure out who is right and who is wrong. Or, we could choose a third way to try to understand where other people are coming from.” Ask the campers what sort of ground rules there should be to have that kind of discussion. You can suggest ideas such as: only one person speaks at a time; nobody gets to tell anyone else that their feelings are “wrong”; we pray for compassion before we start talking; etc. Once you’ve established some ground rules, begin to go through the questions one by one and encourage the campers to talk and listen with compassion. Close the discussion with prayer. BTW: Throughout the week, be aware of times of disagreement, and before a debate or argument breaks out, remind campers that Jesus can help them find a third way to solve their problems. And, remember, the most powerful method of teaching is modeling the behavior you want campers to learn.

CATS AND COWS # P L A Y Why: This game requires careful listening, allows campers to see that switching sides is not really a problem, and lets everyone win in the end.

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CARING CONVERSATION, NOT DEBATE # P L A Y #LEARN

3. “You can change another person just by being kind—True or False? Give an example.”

Supplies: two long ropes How: Have campers help you stretch out the ropes parallel to each other, about 40 yards apart,. These are the boundary lines that each team will run toward. Divide campers into two teams, naming one “cats” and the other “cows,” and instruct each team to line up facing the other in the center of the field (halfway between, and parallel to, the ropes), with about two arms’ lengths between the teams.

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Explain that when you shout “cats,” that team will chase and try to tag people on the other team before they reach their boundary rope (behind them). Those who reach their rope are safe, but those who get tagged will become part of the team who chased them. Then everyone returns to the center of the field to line up and wait for your shout again. They must listen carefully to hear whether you shout “cats” or “cows.” You can try to fake them out by shouting some other word that begins with “c,” such as camel, crane, crow, cup, or candle. It doesn’t matter if campers get mixed up about which team they are on; in fact, that’s the point of the game! When there are only two campers left on one team, they can be the center of a group hug that ends the game. BTW: Adjust the distance between the ropes according to the ability of campers. You could also use four cones instead of ropes to mark the boundary lines.

THUMBS UP # P L A Y Why: Participation in this challenging game requires cooperation, concentration, and coordination. Supplies: none How: Invite the group to form a close circle, facing inward and kneeling on the ground. Tell campers to place their hands in front of them, with their palms flat on the ground. Have each camper raise his or her right hand and place it past the left hand of the person to his or her right, in front of that camper. Thus, every camper will have two other hands placed between his or her own. Check that hands are arranged properly. Ask them all to make a thumbs-up sign, rotating

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their hands, while still keeping their hands on the ground, and then returning their hands to flat palms, just to practice the movements. Then explain that the goal is to raise thumbs in order around the circle. For example, if Emily began by raising her left thumb, it would be followed by Daniel’s right, Kaitlyn’s left, and then Emily’s right. When a thumb is raised, it stays that way until the whole circle of campers has thumbs raised. Then, again in order around the circle, thumbs go down to a flat palm. If any camper mistakenly raises a thumb (or flattens palm) out of order, that hand is “out” and must be put behind the camper’s back. Play continues until all but two campers have been eliminated. You can play a few rounds, and then introduce a new element to the game. Explain that anyone may reverse the order of the thumbs up by immediately putting his or her thumb back down. BTW: After players have been eliminated, invite them to help officiate. You can vary this game by playing it on a table and tapping hands instead of raising thumbs. Double taps would reverse the order of play. Increase the challenge by having everyone blindfolded! Tapping would make the game possible for sight-challenged campers, and thumbs-up would work for hearing-impaired campers.

COMPASSION IN THE WILD #LEARN Why: This short activity teaches campers about finding compassion where you wouldn’t expect it—among animals. There are many true stories online about various animals showing compassion or kindness toward each other—even between two different species. Humans could take a lesson from these! Supplies: video on YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=uJjWwr-AjiQ about a blind horse and a goat who leads him to pasture, computer, computer projector, screen How: Ahead of time, set up the computer, projector, and screen to show the video to campers. Do this activity after the “Caring Conversation” so that campers understand what an act of compassion might involve (doing

something kind for someone, even if they have no way of paying you back) and have Jesus’ example as a foundation. Play the video. Afterward, start a discussion by inviting campers to comment on the story. Ask if they have ever seen animals be kind to each other. Maybe they have a dog and cat that get along well. Ask campers if the goat in the video was happy. Why or why not? Ask campers what they think this quote from the Dalai Lama means: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

NO JUDGMENT HERE #LEARN # P R A Y Why: For campers, Jesus models compassion without judgment—an excellent attitude to keep us connected to others and to create peace. Supplies: Bible How: First, read aloud to campers John 8:2–11. Explain that the Pharisees, as religious authorities in Jesus’ day, were very interested in seeing that everyone followed the Jewish law. Sometimes women were punished for breaking a law and men weren’t. And sometimes the consequences for breaking the law were horrible—for example, being stoned to death—as almost happened in this case. Then explain that Jesus knew the woman in the story had sinned and he knew that the Pharisees had, too, yet Jesus didn’t pronounce judgment on anyone. Ask campers to describe Jesus’ response to the Pharisees. Accept all answers. More importantly, ask campers to describe Jesus’ response to the woman. Help everyone in your group have a chance to answer. Invite campers each to think of a time when he or she judged someone. Choose a volunteer to mime how that camper might have looked (nose in the air? pointing?) Choose a volunteer to mime how he or she feels when someone judges him or her (guilty? sad and droopy? angry with hands on hips?).

BTW: If you have time, encourage campers to imagine how Jesus would respond to their sins. Ask what he would say to them. You might get some surprising answers.

PRAY FOR COURAGE, PATIENCE, JUSTICE # P R A Y Why: Jesus’ actions in the story of the woman caught in adultery conveyed his courage to stand up to social/religious authorities, his patience in letting the scenario unfold, and his sense of justice for the woman—God’s justice. Campers will understand these concepts in this prayer for the oppressed in our world. Supplies: Bible; magazine pictures of people in developing countries who are experiencing poverty, hunger, or war (these may be obtained from National Geographic, Time, and other news magazines); (optional): scissors, glue, and poster board How: If campers haven’t already heard the scripture for today, read aloud the story of Jesus, the Pharisees, and the woman in John 8:2–11. Ask campers about Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ question. What did he do? How might his words have sounded? Point out that Jesus didn’t hurry to respond; he likely surprised everyone by stooping to write in the sand. It probably took courage to challenge the authorities. Talk about the injustice (from God’s point of view) of the Pharisees using the woman’s situation to try to trap Jesus; they didn’t care about her life. In contrast, point out Jesus’ compassion for her.

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BTW: Another story you could present is from Aesop’s Fables: “The Lion and the Mouse,” found at http://read.gov/aesop/007.html For your own enlightenment, check this out: http://www. lookandlearn.com/blog/9988/compassion-in-theanimal-kingdom/

Ask three people to act out the Bible story as Jesus, the woman, and a Pharisee. Ask the other campers to think of possible relationships they may have to one of the characters, but not to share what they are. Suggestions might be the brother of the Pharisee, the woman’s daughter, Jesus’ disciple. When your actors act out the scene, instruct your audience to watch it as though they were the people they were thinking of. Afterward, ask the audience to tell who they imagined they were, and ask them to explain how that made them feel about what happened. Thank your volunteers. Close with prayer, thanking God for Jesus’ example of not judging other people, and ask for help for all to follow Jesus’ example.

Pass around the pictures among the campers in your group while talking about injustice in the world today. Ask them questions about what they see in the pictures, such as: “What is happening? How are the people feeling? How are the people’s lives different from ours?” Encourage all campers to participate in the discussion. Explain that poverty, hunger, and war are the result of injustice and of people who are more concerned about the rules, power, and wealth than they are about the lives of others. Invite campers to pray with you for the people in the pictures and those like them, and say that you will end with a few minutes of silence and an amen. Then lead campers in a detailed prayer for the picture people. Also pray for campers to have courage, patience, and a sense of justice like Jesus.

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BTW: You could make this more interactive by giving the campers the magazines and having them cut out the pictures themselves to make a good old-fashioned photo collage.

PAINTED PLATE WEAVING: CONNECTING NEIGHBORS #CREATE Why: This two-session activity gives campers experience in both painting and weaving, with the bonus of interpreting the weaving as a connection with neighbors. You can embellish the “story” of going to a neighbor’s house. Supplies: per each camper: one Chinet or thick paper dinner plate (not Styrofoam), one large watercolor brush, one pencil, one pair of scissors, five yards of dark-colored yarn, and many brightcolored scraps of yarn of about two feet each; table; plastic tablecloth; washable tempera paint in red, yellow, and blue; four or five paper plates; jars of water; color-mixing plates; a “loom” template that you cut prior to class time from a Chinet plate with exactly 19 notches evenly spaced around the rim (see page 105). How: Ahead of time, measure out dark yarn into five-yard bundles. Put plastic protection on the table and set out jars of clean water. Set out a brush for each camper. Prepare the paint palettes, squeezing out a small quantity of each color on one paper plate for every three or four campers. 1. Instruct campers to paint concentric circles in bright colors on their paper plates, like

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those of Russian abstract painter, Wassily Kandinsky, covering the whole inside of the plate (not the rim). You can show them his painting titled “Squares with Concentric Circles” available on the Internet. Let the plates dry overnight. Next session (later in the day, or the next day if necessary) — 2. Show campers how to trace notches from the loom template (see “Supplies” above) onto the rim of their plates and count to check that they have exactly 19 marks. 3. Ask them to cut these notches with scissors on the rim (only the rim) of their plates. 4. Sit down in the shade with the campers (and their plates) around you. First explain how people in a neighborhood are connected and how their interactions make a difference in relationships. Give each camper a five-yard bundle of dark yarn. Then say, “Watch what I do to start the weaving, but don’t start until I say ‘go.’” 5. Slip the end of the yarn through any notch, holding on to it behind your plate while you take the long end of yarn to the “house across the street”—a notch almost directly across the plate front—so that you have 8 notches open on the left side and 9 notches open on the right. Say “go” and help campers do this step. 6. Then take the long end to the “neighbor’s house to the right” behind the rim and forward through the neighboring notch. Take the yarn “across the street” again to the notch to the left of where you started. The yarn should look like a tall skinny X. Let campers do this step before you continue. 7. Rotate the plate and repeat Step 6 until your yarn has no “house” to go to. 8. The yarn will look like spokes that you’ll use as the “warp” for weaving. The remaining end of yarn goes to the middle and starts the “weft”: weaving around the center, over and under the warp strings. Pull it snug. Let campers finish their spokes and begin weaving. 9. When the yarn has only three inches left, tie it to one of the yarn scraps and weave that around, over-under, too. You don’t want to

cover the whole plate with weaving—only four inches in diameter. 10. End with a double knot tied to one of the spokes. Then tie a loop of yarn to the top for hanging. BTW: If campers catch on quickly, you could allow them to add pony beads to their weavings, spacing them out, 5 or 6 to a project. They may have a hard time, though. If so, they may be pulling too tight, and they’ll have to go through the project and loosen their weft string to find their place.

“LOVE IN THE SAND” CASTING #CREATE

Supplies: Bible; your camp’s sand volleyball court; 10 lbs. of plaster of Paris (for about a dozen campers); water source; one or two large, recycled, plastic containers for mixing plaster; two clean paint-stirring sticks; four shallow plastic sandwich boxes; tempera paints in red, yellow, and blue; a thick paper plate and water jar for each pair or trio of campers; a watercolor brush, paper clip, and pencil for each camper; table or other flat surface; plastic tablecloth or trash bags to protect the table; masking tape; old toothbrushes; tarp How: First remove from your area of sand any leaves, sticks, large pebbles, etc. Wet the sand enough to make it stick together. When campers arrive, remind them of the story of Jesus writing in the sand and that his act was one of compassion and love. (Read the story aloud if they haven’t heard it yet today.) Explain that the campers will get to cast their own message in sand. Invite campers to prepare their holes by pressing a plastic sandwich box an inch deep into the sand. This hole will define the boundary for plaster. Have them remove the box and pass it to someone else who needs it. Then have them carefully draw a heart or write the word LOVE (backwards, of course!) with their fingers in the

While campers are doing this, mix a small batch of plaster with water in a plastic container to the consistency of cake batter, adding more plaster or more water to get it right. Stir plaster very slowly to release any air bubbles, until mixture is smooth. Plaster will set up in 20 minutes, so you’ll want to have this prepared only when campers are ready to use it. Gently pour plaster into the campers’ holes to about one inch deep, enough to cover the heart or word depressions plus half an inch. Press paper clips into the tops for hanging the finished piece. The plaster is cured when it is hard and completely cool. Allow the campers to write their names with a pencil (it may or may not leave a graphite mark) when everyone has finished. Let the castings sit undisturbed overnight, covering the area with a tarp. The next day, put plastic protection on the table and set out jars of clean water. Set out a brush for each camper. Prepare the paint palettes, squeezing out a small quantity of each color (more red than blue and yellow) onto the paper plates. While you’re doing this, ask a helper to instruct the campers to remove the castings and use the toothbrushes to brush off sand from the front of them, and escort campers to the table. Invite campers to paint their castings in whatever colors they like. Encourage them to rinse and squeeze their brushes in the water jar before dipping into a new color of paint. This keeps the paint from becoming too “muddy.” BTW: If you have no sand volleyball court, you can still do this craft with sand donated by a builder and a disposable, plastic sandwich box or deep disposable pie plate for every camper. Pour about an inch of sand into each sandwich box and moisten it so it will stick together. Campers will use this to draw the heart or write the word LOVE. The box itself will define the edge of the plaster. Campers can take the castings home in these boxes or remove them for painting.

WHEAT SAND COOKIES #SERVE #CREATE Why: This is a welcome treat that campers can make for others, whether it be the camp staff, a

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Why: Have you ever wondered what Jesus wrote in the sand in John 8:2–11? Whatever it was, it evidently had a powerful effect on the Pharisees! This sand-casting craft gives campers a chance to preserve a message of love. They’ll need two days to complete this activity so the plaster can harden before they paint it.

bottom of their holes. Remove any stray particles of sand that make the impression indistinct.

family down the road, or residents in a nursing home.

and drill; for a design, visit www.mycarpentry. com/wood-waste-basket.html

Supplies: butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, an orange, whole wheat flour, white flour, salt, large mixing bowl, small mixing bowl, 2 mixing spoons, beater, refrigerator, oven, rolling pin, cookie cutters, greased cookie sheets, brush

How: Ahead of time, arrange with the camp facilities manager to choose the trashcan, adapt the design to fit it, set up the location for the project, supervise the project, and to operate the power saw. Alert the camp nurse of your plans on the day of the activity.

How: Gather and measure ingredients—

¾ cup butter 1 ¼ cups white sugar 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk (reserve white) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon orange zest (grated orange rind) 2 cups whole wheat flour, sifted 1 cup white flour, sifted ¼ teaspoon salt

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Blend the butter and sugar together until creamy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. In a small bowl, mix the orange zest and flours together, then gradually stir this into the butter mixture. The last of the flour may have to be kneaded in by hand. Chill the dough several hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll the dough very thin and cut into rounds or hearts and place on greased cookie sheets. Brush the tops of the cookies with beaten, reserved egg white and sprinkle with sugar. Bake cookies about eight minutes. BTW: Because the dough needs to be chilled before rolling out, you may want to have campers make the dough one day and roll out the cookies the next day, or have the camp cooks make the dough for campers. Always remember to ask about allergies or intolerances.

BUILD A BIN PROJECT #SERVE #CREATE Why: As a service to the camp, campers can build an inexpensive, sturdy bin to surround a trashcan that animals will not be able to invade, yet humans will find a convenient place to stash their trash. Supplies: camp facilities manager, camp nurse, trash can; five or six wooden shipping pallets; claw hammers; measuring tape (or two); pencils; hardware (nails, screws, hinges, clasp); power saw

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Gather campers, explain the project and safety precautions, and assign campers to their roles under the direction of the facilities manager:

1. Taking pallets apart 2. Removing old nails 3. Measuring and marking boards 4. Nailing boards together 5. Fastening on the hinges and clasp for securing the lid

When the project is finished, schedule an unveiling and ask a special person to put in the first trash bag liner and demonstrate its use. BTW: You may want to have several counselors present to assist campers. Painting the project is optional. Another option, instead, is to build a small shed for firewood. Designs for that can be found online also, at http://myoutdoorplans.com/ shed/woodshed-plans/

PAPER PLATE LOOM TEMPLATE

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Day 4: I Chose You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 15:11–32 Scripture Focus: Luke 15:32 “But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.”

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Theological Summary: Decisions we make affect the ways we connect with people. Your choices matter, but they don’t change God’s love for you. Campers will: • learn the impact of choice in their connection with God and others • hear of God’s forgiveness and grace • know that they can admit to their brokenness and that they can change • identify trustworthy individuals in their lives who will show them God’s grace and forgiveness

Daily Activities — Once upon a Parable: The Compassion of God: #LEARN Learn about how Jesus told stories — Choices and Consequences: # P L A Y #LEARN Explore the shades of gray in choices — Prayer of the Prodigal Son: # P R A Y Identify with other’s prayer concerns — Trio Connection Tag: # P L A Y A game of group protection of an individual — Make an Ort Report: #LEARN Pay attention to wasted resources — Meet a Tree: #LEARN Notice details and learn to appreciate nature — Practice Being Here Now: # P R A Y A centering prayer practice

#CREATE #serve A craft for reaching out to say thanks — Zentangle Patterns: #CREATE #LEARN Find patterns and learn from each other — The Prodigal Puppet: #CREATE Identify characters and reinforce the Bible story — Leaf Printing:

— Perform for Patients: #serve Use puppets to share the Bible story Leader Notes: Your campers are at a perfect age to understand the desire to go out and explore the world. For some of them, camp is such an experience: they are away from their parents’ watchful eyes, and can try things they might not have done before. Help them notice that when they are away from their parents, they have to take responsibility for their own needs. This includes picking up their dirty clothes! Today might be a good day to do a thorough cabin clean-up. .

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Worship Activities Cabin Time After campers are ready for bed and in their bunks, have them process the day with “highs and lows.” Then, instead of doing a story, lead them through a guided meditation. If you like, play a CD of relaxing music. Read slowly and in a soothing tone: “Get comfortable in your bed. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Feel your tummy slowly go up and down as you breathe in and out.

“Let your toes touch the cloud. Each toe can feel its softness. Your legs are letting go of any wiggles or tightness. They are resting gently and peacefully. “Your soft, fluffy cloud is drifting across a calm, dark sky. Tiny twinkling stars are beginning to appear along with sweet sister moon, who smiles at you as you drift by. Your heart is beating slowly—very slowly—gently pushing your blood through all its tiny arteries and veins. You can trust your heart to do its job every minute, all through the night, while you sleep peacefully. “Your hands relax beside your resting body on your fluffy, white cloud. Your head and neck slowly sink into the pillow. Your face becomes calm and restful, as you drift lazily along. You are softly, softly breathing—in and out, in and out. You float and drift off to a wonderful place of beautiful dreams. Sleep well.”

Coming Home to God #CELEBRATION Why: Campers may be used to coming to worship with a handshake or a nod, but this will be a very different way to “come home” to worship.

When everyone is seated, welcome the campers home. Remind them that the most natural place in the world for them to be is right here. Talk about how worship is a two-way street: that they are here to celebrate Jesus transforming their lives, but Jesus is also here to celebrate them. Invite campers to turn to each other and tell each other how glad God is that they are here. Then invite them to do it again, but this time, ask them to welcome each other as though they were a $20 bill they thought they had lost (or lost homework assignment). Invite them to welcome each other again, as though they were a beloved pet who had been missing for a week. Finally, with gravity, ask them to imagine that everyone here is a child who had been missing for years, finally being returned to the arms of his or her loving parent. You might take a few moments to reflect on how that feels to them. Close the time of reflection with a prayer, in which campers get to shout out how it feels to be home. Thank God for forgiving lost and broken people. End with an enthusiastic song that allows them to use their kazoos and noisemakers.

Supplies: party hats, noisemakers, kazoos, balloons, ribbons or streamers, welcome home banner, all the staff

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“Imagine now that you are lying on a white, fluffy cloud. It is so soft and comfortable, made just for you. You can feel your whole body relaxing and sinking into this fluffy, soft, comforting cloud.

How: Before worship, put two or three counselors in charge of keeping campers busy. All other counselors and staff will be preparing for campers’ arrival. Hang a WELCOME HOME banner at the worship space. Decorate with balloons and streamers. Give the staff party supplies and have them line up from the entry to the space all the way into the worship area on both sides of an aisle. When the counselors bring the campers toward the worship space, all the staff cheers on each camper. Campers are graciously and enthusiastically greeted by name by each staff member. (You might need your nametags from Day 1.) Staff gives the campers kazoos, streamers, noisemakers, balloons—all the trappings for a party—and offers each a seat.

. Story Resources . Desmond and the Very Mean Word, by Desmond Tutu (Candlewick, 2013) Because I Love You, by Max Lucado (Crossway, 1999)

Daily Activities Once upon a Parable: The Compassion of God #LEARN Why: This activity will help campers see how God is like the father in the Bible story of the prodigal son.

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Supplies: campers’ Bibles; table; three of the same solid element of nature, such as pinecone or rock, to represent the characters in Jesus’ story How: Help campers find the story in Chapter 15 of Luke, verses 11–32 in their Bibles, and invite them to follow along while you read it aloud. Ask them to identify the characters in this story. Tell the campers that Jesus was a storyteller, and that these kinds of stories are called “parables,” and Jesus used them to tell people what God was like. This section of the Gospel of Luke contains a lot of parables. Help campers identify several different stories of Jesus. Ask them to find the way Jesus began or ended his stories. Have campers use Jesus’ beginning and ending words to replace “once upon a time…” in some common stories. “The kingdom of heaven is like…” Choose three campers to tell the story and act it out on a table, using the pinecones or rocks as the father and his two sons. Encourage campers to think about the prodigal son as a character in a fable or fairytale. Ask them to imagine out loud how each of the characters might make choices. Ask questions using “where,” “how,” and “why.” Be sure to ask questions about all the characters (maybe even some they imagine into the story— innkeeper, sisters, mother, etc.). Ask campers how they might be like the characters in the story. When you talk about the father, use the same question format to help campers connect the father’s compassion, forgiveness, and joy with that of God. Let campers know that they do not need to fear rejection from God, for, like the father in

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the story, God will always wait for them to return and will accept them with open arms. BTW: Try to find other “quotes” from Jesus that you can use in place of everyday camp talk. Instead of, “If you can hear me, clap once,” say, “Let those with ears to hear, listen,” or, in place of, “Come over here,” use, “Let the children come unto me!” This can be fun and silly, but also a meaningful way to think about Jesus’ words in a new way.

CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES # P L A Y #LEARN Why: This engaging game requires campers to compare choices for responding to various scenarios and helps them make difficult decisions as a group. This game encourages campers to see shades of gray. Supplies: printout of Choices and Consequences scenarios, cut apart, on pages 114–115, a set of answer cards for each group (page 116), optional: popsicle sticks and cardstock, balloons How: Form groups with 4-6 members each. Make a set of answer cards for each group. If you want you can make the answer cards more sturdy by pasting them to cardstock and adding a popsicle stick handle. The answer choices are A, B, C, D, ?! (challenge,) and a light bulb (better idea). Have the campers decide how they will choose which team goes first. The first team selects a scenario card, and the adult leader reads the scenario out loud. The team has a minute or so to come to a decision, however they see fit, and show the corresponding sign. If they show the light bulb card, this indicates they have come up with a better option than any of those presented. At this point, ask all the teams to vote, A, B, C, or D. If they think they have a better idea for a solution, have them raise the light bulb card. Then ask the first group to explain their answer. If they have a “better idea,” have them present it. Ask the other groups if they think their own “better idea” is better than the one presented. If they do, have them hold up the “challenge” card (?!). Allow the challengers to present their better idea. Finally, if there are still multiple ideas on the floor, assign each group a letter, (A, B, C, or D) and allow the teams to vote for their favorite “better idea.” Play then goes to the next team, who draws the

next scenario card. Keep in mind that some of the scenarios are lighthearted (peanut butter or chocolate) and some are more serious. Spend some time processing the game when finished: • What factors might influence our choices? (Accept whatever campers answer, but add: our feelings, prior experiences, values, and beliefs). • Did everyone in your group get a chance to voice his or her opinion? • Was everyone in your group respected? • How easy or hard was it to make these choices? • How did you decide when there was more than one good answer?

BTW: To increase the fun-factor, write the answerchoices on balloons instead of answer cards, and allow the teams to express their decision by choosing the corresponding balloon and keeping it up in the air until they are called upon.

PRAYER OF THE PRODIGAL SON # P R AY Why: Can you imagine how miserable the prodigal son was when he had nothing to eat, yet was feeding pigs? This short prayer activity helps campers get in touch with today’s Bible story in a visceral way. Supplies: Bibles for you and campers, pencil, paper How: If you haven’t yet shared with campers the story of the prodigal and his brother, ask them to turn to the passage in Luke, Chapter 15, verses 11–32. Have them follow along while you read the story. Draw their attention to verses 17 and 18, where he is “dying of hunger” and admits to having “sinned against heaven.” Encourage campers to imagine a time when they were extremely hungry, when their stomachs felt so empty it was as if their belly buttons were touching their backbones, and when all they could think of was food. Then ask campers to think about and describe how the prodigal son probably prayed when he was feeling this hungry and thinking about all

BTW: The best time to do this activity may be right before lunch or after swim time when campers are more likely to actually be hungry. Please remember that your campers will have different experiences with hunger. Be sensitive and share some information with your campers about food insecurity. Brainstorm ways to help end hunger.

TRIO CONNECTION TAG # P L A Y Why: This game demonstrates the power of the group to protect an individual. Metaphors aside, this tag is just plain fun. Supplies: none How: Invite campers to divide themselves into groups of four and choose one person to be the farmer and one to be the pig. The pig and other two campers face each other and join hands to form a triangle/trio. Explain that the trio rotates one direction or the other to prevent the farmer from tagging the pig. When the farmer finally succeeds, the farmer and pig trade places with the other two campers in the circle and the chase begins again. Rule that joined hands cannot be broken and the farmer cannot cross the trio’s circle. At your signal, the farmers start chasing. BTW: If you like, you can combine two trios and see if they can rotate fast enough to help one pig evade one farmer.

MAKE AN ORT REPORT #LEARN Why: The amount of food wasted in our country—and yes, by your own campers—could be considered a sin in light of starving people everywhere. This activity helps campers know how much they are wasting and encourages them to make better food choices. An “ort,” in case you’re wondering, is a scrap or a morsel of food.

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• Will this game help you to make better choices in real life?

the bad choices he had made. Have campers work together to write a prayer for him, each creating a different sentence or contributing key words. You can write these out on the paper as they dictate them to you. Edit this into a cohesive prayer and read it out loud. Let campers make revisions. You can use this prayer as a grace before supper, ending with thanks to God for the food you are about to receive.

Supplies: the camp’s food scales, a small dish tub, poster board, marker; (optional): calculator How: After a meal without chicken bones, watermelon, or other large, inedible parts, ask campers to put their food waste (not liquid) in the dish tub. Then weigh the waste, adjusting for the weight of the empty tub. Make a large chart on the poster board, including boxes to record the day, the meal, the weight of the waste, and even the amount of waste per camper (by weighing the tub separately after each camper puts waste in, then subtracting previous weight). Record the data you just collected.

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When you present this information to campers before the next meal, talk with them about your desire to beat this record by having them produce less waste. Make sure you tell them why less is better, and give tips on how they can keep from wasting food. Record the weight of waste from several meals to see if campers were able to reduce it. BTW: If there are other camps that will be using the facility in following weeks, you might try to determine the average waste-per-camper-per-meal for your whole camp, and issue a challenge to the next camp to try to beat it. Make sure you present the information in a friendly way, not critically, and lift up the goal of less waste as a fun challenge.

your hands? Does the tree have buds, flowers, or seedpods? Is it a coniferous (evergreen) or deciduous (loses its leaves in winter) tree? Can you see the roots?” Also encourage campers to notice the details when they get close to their trees with questions such as these: 1. “Feel the shape of twigs and the texture of bark. Is there any place where the bark has come off? A hole or bump? How do these places feel different?” 2. “Look for insects or anything growing on the bark. What colors do you see?” 3. “Smell the bark and the leaves. Try to remember the smells.” 4. “Select a leaf and note its shape. Does the leaf have a saw-toothed or a smooth edge? How many lobes?” Send each camper out to examine and really get to know his or her one specific tree. Give campers about five or ten minutes with their trees.

MEET A TREE #LEARN

Now comes the fun part! Call campers back to the starting point and have them stand facing all the trees. Help them put on their blindfolds and explain that now each is to find his or her tree again—the same tree! They will identify it by touch and smell. Tell them to call out when they have found their “own” tree. Then they can remove their blindfolds and come back again to the starting point.

Why: This nature activity gives campers a chance to get familiar with trees in ways they probably never have before.

When all the campers have identified their trees and come back, ask them to sit or stand in a circle and share what they discovered.

Supplies: wooded area free of poison ivy, a blindfold or bandana for each camper in your group How: Hike with campers to the edge of a wooded area—an easily identifiable starting point. Explain that today they are going to get acquainted with and learn everything they can about a tree. Have each camper select his or her own tree to observe, starting with overall appearance, shape, size, branching pattern, and colors. To get the campers started, offer some “observation” questions, such as: “Is it moving in the wind? How does that sound? Are there birds in the tree? Can you measure its circumference with your arms, or just

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BTW: This activity can be combined with an art project, such as leaf or bark rubbings, leaf prints, or drawings of trees. See ”Leaf Printing” activity below.

PRACTICE BEING HERE NOW # P R A Y Why: We often spend time thinking about what we did in the past or what we will do in the future, and shortchange our lives in the present. By giving attention to where we are and whom we are with now, we fully experience the present. Thus, our memories are more vivid and our relationships are strengthened. This short

meditative prayer will help campers attend to the present…and to the presence of God. Supplies: a printout of this meditation; (optional): mats to sit on dewy grass

“This moment is not what was before. Be here now. Breathe deeply. Thank God for the air that smells fresh and clean. [pause] This moment is not what will be. Be here now. Feel the sun on your face. Thank God for this source of warmth and light. [pause] This moment is the present. Be here now. Listen to sounds of nature around you. Thank God for each thing you hear. [pause] Smile. Make the most of this day as an opportunity that will not come to you again.” End the meditation by praying aloud for mindfulness—that you and your campers will look for God in the happenings of today, in the relationships with those around you, and in God’s creation where you live now. BTW: If it is raining, instead of, “Feel the sun on your face,” in the prayer, you can substitute, “Feel the surface you are sitting on,” and continue with, “Thank God for gravity,” instead for “warmth and light.” You can sing, before or after this activity, the song “This Is the Day (That the Lord Has Made).” Give an adverb before each verse to indicate how it should be sung: reverently, joyfully, peacefully, etc.

Why: This craft will help campers observe the details of leaves and make thank-you cards they can send.

Supplies: tables or floor; plastic tablecloths; 3 brayers (one for each color); a plastic bag for each brayer; masking tape; 3 tree leaves for each camper (that they will collect of the ground themselves); washable tempera paint in orange, yellow, and green; tub of water; rags; trash bag; and, for each group of 4 campers: 3 paper plates, a pencil, 12 sheets of white office paper, and 12 size-A4 greeting-card envelopes How: Cover the tabletops or floor with plastic tablecloths. Instruct each camper to find on the ground three different kinds of leaves that are still green and pliable. Ask them to not pick leaves off the trees or bushes. Ahead of time, or while campers are hunting for leaves, set up a “printing station” for each foursome of campers. Squeeze out orange paint on a paper plate for each foursome. Do the same with the yellow and the green: each color on a separate plate. Use a different brayer for each color to spread out the paint on the plates. You may need to put out more paint later as the campers use it up, so keep the brayers moist, separately, in their plastic bags. At each station, put out a plate of each color, a pencil, and 12 sheets of white paper. (Keep the envelopes for later so they don’t get messed up.) When campers arrive, invite them to sit in groups of four at each station. Explain that they are making three thank-you cards, to send to whomever they choose, by printing with leaves. Instruct each camper to first fold in half his or her three sheets of paper and to write his or her name on the insides. Then, show the campers, by visual example, how to lay one leaf in the paint (spine down), gently press it to ink-up one side, and lay the leaf paint-side down on the outside of the folded paper (now “unfolded” to lay “mostly” flat). Press it gently and lift straight up. Lay the leaf aside and tell campers to do the same thing with three different leaves and colors. Have them put the leaf prints on only one side of the folded paper. The other side will be the inside of the card. Remind them to press each leaf in only

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How: Lead campers to a serene place out of doors. Ask them to sit in their own spots, about six feet from each other, and still within hearing distance of your voice. Sit down and ask campers to quietly sit in a cross-legged pose, with arms relaxed on their thighs and eyes closed. Assure them that your voice will tell them what to do and that you will close with prayer aloud. If they can’t hear you, they can raise their hands and adjust their positions. Briefly calm yourself and begin the meditation, speaking slowly, with these words (pause for a full 30 seconds after each “Thank God” instruction):

LEAF PRINTING #CREATE #SERVE

one color to keep the colors on the plates pure. They can use the leaves again for printing on their other folded sheets, making multiple impressions on the same sheet, space permitting. Show campers where to lay their printed papers when they are done, where to put their trash, and where to wash their hands in the tub of water. When the papers are dry, campers can write a message on the inside, and then fold each one a second time, so they will fit into the envelopes. Give them an envelope for each card they made. BTW: You can combine this activity with “Meet a Tree,” above. If you like, you can mix yellow and green paint together to make a fourth color option.

Older Children

Older campers might like to use a rubber stamp with the words “Thank you” and brown ink to print on top of the dry leaf shapes on the front of their cards. For campers who finish early, have some scrap paper available that they can keep painting on.

ZENTANGLE PATTERNS #CREATE #LEARN Why: This drawing activity exercises fine motor skills, helps campers who are restless, and expresses creativity within a framework of technique. It is a fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured, repetitive patterns. Supplies: a 9”x12” pad of quality, white, drawing paper; a set of colored pencils; a few rulers; and 1 pencil and 1 black, ultra-fine-tip permanent marker for each camper How: Prepare ahead by viewing Zentangle patterns and how-tos on YouTube or in books found at craft stores. Enjoy creating one of your own. At camp, have campers sit at a smooth-surfaced table with their pencils, markers, and single sheets of paper. Put rulers in the center of the table for them to share. (Colored pencils will be introduced later.) Show campers a variety of Zentangle patterns and a sample of how patterns can be combined. Point out lines and shapes they can use in their patterns: dot, straight line, curved line, zig-zag, spiral, arch, leaf shape, petal shape, diamond, oval, circle, square, etc.

Have campers start with drawing a five-inch (approx.) square near the top of their paper and a second five-inch square on the lower half of the sheet. Then instruct them to divide one square into nine smaller squares (like a Tic-tac-toe grid). In each small square, they will create a different pattern starting with simple repetitive shapes. Try one with different-sized bubbles or chains of leaf shapes. Repetition is key to Zentangles. When campers have filled their squares, get out the colored pencils so they can color in the doodle Be sure to collect all the permanent markers so that campers don’t carry them off to try this technique on unapproved surfaces. BTW: If you are working at rough picnic tables or without tables at all, provide campers with clipboards or other smooth surfaces and protect these with a layer of newspaper. You may want to cut the sheets in half first.

THE PRODIGAL PUPPET #CREATE Why: This activity helps campers remember the Bible story of the prodigal son, Luke 15:11–32.

Supplies: select puppet materials from whatever you have on hand—such as paper grocery bags, clean socks from the lost-and-never-reclaimed box, yarn, construction paper, foam sheets, or felt; white glue; scissors; wooden paint-stirring sticks; googly eyes; large sheet of paper (or dry-erase board) and marker; cereal-box cardboard; pencils; water-soluble markers; and Bible How: Put your selected puppet materials and tools out on tables where campers will work. Ask campers to sit in a circle, then read aloud or tell the Bible story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–32. On a large sheet of paper or dry-erase board, list the characters as you ask campers to identify them (including pigs and party-goers). Then explain that campers will be making puppets for these characters. Ask campers which character they want their puppet to be. Allow them to brainstorm roles. Campers can even make pieces of the set, such as trees. List all the characters (and props) that will be made, and come up with a signature phrase for each one. For example: Father: I love you, son! Older Brother: This is crazy!

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Trees: (wind blowing noise) Invite campers to sit at the tables of materials and tools. They can select the type of material they want to use for the base of their character or prop. Then they can add details they cut out for hair, face, eyes, clothes, etc. After they finish gluing everything together to create finished puppets, lay them aside to dry completely. You may want campers to write their names on masking tape to attach to them when they are done.

PERFORM FOR PATIENTS #SERVE Why: Puppet shows may not be a new idea, but they still make kids laugh. And laughter may be good medicine for children in the hospital. This service activity helps everyone feel good.

Before arriving at the hospital, explain to campers the environment they will enter and your expectations for their behavior. Either take your table along or ask the hospital to provide one. Set up your table in the area designated by hospital personnel and have campers perform the show. BTW: If you are making puppets, that should be done on a day before the show. This show can be performed for your camp’s talent night, for parents when they arrive to pick the campers up, or, if you can’t find anyone else, perform it for the trees! Just find some sort of audience!

Supplies: puppets, a six- or eight-foot folding table, Bible

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BTW: Encourage campers to really use their imaginations, and try not to give them too much direction. Don’t worry if you have 5 campers who want to do the prodigal son, 2 fathers, and 7 pigs. Go with it and keep it fun. If you do get enough variety of characters, campers can use the characters to present the story at a campwide campfire gathering or for the service activity below.

How: Make arrangements ahead of time to visit a hospital with a children’s wing. Practice the show. Open your folding table and lay it on its side to shield your actors from the audience. Choose one volunteer camper to be the narrator of the story (Luke 15:11–32) and read it aloud or tell it. Have campers practice the story sitting behind the table with their puppets raised in view of the practice audience on the other side.

1. A friend tells you that they have decided to run away from home. They ask you not to tell anyone else. a. Keep it to yourself. They don’t want you to tell. b. Talk to a trusted adult to get advice. c. Pray for them. d. Go with them. e. Better idea:

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4. You want to learn to ride a horse. a. Watch some YouTube videos about “how to ride a horse.” b. See if anyone nearby offers lessons and talk to a parent about it. c. Ask your parent for a horse. d. Ask a friend who takes riding lessons if you can watch sometime. e. Better idea:

7. Your parent forgot to pick you up from chorus practice after school. a. Wait. They’ll notice eventually that you’re gone. b. Wait with a trusted adult for a few minutes, then call. c. Get a ride with your friend’s dad. d. Start walking toward home. e. Better idea:

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2. You borrowed something special from your parent, but you broke it before you got to use it. a. Put it back broken. No one will notice. b. Fix it, then put it back. c. Tell your parent it is broken and ask for help fixing it. d. Tell your parent to get a new one. e. Better idea:

3. You found a nest with baby birds in it high in a tree. a. Leave it alone. b. Find bugs and worms and toss them at the nest. c. Try and move the nest to a lower branch where you can watch it. d. Set up a camera so you can watch the birds grow. e. Better idea:

5. The lifeguard blows her whistle at you because you were running by the pool.

6. Your brother keeps inching into your space in the backseat of the car.

a. Explain to her why you were in such a hurry. She’ll understand. b. Apologize and slow down. c. Cry. Maybe that will get you out of trouble. d. Make sure she isn’t watching next time you need to run. e. Better idea:

a. Draw an imaginary line and tell him not to cross it. b. Ask a parent to tell him to stop. c. Tell him that you’d like your space and ask him to move over. d. Scoot over, he must need more room than you. e. Better idea:

8. You didn’t get your homework done last night.

9. You have to choose between peanut butter and chocolate.

a. Wake up early and finish it. b. Explain to your teacher that you forgot it. c. Tell your teacher a dramatic story about why you couldn’t finish it. d. Find a friend who will let you copy theirs before class. e. Better idea:

a. Peanut Butter b. Chocolate c. Both! d. Neither e. Better idea:

11. You can’t decide if you want to have a laser-tag birthday party or a pool party.

a. Ask your friend to explain what a Bar Mitzvah is. b. Ask your parents to explain what a Bar Mitzvah is. c. Ask your Sunday school teacher to explain what a Bar Mitzvah is. d. Ask Siri to explain what a Bar Mitzvah is. e. Better idea:

a. It’s too hard to decide. Don’t have a party. b. Go with laser-tag. Some kids don’t know how to swim. c. Go with pool party, some parents don’t let their kids play with guns. d. Have a Laser-Pool party e. Better idea:

13. You know it’s dinnertime, but you’re not done with the level of your video game.

14. Your friend has invited you to run in a 5K with him. It’s on Sunday morning at 7 AM. Your family usually goes to the 8 AM worship service at church.

a. Save your game and go help set the table. b. Tell your parents that you need a few more minutes. c. Wait for your parents to tell you to quit. d. Tell your parents that you aren’t stopping until you get to the end of the level. e. Better idea:

16. Your best friend is running for class president. You know that she would do okay, but the other candidate promised to get a soda machine in the cafeteria. a. Vote for your friend. Loyalty matters. b. Vote for the other candidate. Soda matters. c. Make your decision based on who will be best for the school. d. Don’t vote. e. Better idea:

a. Tell your friend you don’t want to go because it’s so early. b. Get up and go. It’s just one Sunday and you know you’ll have fun. c. Tell your friend that Sunday worship is too important to miss. d. See if your family can go to a later worship service that day. e. Better idea:

17. Your parents told you to turn off your phone and go to sleep. a. Turn off your phone and go to sleep. b. Turn off your phone, but turn it back on if you can’t sleep. c. Stay on your phone until you hear them coming to tuck you in. d. Turn off your phone, but turn it back on when they’re out of earshot. e. Better idea:

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12. You need new jeans for school, but you know that jeans can be expensive, and you’re not sure if your parents can afford them right now. a. Make-do with your old jeans. Your parents don’t need to be bothered with this. b. Ask your parents if they might be able to get you new jeans. c. Tell your parents to get you new jeans. d. Ask your friend if you can have a pair of their old jeans. e. Better idea:

15. Your brother takes medicine for ADHD. You know it makes him feel better. You think it might help you feel better. a. See if your brother thinks the medicine would be good for you. b. See if your doctor thinks the medicine would be good for you. c. See if your friend thinks the medicine would be good for you. d. Try the medicine and see if it is good for you. e. Better idea: 18. One of your classmates had an embarrassing thing happen to her, and you’re the only one who knows. a. Tell the classmate you know, but promise not to tell anyone. b. Tell one other person because it is an interesting story. c. Tell the classmate something embarrassing that happened to you one time. d. Never speak of this again. e. Better idea:

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10. Your friend invites you to his Bar Mitzvah. You have no idea what a Bar Mitzvah is.

Answer Cards:

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OLDER CHILDREN

Day 5: I Have Spoken to You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Kings 19:8–16 Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 19:11a He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

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Theological Summary: Elijah found God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the silence that followed. We can find God in the silence, too, and connect with God through prayer. Campers will: • experience many ways to connect to God through the mystery of prayer • practice listening for God’s voice • become aware of how God provides for them in many different ways • explore ways of connecting to God on their own

Daily Activities — Appreciating Silence: # P L A Y Literally turn off the noise — Call Me for Dinner: # P L A Y A game about listening carefully — Pray with Your Heart: # P L A Y # P R A Y Notice how your body reacts to prayer — Signs of Thanks: #LEARN # P R A Y Learn a new table blessing song with ASL — Take a Hike: #LEARN # P L A Y Choose from a menu of ways to explore nature — Listening for God’s Voice: # P R A Y Giving voice to God’s compassion — Make Prayer Stones: #CREATE # P R A Y Make something tangible for prayer — Busy-Day Pie Charts: #CREATE Illustrate how campers really spend their time — Door Service: #serve Practice showing compassion with small acts

Leader Notes: Silence is a rare commodity in your campers’ lives. Some of them may have “screentime rules” imposed by their parents or teachers. Be sure to mention how shutting off electronics and connecting to the real world around them can be good for their spirit.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time When campers are ready for bed, and they are finished with “highs and lows” of the day, ask them what they think happiness is. Give everyone a chance to respond, and affirm all their answers. Then, state that “the boy who spoke to the earth” was looking for happiness. Read and show the pictures from the book The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth by Chris Burkard.

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When you have finished reading, turn out the light and sing to campers the song: “This Pretty Planet,” and finish by asking them to “sleep well!”

Song Ideas • “This Pretty Planet” • “Spirit of Life” (Carolyn McDade, 1991) • “God Send Us the Spirit” (Tom Colvin, 1969) • “Dona Nobis Pacem”

Guide My Feet #CELEBRATE Why: This active worship gets campers up and moving. Supplies: none How: This activity will require plenty of space. Invite campers to form a circle. Instruct campers to clap a simple rhythm, following you, and sing “Guide My Feet” (African American Spiritual), a song that repeats most of the same words in each verse, changing just a few at the beginning each time: “Guide my feet…” “Hold my hand…” “Stand by me…” “Search my heart…” You can add any verses you make up, such as: “Speak to me…” Make the last verse “Guide my feet…” again. Ask the person next to you to follow where you go, and have each camper similarly follow the person in front of him or her. Continue singing, stepping in rhythm with your claps, and lead the line of campers around the space until you come to the last verse and circle up again.

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Then, pray: “God of the earth, the sky, the sea! Maker of all above, below! Creation lives and moves in thee, thy present life through all does flow. We give thee thanks, thy name we sing! Almighty God, our praise we bring” (from hymn text by Samuel Longfellow).

God Speaks in Silence #centering Why: Many campers may have trouble with silence because they are constantly surrounded with noise or music. This short worship is an opportunity to help them appreciate it and listen for God. Supplies: none How: Invite campers to sit a little apart, so that they aren’t as tempted to disturb each other. Ask campers: “Is God a man? Is God a woman?” Explain: “No, God is spirit, a being whom you can’t see with your eyes, or hear with your ears, or smell or taste. But you can experience God in other ways, listening with your mind. God speaks to us through other people, through circumstances or things that happen in our lives, and in the silence.” “Let’s practice a bit of silence together. You can hold a piece of grass or a stone in your hands if you like. Close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing. Let thoughts pass through your mind. Let them go. Just listen. I will begin with a prayer and also end the silence with a prayer.” Then pray, “Spirit God, please bless your children as we open our minds and hearts to you.” Give campers only a couple of minutes of silence, or until the first one becomes restless. Break the silence by praying, “Thank you, God, for letting us come near to you in these few minutes of silence. Please help us to be more open to your speaking to our hearts and minds, to your working in our lives, and to people who carry your messages of love, hope, and healing.” Sing together, as campers and leaders exit, “Dona Nobis Pacem.”

. Story Resources . Listening to Crickets: A Story about Rachel Carson, by Candice F. Ransom (Lerner Classroom, 1993) How Does God Listen? by Kay Lindahl (SkyLight Paths, 2005) The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth by Chris Burkard (Dreamling Books, 2015)

Daily Activities APPRECIATING SILENCE # P L A Y

“In the silence of the heart, God speaks.”—Mother Teresa Supplies: Bible; at least 3 portable devices that can play recordings or can stream music with speakers; music or recordings from 4 different genres: (1) something loud and classical like “Beethoven’s Fifth” or Wagner’s “Flight of the Valkyries,” (2) some sports or news talk radio, (3) a trendy pop song all the kids will be familiar with, and (4) a recording of one of your camp’s favorite vespers songs, or a hymn like “Softly and Tenderly” How: Take campers to a quiet and peaceful place to sit. When they have settled, read aloud the scripture: 1 Kings 19: 8–16. Ask them what sorts of things this scripture makes them think about. Tell campers you want to help them learn to appreciate silence, because sometimes this can be a hard thing to learn. Tell them, “First, we’re

Begin a conversation about listening for God or God’s voice. Ask them if they experience difficulty hearing God. Ask them to think about their typical day. When and where do they have a chance to listen to God? Brainstorm the noises that might get in the way of listening for God. Ask how much time they spend alone each day. How much time sitting in silence, just doing something with their hands (like art or crafts), listening to nature, meditating, or praying? The noisiness of their lives is like the noise of the wind, the earthquake, and the fire. Elijah didn’t hear God there, either. Try silent prayer again—begin this time by playing calming, centering music that gently fades to silence. Let them continue in this silence for more than a minute. When one begins to get restless, end the silent prayer with, “Amen.” BTW: You can take this activity up a notch by having campers chart the activities of their busy days on paper or poster board. See “Busy-Day Pie Charts,” below. This activity could be repeated at vespers or campfire tonight. If your campers have Quiet Time, FoB, nap time, or something similar, you could encourage them, during that time, to journal a list of noises that might keep them from hearing God, and a list of things that help them to listen to God.

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Why: Believe it or not, your campers process sensory information differently that you do. In fact, many factors influence how brains store, retrieve, and comprehend sensory stimulation: age, development, environment, gender, and physical health are just some. And scientists are discovering new information about sensory processing daily. Some people need absolute silence to think; others have brains that perform at higher levels when they have white noise in the background. This activity encourages you to honor differences in sensory processing, and learn how isolating one sense strengthens your awareness of the others.

going to start with noisiness.” Invite campers to get comfortable and to close their eyes. Once they have settled, play the device with the loud classical music at a high volume. (Be careful; remember that hearing can be damaged at levels over 75 decibels. Count on the noisiness of the music to convey the confusion). After 30 seconds to a minute, add the talk-radio track on top of the classical music. Finally, at a slightly lower volume, play the familiar pop song. Your campers may react with relief or other comments when they recognize the song. Once most of them have identified the familiar song, ask them to enjoy listening to it, but don’t turn off the other music. Then, turn off the classical music by turning down the volume slowly; repeat with the talk radio. Finally, fade out the familiar song. Then ask them to spend a few minutes listening to the “music of God” (silence). After a minute or two of silence, say, “Amen.”

CALL ME FOR DINNER # P L A Y Why: This game is good for any size group, even your whole camp. With a small group, just include adults along with campers. This activity can spark a conversation about listening carefully—to God and to one another.

PRAY WITH YOUR HEART # P L A Y # P R AY Why: This eyes-open, joyful prayer will help campers ground their praise to God in the substance of the body and help them appreciate the body’s wonderful design—God’s handiwork.

Supplies: large, safe playing space (preferably outdoors), blindfolds for every player if possible

Supplies: toilet paper tubes for half your campers; (optional): the nurse’s stethoscope

How: First, ask the players to line up in front of you, shoulder to shoulder, tallest to shortest.

How: Lead campers to a quiet spot without distractions. Ask them to sit comfortably and quietly in pairs (matching gender if possible), about six feet apart. Give a toilet paper tube to each pair.

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Ask the shortest player to “fold” his or her end of the line around so he or she is facing the tallest person at the other end, “folding” the line in half. Each player should be facing another camper, who becomes his or her partner. Make sure by having partners shake hands. If you have an odd number of campers, pair the extra camper with a counselor or CIT. Pass out a blindfold to each player. Explain that the goal of the game is for each camper to find his or her partner only by sound, and that campers will identify their partners by calling out matching words. Invite each pair to choose their own set of words, like peanut and butter, sun and burn, etc. After they have done so, have them call out these words once now, so that you can tell if there are any duplicates. Demonstrate with a partner how the calling of one set of words will be repeated when you start the action. Also demonstrate the “bumpersup” position (hands up with palms forward) for moving around safely. Instruct the two lines to walk to opposite ends of the playing area, and have adults put the blindfolds on them and mix them up. On your loud signal, start each line walking toward the middle. When partners find each other, let them begin a conversation on a topic of their choice. BTW: For an indoor variation, you can have callers try whispering their words. After you have played with words, invite the pairs to make an animal noise (chirp, growl, howl…) to find one another. Try having them pick a pop song as their noise. Invite them to come up with their own ways of identifying each other.

First invite campers to place their hands over their hearts (center of the chest) to feel them beating. Talk about how the heart pulses (directed by the brain) with no conscious control from them. Instruct campers to use the toilet paper tube to hear one another’s heartbeats. After everyone has had a chance to do this and has settled down, lead them in prayer, giving robust thanks to God for the heart’s wonderful design. Then have campers put their fingers on their own various pulse points—on the wrist, under the jaw, inside the upper arm—feel their pulse, and imagine the blood pumping through their systems. Lead them in giving thanks for the life that our blood carries throughout our bodies. Ask campers to imagine the blood reaching the tips of their fingers and toes, and give thanks. Have them imagine the blood circulating through their brains, and give thanks. Invite campers to consider the mystery of their bodies, and give thanks to God for how they sustain their lives. BTW: Using the tubes and searching for their pulse points may cause laughter, which is okay as long as it doesn’t get too raucous or out of hand. Expressing our awe and appreciation, prayer can even be fun. Remind campers that it is important to respect personal boundaries, and if someone is uncomfortable with any touch, it is okay.

SIGNS OF THANKS #LEARN # P R A Y Why: Not only is this prayer good for hearingimpaired campers, but it offers a physical

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expression for assisting memory and for campers who may need something to do with their hands. You can use it as a vehicle to learn sign language, or just as a grace to sing for meals. Visit www.handspeak.com/word/ to see the signs for individual words. Supplies: computer and Internet access so leaders can learn motions from the website How: Sing this prayer to the tune of “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean,” slowly. “The bear…” Bend fingers like claws; cross forearms over chest, and scratch.

“…the Lord…” Make an “L” with one index finger and thumb; cross torso with this letter from opposite shoulder to near hip. “…for…” Touch right index finger to temple; then point finger straight up with thumb facing forward. “…the mountain.” Make fists; circle them around each other. “The fish…” Flatten hands; touch left fingertips to right base of palm; flap right hand like a fish’s tail. “…thanks the Lord…” (As above) “…for…” Touch right index finger to temple; then point finger straight up with thumb facing forward. “…the sea.” Hold out hands palms down with wrists bent; rotate hands in unison to the right, twice. “And we…” Point up just the index finger (palm out) and swing it across chest to end up pointing sideways, palm facing yourself.

“…God’s…” Raise flat hand perpendicular to face; turn hand facing forward. “…goodness,…” Flatten hand and touch fingertips to chin; push hand straight forward. (This sign could be left out to simplify.) “…and what…” Open right hand; close fingertips to thumb while drawing it to the right. “…we’re about…” (our) Hold up flat hand palm out; swing it across chest to end up with palm facing yourself. “…to receive.”’ (food) Close fingertips to thumb of one hand; use them to point to mouth. BTW: You can make up easier motions if campers find the sign language too difficult, but try learning this yourself first. (See activities for younger children for an easier option.)

TAKE A HIKE #LEARN # P L A Y Why: What’s a week at camp without a hike? Hikes get kids on their feet and offer opportunities to discover the real world. Supplies: first-aid kit, a water bottle for each camper, magnifying glass, binoculars How: After campers get ready to go (i.e., with close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and their water bottles), don’t just walk them through the woods, down to the lake, or across the meadow—not without pausing many times to investigate interesting bits of nature along the way. Provide campers with a “menu” of types of hikes to take and allow them to “place their order” (choose which thing to do). Print out or refer to menu on pages 125–126. Invite them to try these activities, ask questions, and point out what they discover to other campers: • Look for fungus on trees or logs

“…thank the Lord…” (As above)

• Listen for birdcalls

“…for…”

• Detect temperature differences

• Notice the shapes of clouds

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“…thanks…” Flatten hand and touch fingertips to lips; tip hand forward as if blowing a kiss.

Touch right index finger to temple; then point finger straight up with thumb facing forward.

• Smell the leaves of a spice bush • Count how many different beetles they see • Feel the softness of moss • Recognize jewelweed—an antidote plant for stinging nettles • Observe different patterns of tree bark • Learn whether that fluttering insect is a moth or butterfly

them what to pray for the persons standing in front of them. They are to listen for a minute and then slowly pray out loud one or two sentences, while the “twos” write what is said (key words) in their notebooks. 3. When everyone is finished with this first prayer, instruct the “twos” to rotate to the left, where they stand in front of the next sitting person.

• Identify poison ivy and nettles!

4. Repeat the prayer process until every “one” has prayed for every “two.”

BTW: You can also take along a pocket-sized book of trees, insects, or birds to help identify them and answer campers’ questions.

5. Then thank the “ones” for their prayers and ask these campers to remove their blindfolds.

LISTENING FOR GOD’S VOICE # P R A Y Older Children

Why: The voice of God may be easier for children to hear than for adults, for children’s minds are not yet burdened with a lot of preconceptions. This activity offers a good opportunity to practice listening, and may even reveal some accurate hearing. Supplies: a small (pocket-sized) notebook and pencil or pen for each camper in your group, blindfolds for half the campers How: Explain that in this activity they each will pray aloud for another camper, without knowing who this person is. Give each camper a notebook and pencil or pen. Quickly divide your group in half by asking them to count off “One, two, one, two,” etc. Blindfold the “ones” and invite them to sit in a circle facing outward. Have the “twos” circle around the “ones,” facing them, so that each is standing directly in front of a blindfolded camper and kneel (or sit, if kneeling isn’t possible) in front of him or her. Instruct the “twos” to remain silent so that the blindfolded campers will not recognize them. You, as the leader, may want to stand in the center of the circle to lead this time of prayer and reflection. Explain the process of asking God for information, listening for God’s voice, and praying for the people standing in front of them. Then begin: 1. Settle everyone’s hearts and minds with quiet, encouraging words to bring them into the presence of God. 2. Invite the “ones” (sitting) to ask God to tell

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Invite the “twos” to share, if they like, what prayers they received and how the prayers have meaning for their lives. Then ask the “twos” to trade places with the “ones” and take their turn putting on the blindfolds and praying. Begin the prayer process again. After all the “twos” have prayed for every “one,” invite the “ones” to share what prayers they received and how those prayers have meaning for their lives. You may be surprised by what they say! Close the session with a prayer of your own, thanking God for speaking to your campers. BTW: Some campers may be uncomfortable with extemporaneous prayer and may feel embarrassed or shy. You can ask the campers to think of two individual words of blessing for example, “safety, health,” etc.), rather than a whole sentence. If you have an uneven number of campers, a counselor or CIT may participate along with campers. The notebooks can be used as prayer journals in other activities at camp, or when campers go home.

MAKE PRAYER STONES #CREATE # P R AY Why: Sometimes having a tangible object to hold while praying helps focus. Supplies: “baker’s clay” (AKA play dough) made from flour, salt, and water; plastic bag; pencil and plastic knife for each camper; large cookie sheet or jellyroll pan How: Ahead of time, mix up “baker’s clay” ahead of time from 3 cups flour, 1½ cups salt, and 1½ cups water. Gradually add more water or flour as

needed. Knead it until it is workable and keep it moist in a plastic bag. Arrange with the kitchen staff to borrow a large cookie sheet and ask them to bake the campers’ “stones” later. At the craft table, give each camper a lump of clay the size of an orange, a pencil, and a plastic knife. Explain that campers are going to make “stones” to help them pray. Instruct campers to form their clay into thick “hamburger patties,” and cut them into four equal pieces. They then shape each piece into a thick oval and use the pencil to print/indent one word into each “stone”: Thanks, Forgive, Help, and Serve. Have them put their initials on the backs of each “stone” (make sure no campers have the same initials, and adjust accordingly if any do). Place the stones on the cookie sheet for baking.

BTW: The recipe above uses food for a nonedible purpose. Many camps are sensitive to food use. There are also recipes online such as “clean mud” and do-it-yourself air-dry clay. You might consider some of these alternatives, or use a prepared craft product. If you have time later, after the stones are baked, you can let campers color the tops of their stones (without getting color into the words) with permanent markers. Campers can use these stones at tomorrow’s worship together.

BUSY-DAY PIE CHARTS #CREATE Why: This craft provides campers a visual aid to better understanding of how they spend their time. It is best done just before or in connection with the “Appreciating Silence” activity found earlier above. Supplies: for each camper: a 11”x14” poster board, a sheet of paper, pencil, eraser, and ruler; plenty of crayons or colored markers; two 10” plastic or paper plates; How: Set out supplies on a table for campers to work on. First, invite campers to think about how they spend their time each day. Discuss with the

Invite campers to use pencils to write their names on the back of their poster boards and take turns tracing around a plate on the front. Have them divide their circles into twelve segments by visualizing them as analog clocks and placing a tick-mark at each spot a number would appear, around the circle. Then, have each use a ruler to lightly connect the tick-marks across the circle: 12 to 6, 9 to 3, etc. All lines should intersect in the center of the circle. When this is done, campers will each have 12 pie-shaped sections, each one representing two hours in a 24-hour day. These are “guidelines.” Then campers start with the activity that takes up the largest amount of their time (sleeping) and mark the amount of space (time) it takes on the circle, using the “guidelines” to determine how big to make it. They will repeat this process with the next largest activity. When they need to show one hour, they can put a tick-mark on the perimeter of the circle, halfway between two “guidelines.” Connecting that mark to the center point of the circle will make two sections that each represent one hour. When they are finished, you can encourage them to color each defined activity “time-allotment” section of their circles a different color to represent the different activities. BTW: Campers can compare charts if they want to, but there should be no judgment attached to that. The charts can be used in the conversation about appreciating silence, if you follow this activity with that earlier one (found several activities earlier above).

DOOR SERVICE #SERVE Why: An act of kindness can be very small and yet appreciated. Sharing a little kindness has a wonderful effect on the giver as well as the receiver.

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Have kitchen bake them at 350 degrees until light brown. Use a set of these stones to show campers how to pray with them. Hold each stone in turn as you (1) offer thanks for one of God’s blessings, (2) ask God to forgive you for an unkind action, (3) request help for another person, (4) and ask for chances to serve others.

group how much time is generally spent sleeping, eating, sitting at school, exercising or playing active games, etc., in 24 hours. Have each camper list these things on his or her individual piece of paper. Ask how much screen time (TV, computer, video games, tablet, or phone) they get each day. How much time alone just thinking, doing meditation, or praying? Have each camper add all his or her time amounts together. Of course, campers’ lists will be different.

Supplies: transportation for your group of campers and leaders How: Invite campers to serve today by holding open doors for people and greeting them. Find a busy place, such as a store, office building, or hospital. (of course, first get permission from the building’s manager.) Remind campers about safety and boundaries and give them your expected time frame for the activity. Encourage campers to take turns opening doors and acting as greeters, displaying a gracious attitude and lots of smiles. Teach them a few phrases such as, “I’d be glad to help…,” and, “May I get the door?” or just, “Have a nice day!” On the way back to camp, engage campers in conversation about their experience.

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BTW: If you like, take along lollypops that have tags with the name of your camp and a cheerful message, such as, “God loves you!” attached. Campers who are greeters can offer these to the people going through the doors.

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Drinks Water Refreshing beverage for hydration More Water Delicious Sky Juice Different Water Try this – it’s wet!

Big Gulp (of water) Our loudest hydration drink

Ordering

Take A Hike

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Plenty of Water For the exceptionally thirsty

Hiking Menu

Your counselor, server, or adult leader will be glad to take your order. For reservations or carryout, call 800.NOT. GONNA.HAPPEN or tell your adult leader. [web address]

Open Daily and nightly upon request

The World is Your Oyster Hikes P. 800.NOT.GONNA.HAPPEN [web address]

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Main course Choose a path and direction for your hike. Try the woods, it’s amazing! Down by the Riverside This hike will take you down near the lake, pond, pool, shore, wading pool or sprinkler system. In other words, you’ll be by the water.

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A Walk in the Park You’ll delight by walking around the main campus of the camp. Try to stay on designated paths and notice things you haven’t before. Savor this experience with all of our best-known delights. Sights Unseen This hike will provide you with a taste of someplace you’ve probably never been on campus. This is a guided tour, and you must be accompanied by a seasoned adult. Ole’ Trusty This is a partner hike. Don your napkin as a blindfold and find a buddy (actually, find a buddy first, then use blindfold. Duh.) Your buddy will guide you on a tour of their choice and keep your safety first.

Dessert Oral Report Tell the group about your adventure. Work of Art Create a masterpiece to share. Interpretative Dance I mean, if you’re serious… go for it! Silent Reflection Spend time with your journal and Bible.

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Special Spices Boot Hike No flip-flops allowed on this hike. You’re going to get deep in the weeds or on rough terrain. Splash Gear You’ll ether need to plan to get wet, or use special gear to stay dry- chances for wetness98%. Heat Stroke Chances are you’ll need to take extra sun protection. You should take frequent breaks, drink lots of water, and re-apply sunscreen as needed.

Side Order of… Creepy Critters Take note of every creeping thing that creeps on the earth- your part of it, anyway. Side Salad Collect fallen leaves as you walk. Stay away from the no-no plants! Touchy Feely Gather your feelings! In other words, touch things and notice how they feel. Compare bark, moss, stones. Touch everything that’s safe to touch!

Prayer Thank You Very Much Give some gratitude to the Creator More, Please! Offer to be God’s server A Little Help Here? When things are not as you hoped

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Day 6: Abide With Me Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 24:13–35 Scripture Focus: Luke 24:32

Theological Summary: We have tools we can use to reconnect to God, and we find them as we walk the road with Jesus. Campers will: • discover how they might deepen their connection with God • learn how to sustain this relationship after they leave the camp community • become more familiar with their Bibles • serve one another by being Christlike to each other

Daily Activities — Role-play the Scripture: # P L A Y #LEARN Identify actions of the Bible story — Recognizing Jesus: # P L A Y Seeing things hiding in plain sight — “What Jesus Said” Community Prayer: # P R A Y Work together to share faith — Missing Person: # P L A Y Notice how your community has bonded — Compass and Map Reading: #LEARN Finding your way along the road — Night Watch: #LEARN Stars are always there, but are visible in darkness — A Letter from God: # P R A Y What does God have to say to you? — Colorful Jesus: #CREATE Make a surprise message — Service Acrostic Poem: #serve #CREATE Brainstorm ways to serve

Leader Notes: Have you ever noticed how much time at camp you spend walking from one place to another? All those walks are perfect opportunities to connect with your campers, to talk about important things, silly things, or just get to know each other. In-between time can be very functional. Challenge your campers to initiate conversations, too. Give them a challenge such as, “Find out three different people’s favorite subject at school before we get to the dining hall.”

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They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”

Worship Activities Cabin Time

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After campers are ready for bed, let them share their “highs and lows” of the day. Respond to their feelings in a compassionate way. Instead of reading, have campers also share their expectations for going home. Make sure everyone gets a chance to speak. Explain that they may understand the world in a new way as a result of this week of camp. Encourage them to keep their connections with God, taking a few moments each day to talk with God—sharing what they may be worried about, or afraid of, or excited for. You can close with a short prayer: “Dear God, when my campers go home tomorrow, please help them take along all the wonderful experiences they had at camp and remember to listen and talk with you.”

Song Ideas • “Pray about Everything” • “Open My Eyes That I May See” (hymn) • “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” (Paul Baloche) • “Sanctuary”

Whenever Prayer #CELEBRATE Why: Campers may think prayer is just for certain occasions, such as before meals, or bedtime, or just at church. This worship will help them understand that prayer is for any time. Supplies: none How: Explain to campers, “We have been talking a lot this week about connection—with God, with Jesus, and with each other. What are good ways to connect with God?” Accept all answers and affirm that prayer is an especially good way to connect with God. Ask, “When do we pray?” Explain that we can pray about anything anytime. Start a slow rhythm, clapping hands on thighs and chant: “We can pray to God when we are happy.” (Laugh) “We can pray to God when we are sad.” (Sniffle) “We can pray to God when we are hungry.” (“Yum, yum!”)

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“We can pray to God when we are sleepy.” (Yawn) “We can pray to God when we are _____.” (______) Let campers come up with some more examples and add the sound. Keep up the rhythm. End with: “We can pray to God… Anytime! Amen!” Pray: “Thank you, God, for being there to hear us, any time we want to tell you something.”

Thanks, Forgive, Help, and Serve #centering Why: The prayer “stones” are a tactile way for campers to learn to pray. This worship activity makes use of the stones campers made yesterday. Supplies: campers’ prayer stones (made on Day 5), guitar (and person who can play it) or CD player How: Ahead of time, ask counselors to make sure campers will have their prayer stones with them when they arrive at worship. Set up a CD player or ask your guitar player to provide quiet, instrumental music as campers arrive. Invite campers to sing a song. Say, “The prayer stones you brought with you today will help you remember four things to pray about. Let’s use them, one at a time, to talk with God. First, look at the stone that says ‘Thanks.’ Repeat after me, ‘Thank you, God, for many friends I have made this week.’” Campers repeat that. Then ask campers to look at their “Forgive” stone and repeat this: “Spirit God, please forgive me for times when I did not let others go first.” Then ask campers to look at their “Help” stone and repeat this: “Father/mother God, help me to remember to talk with you more often.” Then ask campers to look at their “Serve” stone and repeat this: “Loving God, please let me see more times when I can serve others.” Then pray: “I thank you, God, for these your children, who want to stay connected with you when they get home. Please show them you are always near and want to connect with them, too. Amen.” Invite campers to sing.

. Story Resources . The Walk-the-Walk Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 12) by Nancy Rue (Zonderkidz, 2003) Five Minutes with Jesus: A Christmas Story, by Fr. Alvaro Correa LC (Circle Press, 2008) Erik the Red Sees Green: A Story About ColorBlindness, by Julie Anderson (Albert Whitman & Company, 2013)

Daily Activities

Why: This two-fold activity helps campers imagine what it must have been like to be one of the disciples when Jesus revealed himself. Supplies: campers’ Bibles, pencil, index cards How: Help campers find today’s passage (Luke 24:13–35) in their Bibles and follow along as you read this whole scripture aloud. Ask campers to identify, in random order, all the actions that happened in the story. As they speak, you write down each action on a different index card. Then invite them to put the story together, by putting the cards in chronological order. When they are finished, number the cards in order, beginning with the first action. Choose volunteers to act out the story with the cards as prompts. Make sure everyone has a role to play. Ask questions to encourage campers to get into the feelings of the characters. BTW: For a really silly time, shuffle the cards and have the campers try to perform the actions in random order. Shuffle a few times and let everyone try a different “twisted tale.” This drama in, chronological order or twisted, could be a program element for a campwide campfire gathering.

RECOGNIZING JESUS # P L A Y

and www.optics4kids.org/home/content/illusions/ elephant-legs How: If you haven’t already read together the story of the disciples’ walk to Emmaus, help campers find Luke 24:13–35 in their Bibles. Read the passage aloud and point out that, at first, the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus. Ask if campers have ever seen optical illusions and show them your selections. Ask why it’s so hard to make sense of what they see. Point out that, in a similar way, the disciples had trouble recognizing Jesus. Ask campers how they know Jesus and to name some of his qualities. These probably will include at least some of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23. Ask if they know people who have some of these same qualities at their homes, schools, or churches. Talk about how being around people like Jesus, reading the Bible, praying, and serving others will help campers keep connected to Jesus after they leave camp. BTW: See corresponding craft “Colorful Jesus” below. Additionally, though it is from a different story, read John 20:19–29. It is another gospel writer’s account of one of Jesus’ appearances to the disciples after he had died. The apostle Thomas had to “see it to believe it” to know that Jesus had risen from the dead. Though Jesus appears to Thomas to relieve his doubt, Jesus tells them, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (Jn. 20:29b). You can also have the campers perform an optical illusion with a rolled sheet of paper or a paper towel tube. Have each camper hold a tube to one eye like a telescope, hold the other hand palmup next to it, keep both eyes open, and look straight ahead. At the right distance, it looks like there is a hole in the palm of that hand. Remind campers that seeing with their eyes can help them understand, but noticing God requires seeing with their heart.

Why: This activity will help campers look for and recognize Jesus in their own lives.

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ROLE-PLAY THE SCRIPTURE # P L A Y #LEARN

Supplies: campers’ Bibles; optical illusions printed from the Internet at http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/ games/illusions/

“WHAT JESUS SAID” COMMUNITY PRAYER # P R A Y Why: By pooling their knowledge, campers can come up with a pretty good picture of Jesus. This activity illustrates that, individually, we can’t do it all; Christians need each other to keep the faith. Supplies: none

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How: Gather campers and leaders together in a circle. Ask everyone to prayerfully share what they remember that Jesus said or did—one at a time, as they think of things. You should start first, with an example. You may need to give hints, but don’t force anyone to share and don’t critique answers unless they are really off the wall.. Close this community prayer with thanksgiving for Jesus and all he said and did for people in the past and does for people now. BTW: This activity is just as good for adults as it is for children.

MISSING PERSON # P L A Y Why: This is a variation of the “Missing Twig” activity you may have played on Day 2, page 92. Playing this game with people rather than sticks will give campers a chance to see how fast they can name the missing person compared to how long it took them to identify the missing twig at the beginning of the week. Supplies: none How: Have campers stand in a circle with their heads down and eyes closed. Quietly remove one camper and have that person stand out of sight. Then have campers open their eyes, look around, and guess who is missing. The campers on either side of the missing person should not be allowed to guess, as they would too easily remember who was next to them. Each of the other campers in the circle gets one guess, but it’s okay if they give clues to help each other. BTW: Run this game fairly quickly to keep campers engaged. The number of guesses per camper can be varied to suit the skill level of the group.

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COMPASS AND MAP READING #LEARN Why: This short activity gives campers a taste of orienteering and an opportunity to improve their navigation skills. Supplies: computer, Internet access, one highquality compass; map of your camp; for each camper: drawing paper, pencil, and eraser How: Ahead of time, visit www.learn-orienteering. org/old/lesson1.html for a refresher on how to read a compass. To begin, find out whether your campers are familiar with the compass directions of north, south, east, and west. If not, explain these first. Remind them of where the sun rises and sets and of its arc in the southern sky (if you’re in the northern hemisphere) throughout the day. You could draw the compass direction points in the dirt using your compass as a guide. Show campers that the compass needs to be held flat so the compass needle can turn freely. Show how the needle swings to the earth’s magnetic north pole and how to rotate the compass housing to line up the orienting arrow with the compass needle. Encourage campers to take turns using the compass to make several statements about the layout of the camp—e.g. “The dining hall is east of the cabins.” They may need to walk around a bit to figure these out. One camper could record these “discoveries” on paper. Then have campers sketch their own maps of the camp, using these ”discoveries.” You can check to see if their discoveries are true with your map of the camp. BTW: You can also show campers a map of your state and mark where the camp is located compared to campers’ hometowns and major cities. Also, Oriental Trading Company has compass bracelet kits that could be paired with this activity.

NIGHT WATCH #LEARN Why: Stargazing helps campers appreciate the majesty of the night sky and learn to identify a few constellations. This is a connection with camp they can take home and use any night. Supplies: dark, clear sky How: Take campers out where no lights interfere with stargazing. First, direct campers to the beauty of the starry sky and encourage them to gaze at God’s handiwork without speaking for a few minutes. Then, ask them to describe the experience. What did they see and think about it?

Polaris, the Pole Star, or North Star, can be located by first finding the Big Dipper. Draw an imaginary line between the two stars in the bowl farthest from the handle and extend the line up toward the Little Dipper. Polaris is the star at the end of the Little Dipper’s handle. Tell campers that Polaris is notable for its use as a navigating anchor. Because it is seen over the earth’s North Pole, it appears to be stationary, with the other stars rotating around it. Near Polaris shines a constellation called Cassiopeia, named after a beautiful but vain queen, and shaped like a “W.” Venus, the second planet from our sun, can easily be identified because, after the moon, it is the brightest natural object in the night sky. BTW: You can also take along a star map, if you have one, to help campers see other constellations. Free apps for smart phones called Star Walk and Starglobe are available to locate and identify stars, too.

A LETTER FROM GOD # P R A Y Why: This activity reminds campers that God cares for them, and it provides a bridge to their life after camp.

How: Ask campers to pretend they have just received a letter from God. It tells them they are special, talented, and have jobs to do. Ask them to think about what God is saying to them in detail. What are their talents? What does God want them to do? Then invite campers to sit apart in the study area to write God’s letter in their notebooks. Walk around to each camper to see how he or she is doing and to answer any questions. After campers are finished, call them back together in a group and let them know that, if they like, they can share what they wrote with you later. Close the activity with your prayer of thanks for God’s blessing on each of them and a request for guidance in carrying out God’s desires for their lives. BTW: If some campers are having difficulty imagining what God would say, encourage them to just sit and listen to the sounds of nature and doodle in their notebooks. Reassure them that, in time, God will let them know what special things God has in mind for them. To take the activity even deeper, have the campers write back to God later in the day. They could share their letters as prayers of thanksgiving at vespers.

COLORFUL JESUS #CREATE Why: Campers can create their own optical illusions of Jesus’ name with colorful wooden craft sticks that will remind them to stay connected to Jesus when they get home. Supplies: table, multi-colored wood craft sticks (per each camper, you will need 4 whole sticks, 4 half-sticks, and 20 quarter-sticks); black poster board pieces, each cut into 4 long rectangles so each camper will have 1 piece; small bottle of white glue per each pair of campers; 1 piece of sandpaper per camper; one large, sharp scissors or small saw How: Ahead of time, cut the black poster board into rectangles, 8 x 2 ¼ inches in size, one per camper. Also cut enough craft sticks in halves and fourths so each camper will have 4 half-sticks and 20 quarter-sticks, to go along with 4 whole craft sticks. At the table, separate out the materials (black poster board strip, craft stick pieces, sandpaper), as

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After all have had a chance to share, explain that the ancient Greeks saw shapes of various animals and other things in these tiny points of light, and were the first to describe over half of the 88 constellations we know today. Then help campers to find Ursa Major and Ursa Minor (the Big and Little Dippers).

Supplies: campers’ small notebooks from Day 5, pencils

described above, for each camper, and provide a glue bottle for every pair. Invite campers to sand the cut ends of their sticks. Then demonstrate how they should start by gluing two whole sticks together, in a straight line, overlapping the ends by one half inch so that they fit the length of the black poster board piece. Turn the strip on its long edge, and glue that pair of sticks against the long top edge of the poster board piece. Repeat that with the other two whole sticks, gluing them against the long bottom edge.

Older Children

Then glue the 4 half sticks, spaced out, between the two long sticks like ladder slats, leaving the two ends “open” to create five boxes total (the first and last boxes with one side open), one for each letter in “JESUS.” The first box for the “J” should be a little narrower than the rest. To make the letters, glue on the quarter pieces in the boxes. BTW: You could make a 3-D version of this by using, instead of the narrow black rectangle, one that is 7 inches by 8 inches with three folds going the long direction at 2¼ and 4½ and 6¾. Scoring the fold lines allows the black posterboard to neatly fold into a triangular tube (overlap ¼ inch) and hold up the art as if it were on an easel.

SERVICE ACROSTIC POEM #SERVE #CREATE Why: This activity gets campers thinking about their service experiences and gives them an opportunity to write about them. Supplies: plenty of “scratch” paper for drafting poems; clothesline; per each camper: 1 piece of lined paper from a pad about 5 inches by 8 inches for the final copies, a pencil or pen, clothespin How: Explain to campers that an acrostic is a series of lines or verses in which the first letter of each line spells out a word or phrase. Instruct them to use the word “SERVICE” written vertically to form the first letters of the lines of their poems. Mention that poems don’t have to rhyme, but usually describe vivid images in few words. Give campers inspiration by asking them about ways they have helped other people. You can suggest that what they enjoyed doing the most could be the topic of their poem. Have campers draft their lines on “scratch” paper, then ask them to help each other edit for use of more colorful words,

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correct spelling, and proper grammar. Lastly, instruct campers to copy their final poems to the lined paper. Hang the poems from a clothesline in the camp dining hall or other high-traffic location. BTW: You can read these poems at the evening campfire instead of hanging them up. If some campers are more visual than linguistic, have them write just one word for each letter and then embellish these with illustrations or decorations.

OLDER CHILDREN

Day 7: I Abide in You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Romans 8:35, 37–39 Scripture Focus:

Theological Summary: Nothing can separate us from God’s love for us shown in Jesus Christ. Campers will: • understand how the magnitude of interconnectedness influences their encounters in the world • declare that they are connected to God’s love in Christ no matter what • identify things that try to disconnect them from God • become equipped to share the good news with others • reflect on what things from camp will help them keep their connection to God

Daily Activities — God Connection: # P L A Y #LEARN Take home the message of connectedness — Humming Haylen Home: # P L A Y A game about supporting each other — Connection to Creation: #LEARN The science of connection in nature — Gratitude Circle: # P R A Y Allow campers to voice their notes

Leader Notes: Camp is an isolated community, meaning, this community that you formed this week is unique to this time and space. It is doubtful that you will all be together in this combination again. Even if you do, you will have had separate experiences. As a leader, take time today to give thanks to God for your role in this community this week. You are connected to these campers.

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For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Worship Activities Song Ideas

Morning Watch #CELEBRATION

• “You’re Never Gonna Let Me Go,” (Aaron Shust and Benji Cowart) • “You Won’t Let Go” (Michael W. Smith)

Why: This worship emphasizes that God’s love is always there; no matter how far we walk away, we can’t be separated from the love of God.

• “You Raise Me Up”

Supplies: Bible; music player

Prayer

How: Read the scripture passage for today: Romans 8:35, 37–39.

Thank you, God, for making your love so strong, so wonderful, and so beautiful that we want to feel connected to you. Thank you for always being there for us. Amen.

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Explain that the love of God is so strong, so powerful, that it connects us to God even when we let things get in our way of feeling it. God loves us so much that it is almost more than we can imagine. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

. Story Resources . The Unicorn Adventures: How a Young Boy Finds God’s Love by Michelle Christopher and Thomas Rosa and Tyler Hollis. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, February 22, 2013 God Is Always With Me (Growing in Faith Library) by Helen Rayburn Caswell. Abingdon Press, October 1989

Daily Activities GOD CONNECTION # P L A Y #LEARN

Supplies: campers’ Bibles How: Help campers open their Bibles to today’s scripture: Romans 8:35, 37–39. Choose a volunteer to read the verses. Ask campers, “To whom do you belong?” After they come up with answers such as parents, club, school, scouts, 4-H, sports teams, band, choir, etc., remind them of their place in the family of God. Emphasize God’s love for them and permanent connection as stated in the scripture. Then ask campers to identify things that threaten to disconnect them from God. Might these include a schedule “too busy” for time to attend worship? People and situations that tempt them to sin? Video games that take away from prayer time? Help all campers to participate in the discussion and feel that they have been heard. Help campers brainstorm ways they can keep connected to God. BTW: If you have time, you can invite campers to play the game “Knots” as a tangible example of connection. Instructions for this game can be found in The New Games Book, or online at www. education.com/activity/article/untangle-groupknot/

Why: This cooperative game demonstrates that a shared investment in success can lead to satisfaction for all. Everyone is on the same “side” and no one loses. As a metaphor, it represents the effort of the church family to support members. Supplies: one bandanna or other blindfold How: Invite your group of campers to decide on a specific spot to be a goal, such as a certain tree, an area of gravel/sand, or a cabin wall. This is “home.” Move the group to about 10 yards away from the goal. Choose one volunteer (AKA “Haylen”) to wear the blindfold, and put it on him or her. Have the rest of the group gather loosely around this camper. Explain that they are helping Haylen get home by humming louder or softer, depending on how close Haylen gets to the goal. Turn this camper around and around to disorient him or her. Explain that the group will hum louder as Haylen walks closer to home or softer as Haylen gets farther away. Then have the group take ten steps back and hum the “Alphabet Song” (or a well-known camp song), beginning at a medium volume. Start Haylen on his or her quest for home. Lead a cheer of congratulations when Haylen reaches the goal. To debrief with your group, ask campers questions such as, “How did it feel to be Haylen?” “How did it feel to be part of the humming group?” Give quiet campers a chance to speak. Point out that individuals may have played different roles, but all were working toward the same goal. BTW: Of course, you can repeat this game several times with different campers as Haylen, but end it before campers get tired or bored.

CONNECTION TO CREATION #LEARN Why: This activity helps campers understand the interconnectedness with all things. on earth Supplies: none How: Invite campers to tell what they know about “food chains.” Explain what a symbiotic relationship is and ask campers if they can name

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Why: This short study helps campers reflect on their connection to God in their everyday lives.

HUMMING HAYLEN HOME # P L A Y

any symbiotic relationships between animals— such as the Egyptian plover, a bird that cleans the teeth of crocodiles; or the African oxpecker, a bird that feeds on the backs of large African animals, sucking blood out of open tick-wounds, eating ticks as well, and screaming when startled, providing the animal with a personal danger alarm. Also, lactobacillus, a friendly bacterium found in the human digestive system, helps people digest milk. The point of these connections is that human beings are part of nature and natural processes. And, as stewards of God’s creation, we are given the task of protecting it. Ask campers what they can do to help protect nature or the environment and commit to doing at least one thing when they get home.

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BTW: Visit https://cosmosmagazine.com/lifesciences/symbiosis-when-living-together-win-win to see more.

GRATITUDE CIRCLE # P R A Y Why: This activity gives campers the opportunity to reflect on their week at camp and identify things for which they are thankful. Supplies: none How: Gather campers in a circle and ask them to think over the week of camp. Invite them each to mention one thing he or she experienced, or a person the camper met, for whom he or she would like to give thanks. You might get the campers started with an experience of your own, and then go around the circle. When everyone has had a chance to share, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for so many blessings. Ask God to continue to bless campers as they travel home and share their week with others. Finish with a group hug! BTW: This activity could be done with all the campers and leaders in the camp, just before departure.

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YOUNGER YOUTH

Day 1: The Place Where We Camp Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Joshua 4 Scripture Focus: Joshua 4:7 “[T]hen you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Isrealites a memorial forever.” Theological Summary: What do these stones mean? We mark special places as sacred and give ourselves reminders of our relationship to place. It can be anywhere we notice and are aware of God’s presence with us. Campers will:

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• connect with the place and explore the value of sacred space • understand that they follow in the footsteps of believers who came before them • discover the importance of asking questions as they learn about God • learn how the story of God is passed from one generation to the next

Daily Activities: — Hand Me Downs: #Learn What have we received? — Water Sculpting: # P L A Y Exploring God’s miracles — Tribe Time: #Learn Fun rules with a kick — This Camp Is Our Camp: #CREATE A musical tour — Thanks Receiving: # P R A Y #Serve How we got here

Leader Notes: Younger youth span a large developmental spectrum. Some may remember Joshua and the story of Jericho and still be awed by the miracle of the walls falling down. Others may be skeptical of miracles and dismiss them or feel guilty for doubting. Be mindful of the spectrum of learners when it comes to miracles and symbols. Also, some youth may have read more and learned about the wars and violence that come in later chapters of Joshua. At this age level, and this early in your time together, it is probably best to stay focused on chapter 4. If some youth are troubled by the later violence and want to discuss it, try offering a special time later and make sure someone who can help wrestle with biblical and theological questions is present.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Explain to the campers that Israel lived in family groups called tribes. Each tribe had its own role and identity. Call campers, one at a time, by last name and have each stand alone in the middle of the cabin. Ask the camper to share his or her first name, then bless the camper, saying, “Welcome, (first name), of the tribe (last name). We claim you as one of us.” Invite other campers to shout, “Amen!” after each blessing.

Song Ideas: • “On the Road Again” (Willie Nelson, 1980) • “God of Generations” (Hymn, Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today’s Worship, Geneva Press, 2000) • “Country Roads, Take Me Home” (John Denver, 1971) – change “West Virginia” to camp name • “Jesus Is the Rock” (Tony Congi, 1982)

Younger Youth

• “Coming Home” (Gwyneth Paltrow, 2010) • “Gather Us In” (Hymn)

Prayer: God of all time and places, open our eyes to all that is happening around us at camp. May we see you at work in this space and give thank for the ways you have touched the campers who have come before us. May we remember that the same love you poured out on them is waiting here for us to claim in our own lives. Amen.

Crossing into Camp #CELEBRATE Supplies: large strip of blue paper or cloth, slit cut in the middle Have a large strip of blue paper or cloth across the opening to your worship area with a slit cut in the middle. Invite campers to step up one at a time to the blue divider and share a time or place they saw God at work, or something they are thankful for. For each person, part the blue divide and invite them across. Respond to each statement with cheers. When everyone has crossed, continue worship with songs of celebration and a prayer of thanksgiving. For a large camp, you could

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have multiple points of entry with blue dividers. Having some leaders inside to help cheer and welcome each person can help set the mood.

Ark of Hope #centering Supplies: Bible, slips of paper and pencils, box painted gold, music source Read Joshua 4:1–9 and invite campers to think about what hopes and dreams the Israelites might have had coming into a new land. Give each person a slip of paper and a pencil and ask the campers to write something they hope will happen in their faith journeys during their time at camp. Examples might include growing closer to God, practicing forgiveness, or asking a hard question. Invite campers to come forward and place them in a gold box while you play some music . Remind the campers that the Ark that we read about in scripture carried the “Law,” which represented the people’s relationship with God. This box now represents their hopes and dreams with and for God at camp. Say a prayer of blessing for the campers’ hopes. This box could be kept in worship all week.

. Story Resources . Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, (2004) is a story about passing down and receiving the gifts and responsibility of those who came before us. One of the most applicable scenes has Harry visiting with Professor Lupin on the bridge, discussing Harry’s parents.

Daily Activities HAND ME DOWNS: #LEARN Why: Help campers make the connection between the generational faith sharing in Joshua and the things they have received from previous generations. Supplies: paper, pens, Bibles

Read Joshua 4 together, letting campers take turns if they wish. After the reading, invite them to name things the Hebrew people had inherited from those who came before them. Make sure they recognize the Ark, the Hebrews’ relationship with God, and their tribe identities. Then, ask how the generation in this story prepared to pass on things to those who followed. Lift up the placing of stones and the expectation that people will ask about them. BTW: Be aware that some campers may not have strong or pleasant connections with their families of origin. Campers who have been abused may even feel shame seeing their abuser’s traits in themselves. If anyone is struggling with their list, ask him or her to think about the people who give that camper his or her faith—a Sunday school teacher, pastor, or other role model. Acknowledge that these faith families are what make us who we are. A follow-up conversation could include things your campers want to pass down to future

WATER SCULPTING: # P L A Y Why: Help campers engage the story and this miraculous act of God in a fun way. Supplies: pan or tray with a high lip, partially filled with water How: Age puts no limit on the need for sensory play. Invite campers to take turns trying to separate the water into two portions using their hands (or maybe arms) and nothing else. Let campers watch each other take their turn and enjoy the fun and challenge. You can allow campers to team up and try again. Give them some trays and cups and other things to play with in the water and let them experiment with ways to move water. After your activity time, spend a few minutes talking about the amazing acts of God we hear in scripture and God’s power. BTW: You might try this in a larger format, such as a wading pool where campers can try to use their full bodies to hold back the waters.

TRIBE TIME: #LEARN Why: Rules (or at least the box they carried them in) are part of today’s story. Spend some time creating guidelines for your “tribe’s” time together, then reflect on how we treat our rules. Supplies: Bible, large sheet of paper and markers How: Remind campers that when the Hebrew people left Egypt and entered the wilderness, they had to find a way for as many as a million people to get along and practice their faith. For this, God gave them the “Law of Moses.” Ask the campers what guidelines they would like to see their group follow to help them get along and practice their faith. Write their answers on a large sheet of paper. Make sure to guide them with some suggestions of camp rules that all groups follow. Remind campers that the Hebrews put the Law into a large chest called the ark of the covenant, and carried it before them as they traveled. Read Joshua 3—4:9, then ask the campers how they would feel about carrying their new guidelines in

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How: Ask campers each to make a list of things he or she shares in common with the older relatives in his or her family. These can be physical traits (hair color, height, etc.), hobbies or interests, beliefs, or family heirlooms. Ask campers to share their lists with each other, and invite them each to share a story about one of the list items.

generations (such as talents or faith stories) and things they want to stop passing on (such as addiction, debt, global warming, etc.) to future generations.

a box all week. Invite them to reflect on why this was done by Israel and how it might change their experience of camp if they did something similar. BTW: Depending on your group, you actually could have them carry their rules around for the day, with one camper walking ahead of the others with them in a box.

THIS CAMP IS OUR CAMP: #CREATE Why: Help campers claim the camp as sacred ground and celebrate the space as a gift from God. Supplies: paper and pencils, lyrics to “This Land Is Your Land” How: Invite campers to rewrite Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” to describe camp. This can be done in smaller groups who will then share their versions at a larger gathering, or as a more collaborative effort. BTW: These verses could be used in worship or even in a camp promotion video. This would also be a great contribution to a camp talent show.

Younger Youth

THANKS RECEIVING: # P R A Y #SERVE Why: Help campers see the work that goes into camp, and appreciate their opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves or even this one event. Supplies: colored paper, markers; optional: other card making supplies How: Ask the campers to brainstorm all the people who helped them get to camp. Ask them to include those in their congregations or at home, as well as staff and leadership. Share names of people they may not have contact with, such as administrators, donors, etc. Give campers paper and drawing supplies and invite them to make thank-you notes to some of those people. These can be mailed home, or given to camp staff. Some might be delivered to administrative leaders who the campers rarely see. Once all the cards are made, go around and ask campers to pray for the people they hold cards for, thanking God for the gifts they have given. Close the prayer thanking God for the campers in your group and the contributions they will make to camp in their time together.

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BTW: Cards could be scanned and reproduced as a thank-you mailing to donors, alums, or past counselors. They could also be posted online and shared electronically through social media to a broader audience.

YOUNGER YOUTH

Day 2: I Am the Vine Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Corinthians 11:23b–26 Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Theological Summary: We make sacred bonds with one another and God through covenant. Covenant is a way to express our connection beyond space and time. Jesus entered into covenant with us, and we with him, in holy communion. Campers will: • experience their connectedness to Christ through covenant • reflect on the power of shared meals in community

Younger Youth

• discover the roots of Christian worship (communion) in scripture

Daily Activities: — You’re Invited: # P L A Y Twist on familiar tag — Party Planning: #CREATE Plan a party for Jesus — Holiday Charades: # P L A Y Festive spin on a classic — “Feastory” Lesson: #Learn Bible study on Passover and communion — Welcome Table: #Learn # P R A Y Exploring Jesus’ inclusivity — Open Invitations: #Serve # P R A Y Extending God’s welcome — Safe Invitations: #Learn # P L A Y Being safe and welcoming

Leader Notes: Shared meals and ancient liturgy have a shared outcome. Both connect people, in ways that go beyond words, to a larger community or family body. While we are not focusing on the sacrament of communion, there is a sacramental nature to shared food. Often, covenants or bonds or relationships are created or celebrated over meals. While Christian traditions differ on the sharing of the eucharist (or Lord’s supper), the covenantal welcome into the covenant community of faith is universally offered to all God’s people.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Sneak a snack. Either sit outside the cabin and share an unscheduled snack together or take a walk to the dining hall or a picnic space at an abnormal time; late night or midday is fine. Just enjoy the bonding over food that, as far as the campers know, is unscheduled. Close with prayer. Be sure to organize this with camp staff and leadership.

Song Ideas: • “Love Train” (The O’Jays, 1972) • “Table of Friendship and Love” (Bryan Sirchio, 1995) • “One in the Spirit” (Hymn) • “One at Your Table” (Clark and Kee) • “Bind Us Together, Lord” (Traditional)

Younger Youth

• “Big House” (Blair, Herdman, Stuart, and McGinnis)

Prayer: God of all times and places, be with us in this time and place. Open our eyes to the grace you offer to all people. Help us claim that grace and empower us to offer your life-changing love and acceptance to others.

Is There Room for Me?: #CELEBRATE Supplies: costumes, table and chairs, cardstock and markers Create a sign that says “God’s Love” and put it in the center of a table with a few chairs. Make “table cards” with the names of characters that might not feel welcome at God’s table. Examples might include: child, soldier, refugee, celebrity, doubter, addict, depressed, angry, prisoner, etc. One at a time, counselors or campers portraying each character enter with prop invitations in their hands. Each goes to the table and asks if there is really a seat for him or her at the table. A “table host” looks through the cards on the table and assures him or her that he or she is welcome, and places that name on the table by a seat. This happens with each character until the table is full. For fun,

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you can use a small table and have everyone pile in. You can also have a large table and have the characters ask why there is so much extra space, allowing the table host to teach them that God welcomes everyone and that there is always room to invite more people. Optional: Playing “Table of Friendship and Love” by Bryan Sirchio would be a great way to close the activity.

Exploring Passover: #centering Supplies: See the Passover Meal activity on page 209 for an explanation of the Passover Seder and its elements. Allow campers to have a glimpse into a Seder service, helping them connect it with the meal Paul describes. While we remember Jesus in wine and bread, there was much more to that meal, and by exploring elements of the traditional Passover meal, we are connected to the generational faith story that led to that night in the upper room. This will help campers see the powerful movement between major parts of our faith story: from God’s covenant, to God rescuing God’s people from slavery, to a promised land, to a promise of life and love eternal. Please be mindful that you are exploring elements of a living Jewish tradition, and that it would be disrespectful to coopt it.

. Story Resources . Stone Soup, Jon J. Muth, Scholastic, 2003: This is just one version of this old tale about how people were drawn out of their fear and assumptions of scarcity into a public experience of abundance and community. “G-dCast channel” on YouTube.com or www.GdCast.com – This is a Jewish media ministry that creates amazing videos. There are some great ones about Passover, especially “The Passover Seder with the Four Sons.”

Daily Activities YOU’RE INVITED: # P L A Y Supplies: none Why: Have some fun while starting to explore the theme of inclusion.

BTW: This can be done in smaller groups or large groups. It could be a crazy beginning to worship as campers are invited. Playing a song such as “Love Train” or “One in the Spirit” would be a fun backdrop for the activity.

PARTY PLANNING: #CREATE Supplies: paper, markers

BTW: Ideas from multiple groups could be combined to create a fun event for the last night of camp.

HOLIDAY CHARADES: # P L A Y #LEARN Supplies: slips of paper, pen Why: Help campers connect the ways we participate in larger communities by celebrating holidays, much like Jesus and the disciples were doing for Passover. How: Write the names of various holidays on individual slips of paper. Allow one camper to draw a slip and try to get the group to guess the holiday. To make it more difficult, you can be more specific and include holiday traditions. For example, you could simply list holidays, such as Easter and Valentine’s Day, or you could include “Easter eggs,” “Cupid,” etc. Let campers take turns drawing and acting out holiday clues, then spend some time discussing why you celebrate these holidays. Ask the campers what a holiday teaches and how participation in celebrations impacts them, their families, and communities. Invite campers to share which holiday he or she likes best, and why. Ask campers how their faith is shaped by holidays. BTW: You could decorate tables for a meal with themes from different holidays and continue this conversation over lunch or dinner.

“FEASTORY” LESSON: #LEARN Supplies: Bibles

Why: Start exploring the idea of God’s extravagant welcome by designing a party.

Why: Explore the history of Passover in scripture, then hear how Jesus used that experience to create a new chapter of remembrance.

How: Invite the youth to think about what kind of party they would throw if Jesus was going to visit camp later in the week. Assuming that money is not a limitation, ask them to come up with plans that include everything from a guest list and invitations, to food and entertainment, to a

How: Ask campers to take turns reading the following scriptures: Exodus 12:1–13; Numbers 9:1–5; Joshua 5:10–12; Ezra 6:19–22. Afterward, ask the campers what they know about Passover, from both the readings and their own experiences. Read Luke 22:14–20 and then 1 Corinthians

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How: Designate a playing area that campers cannot leave. Similar to tag, one person is designated as “it” to begin. This person tries to tag others, but to do so, he or she must say, “God invites you!” to those he or she tags. When someone is tagged, that person joins hands with the one who tagged him or her and together they try to tag others. This continues until everyone is tagged and affirmed as “invited” by God.

basic schedule. If you have larger groups, consider dividing them and letting smaller planning teams present their ideas to the larger group. After the planning is done, invite the group to think about how Jesus would respond to different parts of their plan.

11:23b–26 and ask the campers to share how they have seen communion or the Lord’s supper celebrated. Invite the campers to reflect on how Jesus is like the Passover lamb, sacrificed to save and protect God’s people.

after this activity. Allow campers to spend a few minutes alone to reflect with no expectation of sharing their thoughts.

BTW: You can make this simple scripture study more fun by allowing a reader to choose when to stop. The next person has to pay attention so he or she can jump in. This allows shy campers to read a word (or even just a syllable) and others who are more comfortable to read more. It also goes well with the theme of passing on what we have received from Day 1.

Supplies: sheets of paper, markers, invitation envelopes

WELCOME TABLE: #LEARN # P R A Y Supplies: Bible, sheets of paper, colored pencils Why: Explore how broad God’s invitation really is by exploring who Jesus welcomed.

Younger Youth

How: Invite campers to make a list of Jesus stories they remember. Help them distinguish parables (prodigal son, rich man and Lazarus) from actual events in Jesus life. If it helps, invite them to think chronologically, starting with Christmas. You might also give them some hints, such as “healing stories,” or “people Jesus visited,” or “miracles.” Ask the campers to identify characters Jesus met who others might have rejected. Read Matthew 9:10–13, and then remind the campers that even the Disciples at the Last Supper included people who would doubt, deny, and betray Jesus. Ask the campers each to draw a large oval or rectangle on a piece of paper to represent a table and invite the campers each to draw or write names of individuals or groups around that table that they imagine Jesus might sit with today. Offer time for campers to share their work, and then ask the group who they think Jesus might exclude from his table. Do not be too judgmental on answers shared, but listen for biases and assumptions we make about people today. Gently challenge those as you feel comfortable. Ask each camper to look at his or her picture and say a silent word of prayer for those who he or she thinks are most in need of a place at Jesus’ table. BTW: An additional question of “Who would you struggle to accept at this table?” or, “Who thinks you shouldn’t be at this table?” could be a great reflection question for some personal prayer time

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OPEN INVITATIONS: #SERVE # P R A Y

Why: Reflect on how people are invited into God’s story, and what role we play in that process. How: Ask campers to make a list of people who, for whatever reason, do not feel welcome at church. Give each person a piece of paper and ask each to fold it twice (once horizontal and once vertical) so it is one quarter the full size and will fit into an invitation-size envelope. Invite campers to design an invitation from God to one of the people or groups on their list. What might God say to them? Is there a picture or artwork that might show welcome? What exactly are they being invited to? How is it addressed and signed? Offer time for all to share their invitation with the group and allow them to reflect on how such an invitation might impact someone. Take a moment to pray for each of the people or groups represented by the invitations. Brainstorm ministries that might be willing to share these invitations or provide stamps and send them from camp if it is appropriate. For example, an invitation to addicts might be sent to a treatment center. BTW: These invitations could be used in worship. God’s voice could be heard from the back as each person reads the invitation they have written..

SAFE INVITATIONS: #LEARN # P L A Y Supplies: none Why: Clarify the boundaries between welcoming everyone and being safe about your personal space and relationships. How: For each of the descriptions that follow below, invite youth to make hand motions to signify if they should invite the person to church, or only pray for that person privately. The motions are: holding arms out for “invite,” and folding hands together for “pray.” If neither seems appropriate, or there is a complication, invite youth to put their hands on their heads

like their brains hurt. Remind campers that this is a conversation on safety, boundaries, and inclusivity. After each round of responses, allow time for conversation if needed. Try not to judge answers, but encourage youth to ask for help in helping others and not putting themselves in unsafe situations. • Teacher • Homeless person • Gay couple • Addicted person • Atheist • Jew • Stranger you meet at the mall • New kid at school • Member of another church • Bully who has hurt you • Boyfriend/Girlfriend • Mentally ill family member • Ex-con recently released from prison • Someone on sex offender list • Person you met on-line

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BTW: Invite youth to create more. If there are red flags in the youth’s responses, make sure to spend some time talking about personal safety. Internet safety, boundaries, and the need of youth to be needed or please adults are always topics worth stopping to talk about.

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Day 3: Love One Another Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: John 8:2–11 Scripture Focus: John 8:7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Theological Summary: We have to look around to see that we are all valuable to God. People and their relationships to us are a treasure for us to protect. When the legalistic Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about the law, Jesus’ compassion created a “third way” with his answer, neither condemning the woman for her sin nor denying the law. Campers will:

Younger Youth

• know that their actions toward others can be transformative • see Christ’s example of compassion and grace with patience and courage • be called to follow Christ’s example to connect to others without judgment, prejudice, or injustice • distinguish between judgment and justice

Daily Activities: — Sharks and Sardines: # P L A Y Twist on old classics — Fast Stacks: # P L A Y #Learn The virtue of patience — Slow Judge: #Learn Confronting assumptions — Rest of the Story: #Learn #CREATE John 8’s missing facts — Condoning and Condemning: # P R A Y #Serve Keeping a difficult balance — Ripple Affect: # P L A Y # P R A Y Timeline of compassion Leader Notes: The lives of younger youth pass fast. They move from one topic to the next rapidly. Their bodies are rapidly changing. Their social world is constantly evolving. They want change to be immediate and justice to be swift because, in part, they do not have a long-range perspective. Helping them see the firm but patient stance taken by Jesus is a great lesson, but may be a challenge for some campers to wrap their brains around.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Gather campers with shoes in hand. Ask them to think about the dust on their shoes and what stories that dust might tell—from where they went to what they said. Ask them to think about what things they might have done differently if they had the chance, then, as they are ready, have each go to the door and smack his or her shoes together. As each camper shakes off the dust, offer the blessing, “God awaits you in a new day.” You can add some silliness by ending with a Taylor Swift dance party with “Shake It Off.”

Song Ideas: • “We Shall Overcome” (Traditional) • “Waiting on the World to Change” (John Mayer, 2006) • “Stand by Me” (Ben E. King, 1962) • “You Gotta Be” (Des’ree, 1994)

Prayer: Loving God, help us accept the love you offer and stand with those who feel they are unworthy. Help us stand up for each other. Help us rewrite the world’s expectations for what love looks like and what a Christian acts like. Amen.

Got Your Back!: #CELEBRATE

Words Stick: #centering Supplies: pencils, slips of paper, water, flour, large bowl, balloon, music source Give each camper a slip of paper and ask the campers to write judgmental things people say about youth, and then bring the papers forward. Add background music to keep the mood. (Tori Amos’s rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” would be a great fit.) Then have someone read them, dip them in previously prepared paper mache mix (1 part flour to 2 parts water) in a bowl, and use them to cover a blown up balloon. Offer a prayer for youth who have been hurt by unfair words of judgment. On extra slips of paper, ask the youth to write things people can do for youth who feel judged. Have them bring these forward and place them around the table where the balloon is drying. Sing a song, or play some music as they complete this task. (“You Gotta Be” by Des’ree would be a good fit.) Keep everything if you plan to use it in tomorrow’s centering activity. (You will need to start planning right after worship to get alterations to the sphere done in time—see directions under Day 4 Worship Activities.)

Supplies: optional: copy of “Stand by Me” and a means of playing it Have a few campers stand up in various places around the worship space and say, “I’ve been judged for _(campers come up with “offense”____. Who would ever help (or accept) me?” For each speaker, have other campers jump up from the crowd and shout, “I’ve got your back!” These campers then go stand by the first speaker, placing hands on the speaker’s shoulders. You can repeat this with the ones who came forward in support, having them say something they have been judged for, and having others come take the same position behind them. Have a set number of people do this and end there, or invite everyone

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• “Shake It Off” (Taylor Swift, 2014)

to keep sharing until lines of campers with hands on each other’s shoulders start to connect and everyone is in a large circle. Consider ending with “Stand by Me.”

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Story Resources .

You Are Special, Max Lucado, Good News Publishing,1997: This story has become a classic and does a great job of exploring the impact of judgment on individuals and a community. It also celebrates the power of those who stand in solidarity with victims of judgment.

Daily Activities SHARKS AND SARDINES: # P L A Y Supplies: orange safety cone or other place marker Why: Have some fun, burn some energy, and do a little reflecting on the types of people in our lives.

Younger Youth

How: Secretly place a safety cone or other space marker in a fairly hidden spot. Privately designate one camper to be the shark and tell that person where the cone is. Publically select a volunteer to be the first sardine. Explain that all but one camper will be trying to find the first sardine and hide with them in the exact same spot the sardine is hiding. If someone is under a bush, everyone tries to hide under the bush. Explain that one camper is not actually a sardine, but a shark. The shark’s job is to lure sardines into its lair and eat them. Explain that a cone has been hidden, much like the first sardine will be. If a camper comes close enough to see the cone, the shark may tag them and they are “eaten.” Sardines who fall prey to the shark must stay in the shark’s lair by the cone, making the space more obvious as more fish bodies pile up. Sardines who join the first hidden one are safe from the shark and must stay put. If the shark discovers where the sardines are hiding, the shark must not join them or give away the location, but can divert others from the location. The game continues until all campers have either piled in with the first sardine or been eaten by the shark. Once the rules are clear, send out the first sardine with a head start so he or she can pick a location, then let the rest of the campers loose to play. After the game, spend a few minutes talking about how the shark lured people and how it felt to not know who to trust.

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BTW: While this game works for small groups, it can be played as a full camp. Larger numbers also allow for multiple sharks to be at play.

FAST STACKS: # P L A Y #LEARN Supplies: cards, dominoes, or some other items that can be stacked Why: Explore the importance of patience when facing a difficult task. How: Challenge the group to build the highest tower possible out of cards, dominoes, blocks, or some other available stackable items. Divide campers into teams of two or three and give them 30 seconds to see which group can build the highest tower. Repeat the activity with a 2 minute deadline. Afterward, spend some time discussing the importance of patience. Ask the campers how they know when something should be hurried and when they have to take their time. BTW: You could make this activity a challenge between different groups, but give each a different material to build with. Allow each group to try all the building materials. Ask campers which materials required more patience.

SLOW JUDGE: #LEARN Supplies: none Why: Illustrate how knowing a person changes how we judge them. How: Explain to the campers that the following statements below are to be understood as facts. They are not rumor or assumption, but true statements about a person. After each statement, ask the group to vote on the subject’s goodness. The options are “good” or “bad.” There is no middle ground. The statements are in sets of three. After each set, stop to debrief and reflect on whether the opinion of the group changed, and, if so, how. • Jill is a thief. • Jill steals because she has no job. • Jill is single and steals to feed her four children, including one with a severe handicap. • Bob is a police officer. • Bob pays special attention to some older store owners in town.

• Bob charges these store owners for extra protection after paying gangs to threaten them. • Amanda ran away from home. • Amanda feared the judgment of her highly religious parents. • Amanda has never told her parents that she is HIV positive and never plans to. BTW: With a little further reflection, campers could come up with some real world examples in which society’s view of a person changed over time as that person became better understood, or more about them was revealed.

REST OF THE STORY: #LEARN #CREATE Supplies: Bibles, paper, pencils Why: Help campers engage the story with critical eyes, showing that patient reading of scripture often offers up even more understanding. How: Read John 8:2–11. Explain to the campers

Assign roles for the campers in a series of crime scene role-plays. 1. Jesus and a detective who is investigating reports of an altercation between Jesus and community leaders. 2. Detective interviewing scribe or Pharisee who caught the woman committing adultery. 3. Detective interviewing scribe or Pharisee who watched Jesus write on the ground. You can do these same scenes with different youth for different outcomes. Encourage the campers to stay true to the parts of the story that are in the Bible and make up details that are missing. Afterward, spend a few minutes debriefing what the group thinks really happened and how it might have impacted the way the story was told. BTW: These could become worship skits or be used in a talent show. Groups could come up

CONDONING AND CONDEMNING: # P R A Y #SERVE Supplies: sheets of paper, pencils, envelopes, large sheet of paper, marker Why: It is often hard to find a balance between condemnation and condoning. Spend some time exploring the two words condemn and condone, and how they impact our understanding of people. How: Ask the campers to define the words condemn and condone, writing their answers on a large piece of paper. Ask youth the following questions based on combinations of these words. 1. Can you condemn someone if you condone of their actions? 2. Can you condone someone’s actions if you have condemned them? 3. Can you not condone someone’s actions and still not condemn them? Invite the campers each to share a time he or she was in trouble for a mistake that camper made, but still felt love or encouragement from those who punished him or her. Ask the campers to think about how Jesus might call us to treat people in our world who have been found guilty of crimes, and how we can share God’s love with them without condoning their choices. Give each camper a sheet of paper and a pencil and invite them each to write an anonymous letter (no personal information) to someone in jail, assuring that person that God’s love is for everyone. Say a prayer of blessing for the letters, asking God to bless them and carry the love and grace experienced at camp with them to those who might eventually read them. Collect the letters, double check to make sure there is no identifying information from youth included, and send them to a prison ministry to be distributed. BTW: If you have time and your group has the maturity, consider asking them how the church should handle people who have been in prison

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that there is an unsolved mystery in the text and together they will try to figure out what happened. Read the story again, then ask the campers if they have any questions about what happened. Make a list of questions that are not answered by the scripture. (Two big ones are, “What did Jesus write?” and, “If she was caught in the act, where the man?”)

with their own versions of the missing facts and present them to the camp. A noire-style narrator could make the presentation even more entertaining. Consider adding sound effects or signs to cue audience gasps or boos.

and want to be part of their church family. Discuss safe boundaries and the challenge of supporting people who have made bad choices while trying to assure the safety of everyone involved.

RIPPLE AFFECT: # P L A Y # P R A Y Supplies: copies of the list below, pens Why: Sometimes people can’t see the positive effect of a kind gesture. This activity encourages campers to think about how acts of kindness and grace can last, even over centuries.

Younger Youth

How: Invite campers to put the following events in the order they think the events may have occurred. They may just use the six provided, or they can make up a couple of their own to include. If you have larger groups, consider dividing them into smaller teams and having them report back together later with their work. After the events are put in order, invite the campers to reflect on how people’s care and support impact others. Invite each camper to share the name of someone whose kindness inspired him or her to be a better person. Close the activity with a prayer of thanks for those people, asking God to help each camper be an inspiration to others. 1. Parents who often fight in front of their kids renew vows and promise to stop being so angry. 2 A volunteer suddenly finds the resources needed to make a new ministry happen. 3. Someone sees an old friend they ignored for too long and goes out of his or her way to apologize. 4 Family that was scared and isolated feels more connected to the community and is hopeful. 5. Uplifted by an unexpected conversation, a person makes a large gift to a charity. 6 Jesus supports a woman accused of adultery and sends her away with a challenge. 7. Add your own: __________ 8. Add your own: __________ BTW: Campers may disagree about the order the list goes in. This is a great opportunity to encourage campers to think beyond right and

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wrong. You could also have campers create a list projecting into the future the positive effects that their kind act today could yield. What is the most life-changing positive effect that their act of grace could have?

YOUNGER YOUTH

Day 4: I Chose You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 15:11–32 Scripture Focus: Luke 15:32 “But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” Theological Summary: Decisions we make affect the ways we connect with people. Your choices matter, but they don’t change God’s love for you. Campers will: • learn the impact of choice in their connection with God and others • hear of God’s forgiveness and grace

Younger Youth

• know that they can admit to their brokenness, and that they can change • identify trustworthy individuals in their lives who will show them God’s grace and forgiveness

Daily Activities: — Life Limbo: # P L A Y Reflection game — Lost and Found: # P L A Y #CREATE Treasure hunt — The Trigger: #CREATE #Learn Exploring character motivations — How Far Away: # P L A Y # P R A Y Choices and emotional distance — One Way Out: # P L A Y #Learn Learning to receive help — That’s OK: # P R A Y #Serve Practicing affirmation and compassion

Leader Notes: Younger youth have a rapidly developing understanding of justice and a fairly concrete concept of fairness. Jesus’ story of the two brothers and their father challenges some of those basic understandings of fairness, but this will help campers identify with the older brother and diver deeper into the layers of this parable.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Place a small light in or near the cabin window. Explain that many people have placed candles in windows to light the way home for family members and loved ones who have been traveling or have lost their way in life. Invite the campers to think of people for whom they might light a candle. Affirm that each of them has a candle in the window for them all week, and that the cabin is a safe place to come back to each night to unwind and rest.

of Apartheid. He tried to change the system through violence as a path. He later changed his perspective and promoted nonviolent activism. After years in prison, he became president of a free South Africa. Oprah Winfrey: The daughter of a teen mother, she experienced both sexual abuse and drug addiction before finding her voice and swiftly moving up the radio and television talk-show ranks. Today she is known as an advocate for children, literacy, and spiritual growth.

Song Ideas:

Words Stick, pt. 2: #centering

• “Amazing Grace” (Hymn)

Supplies: pencils, slips of paper, water, flour, large bowl, balloon, fine point marker, water sealing spray, plastic wrap, non-permanent markers

• “We Fall Down” (Donnie McClurkin, 2000) • “Candle on the Water” (Helen Reddy, 1977) • “Forgiveness” (Mathew West, 2012) • “Help Us Accept Each Other” (Hymn)

Younger Youth

Prayer: God, help us forgive and accept forgiveness. Help us remember that you already forgive others, even when we struggle to follow your example. May we find the strength to accept your forgiveness of others, even when it is hard. Amen.

Worth Remembering #CELEBRATE Supplies: short bios (look up more if time allows) Share bios of famous people who struggled before making a difference. You can add local heroes known to your camp community. Affirm these as God’s stories because God claims people who won’t even claim themselves and raises them up to change the world. Martin Sheen: His parents were immigrants to the United States. He had polio as a child and was in bed a year before walking again. As an adult he became an alcoholic. Turning to his Roman Catholic roots, Sheen has been sober for over twenty-five years and is known both as a gifted actor and passionate social justice activist. Nelson Mandela: He was born in a very poor community of South Africa under the racism

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Use the paper mache sphere from Day 3 with some alterations. As soon as Day 3 worship is over and the first layer of paper has dried, volunteers can add positive slips of paper to the ball, dry that layer, then gently pop and remove the balloon. Using a fine point marker, trace the positive words that are visible or rewrite some that were covered or faded. Slice the sphere in half and spray the insides with water sealer. In a later service, use the newly formed bowls to hold a little water (use plastic wrap to help seal if spray didn’t complete the job) and draw crosses or another symbol on foreheads of campers to remind them of how God forgives and claims them.

. Story Resources . The Lion King, Disney (1994): This full-length animated movie is a story of a young prince whose guilt leads him to run away when his father dies. Through a time of adventure and discovery, young Simba grows and eventually overcomes his fears of going home to reunite with his family.

Daily Activities LIFE LIMBO: # P L A Y Supplies: broomstick Why: Have some fun while starting to think about the ways we sink into dark times.

Round 1: What is a simple choice you make every day? Round 2: What is a harder choice you make each day? Round 3: What is a bad choice that regularly tempts you? Round 4: What is the worst thing you could do to upset your friends? Round 5: What is the worst thing you could do to upset your family? Round 6: If you did both previous things, what else could make it worse? Round 7: Having done all the above, what could make it even worse? BTW: While the conversations that may come out of this are serious, limbo is a silly activity. Feel free to play some music and have some fun while you are at it. Bonnie Raitt’s “Runaway” would fit the theme, but Chubby Checker’s “Limbo Rock”

LOST AND FOUND: # P L A Y #CREATE Supplies: one random item for each camper in the group Why: Have fun while reflecting on how things get lost, including people. How: Place random objects near your group area. Make sure they clearly do not belong in that setting. For example, a leaf would be a bad choice if playing outside. Explain to the campers that they are working as a group and everyone needs to come back with one item in their possession. You may add a time limit or let them search at their own pace. Once all items are found, have each camper make up a story about how he or she thinks his or her item might have gotten lost. After everyone shares, ask the group to reflect on how people become lost. Ask if any of them have a story about being lost as a child. Be attentive to possible hurts behind humorous stories. BTW: You could draw a map or give clues and spread the items out over a much larger area. You could also hide some bonus items for the week and give prizes if campers find them. A plastic chalice or cross is a good choice because they handle weather fine and are clearly out of place in nature.

THE TRIGGER: #CREATE #LEARN Supplies: Bible, sheets of paper, pencils; optional: markers Why: Explore today’s story a little deeper by looking at one of its unanswered questions. How: Read Luke 15:11–32 and then divide campers into groups of two or three. Ask the campers to reflect on why the younger son might have decided to leave. Have each group write an introduction to the youngest son. Ask them to give him a name, a back story, and an event that finally made him decide to leave. If they want to draw their character, you can provide paper and markers. Set a time limit so everyone knows how long they have to work. Bring campers back

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How: This is basically a game of limbo, with campers taking turns trying to go under the stick by walking forward while leaning backward without falling or touching the ground with hands for support. Each time a camper still in the competition comes up for his or her turn, ask that camper a question about choices. Use the list below. For round 7 and beyond, use that same question. Start the bar really high so as many campers as possible make it to at least round 5.

better fits the mood of the activity. You can do a reverse limbo at swim times, letting campers try to get over a higher and higher pool noodle as they jump into the water.

together to introduce their characters. Read Luke 15:11–32 again and ask the groups to give the older brother a similar treatment, but with his side of the story. Ask them to include how the younger brother impacted him and how he felt about everything. If you have time, repeat this process with the father. BTW: This scripture is a parable, so it is intentionally open ended. That means there is a lot of open space for creative expression. Consider repeating this process and having the campers create characters that are not in Jesus’ version of the story. This could include a mom, other siblings, or others who find themselves in the path of this family.

HOW FAR AWAY: # P L A Y # P R A Y Supplies: none Why: Help campers reflect on how decisions impact their relationships.

Younger Youth

How: You will repeat the following activity two times. The first time is in reference to friends. The second time is about family. Have all the campers stand shoulder to shoulder, facing outward, in a tight circle. Explain that you will read a series of events (listed below) and they are to take steps away from the center of their circle for each item on the list that they feel causes emotional distance, but are to take steps back toward the center for events that create closeness. The distance they move is dependent on how far they think that event emotionally distances them from others, or reconnects them. This is not about literal distance. For example, forgetting someone’s birthday might create some distance, but lying to them might create even more. After each round, spend a couple minutes debriefing. At the end, talk about the rounds together and ask if the campers think there is a particular distance that is too far away to allow a person to come back to the center. Feel free to add additional items to the list. After this conversation, ask the campers how this activity might apply to our relationships with God. Get back in the starting circle position and invite campers to silently move away from and back to the circle as they reflect on their relationship with God over the past few years. Close with a prayer, asking God to be with the

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campers, not matter how close or far away they feel. • • • • • • • • • • •

Make fun of you See him/her hurt others Ignore you Judge you Good conversation Jealousy over another person Receive a nice note Big argument Chooses something else over you Shares a secret A real apology

BTW: If you have a really shy group or a tired group, consider having them do this on pieces of paper. Each camper can put a dot in the center and put dots to represent steps moving away, or count back a number of dots for getting closer.

ONE WAY OUT: # P L A Y #LEARN Supplies: blindfolds, string, chairs Why: Experience how difficult it can be to ask for help and discuss what it means to be vulnerable. How: In a space, beforehand, create a circle using string wound through several sets of chairs. Tie the ends of the string to two chairs set next to each other to complete the circle. These two chairs can be moved apart to create a gap in the circle so you can easily let people in or out. The other pairs of chairs will help disguise this exit, and make it blend in with the pattern of the rest of the circle.. Blindfold the campers and guide them into the circle. Then, move the two chairs back together. Explain that the campers have been placed in a maze and will be blindfolded until they find the way out. Tell campers that they can ask for help whenever they are ready to give up finding the way out on their own. Place one hand of each camper on the string and tell them to follow it till they find the way out. Make sure all are facing the same direction. Allow campers to continue circling the space until they ask for help. When one does, lead him or her to your entrance point, open it up, guide the camper out, close it back up, and remove the blindfold. The only way out is to ask for help. Set a time limit or add one if some campers are determined to try forever on their own. After the activity, show the campers the trick, and spend some time debriefing about how

hard it is to ask for help and what keeps us from admitting we cannot succeed on our own. BTW: You can try this with meditative music in the background and tell campers it is an “everlasting” labyrinth, and see how long it takes them until they are done walking and meditating.

THAT’S OK: # P R A Y #SERVE Supplies: none Why: You’ll be surprised how this will catch on. It is a good habit to get into, and having habitual words that are a little silly can take the pressure off a tense moment.

Younger Youth

How: Practice these two lines, just saying them out loud as a group: “That’s OK; you’re OK,” and, “God already forgave you.” Explain to the campers that we regularly hear people beat themselves up for simple mistakes. Some mistakes don’t hurt anyone, but make us feel bad about ourselves, like a bad play in a ball game or being clumsy. Other mistakes can elicit an apology, like bumping into someone when you are careless or saying something inconsiderate. As a group, brainstorm mistakes people make (have some fun with this) and let the group respond with either, “That’s OK; you’re OK,” or, “God already forgave you,” depending on the mistake. Discuss places campers might be able to share these words at camp. Ask campers to commit to responding to the mistakes of others with these lines for the next 24 hours and encourage them to follow up the spoken words with a silent prayer for that person. Say a prayer to ask God’s help in affirming others at vulnerable moments. Invite campers to report back on their experiences each time you meet. As you revisit this experience, ask campers how this has impacted their experience of camp and community. BTW: If counselors and staff are already doing this, or participate explicitly, it could catch on campwide and be a great, although cheesy, community experience. What if the most common cheer on the basketball court was, “That’s OK; you’re OK,” or campers responded to being woken up with, “God already forgave you.” While this can be silly, it can also help a community practice intentionality around others’ vulnerability.

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Day 5: I Have Spoken to You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Kings 19:8–16 Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 19:11a He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Theological Summary: Elijah found God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the silence that followed. We can find God in the silence, too, and connect with God through prayer. Campers will: • experience many ways to connect to God through the mystery of prayer • practice listening for God’s voice • become aware of how God provides for them in many different ways

Younger Youth

• explore ways of connecting to God on their own

Daily Activities: — Can You Hear Me?: # P L A Y Listening and being heard — Scripture-phone: # P L A Y Scripture reading – telephone style — Voices of God: #CREATE #Learn Discussion on God’s voice — Good and Bad: #Learn When silence helps or harms — Never Lost Mazes: # P R A Y Praying with a labyrinth — Breaking the Silence: # P R A Y #Serve Intercessory prayer experience

Leader Notes: Calm and silence are not easy for younger youth. Their bodies are swirling and their brains are spinning. Some will be better equipped for quiet than others but most struggle to unwind completely. Be patient with them and give them permission to struggle and try again as they experiment with silence.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Listen to the night. Sit outside the cabin with no lights and see how many sounds the campers can identify. Silence will help. Tell campers to wait till they get back in the cabin to discuss and share.

Song Ideas: “Be Still and Know” (Traditional) “Softly and Tenderly” (Hymn) “Let It Be” (Beatles, 1970) “Silence” (PJ Harvey, 2007) “Still Small Voice” (Perry Como, 2001) “Word of God Speak” (Mercyme, 2002)

Prayer:

Body Prayer: #centering Supplies: none Invite campers to stand with their hands cupped together. Ask them to imagine a symbol for a person or issue, sitting in their cupped hands. It can even be a miniature of a person. While thinking about that symbol, ask campers to think about what they wish their hands could do. Would they crush what the symbol represents, or care for it? Protect or drop it? Invite campers to be honest about this self-reflection. Ask campers to lift their hands up to God with that symbolized person or concern still held inside. Invite them to think about what they wish God would do. Remind campers that we are not in control of this world and have to trust many things to God, even things that are painful to let go of. Invite campers, if they are willing, to open their arms wide and let go of the issues in forgiveness, or trust that God is present in that situation. If campers are not comfortable with letting go, offer them a chance to hold these close to their hearts, as things they will think and pray about. This process can be

Screams of Silence: #CELEBRATE Supplies: none Ask campers to enter a time of silence, then invite them to shout out concerns or joys they would like to lift to God, and to do so with the full force of the emotion they hold for those people or issues. If child abuse makes someone angry, he or she should shout it in his or her loudest and most angry voice. If a camper loves his or her grandmother, he or she should call out her name in a joyful voice. After the shouting and sharing, ask for a time of silence. Now, invite campers to think of things they can do to make a difference in the world. These can be in response to the issues they lifted up or just something they feel called to do. Invite them to shout these with the amount of care, passion, or compassion they hold in their hearts for those actions. Afterward, hold another moment of silence. Remind campers that God is a safe place for all the power of our emotions, and our full range of emotions. God can handle anger, joy, fear, and hope. Close in a spoken prayer, thanking God for hearing our words and emotions, and asking God to help us center ourselves in the midst of them to hear God’s guidance in response.

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Open our ears and clear the clutter around us God. Help us to find new ways hear your voice and know your presence among us. Amen.

done once, or repeated multiple times to allow campers to lift up multiple issues or people for prayer.

. Story Resources . Old Turtle Douglas Wood, Scholastic Press, 2007: There are older versions of this book, but the most recent has beautiful illustrations. This has become a classic parable of what God is like, perfect for a world determined to recreate God in its own image. “That Girl Who Prays: Chloe and the Gypsies,” by Gordon Atkins, Christian Century. Nov. 2008, http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2008-11/ girl-who-prays. This is a wonderful feature on a young girl who claims a ministry of prayer, only to find herself and the prayer patronized by others. Over time, she overcomes both to claim her prayer ministry and personal identity.

Daily Activities CAN YOU HEAR ME?: # P L A Y Younger Youth

Supplies: none Why: Have some fun as campers begin to explore the ideas of silence, quiet, and God’s voice. How: Each camper needs a partner. Have all campers stand in a tight bunch and explain that they need to share a secret with their partners. Each member of the pair should have a message for the other. It can be anything they want to say, even gibberish. The challenge is to whisper it loud enough for your partner to hear, without anyone else hearing the message. Campers may move around, trying to get close enough to each other to hear, or to eavesdrop. You can try the game with no other words being spoken, or allow campers to talk all they want during the activity, trying to make communication for others harder. After everyone has had time to share messages, check to see whose messages got through correctly, and who overheard what messages. Spend some time debriefing the activity. Ask campers what challenges they have in communicating with others on a daily basis, and how important it is to them for others to truly hear and understand them.

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BTW: The larger the group, the more complicated this is to debrief. Try it in gatherings of various sizes for a different game experience. You can also divide campers up into teams, with the goal of all team members getting the same communication by the end of the activity. In this version, you can provide the message to share. This version could take place in a short period of time or be played all day at camp. See if one team can pass the message through the day without the other team finding out the message.

SCRIPTURE-PHONE: # P L A Y Supplies: copy of the scripture 1 Kings 19:11–13 Why: Explore the daily reading with a classic group game. How: Start with a simple game of “telephone,” passing a silly phrase from one camper to the next to see if they can get it right, or what silliness comes out instead. Then, share 1 Kings 19:11–13, one line at a time, whispering it one person to the next till the last person shares it with the full group. Allow campers to have fun laughing at the garbled version of the scripture that comes out each around, then go back at the end and read the full scripture though from beginning to end. Spend some time debriefing the experience at the end, asking campers if the fact that the message was scripture changed their experience. BTW: Some activities offer a chance to teach about the origins of scripture, and this is one. Elijah never wrote down his story. It was passed down by “word of mouth” and added to the ancient story of God and God’s people. Much like our sharing of the scripture in this game, campers can understand how important listening and learning the story of God has been for generations before us. If others had not listened for God in the story, we would have no story to read today.

VOICES OF GOD: #CREATE #LEARN Supplies: Bible or copy of Ten Commandments Why: Help campers reflect on what God sounds like by having some fun with what God does not sound like. How: Remind campers that scripture rarely gives us direct communication between God and a

person. Prophets deliver messages from God, but we know their voices aren’t exactly God’s voice. Explain that the Ten Commandments were received by Moses from God, along with many other laws, but we don’t know what God sounded like. Invite campers to choose a commandment and read it in a silly voice, or as an impression of a person or character. They can be as creative as they like. Invite campers to talk about which voices fit and which were ridiculous. Ask campers how they imagine God sounding in their own lives and how they hear God in their own minds. BTW: Remember that this is a silly approach to a serious topic, and with younger youth that can switch back and forth quickly. Don’t be afraid to move away from the silly if someone shares a personal story about hearing God, or if questions about God’s gender arise. Don’t be afraid for it to jump back to silly either, but make sure pastoral care of campers sharing serious thoughts is the priority. This is a great place to add Old Turtle as a story time, especially if there is serious disagreement on what God sounds like.

Supplies: large sheet of paper, markers Why: Help campers reflect on the different experiences of silence people have in their lives. How: Divide a large sheet of paper into “good” and “bad” columns. Invite campers to brainstorm times when silence is good and when it is bad. For example, a moment of silence to remember someone who died is sad but good. The silence from parents when you think you are in trouble can be bad. Silence from a friend who is angry with you can even be hurtful. After making the list, ask campers to reflect on how God can be present in any of the situations listed. BTW: You could add on a role-play of some scenarios on the list, allowing campers to create creative ways to respond to bad silence in heathy ways. This might involve praying in the face of frightening silence, or speaking a word of care and affirmation to someone in the middle of an awkward silence that might be hurtful to that person. These role-plays could be used in worship, or just shared with the group.

Supplies: printouts of labyrinth patterns, markers Why: Introduce the labyrinth as a tool for prayer and meditation, inviting youth to think about ways they can pray with their full bodies. How: Print out some labyrinth patterns so that each camper can have his or her own page. Having multiple options to choose from is helpful. Explain that labyrinths are ancient prayer tools that people have used to focus on God. Some are large and built into gardens or cathedral floors. Others are hand-sized created from clay, or simply printed on paper. The idea is to let the labyrinth be a metaphor for one’s life. There are lots of different ways to pray with a labyrinth, but you will be trying just one. Invite campers each to put a finger on the entrance to a labyrinth printout, and slowly trace the path toward the center, trying to let go of other thoughts or distractions as he or she does. Once a camper’s finger reaches the center, invite the camper to reflect on his or her current relationship with God. After some silence, invite campers to slowly trace the path out, reflecting on what God might want them to do different in their lives. Have them repeat this cycle with markers, this time leaving lines, but, instead of themselves, ask campers to think about a need or worry in the world as they enter, ask God for guidance in the center, and reflect on how they might make a difference on the way out. Campers can repeat this practice with different colors representing different issues if you have time. After you have finished, allow some time for campers to talk about their experiences of praying with a labyrinth. BTW: It is not that hard to paint a labyrinth using a field liner or chalk. Consider creating a large labyrinth that youth can use all week long, not just for this activity. If you do choose to create a large version, make sure that it has a wide enough walkway. There are some great websites that will walk you through the process. One of the best is found at www.labyrinthos.net/layout.html

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GOOD AND BAD: #LEARN

NEVER LOST MAZES: # P R A Y

BREAKING THE SILENCE: # P R A Y #SERVE Supplies: none Why: Introduce intercessory prayer as a form of worship and service while further exploring the power of sound and silence.

Younger Youth

How: Invite campers to think of things people often pray for in church or things they wish people would pray for at church. Explain that Christians often take time to pray for specific people or issues, asking for God’s help and guidance. Ask campers to find a comfortable way to sit for a few minutes to cut down on fidgeting and help them be calm and quiet. Explain that you will list categories of people or things to pray for and that they are invited to say something out loud that is appropriate to that category. For example, if you say “leaders,” someone might pray for the president or his or her minister. Let the campers know to expect more silence than they may be used to, but that you will move on to a new topic eventually. In the silence, encourage them to lift up prayers they do not want to say out loud or a longer, more detailed prayer in their own mind for something or someone that another person named. Use the prayer outline below, or make up your own based on the list created by the campers. Be sure to leave time between each item for silence, even if it is a little uncomfortable for the campers or yourself. Afterward, remind campers that praying for someone is an active form of service. We pray for others because we care about them and want to help in some way. Prayer Outline: God, we have lots of prayers; hear our concerns as we pray for: Friends… Family members… Church community… State, country, or world… People in crisis… Other needs…

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Thank you, God, for listening to our prayers and for being with us, even when we struggle to see or hear you. Amen. BTW: Look in the Story Resources for “That Girl Who Prays” and share it with your group. You can use this to jumpstart the conversation on intercessory prayer or as part of the debriefing.

YOUNGER YOUTH

Day 6: Abide With Me Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 24:13–35 Scripture Focus: Luke 24:32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” Theological Summary: We have tools we can use to reconnect to God, and we find them as we walk the road with Jesus. Campers will: • discover how they might deepen their connection with God • learn to sustain this relationship after they leave the camp community

Younger Youth

• become more familiar with their Bibles • serve one another by being Christ-like to each other

Daily Activities: — Jesus or Not: #Learn # P L A Y Bible trivia activity — Walking Theology: #Learn Walking, thinking, and talking — Voice-overs: # P L A Y #Learn Fun scripture exploration — And with You Also: #Serve Habit of liturgical hospitality — Walk with Me: #CREATE # P R A Y Adding to a justice prayer — Defining Presence: # P R A Y #Learn Exploring God’s presence

Leader Notes: Younger youth are new to critical thinking, so they like doing a lot, and are still fairly concrete with some of their reasoning. The transition from Christ being present with the disciples to Christ’s presence with us today is a difficult theological jump for adults. It can be even harder for this age group. Be patient, be honest about your own questions, and don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” There are countless journals, essays, and sermons on the presence of God and, in the end, the only thing we know is that God’s presence remains a mystery.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Gather campers up late in the evening and take a long piece of yarn and, at spaced intervals, tie each camper’s left wrist to the piece of yarn, connecting the campers in a long line. Challenge them to go brush their teeth together. After that, untie their wrists and let them finish getting ready, on their own. Once everyone is back together, debrief the tooth-brushing experience, and talk about how physical connection is similar to or different from the connections we create at camp. Ask them how they will stay connected to their camp experience when they leave.

Song Ideas: • “Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?” (John Fisher) • “Conviction of the Heart” (Kenny Loggins, 1991) • “In the Garden” (Hymn)

Younger Youth

• “Abide with Me” (Hymn) • “Light the Fire” (Bill Maxwell, 1987) • “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” (Traditional)

Prayer: God, thank you for each moment that binds us together and draws us closer to you. Open our eyes to connections that go beyond this time, this place, this camp. Call us deeper into covenant with you and travel with us as story tellers, abiding in your love. Amen.

Seeing Jesus: #CELEBRATE Supplies: four 2x4 boards, saw, queen bed sheet, staples, tempera or poster paints, large brush, flashlight, pencil, screws, drill Build a canvas by cutting 2x4s into 4 segments of 7 feet. Boards are usually 8 or 10 feet so you should have extra pieces to add legs to one end for support to stand it up. Drill and screw together to make a large square frame. Staple a queen size bed sheet over, stretching it tight. (You may want to wash and iron the sheet first.) Divide the canvas into three vertical columns with pencil

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lines, then draw simple line drawings of an ocean beach, a sun set, and a cross. Set up the canvas so it faces the worship space but has room for people to stand behind. Thin paint with water so that it will bleed through the canvas. Have paints and large brushes behind the canvas so volunteers can paint, following the lines, and coloring the pictures while the camp sings verses 1–3 of “Have You Seen Jesus My Lord.” Having multiple artists behind the canvas makes this go faster. Shining a strong light from the front will keep shadows of painters from showing, and make the pictures appear to materialize “magically.”

Jesus Within: #centering Supplies: full length, “over the door” mirror (with a built-in hook) box cutter (This activity assumes the “Seeing Jesus” activity above was used.) After completing “Seeing Jesus” activity, place a mirror, facing the sheet, in the middle of the canvas on the back so it is only visible from behind. Sing verse 4 of “Have You Seen Jesus My Lord” and invite campers to come forward and look beyond the picture. Use a box cutter to make a slice in the middle to reveal the mirror. Ask each camper to look into the mirror, then return to his or her seat. Close with a prayer, thanking God for the ways we see Christ in each other and the way Christ abides in each of our hearts today.

. Story Resources . Godspell and Jesus Christ Super Star are two famous musicals about Jesus. Both portray Jesus in a different way than most popular images. Clips from either one could be good discussion starters or parts of a worship experience. The film version of either also makes a good rainy day movie. The Rag Man Walt Wangerin Jr., Harper Collins, 1984: This classic story imagines Jesus as a rag man, trading old rags for new. Of course, this rag man’s rags are special. When he takes one from you, your hurts come with it. Wangerin’s story is a beautiful example of Christ walking with us, even in our most difficult times, and the power of resurrection. It can be read, or acted out in worship.

Sentenced to death twice, by different leaders. (Matthew 2:16; John 19:14)

WALKING THEOLOGY: #LEARN Supplies: none Why: Prepare campers to hear the story by putting them in a similar situation, walking and talking about God and the world. How: Take campers on a walk in the woods, offering up conversation starters along the way. Invite them to talk to those around them, or lift up thoughts or questions for the full group. They can listen to, or join in, the discussion. Use the following questions as conversation starters. When you get done with the questions, you are done with your walk. What do you hear about in the news that scares you or makes you angry?

Daily Activities JESUS OR NOT: #LEARN # P L A Y Why: Explore the life and person of Jesus a little more while having some fun. How: Invite campers to guess “Jesus” or “Not Jesus” for the following statements. The quotes are from Gandhi and John Wesley. The rest are true statements about Jesus. There are scripture hints by each to help find a version of the story. (Of course, don’t read the scripture locations to the campers during the game.) Some are in more than one gospel. Afterward, you can have campers look up the stories to check their answers. Made a mess at church and didn’t apologize or clean it up. (John 2:13) Ditched his parents on a family trip. (Luke 2:41) Said, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”

When have you felt something inside you that you couldn’t explain other than to say it was God? How do you think God interacts with people on a daily basis? What is your greatest hope for our world in the future? BTW: These same prompts are also very good journaling topics. Journaling is a spiritual discipline that can help campers listen for God’s voice in their lives. By folding sheets of blank paper in half and adding a staple at the fold, you can make a simple journal. You could have the campers create these simple journals, and then invite them to revisit these questions after the walk and journal their thoughts. They can take their journals home and add to them when they are ready.

VOICE-OVERS: # P L A Y #LEARN Supplies: Bibles

From small town that people looked down on. (John 1:46)

Why: Explore the daily scripture with a fun and creative reading.

Said, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”

How: Invite three campers to play Jesus and the two disciples on the road. They will act out all the physical motions. Invite four other campers to read Luke 24:13–35. One reads Jesus’ lines,

Refugee, living in a foreign country. (Matthew 2:13)

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Supplies: Bibles

What makes you feel better when you are really mad or sad?

another reads the narration, and the other two take turns reading the lines of the disciples. They may use any style of voice they wish, even if it is silly. Ask another camper to do sound effects. These can be anything from feet stomping as they walk, to the breaking of the bread. Again, this doesn’t have to be serious. Encourage them to have fun. Repeat this a couple of times to let others have a turn, or trade parts. BTW: Consider giving the readers a specific genre to follow. For example, you could have them read it as a comedy, a soap opera, a Shakespearian play, or a crime drama.

AND WITH YOU ALSO: #SERVE Supplies: snacks Why: Introduce a simple form of liturgy and help campers connect the hospitality of Jesus and the hospitality we share with others at meals.

Younger Youth

How: Read Luke 24:30–31 and remind the campers that we use the expression “break bread” to reference a shared meal. Place snacks in the middle of the group and tell the campers they will “break bread” —with special instructions. Instruct them: “Anytime you hand someone something, say, ‘Christ be with you.’ Anytime someone says, ‘Christ be with you’ to you, the appropriate response is ‘and also with you.’” Practice two times, then invite the campers to work together to set up and share a snack. BTW: Encourage campers to try this at meals for the rest of the day. See if they can do it at every activity the rest of the day. If they pass a basketball, they share Christ. If they hand someone a flashlight, they pass it with this blessing.

WALK WITH ME: #CREATE # P R A Y Supplies: lyrics to “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me,” paper, pencils Why: Invite campers to think about the places in their lives they need to be most aware of Jesus’ presence with them by introducing a song that reminded slaves that they did not face their suffering alone.

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How: Give campers copies of “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me” and explain that it is an old spiritual, commonly sung among slaves in both times of worship and work. Three of the most common verses are “In my trials,” “When I’m in trouble,” and, “In my sorrows.” Invite campers to brainstorm modern issues that would be described as trials, trouble, and sorrows. Ask them to write some new verses, specifically naming those struggles. Sing the new verses together as a prayer for Jesus’ presence to be made known. BTW: These lyrics could be used for worship, or a promo video talking about how camp impacts the faith of youth. Consider having the campers sing the song so you can record it and post it to social media.

DEFINING PRESENCE: # P R A Y #LEARN Supplies: none Why: Dive deeper into the idea that Christ is present with us by exploring some modern examples. How: Ask the campers to listen to the following scenarios and discuss how important they think it is for the people involved to know Jesus’ presence with them. After discussing these, invite campers to lift up other times they think people need to feel God’s presence. After your discussion, invite each person to offer a prayer for someone or some situation. • Adopted child meets his or her birth mother for the first time. • Running late and need a parking spot fast. • Didn’t study for a huge test. • Escaping war that destroyed home. • Facing depression but ashamed to admit it. • Trying to win a ball game. • Coming home past curfew. • Taking first communion. • Watching a loved one die of illness. BTW: Consider giving campers paper and pens to write out prayers for specific issues or causes. These could be mailed or posted online as a form of advocacy for that issue.

YOUNGER YOUTH

Day 7: I Abide in You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Romans 8:35,37–39 Scripture Focus: Romans 8:38–39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Theological Summary: Nothing can separate us from God’s love for us shown in Jesus Christ. Campers will: • understand how the magnitude of interconnectedness influences their encounters in the world • declare that they are connected to God’s love in Christ no matter what

Younger Youth

• identify things that try to disconnect them from God • become equipped to share the good news with others • reflect on what things from camp will help them keep their connection to God

Daily Activities: — Romans Tag: # P L A Y Scripture-inspired freeze tag — Groan Worthy: #Learn # P R A Y What waits back home — Packing for Home: #Learn #CREATE Create reminders of camp friendships — Last-minute Packing: # P R A Y Prayers to guid campers home

Leader Notes: Symbols still hold power for this age group, so sending home something as a reminder of camp can be powerful. Be intentional in making the symbols created about God going with them, rather than God waiting for them next year back at the camp grounds. Camp is a place we experience God, but God dwells with us in all times and places.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Give each camper a rock and ask each to share something he or she wishes he or she could leave for future campers. This could be a memory or an emotion. Have the campers place their rocks in front of the cabin as they leave.

Song Ideas: • “Stand by Me” (Ben E. King, 1962) • “I’ll Be There” (The Jackson 5, 1970) • “Send Me, Jesus” (Thuma Mina) (Hymn) • “In Christ There Is No East or West” (Hymn) • “Bind Us Together Lord” (Traditional) • “Abide with Me” (Hymn)

Prayer:

Younger Youth

God, bless us as we go from this place. May the time we shared hold a special place in our hearts and travel with us. Help us remember that this was all made possible by the way you dwell in our hearts more than how you dwell in any place. Wherever we go, you will be with us! Amen.

I’ll Be There: #CELEBRATION Supplies: pieces of paper and pencils, music source Invite campers to think about times they should have been more mindful of God or times praying might have led to a better decision. Invite them to write these down without their names and hand them to the front. Write a few in advance to assure diverse answers. Include things such as, “when I’m in trouble with parents,” “texting my friends,” “preparing for a game,” or “planning a date.” Say, “God be with me…,” and then read from the slips of paper and ask campers to respond to saying, “I’ll be with you also.” Now, invite campers to greet each other with hugs or handshakes, saying, “I’ll be there,” and responding to each other with, “and with you

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also.” Play The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There,” or another song as campers move around.

Light Within: #centering Supplies: large candle, lighter, candle snuffer, small candle or taper for each person Place a candle on a table then ask campers to place twelve rocks around it. Light the candle, and give thanks for Christ’s light in your lives. Give each camper a taper and invite them to come forward and light their tapers from the Christ candle, then have them go sit back down. Once all are seated, use the following words, which are inspired by Godly Play curriculum. “This flame, this symbol of Christ’s light, is present in this time and place, but we know that Christ is in all times and all places, even when we can’t see him. (Snuff the candle rather than blow it out, then run your hand through the smoke.) Like the smoke spreading out, Christ is in all times and place. We also have the light of Christ in us. As we leave this place, we carry God’s love to all the people we see and all the places we go.” Go to each camper and snuff his or her light, saying to each, “Christ’s light is within you. Go and share.” Having more than one snuffer will help this process go quicker. You might want some music as you put out candles. Singing “In Christ There Is No East or West” would be a good fit.

. Story Resources . Way to Live, Dorothy Bass, The Upper Room, 2002: Written as a devotion book for youth, this book has wonderful testimonies from youth and their leaders. The first reflection written by a youth is about coming back from mountaintop experiences. It is well done and can help younger youth understand the challenges of taking their faith experience home.

Daily Activities ROMANS TAG: # P L A Y Supplies: Bible or copy of today’s scripture story Why: This is a game just for fun that reinforces the scripture reading.

BTW: It is the last day of camp. Keep in mind the mood and emotions of your group. If you need more play, do it. If you need more closure time, do it. This is an activity designed for fun and play together. Spend as much or little time in it as your group needs.

GROAN WORTHY: #LEARN # P R A Y Supplies: none Why: Look beyond today’s scripture as campers prepare to head back home and face familiar routines and challenges. How: Read more of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Read Romans 8:18, 22–23. Ask the campers to think about what things in their life make them groan. Invite each camper to share one thing, along with the best groaning sound he or she can make. This can be silly, serious, or a combination

BTW: You could do a second round of this activity, asking campers to name groans of others in the world, with the same reflection question after the scripture. This is all based on your available time and the mood of your campers on the last day.

PACKING FOR HOME: #LEARN #CREATE Supplies: lots of small slips of paper, pens, small cardboard boxes or gift bags, markers Why: Help campers remember that they are going home with more than they came with, including new tools to grow their faith. How: Place slips of paper in the middle of the group and provide all campers with a pencil and a small box or bag. Ask each camper to put his or her name on a box and decorate it with markers based on the themes of the week. Go through each day of camp, one at a time, lifting up the theme for the day and asking the campers what they remember and what they will take home with them from that experience. Invite them to write at least one thing for each day and put it in their boxes. After the review, pull out your covenant box from the first day, cut it into pieces that equal the number of campers, and give each person a piece to add to their personal box. Remind campers how the Hebrew people took the Ark before them in everything they did. Explain that God’s covenant with them, through Christ, is in their hearts and goes with them. These boxes can be reminders, and serve as tool-boxes for their faith. BTW: You might consider “mass-producing” a slip for each day with the scripture theme and a learning point on it. You could also have tangible tools campers learned through the week printed out on slips. All these could go into their boxes.

LAST-MINUTE PACKING: # P R A Y Supplies: slips of paper, pencils, and boxes or bags from “Packing for Home” activity

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How: Read Romans 8:35, 37–39 twice, then explain the game. Play this just like traditional freeze tag, except the person tagging must name one of the things in Romans 8 that Paul mentions about separating us from God. To unfreeze someone, campers must say, “Nothing can separate us from God!” The louder they yell it, the more fun this will be. You may need to read the scripture again to help with memory recall.

of the two. After everyone has shared, lift up a prayer for the concerns that have been shared. Now, read Romans 8:35, 37–39 again and ask them how remembering God’s presence can help us face life’s “groans.”

Why: Affirm each camper and help them all remember that they are going home with special relationships that will continue to grow their faith. How: Ask each camper to pass his or her box to the left. Explain that much of what we have learned at camp is from each other. As they each get another camper’s box, using the slips of paper, ask them each to write something he or she learned from that camper, or a gift that camper shared with the group. These slips are placed in that camper’s box. Boxes are passed around the group. Tell campers to pay attention to who’s boxes they have, and when they receive the boxes for the campers on their lefts, to hold onto them. Once everyone has finished writing, ask each camper to say a word of prayer (this can be silent or out loud) for that camper and then hand that camper his or her box. Go around the circle to the right to pray so no one has to pray right after someone has prayed for them. Encourage campers to let these boxes lead them home.

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BTW: Additional affirmations from cabin counselors, directors, or other staff can also be placed in the boxes. You could also include dates or website info to help campers and parents plan for future events.

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OLDER YOUTH

Day 1: The Place Where We Camp Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Joshua 4 Scripture Focus: Joshua 4:7

“[T]hen you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever.” Theological Summary: What do these stones mean? We mark special places as sacred and give ourselves reminders of our relationship to place. It can be anywhere we notice and are aware of God’s presence with us. Campers will: • connect with the place, and explore the value of sacred space • understand that they follow in the footsteps of believers who came before them • discover the importance of asking questions as they learn about God • learn how the story of God is passed from one generation to the next

— Where We Stood: # P R A Y

Older Youth

Daily Activities: #CREATE Sharing who we are

— Scripture Tag: # P L A Y #Learn Learning our story — Where They Stood: #Learn # P L A Y Learning from our surroundings — The Crossing: # P L A Y Appropriately themed group builder

Leader Notes: Joshua is a complicated book to study with older youth. Since the portion being read for this lesson lacks some of the moral questions raised by the rest of the book, it is important to keep the context in mind. Campers who know the full story or who read further may struggle with the mass killing of civilians and the taking of land that others are already living on. These are not just questions youth struggle with. Adults wrestle with the same issues in scripture. Some see the book of Joshua as recounting the will of God, while others feel God is given credit for the people’s violence after the fact. Either way, we can see the historic conflict over land in this region of the world reflected in Joshua. Other may see parallels with colonization or even the Holocaust. Study of scripture often raises more questions than answers, and this is one of those places we probably learn more through dialogue than avoidance. Don’t be afraid to let these questions find voice in conversation, but also be careful that they do not take over the lesson. Remember that we inherit both the good and the bad from those who came before us. We receive their testimony of faith, and the scars of their mistakes. We can find a faithful way forward by learning from both.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time Explain that Israel lived for many years as “tribes.” Give campers some craft supplies and invite them to design, then create, a banner or flag for their new cabin “tribe.” This can include their names, pictures, or symbols. Encourage them to get everyone’s input, decide on a design, and work together on the final version. Say a prayer of blessing for this new tribe and hang their work on the door or other visible place. If your camp is doing the “Banner Day to Worship” activity, make two of these so one can be taken to worship while the other remains.

Song Ideas: • “Home” (Phillip Phillips, 2012) • “If You But Trust in God to Guide You” (Hymn) • “We Are Crossing Jordan River” (Traditional, Gibson and Baez) • “Walking in the Light of God (Siyahamba)” (Hymn) • “I Love to Tell the Story” (Hymn) • “The Things We’ve Handed Down” (Mark Cohen, 1993)

Older Youth

Prayer: Lord, we come as heirs, inheritors of a story that is older, longer, and bigger than any of us can imagine. We give thanks that you invite us into this story and trust us to receive it and share it. Help us make the story of your people our own story, add our own chapters, and find new ways to share the story of your love with all the world. Amen.

Banner Day to Worship: #CELEBRATE Supplies: white cloth, large dowel rods, markers or paint and brushes, music source Invite groups of campers (cabins or small groups) to create a banner representing their group. Have them meet outside the worship space and process together (to “Home,” by Phillip Philips, or other music). One member of each group holds the

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group’s banner while others sit. Post or hang each banner to celebrate the coming together of God’s people. Read Joshua 4, then place a large stone by each banner. Say a prayer of blessing for all the groups.

Spiritual Heirs: #centering Supplies: Bible, small slips of paper and pencils, two large jars, music source Read Joshua 4:1–23. Invite campers to think about things that were passed down generationally. Explain that the Law was received and kept in the ark of the covenant, which was passed down and carried before them. The Law reflected their customs and culture, which were passed down. In all this, their faith was handed down. Invite campers to think of things they receive from family and home community that they give thanks for. Ask them to write these on slips of paper. Remind campers that the Hebrew people still made mistakes. They carried a lot of pain over the years. Invite campers to think of things they have received or experienced from their families or home communities that they would like to stop passing down. Examples might include simple things such as freckles, or sad things such as addiction, fears, or secrets. Invite them to write these on slips of paper. Play some music and invite campers to come forward to place the slips of paper into the appropriate jar, having one jar labeled as “traits to pass on” and the other as “traits to leave behind.” Affirm that the good things we pass on make us stronger and that it is easier to overcome hurts when we face them as a community. Close with a prayer of unity and blessing for the camp.

. Story Resources . There are many artistic expressions of this story that can be found online, including maps, paintings, and photographs of the region today. The last scene of Schindler’s List includes the placing of stones on Oskar Schindler’s grave. While there are many explanations for this tradition, the scriptural parallel of remembering through placing of stones is powerful.

Daily Activities WHERE WE STOOD: # P R A Y #CREATE Why: Help campers share about themselves while developing a ritual of prayer that will help them enter the story. This will be revisited all week and can be part of your closing before leaving camp. Supplies: one pre-washed stone per camper and permanent markers; optional: you can use paint if you have larger stones

BTW: Communicate with camps that will follow yours and let them know you have done this activity. They can have campers come find your stones and know that others came and learned about this story before them, and that they are building on that camp experience.

Why: It is important to learn names, so keep working on them as you introduce today’s scripture with this fun activity. Supplies: Bibles or copies of the daily reading for each camper How: Explain that whoever is “it” will be your reader till that camper is ready to stop. To tag someone else, the camper simply needs to say another camper’s name. When a person is “tagged,” that camper must read at least one word before tagging someone else. Select someone to start and have him or her begin reading Joshua 4:1–9. You can read through the scripture a few times to let everyone get a turn reading, or allow the activity to evolve. Some may even stop in the middle of syllables or whisper a name. Don’t worry about retention of the story at this point. Let them have fun with the reading. BTW: You can do this in pairs, incorporating a game of real tag. One set of players reads while the other set plays tag. The reader changes when someone in the game is tagged. The game has to be confined to a small space and it is helpful to have louder campers be the readers.

WHERE THEY STOOD: #LEARN #PLAY Why: Help campers find their way around camp and reconnect with the space. Supplies: paper and pencils How: Divide campers up into groups of three or four and send them out to explore the camp. Ask them to make a list of things others have left behind for them to see. For each item they list, have campers answer the following questions: What scripture or event inspired this? How do you think they felt about leaving it? What do you think they wanted us to know when they left it? When the groups come back together, ask them to share lists. Invite them to reflect on places they may have left out, such as named buildings, symbols built into the camp facility, etc. Don’t forget bathhouses and maintenance buildings. Someone built them too. Here is an example:

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How: Explain that in much of the Hebrew Bible, God’s people lived among large family groups called tribes. Invite each camper to think about the tribes they live among. This can be family, hometown, school, teams or other activity groups, etc. Give the campers one stone apiece and ask them to decorate with symbols, colors, and words that reflect the tribes from which they come. As they finish, invite each camper to share a little about his or her stone’s decoration. Once everyone has shared, find a place nearby and stand in a circle to pray. Ask God to be with this group of campers and this camp community through the week. Have each camper place his or her stone where he or she is standing and leave it. You can come back to this space through the week for times of prayer. These rocks will stay when campers leave. (See Day 7 activities.)

SCRIPTURE TAG: # P L A Y #LEARN

Stones with previous camper’s names – Inspired by stacking of stones in Bible – Probably were loving camp and maybe sad about leaving – wanted us to know how much they loved camp.

per person is a good start. Once all campers are across, spend a few minutes talking about how they learned the path and how the information was passed on without the use of words.

BTW: If there is a way to write a thank-you note to those who left the item, this would be a great follow-up activity. For a larger item, such as an outdoor cross, campers might leave rocks around the base to affirm the gift and add their contribution.

BTW: You could stop half way through and let someone walk into the middle carrying a copy of the camp’s rules. At this point, all campers can cross safely down the middle, reminding the campers of the story of Joshua.. This could be an adaptation to the game or used as a worship illustration.

THE CROSSING # P L A Y Why: Help campers dig a little deeper into the story while learning to work together. This activity will also help you identify personality traits and leadership skills among your campers. Supplies: chalk or tape, paper and pencil How: Create a rectangular grid on the ground with tape or chalk. Make sure it is at least five grid-squares wide and seven squares long. Larger is better, but each square of the grid should have enough space for a person to stand in with both feet. On a sheet of paper, sketch a scale model of your grid and draw a path lengthwise from one end to the other and use it as a key for the activity. Make sure the first path is simple to follow. You can run the activity multiple times, making the path more difficult each time.

Older Youth

Once you have a grid and a path through it, explain the rules to your campers. Tell the campers they will be attempting to cross a river that has dried up, but there is only one completely dry path. They must walk the exact path, or be forced to return to the back of the line. This activity must be completed with no talking, and campers must stay in line till they have made it safely across. Anyone who goes out of order will cause everyone to start over. One at a time, campers will attempt to discover the correct path. As they choose a square, the activity leader will signal whether the step is correct or not. If it is correct, they will say nothing. If they choose an incorrect square, the leader will say “Buzz!” That player must then back out of the grid, reversing the order correctly. It is then the next player’s turn to try.. A safe step allows that person to take another until he or she reaches the opposite side. Set a time limit to challenge your group. One minute

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OLDER YOUTH

Day 2: I Am the Vine Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Corinthians 11:23b–26 Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Theological Summary: We make sacred bonds with one another and God through covenant. Covenant is a way to express our connection beyond space and time. Jesus entered into covenant with us, and we with him, in holy communion. Campers will: • experience their connectedness to Christ through covenant • reflect on the power of shared meals in community • discover the roots of Christian worship (communion) in scripture

Daily Activities: — If God Would Just…: # P L A Y Bargaining with God

Older Youth

— Pass It On: # P L A Y Non-verbal communication game — Passing the Story: # P L A Y #CREATE Non-verbal story telling — Sharing in the Story: #Learn Celebrating sacred meals — Setting the Table: #Serve Practicing table hospitality — Tables of Grace: # P R A Y

#CREATE Passing on prayers

Leader Notes: Remember that youth are at different places in their faith journey. Some will have experience as participants in the Lord’s supper. Others may not have taken that step on their journey by personal choice, their Church tradition, or they may be new to Christianity. Be sensitive to these differences and make sure participation in the ritual Paul describes does not exclude anyone from conversation about the covenant it celebrates.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Invite each person to share his or her favorite food by miming how he or she would eat it. See if others in the cabin can guess what food it is. An adult leader goes last, pretending to break a loaf of bread and fill a cup. Close with a prayer of thanksgiving for the meals that will be shared at camp and the community that will be built in the cabin.

Song Ideas: • “All Who Hunger Gather Gladly” (Hymn) • “Join Together” (The Who, 1972) • “We’re from Barcelona” (I’m from Barcelona, 2006) • “Welcome Into This Place” (Written by Orlando Jaurez) • “Gather Us In” (Hymn) • “I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table” (Traditional)

Prayer:

Older Youth

God, you welcome us. Help us echo that welcome to others, inviting them into our lives and into your love. Help us remember that all of us are worthy of love and have a special place waiting for us at your table.

Praise Picnic: #CELEBRATE Supplies: tables and chairs or ground cover such as a tarp or blankets, whatever food you have chosen for the meal, any the materials necessary for any of the other elements of worship you choose to undertake Move a meal to your worship space. This can be done with tables or picnic blankets. Share a meal in the space you worship and let worship happen around the meal. The blessing of the food can be an opening prayer. Share a Lectio Divina reading of scripture, in which campers listen to the scripture multiple times and between readings discuss (with those they are seated with) what word or image jumped out to them. Be sure to sing some songs,

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and include other elements of worship—including prayers, an offering, or even communion if it is appropriate. Don’t forget to have something good for your dessert and benediction.

Beyond the Bread and Cup: #centering Supplies: See the Passover Meal activity on page 209 for an explanation of the Passover Seder and its elements. Allow campers to have a glimpse into a Seder service, Seder experience, helping them connect the meal Paul describes. While we remember Jesus in wine and bread, there was much more to that meal, and by learning about the elements in the traditional Passover meal, we are connected to the generational faith story that led to that night in the upper room. This will help campers see the powerful movement between major parts of our faith story: from God’s covenant, to God rescuing God’s people from slavery, to a promised land, to a promise of life and love eternal. Please be mindful that you are exploring elements of a living Jewish tradition, and that it would be disrespectful to coopt it.

. Story Resources .

• If you can keep my parents from knowing what I did…

Places in the Heart, Tri-Star Pictures (1984): This story of a 1930s widow in the South has powerful imagery around tables. Meals are shared by family, food prepared for strangers, and games played with friends, all around the table. The cast offers an assortment of vulnerable characters and outcasts. We see their lives joined, and often meals are part of the story. In the end, we see a dreamlike scene of everyone together in church taking communion, including the main character’s late husband and the man who accidentally shot him, sharing together. Time and brokenness are transcended in God’s invitation to eat, drink, and remember.

• If I could get proof you are real…

The Passover Seder: The Art of Jewish Living, Wolfson, Jewish Lights Publishing, 1996. This is a good book for deeper understanding on the Seder meal. It’s not recommended for campers, but for staff who want to better understand the scriptures, and traditions that are found in the scriptures.

Supplies: blocks (or small squares of card stock as a substitute)

Daily Activities IF GOD WOULD JUST…: # P L A Y #LEARN

Supplies: Note cards or pieces of paper, pens How: Write the phrases below each on separate note cards and place them in a stack, face down in the center of the group. Provide each camper with blank cards or paper and a pen. Let campers take turns drawing a card from the stack and reading it aloud. The campers then each write what they would offer God in exchange on their own papers, and pass them to the group leader. The leader reads the answers, and the person who read the card tries to guess who said what. Afterward, spend a few minutes discussing how God might feel about this type of relationship. • If I can pass the test I didn’t study for… • If I can find a date for the dance…

• If I can just get all “A”s... • If you just forgive me for my biggest mistake… If my team could win the big game… BTW: You can come up with extra cards on your own, or allow the group to submit some.

PASS IT ON: # P L A Y Why: Have some fun while helping youth understand how communication is passed without words.

How: Have campers sit in a line, with each facing the back of the person in front of them. Sit at the back of the line, and invite the camper in front of you to turn around to face you. Explain, loud enough so all campers can hear, that you will show this camper a pattern with a set of blocks, and that the campers will pass the pattern along from person to person. Then stack or arrange a few blocks in a simple pattern. Ask the camper to study it, then push the blocks into a pile in front of the camper. Invite the camper to turn back around and share it with the next camper in line, who then turns around to face the first camper. Remind the campers that no words can be used to pass on the pattern. Let all campers watch the final passing of the pattern to see how well the group did. Repeat this process with more complicated patterns. Afterward, spend a few minutes discussing the challenges and how such communication is easier or more difficult than spoken words. BTW: This could be done as a relay race between groups.

PASSING THE STORY: # P L A Y #CREATE Why: Experience how stories were passed down from one generation to the next through art with some interactive story telling. Supplies: small blocks (or small squares of card stock as a substitute), markers

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Why: This activity is for having some fun and getting to know each other better, and to start campers thinking about the type of relationship they really want to have with God.

• If I can just get home from a party safe…

How: Divide campers into groups of three or four and invite them to tell a favorite Bible story without any spoken words with the aid of illustrated blocks. Give each some blocks, or squares of cardstock, and markers. Invite them to draw characters or items on the blocks and use them as tools to tell a Bible story. Each group may choose their own story, decorate their blocks, and share the story with the full group. If groups struggle to choose a story, recommend wellknown stories such as the exodus or the Christmas story. After telling the stories, invite campers to reflect on different ways they have learned Bible stories. This could be through cartoons, pictures, story-telling, Children’s Bible, or through fine art. Ask the campers to share which forms of sharing help them connect most deeply with a story. BTW: Larger versions on boxes could be used to tell Bible stories to a larger group, or as part of a worship experience.

SHARING IN THE STORY: #LEARN Why: Use the experience from previous activities to help share Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians. Supplies: small blocks (or small squares of card stock as a substitute), markers

Older Youth

How: On small blocks, draw a chalice, pieces of bread, Jesus, and some disciples. Stick figures are fine. Give each person one or two blocks and ask the campers to hold up their blocks when they feel it is appropriate as the scripture is read. Read 1 Corinthians 11:23b–26 out loud. Read the text again, inviting campers to take the place of the blocks they are holding and act out the story. This means someone is Jesus, someone is a cup, and someone is bread, along with a bunch of disciples. Have some fun reenacting the story together. After the retelling of the story, invite the group to share how this story is shared in their local congregations. This can include regular worship and special services as well as Bible study or in art. BTW: If you have time, you could place the names of the items/people on blank blocks with post-it-notes, and have the campers draw the corresponding image on each block.

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SETTING THE TABLE: #SERVE Why: This activity helps campers think about how we serve others and what we teach about God by our service. Supplies: streamers, paper and markers, scissors, regular table setting items How: Spend some time setting tables and decorating for a meal at camp. Set out forks, knives, and spoons with napkins. Make some placemats celebrating the day’s theme. Hang streamers to decorate. Once you have set the tables and finished decorating, say a prayer of blessing for the meals that will be shared in this space. You can pray as a group, or invite each camper to stand at a table and ask them to pray (silently or out loud) for the campers who will sit there. There are only so many meals in a day, and multiple groups may want to do this activity. Coordinate with camp leadership and remember that you may need to plan and prepare for sharing this gift on a different day of camp. BTW: A coordinated effort could allow each meal of this day, and maybe multiple days’ worth of meals, to include decoration and hospitality.

TABLES OF GRACE: # P R A Y #CREATE Why: Reflect on what the prayers we use regularly teach us about God. Supplies: paper or note cards and pencils How: Invite campers to share meal prayers they learned as children, or favorite ways of blessing food at camp. Allow time for campers to share prayers, including those that are sung. Ask the campers what those prayers teach about God. Challenge the campers to write some prayers for the blessing of food that share the messages they have already learned at camp. Invite them to make up new songs for meals that they can share with the camp. BTW: If there are traditional camp songs used as a blessing at meals, this is a great time to teach those songs so that everyone feels included and there is not a learning curve for new campers at such a basic time as blessing a meal.

OLDER YOUTH

Day 3: Love One Another Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: John 8:2–11 Scripture Focus: John 8:7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Theological Summary: We have to look around to see that we are all valuable to God. People and their relationships to us are a treasure for us to protect. When the legalistic Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about the law, Jesus’ compassion created a “third way” with his answer, neither condemning the woman for her sin nor denying the law. Campers will: • know that their actions toward others can be transformative • see Christ’s example of compassion and grace with patience and courage • be called to follow Christ’s example to connect to others without judgment, prejudice, or injustice • distinguish between judgment and justice

Older Youth

Daily Activities: — Name That Sin: # P L A Y The many ways we judge — Assuming a Role: # P L A Y #Learn Role play with a twist — Dirty Grace: #Serve #Learn Giving grace — Dirty Words: #CREATE # P R A Y Responding to negatives — Rapid Response: # P R A Y Right and wrong time to act — Center of Balance: # P L A Y How we stay centered

Leader Notes: Jesus’ response is a gift of grace to the woman and a challenge to the leaders. Jesus is calling them to be careful how they judge, and reminding them of their own sins. Some ancient manuscripts include a few extra words at the end of verse 8, so it reads, “…[he] wrote on the ground the sins of each of them.” Imagine the scene of each person reading their offenses written in the dirt before them and their peers. Maybe the accusers leave because Jesus has called them not to judge, or maybe they leave before Jesus can write their personal infractions.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Give each camper a rock and ask each to think of a time he or she judged someone. Explain that the day’s scripture story involves Jesus causing a crowd to put down the rocks they intended to stone someone with and leave. Invite the campers to place their rocks by the entrance to the cabin as a commitment to having a judgment-free day. Tell them that their rocks will be waiting on them later if anyone needs to pick his or her rock up and set it back down as a reminder not to judge. This could be a practice for the week as the campers practice not judging, and asking forgiveness for judging.

Song Ideas: • “Brave” (Sarah Bareilles, 2003) • “Who Is My Neighbor?” (Hymn – CROP Walk Resources) • “If Everyone Cared” (Nickelback, 2005) • “Seasons of Love” (From Rent, 2001) • “Judge Not” (Bob Marley, 1978) • “Help Us Accept Each Other” (Hymn)

Prayer: Older Youth

God, give us courage to love and be loved in return. Give us the courage to protest all that would separate us from love. Give us the strength to face the injustices of this world with love and grace. Give us the patience to create change, even when it seems so far away. Amen.

Time Rewind: #CELEBRATE Supplies: none Have campers act out the scene from John 8, but with Jesus telling the scribes and Pharisees to do what they want since they know the Law so well. Act out the stoning (without real stones of course), and then have one of the crowd members call out another for being a cheater. The rest of the crowd then “stones” the cheater. Continue this pattern with camps accusing others of various different sins, causing people to be stoned till

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there is only one left with Jesus, to whom Jesus says, “Would you rather I gave you a different answer?” Pretend to “rewind” the scene with everyone moving in reverse back to the point at which the scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus about the woman’s punishment; then act out the real story.

Written Confessions: #centering Supplies: shallow box or tray, sand, small sticks; (optional): music source Invite campers to take turns coming forward to write sins in a small sandbox with a stick, offer a short silent prayer of confession, then smooth the sand with his or her hand and allow another a turn. Consider some background music while people come forward. “Brave” by Sarah Bareilles or Bob Marley’s “Judge Not” would work well.

. Story Resources . Elephant Man, the story of John Merrick, is sad and inspirational. There is a movie as well as written stories of his life. Deformity gave him a physical challenge, but the judgment of others is what made is life so difficult. Acceptance and solidarity of others is what changed his life for the good.

Daily Activities NAME THAT SIN: # P L A Y Why: This is a silly way to help illustrate how many ways we have to judge. Supplies: none

BTW: Stretch this game out over a full day if you want by playing head to head. Campers then have partner they play against and anytime two partners are together, they can add another word. Give points for each unique word. Neither can repeat something that has already been said. At the end of the day, see who has more points, then use the same debrief as above.

ASSUMING A ROLE: # P L A Y #LEARN Why: Explore how assumptions impact the way we treat people.

How: Write some of the word pairs listed below on half sheets of cardstock—one pair per sheet, with one word on one side of the sheet, and its partner on the back. Then punch holes and attach strings so each paper can be worn as a name-tag. Give each camper a nametag, but do not let them see what is on the opposite sides. Explain that they will role-play using the descriptions they are wearing and their own genders. The scenario is that a new colony on another planet holds the best hope for the future of humanity and they are selecting four people who will go. After they make a decision as a group, invite them to flip their nametags and reflect on the outcome and the process. *President / hiding cancer *Child / bully *Doctor / drug addict *Minister / carpenter *Construction worker / depressed *Rocket scientist / anger issues *Senior citizen / farmer *Professor / Christian *Pop-star / hunter *Famous Athlete / gay *Lawyer / Muslim *College Student / prostitute *Astronomer / atheist *Convict / “Whistle blower” *Spy / has PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) BTW: These roles could be given early in the day and role-played all day, allowing campers to interact at meals and free time in their different roles. If you do this, do not write the second words on their tags. Wait until later in the day, then flip their tags over and write the additional words. You might consider giving them more time to live out the characters with this added reality.

DIRTY GRACE: #SERVE #LEARN Why: Service is not always an obvious or measurable event. Listening, affirming, or even forgiving can be an act of service. Practice sharing grace as a way of serving each other.

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How: Sit in a circle and invite campers to take turns naming sins. Answers are to be one word— there is no need for the campers to explain situations that they think was sin. This simple process moves around the circle till someone can’t think of a sin. That person moves to the middle of the circle and sits in the “ring of judgment” while the rest of the group continues naming sins until everyone has been eliminated and moved to the center. After the game ends, spend a few minutes reflecting on how much our culture judges others and how many words we have for judging. Restart the game with the same flow, but this time ask the campers to name synonyms for grace. Instead of moving those who can’t think of a word to the middle, simply tell them it is okay and encourage them to try again when their turns comes around again.

Supplies: cardstock, string, hole punch, markers

Supplies: area of dirt or sand, sticks (optional: something with which to write with water such as a brush or a sponge) How: Read John 8: 2–11 as a group and ask the campers what jumps out at them. Explain to the campers that some versions of this scripture add that Jesus wrote down the sins of the scribes and Pharisees who were accusing the woman. Ask the campers how this additional information impacts their understanding of what happened. Provide an area of dirt or sand and some sticks to write with. Invite each person to draw a letter in the sand to represent a sin he or she believes Jesus might have written if that camper had been among the accusers. No one has to say what his or her sin is. Invite one camper to pick a peer and tell that camper that the first camper will not judge the second, and that God forgives the second camper. The person speaking then uses his or her foot to scatter the sand or dirt, erasing the letter. The person who has just had his or her letter erased then shares the same words with someone else. This continues until everyone has been affirmed in grace. Spend some time discussing the experience at the end.

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BTW: Another adaptation could be to use water, drawing on concrete with brushes, sponges or rags. Campers can still affirm each other, but allow evaporation to erase what they have written, reminding them that God forgives and offers grace.

RAPID RESPONSE: # P R A Y Why: Give campers a chance to think through their snap judgments and to consider alternate aspects of a situation. Supplies: none How: Ask campers to decide which of the following scenarios requires a rapid response and which require some planning before responding. • Friend says he or she is being abused by parent • Watching a bully push someone around • Discovering a friend is an alcoholic • Learning a younger sibling has a learning disorder • Learning women get paid less than men • Hearing racist language at family reunion BTW: This is a great opportunity to invite examples from the campers. You might do this with anonymous submissions, having them write situations on note cards and placing them in a box. That way, no one knows whose real world situation the group is discussing.

CENTER OF BALANCE: # P L A Y Why: This game is a playful way to get into the topic of things that might knock campers off balance. It also reinforces the Bible story with its use of the words accuser and advocate. Use this opportunity to explain what these words mean.

DIRTY WORDS: #CREATE # P R A Y

Supplies: none

Why: make the act of forgiveness “concrete” with this craft project (pun intended).

How: Divide campers into groups of three. Have two campers step away from the third and assign one the role of “advocate” and the other the job of “accuser.” To begin the activity, have one camper stand on one leg and the other two stand on opposite sides of the central camper. Explain that one of the two campers will try to knock the balancing camper over, forcing him or her to put his or her other foot down. The other camper is there to help support the camper and keep him or her from falling. The camper in the middle is to do his or her best to stay on one foot. Instruct the accuser not to be too rough. The advocate and accuser may say whatever they want to the camper in the middle, even lie about their roles.

Supplies: area of dirt or sand, stick, bowl, Plaster of Paris mix, paint How: Draw sins in the dirt—pray. Write words of hope and justice in dirt—fill them in with mix. Paint after they dry. BTW: Leave these around camp for others to find in the future, or paint and take home. The campers can each take a different letter home to help them remember they are all part of a body that stands up to injustice together.

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Time each round at 30 seconds and see how many campers can keep their balance. Rotate roles so that everyone gets a chance. Afterward, spend some time debriefing what things in life “knock us off balance,” or cause us to act beyond our best intentions. Invite campers to think about what things help them keep their faith and respond with their best efforts when tempted or challenged. BTW: This can be done in groups of three all at once, or one group at a time in the middle of the group space so everyone can watch each round. This could be done on a 2x4 board over a swimming pool or on a log over a pond for added excitement.

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Day 4: I Chose You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 15:11–32 Scripture Focus: Luke 15:32 “But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” Theological Summary: Decisions we make affect the ways we connect with people. Your choices matter, but they don’t change God’s love for you. Campers will: • learn the impact of choice in their connections with God and others • hear of God’s forgiveness and grace • know that they can admit to their brokenness, and that they can change • identify trustworthy individuals in their lives who will show them God’s grace and forgiveness

Daily Activities: Older Youth

— Just Kidding: # P R A Y #Learn Elaborate conversation starter — Scrambled Rolls: #Learn # P L A Y Silly story telling — Same Old Story: #CREATE #Learn Role-play experience — Rock Bottom: # P R A Y Real issues that sink us — Forgiveness Tag: # P L A Y #Learn Twist on a classic — Danger Zone: #Serve Bad decision factors — Giving and Receiving: #Learn Forgiveness is hard

Leader Notes: Older youth are already thinking about life away from home. Some are looking at colleges and others are too scared to imagine the inevitable change before them. This age group also has seen lots of friends push away family and waste the blessings around them. Jesus’ story hits home in lots of ways they may not be immediately aware of.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Invite campers to share which of the two brothers in the prodigal son story they can most identify with. Are they the one who felt free to roam, made mistakes, and was willing to ask for help? Are they the one who was responsible, connected to home, and struggled with judgment? They may be a combination, but ask each to pick one and explain why.

Song Ideas: • “Forgiveness” (TobyMac, 2012) • “These I Lay Down” (Hymn) • “I’m Not Who I Was” (Brandon Heath, 2006) • “Beautiful Things” (Michael Gungor, 2010) • “Runaway” (covered by Bonnie Raitt, 1977) • “Conviction of the Heart” (Kenny Loggins, 1991)

Prayer:

Vulnerable Connections: #centering Supplies: several pieces of fruit, toothpicks Ask campers to think about times they have felt hurt or broken. Invite them to come forward and place a toothpick in a piece of fruit to represent that hurt. After everyone has had a chance to place a toothpick, pick up the pieces of fruit and push them together, allowing some toothpicks to connect different pieces. Remind campers that our hurts can be a way to connect with each other and that, in our brokenness, Jesus finds us and makes us one. Close with a prayer of unity in the face of brokenness. You can slice up the fruit after worship and have it available as a snack on the tables during a meal.

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God grant us grace, that we might claim forgiveness offered to us. Grant us vision, that we might see the people you send to lead us in right paths. Grant us hope, that we might believe there is still a path for us when we lose our way. Call us back to you again Lord. Amen.

game path while the story is played out. Other campers may join the players as their spouses and children. You can keep this as simple as you like, or make some elaborate decorations to fit the theme. End this story with a prayer, thanking God for the free will to make choices, and not being controlled by a spinning wheel or stuck on one path. Ask God to help the camp community make good choices and follow or forge right paths.

Life Is Not a Game: #CELEBRATE Supplies: two cardboard boxes, tape, poster board, markers, “Game of Life” board game (for reference and spinner) Turn your worship space into the classic board game “Life” by creating game spaces out of poster board that mimic those in the board game. Reenact the prodigal son story through the game by having “Player #1” (older son) and “Player #2” (younger son) spin a dial and move through decisions. Player #1 stays on the “safe path” and Player #2 goes on the “risky path.” Feel free to make up creative twists for each turn. Campers with cardboard boxes cut out to look like car tokens from “Life” can walk around and through the worship space as if they are following the

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. Story Resources . Spiderman, Columbia Pictures (2002) and Iron Man, Marvel Studios (2008) are just two examples of what has become the Marvel hero narrative: gifted person wastes his or her potential and creates distances from his or her community before facing personal vulnerability and the demons of his or her past to become a hero and save the community.

responsibility, and how it feels to come back to people you know are disappointed or angry. Join hands and share a time of prayer, asking God to help everyone be present in today’s conversations, even if they are difficult. BTW: If multiple groups are doing this at once, have the various “absent” pairs gather together and talk about how they expect to be received when they return to their groups.

SCRAMBLED ROLES: #LEARN # P L A Y

Daily Activities JUST KIDDING: # P R A Y #LEARN Why: Help campers connect with their emotions with this conversation-starting experiment. Supplies: large piece of paper, marker

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How: Select two campers who will not show up for the beginning of your group time. Give them directions on a place to go and wait till you send for them and instruct them to tell no one else what they are doing. When the rest of the campers arrive, tell them that their peers didn’t feel like being at camp today and talked a director into taking them on the store run to town, and that they will also stop and see a movie. Be clear that there is no way for others to go. If there is immediate reaction, allow time for sharing. If the group is frustrated, let them vent and then bring back the other two campers and debrief the experience together. If there is no outward expression of frustration, continue with the next section. Tell the campers it is time to get started on today’s lesson, which may not be as much fun as other days because it is more serious. Give them a large sheet of paper and markers, and ask them to brainstorm times they wanted to avoid something or get out of responsibility. Have someone record their answers. If frustration over the campers who left to have fun comes up, bring them back to the group and debrief together. Continue with this list until everyone has had a chance to contribute, and spend some time discussing how it feels to be the one left with

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Why: Allow campers to start thinking about the different roles they might see themselves in as they hear the scripture reading. Supplies: Bible How: Tell the campers they will all be acting out the story of the prodigal son. They will each play all the characters who are speaking, while looking to other group members to be the people they are speaking to. The catch is that everyone will do this at the same time. That means two campers might both be pretending to be the father and looking to the other as if he or she is one of the sons. Slowly read Luke 15: 11–32 out loud and pause as needed for campers to keep up with the actions. Afterward, read the story again with everyone sitting and listening. Ask the campers to share how they feel about each character and how it felt to act out their perspective. BTW: You could adapt this by asking campers to divide into three groups. Assign each group one of the main characters. Explain that those playing the older brother will also play the servant by using their left hands as puppets. Group campers by role, then read the scripture and invite campers to act it out in unison, engaging any of the appropriate campers in a different role as the time is right. This could be done with the entire camp, or just with a smaller group.

SAME OLD STORY: #CREATE #LEARN Why: Help campers relate to the story and get beyond the limitations of the story’s setting. Supplies: none How: Divide the campers into groups of four and ask them to act out the story of the prodigal son.

Invite them to move the story to any time period or location in history. After each group has shared their version with the group, send them back to work up a version from the future. See if campers have the youngest son running off to another planet! BTW: Like many group activities, this could be adapted for a worship setting. You might consider having props to help them connect with some recognizable time periods in history. For example, a tie-dye shirt, a sword, and a powdered wig could each inspire a fun version.

ROCK BOTTOM: # P R A Y Why: Focus in on the struggles of the younger brother and how easily a downward spiral can suck us deeper into darkness. Supplies: large sheet of paper, markers

BTW: If you have time, consider reading Jonah 2 and discuss how Jonah’s story is similar to that of the younger brother. Both go away from responsibility, and both come to a point at which they can’t sink any lower and death seems like an option. Both find humility and a second chance.

FORGIVENESS TAG: # P L A Y #LEARN Why: Explore the ways that God forgives and our response to that forgiveness with a fun game. Supplies: blindfolds for each camper How: Show campers an open space where they will be playing. Explain that they will be blindfolded and the person who is “it” has

Spend some time debriefing the activity. Ask the campers how they felt about the rules and finding out one person did not have a blindfold. Invite the campers to reflect on how this game might symbolize God’s attempts to share forgiveness with us. Ask the campers what things people do to avoid accepting forgiveness. Ask the campers to share times they struggled to accept forgiveness or when people struggled to accept their forgiveness. BTW: You can change this up and make it a little more active by removing the blindfolds, giving “it” a squirt gun and giving the rest of the campers trays from the kitchen to use as shields. They are tagged when they get directly hit anywhere on their body other than where their hands grip the tray.

DANGER ZONE: #SERVE Why: Reflect on how the church, and we as members of it, can help support people when they are most vulnerable. Supplies: strips of cardstock (bookmark size), pens, large piece of paper, marker How: On a large sheet of paper, write the letters H-A-L-T-S stacked in a column on the left side, with some space to write between each. Explain to the group that different recovery and support groups often identify “triggers” or “factors” in making bad choices. HALTS is an acronym to represent them. Fill in each word and ask the campers how the church can help people face that challenge. H= hungry, A = angry, L = lonely, T = tired, S = stressed. Write the campers’ ideas for each next to or under the word. Give each camper a slip of cardstock and ask each to write these words down the center. Encourage them to place these in their Bibles, or visible places when they get home so they can keep the needs of others in

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How: Invite the campers to focus on the younger brother in the scripture story. Ask them why they think he might have left. Write their answers on large sheet of paper. Now, have them add to the list things that kept the younger son from coming home sooner. Finally, ask the campers to imagine what issues the son will bring home with him from his travels. These could include addiction, depression, guilt, etc. Once the list is complete, ask the campers how the church should respond to such a person if he walked in and asked for help. Close by using the list of issues the younger son faced as he decided to return and headed home as a prayer list, lifting up those in our world who face these issues every day.

to constantly say “give” anytime he or she is moving. Others must say “for” anytime they are moving. Any camper who is tagged may take off his or her blindfold and silently move out of the game space to watch. Gather all campers in the game space, blindfold them, and designate one as “it” and remove his or her blindfold without telling the other campers. Begin the game and play till everyone has been tagged.

mind, along with some things the church might be able to do to help. BTW: If you have time, invite the campers to name times each of these “triggers” factored into bad decisions for themselves or people they know. These bookmarks can be useful tools for campers to remember they are not alone when they face their personal triggers or factors in decision making.

GIVING AND RECEIVING: #LEARN Supplies: none Why: By focusing on the older brother some, reflect a little more on how hard it is to both forgive and receive forgiveness. How: Read the scenarios below, one at a time, allowing time between each for the campers to decide who needs to receive forgiveness, and who needs to do the forgiving. In each one, ask the youth what challenges each person will face to do so. Spend some time at the end discussing personal responses to the challenges of forgiveness. • Mother meets the child she gave up for adoption twenty years ago, and both are recovering alcoholics.

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• Married prominent leader makes sexual advances on woman who moved in next door, only to discover she is the new minister at his church. • Girl secretly starts dating her sister’s boyfriend. • President of charity is caught stealing funds to pay for spouse’s cancer treatments. • Man arrested for DUI when in his early twenties starts a family and, years later, his wife and daughter are hit by a drunk driver. • Country A invades Country B. Sixty years later, Country A and B are at peace, but scientists discover Country B used a biological weapon that caused Country A’s soldiers to carry home diseases. • Mother privately tells both sons she wants them to have the family farm when she dies but leaves no will. Each files court papers to claim the property, and family is divided.

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BTW: Invite campers to create their own scenarios or lift situations from history or the news that reflect the challenges in these scenarios. If you need a way to inject some movement into the activity, put two jars in the middle of the group. Label one “giving” and the other “receiving.” After each scenario, have the group vote on which would be harder to do. They can put M&Ms or pebbles in the jar to represent their votes.

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Day 5: I Have Spoken to You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Kings 19:8–16 Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 19:11a He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Theological Summary: Elijah found God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the silence that followed. We can find God in the silence, too, and connect with God through prayer. Campers will: • experience many ways to connect to God through the mystery of prayer • practice listening for God’s voice • become aware of how God provides for them in many different ways • explore ways of connecting to God on their own

Daily Activities: — Prayer Pause: # P R A Y Taking time for prayer

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— Scavenge-ears: # P L A Y Listening activity — Did You Hear Me?: # P L A Y #CREATE Creative response to listening — Separating the Story: # P L A Y #Learn Scripture reading — Noise, Noise, Noise: #Learn Exploring the surrounding chaos — Rebooting: # P R A Y #Serve Practicing silence

Leader Notes: Remember that Elijah was hiding from trouble. It seemed like there were threats all around him. It is in the midst of a pressure-packed time and place that Elijah finds God in the silence. Stopping and unplugging may seem like a crazy idea, but Elijah shows us that this is one path to experiencing God.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Invite campers to share times they experienced silence as comforting and times when it was awkward. Ask them to try to identify sounds that are relaxing and compare the impact of sound versus the impact of silence on them.

Song Ideas: • “Slow Me Down” (Jack Walker, 2007) • “In God Alone” (Taizé, 2004) • “Talking ’Bout a Revolution” (Tracy Chapman, 1988) • “Enjoy the Silence” (Depeche Mode, 1990) • “Come and Find a Quiet Center” (Hymn)

Prayer: Loving God, we are listening for you. We long to hear your voice. Open our ears, that we might hear you. Open our eyes, that we might see you. Open our minds, that we might know that you are with us, calling to us. We are listening for you. Amen.

Silent Celebration: #CELEBRATE Older Youth

Supplies: cardboard or poster board and large markers “Cardboard Testimonials” are a popular trend, with many examples posted on YouTube. Most have a song playing behind the words, but this experience will be in silence. Write each word of Psalm 65:1–2 on pieces of cardboard, with only one or two words per piece. Write other words that describe how people live out their faith, each on its own piece of cardboard. Examples might include prayer, singing, helping, listening, storytelling, feeding the hungry, etc. Make sure to use the word worship as one of these signs. Start this worship activity by having youth hold up the words of the psalm, in order, one piece of cardboard at a time. You can have them keep holding their signs until all are up, or put them down after each sentence. Repeat the words, “you hear the prayer in it all,” and then start showing

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the other acts of faithfulness. End with the word worship.

Slow Silence: #centering Supplies: none Introduce contemplative worship by first explaining that many Christians use repetitive prayers and simple songs along with silence to create a calm mood in which people can reflect on their questions and listen for God’s leading. Encourage campers to relax and direct them that, when they start to wonder how much longer a song or silence will be, they should simply breathe and try to clear their minds or sing along. Remind campers that it is okay to be distracted by nature, personal worries, or other things going on their lives. This form of worship invites us to pray about things that come to mind, and make room in our hearts and minds for things that bubble up from within us. Choose a simple song such as, “Slow Me Down” by Jack Walker or “In God Alone” from the Taizé community. Sing the song through five times, then enter into a time of silence for a minute or two. Repeat this three times. Song leaders need to be patient and not give in to a desire to speed up or cut things short. Offer a time after worship for campers to discuss their experience with contemplative worship.

. Story Resources . Castaway, 20th Century Fox (2000): Chuck Noland is stranded on a deserted island and must find ways to keep his sanity while physically surviving. Sounds of nature, his own voice, and his own imagination are all there is to hear. Without the sounds of modernity, nature speaks louder and Chuck’s own personal reflections become more profound. Great movie to watch and then discuss the power of sound, silence, and the impact (good and bad) of time alone.

Daily Activities PRAYER PAUSE: # P R A Y Supplies: none Why: Practice the spiritual discipline of prayer by allowing it to disrupt your day.

BTW: The ancient Church, and the Jewish community before them “kept hours,” with a prayer time occurring every three hours during the day, starting at 6 a.m. and going even until 3 a.m. the next day, if they were still awake. A similar schedule could be set up for campers to pause for prayer at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. Include the entire camp in this and see the impact on the community, or do it just in your group and watch the impact of one group of campers stopping while others keep going.

SCAVENGE-EARS: # P L A Y Supplies: blindfolds for everyone, random scavenger hunt items

How: Divide the campers into two teams and designate one person from each team to be the guide for the group. Blindfold everyone, scatter some random objects around your meeting space, and then remove the blindfolds from the guides. Tell all the campers that each team will get one point for reach item they retrieve, but the guide may not move from where they stand. Have each guide stand on opposite sides of the search space, away from the place items should be returned to. You can set a time limit, or let the campers play till all items are found. Add up the score and see who wins, then discuss the challenges of the game. To make things more difficult, have others stand around and yell different or contradictory directions to people. BTW: Try playing this on a hillside with slippery plastic sheets lying on the hill between items. You can give more points for items found higher up the hill, and thus requiring campers to cross multiple areas of plastic. This also translates well to the pool or as a nighttime game with light-up items.

DID YOU HEAR ME?: # P L A Y #CREATE Supplies: sheets of paper, colored pencils or markers Why: Start to get into Elijah’s life while exploring the difficulty of listening and hearing. How: Read the following and ask campers each to draw a scene from what is heard. They can pick any scene they like, or multiple scenes. After they have time to draw, ask them to share their work and see how much they can recall from your reading. “Elijah was a prophet sent by God. He predicted a drought and it happened. He asked a widow to make some bread for him but she explained that she only had enough oil and flower to make one more small loaf for her and her son before they starved to death. Elijah had her take him in anyway, promising the supplies wouldn’t run out. They didn’t, but the boy got sick and stopped breathing so Elijah brought him back to life. Elijah later competed with the prophets of Baal in a contest. He let them pick the bull and even let

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How: Inform campers that a silent moment of prayer will be held for 30 seconds any time a chime or bell is heard during the day. This can be done within small groups, as a full camp, or in other venues. Make sure to coordinate plans with other leaders if your activity will impact their groups. Make sure your prayer pauses include some inconvenient times, such as while playing a game, at shower time, or during other activities. This can also serve as a way to gather for meals or worship.

Why: Explore the challenges to listening, especially to important things.

them pour water around his alter. The prophets called to their God but nothing happened. Elijah did some “trash talking,” stacked twelve stones, placed the sacrifice, then called to the Lord…and fire came down and consumed the soggy offering. After this, Elijah took advantage of the crowd’s support and had all the prophets of Baal killed. Unfortunately, King Ahab was still in charge and his wife, Jezebel, was a Baal follower. Elijah was a wanted man so he went to the mountains to hide. There he waited on God to pass by. There were mighty winds, and earthquake and fire, but God was not in any of those. Then came a sound of silence, and Elijah knew it was God. BTW: Consider sharing the reading in one gathering and having the campers draw during the next. You might also consider using the drawings to create a timeline of Elijah’s ministry by placing them around a dining hall or other space. Group similar scenes together. Storytelling was and still is one of the primary purposes of stained-glass windows in a church. This is a great way to follow in that tradition.

SEPARATING THE STORY: # P L A Y #LEARN Supplies: Bible Why: Dive into today’s scripture in a fun way that connects some of the previous activities to the conversation.

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How: Choose one camper to be the designated listener. Have the rest choose between being wind, earthquakes, or fire. The listener’s job is to simply hear the scripture story and tell what happened. The other campers are to try and distract the listener by acting like one of the sounds of nature. Read 1 Kings 19:11–13 in a moderately loud voice. Afterward, ask the group to tell you what they heard. Some will be confused, thinking the designated listener was the only one told to listen. Remind them that scripture is for all of us, and that many of us are too distracted by other responsibilities to listen or respond. Give all a chance, including the designated listener, to share what they heard. Read the scripture again and see what was missed.

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BTW: This could be done with multiple groups at the same time in a large space, or adapted into a worship experience.

NOISE, NOISE, NOISE: #LEARN Supplies: paper, pens Why: Help campers reflect on the idea of God being found in silence and how it applies to their own lives. How: Ask each camper to make a list of communication sources he or she interacts with on a weekly basis. To help them form their lists you might lift up “conversation with people,” “print media,” “social media,” “advertising,” and “entertainment” as categories. Have campers go back through their lists and assign a “volume” from 1–10 (10 being the loudest or highest) to each item, representing how much it draws their attention or how aggressive that communication is in their lives. Ask campers to look over their lists again and put a circle around those sources that carry a positive message and an “x” next to those that they experience as negative. Invite sharing of items, numbers, and reflections on the lists. Ask the campers where and how messages from God fit into the mass of sound and communication all around them. BTW: Items from the lists could become sounds to be shouted at individuals as they try to sit in silence. This would be a great worship illustration, or could be paired with the “Rebooting” activity found below.

REBOOTING: # P R A Y #SERVE Supplies: extra copies of the instructions below Why: Give campers a chance to coach each other while learning to create their own meditative silence. How: Use the following instructions to lead campers in a time of meditative silence. The purpose is to clear the mind so God has room to speak and the Spirit has room to move. The goal is to not think about anything. This can be an emotionally and physically recharging experience. Offer two minutes of silence, then spend some time discussing the challenges and opportunities found in silence. Invite campers to break into

pairs and lead each other in the activity again. Those leading also observe the silence they are helping create for their partners. Afterward, invite the group to share their experiences and anything they discovered. Instructions: Find a comfortable place, where you won’t feel the need to move or adjust for a while. Find something to look at that will not change or distract you. Keep your eyes open as you take slow deep breaths and stare at your spot. Be aware of the sounds and movements around you. Now, slowly turn down the volume in your mind and focus only on breathing out. Focus only on breathing out. Everything else will take care of itself. If other thoughts pop up, stick them in the back of your mind for later. They will still be there. For now, only focus on breathing out, and ignore my voice along with any other distractions, only focusing on breathing out. BTW: Try repeating this activity with longer times of silence over the next couple of days. You can also incorporate elements of the “Noise, Noise, Noise” activity above and let campers try to create a meditative silence in the midst of intentional noise around them.

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Day 6: Abide With Me Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 24:13–35 Scripture Focus: Luke 24:32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” Theological Summary: We have tools we can use to reconnect to God, and we find them as we walk the road with Jesus. Campers will: • discover how they might deepen their connection with God • learn to sustain this relationship after they leave the camp community • become more familiar with their Bibles • serve one another by being Christ-like to each other

Daily Activities: — Gospel Charades: # P L A Y Life of Jesus without words

Older Youth

— Walking Conversations: # P R A Y #ServE Reflection and prayer time — Do You Know Me?: # P L A Y Fun relationship builder — Who Was That Guy?: #Learn # P R A Y Lectio Divina scripture study — How Did You Miss That?: #CREATE #Learn Exploring the disciples confusion — Would We Miss That?: #Learn Modern interpretations of Luke — That Is a “You” Problem!: # P L A Y Asking where we need God Leader Notes: This story resembles some Old Testament texts, when a visitor from God arrived but no one knew, or the visitor was God or an angel at one point in the story and in another place it is just a “messenger.” That ambiguity can be aggravating, or a reminder that God is not always explicit. God is always around us, but sometimes we have to look. Even when we should be expecting to see God, sometimes our eyes (along with our minds) need some help focusing.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Invite campers to write obituaries for each other, assuming each has lived a long and full life. These can be funny, but should reflect the best gifts and potential of each camper. For example, “Bobby died at the age of 90 as he tried to perform CPR on a drowning bunny. He spent his life as a doctor serving those who could not afford care and has 1000 great-grandchildren who are all Bible scholars.” Offer time to share them and laugh together.

Song Ideas: • “Dig Down Deep” (Marc Cohen, 1991) • “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” (Michael W Smith, 2001) • “Would You Harbor Me” (Sweet Honey in the Rock, 1995) • “Light the Fire Within” (Leann Rimes, 2001) • “Lord Light the Fire” (John Tesh, 2010)

Prayer:

Imagine This: #centering Supplies: pictures of Jesus from different cultures, music source to play “Would You Harbor Me?”; (optional): laptop with electronic images of Jesus, computer projector, blank wall to project upon Invite campers to close their eyes and imagine walking down a dark alley or through a deserted place. Now, ask them to imagine a frightening stranger walking toward them. Tell campers to get a good mental picture of the stranger. How is the stranger dressed? What does this person look like? Does the stranger have any distinguishing characteristics? Ask campers to imagine this is a messenger from God; pause, then ask them to reflect on what Jesus might look like today. Print out or project pictures of Jesus from different cultures and different art forms. Play Sweet Honey in the Rock’s “Would You Harbor Me?” Offer a time of silent prayer afterward.

Dig Deep: #CELEBRATE Supplies: slips of paper, pencils, box, some music source to play song “Dig Down Deep” Review the week’s themes, inviting campers to share what they’ve learned. Ask campers to reflect on what questions about God, faith, or their lives are on their hearts but not been discussed at camp. This can be things they have always wondered about, or new discoveries. Ask campers to write their questions, anonymously, on slips of

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God, you knew us before we came and will guide us as we leave. May the experience of dwelling with one another change our hearts. Draw us closer and deeper into the covenant you gave our ancestors. Inspire us to stand with others who are hurt while seeking and giving forgiveness in our own lives. When we leave this place we will seek you in silence and serve you in the chaos that is this world, in hopes of abiding with you forever in your kingdom still to come. Amen.

paper and put them in a box. They can write more than one, but these should be serious questions. While campers write, play Marc Cohen’s “Dig Down Deep.” Read a few submissions and remind campers that faith is a life long journey. Challenge campers to commit themselves to that journey. If there is time later, invite campers to gather in small groups and draw questions from the box to discuss. You might also pass on the responses to camp leadership as they plan for the future.

. Story Resources . Simon Birch, Hollywood Pictures (1998): Simon is convinced God has a purpose for his life, but no one else sees it and most people are tired of him talking about it. Simon’s family is sad, his physical growth is stunted, and he says everything he thinks, even if it is uncomfortable for others. In the end, many come to see God in Simon and remember what faith is all about. Reflecting on personal purpose goes well with the theme. You can also dare to ask campers, “What if Simon was actually Jesus or an angel?” Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, 20th Century Fox (1983): In this well-known story, the “Force” guides those who listen for it. Those who are connected by the Force can feel each other’s presence and even the goodness and conflict within each other. It is a story of redemption and the power of community. This would be a great rainy-day movie, especially if you allow time for campers to discuss where God is in the story.

unfamiliar and discussing what the campers know and don’t know about Jesus. Ask the campers what they wish they knew about Jesus. • Born in stable • Blessed in the temple • Receives gifts from magi • Turns water into wine • Heals man of leprosy • Heals a blind man • Brings Lazarus back to life • Soldier’s ear healed • Parable of mustard seed • Parable of the great pearl • Parable of the lost sheep • Parable of the prodigal son • Walks on water • Calms the sea/storm • Feeds 5,000 • Last Supper

Daily Activities

• Arrest • Crucifixion • Resurrection

GOSPEL CHARADES: # P L A Y Supplies: slips of paper, pen, basket

Older Youth

Why: Have some fun while learning about the different types of stories we have in the gospels. How: Write the clues listed below on pieces of paper and place them in a basket. Have campers each draw one in turn and act it out, trying to get the group to guess correctly. Instead of traditional category motions (such as movie or book), have campers use the following: Extended pinky and pointer finger like bull’s horns on each hand to have a “pair of bulls” for parables; Hands outstretched and head looking up for miracles; Suck thumb like a baby, then put arms out like a cross for life events. All clues fit these categories. After the game, spend some time looking up any stories that were

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BTW: Bring the full camp together and make this a contest. Each group can have a member draw a clue and try to act it out. Others groups can watch and steal the point if the camper’s group can’t figure it out. Provide Bibles, and give extra points for the first group to find the verses that go with the clue.

WALKING CONVERSATIONS: # P R A Y #SERVICE Supplies: copies of interview questions on note cards Why: Campers have become more trusting with each other and are ready to share more. They are also about to head home, where faith life is different. This is a chance for sharing and preparation. How: Ask campers to pair up, or divide them yourself. Explain that they will be taking a walk and interviewing each other. Give them plenty

of time to complete the conversation, but make sure you inform them of when to be back. Each camper will ask and answer the same two questions. Write them on note cards so each pair has a copy. There is no need to take notes. They should be practiced listeners after Day 5, and the mood should be conversational. Remind them to be good listeners because listening can be a gift to another person. Encourage them to avoid other pairs, giving everyone space to visit freely. The questions are: • How has this week changed you or your relationship with God? • What issues will you face at home or in your own heart that will be a challenge? Once campers return from their walk, invite campers to talk about the experience but encourage them not to share things that were personal to their partners. They can share their own reflections and how the activity made them feel. Give campers another couple of minutes with their partners, and ask them to take turns praying for each other, giving thanks for the week and lifting up challenges that await.

DO YOU KNOW ME?: # P L A Y Supplies: blindfold Why: This is a fun game that helps campers continue getting to know each other by sharing about their lives away from camp. How: Have a volunteer sit in the middle of a circle, blindfolded. Campers can change spots around the circle at this point. Now, invite three campers each to share one thing he or she will do when he or she gets home from camp. These have to be truthful statements. The person in the middle has to guess who each voice is. You can make this more challenging by allowing campers

BTW: This can also be done without a blindfold by having campers write things they will do when they get home on slips of paper. Campers take turns reading and the group has to guess who wrote it.

WHO WAS THAT GUY?: #LEARN # P R AY Supplies: Bible Why: Spend some time reading and reflecting on today’s Bible story while showing the campers a way to study and pray the scriptures they can do on their own or with friends at home. How: Lectio Divina is a simple way to study scripture. It means “divine word” and requires no research. Simply read the text once to hear it. Read it again and when a word, phrase, or image jumps out to you, focus on or pray about that rather than the rest of the reading. Reflect on that word while the reading is completed. Think about what that word or image says about your life today. Read the text again, and see if another word, phrase, or image grabs your attention. Pray about how that relates to the world today. Read the text again, with the same process, and reflect on how the text might be challenging or calling you to take action. After each reading and reflection, offer time for campers to share their thoughts with each other. It is okay to have the same word or phrase each time. There is no wrong way to do this activity. Be sure to remind campers that this is a way to study scripture that they can do on their own or with a group and doesn’t require any expert or adult leader. BTW: This form of Bible study can be a source of creativity. Invite campers to write their words on a large sheet of paper, then illustrate each word or phrase with images that come to mind for them. It doesn’t have to have anything to do with the text, or can be straight from scripture.

HOW DID YOU MISS THAT?: #CREATE #LEARN Supplies: Slips of paper, pen

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BTW: Be attentive to relationships as you partner campers for this activity. It can be a great opportunity to put together two people who have something to teach each other, even if they don’t know it yet. You could expand this to be a prayer partner experience, starting campers out with partners earlier in the week, or encourage them to keep these prayer partners as they leave camp.

to disguise their voices. Afterward, ask the campers if they learned anything new about each other through the activity.

Why: Go beyond the scripture story by reflecting on how the two disciples could spend that much time on the road with Jesus and not figure it out. It’s time to be creative. How: Write the following on separate pieces of paper: “master of disguise,” “transformed by God,” “disciples were exhausted.” Fold them up, then divide campers into three groups and give each group one of the pieces of paper. Tell campers they will be making a case to the group to explain how the disciples failed to recognize Jesus and their theory is on their paper. The other two groups will question them and try to poke holes in their theory. After all three groups have presented, ask the campers what other theories they might have and invite them to share what they think really happened. BTW: These presentations could be acted out with props as part of worship. You could also invite campers to role-play disciples and let each group question them like a lawyer in court might. Depending on how creative your group is, you can adapt this in lots of ways. You could also add on even more events from Jesus life, or play some Bible trivia from the gospels. The idea is to better grasp who Jesus was so the campers can better claim who he is to them today. To make this activity more challenging, throw in some quotes from Jesus and some sayings from Poor Richard’s Almanac.

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WOULD WE MISS THAT?: #LEARN Supplies: none Why: It is often easier to see who Jesus was than imagine who he might be today. Help campers think through who Jesus was, is, and could be. How: Divide campers into groups of three and invite them to create and act out a scene with two Christians who are doing something together when a third person joins them who is secretly Jesus. Tell them to make it a present-day scenario, but the rest is up to their creativity. Have them end the scene with the words, “How did we miss that?!” After all have presented their scenes, spend some time reflecting how Jesus’ story might be different today. Ask campers how social media might change the story.

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BTW: If you group is more reserved, try doing this as a comic book. Campers can work together to develop the idea and use note cards to draw scenes, then put them together on a large sheet of paper. Those who are less artistic can color in what others draw, or print the dialogue.

THAT IS A “YOU” PROBLEM!: # P L A Y Supplies: none Why: Help campers think about their responsibility to be the body of Christ and how to decide when an issue is so big that all they can do is pray. How: Have campers stand in a circle. For each round, campers will take turns responding to a situation. If the camper can imagine doing something to help the situation, he or she can jump into the circle and say, “I can…,” completing the statement with an appropriate act of service. If the camper feels helpless and can only offer prayer, he or she can throw his or her hands up to God and say, “Lord, help me!” If the camper thinks the situation is one God isn’t really worried about, he or she can respond with, “That is a ‘you’ problem!” Once everyone is clear on the three options, give a simple practice situation by saying, “The lady who lives next door to you is sick.” Pick one camper to go first and then go around the circle. Campers do not have to agree. Offer up a variety of situations that could happen to anyone, including simple things like “out of toilet paper in public bathroom,” and “parent had a hard day at work and is cranky.” Be creative and allow the campers to start making some up as they get the hang of the game. Afterward, ask campers to reflect on how they decided what a “you” problem was and what warranted care and support. BTW: If you are playing this with a large group, consider having discussions after each round. Encourage campers to turn and visit with others near themselves, especially if they disagreed on someone’s answer. This could also be done less actively by numbering the situations and letting campers respond on paper before breaking out for conversations.

OLDER YOUTH

Day 7: I Abide in You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Romans 8:35, 37–39 Scripture Focus: Romans 8:38–39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Theological Summary: Nothing can separate us from God’s love for us shown in Jesus Christ. Campers will: • understand how the magnitude of interconnectedness influences their encounters in the world • declare that they are connected to God’s love in Christ no matter what • identify things that try to disconnect them from God • become equipped to share the good news with others • reflect on what things from camp will help them keep their connection to God

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Daily Activities: — Groaning and Going: #Learn #Serve Reflection on Romans 8 — Dessert: # P L A Y Fun experiment on hope — Where They Stood, Pt. 2: #Learn Claiming our place in the story — Where We Stood, Pt. 2: #Learn # P R A Y Claiming our responsibility to share the story

Leader Notes: Older youth are going through all kinds of transitions and will cling to concrete space in the midst of these changes. Do your best to affirm that Christ doesn’t live at camp, but dwells in their hearts and goes with them. While camp is a special place, we have to do our best to share a faith that travels with them even if that journey doesn’t bring them back to camp. The text for today is from a letter from Paul to people he may or may not get to see again. He talks of hope and connection to God, even in the face of death. This message will preach with older youth.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time:

I Am with You: #centering

Ask each camper to stand by his or her bed, place one hand on it, and say a prayer for the next camper who will come into that space. Close with a prayer, asking God to bless the campers who leave the cabin.

Supplies: none

Song Ideas: • “Lo, I Am with You” (Hymn) • “Nothing Can Ever Come” (Taizé) • “Move Along” (All American Rejects, 2005) • “It’s the God in Me” (Mary Mary, 2000) • “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy” (Traditional) • “May the Circle Be Unbroken” (Traditional)

Prayer: God, you are with us as we leave this place. You are always with us. Help us to remember that we carry you into this world and that others have forgotten that you are with them to. Help us remind them, and in so doing, remind ourselves that nothing can ever separate us from your Love. Amen.

Melodramatic Romans: #CELEBRATION Older Youth

Supplies: Bibles Read Romans 8:18–39 with multiple highenergy, passionate voices. Make sure to hit all the emotional ups and downs that are present in the text. Consider adding echoes to the questions in the text. For example, if a reader says, ‘Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” another speaker echoes, “Who will?!” Make sure to have readers practice in advance. After presenting in worship, ask similar questions about things that separate people today. For example, “Will a lack of Wi-Fi separate us?” or, “Will an argument at church separate us?” Invite campers to respond to each statement with, “Nothing in all creation!” Consider inviting campers to add some creative ideas of their own in the planning process. Close with a loud “Amen.”

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Sing the first verse of “Lo, I Am with You.” Explain to campers that some Christians understand prayer as a piece of God that dwells in us, connecting to God. We just have to make time and space for that conversation to happen. Sing the verse again, then remind campers that we are all made in the image of God, and Christ dwells in us individually and as a community. We are the body of Christ. Sing the verse again. Now, ask campers to call out things that help them connect with God. Write these down so you don’t forget their answers, then lead the song again, inserting their responses. For example, “Lo, I am with you when you hanging out with your friend” or “Lo, I am with you when you’re sharing a meal.”

. Story Resources . Shawshank Redemption, Warner Brothers (1994): This movie is rated R, so it is not appropriate to show in its full length. Still, clips from it are wonderful, including Andy’s letter to Redd about hope. It is at the end of the movie and is part of a recap of Redd’s perspective on the story. City Slickers, Columbia Pictures (1991): This is a movie you can show to the full camp, but it’s the last day so you probably don’t have time. Still, there are some great clips, including when Mitch (Billy Crystal) tells his wife about finding his missing smile, which had been right inside his face the whole time.

them to think about how they might feel if their expectations are not met. Will they be sad if it isn’t all they hoped for? Give out the candy, then ask the campers to reflect on how powerful hope can be in the world. BTW: If you have time, offer them something disappointing first. Discuss how hopes can be dashed by sad events, and where God fits in when things don’t go well. Then, give them the candy and remind them that God is present in the struggles as well as the good, and in the end we have a promise of life eternal with God that is always worth remembering and always offers hope.

WHERE THEY STOOD, PT. 2: #LEARN Supplies: none

Daily Activities GROANING AND GOING: #LEARN #SERVE Supplies: Bible Why: Invite campers to think about what is next and how they will apply their camp experience at home.

BTW: Consider giving campers note cards to write an issue on, and something they can do for God in response. These could be mailed to them part way through the year or sent home with them when camp closes.

DESSERT: # P L A Y Supplies: bag of candy, box or large bag Why: Enjoy some silly time together and lift up the recurring theme of sharing food together. How: Have a box or other way to hide a bag of candy. Ask the campers to tell you what they hope is inside. Allow time for everyone to respond. Ask

How: Visit the places you discussed on Day 1, walking around the camp. Ask campers how their understanding of these spaces has changed or grown through the week. Invite campers to reflect on what lessons have been passed down to them by those who came before that need to be carried home. BTW: This might be a good opportunity to return cell-phones if campers haven’t had them with them all week. Invite them to use their cameras to take pictures of places around camp and to text them or post them to their social media.

WHERE WE STOOD, PT. 2.: #LEARN # P R AY Supplies: rocks from Day 1 Why: Complete the circle of prayer and practice began on day 1 with this activity and prepare to leave the space. How: Invite campers to stand around the rocks they placed on Day 1, invite them to pick them up for a moment and consider any changes they wish they could make or any additions they wish could be added to the rocks’ decoration. Invite them to imagine those changes. Invite each camper to hold his or her rock to his or her heart

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How: Read Romans 8:18–39 and invite the campers to share what jumps out to them from the text. Read it a second time and offer the same invitation to share. Read verses 18, 22–23 again and ask the campers where they hear the world and its people groaning. As they share, ask them how knowing that nothing can separate them from God might help with that groan.

Why: Give campers time to reflect, remember, and claim experiences from the week, and to hear again that they are part of something bigger before leaving.

and pray. Below is a prayer if you want to use it. After the prayer, invite campers to place their stones back on the ground, step back away from them and walk away. Optional prayer: Lord, we know that you dwell in us, but words are never enough to explain how close you are. We do things, such as placing rocks, to remember and celebrate your presence, but we also need to remember and celebrate you dwelling within us. May all we do as we leave this place be done in that spirit. Amen. BTW: Communicate with other camps that follow and let them know these rocks have been left so that they can allow campers to discover them and apply this to their own lesson. At the end of the camp season, all the rocks could be collected and used as “tiles” in a new sidewalk, footer for a cross, or other permanent addition to the camp.

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INTERGENERATIONAL

Day 1: The Place Where We Camp Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Joshua 4:1–9 Scripture Focus: Joshua 4:7 “[T]hen you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever.” Theological Summary: What do these stones mean? We mark special places as sacred and give ourselves reminders of our relationship to place. It can be anywhere we notice and are aware of God’s presence with us. Campers will: • connect with the place and explore the value of sacred space • understand that they follow in the footsteps of believers who came before them • discover the importance of asking questions as they learn about God • learn how the story of God is passed from one generation to the next

Daily Activities: — Special People in a Special Place: #LEARN # P L A Y Icebreaker / name game — This Land Is Your Land: # P L A Y #CREATE Acting out the Bible story — Marking the Way: # P L A Y #LEARN Discovery walking around camp

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— Storytelling Stones: #CREATE #LEARN Stones to retell the Bible story

Leader Notes: This is designed as the story for your first day of camp. Please take some extra time for campers to get to know one another and be comfortable with each other.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Supplies: two poster boards, with one cut into seven puzzle pieces with one of the symbols of the seven days drawn on each piece (the uncut poster board has pieces taped in place on top of it, until they are removed, day by day), markers or crayons to draw/write on the puzzle piece Ahead of time, prepare a puzzle as described above. On each of the seven pieces, draw one of the following symbols that correspond to each day of camp: Day 1—stones; Day 2—bread and cup; Day 3—heart as if drawn in the sand (or dust); Day 4—open arms; Day 5—praying hands; Day 6— footprints; Day 7—a vine. Show the campers the large puzzle and share that this week you will be exploring many different ways that you are connected, just like various pieces of puzzle are connected together into one whole puzzle. As part of God’s people, you are connected to God and one another, to places, to your ancestors, to people around the world. Tonight, you’ll start with one piece of the puzzle, the piece with the symbol of a stone to remind the campers of today’s story. Invite campers to reflect on the question, “What do these stones mean?” and to draw or write on the flip side of the puzzle piece words that they share as answers ((history, sacrifice, story, people, etc.).

Song Ideas: • “Step into the Water” (Children Sing God’s Story, We Believe, PCUSA)

Intergenerational

• “Gather Us In” (Marty Haugen, Sing the Faith) • “Part the Waters” (Sean Tai, Sing! Prayer & Praise) • “Every Move I Make” (David Ruiz, New Song) • “Give Thanks” (Henry Smith, New Song) • “The River” (Jordan Feliz,)

Prayer: God who guides us, be with us in this place. Guide us on this journey to discover how we are connected to you and others. Help us to let go of the known, to meet new people, and walk the

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adventure. Thank you for this special place to learn more about you and ourselves. Amen.

Crossing the River #CELEBRATE Supplies: 12 paper bag stones (grocery bags filled with newspaper & taped shut), two long pieces of blue fabric for river, one piece of brown fabric for dry ground, “ark of covenant” (two pool noodles or dowels and lidded box taped on top) Set up the scene of the river crossing with the twelve “stones” in the fabric “water.” Have the “water” cover the “dry ground” fabric in the center where the two pieces of “water” meet. Have two campers play priests carrying the “ark of the covenant.” The “Ark” crosses over first (Josh. 3:5—4:24), and when the feet of the priests are in the water have the waters “part,” showing the fabric “ground.” Invite the rest of the campers to cross over, then have campers collect twelve “stones” to build an altar. As the priests with “Ark” step out onto land, have the waters cover the dry land. Build the altar together in the new land as campers share how they might give thanks for God taking care of them as they crossed into this new, promised land.

Prayer Stones #centering Supplies: river stones large enough to write on and small rocks to carry in a pocket (one of each per camper), colored chalk, wet cloth With colored chalk, campers will write/draw things on their big river stones that they are worried about, not sure of, or have questions about in regard to their time at camp. Invite campers sitting in a circle to share their stones, one at a time, then erase the stone with a wet cloth, and add it to a pile in the center of the circle. Once the stones are piled up in the center, hand out smaller stones and have campers share around the circle what they are looking forward to at camp. Once they have shared, tell campers that the small stones are for them to carry while they are at camp, in pockets or backpacks, to help them remember all the great things that will be a part of their journey this week. Close in prayer around the stone pile in the circle.

. Story Resources . Mission Story to share: “The Gift of Us” (adapted from report in Illustrations Unlimited) Marjorie and her family lived during the Great Depression, when living was very hard and there was not much money. The family managed to scrape their way through, but as Christmas approached one year Marjorie and her husband were disappointed that they would not be able to buy any presents. A week before Christmas they explained to their six-year-old son, Pete, that there would be no store-bought presents this Christmas. “But I’ll tell you what we can do,” said Pete’s father. “We can make pictures of the presents we’d like to give to each other.” That was a busy week. Christmas Day arrived and the family rose to find their skimpy little tree made magnificent by the picture presents they had adorned it with. There was luxury beyond imagination in those pictures—a black limousine and red speedboat for Dad, a diamond bracelet and fur coat for mom, a camping tent and a swimming pool for Pete. Then Pete pulled out his present, a crayon drawing of a man, a woman and a child with their arms around each other laughing. Under the picture was just one word: “.” Years later, Marjorie wrote that it was the richest, most satisfying Christmas they ever had. It took a present-less Christmas to remind Marjorie and her family that the greatest gift we can ever offer is ourselves, our presence. This is the great gift that God offers us, throughout the year. If God was to draw a gift, perhaps it would be just like Pete’s: three people with their arms around each other laughing— family connected with God at the center. • The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi • Just Me and My Little Brother by Mercer Mayer

Daily Activities SPECIAL PEOPLE IN A SPECIAL PLACE #LEARN # P L A Y Supplies: small stones either collected by campers around camp or handed out (one per camper)

How: Sitting in a circle, each person gets a stone. Holding it, each camper is to think of the answer to the question: “What was an important day in your life?” Then, pairing up, each turns to give the stone to the neighbor, and the neighbor asks, “What is your name, and what does this stone mean to you?” The person explains what his or her answer was, saying something like, “My name is Mark, and to me, this stone represents the day I was baptized.” The other player offers his or her name, the stone, and its meaning. Then, they both turn to neighbors on the opposite sides of them, hand them their first neighbors’ stones, and each say something like, “To (name of that stone’s camper), this stone represents the day he/she (the event).” They trade stones and then turn back to their original neighbors and say what the new stones mean to the new persons. The challenge is to get the stones to go all the way around with the things still connected to the campers’ names. BTW: You can easily change it into the standard, “What is your favorite food,…etc.,” game. To make it deeper, ask the campers to talk for a bit about their special days.

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND: # P L A Y #CREATE Supplies: 2 pieces of blue fabric for “river,” 1 piece of brown fabric for dry ground, miscellaneous items to represent personal items to carry across—at least 2 for each camper (balls, books, boxes), 12 stones or rocks (real, or fake paper bag “stones”), lidded box with 2 dowels or pool noodles taped to the sides for carrying this “ark of the covenant” (you can weigh it down if you choose with items inside the box “Ark”) Why: Experience the crossing of the river, following in the footsteps of God’s people and discovering the importance of this story and place to those people. This activity will reinforce what would have been carried over into the new land in the ark of the covenant, and the campers will share why those items would have been carried. It will give you an opportunity to say that the Ark carried the Ten Commandments and was an important and sacred symbol of the Hebrews’ connection to God.

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Children’s Storybooks

Why: Fun way to learn names of other campers and to start to get to know one another.

How: Have the “river” cover the “dry ground” fabric in the center where the two pieces of “water” meet. Line up on one side of the “river” with all the things to carry across. Have two campers be the priests to begin to cross over first with the Ark, stopping in the middle, and when the feet of the priests are in the water have the waters “part,” showing the fabric “ground.” Then everyone else carries items across the dry “ground.” One by one, have campers cross the “river” until everyone has crossed over and is safe with their items. If items drop, the campers need to go back and recross. Finally, have the “priests” finish crossing with the “Ark.” As the priests with “Ark” step out onto land, have the waters cover the dry land. During the crossing, the group sings “This Land Is My Land” together. Once everyone is across take the twelve stones and build an altar. Talk about how easy or difficult it was to get everything and everyone across. Give thanks for safety, courage, and a new life in a new land. BTW: To make this activity more challenging, use very big or awkward items for the campers to take across.

MARKING THE WAY: # P L A Y #LEARN Supplies: Choose a route or trail around camp that might have some rocks piled up in at least a couple areas. Why: Explore all the places around camp that stones are used to mark places or can be used to tell a story about the people in the area.

Intergenerational

How: Ask the question from the Bible story: “What do these stones mean?” then talk about how we use stones today to mark things (rock cairns along trails, rock fences and walls, rock piles, gravestones, animal dens, rock fireplace, or campfire ring). Choose a trail around camp and encourage campers to look for places where rocks have been used to mark something or mark the way. Stop at the places campers find and talk about what the rocks are marking and why, answering the question “What do these stones mean?” Keep a count of all the stone markers you find to discover the variety of ways stones are used to mark things, even today. BTW: If time allows, practice stacking rocks to make rock cairns that might mark the way or have

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a story to tell. If you build rock cairns, watch out for pinched fingers and rocks that might fall off the stack.

STORYTELLING STONES: #CREATE #LEARN Supplies: Bible, river stones or cardboard cut into stone shapes, permanent markers Why: Campers can use storytelling stones to retell the Bible story in their own ways to help them remember. How: Read aloud today’s story and then give each family group of campers twelve stones (cardboard or real) and have each group work together, using markers, to make designs on the stones to represent people or objects from the story (priests, ark of the covenant, Hebrew people, river). Once the stones are completed, have each group use their stones to retell the story of God’s people crossing the Jordan, sharing it with the rest of the campers by moving the stones around to help tell the story. Then, invite all the groups to talk about what stones they created, and what parts of the story stood out to them. Talk about how the twelve stones could also be the stones built into the altar to remember, pondering aloud, “I wonder what these stones could help you remember about following God?” Encourage campers to take at least one stone home to share the story with others. BTW: Younger campers will need help to create the stones, but this is a great project for them to share with others. You might also try combining several groups’ stones together, and tell the story using all the stones.

INTERGENERATIONAL

Day 2: I Am the Vine Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Theological Summary: We make sacred bonds with one another and God through covenant. Covenant is a way to express our connection beyond space and time. Jesus entered into covenant with us, and we with him, in holy communion. Campers will: • experience their connectedness to Christ through covenant • reflect on the power of shared meals in community • discover the roots of Christian worship (communion) in scripture

Daily Activities: — Around the Table: #LEARN # P L A Y Experience community at the table — Care Bags: #share # P R A Y Create bags to give away — Welcome Tag: # P L A Y Game of tag that welcomes — Make Unleavened Bread: #LEARN #CREATE Bake unleavened bread — Passover Meal: #LEARN # P L A Y Learn about the Passover — Welcome at the Table: # P L A Y # P R A Y Game around the table

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Leader Notes: This lesson is about the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, eucharist, or holy communion in the scriptural basis of sharing bread and cup at a common table where all are welcome. This celebration is a gift for God’s people from God. Don’t get caught up in how various traditions practice the Lord’s supper or what the rules are.

Worship Activities Cabin Time: Prepare the large puzzle again. Ahead of time, remove the Day 1 piece (but keep it somewhere safe—as you will do with each piece you remove, day by day—for you will be putting the puzzle back together again on the last day of camp). Show the campers the large puzzle—with the Day 1 piece missing. Ask if they remember what symbol was on yesterday’s piece. Explain: “Today, we start with another piece of the puzzle—this piece with the symbol of the cup and bread to remind us of today’s story.” Invite campers to reflect on the question, “What do the bread and cup mean?” and use markers to draw or write on the flip side of the puzzle piece words that they share as answers (, etc.).

reference on the final piece of the last place setting. Have campers work together to put the verse in order as they enjoy the meal.

Body of Christ #centering Supplies: Bible, table, round pita bread, 4 long French loaves of bread, 2 medium loaves of bread, heart-shaped dish (or paper heart and chalice), grape juice, paper tablecloth, crayons

Prayer:

On a table with a paper tablecloth, in the center of worship space, lay out the bread and heart dish (or paper heart with chalice set in middle) in the shape of a body: round pita as the head, French loaves as 2 arms & 2 legs, heart dish with juice in it as the upper body and 2 medium loaves as lower body. Gather campers around the table and read 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 aloud. Read it a second time, inviting campers to focus on the bread body of Christ on the table. Following a time of reflection, ask what the words, “Do this in remembrance of me,” mean to them. Have them name things that they are remembering as they see the table and hear the scripture, and write them on the tablecloth. Pray around the table, lifting up those words of remembrance and giving thanks for the symbols that remind us of God’s amazing love that was so great God sacrificed his son for each of us.

Loving God, help us to always remember that we are welcome around your table, where Jesus the Christ shares the cup and bread with all gathered. We are connected to you, God, through this feast and new covenant. Amen.

BTW: It may be appropriate to celebrate communion using the bread body of Christ, or to save it for a celebration of communion later in the week. If you have to other use for it, donate the bread to a soup kitchen so it’s not wasted.

Song Ideas: • “Eat This Bread” (Taizé) • “Holy Is Your Name” (Kinley Lange, New Song) • “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” (Rick Founds) • “One Bread, One Body” (John Foley) • “In Remembrance of Me” (Ragan Courtney, Sing the Faith)

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Bread and Cup at the Table #CELEBRATE Supplies: table, paper tablecloth, paper plates, napkins, cups, disposable forks, permanent markers, food and drink (perhaps some bread made during the “Make Unleavened Bread” activity) Set a table with a paper tablecloth and paper plates, napkins, cups, and forks. Write 2–3 words from 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 on the cups, plates, and napkins, staying in order around the table so you create place settings. Write the scripture

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. Story Resources . Mission Story to share: “A Very Special Meal” (from inspirationpeak.com, attributed to Mirabai Chrin)

Children’s Storybooks • Come, Taste the Bread: A Storybook about the Lord’s Supper, Daphna Flegal, Abingdon Press • The Passover Seder, Emily Sper (a touch, turn, open, & learn book) • Passover: Celebrating Now, Remembering Then, Harriet Ziefert

Daily Activities AROUND THE TABLE #LEARN # P L A Y Supplies: Bible Why: Explore with campers the meaning of family meals gathered around the table and their connection with the Lord’s supper. How: Talk with campers about times when they are gathered around a table for a special meal. Ask: “Who is there? What is on the table? What happens at the table? What is talked about at the table? What are the feelings around the table?” Now read the story for today and remind campers that, after God’s people crossed the Jordan and built the altar in yesterday’s story, they celebrated the Passover. Share that Passover is the celebration of unleavened bread, when the Jewish people remember that God saved them from slavery in Egypt. The Passover begins at dusk, with the Jewish family gathered around the table with foods served that are symbols of their freedom. The meal is called the Seder, with lamb and foods

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Once there was a very poor woman who always prayed to God, asking very little for herself. But she did have one desire and finally she prayed to God: if it were possible, she would love to prepare a special meal and have God share it at her table. God, out of love for this good woman, said, yes, God would come the next day and share a meal. Filled with ecstasy, the woman went out the following morning with her small amount of money and purchased such delicacies that she felt would please the Lord. Returning home, she prepared a banquet and waited patiently for her most honored guest. Soon there was a knock on the door, and when she opened it, there stood an old beggar asking for something to eat. Being a woman of God, she could not turn the beggar away, so she invited him in to eat at her table. The beggar felt as if he was in a dream—such a feast set before him. He finished all the food, thanked his hostess, and left. The woman was only slightly disheartened; she gathered up her purse, her coat, and hurried back to town to get more food for her special guest. Her funds were less now and so the food was not quite so elaborate. Nonetheless, she lovingly prepared another meal and sat to await the arrival of the Almighty. A few hours went by and there was a loud knock on the door. This time it was an old gypsy woman with no teeth, who was deaf, who insisted that any true believer in God would not deny her something to eat. Though the woman had no more money with which to buy more supplies, she invited the woman in and offered her a seat at the table. The gypsy ate everything, did not even thank the woman, and left. By now it was beginning to get dark. The woman’s faith was strong, so even though she was a bit upset, she did not give up, but rather, looked around her house to see if there was anything she could sell in order to buy more food to serve the Lord. She hurried to town with a little silver cup that had been in her family for several generations, but she was willing to part with it for the great honor that God was going to share a meal. Late in the night she rushed home to prepare a third meal. She waited and waited until, once more, there was a

knock on the door. Holding her breath, she slowly opened the door to find yet another poor man dressed in a robe like a monk, in search of a meal. Again, she offered hospitality, with as much grace as she could muster in her disappointment. This man also ate all that was set on the table and left after blessing the woman for her kindness. Now it was too late to buy more food; besides, she had no more money to buy it with. She got down on her knees, weeping heart-broken tears. She asked God what she had done wrong. Why had God not come to share at the table as promised? And God, with compassion and mercy, lifted the woman off her knees, and holding her close, said, “My child, I enjoyed your hospitality so much that I came three times!”

of Bible times. Then story is told of how Moses led the people out of Egypt, about the parting of the Red Sea and other events, and the children ask questions. Remember in the Day 2 scripture story that the bread and cup were symbols for the Passover meal that Jesus shared with the disciples the night he was arrested. Ask: “What do you think is common at all of these tables?” (food, family & friends, stories or talking). Continue: “Do you think everyone is welcome at the table? At the Lord’s table, where we share the bread and cup that represent the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, all are welcome—it is God’s table where everyone is invited to come!”

hands with that camper, as they both go off to tag another camper. Campers are added to the line by joining hands, until the last camper is tagged and welcomed onto the line. Let the last camper tagged be the new “It,” and play another round.

BTW: If it is possible, have a plate prepared with the Seder meal, or “create” one (paste pictures on paper plate) with the symbolic foods, or other foods that might have been at a Passover meal, and have the campers taste and experience foods and flavors of Bible times. Keep in mind food allergies.

Supplies: oven; for each group, provide: ¾ cup scalded milk (Scalded milk is milk heated to an almost boil—this can be done in a microwave), 1 egg (beaten), ¼ cup honey, 2 ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup butter (melted), 1 tsp. salt, table, bowl, wire whisk, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, fork, rolling pin, plastic wrap (or some other clean surface to roll out the dough on), cookie sheet (have enough ingredients and cooking tools for each group to make enough to eat and share)

CARE BAGS #share # P R A Y Supplies: quart plastic bags, stickers, permanent markers, small snack items (drink mixes, granola bars, crackers, gum, candies), hygiene items (bandages, travel-size items) Why: This is an easy way for campers to share simply hospitality to God’s people who need a little care.

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How: Working together, fill plastic sandwich bags with small snack and hygiene items and decorate the bags with stickers or permanent markers. These bags will be taken home by campers and used to hand out to homeless people in need of a little care as they stand on street corners. Bags don’t all need to have the same things in them, just an assortment of items filling each bag— creating a little bag of love and care, extending hospitality.

WELCOME TAG # P L A Y Supplies: open space inside or out Why: This is an activity with movement to remind campers that everyone is welcome. How: Select a camper to be “It.” When you say “Go,” that camper tags another camper and joins

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BTW: Younger campers may be paired up with a youth or adult and play as “one” person to be tagged. You may also want to enforce a rule to use walking feet only, instead of running, to prevent “whipping” of the line as it grows.

MAKE UNLEAVENED BREAD #LEARN #CREATE

Why: This activity allows the campers to learn the story of unleavened bread firsthand, as they prepare it and eat it. How: Together in family groups (5–6 campers with adult supervision), make unleavened bread. Beat milk, honey, and butter together with a whisk, then add the egg and continue beating. Gradually add 2 cups of flour, beating it in till the mixture turns to dough. Flour the plastic wrap surface, the rolling-pin, and dough to keep from sticking with the remaining ¼ cup flour. Then, with the rolling pin, roll the dough to about ¼” thickness, to a size that fits on the cookie sheet. Prick with a fork all over the surface of the dough (prevents bubbles in dough; great activity for little campers). Bake at 375 degrees for 15 or 20 minutes. While the bread is baking, talk about why it is called unleavened () and tell the story of the original Passover from Exodus 13:3–10, when God’s people didn’t have time to let the bread rise as they escaped the Pharaoh through the Red Sea. Remind the campers of the yearly Passover feast that remembers this event, and that it was at a Passover meal that Jesus used the words from today’s Bible story. Bless the bread and enjoy the

bread together. This may also be a good time to share the Mission Story on page 207. BTW: Be aware of gluten allergies. You might also save some of the bread for the following “Passover Meal” activity and/or use some for the worship activity “Bread and Cup at the Table.” You might even save some for Day 6, if you celebrate communion.

PASSOVER MEAL #LEARN # P L A Y Supplies: table, lettuce or parsley, salt water, lamb shank bone, hard-boiled egg, salad, horseradish, matzo, grape juice, napkin or cloth, Seder plate (see drawing on next page) Why: Jesus was celebrating with his disciples on the night of his arrest, when the words of today’s scripture were shared. Learn about the Passover feast and its meanings, and learn that it is a Jewish living tradition.

the mortar the Israelites used as they built structures for their Egyptian taskmasters. • Bitter Herbs (Maror): Symbolize the harshness of servitude. Horseradish is used; a small amount of maror is usually eaten with an equal portion of charoset. During the meal, 10 drops of juice are added to the Seder Plate by finger to represent the 10 plagues, and 5 cups of juice are shared. At the beginning of the Seder, three pieces of matzo (called the Afikomen) are placed in a cloth. The middle piece is broken in half and hidden. The Seder meal ends only when it is found by one of the children. Share that the Haggadah says: “Let all who are hungry, come and eat.” The welcoming of guests to the Seder table is an important part of the Passover Meal. BTW: Keep in mind that, while we may practice and learn about the Passover, it is a living spiritual practice of great importance to Jewish people. Please learn with respect, and don’t merely mock a tradition. Better yet, invite someone who is Jewish to camp to help you learn.

How: Set the scene by sharing what a Passover meal looks like. The Passover feast is a meal, called a Seder, in which a Jewish family is all together around the table. The meal includes readings, called a “Haggadah,” with questions that are asked as the story of the first Passover in Egypt is shared. All ages have a job during the Seder. And, the youngest child has one of the biggest jobs: asking “The Four Questions.” On the table is a Seder plate as the table’s centerpiece. Each of the foods on the plate symbolize parts of the Israelites story.

WELCOME AT THE TABLE # P L A Y # P R AY

• Vegetable (Karpas): Is traditionally dipped in salt water. The vegetable (usually parsley or lettuce) symbolizes an old tradition of beginning a meal by dipping vegetables. The salt water represents the tears shed during the years of enslavement in Egypt.

Why: This game, similar to musical chairs, helps welcome all to the table, and allows especially the younger campers to have fun running around.

• Hard-Boiled Egg (Baytzah): A symbol of mourning for the loss of the two temples in Jerusalem, hard boiled eggs were considered the food of mourners. • A delicious mixture that is made of apples, nuts, grape juice, and cinnamon. It represents

How: Set up the cloth on the floor with a plate for each camper, except one, and “food” on the “table” in the center. Play music or sing a song together (instructing campers to stop singing when the staff member or counselor leading the song claps her or his hands) as campers move around the “table” from plate to plate. When the music stops or the song leader claps his or her hands, each camper needs to find a plate on the “table” to sit at. One camper will not have a place to sit; this person is now the host, and serves the “food” in the center to each plate. Pray together, giving thanks that God connects us and all are welcome at God’s table. Put the “food” back in

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• Shank bone (Zeroa) / Roasted Lamb: Represents the tenth plague in Egypt, when all firstborn Egyptians were killed. The Israelites marked the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a lamb as a signal that death should pass over them.

Supplies: open space inside or out, tablecloth to mark table space on the ground/floor, plastic or paper plates (1 less than number of campers), play food or pictures of food (at least one per camper), music source or song to sing

the middle and start the music/singing to play another round, with a new host when the music stops serving food. Finish with praying.

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BTW: be sure to emphasize that the person without a plate is not the , but is the new host. You may find that campers will compete to offer their seats to others. You can talk about this as you debrief the activity. You may bring it up at mealtime when campers vie for the first spot in line or at the table.

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Day 3: Love One Another Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: John 8:2–11 Scripture Focus: John 8:7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Theological Summary: We have to look around to see that we are all valuable to God. People and their relationships to us are a treasure for us to protect. When the legalistic Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about the law, Jesus’ compassion created a “third way” with his answer, neither condemning the woman for her sin nor denying the law. Campers will: • know that their actions toward others can be transformative • see Christ’s example of compassion and grace with patience and courage • be called to follow Christ’s example to connect to others without judgment, prejudice, or injustice • distinguish between judgment and justice

Daily Activities: — Cross Over: # P L A Y Game of choices — Writing in the Sand: # P R A Y # P L A Y Praying in the sand — Sin Swallowing Box: #LEARN # P R A Y Activity of forgiveness — Waters of Grace: #LEARN # P L A Y Science project — Reflections of Christ: #LEARN #share Activity on reflecting Christ Leader Notes: This may be a hard story for your campers. Explain that the women made a mistake and the people think they are the ones who should punish her. The courts in Jesus’ day would punish by throwing stones at people. The point of this story is that everyone receives God’s grace and forgiveness. The women, just like everyone holding a stone, deserved God’s forgiveness for mistakes made.

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— Five in a Row: # P L A Y #LEARN Game about forgiveness and forgetting

Worship Activities Cabin Time:

Stones of Forgiveness #CELEBRATE

Prepare the large puzzle again. Ahead of time, remove the Day 2 piece, and draw a heart in the sand (or dirt) on another piece for Day 3.

Supplies: scrap paper (several pieces per camper), pencils or pens, large cross

Show the campers the large puzzle with the pieces for Days 1 and 2 missing. Ask if they remember what symbol was on the previous day’s piece. Today you will use another piece of the puzzle— the piece with the symbol of the heart in the sand to remind the campers of today’s story. Invite campers to reflect on the question: “What does the heart mean?” and draw or write on the flip side of the puzzle piece words that they share as answers (forgiveness, God’s love, love for others).

Song Ideas: • “Better Is One Day” (Matt Redman) • “Amazing Grace” (John Newton, Hymn) • “Change My Heart, O God” (Eddie Espinosa, New Song) • “Create in Me a Clean Heart” (New Song)

On the scrap paper, have campers write down ways that others have “thrown stones” at them (said or did something mean, judged them, called them names). Have them flip over their papers and on the other sides write how they have “thrown stones” at others. Remind them that we all make mistakes and sometimes we do or say mean things. Talk about how, no matter what we have done or others have done to us, God wants us to forgive. God wants us to forgive the other person and to forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Have the campers wad up the papers as they say: “God, please forgive us.” Then, on the count of 3, have campers shout, “God, please forgive us!” as they throw the paper wads at the cross. Remind them that their mistakes and the mistakes of others belong to God and, at the foot of the cross, all is forgiven! Maybe the papers can be used to help light an evening campfire.

• “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” (Martin Smith, New Song)

Washed Away #centering

Prayer:

Supplies: bowl of water, 3–4 inch squares of rice paper, brown and black washable markers, music source

Pray with the campers, saying, “Thanks for your forgiveness, God,” following each of the petitions listed below. Add other petitions that fit your campers.

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• For those mistakes I have made. (Response: “Thanks for your forgiveness, God.”) • For those times when I judge another person. (Response) • For the people who have not been nice to me. (Response) • For the people that want to hurt others. (Response)

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Gather around the bowl of water and invite campers to write/draw on pieces of rice paper with washable marker the mistakes that they have made, so they can give them to God, asking for forgiveness. With music playing in the background, have campers place their papers in the bowl as they silently ask God to take away their mistakes with forgiveness. Once all the papers have been added, slowly stir the papers in the water, then ask the campers: “What has happened?” If they need prompting, point out that the water has turned dirty and the papers don’t have words/pictures on them anymore. By asking God’s forgiveness, we are washed clean and we get a new start—a clean beginning. Close in prayer as a group giving thanks for God’s grace and forgiveness.

. Story Resources . Mission Story to share: “Take Your Shoes Off” (from storiesforpreaching.com, original source unknown) One Sunday morning, a children’s program leader noticed a little girl standing outside the room, looking in with great eagerness at the fun the other children were having. The leader went outside and invited the little girl inside. “They’ll all laugh at me.” “Why do you think that honey?” “Because I don’t have any shoes.” Heartbroken at this little girl’s poverty, and knowing that she really wanted to join in, the leader tried to convince the little girl that the other kids would not laugh at her. But despite her assurances, the leader could not persuade the little girl to join in with the other kids. Another leader came over, one who seemed to have a great ability to minister to children in situations like these. He took the little girl aside and spoke with her. This second leader then left the little girl and rejoined the group to lead the next activity. Before he started, he said, “OK, everyone, before we go any further I want you all to take your shoes and socks off and place them by the wall. For the rest of today we’re going to operate with bare feet.” The little girl who had no shoes beamed, ran over, and joined in with the rest of the group. Children’s Storybooks • The Forgiveness Garden, Lauren Thompson • The Junkyard Wonders, Patricia Polacco • God’s Dream, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams

CROSS OVER # P L A Y Supplies: rope or tape line, simple prizes (candy, stickers) Why: This is a game about what is common and what divides.

BTW: Younger campers may need a partner to pair up with.

WRITING IN THE SAND # P R A Y #PLAY Supplies: cookie sheets or pans, sand (a set for each family group) Why: This reminds campers about Jesus writing in the sand, while also offering a chance for sensory play with sand. How: Talk about Jesus in the Bible story writing in the sand. We don’t know what he wrote, but he did it twice and it seemed to “slow down” the situation. Writing in the sand gave Jesus time to think and gave the people gathered time to think about what they were doing—like pressing a pause button. Invite the campers to write a word or draw a picture in the sand to represent a mistake, a misspoken word, something done wrong. Then, tell them, “Silently ask God to forgive you and make a cross with your finger in the sand. Next, wipe away everything by smoothing out the sand, and let someone else in your group write in the sand. Jesus’ and God’s love gives us a brand new start, a clean slate when we ask forgiveness for the mistakes we have made. It is a new beginning, a new start.” After everyone has had a turn, pray together, giving thanks that, through forgiveness, you get a brand new start when your mistakes are wiped away.

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Daily Activities

How: Campers line up on both sides of the line and each needs to have a partner directly across. You will stand facing straight down the line. When you say, “Go,” the partners on the side of the line to your right need to convince their partners to cross to their side of the line. There are prizes if they are successful. Share the various ways campers were convinced to cross over; have those who did not cross over share why they didn’t. Invite the campers to step back to their original positions. Talk about things that divide us. Ask: “What issues or differences become the line separating us from those on the other side? What things do we have in common—where are we on the same side? Do you think we have more in common or more that divides us?” You can also describe daily situations and let the campers decide whether to cross the line and agree or stay on their opposite sides to disagree.

BTW: Can be used as a prayer practice in worship as well.

SIN SWALLOWING BOX #LEARN # P R AY Supplies: cross cutout (6inch x 3 inch), shoebox with lid, scissors, glue stick, fabric piece cut 1 inch larger than shoebox lid, hot glue gun, paper hearts in equal amounts of gray and white (1 of each color per camper), Why: To portray the miracle of the cross filled with love, peace and amazing grace of God. How: Ahead of time, create the “Sin Swallowing Box.” Take the shoe box lid and with scissors cut a cross-shaped slit about 1/8» wide in the center of the box lid. Try not to make it any wider, because if it›s too wide, the secret compartment might be obvious. On the inside of the lid, apply a line of hot glue along the 90 degree interior angle of the top and sides of lid and attach the outer edge of the fabric, creating a secret bottom to the lid that will catch the dirty hearts. Put the white hearts in the bottom of the box and put the lid on. The secret compartment will catch the dirty hearts so that when you carefully take off the lid and set it down (without turning it over, or allowing campers to glimpse the underside),the campers find the clean, forgiven white hearts.

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Begin the actual activity by reminding the campers of today’s story, in which one person’s sin or wrongdoing was no better or worse than another’s. We all make mistakes, we all sin, but God’s grace gives us forgiveness no matter what, just like Jesus forgave the woman. Hand out a “dirty” gray heart to each camper (one per camper). Have campers write/draw their sins, their mistakes, the wrongs that they have done on the dirty gray hearts. Then have them place them in the “Sin Swallowing Box,” slipping the hearts through the “cross” on the top. As the campers are doing this, intone, “We confess our mistakes and offer up our hurting hearts to God, asking God to forgive us and renew us. As we let the papers go, we ask God to help us truly let these sins go, to erase the hurt and the guilt and the distance from God in our hearts and our heads, to help us embrace God’s forgiveness and grace.” Once campers have all let go of their dirty hearts, take the lid off the box and show them the

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miracle of God’s forgiveness. A box of clean, white hearts. God doesn’t just forgive our sins, but they are forgotten too. Give thanks for God’s amazing gift of forgiveness. BTW: This is not meant to be a trick on campers, but instead a demonstration. So, if older campers question you, may want to disclose that there is a secret compartment. However, remind them that God does forgive our sins no matter what, just like magic.

WATERS OF GRACE #LEARN # P L A Y Supplies: table, quart jar, water, red and blue food coloring, stirring spoon, bleach, eye dropper Why: Prayers of forgiveness receive God’s grace in an exciting way. How: Show the campers this science demonstration. Have them take up positions sitting around the table from which they can all see well. Have campers help if possible. Fill the quart jar halfway full of water and add 2 drops of red food coloring and stir. Show the jar of red water, which will be used to represent humans in the world. Now add drops of bleach until the color starts to disappear, representing God’s grace. Share that when we are forgiven God, wants us to try and do better and not repeat the sins. Ask if they remember what Jesus says to the women at the very end of the story. Now, add a couple drops of blue food coloring and watch what happens. The bleach that is already in the water will also bleach the blue dye as it mixes in. Explain: “The blue is the Holy Spirit helping us, swirling around and through us to aid us in making better decisions in the future. As the water turns clear, we are reminded that no matter what, God forgives us.” BTW: Be careful with the bleach—before, after, and during.

FIVE IN A ROW # P L A Y #LEARN Supplies: none Why: This game will give you a context to talk about how forgiveness is alike to and different from forgetting. How: Choose five campers to stand before the rest of the campers. Then have them leave the room,

mix up their order, and return in a different order. Let the other campers try to remember what order they were in before they left the room. When the other campers figure out the correct order, choose five other campers to repeat the game. Emphasize that people have to think hard in order to remember. After the second round, ask the campers these questions: • “How did you remember what order your friends were in when we played our game? Was the second time easier or harder?”

the image of God and that we reflect the love of Christ in our actions. Does your reflection show a child of God trying to share the love of Christ?” Have adults and older youth pick up mirrors and find younger campers and show them their reflections in the mirrors. As they look at their reflections, have the older campers share something good they see in them. Then, have the older campers choose other young campers until all the non-adult campers have looked at their reflections and been affirmed.

• “What are a couple things you wish other people would remember about you? What are a couple things you wish they wouldn’t remember?”

BTW: Older campers may want to stick with younger campers they know well during the last part involving affirming ways they see Christ’s love in the younger campers.

• “What happens when you forgive somebody?” • “What happens when Jesus forgives us?” Finish by saying: “Sometimes, when people remember us, they remember all the wrong things—only the things we wish they’d forget. But Jesus, when he forgives us, allows us to move beyond the wrong things and live as though the act is forgotten.” BTW: You may need to play a couple rounds so that children campers all get a chance to be in the line-up. You can break up into two groups to play if that helps give them all get a chance.

REFLECTIONS OF CHRIST #LEARN #share Supplies: small mirrors of various sizes like those used under candles (have at least half as many as you have campers) Why: Our actions are reflections of Christ.

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How: On the ground, lay out the mirrors and circle campers around them so that they can all look down into at least one mirror. Invite them to look down and notice the reflections in the mirrors. Have them rotate around the mirrors a couple steps and look down again at the reflections. Have them rotate one more time, or have them bend down and take a different, closer view. Ask: “What did you see reflected in the mirrors? Did you see reflections of others or just yourself? How did the reflections change? If God held up a mirror in front of us, what would be reflected? We believe that we are created in

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Day 4: I Chose You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 15:11–32 Scripture Focus: Luke 15:32 “But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” Theological Summary: Decisions we make affect the ways we connect with people. Your choices matter, but they don’t change God’s love for you. Campers will: • learn the impact of choice in their connection with God and others • hear of God’s forgiveness and grace • know that they can admit to their brokenness, and that they can change • identify trustworthy individuals in their lives who will show them God’s grace and forgiveness

Daily Activities: — God Chooses Your Loving Arms: #CREATE #serve Water bottle holder craft — Lost Son Giant Board Game: #LEARN # P L A Y really big board game — Lost & Found Game: # P L A Y Share the fun of finding things — Choices Activity: # P L A Y Practice making choices — Piggy Cups: # P L A Y Sensory rich relay game

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— Discovery Bottle: #CREATE #LEARN create a tool for quiet time

Leader Notes: This is a story about making choices and changing our minds. Throughout the day give campers choices and give them chances to also change their minds. If time allows, you may also want to share the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin, also found in Luke 15.

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Worship Activites Cabin Time: Prepare the large puzzle again. Ahead of time, remove the Day 3 piece. Show the campers the large puzzle with the pieces for Days 1, 2, and 3 missing. Ask if they remember what symbol was on the past day’s piece. Today, you will use another piece of the puzzle—the piece with the symbol of open arms on it. Invite the campers to add pictures or words to the flip side of the piece that reflect the story of the prodigal son.

Song Ideas: • “I’ve Got Spirit in My Hands” (We Believe: Children Sing God’s Story) • “Awesome God” (Rich Mullins, New Song) • “Can We Ever Go Home Again?” (Jeff and Kerri Peterson-Davis, New Song) • “Change My Heart, O God” (Eddie Espinosa, New Song) • “Come on In!” (Jim Yount, Sing! Prayer and Praise) Prayer:

Sharing The Story #CELEBRATE Supplies: Bible, four cue cards with the four phrases “Oh No!” “Please Father!” “Way to Go!” “Let’s Celebrate!” (one phrase per card) written on them

Brother vs. Brother #centering Supplies: masking tape to make a line in center of room Have campers divide into two groups with one group on each side of the line on the floor/ ground. One side represents the youngest brother; the other side represents the oldest brother. Read the statements below and give the groups a couple minutes each time to think about how the brother they represent is feeling in this story. Alternate between the “brothers’ groups” as you ask how they feel as a group as the story unfolds. Get the perspectives of both sides then invite them to share a prayer for that situation (for example, the older brother feels left out of the celebration: “Dear God, help him to understand his father’s love for both his sons.”) Share at least two prayers for each of the brothers. Close with a prayer for both brothers that includes a request that the campers experience God’s love in the story too. • Younger son receives his share of the father’s property, spends it all • Younger son decides to return home; father runs out and welcomes the youngest son, putting his arms around him and welcomes him home • Father brings out a robe, a ring, and sandals for the youngest son and throws a party • Older son becomes angry when he sees the party and refuses to go in

This is a combination of a spontaneous S for the action and melodrama style with audience responses. Read the scripture story (Luke 15:11–

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Pray this together, using hand motions: Dear Father, God (hands open and arms above head) help us (hands open in front of body with palms facing up) to remember you always welcome us (one hand motions “come”) no matter who we are (hands at shoulders, palms up, as a question “why?”) or what we have done. Forgive us (hands together in prayer) and give us a new beginning (hand motion as if erasing) just like the family in God’s story. Amen.

32) story out loud and have the kids/youth campers act out the story, pausing for them to act out each verse. The adult audience will watch for the cue cards and shout the phrases out as they fit. Encourage lots of movement and exaggeration of the actions, with active participation by adults.

. Story Resources . Mission Story to share: “A Father’s Promise” (Adapted from Mark V. Hansen, “Are You Going to Help Me?” in Chicken Soup for the Soul, ed. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, 1993), 273– 74)

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In 1989, an 8.2 earthquake almost flattened Armenia, killing over 30,000 people in less than four minutes. In the midst of utter devastation and chaos, a father left his wife safe at home and rushed to the school where his son was supposed to be, only to discover that the building was as flat as a pancake. After the traumatic initial shock, he remembered the promise he had made to his son: “No matter what, I’ll always be there for you!” Tears began to fill his eyes. As he looked at the pile of debris that once was the school, it looked hopeless, but he kept remembering his commitment to his son. He began to concentrate on where he walked his son to class at school each morning. Remembering his son’s classroom would be in the back right corner of the building, he rushed there and started digging through the rubble. Other well-meaning parents tried to pull him off of what was left of the school, saying: “It’s too late!” “They’re gone!” “You can’t help!” “Go home!” “Come on, face reality; there’s nothing you can do!” “You’re just going to make things worse!” He listened to each parent’s plea, and then he proceeded to dig for his son, stone by stone. He dug for eight hours,…12 hours,…24 hours,…36 hours,…then, in the 38th hour, he pulled back a boulder and heard his son’s voice. He screamed his son’s name. He heard back, “Dad!?! It’s me, Dad! I told the other kids not to worry. I told them that if you were alive, you’d save me and when you saved me, they’d be saved. You promised, ‘No matter what, I’ll always be there for you!’ You did it, Dad!” The father responded, “What’s going on in there? How is it?” the father asked. The answer came back, “There are 14 of us left out of 33, Dad. We’re scared, hungry, thirsty, and thankful you’re here. When the building collapsed, it made a wedge, like a triangle, and it saved us.” In exhausted joy, the father called out, “Come on out, boy!” However, the son answered back, “No, Dad! Let the other

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kids out first, because I know you’ll get me! No matter what, I know you’ll be there for me!” Children’s Storybooks • Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You, by Nancy Tillman • Jamaica’s Find, by Juanita Havill • Parables: Stories Jesus Told, by Mary Hoffman (Use the reflection questions as they fit the age of campers.)

Daily Activities GOD CHOOSES YOUR LOVING ARMS #CREATE #SERVE Supplies: per camper: piece of colored construction paper, cardstock or foam sheet cut into a 3” strip lengthwise (3” x 11” strip), 3” square of paper with “We ALL matter to God! God chooses each of us and loves us no matter what!” printed on it, 4” diameter circle of foam or cardstock for face, 2 googly eyes, 2 hand cutouts made by tracing a child’s hand (can be paper or foam sheet), foam cup holder, two 1” Velcro sections that will stick to each other, string or yarn 30” long, 2½” bead, glue, plastic water bottle Why: This activity connects the story of the prodigal son with taking care of ourselves by drinking water at camp and caring for others by sharing the good news that God loves us no matter what! How: Provide the campers with the following instructions, so they can each make their welcoming water bottle holders. (Children may need help with the steps from older campers.): Take the cup holder as the body of the person and glue the strip as arms centered on the back, adding the hands to the open ends of strips. Glue the Velcro to the fronts of the hands so that they can be closed in a hug around the cup holder. Glue the circle to the back as well with 2/3 showing above the cup holder as the face. Add googly eyes and draw rest of face. Glue the printed square on the front of the cup holder. Poke a hole through both sides of cup holder and add string as a strap for around the camper’s neck, tying

the knot on the outside with a bead to secure the knot from slipping. Add a water bottle into the cup holder so campers have water handy to keep hydrated at camp. Show campers how to open the arms in welcome and then connect hands with Velcro in a hug. BTW: Cup holder can be filled with a plastic water bottle, or candies and snacks, and given to someone once camper is back home to share the message of welcoming others.

THE LOST SON GIANT BOARD GAME #LEARN # P L A Y Supplies: 32 squares of paper for game board path using story pictures from old Sunday school materials or words: “Finish/Start”( picture of home, path begins and ends here), “Someone Robs You–lose 1 coin” (coin picture), “Buy Fancy House–pay 2 coins”(fancy house picture), “Give money to friends–give away 1 coin”(friends picture), “Buy Fancy Clothes–pay 1 coin” (clothes picture), “Have a Big Party and lose all you have” (Big City pictures cover 6 squares), “Pig pen” (photos of pigs cover 6 squares), “Spend night sleeping on the road–lose 1 turn” (night picture), “Father sees you coming and welcomes you home”(father with open arms), 13 blank squares for in between picture squares, 6 coins per camper (coins or cut out circles), dice. Why: Create a giant board game on the floor or ground with campers as the playing pieces as you share the story from Luke 15:11–32 to help them understand the sequence of events in the story.

LOST & FOUND GAME # P L A Y Supplies: objects to hide (6 or more plastic pigs, plastic eggs, or small balls) Why: More than finding hidden items, campers experience the shared delight in finding lost things. How: Around your space, hide six or more objects, depending on the size of your group. Invite campers to hunt for the items; once a camper finds one, the object is not removed, but left in its hiding place. Instead, the “discoverer” is to find another camper and give that camper clues to help him or her find the same object. Once every young camper has found, or been helped to find at least one item, hide the objects again and play once more. Once that game is finished, ask the campers how it felt to “find” the lost things. BTW: The more things that are hidden, the more sharing that can happen.

CHOICES ACTIVITY # P L A Y #LEARN Supplies: index cards or pieces of paper with situations written on them (write situations that are age appropriate for kids and youth—for example: get invited by a friend to go somewhere, check with a parent to get permission; don’t share your last piece of a favorite food with a friend), 2 containers to hold the “To Do” and “Not-to-Do” choices Why: The campers will experience that making choices is something we do often. When we make not-so-right choices, we can change our minds and start again, just like the lost son did. How: Taking turns, invite campers in family groups to choose a card and read the situation to their group and decide “To Do” or “Not-toDo” and place the card in that bin. After every team has had a turn with several situations, read the ones in the “To Do” bin out loud. Confirm that everyone agrees that these are good choices. If some disagree, discuss this. If there is no disagreement, discuss how those would be good choices. Next, read out loud those in the “Notto-Do” bin. As before, make sure everyone is in

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How: Lay out the game board as a giant circle on the ground or floor, with blank squares interspersed between pictured squares. Campers as the playing pieces begin at the “Start” square and roll one die and move that number of spaces. Each camper takes a turn, moving to the appropriate square and taking action if indicated on the square. “Lost” coins are placed in the center of the “game board,” and squares may be shared. As the campers play, discuss the story from Luke 15 as they pass by the different events. Once everyone gets to the “Finish Square” talk about what parts of the journey were hard and easy. What were the feelings at different parts of the journey?

BTW: May want to pair up youngest campers with adults or youth to be team players.

agreement on these. Then, discuss how a person might change their mind, and place that situation in the “To Do” bin instead. Not all may have a change of mind/heart answer, but talk about the chance to change direction, and that changing one’s mind is okay. BTW: Younger campers will need guidance from older campers.

PIGGY CUPS # P L A Y Supplies: 2 tubs (1 with bird seed covering the bottom and 1 empty), small plastic pigs or pink buttons to represent pigs (twice the number of campers), 2 small buckets or sturdy paper cups Why: This activity combines interactive play with symbols from the story.

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How: Set one empty tub at the starting line, and another about 20 feet away. Add a bag of birdseed to the farther away tub, and hide the pigs or buttons in the seed. Show campers the starting point on either side of the empty container and the station at the other side of the space with hidden “pigs.” Line campers up at the side of empty container, hand each camper at the front of the line a small bucket or cup. When you say “go,” the first camper walks fast to the seed tub and scoops “pigs” and seed into the cup and walks quickly back to the beginning and empties the cup/bucket into the tub. The first camper then hands the cup to the next person in line and the second camper takes a turn. Each camper takes a turn until everyone has had a chance. When all campers have had a turn, count the “pigs” that were found. Celebrate by giving thanks for working together to find lost pigs. You can replay this as many times as you wish. BTW: Youngest campers may need to pair up with a teen or adult as partners. Make sure the buttons are not choking hazards for very little campers. Remove all the buttons or pigs before reusing the bird seed (to give the birds).

DISCOVERY BOTTLE #CREATE #LEARN Supplies: Per camper: 1 used plastic water bottle from recycle bin (with lid), several bags of clean and dry sand (can be colored), small people figure or piece of dowel (1 inch long) that fits through the mouth of the bottle, slip of paper printed with

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this scripture: “We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found” (Luke 15:32), glue (or tape) Why: Create this reminder of the prodigal son story, so that campers can remember that, even when they feel lost or not important, God loves them no matter what and finds them with that amazing love. How: Provide these directions: “Fill the plastic water bottle half full with sand, add the figure representing the lost son, then add more sand until the bottle is 2/3 full. Screw the lid on, sealing it with some glue, and attach the scripture to the outside of the bottle.” As campers retell the story in their own words in small groups, have them move their bottles around, shifting the sand as they find the “lost sons.” BTW: These bottles make a great tool to use during “quiet time” or FOB. Many campers will stay engaged finding and burying the lost son. Share a lesson on the three R’s—Recycle, Reuse, Reduce. Explain: “Today we reused water bottles, and when you are all done with these ‘Discovery Bottles,’ they can be recycled again.”

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Day 5: I Have Spoken to You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: 1 Kings 19:8–16 Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 19:11a He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Theological Summary: Elijah found God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the silence that followed. We can find God in the silence, too, and connect with God through prayer. Campers will: • experience many ways to connect to God through the mystery of prayer • practice listening for God’s voice • become aware of how God provides for them in many different ways • explore ways of connecting to God on their own

Daily Activities: — Wind, Earthquake, Fire, Silence: #CREATE #LEARN Make a diagram to tell Elijah’s story — Listening Walk: # P L A Y Collect and categorize noises on a hike — Be Still Game: # P L A Y Be a museum full of statues — Prayer Stations: # P R A Y Discover four new ways to pray — Popcorn Prayer: # P L A Y Get closer to your partner

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— Praying Hands: #CREATE #serve Make reminders for prayer

Leader Notes: This is a good day to ask the question: “Where do you see God in…?” as you walk to activities, at a meal, or in the cabins, to get campers to seek God in all things.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Prepare the large puzzle again. Ahead of time, remove the Day 4 piece. Show the campers the large puzzle with previous pieces missing. Ask if they remember what symbol was on the past day’s piece. Today you will use another piece of the puzzle—the piece with the symbol of praying hands. Invite the campers to add pictures or words to the flip side of the piece that reflect Elijah’s story ( etc.).

Song Ideas: • “Kum Ba Yah” (“When there’s [wind…, rain…, storms…,] Lord…” adaptation) • “The Family Prayer Song” (Morris Chapman) • “Open Your Ears, O Faithful People” (LifeSongs)

“[A]nd after the earthquake [there was] a fire...” (move around like flickering flames), (Response:) “… but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence” (everyone is silent and still). Finish with: “Then in the silence Elijah connected with God. Amen.”

Praying in Color #centering Supplies: paper, crayons or markers This is a prayer practice using your fingers as a memory trick to help pray for a wider variety of people. Have the campers each trace a hand on a sheet of paper, then give the campers time to write or draw on each finger as you invite them to prayer through their individual “hands”

• “Sanctuary” (John Thompson and Randy Scruggs)

* Pinky Finger: Smallest and weakest finger—pray for the sick, weak, homeless, etc.

• “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” (Ken Medema)

* Ring Finger: Finger that is a symbol of commitment and family—pray for those you are closest to (friends and family)

Prayer: God of the mountain, wind, storm, and fire, help us seek you in everything we do, even in the silence. When we need you most, may we experience your presence on either side of us, above and below us, surrounding us with loving arms and living through and in us. Amen.

“Where Is God?” Litany #CELEBRATE Intergenerational

Read the following lines from today’s scripture with the group, leading them in doing the actions and having them join in the responding: “[God] said: ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by’” (have campers stand up). “Now there was a great wind…” (make howling noises for the wind), “…so strong that is was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord…” (Response:) “…but the Lord was not in the wind.” “[A]nd after the wind [was] an earthquake…” (make rumbling, stomping noises), (Response:) “… but the Lord was not in the earthquake;”

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* Middle Finger: Stands up tall—pray for those in positions of leadership (president, other government leaders, principals, etc.) * Pointer Finger: Points the way—pray for those who are an example of Christian life * Thumb: Closest to you—pray for your concerns, plans, hopes, and fears You can give them additional time to add other prayers written and drawn around their hands.

. Story Resources . Mission Story to share: “An Empty Chair” (Adapted from story found at JaredStory.com/empty_chair. html)

• Granddad’s Prayers of the Earth, Douglas Wood • When Daddy Prays, Nikki Grimes • A Quiet Place, Douglas Wood

Daily Activities WIND, EARTHQUAKE, FIRE, SILENCE #CREATE, #LEARN Supplies: cardstock paper (1 sheet per camper), regular paper (1 sheet per camper), markers or colored pencils, scissors, glue, rulers Why: The activity allows camps to connect with the story through a paper craft. How: Pair each younger camper up with a youth or adult to help create the story diagrams, or you can have everyone work in teams. Fold the regular paper in half lengthwise and again crosswise to create 4 panels. With the paper in landscape orientation, write the words, “Not here!” in the first three boxes, and write the words, “God is Here!” in the bottom right box. Carefully cut the cardstock paper into four corresponding rectangles. At the top of each rectangle (landscape), write the words, “Where was God?” Draw a picture and/or write words on the cardstock on each flap: wind, earthquake, fire, silence. Use glue stick to glue each rectangle on top of the rectangles of the regular paper. Be sure the silence flap is glued to the “God is Here!” rectangle. On the cardstock at the top or bottom write: “Elijah is in the mountain…..but where is God?” Invite campers to retell Elijah’s story in their own words opening the flaps to answer the question; “Where was God?” BTW: Create the story diagrams without writing the answers under the flap. Then walk through the reading of the story and as you encounter each part of the storm write in the answer to the question “Where was God?” at the end and add “God is Here!” under the silence flap. Invite campers then to retell the story by themselves using the diagram.

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A man’s daughter asked the local pastor to come and pray with her father. When the pastor arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows and an empty chair beside his bed. He assumed that the man had been informed of his visit. “I guess you were expecting me,” he said. “No, who are you?” “I’m the new pastor at your local church. When I saw the empty chair, I figured you knew I was going to show up.” “Oh yeah, the chair,” said the bedridden man. “Would you mind closing the door?” Puzzled, the pastor shut the door. “I’ve never told anyone this, not even my daughter,” said the man. “But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I heard the pastor talk about prayer, but it never clicked. I gave up trying to pray,” the old man continued, “until one day about four years ago my best friend said to me, ‘Joe, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here’s what I suggest. Sit down on a chair, place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus sitting in the chair. It’s not spooky, because Jesus promised, ‘I’ll be with you always.’ Then just speak to him and listen in the same way you’re doing with me right now.” “So, I tried it and I’ve liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I’m careful, though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she’d either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.” The pastor was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the pastor that her dad had died that afternoon. “Did he seem to be at peace?” he asked. “Yes, when I left the house around two o’clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me one of his corny jokes, and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange—in fact, beyond strange: kind of weird. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on a chair beside the bed.”

Children’s Storybooks

LISTENING WALK # P L A Y Supplies: none Why: This activity allows campers to practice listening skills while connecting with creation. How: Find a path for a walk around camp. On the walk, campers need to listen for the various sounds they hear, putting up a finger for every new, different sound. Occasionally, stop and ask how many sounds they have heard, and share the sounds that have been heard. Start over and begin counting sounds again on fingers. Ask campers, “What helps you to listen and hear the sounds? What was easy to hear? What was harder to hear?” Remind them: “God is always willing to listen to us through our prayers; we are invited to listen for God as well in prayer, just like Elijah.” BTW: Add some challenge for older campers. Have them count natural sounds on one hand and man-made sounds on another; or, on a section of the trail, only count natural sounds, and on another section count man-made sounds. Compare the counts and discuss why people need both to survive; ask: “What sounds do we not need?”

BE STILL GAME # P L A Y Supplies: none Why: This activity allows campers to have fun while practicing being silent.

Intergenerational

How: This is sometimes referred to as the “wax museum” game. Choose a category (animals, pets, sports) and give campers a minute to choose what statue they will be in that category; then say, “Go” and have the campers move around as what they chose. Then say, “Be still!” and all the campers freeze in whatever positions they are in at that moment. One camper that is “it” tries to catch people when they move, one purpose or accidentally. When campers are caught moving or making a sound, they sit on the ground until the next round. Campers can move on purpose while trying not to get caught. Once only one person is left not caught, that person becomes “it” and another round is played. BTW: Can have campers guess what others are portraying to add challenge. Can also choose

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categories that come from the week’s Bible stories, or Bible story people.

PRAYER STATIONS # P R A Y Supplies: several containers of play dough, a variety of pictures or photos (8–10 from magazines) of people (various ages doing a variety of things), maps cut up into heart shapes, string or clothesline, clothespins or large paper clips, pencils, dish sponge and plate (new set for each rotation), pitcher of water, copy of appropriate instructions (see below) at each station. Why: The campers will experience a variety of ways to pray, demonstrating that there are many ways to pray and that different people pray in different ways. How: Set up four “Prayer Stations” and have campers rotate from station to station in small groups. Give them 5–10 minutes at each station depending on size of rotating groups. Encourage them to move quietly from station to station and speak quietly at the stations. Station 1—Play dough While holding a piece of play dough, reflect on the Bible story for today of Elijah and his search for God. As you reflect on the story, shape your play dough to represent a place where you know God is with you (a special tree, cross, church steeple, etc.). Share your place by showing your play dough to others in the group. Station 2—Picture Prayers Quietly search the pictures laid out on the table and chose one that represents what you would like to pray for. Share around the group which picture you chose and why. Pictures can be shared if two campers want the same one. Now sit in prayer, focused on the picture and lift up a prayer for the situation in the picture. As a group, share a prayer for all the pictures that were chosen. Station 3—Prayers for the World Think about the needs of people around the world, and in your group share some of those needs. Each camper takes a “map heart” and writes or draws a prayer for a place or a situation that they have heard about. Next, campers will pin their “prayer” to the clothesline, lifting up all the prayers that are hanging on the line.

Station 4—Feeling Dried Out Place a dried-out sponge on a plate and have everyone feel it. (It is hard and rigid.) In your group, talk about times when we don’t take time for prayer, to “talk” with God; sometimes, we feel dried up and that God is not near. Then, ask how we stay connected to God? What keeps us from becoming dried up like this sponge? (we read our bibles, serve others, pray, etc.). As you name those things that connect you with God, pour some water on the sponge. Each time you say your prayers, read the Bible, or do an act of kindness, those actions change you and connect you to God, and to others. When you stay connected to God and others, like a sponge you “ooze” those things that you have filled yourselves with. Everything you do or say that connects with God is also filling you up with God’s goodness. When you are filled like the sponge is full of water, you can’t help but ooze out God for others to see. Prayer connects you to God, changes you, and overflows to others around you. Each new group at this station will need a dry sponge to start with. BTW: Each station can be done, together as a whole group, with this activity spread out over the day so the group participates together and campers experience the connection of praying silently and then sharing those prayers with the whole group.

POPCORN PRAYER # P L A Y Supplies: popped popcorn (unsalted, unbuttered) or Styrofoam packing peanuts an open space outside is best (provide a broom and dustpan if inside)

How: Start by having campers stand in two straight lines, shoulder to shoulder, the two lines facing each other so each camper can be readily paired up with a camper facing him or her as a partner. Hand one piece of popcorn to each camper in one of the lines. Have the two lines stand ten feet or so apart from each other and have campers toss their pieces of popcorn to their partners. More than likely, the partner won’t be able to catch it. So, when this happens, have the

BTW: As campers eat this popcorn, with new popcorn pieces you can invite campers to share short, one-or-two-word prayers as they hold their popcorn pieces and pop them in their mouths after they share prayers. This reminds them that prayers don’t have to be long or composed of many words; sometimes one word is all it takes to pray to God. If done outside, the squirrels will enjoy the fallen popcorn (if you used real popcorn). If done inside, sweep it up to dispose of it properly.

PRAYING HANDS #CREATE #SERVE Supplies: (1 each per camper): craft foam sheet, black permanent marker, pen, slip of paper with “People I’m Praying For” printed on it Why: Campers will make visual reminders of people/things to pray for. How: Begin by encouraging campers to think of who they would like to pray for. Have them each think of ten people or events—one for each of their fingers. Next, have them each put both hands (one at a time, of course) on a foam sheet and trace both hands. Upon each finger, have campers write or draw one of their names/events, so that each finger on both hands has something to pray for. Have each camper take a slip of paper with “People I’m Praying For” written on it and glue it to the foam sheet. Take a moment to pray through the fingers of the hand together or silently. BTW: You could combine this with the “Praying in Color” Worship Activity on page 222 and/or use it as an activity with worship to continue to pray for the ten things throughout the day, or even the rest of the week.

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Why: This can be fun practice on why prayer is important.

other partner retrieve the popcorn and tell the partners that they may each take one step toward each other and try to toss the popcorn back. Have them repeat this process until a partner catches the popcorn. (Remind them not to eat their popcorn.) Talk about how their relationships with God are similar to the game. It›s really hard to hear God when you’re far away. Ask: “How do we listen for God, and find God for ourselves?” (read our Bible, pray, praise & worship God, daily time with God, etc.). Afterward, if you used real popcorn, salt and butter the popcorn that you didn’t throw and enjoy.

INTERGENERATIONAL

Day 6: Abide With Me Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Luke 24:13–35 Scripture Focus: Luke 24:32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” Theological Summary: We have tools we can use to reconnect to God, and we find them as we walk the road with Jesus. Campers will: • discover how they might deepen their connection with God • learn to sustain this relationship after they leave the camp community • become more familiar with their Bibles • serve one another by being Christ-like to each other

Daily Activities: — Hidden Paintings: #CREATE Surprise yourself with hidden color — Mystery of the Story: #LEARN Use clues to identify parts of the story — Reconnect: # P L A Y Fast-paced marble game — Walk with Jesus: #CREATE Make a journal — Eyes Open to Bread of Life: #LEARN Artwork you can eat

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— Giant Road to Emmaus Board Game: # P L A Y #LEARN A story-sharing game — Cross Birdfeeders: #CREATE #share Feed our feathered friends

Leader Notes: Use today as a day to begin to prepare campers to go home. The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is a great story to prepare the campers for going back into the world with a new way of seeing things. It is okay to begin talking about how camp is changing them.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time: Prepare the large puzzle again. Ahead of time, remove the Day 5 piece. Show the campers the large puzzle with previous pieces missing. Ask if they remember what symbol was on the past day’s piece. Today you will use another piece of the puzzle—the piece with the symbol of footprints. Invite the campers to add pictures or words to the flip side of the piece that reflect the road to Emmaus story ( etc.).

Song Ideas: • “Taste and See” (James E. Moore Jr., Sing! Prayer & Praise) • “Open Our Eyes” (Bob Cull) • “There’s Bread for the Journey” (Sing! Prayer & Praise) • “Create in Me a Clean Heart” (NewSong) • “Open the Eyes of My Heart” (Paul Baloche)

Prayer: God of all things and all places, help us to open our ears to hear you through our prayers and to hear your Word. Open our eyes to you walking alongside us in all that we do. Thank you for opening our eyes to your presence in the world and all that you ask us to be a part of in blessing those around us. Amen.

Walking the Road #CELEBRATE

Walk a trail at camp, inviting the campers to imagine themselves as the travelers in the story. Read the story in sections, stopping at few places to share parts of the story (as indicated below) and then discussing what might be happening at that place in the story.

Stop 2—Once they are close to home, the disciples invite Jesus to stay with them. Ask: “Who would you invite to come to your house?” Stop 3—They break bread and share it with the “stranger.” Then their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus. (You might consider the option of celebrating communion here.)

Picture with Three Travelers #centering Supplies: picture of three travelers with one of the travelers cut out (do an Internet search for “Road to Emmaus painting”—print the picture on cardstock and cut out one of the travelers in the picture) Invite the campers to imagine themselves as one of the two disciples walking along the road to Emmaus. Set the scene by reminding them what has happened in Jerusalem, and as they walk home they are sad and grieving since they have lost their friend and teacher Jesus. Show them the picture and tell them they are the cut-out traveler; they are to picture themselves as part of the picture traveling with Jesus even though they don’t recognize him. Read the scripture Luke 24:13–35 (using Eugene Peterson’s The Message, if available). Pause after Jesus goes into supper with the travelers and have campers share how they felt walking along the road. Then continue reading the story to the end.. Afterward, ask the campers how they feel know that they recognize that Jesus was walking with them on the road. How are they changed now that their eyes have been opened by the telling of the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection? How are they changed when Jesus breaks and blesses the bread? You might choose to close this with the celebration of communion.

Stop 1—The travelers tell Jesus what has been happening in Jerusalem. Jesus interprets for them the scriptures (and how they applied to Jesus) Have each camper tell another nearby camper

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Supplies: optional—bread and juice to celebrate communion at the last stop

the part that stands out to him or her, that most captures the attention.

. Story Resources . Mission Story to share: “The Cracked Pot” (Adapted from story quoted widely online [Google “The Cracked Pot”] citing source as “unknown”)

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A water bearer in India had two large pots; each hung on each end of a pole that he carried across his neck. One of the pots was perfect, always delivering a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the house; the other pot had a crack in it, and the cracked pot always arrived only half full. For two years, daily the bearer delivered only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a failure, it spoke to the water bearer by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” “Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” As they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wildflowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the pot apologized to the man. He said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your leak, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my table. Without you being just the way you are, I would not have this beauty to grace my house.” Each of us has our own unique flaws. We’re all “cracked pots.” But, if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace the Father’s table. In

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God’s great economy, nothing goes to waste. Don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and you too can be beautiful. Know that in our weakness we find our strength. Children’s Storybooks: • When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (especially the “Magic Thread” chapter) • What Is God’s Name? by Sandy Sasso

Daily Activities HIDDEN PAINTINGS #CREATE Supplies: per each camper: 1 sheet of heavy paper (watercolor paper), crayons of various colors, black paint, sharpened stick/dowel to scratch off paint, paint brush Why: The campers will experience the transformation of a piece of artwork. How: Provide the campers with the following instructions: Cover your sheet of paper with a spectrum of color using the crayons. Once the paper is fully covered, paint over it with black paint. Later, when the paint is dry, scratch a picture of some part of today’s story on the paper. See what is revealed as you scratch off paint.” Afterward, ask the campers, “What do you think the two travelers saw once their eyes were opened?” BTW: After campers have painted the black paint over their coloring, they can trade their paintings with other campers. Each camper can then scratch the picture of today’s story on the painting he or she has received, all the while not knowing what will be revealed because he or she did not color the sheet, another camper did. You can then ask, “How did the mystery change how you drew the story?”

MYSTERY OF THE STORY #LEARN Supplies: per every 5–6 campers: 1 empty tissue box or shoe box with opening cut in the lid, pictures or slips of paper with various words— sandal, cross, Bible, scroll, bread, sunglasses, water

bottle, that could relate to the story. Use your imagination Why: Campers can discover the mystery within this story by revealing the story with clues. How: Ahead of time, prepare the “Mystery Boxes” and place the pictures or slips of papers with the items written on them (some clues for today’s story) in the boxes.– In groups of 5–6, the campers gather around the “Mystery Boxes,” and each take a turn removing a clue from the box. When a camper chooses an item, have that camper share with that group what part of today’s story he or she thinks it is a clue for. After all the clues have been removed (some campers will get a second turn—maybe the younger campers could do this) and shared, have the groups, one at a time, use the clues to tell the story in their own words, from start to finish, to the larger group. Ask: “What is the greatest mystery in this story? What clue could be left out and the story still could be told? What clue absolutely has to be in the box to tell the story?” BTW: You could have camper groups choose their own set of clues and create “Mystery Boxes” for other campers in the camp, then experience the story together and retell the story with the clues in the box.

RECONNECT # P L A Y Supplies: masking tape, marble, per each camper: 1 paper towel/wrapping paper tube or 1” wide pvc pipe section (should be no longer than 2 feet, but tubes can be various sizes)

How: Place two strips of masking tape on the floor, about ten feet apart. Each camper needs a section of pipe/tube. Working together, starting from one of the masking tape “lines,” the campers use their tubes to create a route for the marble to travel to the other masking tape “line.” Once the marble is placed in the first tube at the starting line, the campers must keep the marble traveling inside the tubes all the way to the finish line. If the marble drops to the ground, they need to start over. Campers may need to move to a new place

BTW: Add challenges by not allowing campers to talk, blindfolding a couple campers, or tying dominant hands behind the backs of the campers so they can each only use one hand. You could also create two teams and see which team completes the journey first.

WALK WITH JESUS #CREATE Supplies: scrapbook paper, construction paper or cardstock, pipe cleaners, scissors, glue, hole punch, markers Why: This craft activity will remind the campers that Jesus is with them always. How: Provide these instructions (making sure younger campers have adult assistance when using the more “dangerous” craft tools): “On construction paper or cardstock, trace around your foot with a shoe on. Cut out the foot shape. Glue it to scrapbook paper (this makes the eventual “flip-flop” a little stronger) and cut around the foot shape again. Using a hole punch, punch one hole closer to the side of the flip-flop where the big toe would go, then punch two more holes on the sides—directly across from one another— about a finger length down the sides from the bigtoe hole. Fold the pipe cleaner in half and thread the center downward through the top hole. Twist the pipe cleaner on the back of the shoe a bit so it won’t pull out, and then fold it down. Now thread the two remaining ends of the pipe cleaner into the other two holes. Turn flip-flop over and again twist ends and then fold down so that they stay secure. You may want to use a little tape on the bottom to hold the ends. The last step is to write ‘Walk with Jesus’ on the flip-flop.” Share ways that people walk with Jesus and remind campers that Jesus is always walking with them, whether they recognize him or not. BTW: You can use real pairs of flip-flops (dollar stores are great places to find cheap ones), with campers writing “Walk with Jesus” on each one. They can tie pieces of ribbon on the toe pieces on the backsides long enough to hang on doorknobs. Each camper would keep one flip-flop and share the other with someone back home to remind

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Why: As a team, the campers will work together to stay connected and keep the marble rolling on its journey.

in the line with their tube after the marble has passed through their section to help the marble make the complete journey to the finish line.

that person that Jesus walks with us and we walk with Jesus.

EYES OPEN TO BREAD OF LIFE #LEARN Supplies: loaf of bread (a slice for each camper), various food colorings, cups, milk, new/clean paintbrushes or spoons, toaster, tablecloth, sunglasses (various pairs from the dollar store) Why: This bread connects to the symbols from today’s story. How: Ahead of time, prepare several cups of milk mixed with different colors of food coloring—to be used as “paint.” Each camper needs a slice of bread as you remember the story for today of how the disciples’ eyes were opened when Jesus gave them the bread. Ask: “What are some other Bible stories about bread?” Invite campers to use the colored milk to “paint” their bread with symbols of the story. After the bread has been “painted,” place slices in a toaster to dry and set the paintings. Place the tablecloth on the floor or ground and gather campers around. Pass around the sunglasses and the bread that they have made. Take turns putting on the sunglasses and looking around the table, then taking them off as the bread is passed around. Enjoy the toast as stories are shared about how people come to see Jesus with new eyes (eyes uncovered), and then share Jesus with others to help open their eyes to Jesus’ amazing love. BTW: Save the pieces of bread and instead use the last part of the activity with bread and sunglasses for the communion celebration, remembering that Jesus is the Bread of Life.

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GIANT ROAD TO EMMAUS BOARD GAME # P L A Y #LEARN Supplies: 20 sheets of construction paper to be game board spaces, 5 paper squares with picture of a cross on them, 5 paper squares with a picture of bread on them, large set of dice, paper square for the upper room in Jerusalem (picture of a room), square for Emmaus (picture or city name). Why: Have fun playing a giant game of walking to Emmaus. How: Ahead of time, create a board game “road” on the floor. Start with the picture of the upper

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room in Jerusalem, followed by 2 blank sheets, then a picture of cross or bread, 2 blanks, cross or bread (alternating), 2 blanks, and so on, until you finish with the Emmaus square. Campers are the playing pieces for this giant game and need to start at the upper room in Jerusalem. Have campers roll the dice and move that many spaces on the board, walking along the road. If a camper lands on a cross square, he or she will get a question about the story. If the question is answered correctly, the camper stays where he or she is. If answered incorrectly, the camper goes back 1 space. If a camper lands on a picture of bread, he or she moves ahead 2 spaces. Campers take turns and work their way to Emmaus, where Jesus broke bread with the disciples. However, once they reach Emmaus, they turn around and go back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples in the upper room that they saw Jesus. The first person who gets back to the upper room then encourages the other campers as they return to Jerusalem. Use your own questions, or use the ones below: 1. How many of Jesus’ friends were walking along the road? (2) 2. Where were the disciples walking to? (Emmaus) 3. What were the disciples doing as they were walking? (Talking) 4. The disciples were sad because who was dead? (Jesus) 5. When they got to Emmaus, the disciples invited the stranger to do what? (stay and eat) 6. When the stranger picked up the bread, blessed it, and broke it, what happened?(They saw it was Jesus) 7. The disciples ran all the way back to where to tell the other disciples what had happened? (Jerusalem) BTW: You could play a “Super Giant” game as a whole camp activity with poster board picture pieces and wood squares, rope circles, or hulahoops as blank squares spread out over a larger area.

CROSS BIRDFEEDERS #CREATE #share Supplies: cereal that is donut shaped with a hole in the center (for example: Cheerios, Fruit Loops), pipe cleaners, scissors, yarn Why: this activity allows campers to share with God’s creatures as they remember the power of bread in today’s story. How: Each camper will make two cross birdfeeders: one to hang in a tree at camp, and another to take home to share with the birds back home. Provide the following instructions: “Bend a pipe cleaner in half and cut it into two equal pieces. Take one piece and wrap it once around the middle of the other, making the cross-arms of the cross. String cereal onto the four extensions, bending over the ends to keep the cereal from falling off when you are done. Tie a looped piece of yarn onto the bent over piece at the top of the cross to create a hanger.” After the birds have enjoyed the treats, the crosses will hang until they become nest materials. Remind campers how they are connected to all of God’s creatures and are their caretakers for God. BTW: You can make a variety of birdfeeders. One option is to use half of an orange rind, with the pulp removed, and the orange filled with birdseed and hung like a bowl with three strings of yarn. You can also string cereal, popcorn, and/or cranberries by needle and thread and hang these on tree branches.

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Day 7: I Abide in You Daily Quick Reference Guide Scripture Story: Romans 8:35, 37–39 Scripture Focus: Romans 8:38–39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Theological Summary: Nothing can separate us from God’s love for us shown in Jesus Christ. Campers will: • understand how the magnitude of interconnectedness influences their encounters in the world. • declare that they are connected to God’s love in Christ no matter what • identify things that try to disconnect them from God • become equipped to share the good news with others • reflect on what things from camp will help them keep their connection to God

Daily Activities: — Nothing Can Separate Us: #CREATE #LEARN Bringing the puzzle pieces together — Connected Tag: # P L A Y Relationships help us win — Vine of Faith: #CREATE Make a representation of Jesus, the vine — Produce Good Fruit: # P L A Y Communicating connection

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Leader Notes: As the last day at camp, this is a great opportunity to tie the whole week together with the “I Abide in You ” subtheme. Help campers think back to the stories of the week along with the symbols. How does it all tie together? Invite them to consider the ways they can stay connected to God as they head home.

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Worship Activities Cabin Time:

Nothing Will Separate Us Litany #CELEBRATE

Prepare the large puzzle again. Ahead of time, remove the Day 6 piece, and have all the rest of the pieces at hand (with tape on the backs), so the campers can put the puzzle back together.

Using the following adaptation of Romans 8:35, 37–39, and have the campers shout “NO” in answer to the questions of “Will [this] separate us from God?” as a responsive litany.

Show the campers the large puzzle, with just the last piece still on. Ask if they remember what symbols were on the past days’ pieces. Today you will use the last piece of the puzzle—the piece with the symbol of the vine. Invite the campers to add pictures or words to the flip side of the piece that reflect today’s story of not being separated from God’s love. Have campers put all the pieces from the week together, recalling the meaning behind the symbols as they do so. Notice what happens when the pieces are all connected. (All our stories and symbols become connected into one big picture, and God abides in all.)

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, distress, or persecution separate us from God?” Response:“NO!”

Song Ideas:

“No, nothing, absolutely nothing, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing! Will anything separate us from the love of Christ?” Response:“NO!”

• “Kum Ba Yah” Spiritual – adapt the verses to fit each day’s theme to summarize the week (i.e., crossing, praying, coming home, silent, walking,) • “You Are My All in All” (Dennis Jernigan, NewSong) • “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” (Peter Scholtes) • “Shine Jesus Shine” (AKA “Lord the Light of Your Love”) (Graham Kedrick) • “Amazing Grace” (Hymn))

Creator God, you never, never are separated from us; your Son Jesus is the vine and you, God, take care of the vine no matter what. We are the fruit of the branches and with your love and care we will be abundant and grow in that love. Help us to remember that no matter what you will never, ever leave us alone! Amen.

“Will death, life, angels, or rulers separate us from God?” Response:“NO!” “Will things present, things to come, or powers separate us from God?” Response:“NO!” “Will height, depth, or anything else in all creation separate us from God?” Response: “NO!”

Vine Prayer Practice #centering Supplies: Bible, real grapevine or brown paper strips rolled up with paper leaves taped on to create a fake grapevine, permanent markers, scissors or extra leaves to take home Invite campers to think of ways they can stay connected to Jesus and God once they return home. Have them write their ideas down on the leaves of the grapevine. Share the scripture John 15:1–11, reminding the campers that God is the gardener, Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. Read the leaves, sharing all the different ways to stay connected. You may even invite campers each to take home a leaf as a reminder of the way he or she is going to stay connected once back home. Pray as you lift up the writings on the leaves (praying the vine) and asking God’s help to stay connected using all the tools discovered at camp.

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Prayer:

“Will famine, nakedness, peril, or sword separate us from God?” Response: “NO!”

. Story Resources . Mission Story to share: “Information Please” (adapted from story at http://www. telephonetribute.com/a_true_story.html, by Paul Villiard, originally published in Reader’s Digest in June, 1966) A man tells this story about a special friend he made when he was a boy.

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When quite young, Paul’s father had one of the first land line telephones in their neighborhood. Paul was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when his mother talked to it. Paul discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person— her name was “Information Please,” and there was nothing she did not know. “Information Please” could supply anybody’s number and the correct time. Paul’s first experience with this genie-inthe-bottle came one day while his mother was visiting a neighbor. Amusing himself at the tool bench in the basement, Paul whacked his finger with a hammer. The pain was terrible, but there didn’t seem to be any reason to cry since there was no one home to give sympathy. He walked around the house sucking his throbbing finger, until he saw the telephone! Quickly, Paul ran for the foot stool and climbed up. Reaching the phone, he held it to his ear. “Information Please,” he said into the phone. A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into Paul’s ear, “Information.” “I hurt my finger,” Paul wailed into the phone. “Isn’t your mother home?” came the question. “Nobody’s home but me,” Paul blubbered. “Are you bleeding?” the voice asked. “No,” he replied. “I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts.” “Can you reach your freezer?” she asked. He said he could. “Then get an ice cube and hold it to your finger,” said the voice. After that, Paul called “Information Please” for everything. He asked her for help with his geography and she told him where Philadelphia was. She helped him with his math. Then, there was the time his pet canary died. Paul called and told her the sad story. She listened, then said the usual things grown-ups say to soothe a child, but Paul was inconsolable. He asked her, “Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?” She

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must have sensed his deep concern, for she said quietly, “Paul, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in.” Somehow he felt better. When Paul was nine years old, his family moved across the country to Boston. Paul missed his friend very much. “Information Please” belonged in that old phone back home, and he somehow never thought of trying the new phone that sat on the table in the hall. As he grew into his teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left him. Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity Paul would recall the sense of security he had then. He appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy. A few years later, on his way to college, Paul’s plane landed in Seattle. He had about half an hour or so between planes. He spent 15 minutes on the phone with his sister, who lived there now. Then, without thinking what he was doing, Paul dialed his hometown operator and said, “Information, please.” Miraculously, he heard the small, clear voice he knew so well: “Information.” He hadn’t planned this but he heard himself saying, “Could you please tell me how to spell “fix”?” There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, “I guess your finger must have healed by now.” Paul laughed. “So it’s really still you,” he said. “I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time.” “I wonder,” she said, “if you know how much your calls meant to me. I never had any children, and I used to look forward to your calls.” Paul told her how often he had thought of her over the years, and asked if he could call her again when he came back to visit his sister. “Please do,” she said. “Just ask for Sally.” Three months later Paul was back in Seattle. A different voice answered, “Information.” He asked for Sally. “Are you a friend?” she asked. “Yes, a very old friend,” Paul answered. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this,” she said. “Sally has been working part-time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago.” Before he could hang up she said, “Wait a minute. Is this Paul?” “Yes,” Paul replied. “Well, Sally left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called. Let me read it to you.” The note said, “Tell him I still say there are other worlds to sing in. He’ll know what I mean.”

Children’s Storybooks:

NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US #CREATE #LEARN

How: (Campers may already familiar with this game under the name “Elbow Tag.”) To begin, you will need one camper to be “It” and one camper to be the first to be chased. The rest of the campers need to form groups of three linked by arms at the elbows, in a line. When you say go, “It” begins chasing the other camper until that camper is caught, or reaches safety by managing to link up with a threesome by joining arms at the elbows. Once that camper connects to a threesome, the camper on the opposite end is now the “fourth” in a “threesome” and so is disconnected and becomes the one being chased. If a camper gets tagged before linking up with a threesome, that camper becomes “It.” Groups can only be three; when someone joins them they have to shed the fourth camper. Keep playing until everyone has gotten a chance to be “It.”

Supplies: the big symbol puzzle (all put together), (per each camper): 1 sheet cardstock paper, different-colored markers,

BTW: If your group is larger, you can have linked groups of anywhere from 4–6 (as long as all groups are the same number).

Why: Campers will fully connect all the symbols from the week.

VINE OF FAITH #CREATE

• He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, by Kadir Nelson • Smack Dab in the Middle of God’s Love, by Brennan Manning • No Matter What, by Debi Gliori • Mama Always Comes Home, by Karma Wilson • God’s Dream, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams

Daily Activities

BTW: Encourage the campers to use these papers to share the stories once they are home.

CONNECTED TAG # P L A Y Supplies: large area to run around in Why: Gives the campers an opportunity to run around and have fun.

Supplies: brown paper lunch bags, green crepe paper, purple crepe paper, glue sticks, scissors, stone Why: This activity allows campers to create “grapevines” that remind them of being connected to Jesus. Campers will learn that a vine is what roots the branches to the ground. How: Provide the campers with the following instructions: “Make a ‘tree’ using a brown paper lunch bag. Place the stone in the bag to weigh down the base. Wad up the bottom of the paper bag around the stone to make the base of the vine. Twist the middle of the bag to make the main vine. Cut down from the top of the bag to form strips that, when twisted, become branches. Glue cut pieces of green crepe paper onto the ‘branches’ for leaves. Use purple crepe paper to make grapes by wadding up small pieces and gluing them on leaves or branches.” As the campers construct their vines, explain: “The main vine represents Jesus, and we are the branches. God is the gardener who takes care of the vine, no matter what. Without God as the foundation, providing the strength of the trunk of the vine,

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How: Present the large puzzle for the week, with all seven puzzle pieces attached. Explain that the campers are each going to make a copy of it to take home, with the symbols all now “fully connected” and without division. Have them use markers to draw on the symbols from each day of the camp week on their cardstock papers, with no puzzle divisions. If they want, they can even overlap or “interconnect” the various symbols, using different colors of marker. As they draw, help them remember what the stories they explored were each day, and what the symbols represent. Connecting each symbol to another gives us a picture of how God loves us and cares for us no matter what. We are connected to God through the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ.

rooted in faith, we are nothing. With Jesus as the vine, we are connected to God no matter what.” BTW: Campers can create larger vines working together in family groups. Using grocer paper bags and larger rocks in the bases, and cutting out larger leaves from the crepe paper or construction paper will accomplish this. They can write on these leaves before gluing them on, offering ways to stay connected to Jesus and God. Have the groups share their trees with the other groups when they are finished.

PRODUCE GOOD FRUIT # P L A Y Supplies: a quarter, two oranges or other fruit (fake or real), 2 sticks (at least 6 inches long) Why: Campers will discover how no branch can bear fruit by itself. How: Have the campers line up, shoulder to shoulder, and then sit down. Place a stick and a piece of fruit on the floor at the far end of the line. Campers hold hands with those on either side of them all the way down the line, and all except the first camper in the line should close their eyes. Flip the quarter at the beginning of the line for the first campers with open eyes. If the

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coin lands on heads, he or she will squeeze the hand of the camper next to him or her once. The team passes the squeeze down the line without talking. When the last camper in line receives the squeeze, that camper opens his or her eyes and picks up the stick. If the quarter lands on tails, the first camper squeezes the next hand twice. (tails = twice) Again the team must silently pass the double squeeze down the line. When the last camper receives the double squeeze, he or she opens his or her eyes and picks up the fruit. Campers try to pick up the correct object as quickly as possible. Shift positions in line so the signal receiver moves to the front of the line. Repeat the game several times to see if the campers can better their time. Ask the campers how this game is like Jesus telling the disciples, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). Ask: “Was it important to be patient? Was it important to pass on the right signal? Did you have to work together and stay connected?” BTW: Use durable fruit such as an orange because it can be washed, peeled, and enjoyed after the game, making it multi-sensory. Once the stick or the fruit has been picked up, you could have them then pass it on down the line to see how long it takes to get the correct object to the first camper in the line without dropping it. Eyes can stay closed or you can allow campers to open their eyes once the object is passed to them.

Extras Daily Worship Plans Involving Campers in Worship While different age groups (especially children) need adult leadership and guidance in worship, children and youth of all ages can benefit from being involved in worship leadership. Young people who are truly engaged in worship at camp take those skills and habits home with them, so it is definitely worth the extra work! If your camping context allows for it, consider creating a daily rotation of small groups to help with worship planning. You can also offer a “worship lab,” during which campers are invited to create visuals for worship, write/practice prayers, and practice skits. Be sure to let every camper who will speak in worship have a chance to practice, and encourage them to speak slowly, loudly, and clearly.

Engaging the Senses in Worship Think of all the physical spaces in which you have worshiped God. What images, colors, textures, and symbols have helped you to understand your faith in clearer and deeper ways? Campers have deeper worship experiences when all their senses are engaged. The taste of communion bread, the smell of candles or summer breezes, the sensation of holding hands or joining in a body prayer, the sight of colorful fabrics on a table or lanterns hanging from the trees—all of these can convey your message as much or more than hearing the words. Using the spaces and resources at your disposal, find ways to engage your campers’ senses during every worship experience. Consider inviting campers to create art that reflects the message of the day. Choose camp crafts that can be used as decorations for worship. Every addition will help campers to “taste and see” God.

Skits for Worship

Closing Prayer Ritual

Skits are designed as prompts. The group performing the skit can flesh out the prompt and create their full script or plan. Whether in a special worship preparation time, an interest lab, or small group slot, give this group time to create and rehearse their skits so that they can be ready for worship each day.

Prayer can be an intimidating activity for children and youth (as well as adults!). Help campers increase their comfort level by using the same prayer ritual at the close of each night’s worship service. Have an adult (or camper if your camp is for older youth) begin the prayer each night by thanking God for particular activities and blessings that have been experienced by the entire group. The prayer leader can then invite campers to lift up the following things:

Scripture Readings Worship is an ideal time to lift up and reinforce the scripture for the day. At the same time, it can be difficult to simply sit and listen to the scripture every day. Consider mixing things up by sharing the daily scripture in different ways. This can include having readers for different characters in a story, doing dramatic readings with movement and/or props, or having a music leader help campers to chant the scripture together. Be creative in ways that make sense for your group, the daily theme, and your context.

• (All Ages) People who have shown them love that day. • (Older Campers) Experiences from the day that have challenged them or strengthened their faith. • (All Ages) Moments when they have seen God. Encourage adults to listen carefully as these prayers are shared so that they can follow up with campers as needed.

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Extras Day 1: The Place Where We Camp Connecting in This Place PREPARATION If your camp setting has a special worship location, today’s worship is an opportunity to really notice and celebrate that space. Scripture: You will need three readers for the litany: “Holy Ground.” Give those readers some time to practice prior to worship. Message: Select a leader who can briefly and passionately talk about the history of your camp, the ways that God has been at work at camp, and the ways that campers’ experiences with God make this place sacred. Give this leader enough time to prepare and practice prior to worship. Camper Response: During this worship service, campers will be invited to bring a stone forward to help construct an altar marking your worship space as holy ground. Encourage campers and adults to find their rocks prior to worship and bring them with them. Leave this altar in place throughout the week.

GATHERING Call to Worship: Leader: We come to worship as a community.

Song: “Surely God is In This Place,” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Opening Prayer: God, we come to this place to worship you. Help us to listen for your voice and feel your presence as we celebrate all the wonderful things you have done. Amen.

PROCLAIMING Scripture: Joshua 4:1–9. For the scripture reading today, use the “Holy Ground Litany.” Message: Have a leader talk briefly about the history and importance of your camp, focusing on the ways that campers’ experiences with God have made this holy ground.

RESPONDING Camper Response: Invite campers and adults to come forward and place rocks in a focal location within the worship space. Explain that the pile/ stack of stones is a reminder that we are on holy ground—a place where God has done and will continue to do wonderful things. You can have a musician play instrumental music in the background during this time, or (with older campers) you could create the altar in silence so that campers can hear the sound of rock meeting rock. Song: “Holy Ground,” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs.

All: This is holy ground.

Closing: Closing prayer ritual  

Leader: We come to worship to praise God.

LITANY: “HOLY GROUND”

All: This is holy ground. Leader: We come to worship to meet Jesus.

A litany for three people and the gathered community based on Joshua 4:1–9 (CEB).

All: This is holy ground. Leader: We come to worship to listen for the Holy Spirit. All: This is holy ground. Amen.

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Invite the entire camp to hear this reading and respond with the words, “This is Holy Ground.” Explain that the responses will be signaled by a leader raising a stone above his/her head. Practice the response once or twice before beginning.

Extras Reader One: When the entire nation had finished crossing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua: Reader Two: “Pick twelve men from the people, one man per tribe. Command them, ‘Pick up twelve stones from right here in the middle of the Jordan, where the feet of the priests had been firmly planted. Bring them across with you and put them down in the camp where you are staying tonight.’” Everyone: We’re standing on Holy Ground. Reader One: Joshua called for the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one man per tribe. Joshua said to them: Reader Three: “Cross over into the middle of the Jordan, up to the LORD your God’s chest. Each of you, lift up a stone on his shoulder to match the number of the tribes of the Israelites. This will be a symbol among you. In the future your children may ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you will tell them:” Everyone: We’re Standing on Holy Ground! Reader One: The Israelites did exactly what Joshua ordered. They lifted twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, matching the number of the tribes of the Israelites, exactly as the LORD had said to Joshua. They brought them over to the camp and put them down there. Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan where the feet of the priests had stood while carrying the covenant chest. They are still there today. Everyone: We’re standing on HOLY GROUND!

Day 2: I Am the Vine Connecting Through Covenant PREPARATION The scripture for today focuses on holy communion. If your tradition and context allow for the Lord’s supper to be celebrated at camp, then prepare for the communion section of this worship service. If your tradition/context does not allow for this to take place, then consider replacing the communion section with a community “feast” using the evening snack. This will help you to focus on the sacred importance of table fellowship and shared meals without actually celebrating communion. If you are celebrating holy communion, be sure to have bread, grape juice, chalice and paten (plate) prepared and ready prior to worship. (Depending on your context, you might also use alternative communion elements such as grapes and goldfish crackers.)

GATHERING Call to Worship: Leader: God calls us into relationship through covenant. All: God’s promises hold us forever. Leader: God’s new covenant ties us to Jesus. All: God’s promises hold us forever. Leader: In holy meals and shared bread, we remember our bonds to Jesus and to each other. All: God’s promises hold us forever.

 

Song: “Table” by Andra Moran, or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Opening Prayer: God, your promises are trustworthy and hold us close to you. Thank you for the covenant we have in Jesus, and thank you for the meals that remind us of him. Amen.

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Extras PROCLAIMING

Everyone: God’s promises are good and true.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23b–25

Reader Five: And God gave us a new covenant in Jesus, to forgive us of our sin and show us a new way of connecting with God. We celebrate this new covenant at the Lord’s table.

Message: Invite a leader (someone who is ordained if that is necessary in your tradition) to talk briefly about sacred community meals and the meaning of the Lord’s supper. Have this leader end his or her message by moving into the words of institution, as found in today’s scripture.

RESPONDING Camper Response: Invite campers to come forward to receive holy communion (or to participate in a “sacred meal” if you cannot celebrate communion). If possible, serve communion using the intinction method (dipping a piece of bread into the cup) so that campers all receive bread from a shared loaf. Song: (Sung while campers are receiving communion) “One Bread, One Body,” or another communion song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Closing: Closing prayer ritual 

LITANY: “COVENANT” A litany for five readers and the gathered community; This litany can be use prior to Holy Communion Reader One: God made a covenant with Noah not to destroy the world with floodwaters again. Everyone: God’s promises are good and true. Reader Two: God made a covenant with Abram, to bless the nations through all his generations. Everyone: God’s promises are good and true. Reader Three: God made a covenant with Moses, to help the people learn how to live in right relationship. Everyone: God’s promises are good and true. Reader Four: God made a covenant with David, to bring a messiah out of his house.

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Everyone: God’s promises are good and true.

Day 3: Love One Another Connecting Through People PREPARATION Scripture/Message: The skit for today (“Cast the First Stone”) is designed to go with the litany that bears the same name. You will need two readers and at least five silent actors for this scripture/skit combo. Instructions are found in the skit section. Be sure to give your readers and actors plenty of time to practice the back and forth of reading and silent acting that will bring this scripture and message to life. Camper Response: Campers will be invited to contemplate their differences and sameness by examining their thumbprints. You will need a poster board with a large heart outline, inkpads, and wet wipes for this activity. Have a leader explain that among the billions of people on earth, each person’s fingerprints are completely unique—and yet similar, because we all have them. People from every nation, every viewpoint, every income level, every belief—all have this mark of shared humanity and individual uniqueness. Encourage campers to think about fingerprints as a reminder that God loves us in our differences and in our sameness. Invite campers to come forward and, using an inkpad, place a fingerprint inside the large heart found on a poster board at the front of your worship space. Have an adult stationed with wet wipes to clean the ink off of campers’ fingers before they return to their seats.

Extras GATHERING Call to Worship Leader: No matter how different we may be, God made us all. All: We will love our neighbor. Leader: No matter what we’ve done, God loves us all. All: We will love our neighbor. Leader: Instead of judgment, we are called to love. All: We will love our neighbor. Song: “Love the Lord Your God” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Opening Prayer: God, you call us to love one another—and to do so without judgment or prejudice. Some days that is simple, and other days it is very hard. In worship, give us the strength and compassion to love all of your children without exception. Amen.

PROCLAIMING Scripture/Message: John 8:2–11. Use the skit and litany for day 5 (both are named “Cast the First Stone.”

RESPONDING Camper Response: Campers are invited to first consider their differences and sameness by examining their fingerprints, and to then come forward and place a fingerprint on the poster board heart at the front of the worship space. (See preparation notes for more details).

A litany for two readers, plus silent actors, based on John 8:2–11 (CEB). You will need readers for the litany and actors to silently act out the scripture as it is read. The actors should fill the parts of Jesus, the accused woman, and at least three Pharisees/bystanders. Practice putting the reading and the actions together. After each part is read, there should be a long pause, during which the actors will act out what has just been read. Because the actors are doing their parts without words, their actions will need to be very “big.” Consider using some large stones as props for your actors. The thud of stones dropping to the ground can be very powerful. (Be sure to have actors be careful—a rock dropped on a foot can be painful!). Reader One: Early in the morning Jesus returned to the temple. All the people gathered around him, and he sat down and taught them.

[pause for silent actors] Reader Two: The legal experts and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery. Placing her in the center of the group, they said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone women like this. What do you say?”

[pause for silent actors] Reader One: They said this to test him, because they wanted a reason to bring an accusation against him. Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger.

[pause for silent actors]

Song: “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs.

Reader Two: They continued to question him, so he stood up and replied, “Whoever hasn’t sinned should throw the first stone.” Bending down again, he wrote on the ground.

Closing: Closing prayer ritual 

[pause for silent actors]

LITANY: “CAST THE FIRST STONE”

Reader One: Those who heard him went away, one by one, beginning with the elders. Finally,

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Extras only Jesus and the woman were left in the middle of the crowd.

[pause for silent actors] Reader Two: Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Is there no one to condemn you?” She said, “No one, sir.”

[pause for silent actors] Reader One: Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, don’t sin anymore.” 

Day 4: I Chose You Choosing Connections PREPARATION Scripture: Select five readers for the dramatic reading “Prodigal Son.” Give them time to practice this reading. Message: Select a leader to give today’s message. Encourage her or him to explain the story of the prodigal son briefly, with particular emphases on how the younger son’s choices affected others and on the loving forgiveness of the father. Choose someone who will not be heavy-handed with this message, but will instead leave room for wonder so that campers can consider where they fit in the story and where God fits in the story. Camper Response: Bring slips of paper and markers so that campers can write down choices they have made that have hurt others. If you are worshiping outside with access to a campfire, invite campers to toss the paper listing their hurtful choices into the fire (younger children can have adults do this for them) as a symbol of forgiveness. If you must worship indoors, consider doing the same response activity by replacing the fire with a shredder. In either case, be sure to emphasize that when we ask for forgiveness and repent, God forgives us and then celebrates.

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GATHERING Call to Worship Leader: Sometimes we are close to God, and sometimes we walk away from God. All: God always loves us and offers grace. Leader: Sometimes we love our neighbors, and sometimes we fail to love them well. All: God always loves us and offers grace. Leader: Sometimes it takes us a while to figure things out. All: God always loves us and offers grace. Leader: No matter what, All: God always loves us and offers grace. Song: “Your Love is Amazing,” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Opening Prayer: God, you gave us free will, and we use it every day. We make choices, sometimes good and sometimes bad. We treat each other well, and sometimes we hurt each other. Through it all, you offer us loving forgiveness and grace. Help us to accept these gifts for ourselves so that we can help you offer them to the world. Amen.

PROCLAIMING Scripture: Luke 15:11–32. Use the dramatic reading titled “Prodigal Son” that is found in the litany section. Message: Have a leader talk briefly about the younger son’s choices and the ways they affected the people in his life. Make sure to emphasize the role of forgiveness and love in the story. Ask campers to consider which character is most like God, as well as which character they are most like.

RESPONDING Camper Response: Invite campers to write or draw a bad choice (one that has hurt other people) on a piece of paper. Explain that though God wants us to choose well and love our neighbors as ourselves, sometimes we mess up and

Extras make bad choices. Affirm that in those moments, like the father in the prodigal son story, God offers us loving forgiveness—and when we come back to God’s way, God celebrates our return. Invite campers to take those bad choices on their papers, ask for forgiveness, and offer them to God by carefully placing them in the fire (or shredder, if your worship takes place indoors). Celebrate the forgiveness that God freely shares!

Younger Son: How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, but I’m starving to death! I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.

Music for Camper Response: as campers write, consider, and offer their choices to God, listen to “Lay It Down” by Nichole Nordeman.

Narrator: So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. Then his son said,

Song: “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs.

Younger Son: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.

Closing: Closing prayer ritual

Narrator: But the father said to his servants,

LITANY: “PRODIGAL SON”

Father: Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!

A dramatic reading for five voices based on Luke 15:11–32 (CEB) This requires five readers who will take the parts of narrator, younger son, father, servant, and older son. Practice the reading several times. It is very important for the reading to be expressive and dramatic rather than monotone and bland. Narrator: Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. The younger son said to his father, Younger Son: ‘Father, give me my share of the inheritance.’ Narrator: Then the father divided his estate between them. Soon afterward, the younger son gathered everything together and took a trip to a land far away. There, he wasted his wealth through extravagant living. When he had used up his resources, a severe food shortage arose in that country and he began to be in need. He hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said,

Narrator: And they began to celebrate. [pause] Now his older son was in the field. Coming in from the field, he approached the house and heard music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. The servant replied, Servant: Your brother has arrived, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he received his son back safe and sound. Narrator: Then the older son was furious and didn’t want to enter in, but his father came out and begged him. He answered his father, Older Son: Look, I’ve served you all these years, and I never disobeyed your instruction. Yet you’ve never given me as much as a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours returned, after gobbling up your estate on women, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him. Narrator: Then his father said,

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Extras Father: Son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive. He was lost and is found.

Day 5: I Have Spoken to You Connecting Through Prayer PREPARATION If you have switched worship locations throughout the week, be sure to have worship take place in the same location where you created your stone altar on Day 1. Skit: Have a group of campers or counselors prepare and practice “Cutting Through the Noise.” Camper Response: Campers will be invited to write or draw something that they hear God calling them to do or be. Cut sheets of colored construction paper into four quarters until you have a piece for every camper and counselor. Have pens or markers set aside in baskets or other containers so that they can be handed out during worship. Let two or three counselors know that they should come forward first when it is time to place these papers around the altar, so that they can demonstrate what campers are supposed to do.

GATHERING Call To Worship Leader: God spoke to people throughout the Bible. All: God is still speaking. Leader: God speaks to us as well. All: God is still speaking. Leader: Let us listen for God in worship and prayer. All: God is still speaking.

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Song: “Light the Fire” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Opening Prayer: Holy God, we come to you with open hearts and open ears. As we worship and pray, help us to hear what you have to say to us now, so that we can work for your kingdom. Amen.

PROCLAIMING Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11–13. Have campers and/or counselors read the litany “Still Small Voice.” Message: Skit—“Cutting Through the Noise”

RESPONDING Camper Response: Give each camper a slip of paper and a pen or marker. Invite campers to write down or draw a picture of something they hear God calling them to do or be in the world. Give examples: love my neighbor, be a good friend, teach children, etc. When campers are done writing/drawing, invite them to bring their papers forward and place them around your worship altar. Song: “I Want to Know You More” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Closing: Closing prayer ritual

LITANY: “STILL SMALL VOICE” A litany for (up to) six voices based on 1 Kings 19:11–13 (CEB) Reader One: The LORD said, “Go out and stand at the mountain before the LORD. The LORD is passing by.” Reader Two: A very strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones before the LORD. All Readers: But the LORD wasn’t in the wind. Reader Three: After the wind, there was an earthquake.

Extras All Readers: But the LORD wasn’t in the earthquake.

Day 6: Abide with Me

Reader Four: After the earthquake, there was a fire.

Reconnecting and Sustaining

All Readers: But the LORD wasn’t in the fire.

PREPARATION

Reader Five: After the fire, there was a sound. Thin. Quiet.

Scripture: Print copies of the litany “But They Didn’t Recognize Him.” Give your three readers time to practice. It is especially important that your readers work in unison on the parts marked “All Readers.”

Reader Six: The Lord was in that still, small voice. Reader One: When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his coat. He went out and stood at the cave’s entrance. A voice came to him and said, “Why are you here, Elijah?” All Readers: Hear God speak those words to you – Why are you here? Skit: “Cutting Through the Noise” An individual wants to hear God’s voice so that she can find her calling in the world. Different things compete for her attention: the noise of television, arguments about God that take place online, arguing friends/family who disagree about what God wants, etc. (let the group use examples that fit their experience). Taking the distractions one by one, she discovers that God’s voice is not heard in the noise. She goes to a quiet place, sits down, and listens. There she hears the quiet voice of God telling her to love her neighbor. She gets up and leaves with confidence, knowing her calling.

Skit: For “God in Disguise” you will need either a large Bible, or a large cardboard prop labeled “Bible” in large lettering. If you choose to include Jesus as a character in the skit, have a costume that helps to clearly identify the actor as Jesus. Because your actors will be writing this skit on their own, provide ample time for preparation and practice. Camper Response: Select a leader who can introduce the response by inviting campers to think through their entire stay at camp and share the moments when they have recognized God in their midst. Consider prepping some of your counselors so that they can share first to “prime the pump.”

GATHERING Call to Worship Leader: God always stays with us, abides with us. All: But sometimes we don’t notice. Leader: God is always at work in our lives and in the whole world. All: But sometimes we don’t notice. Leader: God is always reaching out, inviting us into relationship. All: But sometimes we don’t notice. Leader: Tonight, let us look for God and notice God at work. Amen!

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Extras Song: “Here I Am to Worship” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs.

Reader Two: He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast.

Opening Prayer: Holy One, you are always as close to us as our own breath, but sometimes it can seem like you are far away. As we worship you today, help us to feel your presence and deepen our connection with you. Amen.

All Readers: Because they didn’t recognize him.

PROCLAIMING

Reader Two: He said to them, “What things?”

Scripture: Luke 24:13–35; Have campers and/or counselors present the scripture using the litany “But They Didn’t Recognize Him.”

Reader One: They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago.

Message: Skit – “God in Disguise”

RESPONDING Camper Response: Invite campers and counselors to call out some of the places that they have seen God at work throughout their days/week of camp. Song: “Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Closing: Closing prayer ritual (focus on the first two questions of the prayer ritual, since campers already will have offered all of the places they’ve seen God throughout the week during the camper response).

LITANY: “BUT THEY DIDN’T RECOGNIZE HIM” A litany for three readers based on Luke 24:13–35 (CEB) Reader One: On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. All Readers: But they didn’t recognize him.

Reader Three: The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?”

Reader Three: But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.” Reader Two: Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets. All Readers: And they still didn’t recognize him! Reader One: When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. Reader Two: After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.

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Extras All Readers: Their eyes were opened and they recognized him! Reader Three: But he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” Reader One: They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread. All Readers [to the gathered community]: Will you recognize Jesus when he walks next to you? Skit: “God in Disguise” Brainstorm a list of places where God is present in the world but goes unnoticed by most people. Using this list, create a skit in which God is at work without being recognized. At the end of each scene, have a character recognize God only after reading the Bible. Depending on the number of scenes, you could also have the character walk and talk with Jesus, and only recognize God at work when Jesus points it out. Once you have created the scenes for your skit, practice several times so that the actions and lines are very clear for the worship participants who watch.  

Day 7: I Abide in You It’s All Connected! PREPARATION Scripture: Print copies of the litany “Nothing and No One!” Give your three readers time to practice. Message: Select a leader who can briefly and clearly talk about how God is connected to each of us, no matter what. Ask this person to acknowledge the (age appropriate) ways that we can sometimes forget this. Be sure they explain that the bond between God and us is indestructible, just as God’s love for us is indestructible. Give this leader time to practice, and remind her or him that this is the message that will really stick with campers as they depart from camp, so the message needs to be hopeful! Camper Response: For this activity, you will need the durable paper wristbands that are often used at concerts and other events. These bands can be purchased in various amounts at any party supply store. Be sure to purchase bands that are light colored (or white on one side) so that you can write on them visibly. You will also need pens or markers for this activity. Prior to worship, separate the bands (they come attached in sheets) so that they can be handed out during worship. Place markers/pens in baskets or other containers so that they can be passed around at the beginning of the camper response. Select a leader to introduce the activity, and prepare counselors so that they can be ready to help campers write on the bands and affix them to campers’ wrists. These bands are durable enough that, if left on, they will stay with campers for several days, helping them to remember the message of this camp!

GATHERING Call to Worship

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Extras Leader: Our own lives and the life of God – All: They’re all connected. Leader: Our gifts and God’s work in the world – All: They’re all connected. Leader: Our hopes and God’s dream for creation – All: They’re all connected. Leader: And nothing can separate us from the love of God! Amen. Song: “Love, Love, Love, Love” (sung in a round) or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Opening Prayer: God, during this final camp worship we give you thanks for every new idea, new friend, and new experience that you have given to us. Help us to know that no matter where we may go when camp is over, you will be with us, and help us to know that the prayers of this community go with us as well. Amen.

PROCLAIMING Scripture: Romans 8:35–39. Have readers lead the camp in the litany “Nothing and No One.” Message: Have a leader briefly talk about how God is connected to campers, no matter what. Acknowledge the (age appropriate) ways that we can sometimes forget this. Explain that the bond between them and God is indestructible, just as God’s love for them is indestructible.

RESPONDING Camper Response: Give each camper a paper wristband. Invite campers to write on their wristbands their answer to one of the following questions: “What have you learned at camp that you will take home with you?” -or“What have you learned at camp that you never want to forget?”

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Have adults help remove the covering from the adhesive and affix the bands to campers’ wrists. Song: “It Only Takes a Spark” or another song from either the song ideas list or from your camp’s canon of songs. Closing: Closing prayer ritual

LITANY: “NOTHING AND NO ONE” A Litany for three voices plus the whole community based on Romans 8:35–39 (CEB). **Prior to leading this litany, explain to the worshiping community that when Reader Two signals them (ex: by pointing to them), their response is to shout, “Nothing and no one!” Practice this with the group at least twice before beginning the litany. Reader One: Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Everyone [signaled by Reader Two]: Nothing and no one! Reader One: Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Reader Two: No, not ever! Reader Three: As it is written, We are being put to death all day long for your sake. We are treated like sheep for slaughter. But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. Reader One: I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. Reader Three: So who will separate us from Christ’s love? Everyone [signaled by Reader Two]: NOTHING AND NO ONE!

Extras Challenge Course Activities Stay Connected Best for days 4 and 7 Why: Illustrate how difficult it can be staying connected, even to things we want to remain connected to, when we are involved in a task. How: Break into small groups or keep one large group. Have the group(s) stand together with everyone touching at least one other person somehow. Then have them complete a task without anyone being disconnected from the group. Begin with something simple such as moving from one part of the room to another. Gradually increase the challenge as time allows. Have them climbs stairs, go under or over an obstacle. Adjust the task based on age and physical ability, tailoring activities to your facility. Here are other possibilities: • Have a dance party • Play a commonly known sport or camp game • Go on a scavenger hunt • Clean the area • Keep away from another connected group Topics/Discussion Points: Discuss how trying to be connected to each other complicated the task. These activities will likely cause frustration where some members feel a little resentful of people they must stay connected to or resentful of the task itself. When do we often find ourselves frustrated with those who we want to connect with in life? Why is it more difficult to remain connected with someone or something when we are faced with tasks and obstacles? BTW: In days 4 and 7 there are illustrations of how we must actively pursue connections to keep them strong and the challenges of doing so.

The image of everyone connected through a task obviously echoes the It’s All Connected theme and could open up discussion on how we have to be part of maintaining interconnectedness.

Find Your Match Best for days 3 and 5 Why: Illustrate how we are connected in ways we may not have realized but how it can be challenging to realize those connections. This activity should demonstrate the commonalities we share with other people and how that can bond us together when we didn’t feel bonded before. The work done without speaking can help emphasize that we must pay close attention to listen in unusual ways sometimes to hear the voice of God. Supplies: a set of cards with a list of “truths about me” (see below), enough for each person How: Participants must uncover a person in their group who shares a similar thought/struggle without speaking while navigating past other group members. Create a set of cards that list “truths” that campers can claim, with a duplicate for each card. These “truths” should be something that a camper feels or thinks, something most campers will have felt or experienced, but likely not shared with each other during the week. Some examples: • Sometimes I think my parents don’t understand me • I have something I am very happy about, but don’t know how to tell people • I have doubts about my faith sometimes • I have someone in my life I wish I knew how to help better • I don’t know what I want to be • There is something going on, and I don’t know what the right thing is to do about it Be sure each card has at least one match, though you may add more. Have campers choose a card that pertains to them. As you create cards, try to

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Extras make them fairly universal, so if a camper does not get his/her first choice there will be another that pertains to him/her. Encourage campers not to share which card they choose. Be sure that for every card taken, someone takes a match for it. Then have campers find who chose the same card without speaking or making noises with their mouth. To increase the challenge, have the campers balance on a beam or stand on a line drawn on the pavement or floor and not get off of it. They will then have the challenge of finding their partner(s) nonverbally and also have to climb over or duck under other campers to get to them. The challenge ends when everyone has found their partner and is standing next to him/ her. Topics/Discussion Points: As partners reveal themselves to each other, campers, it is hoped, will realize they have similarities they did not realize before. There’s no need to go into deep discussion about why campers chose the card they did, but this could generate conversation throughout the week, especially between campers realizing their commonalities. Discuss how we are sometimes surprised by who is experiencing the same thing we are, how we are often connected in ways we do not know. Ask how this might make us look differently at all the people in our lives. Also discuss how the challenge involved made it more difficult to discover who had the same card. What challenges in life keep us from realizing more easily to whom we are connected? BTW: Any imaginable way to separate campers could be used in this game. They could be put on different platforms where a rope hangs in the center. Partners must swing to the platform of their partner. On courses with crisscrossed cables, partners can unite by crossing the cables to the corner of their partner(s).

Construction Crew Best for days 1, 2, or 3 Why: Examine the roles that emerge when a group is given a task and then consider how the finished product reflects and possibly hides some of what happened during the structure’s creation. The activity should demonstrate how physical features have stories to tell below the surface that we may have a deep connection with. It should also help participants examine the ways we are sometimes bonded together, even in frustrating times, by an agreement we enter into. And there may be experiences in this event where participants must look at each other and gather a deeper understanding of why they behave in a group the way they do. Supplies: toy building pieces in a variety of colors, so each participant will have a unique color How: Participants will build something together and later examine each person’s contribution to their creation. Instruct participants that they will build a structure together and everyone will be blindfolded during construction. After blindfolding all participants, give each person a certain amount of building supplies. They can be building blocks, Lincoln Logs, Legos, Tinker Toys, or any other item found that can easily be stacked or linked together. Be sure that each person’s supplies have some distinguishing characteristic, by separating them by color, making different marks on them, or being sure everyone has a different shape. Color will be most effective if possible. However it is done, write down which participant has which building supply piece or color. Once everyone has their supplies, have them begin building. Have them build a structure however they see fit, or give them instructions for what they are to build—just don’t make it too complicated. It will be challenging enough for them to build any structure together at all.

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Extras Once the structure is completed, have group members remove their blindfold and see it finished. Reveal which parts belong to which person. It should be clear then how each person’s parts were used. Topics/Discussion Points: Each group member will no doubt have a different experience. There will be varying degrees of involvement, and it will not be unusual for some to take an active lead and others to passively wait. Discuss how the group worked, how the group decided what would happen, what the group’s goals seemed to be. Ask if participants come away with any thoughts based on how they see the colors or pieces distributed and what this could say about what happened during the construction. BTW: When we see a finished product or production, we often miss how much went into its completion. We are not always aware of all the hands involved, the challenges faced, the ways people may have felt accepted or unaccepted. This example could open up discussions on how we are often connected in ways we don’t realize, to people we don’t realize, and to places we don’t recognize, because we don’t see all the things under the surface.

Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil Best for day 3 Why: Understand the vitality of a variety of abilities being used to accomplish a single task. This initiative could pair well with Day 3 (connection through people) because it illustrates connections to people on a literal and metaphorical level. By the end of this activity participants will either realize the feeling of connection through people or the feeling from a lack of that sort of connection. Either will have valuable discussion points. Supplies: A Bucket, some objects that can be put in the bucket, blindfolds, chairs

How: Have teams of people designated as the seer, the speaker, and the doer work together to accomplish an otherwise simple task. Split participants into groups of three. Assign the role of Seer, Speaker, or Doer to each member of the group. Seer is allowed to see, but not speak or move. Speaker is allowed to speak, but can only face the Seer, and must keep his/her back to the Doer (sitting in the chair may make this easier). The Doer can move, doing the physical part of the task, and can speak, but will be blindfolded. Set a bucket up somewhere in your space. It is important to be sure your space is not too large. You may set up more than one bucket to accommodate multiple groups. Have the Seer at an edge of your space, facing the Doer. Have the Speaker, sitting in the seat, facing the Seer. The goal will be for the Doer to get as many objects in the bucket as possible. To add more challenge to the activity, only share the details of the task with the Seer. When you begin, the Speaker should begin telling the Doer what should be done. The Speaker must get his/her information from the Seer who will only be able to use nonverbal communication to pass the message to the Speaker. Place a few leaders in the space to guide the Doers away from boundaries or dangerous situations. The task ends when the Doers have placed the objects in the bucket. Topics/Discussion Points: To be successful at this initiative, groups will have to develop trust with each other and a new comfortable way of communication. Each member will use a different set of skills and not be able to rely on a set of skills that normally comes naturally. It will be interesting to hear each member share her/his unique experience, since each one will only have a piece of the story. It will be easy to compare this exercise to the ways society works, how each member contributes something slightly different, and many of those contributions are crucial to how society functions. Ask how they might have accomplished their task if any member was removed? Ask how

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Extras participants’ feelings for each other changed over the course of the activity. It will probably range between frustration and appreciation. This could open up discussion about the ways different connections in our lives work. Bring up different aspects of our life such as food, transportation, Internet, nature, and school and ask who are people very different from us who play an important role in these processes that we may not think about. What is our role in those processes? BTW: Have buckets of varying colors and objects that match each bucket. Add the challenge that the object must be put in the bucket of the same color. Also consider smaller buckets or cups of water that should be poured in the bucket with as little spilling as possible. Consider different size containers, and see who can come closest to filling up their bucket.

Arts, Crafts and Multi-day Projects Welcome Home Mat (Multi-day project, 2–3 days) Best to start on day 4 Why: To take home a Welcome Home mat as a permanent reminder of the prodigal son story that can be shared with family and friends at home. Supplies: One Hula-Hoop per camper, illustration on page 255, 10 to 12 clean, old T-shirts per camper, scissors, masking tape (optional) How: (All instructions are per-camper) Begin by laying one T-shirt flat on a surface. Cut the hem off with a horizontal cut. Make 8 horizontal cuts across T-shirt, 1 inch wide. You should have 8 loops of T-shirt fabric. Stretch the loops across the Hula-Hoop in pairs. This is now your warp (stationary part of loom). With the remaining T-shirts, cut into horizontal loops as the first T-shirt, but cut each loop so that it becomes one strip of fabric. You can connect the strands together by knotting the ends or by making a small loop in each end and pulling the other strand through. You don’t have to connect it, though; you can just leave the ends and tuck them under on the back side of the rug as you go. You can also cut the T-shirt in a spiral, making one continuous strand of yarn. Making T-shirt yarn is a good one-day activity. Have campers roll T-shirt yarn into balls. Begin weaving the strips through the warp, treating each set of loops as one spoke (8 spokes). Because you have an even number of warp strands, you need to weave through only half of one set of strands with each cycle. If you picture the warp like a clock, split one hour each cycle round. First, have your extra spoke be at 12 o’clock; the next cycle, have your extra spoke be the one o’clock spoke, and so on. When you get

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Extras about 2 inches of weft, slide the loops apart, so that you have 16 spokes. Continue to split the strands to create an uneven amount. When you are about 5 inches from the hoop, begin treating each loop as two warp strands (32 spokes total). With 2 to 3 inches remaining, cut the warp strands off the Hula-Hoop, one at a time. Tie a secure knot with the two strand ends. If your rug is a bit curled, stretch the warp strings a bit and spread the weft out. BTW: Campers could work on these looms as pairs or trios, and give their cabins a homey touch with a new rug. In material you send home ahead of camp, invite campers to bring old T-shirts with them. Be sure to communicate that the shirts will be cut up and not come home, at least not as shirts! You can use your T-shirt yarn for other projects. Purchase some extra-large crochet hooks and teach campers to crochet. The large hooks and thick yarn are good for working on fine-motor skills. Try finger-weaving, macramé, or friendship bracelets!

Rainbow Connections (Multi-day project, 3–4 days) Based on day 7 scripture Why: The apostle Paul shares a long list of things that threaten to disconnect us from the love of God shown to us by Christ. This mobile will represent how Jesus reveals God’s love even in the worst of circumstances. More than likely you have CDs around that are serving no purpose. Here is a way to give them meaning again. Supplies: 6 old CDs per camper (of course, make sure that any sensitive information has been cleared), drill and sharp bit, several colors of acrylic paint, black acrylic paint, black tempera paint, paintbrushes, plastic cups, pencils, paper clips, kabob skewers, clear fishing line, newsprint or other table protection

How: Before you start, you will need to drill holes in your CDs. This can be done 10-15 at a time, with a very sharp drill bit, on top of a piece of scrap wood. Be sure to wear safety glasses. Drill a hole about one centimeter from the edge, and an opposite hole across from it. Lay out paintbrushes, water, and cups or plates of many colors of acrylic paints. Label a piece of newsprint with campers’ names, so their CDs can be identified. Give all of your campers 6 CDs. Invite them to paint the printed side of the CD’s using any of the bright colors. Each CD is to represent one of the things that Paul lists as unable to separate us from Christ in Romans 8:38: (1) life or death, (2) angels or demons, (3) the present or the future, (4) powers, (5) height or depth, (6) everything else. They can choose colors or patterns that relate to these themes, or write the words on the CDs. Allow the CDs to dry. The following day, paint the opposite side of all of the CDs black. In a plastic cup, mix black acrylic paint with equal part black tempera paint. It is important to mix the two; either one by itself won’t work well. Allow them to dry overnight. The third day, campers will use the kebob skewers to etch on the black side of the CDs. They can etch designs that symbolize ways that Christ helps us overcome each obstacle. The paint should scratch off fairly easily and reveal the beautiful rainbow colors of the CD underneath. Campers can use paperclips to connect the CDs in a chain. Place fishing line through the top hole and attach a paperclip to the end so that the mobile can be hung. BTW: To use fewer CDs per camper, combine the categories. To use more CDs, add the list Paul states in Romans 8:35; trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword. Tell campers they will be learning about this scripture later in the week.

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Extras Tornado Painting Best with Day 5 Why: Storms have lasting effects. Harness the power of nature (and centrifugal force) to make something beautiful. Supplies: one 2-liter bottle with lid per camper, white 7” x 11” paper, marbles, spoon, tempera paint, cups, rubber bands, plastic wrap, soap and water, paper towels How: Cut the bottom off a 2-liter bottle. Curl the paper and fit it to the inside of the bottle. Secure the lid of the bottle. Drop some marbles into cups of paint. Spoon them out and place one or two in the bottle. Cover the bottom of the bottle with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Holding the bottle by the neck, swirl the marbles around. Remove the plastic wrap and take the painting out to dry in the sun. BTW: Campers may want to make bunches of these. Try them one color at a time and then again with several colors. How does that change the picture? If you have to cut an inch and a half off of 8 ½” x 11” paper, save the extra to make paper chains.

Bottle Vines (for older, mature campers) Best for day 2 Why: Reinforce the story of the vine and the branches with this recycled bottle activity. Please note that this is an activity that involves melting plastic over a candle and, as such, can be dangerous. Use care in deciding what campers participate in this craft. That being said, the results are beautiful, and allow mature campers to be artistic and creative. Supplies: Clean, green plastic soda bottles (any size), scissors, bamboo chopsticks (1 pair per camper), rubber band, tea light candles, matches

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or lighter, thin cardboard (cereal box), green floral wire, needle nose pliers (optional). How: First, make your tongs. Roll-up a strip of cardboard about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long. Place it between the chopsticks about 1 inch from the top. Secure it with the rubber band. Using the scissors, cut the top and bottom off some green soda bottles. Put the tops and bottoms back in the recycle bin and, using the plastic in the middle, cut three-lobed grape leaves out. They can be any size. Be sure to give them a stem. Using the tongs, hold the leaves, one at a time, over the tea light flame. Start with the plastic about 5 inches above the flame. It doesn’t take much heat to curl the plastic. The plastic will harden as it cools. Make curls and stems out of the floral wire. You may want to twist the wire around a pencil to form the spiral tendrils of the grapevine. Twist a stem around each leaf, and then twist the stems together. BTW: Truly ambitious artists may enjoy adding large beads to their vines to be a cluster of grapes. Let them run with their imaginations.

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Extras Science and Nature Colored Pinecones Why: Make your campfire experience special and memorable with these pinecones that will burn different colors. These can be prepared ahead of time for youngest campers, but with supervision older children, youth and adults should be able to make them. Supplies: Pinecones, cotton yarn, beeswax or paraffin, double boiler, old crayons (peeled) in each of the colors below, sawdust, wax paper or tarp, rubber or plastic gloves, stirring stick, plastic buckets (1 per chemical), muffin tin, oven (or hot sun), The following chemicals: Strontium Chloride—Red (aquarium store) Calcium Chloride—Orange (home-brew store) Sodium Chloride—Yellow (table salt) Borax—Yellow-Green (cleaning supply) Potassium Chloride—Purple (No-Salt, salt substitute) Epsom Salt—White (grocery store) How: Using cotton yarn, tie a 5- or 6-inch dipping-holder onto the top of each pinecone. In a double boiler, melt beeswax or paraffin. Place 3-4 crayons of each color (see chart above) into the muffin tin and set it in the sun or a warm oven to melt. In a bucket, mix sawdust and one chemical at a 2:1 ratio (2 cups sawdust, 1 cup table salt, etc.). Use only one chemical per bucket and label it. Do not mix one chemical with another. Wearing gloves, lift the pinecone by the yarn and dip it in the melted beeswax or paraffin. Use caution. Allow excess to drip off over double boiler, and then dip the pinecone into the

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sawdust/chemical mixture. Cover the pinecone completely in sawdust/chemical mixture. When pinecone is coated, make a colored dot on it by dipping it in the melted crayon that corresponds to the chemical mixture (see list above). This will allow you to identify what color the pinecone should burn. Place pinecone on a tarp or baking sheet covered with wax paper somewhere out of the sun to dry, preferably overnight. When you build your campfire, you can place a pinecone into the flames and they will change color until the pinecone is consumed. Though none of these chemicals are poisonous, none of them are safe to consume. Do not cook food over these fires. BTW: These pinecones make good gifts. If your campers want to make one to use and one to take home, wrap the dried pinecone in cellophane and tie a ribbon on top. They are safe for use in home fireplaces or fire pits.

Bottle Storms Best for day 5 Why: Help campers identify different types of weather when you’re sharing the story of Elijah. Be sure to ask campers how weather has affected them. Some might have storm stories they would like to share. Supplies: clear, clean 2-liter bottles, duct tape, water, food color, isopropyl alcohol, bicycle tire pump, rubber stopper that fits on pump and in the bottle (cork-sized), safety glasses. How: 1. Cloud in a bottle: Place some isopropyl alcohol (about a quarter cup) in the bottom of a clear plastic bottle. Fit the rubber stopper to the tire pump and fit it into the top of the bottle. Experiment with pumping the bottle full of air with the pump, firmly holding the rubber stopper in place. The stopper will want to pop out, so it may take a few times before you get used to holding the stopper in while pumping. Your goal is to put 20 lbs.

Extras of pressure in the bottle. At this point, when you remove the stopper, a poof of “cloud” should form in the bottle and be released out the top.

ingredients such as spices, raisins, nuts, eggs, seeds, or fruits.

2. Tornado in a bottle: Fill a 2-liter bottle with water and a few drops of food color. Invert another 2-liter bottle and place it on top of the first bottle. Secure the bottles together with duct tape (seal them well). Water-side-down, begin to swirl the bottles to get the water moving. When the momentum is strong, invert the bottles and place it, water-sideup, on a firm surface. Watch the ensuing tornado. BTW: If you’re going to use these bottles repeatedly (which your campers will probably want!) you might consider hot-gluing the bottles together before wrapping them in duck tape.

To Rise or Not to Rise Best for day 2 Why: Different cultures prepare bread differently. Most cultures have both leavened and unleavened bread. The Israelites used unleavened bread during the Passover because God said they needed to get out of Egypt so quickly they didn’t have time to wait for the bread to rise. Many Christian traditions are non-specific about the use of leavened or unleavened bread for communion. Some prefer to use unleavened because it’s what Jesus may have used when he celebrated the Passover feast with his disciples. How: Try a few different recipes and have a race of leavened and unleavened bread. Compare the speed of different types of leaven, including yeast, baking soda, and egg white (not scientifically called leaven, but acts similar in some recipes). Try soft-pretzels, Irish soda bread, tortillas, and flatbreads. BTW: It may be fun to have some breads have the barest minimum of ingredients (ground grains and water) and some that have lots of extra

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Extras Spiritual Disciplines Keeping Silence We like to hear ourselves speak. It is important to use our voices to communicate and for us to be attentive to other’s voices. But our spirit is deeper than words, and there will never be words that can fully express the goodness of God. Keeping silence is an acknowledgment of the insufficiency of words to express the fullness of God. It is also a practice that can encourage humility. An important aspect of keeping silence is continuing to live in community. It is easy to go about your life without talking if you are all alone. But give yourself four hours of a “typical” camp day, and see how easy it is to live and work together. Don’t let yourself off the hook by devising a time-out signal; just know that you can talk if it is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, learn to be patient with yourself and others as you find other ways to share in community. It is best to keep silence on the third or fourth (but not the first or last) day of camp. Give your campers plenty of instruction and time to process before and after.

Practicing the Presence of God This is a long-kept spiritual tradition started by brother Lawrence nearly 400 years ago. Our lives are opportunities to become aware of the presence of God. Every day is a new opportunity. But sometimes we need to be reminded of God’s presence. We get busy about our lives and we forget to look for God. We forget to live in gratitude. Sometimes we need reminders. To help us remember, we can designate something to catch our attention, so that when we notice that something, we take a moment to become fully aware of God’s presence at that very moment. Sometimes a bell calls us to worship.

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That’s an easy association to make. The bell sounding at times that are surprising may catch our attention, however. Camp is a great opportunity to practice this discipline as a community. Try giving your camp a fun trigger and a more-serious trigger. For example, two bell chimes may indicate that all the campers are to stop what they are doing and sing “Jesus Loves Me” at top volume, while only one bell chime will indicate that everyone is to stop what they are doing and silently list everyone they can think of who is in need of prayer.

Accepting Grace While we are often instructed to ask for forgiveness, we are seldom asked to receive it. Sometimes this is the more difficult task. Several stories from Branching Out relate to the theme of accepting forgiveness. The woman who was caught in adultery is asked to observe whether or not anyone has condemned her. When she notices no one has, Jesus tells her that he does not condemn her either. The man who returns to his father comes expecting to live as a servant, being fed and sheltered, but no more. The father receives him with a feast and a robe and restores relationship. Receiving grace is the act of accepting a change in relationship. Have your campers make notecards that express the sentiment, “you are forgiven” on the front cover. Campers then can exchange cards. On the inside of the card, the receiver writes or draws something that expresses, “I accept God’s grace.” Have campers keep this notecard in their Bibles or journals, somewhere they can read it whenever they need to.

Bridge Crossing The bookend stories of the Israelites’ wandering in the desert are about God making a way for them across chaotic waters. The Red Sea and the Jordan River are both rolled back to make them safe to cross.

Extras If you are fortunate to have a bridge over water on your camp property, you can use it for a bridge crossing ceremony. But even if you don’t, the action is representative and can be done anywhere. Have everyone stand on one side of the bridge or walkway and give thanks to God for all the things in life that have brought them to this moment. Say, “This is a time for recognizing that God has been present with you for the entirety of your life.” You may have a long sheet of paper, and ask all your campers to trace around their feet before they cross the bridge. Invite them to find a stone to carry across. While you are crossing over, you may sing a favorite camp song, such as “O God, We Adore Thee,” or “Down to the River to Pray,” or you may wish to keep silence. When everyone has crossed to the other side, have campers place their stones in a pile. You may have a sheet of paper on this side as well, and invite campers to trace around their feet again. On this side of the bridge, give thanks to God for all the adventures that lie ahead of you.

Sharing Food It is common to have a food line at camp. Campers are often served one-by-one from a seemingly endless supply of food. But that is not the reality, and while there is enough to go around, we are limited in what we have. There is a difference between abundance and excess, and we hope to err in favor of abundance.

1. Always offer before you take. If you pick up a dish in front of you (which is appropriate) offer it to the person on your left. It has to go all the way around the table before you are offered any. Have faith that there will be enough. This can be the hardest rule. 2. Anticipate other’s needs. You know that others will want to have a drink. Offer to pour it for them. Ask if anyone would like you to pass them condiments or seasonings. We are more alike than we are different, and chances are if you’re thirsty, so are those you’ve been with all day. 3. Serve each other. This kind of sharing is not food-distribution; it is an act of compassion. Even communion or Eucharist in our worship service often looks more like “passing-out” than “serving.” Look each other in the eyes and serve each other mashed potatoes as though you were serving Christ mashed potatoes. Because, well, you are. 4. Be gracious. Sharing a meal is not an opportunity to shame others, it is an opportunity to affirm and delight one another. The contest is to see if everyone can enjoy one another. It is not a contest to see who can be more fancy than another. If someone “messes up,” do not call attention to it. Help them through it with the intention of preserving their dignity.  

If your camp does not normally serve meals “family style,” do so for at least one entire day. According to statistics, a majority of your campers won’t be familiar or well practiced in this sharing discipline—families are challenged to find time to eat together once a week (let alone, three meals in a row). You may have to do some instruction on gracious table manners. Keep it simple, but share these rules:

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Extras Games Epic Candy Galaxy Why: based on the children’s board game Candy Land, Epic Candy Galaxy changes both the proportions and the nature of the competition. Teams can choose to use their turns to help others, move their group as one, spread out their players, or send other teams backward. Objective: To have your entire team reach the Intergalactic Candy Station (the final red space). All players must be together on one space in order to advance to Finish. How: Using a standard Candy Land board game as your guide, make a giant, life-sized colored pathway. You could use construction paper, sidewalk chalk, or plastic disposable tablecloths (each cloth can be made into six or eight spaces). The board comprises 22 Red spaces, 21 spaces each of Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple, 6 Pink Special spaces, and a Start space. Don’t forget to include the Rainbow Trail and Gumdrop Pass. The special pink spaces are the Plum Asteroid Belt, the Candy Cane Rings, the Gumdrop System, Peanut Brittle Moons, the Lolly Quazar, and the Queen Frostine Nebula. Determine who will be the Caller. This person doesn’t play, only draws and reads cards. Divide into four teams. It is most fun to have teams wearing their team colors. All players start at Start. The team with the youngest player goes first. Using a standard deck of Candy Land cards, the Caller draws and reads the first card. Each card will either have a single square of one color, or two squares of the same color. If there is a single color square on the card drawn, the entire team moves to the next space of that color ahead of them. If the team has been separated (as will be explained) each player on the team moves to the next space of that color ahead of themselves. This team’s turn is now over.

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If there are two color squares on the card drawn, the team has choices. The first color square functions like a single square card and is used to advance each player on the team forward to the next space of that color nearest to them. The second square offers the team a choice. They can choose to send one player on their team forward, or they can choose to send one player from another team backward. The team members must decide as a team, and cannot leave their spaces to discuss options. If they are advancing their own player, they may decide whom to advance. If they decide to send another team backward, they choose which team, and then that team gets to choose which player they want to send backward. Again, players may not leave their spaces to discuss. If the card drawn is one of the special pink spaces, the team has choices. They can either advance one player from their team to the special space, or they can choose to reassemble their entire team at the space of their player who is closest to start. The catch is that the winning move must be made by the entire team moving forward in one play. Individual players who arrive at the spaces near the final red may not advance forward until their entire team is assembled. Other teams may choose to send those individual players backward. Even once you’ve determined a winner, keep playing until all the teams reach the end. BTW: Your board and décor may be as elaborate or as simple as you desire. You may want to scatter counselors in costume throughout the game board for fun. If you decide to make your game board extra large, allow team members to use the counselors as pages to help them make the decisions about how to advance. Try using the geography of your camp and have paths that follow trails. You can add in the “sticky” spaces (marked with a black dot on the game board) if you want, for added challenge.

Extras Swirkle Why: This is the most fun when it is an extremely large group (100+). It can be used to form a closing circle at the end of a camp week. How: in a large space, form a circle, holding hands, facing out. Try spinning your circle one clockwise rotation without breaking. You will need to keep campers tight and slow enough that arms don’t get pulled too hard. Once you’ve made one complete rotation, break the circle in one spot and designate a head and a tail. The head begins overlapping the circle on the inside. Everyone in the chain follows, continuing to stay unbroken. The head spirals toward the center, being careful not to close in too quickly. When the head reaches what seems to be the middle and can’t go any tighter, the head and the person right behind the head form a “London Bridge” by clasping both hands together and holding them up. The third person in line then becomes the new head, and goes under the bridge and leads the line back out of the spiral by doubling back and going counter-clockwise. With a large enough group, spiraling back out will take a while.

include either characters (son, father, brother, etc.) or sentiments (lost and found) from the story. Ask the teams to make up the objective and the rules for their game, to practice it to make sure it works, and decide how to teach it to the group. When you reassemble the group, give them an opportunity to teach the game to the rest of the group, and then to play a round of the game. BTW: for an added challenge, instruct campers to teach the game without comparing it to a commonly known game. For example, a game might be based on Duck, Duck, Goose, but the instructors should not refer to that game in their instructions.

BTW: When you become unwrapped into a circle, try doing it all over again, this time facing in. You could start the week with a swirkle that starts facing out, and end the week with a swirkle that faces in. That way, you will turn your campers back around to face the world.

Game Game Why: Find out what kinds of games your campers are interested in, and allow them a chance to be creative problem-solvers How: Read a favorite picture book or one of the Bible stories from the week. The prodigal son or the road to Emmaus would be good stories for this. Then divide your group into teams of 6 or 7. Each group will have about 15 minutes to make up a game based on the story. The game can resemble another favorite game, but should

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Extras Table Talk Use these questions to prompt theme-related and fun discussion during meal times, down times, or as time fillers. Use the questions in whatever way best serves the needs of the group. If the discussion goes down a different path, be open to that and allow the campers to be creative and explore ideas together. Be sensitive to campers who do not want to share even while encouraging them to go outside their comfort zone (a tricky balance).

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Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 1: The Place Where We Camp

• Find out who at the table has lived in the most places. Has anyone only lived in one home? What is it like to move? What things could you take with you? What did you have to leave behind?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 1: The Place Where We Camp

• What family traditions do you have? Do you have any family stories? Share your favorite. • If you had to leave your home and take only what you can carry, what would you take?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 1: The Place Where We Camp

• Instead of taking your own dirty dishes or tray to the kitchen or garbage, take the dirty dishes of the person on your left (be sure everyone’s dishes get picked up, though).

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 2: I Am the Vine

• Do you have assigned seats at your school lunch table, or do you get to choose? The person with the school that is farthest from camp should share first.

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 2: I Am the Vine

• What is the loudest food on your plate? • What is the best meal you ever had? What is the best food you have ever made?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 2: I Am the Vine

• What do you do when your friends are fighting? Come up with a plan everyone at the table agrees with for what to do when your friends are fighting.

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 3: Love One Another

• Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do? Have you ever done something you shouldn’t have, but you got away with it?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 3: Love One Another

• What do you do when you see someone do something they shouldn’t? How do you decide whether or not to tell an adult? • Name five adults you trust, people you could go to if you did something terrible.

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 3: Love One Another

• Tell everyone at the table about a friend you have that nobody else at the table knows. See if you can remember everyone’s friend’s name.

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 4: I Chose You

• What do you miss from home right now? What do you not miss? • Who brought you to camp? Who will pick you up?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 4: I Chose You

• Learn everyone’s middle name (or first name if a camper usually goes by her or his middle name). Tell whether or not you like being called by your middle (or first) name.

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 4: I Chose You

• What is the grossest food you can think of? What do you do when you are served something gross?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 5: I Have Spoken to You

• When you want to be alone, where do you go? • Do you have a favorite song to sing? Teach part of your song to others at the table.

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 5: I Have Spoken to You

• What is the worst weather you’ve ever been in? Tell about your experience. Start with the person who lives closest to camp.

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 5: I Have Spoken to You

• What do you do when you’re lonely?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 6: Abide with Me

• What is the longest distance you have ever walked?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 6: Abide with Me

• Have you ever participated in a 5K or charity –a-thon? (Dance-a-thon, walk-athon). If you could make up your own –a-thon, what would it be? Be creative!

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 6: Abide with Me

• What is the first thing you want a stranger to know about you? • Together at your table, list ALL the Bible stories you can think of off the top of your head.

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 7: I Abide in You

• What is the first thing you will do when you get home? • How do you plan to stay in touch with your camp friends?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 7: I Abide in You

• Did you pack anything for camp that you didn’t end up using? Would you bring that item next year when you come to camp or leave it at home?

Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational DAY 7: I Abide in You

• What kinds of things make it hard to remember God’s goodness and love?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 1: The Place Where We Camp

• See if you can pick everything up off the table and hold it. Include condiments, napkin holders, and centerpieces. What is the fewest number of people you need to hold everything? • What kinds of things do you often change your mind about? What makes you change your mind?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 1: The Place Where We Camp

• Find out who around your table has moved homes the most. Has anyone never moved? Have everyone name two reasons people move. Start with the person who has moved homes the most.

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 1: The Place Where We Camp

• Have you been to this camp before? If so, what do you expect will be different this time? If not, tell about a favorite vacation spot or place you like to go.

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 2: I Am the Vine

• You can only eat one thing every day for the rest of your life. What would you pick? • Are you the sort of person who tries to settle disputes between friends or the sort who stays out of it? What do you do when you have to pick sides?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 2: I Am the Vine

• Tell about a family tradition. Are there any family traditions you are embarrassed by, that you don’t plan to pass on if you have children?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 2: I Am the Vine

• If you could plan a feast for your friends and family, what would you serve? Whom would you invite? How could you show them that they are welcome guests?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 3: Love One Another

• Imagine you have just done the worst thing ever. Name five people you could tell and still know that they would love you, even if it made them mad at you. Challenge everyone to actually name five people!

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 3: Love One Another

• Have you ever had a friendship so broken you couldn’t stand being around that person anymore? If you could mend one broken friendship, which would it be? How would you try to mend it?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 3: Love One Another

• If you had a rock band, what would you be named? Start with the person who is the shortest. • Have you ever been falsely accused of something? What did you do (or if you haven’t been, what do you imagine you would do?)

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 4: I Chose You

• What do you miss the most from home? What do you miss the least? • Tell about your siblings. Start with the person with the fewest siblings. If you are an only child, tell about that.

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 4: I Chose You

• When you are a guest at someone’s house and you are served something you really don’t like to eat, what do you do? Have you ever pretended like you weren’t hungry or made up an excuse for why you’re not eating it?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 4: I Chose You

• What kind of dietary restrictions do you have? If you are vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or dairy-free by choice, what are your reasons? Be sure to listen to everyone without being judgmental.

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 5: I Have Spoken to You

• Tell someone next to you about your favorite place to go to be alone. • Have you ever heard the voice of God speaking to you? If you haven’t, would you want to?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 5: I Have Spoken to You

• What is the worst storm you’ve ever weathered? What do you do when you know a storm is approaching? Tell about a time the weather changed your life.

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 5: I Have Spoken to You

• Do you pray? If so, does it come naturally to you, or do you have to remind yourself to pray? Do you find it easy or hard to pray out loud in front of others?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 6: Abide with Me

• If you were talking to someone who obviously knew you, but you couldn’t place them, would you stop the conversation to find out who they are, or would you keep listening and hope to figure it out as you go? Why?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 6: Abide with Me

• Finish this sentence: The most important thing a person can learn is_____. • What is something you’ve done this week that you’ve never done before?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 6: Abide with Me

• If you could have dinner with someone from the past, who would you choose and what would you talk about? What if it were someone from the future?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 7: I Abide in You

• How are you getting home? What will the trip home be like? Who are you traveling with? • What are your plans for keeping in touch with new friends you’ve made at camp?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 7: I Abide in You

• Thinking about things that could make you believe that you are separated from Jesus’ love, what is the hardest to overcome?

Younger and Older Youth & Adults DAY 7: I Abide in You

• If you could change one thing about your time at camp, what would you change? What would you keep exactly the same?

Tell Us What You Think… Each year an Editorial Advisory Team convenes to dream and create a theme and outline for upcoming editions of InsideOut. Their starting point is answering the question, How can this resource serve camps most effectively? To answer that question, we want to hear from you. Please complete the following survey and e-mail or snail mail it to the address below. 1. What role does a program resource play in your camp experience?

2. How much or little is the theme expressed at camp?

3. Describe your experience with Branching Out!

4. What changes or updates would you like to see in the future?

5. How can InsideOut serve your camp most effectively?

_______________________________ Your name

_______________________________ Your e-mail address

May we contact you for research or testing new materials? ____ yes _____ no Are you interested in applying to write for the new camping materials? ____ yes _____ no • E-mail to [email protected]. Or, mail it to InsideOut 483 E Lockwood Ste 100, Saint Louis, MO 63119

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“Branching Out” is part of camp resources developed for InsideOut Christian Resources for Outdoor Ministries. Themes include: nnn God the Creator “All Things New: Look What God Is Doing!” nnn Jesus the Christ “Get Real: Finding Your True Self in Jesus” nnn The Holy Spirit Working within Us Power Up! Living in the Spirit nnn The Church in the World Fearless Faith: Courage in Community nnn Branching Out: Connecting Through Christ

Sneak Peek at Next Year The InsideOut resource for 2018 Beyond Belief: The Universe of God In Beyond Belief: The Universe of God, campers will encounter the Creator of the universe, who is bigger than their wildest imaginations, and who intimately cares about their deepest thoughts. Campers will walk with Jesus and the disciples and see how God is always pushing people to go bigger with their understanding of love and compassion. Each day they will hear from a biblical prophet, people who called attention to real ways to live out their belief in a compassionate God. Beyond Belief will allow campers to experience and explore just how expansive the universe of God really is.

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