Insideout: Christian Resources for Outdoor Ministries

Power UP ! Living in the Spirit

InsideOut: Christian Resources for Outdoor Ministries Copyright and Online Permission Statement Copyright © 2014 by Chalice Press. Produced for and outlines developed by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) Committee on Outdoor Ministries (COM). Site License Purchase of this resource gives license for its use, adaptation, and copying for programmatic use at one outdoor ministry site (hereinafter, “Camp”) for up to one year from purchase. For questions or permission for other uses, contact Chalice Press at 314-231-8500 or [email protected]. This site license allows your camp 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 for verification to [email protected]. The camp must include the following copyright permission statement on each Web page, posted file, or item of the InsideOut resource: Copyright ©2014 Chalice Press. Used by permission. For use only at [insert camp name and location]. Thank you for your help in this matter and for your willingness to serve in the ministry of camping.

PROJECT MANAGER Crystal Zinkiewicz COPY EDITORS John Patrick Carey, Anne Konopka ART DIRECTOR/DESIGN Connie Hui-Chu Wang Elizabeth Wright COVER IMAGES Bigstock INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND IMAGES: Thank you to Calvin Center, Camp Hopewell, Camp Mack, Camp Skyline, Chanco on the James, Clearwater, Ferncliff, Ghost Ranch, Heartland Center, Highlands, Johnsonburg, Montreat, Okiboji, Potosi Pines Camp, PYOCA, Westminster Woods

Writers Jill Duffield is the associate pastor for discipleship at Shandon Presbyterian Church. She graduated as a member of Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a bachelor of arts in history and earned her masters of divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary. She received her doctorate of ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Jill has led retreats for all ages, been a worship leader and Bible study teacher at her presbytery’s camp, and loves to help people connect with scripture. She wrote the daily Biblical and Theological Overviews, the Staff Devotions, and the Spiritual Practices section of the Extra Resources. Jill lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with her husband and three children. Hillary Thurston-Cox is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and Asbury Theological Seminary, holding degrees in Christian Education and Biblical Literature. She has served as a youth pastor, Christian education director, pastor, preschool and kindergarten teacher, and most recently as the program development director at Lake Louise Christian Camp (a United Methodist affiliate ministry). She has spent every summer since birth at camp either as a camper or leader. She is married to a United Methodist pastor and lives in a parsonage in beautiful Petoskey, Michigan. She and her husband are in the process of adopting, but are learning to parent two Yorkshire terriers in the meantime. Hillary wrote the Daily Guides for Young Children and the Games and Multi-Day Projects sections of the Extra Resources. Christine Gough is a part-time second grade teacher in Corvallis, Oregon, with degrees in recreation and elementary education. She spent over ten years teaching fourth grade in the Bay Area and also served as the program manager at Westminster Woods Presbyterian Camp in Occidental, California, for three years. Christine has a passion for creating engaging, creative, and meaningful environments for children and youth and for being part of the community in the church where her husband serves as head of staff at First Presbyterian Church of Corvallis. Christine blogs at “These Stones” (thesestones.wordpress.com) and is also a contributing writer at Practicing Families. When she’s not juggling the responsibilities of motherhood, she loves to capture everyday life behind a camera, write, try out new recipes, or spend time with friends and family. Christine wrote the Daily Guides for Older Children and the Table Talk and Bookmarks sections of the Extra Resources. Tracey Brown currently serves as the director for Potosi Pines Camp, a United Methodist camp in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her favorite part of the job is planning and leading programs for campers. She especially enjoys working with junior high campers and finding ways for all campers to learn leadership skills. Tracey served in youth ministry for sixteen years, during which she was in leadership for Cal Pac camps in southern California. Tracey has also worked with Girl Scouts and YMCA camps over her career. She grew up in United Methodist camping and says that her formative faith milestones were a result of Christian camping. Tracey wrote the Daily Guides for Younger Youth and the Daily Worship Plans and Science Activities sections of the Extra Resources. Sandy Safford has served as a Christian educator for over twenty years in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She is also a partner for FAITHSENSE Consultants and is serving as Lay Pastor for Byers Community Church in Colorado. Sandy’s degree is actually in environmental education, and after more than ten years in that field she moved into Christian education. Combining both passions, she has volunteered as camp director for fifteen summers at Highlands Presbyterian Camp in Colorado. She spends at least a week each year at camp and has two young adult children who grew up at camp. Sandy wrote the Daily Guides for Intergenerational and Family Camps and the Team Builders and Challenges and Nature Activities sections of the Extra Resources. Lara Blackwood Pickrel is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She currently serves as associate minister at First Christian Church in Smithville, Missouri. Over the last fourteen years, youth ministry and outdoor ministry have been an integral part of her call. Lara and her husband, Chuck Pickrel (also a Disciples youth minister), met in 2006 on the way to a youth event, and they have counseled and/or directed camps together every summer since. Together they have two “fur children”: a West Highland white terrier named Shelby and a tortoise shell cat named Hannah. Lara also writes at her blog: http://serendipitysoiree.wordpress.com. She wrote the Daily Guides for Older Youth, the Arts and Crafts in the Extra Resources, and a new section, Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth, which is also in the Extra Resources.

Contents

Welcome to InsideOut Introducing Your Power Up! Resource Daily Overview for Power Up! Images for Each Day (NEW!) Overview Chart Training Your Staff: More Tools for You About the Scripture: Staff Devotions and How to Use Them for Training (NEW!) Staff Devotions (Handout) About Your Campers: Developmental Characteristics Counselor Training Slides (NEW!) About Learning: Experiential and Relational Developmental Characteristics (Handout) Multiple Intelligences (Handout) Additional Resources for Leaders (NEW!) Connecting with the Camping Community What’s on the InsideOut Website? Biblical and Theological Overview Daily Guides for Younger Children Daily Guides for Older Children Daily Guides for Younger Youth Daily Guides for Older Youth Daily Guides for Intergenerational or Family Camps Extra Resources for a Great Week at Camp Bookmarks (NEW!) Arts and Crafts Games (EXPANDED!) Nature Activities Team Builders and Challenges (NEW!) Science Activities Table Talk for Younger and Older Campers Spiritual Practices (NEW!) Multi-Day Projects Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth (NEW!) Daily Worship Plans Day Camp (Six Weeks of Daily Activities) Tell Us What You Think… Sneak Peek at Next Year

Welcome to InsideOut

Thank you for choosing InsideOut: Christian Resources for Outdoor Ministries as your program resource for outdoor ministry this year. What an exciting and awesome opportunity you have right in the middle of God’s wonderful creation to invite campers to live in the Spirit! As camp directors and counselors, you know that the program resource is only the backdrop to the amazing things God does through the Holy Spirit in the lives of campers and staff at camp. You know that outdoor experiences, love of God’s creation, safe community, and life-long relationship building with God through Jesus Christ are the anchors of Christian education at camp. Our hope is that this resource will be a partner, taking much of the burden of planning off of you and freeing your staff for holy conversation and Spirit-filled experiences. Feel free to mold, shape, and adapt this resource to meet your camp needs. What Is InsideOut? InsideOut is published by Chalice Press and represents their commitment to creating and offering excellent, effective, and economical tools for Christian camps. The goal of these resources is to bring together theological scholarship, experiential learning, biblically grounded teaching and learning experiences, culturally relevant language and illustrations, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. InsideOut: Christian Resources for Outdoor Ministries is following a four-year rotation of themes: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and the Church. Power Up! Living in the Spirit is the 2015 edition. InsideOut writers are selected through an application process and are chosen for quality of writing and feet-on-the-ground experience in Christian camps. Read their biographical information above, and you will know you are in good hands. If you are interested in applying for writing for the 2017 edition, please indicate that on the evaluation form on the next-to-last page of this resource. Each volume of InsideOut provides: • Biblical and Theological Overviews for the theme and for each day • Daily Guides for a full week each for Younger Children, Older Children, Younger Youth, Older Youth, and Intergenerational/Family Camps • Extra Resources, which include additional Arts and Crafts, Games, Science Fun, Table Talk for Younger and Older Campers, Nature Activities, Multi-Day Projects, Daily Worship Plans, plus—NEW this year—Bookmarks, Team Builders and Challenges, Spiritual Practices, and Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth • Day Camp plans for a full six weeks • Training Helps, in a variety of formats: video, PowerPoint, plus written guidelines and handouts; NEW this year are the Staff Devotions and How to Use Them • Artwork for your use to publicize your camp and to create reminders for your campers, as well as the representations of the symbols for each day, which are NEW this year How Can I Use the DVD-ROM? By purchasing these materials, you bought a license to use them at a single campsite for the whole summer. You may print the pages from the PDF file, make copies of the files, or open and edit files from the Word files on the DVD-ROM. Do whichever is most helpful for you and your staff! Governing bodies owning more than one camp are expected to purchase a copy of the resource for each site. How Do I Give Feedback? Your comments are valuable and important to the future development of InsideOut. Please email an evaluation of the resource (found at the end of the materials) to [email protected]. Or, mail it to InsideOut, 483 E. Lockwood, Ste. 100, Saint Louis, MO 63119. May the Holy Spirit bless you richly as you power up for this new season of camping! Crys Zinkiewicz, Project Manager

Introducing Your Power Up! Resource

Power Up! Living in the Spirit is the official InsideOut resource for the 2015 camping season. Here are tips and suggestions for using it well in your outdoor ministry program.

Biblical and Theological Overview Be sure to read the Biblical and Theological material more than once. First, read it all the way through by itself. This reading will help you have the big picture—not just what you are doing, but why! Here’s another opportunity to fall more deeply in love with God, who loves us and empowers us to live faithfully and fully through the Holy Spirit. As your love grows, you will be better equipped to pass on God’s love to your campers. Second, begin your study of each day’s plan by reading again the scripture and the Biblical and Theological Overview for that day. Keep it fresh in your mind and heart as you plan and lead and listen to your campers. No printed material will ever be able to anticipate all of the questions, comments, or opportunities that come in a live discussion with campers. You become the one who helps them see the connections that can draw them closer to God. Which Version? InsideOut resources use the New Revised Standard Version as the primary source of scripture. The NRSV is copyrighted by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. The secondary translation used in this resource is the Common English Bible; those passages will include (CEB) with the reference. This year the CEB version is recommended specifically for Day 2, the story of Pentecost, for the children and Intergenerational groups. The flow of the longer passage is easier for them to follow with the simpler wording of the CEB. On Day 4 the CEB is the recommended text for all age levels. The language around the “selfish desires” is more familiar than that in the NRSV. For the younger groups, the passage is also shortened so that their focus is on the positive, with less emphasis on the contrasting ways of living. FRUIT ALERT: T h e li s t i n g o f t h e f r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t i n t h e N R S V i n c l u d e s “ g e n e r o s i t y , ” b u t t h e C E B r e p l a c e s it w i t h “ g o o d n e s s , ” w h i c h c a n b e c o n f u s i n g t o c a m p e r s if t h e y k n o w t h e li s t o r i f y o u r e f e r t o b o t h v e r s i o n s . A l s o , i f y o u r c a m p e r s s i n g “ T h e F r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t ( I s N o t a C o c o n u t ) , ” w h i c h i s a f u n , s t i c k - i n - t h e - m i n d s o n g f o r l e a r n i n g t h e f r u i t , i t u s e s “ g o o d n e s s ” r a t h e r t h a n “ g e n e r o s i t y . ” A s a t e a m , t a l k o v e r h o w b e s t t o h a n d l e t h e d i f f e r e n c e a n d m i n i m i z e a n y c o n f u s i o n a m o n g y o u r c a m p e r s . H e l p c o u n s e l o r s h a v e a s i m p l e a n d c o n s i s t e n t a n s w e r f o r a l e r t a n d p r o b i n g c a m p e r s . O n e o p t i o n i s t o p o i n t o u t t h a t t h e n i n e f r u i t li s t e d a r e n o t e x c l u s i v e b u t r a t h e r r e p r e s e n t a t i v e a n d e n c o u r a g e c a m p e r s t o s e e t h e c o n s i s t e n c y i n t h e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s n a m e d . B o t h “ g o o d n e s s ” a n d “ g e n e r o s i t y ” f i t . T h e n c a m p e r s c a n b e g i n t o n a m e o t h e r c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s t h a t a r e c o m p a t i b l e w i t h t h e p a t t e r n . The Spirit in the Old Testament The Holy Spirit is not a New Testament phenomenon. Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures are references to both God’s Spirit and examples of faithful people who lived by the Spirit. To acknowledge and celebrate the constancy of God the Sustainer throughout all of time, the age-level Daily Plans have incorporated psalms into worship (Express) and some narratives and examples of biblical characters from the Old Testament into various Bible studies (Explore) and learning activities (Experience).

Staff Devotions and How to Use (NEW!) InsideOut begins with scripture and builds from that foundation. The Staff Devotions, available this year for the first time, give you a way to more thoroughly ground your staff in the daily scripture. The short devotional writings are specifically for the adults and young adults who are serving as counselors. The devotionals also come with five suggestions each for you as the leader to use with your staff to help them engage with the scripture and the devotional thoughts. If your camp is only one week, feel free to choose the one or two suggestions that best fit your available training time. However, if your camp is multiple weeks, take advantage of different suggestions each week, bringing your staff back to the essential scripture but enabling them to encounter it freshly. One of the wonderful things about Bible study is that, as we have more life experience (yes, even just a week’s worth), we find the Word speaking to us in new ways. So it will be with your staff: A growing person plus the same scripture plus a new entry point almost always leads to more spiritual growth! The suggestions for how to use the devotions give you the catalyst of several new entry points. You decide how to incorporate them as part of your plan for staff training or for helping your staff engage in a spiritual practice that will enrich their lives—and ultimately their campers’.

Resident Camp Plans Daily Guides The Daily Guides are by age level: • Younger Children (ages 7 to 9) • Older Children (ages 10 to 12) • Younger Youth (ages 12 to 14) • Older Youth (ages 15 to 18) • Intergenerational/Family Camps (adults and children of all ages, including tips for incorporating preschoolers) Daily Guides for each age level are divided into three sections: Explore, which generally gives you two Bible lesson activities. You may choose to do one or both of them. Experience, which gives you several activities that build on the theme for the day. You will also find activities that help to create community. Express, a guide for daily worship, devotions, and singing. The Extra Resources section on the DVD-ROM also includes worship plans, which will give you additional options. Seven Days Not every camp is seven days long, but Power Up! provides a week of plans. Day 1 Guides are half-day experiences that introduce the theme. Days 2 through 6 Guides each give a full day’s worth of options for Bible study, learning activities, and worship. Day 7 Guides are half-day closing activities that help you wrap up the theme and send campers home with love and affirmation. If your camp is shorter, then you have choices to make. One option is to review the daily themes and leave out one; another option is to shorten and combine parts of two. Customize Your Plan Power Up! provides you with more activities than you are likely to be able to use—even in a full week of residential camp! Here are a few tips as you plan each day: Explore generally offers two approaches to the Bible study. Look at them both; however, you don’t have to do both, although you certainly may. As you read through the activities in Experience and Express, you will see that many of them also provide campers with an entry into a deeper understanding of the scripture. One factor to take into account as you consider your options for Explore is the designation of the Multiple Intelligences the particular activity uses. Often the first one in Explore uses mostly linguistic or verbal intelligence, whereas the second may push into some of the other ways of understanding, such as spatial or bodily/kinesthetic, for example. All are valid ways of learning, but some may suit your particular group of campers better than others. (For more about Multiple Intelligences, see the discussion in “Training Your Staff” and the “Multiple Intelligences” handout below.) Experience will also give you choices. You do not need to do all of them. Again, consider your group, the Multiple Intelligences, your particular setting, your schedule, your goals, and your own skills and experience as you decide. Also, don’t think that just because the order in the resource puts Explore first that you have to do the Bible study first. On the first day of camp, especially, you will be wise to do some of the community-building activities from Experience before you tackle Bible study. Other days, you may want a wake-up activity before you ask the group to engage with the scripture. The order in which you plan your day is up to you! The listing at the beginning of the Daily Guide, Customize Today’s Plan, is in the order in which the Explore and Experience learning activities are printed. But you have the opportunity to designate your own order. Please do! Here are samples of how you might use this tool. You can simply checkmark those activities you want to do, and even cross out those you choose not to do. Or you can write in times for the various activities, or indicate an order with a number. The tool is yours; use it any way that is helpful to you. Be sure also to consult the Extra Resources section as you are planning your day. The variety of additional activities will help ensure that your campers have a wonderful experience all week long. This year, in addition to the Arts and Crafts, Science Fun, Table Talk for Younger and Older Campers, Nature Activities, Multi-Day Projects, and Daily Worship Plans, you also have some new options: Team Builders and Challenges, Spiritual Practices, Bookmarks, Digging Deeper for Older Youth, and an expanded Games section. Express focuses on worship. Use the ideas “as is” or as a starting point for your own creativity. Be sure to look also at the daily worship plans in the Extra Resources pages. These are rich too, just waiting for you to mine them! The Song Suggestions cover a wide range of possibilities—traditional songs (many familiar to camp settings), hymns, and contemporary Christian music. Some may be new to you. In listing these, we’ve attempted to give you a clue as to their identity. Some titles are the same for different songs! In some cases, we noted the songwriter; in others, the artist. Whatever the designation, you should be able to find a source, especially through the Internet. Some of the songs you will be able to find on YouTube. The versions there give you the advantage of visual imagery and often have the lyrics printed. With the theme of Power Up! Living in the Spirit, your campers will enjoy learning and singing some traditional camp songs, such as “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” and, yes, “The Fruit of the Spirit (Is Not a Coconut)”! Because music is intellectual property and because as Christians we do not want to steal, even in seemingly harmless ways, pay attention to the issues of copyright. Your camp or denomination will be a helpful source for you to consult. Some will have licenses already, freeing you to pull from a wider range of wonderful musical creativity.

Day Camp Plans The summer resident-camp week-long plans for five age levels mean that Power Up! provides more than 250 activities! Last year we introduced an easy-to-use way to mine that wealth of Bible study, learning activities, and worship helps and use them as an effective resource for the growing number of day camping programs. We encourage you to explore the possibilities. If you are a provider, welcome to more activities and easier planning for six full weeks. If providing day camp is something your team is considering, here is just the help you may be hoping for! Check them out! Enjoy the Power Up! resource. Make it yours! If you have feedback, please let us know. Contact us at [email protected] or by mail: InsideOut, 483 E. Lockwood, Ste. 100, Saint Louis, MO 63119. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE 3 Mirror, Mirror

5 Mirroring Jesus

EXPERIENCE 2 Rhythm Egg Imitator

6 Spirit Says Game

Mirror Image Painting

4 Sit Down Circle

Sun Prints

EXPRESS 1 Morning Worship

7 Evening Worship

8 Cabin Devotions CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE 8:00 Mirror, Mirror

10:00 Mirroring Jesus

EXPERIENCE 2:30 Rhythm Egg Imitator

8:20 Spirit Says Game

Sit Down Circle

2:45 Sun Prints

EXPRESS 8:00 Morning Worship

7:30 Evening Worship 9:00 Cabin Devotions

Daily Overview for Power Up!

• Campers will experience Christian community at camp and discover its source—the Holy Spirit! • They’ll also claim the gift of a new spirit within, bearing fruit, as they choose living in the Spirit for themselves. • They’ll realize they are never alone—the Holy Spirit empowers them to live with grace and forgiveness, unity and courage, joy and peace. Images for Each Day (NEW!) This year’s Daily Plans all include a powerful image for the day as yet another way of reaching the hearts and minds of campers of all ages. Representations of these symbols are available to you to use as you see the opportunity. See the file Daily Symbols (ART folder on DVD-ROM menu). Day 1: Peace Sign Jesus promised the confused disciples his peace and an Advocate. The story of this widely recognized peace sign will help campers see how peace starts with the heart—the kind of peace that Jesus gives.

Day 2: Candle with a Flame Campers will quickly make the connection to the joy of countless birthday celebrations—and now to the celebration of Jesus’ promise fulfilled. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, it’s time to celebrate the birthday of the church.

Day 3: Mirror “When others look at me, will they see Christ reflected in my life?” That is the question campers will face as they encounter Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians to imitate Jesus and the examples of other Christians. Day 4: Various Fruit What does “living in the Spirit” produce? The fruit of those cumulative, daily decisions is life-giving, wholesome, beautiful. Choosing to live without the Spirit bears fruit that tears apart communities and lives.

Day 5: Numeral 1 in a Circle The cry, “We are #1,” comes from a spirit of “winners” over “losers,” of power over others. In contrast, “We are one,” comes from power up, from the Spirit that unites diversity into commUNITY—because of the seven “ones” in today’s scripture.

Day 6: Strong Arms Linked With the strong clasp of the Spirit, campers will be able to power up to stand up and speak up on behalf of others, to act with courage and love.

Day 7: Go-in-peace Sign As Jesus commissioned the disciples, so he commissions the campers, calling them to continue his ministry of grace and forgiveness and equipping them with his peace and the Holy Spirit. They are not alone, and their reminder is just two fingers away! Daily Overview for Power Up!

Daily Theme & Scripture Focus Campers Will Guide Image Power Up J o h n 1 4 : 2 5 - 2 7 J e s u s p r o m i s e s t h e g i f t o f t h e • b e w e l c o m e d w i t h t h e p r o m i s e o f t h e H o l y S p i r i t Day 1 with the H o l y S p i r i t t o h i s d i s c i p l e s . • Guide Promise of A r e you r e a d y t o r e c e i v e i t ? l e a r n a b o u t t h e H o l y S p i r i t ( A d v o c a t e , C o m p a n i o n , Peace C o m f o r t e r , T e a c h e r , H e l p e r ) P e a c e S i g n • b e i n t r o d u c e d t o li v i n g i n t h e S p i r i t Power Up A c t s 2 : 1 – 1 8 , 2 2 – 2 4 , T h e H o l y S p i r i t f i l l s t h e • c e l e b r a t e t h e p r o m i s e f u l f i l l e d Day 2 and Celebrate 3 3 d i s c i p l e s a n d e m p o w e r s • Guide the Spirit t h e m t o s h a r e t h e g o o d n e w s r e c o g n i z e t h a t t h e g i f t o f t h e H o l y S p i r i t i s a v a i l a b l e f o r Y C / I G : A c t s 2 : 1 - 6 a l l C a n d l e w i t h i n m a n y l a n g u a g e s . Recommend CEB; • s e e t h a t t h e S p i r i t c r e a t e s c o m m u n i t y F l a m e read more or less as T h r o u g h t h e H o l y S p i r i t , you choose p e o p l e a r e e m p o w e r e d t o DO: C o n v e y e x c i t e m e n t a b o u t a p r o m i s e ; o f f e r c o m f o r t c o m e t o g e t h e r a n d t o — f o r t h o s e w h o m i g h t b e a f r a i d . u n d e r s t a n d . H a n d l e “ p r o p h e s y ” w i t h c a r e ; e m p h a s i z e t h e i n c l u s i v e n a t u r e o f m u l t i p l e l a n g u a g e s Power Up 1 T h e s s a l o n i a n s 1 : 4 - P e o p l e l o o k t o e x a m p l e o f • e x p l o r e t h e e x a m p l e o f a c h u r c h i n P a u l ’ s t i m e Day 3 to Imitate 7 J e s u s a n d o f o t h e r C h r i s t i a n s • Guide Christ t o l e a r n h o w t o li v e i n t h e r e a l i z e t h e i r r o l e a s a n e x a m p l e , a l i n k i n t h e c h a i n M i r r o r p o w e r o f t h e H o l y S p i r i t .

Power Up G a l a t i a n s 5 : 1 6 - 2 6 L i v i n g b y t h e S p i r i t p r o d u c e s • r e c o g n i z e t h e y h a v e c h o i c e s a b o u t h o w t o li v e with the g o o d f r u i t i n o u r li v e s . Day 4 Y C / I G : G a l a t i a n s • c l a i m t h e p o s i t i v e r e s u l t s o f l i v i n g b y t h e S p i r i t Guide Fruit of the 5 : 2 2 - 2 3 a , 2 5 - 2 6 G o o d f r u i t a f f e c t s t h e w h o l e Spirit AVOID: E m p h a s i z i n g L a w v s . S p i r i t , e x c e p t f o r O Y ; Recommend CEB c o m m u n i t y p o s i t i v e l y . B a s k e t o f F r u i t e m p h a s i z i n g 2 1 b ( w o n ’ t i n h e r i t G o d ’ s k i n g d o m ) — t h a t m a y l e a d t o j u d g i n g o t h e r s Power Up E p h e s i a n s 4 : 1 - 6 L i v i n g i n t h e w a y o f t h e S p i r i t • e x p l o r e w a y s t o p u t l o v e i n t o p r a c t i c e Day 5 as One b r i n g s u n i t y t o g r o u p s , • Guide Community c r e a t i n g c o m m u n i t y . u n d e r s t a n d t h e H o l y S p i r i t a s t h e s o u r c e o f u n i t y a n d c o m m o n p u r p o s e w i t h i n a c o m m u n i t y e v e n o n e t h a t N u m e r a l 1 h a s g r e a t d i v e r s i t y i n a C i r c l e • f e e l t h e s e n s e o f o n e n e s s a n d p e a c e t h a t c o m e f r o m u n i t y i n t h e S p i r i t DO: Emphasize the need for prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to bring unity and peace, especially to conflict situations and conflict resolution efforts Power Up with 2 T i m o t h y 1 : 6 - 7 , 1 3 - T h r o u g h t h e H o l y S p i r i t , w e • r e c o g n i z e t h e g i f t o f a n e w s p i r i t w i t h i n t h e m Day 6 Courage 1 4 h a v e a s p i r i t o f p o w e r , l o v e , • Guide a n d s e l f - d i s c i p l i n e — n o t o f k n o w t h a t t h e i r r o l e i s t o h o l d t o s o u n d t e a c h i n g a n d S t r o n g A r m s g u a r d t h e t r e a s u r e w i t h i n t h e m L i n k e d c o w a r d i c e o r t i m i d i t y . • b e b r a v e e n o u g h t o s t a n d u p a n d m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e a t c a m p a n d i n t h e w o r l d • b e a s s u r e d t h a t t h e H o l y S p i r i t i s w i t h t h e m Power Up J o h n 2 0 : 1 9 - 2 3 R e c e i v i n g t h e H o l y S p i r i t • r e c o g n i z e t h a t J e s u s i s c o m m i s s i o n i n g Day 7 for Peace o v e r c o m e s f e a r s a n d t h e m t o c o n t i n u e h i s w o r k Wherever e m p o w e r s u s f o r li v i n g t h e Guide • You Go w a y o f p e a c e a n d f e e l a s s u r a n c e t h a t t h e y a r e n o t a l o n e T w o - F i n g e r f o r g i v e n e s s . • f e e l e m p o w e r e d t o e n c o u n t e r t h e w o r l d , t h e i r f a m i l i e s , G o - i n - P e a c e t h e i r f r i e n d s , a n d t h e i r c o m m u n i t y w i t h g r a c e a n d S i g n f o r g i v e n e s s • r e m e m b e r c a m p w i t h j o y a n d p e a c e

Training Your Staff: More Tools for You

About the Scripture (NEW!)

Staff Devotions and How to Use Them for Training Ultimately, anything that helps staff members grow in their own faith and understanding of the scriptures will also have a positive impact upon campers. You may already be including devotions as part of your staff training, but this new section provides you with both the devotions and with a variety of ways to use them. You get the benefit of ease of use. Your staff benefits also because the devotions take them deeper into the scriptures for each day, consequently encouraging their personal spiritual growth and deepening their knowledge and insight. Staff also grow in their skills as they experience some of the learning activities that they may be expected to use with their campers. Whether training time is at a bare minimum or you have opportunities throughout the camping season, you will find ideas here that will fit your needs. Devotionals are below. Feel free to make copies to hand out. Day 1: The Promise of Peace (John 14:25-27) Suggestions for those leading the devotion: 1. Read John 14:25-27 aloud and have a few minutes for silent reflections. Read the passage again and consider three questions. Invite staff to share their answers: • What caught your attention as the passage was read? • What insight or sense of God did you experience? • What question do you want to ask of the passage? 2. Invite everyone to share what they think an advocate does or is. How does this understanding apply (or not) to the Holy Spirit? Ask everyone to think of a visual image for the Advocate. Ask if anyone has an alternate word or a song or hymn that helps capture the concept of the Holy Spirit as our Advocate. 3. If devotions take place in the evening, have an abbreviated examen (you can find instructions for this in the Spiritual Practices section of “Extra Resources”) and ask for everyone who is willing to share the best and worst part of their day. Where there moments of grace? Times when they felt the Advocate at work? 4. Ask for prayer concerns. There may be members of the group who are in particular need of encouragement. Offer to be a representative of the Advocate through praying for one another and helping in ways that you are able. 5. List ways you can advocate for one another, for campers, for the rest of the camp staff, and even for the earth. Day 2: Celebrate the Spirit (Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33) Suggestions for those leading the devotion: 1. Begin and end your time of devotions by singing the song “Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me” (Daniel Iverson). 2. Read the verses as if in a readers’ theatre. Have one reader be the narrator, one the crowd, and one person Peter. As the narrative is read, ask those gathered to consider who they are in the story and why: one of the disciples? a member of the crowd? Peter? What is their response to what they see and hear? 3. Consider what languages God uses to speak to people today. What languages does God use with the campers? With you? What “languages” has God given you to use to speak to others? Art? Music? The gift of listening? 4. Who are the people at camp—on staff or campers—who need to be invited to be a part of the community? Be aware today of those on the edges or outside of the community, and work to include them in tangible ways. Take a minute and list some of the ways you can practice the radical inclusivity of God made known in this Acts story. 5. Respond to the crowd’s question: “What does this mean?” What do you think this story means? Day 3: Imitate Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:4-7) Suggestions for those leading the devotion: 1. Read the text using the lectio divina method that can be found in the Spiritual Practices of the “Extra Resources.” 2. Ask staff to consider people they do, or would like to, imitate. Why have they chosen them? What do they most want to imitate? Are their role models people our culture values? Why or why not? 3. Consider your own life: your actions, words, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, even the bumper stickers on your car. When others see these things, what pattern is revealed? Is it a pattern that represents you accurately? Are there parts of the pattern you would like to change? 4. Take a few minutes to color a mandala. You can print some from this website: http://www.coloringcastle.com/mandala_coloring_index.html. As you color, enter into a time of prayer, asking God to show you ways to imitate Christ in your daily living. 5. Think about the patterns of camp. How are the day and week structured? Why? How do the activities, people, and routines of camp make up a pattern that creates an image of Jesus Christ? Day 4: Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26) Suggestions for those leading the devotion: 1. Invite one person to read Galatians 5:16-21 and a different person to read Galatians 5:22-26. Talk about the contrast. Look at the CEB, which is the recommendation for use with the campers, but also at the NRSV. Also discuss the before and after of our “extreme makeover,” our rebirth in Christ. 2. Consider Paul’s use of the terms “flesh” (“selfish desires”) and “Spirit.” Does this contrast sound too stark? How do we interpret this separation knowing that Jesus became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14)? How does this fit in with John 3:16, “God so loved the world…”? 3. Paul is trying to describe Christian community, including the behavior of individual Christians, in ways that show it as distinct from the actions of non-Christians. How would we do this in our culture? Should we be distinct? Are all non-Christian values “selfish desires” and opposed to Christian values? What values in our culture and in other religions also bear the fruit of the Spirit? How are we called to live within our global, pluralistic world? 4. Galatians 5:18 reads, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law.” As a group, come up with a definition of “freedom” and then a definition of “Christian freedom.” Are there similarities? Differences? If we are no longer subject to the law (presumably Mosaic law as detailed in the Hebrew Scriptures), then are we free to do whatever we want? If not, how are we to decide what is allowed and what is not acceptable for us? 5. Make a list of things that build up community and another list of things that break it down. How do these lists relate to the lists in Galatians 5:16-26? How would you describe the community at camp at this point in the week and/or in the summer? Are there “fruit” that could be better demonstrated? If you have a camp covenant, take a few minutes to look over it and see how well you are upholding it. Day 5: One Community (Ephesians 4:1-6) Suggestions for those leading the devotion: 1. Open with silent prayer. Allow for a full three minutes of silence and then read Ephesians 4:1-6. After the scripture is read, allow for three more minutes of silence. After three minutes has passed, ask the group what stood out to them in these verses. 2. Try the drama class exercise, “Who Are You?” Pair up and sit across from one another. Take turns asking “Who are you?” Ask this at least six times and then talk about your answers. Did any of the answers surprise you? Did you learn anything about the other person? About yourself? 3. List all the “ones” in the text. What do they mean to you? Why do they matter? 4. Discuss the difference between “unity” and “uniformity.” How do we demonstrate our unity within great diversity? How do we bear with one another in love when we may have very different interpretations of what it means to be faithful? 5. Does all the emphasis on “oneness” in this Ephesians text make Christians exclusive? Why or why not? How do we include those who do not share our faith? Day 6: Courage (2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14) Suggestions for those leading the devotion: 1. Invite volunteers to share how they are feeling at this point in the week and in the summer. Is anyone feeling like the fire of the Spirit needs to be rekindled? After everyone has answered, invite someone to read 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14. Ask everyone to read in unison verse 7: “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” 2. These verses are marking a major transition in the life of the church and the life of Timothy. Timothy is on the cusp of having much more responsibility. Think about a time in your life that was a major transition. What was it? How were you prepared for it? Were you prepared for it? How was this transition marked or recognized? 3. Paul is sharing his last testament, his final words, with Timothy. Write your own “last testament.” What words would you want to share with those closest to you? 4. This week of camp is about to end. What do you want to be sure you have passed on to the campers? What do you want to make sure you remember from this week? 5. When have you witnessed the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline? When have you demonstrated this kind of courage? Can you think of biblical, historical, or contemporary examples of people who have been courageously empowered to do God’s work in the world? Describe what they did and how they did it. Day 7: Peace Wherever You Go (John 20:19-23) Suggestions for those leading the devotion: 1. Begin with a breath prayer (instructions can be found in the “Spiritual Practices” section of the Extra Resources). Breathe in with the words, “Peace be with you.” Slowly breathe out using the words, “I am sending you.” Do this several times. 2. Read the passage aloud with two readers, one as the narrator, the other reading the words of Jesus. Allow time for silent reflection following the reading. Ask those gathered to consider a time that was especially chaotic or difficult this week. Invite them to imagine the Risen Jesus entering that scene and speaking the words, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 3. Today’s verses are about the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Where have you seen changes this week or this summer? Have you experienced any transformation? Have you witnessed transformation in campers, members of the staff, in the camp community as a whole? To what do you attribute these changes? 4. If you have a labyrinth at your camp, walk it together. When you arrive at the center, share the ways you have experienced the power, promise, and presence of the Holy Spirit this week or this summer. As you prepare for the journey out of the labyrinth, pray: “Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew.” If you do not have a labyrinth, print off finger labyrinths and do this individually and then discuss the experience as a group. Finger labyrinths can be found at this website: http://labyrinthsociety.org/download-a-labyrinth. 5. Jesus gives his disciples the gift of peace. Pass the peace with one another, either shaking hands or with hugs, using the words, “The peace of Christ be with you,” and responding with, “And also with you.” Charge and commission one another with the words from John 20:21-22: Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” STAFF DEVOTIONS Day 1: The Promise of Peace (John 14:25-27)

• • • The first day of each week of camp brings with it both excitement and challenges. Even mid-way through the summer, the first day of each week can feel like starting over. An influx of new campers brings new personalities, new issues, new joys, new concerns, and, in other words, change and unknowns. No matter how many times the Bible story has been read or the ropes course mastered, there will be days throughout the summer when you wonder if you are up to the tasks to which God has called you. You will wonder if you said the right thing. You will regret not having just a little more patience. You may even wonder why you signed on for this! When your reserves are running low and your anxieties are running high, remember John 14:26: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” You are never alone in this call. The Holy Spirit is present during every conversation. You have an Advocate during every Bible study. You don’t have to worry about being perfect or remembering every staff training and lesson plan, because the Holy Spirit, whether you know it or not, is working through you. That is Jesus’ promise to his disciples in John and to you, his disciples today. There is a gift that comes with that promise: peace. No matter how you are feeling on the first day of each week of camp, remember that Jesus Christ has given you the gift of peace, and that means you do not need to be troubled or afraid. Trust the promise of the Holy Spirit, your Advocate, and embrace the peace of Christ that passes understanding. God has called and equipped you. God will sustain you. • Day 2: Celebrate the Spirit (Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33)

• • • Day 2 of each week focuses on Pentecost. Sometimes referred to as the birthday of the church, Pentecost marks the time when the Holy Spirit was given to the community of disciples gathered together after Jesus had ascended to heaven. This wild story of wind and flame and word has at its heart God’s work of boundary breaking. God wants to include everyone. Jesus came for everyone. Peter quotes the Old Testament prophet Joel and proclaims: In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18) This promise is fulfilled at Pentecost, and even those on the very fringes of society and the world are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. Radical inclusivity, barrier breaching, community building—these are the things God is up to in this story. God reaching out through the love of Jesus Christ to all people, using languages that they can understand—this is the new thing God was doing in Acts and the amazing thing God is still doing. As each week of camp is getting underway, the Holy Spirit is at work doing those very same community-creating things. Be open to speaking God’s word in surprising ways today and be open to hearing it from unexpected people. Who knows where the wind may blow or the flame may rest or the Word may shout? You, too, may be asked—or may ask: What does this mean? • Day 3: Imitate Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:4-7)

• • • “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” So goes the line from the fairy tale. Everyone wants to look in the mirror and be affirmed. But for what? For what do we want affirmation? Do we want to be the fairest, or do we want something deeper and more lasting looking back at us from our mirror? Paul affirms the community of Thessalonica not for their physical beauty but for their likeness to the person of Jesus Christ. They are reflections of the image of God because they are practicing their faith even in the most challenging of circumstances. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they are encouraging and upholding one another in love. Others both within and outside of the Christian community can look to them and see Jesus Christ. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying, “Preach the gospel always, and, if necessary, use words.” Even though St. Francis was born in the late twelfth century, those words are still relevant. Given that campers and camp staff come from varied backgrounds and have wide-ranging views, how do we preach the gospel with clarity? Perhaps we preach the gospel more through our actions than our words. We imitate Jesus Christ. Today consider how Jesus lived. He ate with people considered to be outsiders, valued those society thought worthless, and stopped whenever he was interrupted. He invited, not coerced. He healed. He prayed. He taught. He rested. How can we imitate Christ and therefore preach the gospel with our actions even more than with our words? Paul reminds the faithful of Thessalonica to remember that the Holy Spirit will enable them to imitate Christ. Paul also tells those early Christians to look to other people of faith and imitate them, all the while encouraging one another and holding each other up no matter how difficult the circumstances. Paul’s words for the people of Thessalonica are words for us too. • Day 4: Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)

• • • Have you ever watched the children’s show Sesame Street? It has a segment that teaches young children to categorize by showing a group of objects and having them pick the one item that does not belong. There is a little song that goes along with it: “One of these things is not like the others; one of these things just doesn’t belong…” Paul is trying to teach a version of this lesson to the Christians of Galatia. In Paul’s case he is attempting to show how Christians are different from the larger culture by which they are surrounded and of which they are a part. Even within that mostly non-Christian society, they are to behave in ways that show how their belief in Jesus Christ matters. Christians are not like the others by virtue of their behaviors—the fruit they bear, which should be evident to all. They are to live by the Spirit (God’s values), not the flesh or selfish desires (those cultural values that are antithetical to God’s values). Paul lists the fruit that is borne when we are made over by Christ. The community of Christ is one filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity (goodness), faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If these are evident, then we can be assured we are living in the Spirit. While the goodness of these qualities is indisputable, actually demonstrating them can be challenging. Thankfully, we are not without help. The Spirit plants the seeds and nurtures the growth of the fruit we are called to bear. • Day 5: One Community (Ephesians 4:1-6) • • • An exercise often done in entry-level drama classes is called, “Who Are You?” People pair up and sit face to face taking turns asking the other, “Who are you?” At first the answers are basic, things like, “I am female,” or, “I am American.” As the question is repeated, it becomes harder to answer. The persons being asked have to dig a little deeper, think a little more, really consider who they are. As they search for the answer over and over again, this exercise in self-examination has the potential to get to the heart of what defines a person’s identity. This text from Ephesians is about that very thing: What is your true, most authentic, core identity? These verses from Ephesians hold that our true identity is grounded in being chosen and called by God. We are defined first by our connection to God and then, through our connection to God, by our connection to one another. We’re all in this together. Like it or not, we are one. The word “one” is repeated and qualified seven times: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. There is no denying the radical and total bond we are given through Jesus Christ. Sometimes we see this oneness as a great blessing, but, other times, when encumbered by arguments, passionate differences of opinions, and simply clashes of personalities, we see this oneness as a bane—an irritation or even a “curse.” Given that a camp staff spends a lot of time together, the summer can be a time in which we feel intensely both the blessing and bane of being made one community! The challenge is demonstrating our unity in tangible ways even when the bond doesn’t seem all that peace-filled. That’s where the bearing with one another in love is required. It’s late in the week and maybe late in the summer. How are you bearing up in love? • Day 6: Courage (2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14) • • • What do you treasure? What is so valuable to you that you would guard it—guard it with your very life, even? Can you think of something? Paul wants us to remember to guard the treasure of the gift of faith we have been given. Paul wants his beloved apprentice Timothy to know that nothing is more important than holding fast to the word of God he has been taught. If Timothy can hold fast to God’s word, then he will not be shaken no matter what he has to face. Paul is giving his final words of wisdom to Timothy, passing on the mantle of leadership, and reminding Timothy that he has been equipped. Like all those called by God before him, Timothy needs to know this truth: God doesn’t call the equipped, God equips the called. Timothy can take courage, confident that he has been given the Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Trusting the promise of God’s ability to give us what we need does not mean, however, that we have no role in preparing ourselves to serve God. We, like Timothy, need to rekindle the gift of God that is within us. We must attempt to guard the treasure of our faith by actively seeking to discern sound teaching from false teaching. We have to be thoughtful in our listening to others and to scripture. We must practice, like an athlete or artist, our craft of Christian discipleship—loving kindness, doing justice, and walking humbly with our God. As this week of camp nears its end, it may be time to rekindle and renew the gifts you’ve been given in order to keep up your courage in the days and weeks ahead. • Day 7: Peace Wherever You Go (John 20:19-23) • • • “Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew…,” an old hymn begins. Each verse that follows begins with the same six words, “Breathe on me, Breath of God…,” followed by a description of transformation that will come from God’s life-giving breath: Hearts will be made pure, love will be received and shared, desires and actions will become united with God’s. This kind of radical, become-like-Christ change comes through the power of the Spirit—the breath—of God. Mourning turns to dancing and grief to joy. Terrified disciples hiding behind locked doors receive the breath of God through the Risen Christ and have peace. They are given the peace of Christ and the Spirit of Christ. They are commissioned to go out into the world and continue Jesus’ work of bringing healing and wholeness through the forgiveness of sin. The breath of God still blows today, no less than at Creation when God brought Adam to life (Genesis 2). God’s transformative breath is at work right now in ways no less dramatic than in Ezekiel when an entire valley of dry bones came back to life (Ezekiel 37). The Risen Christ is still saying, “Peace be with you,” to frightened disciples, enabling them to unlock doors and walk back into the world rejoicing. As you come to the end of this week of camp, remember that Christ is alive and with you. Right now the breath of God is filling you with life anew, and Jesus himself speaks a word of peace. Receive Jesus’ Spirit. Be at peace. Go out into the world forgiven and forgiving. •

About Your Campers

Developmental Characteristics 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. Although campers come from a variety of backgrounds and have different life experiences, some generalizations about the age groups are appropriate and helpful. The developmental characteristics identified through years of research provide insight into the needs and capabilities of campers. This knowledge serves 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 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 age-levels. 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. The Developmental Characteristics handout is on page 21 in PDF file. Feel free to make copies.

Counselor Training Slides (NEW!) Look on your Power Up! DVD-Rom for a file called Counselor Training Slides, a new slide presentation related to the handout on Developmental Characteristics. The slides show photos of campers of all ages engaged in some typical camp experiences. Use the slides in conjunction with the handout to help staff translate the concepts from words-on-paper to real campers! Here is a suggested process: Print out slide 5 in the presentation, which gives discussion prompts for the camp photos. After staff have had the opportunity to review the handout, divide them into four groups and assign them either the Physical, Mental, Social, or Spiritual category from the handout, and hand them a copy of the discussion prompts. Go through one slide at a time, giving the groups a few minutes to talk among themselves to identify something—an insight, a question, a possible problem—that the photo suggests. Then have each group report from their assigned perspective. (Be aware that not every slide will relate to all four categories.) Invite further discussion from the group as a whole. Encourage everyone—newbies and pros—to contribute to the conversation. Staff will be learning from one another, gaining greater insight and relating the concepts to their campers! Move on to the next slide. Feel free to skip slides if they do not relate to the age group your staff will be working with or if your time is limited.

About Learning

Experiential and Relational The camp setting provides an environment that promotes experiential as well as relational learning. Faith can come alive through active (experiential) learning that invites each camper to participate as a whole person. Movement, involvement of all the senses, the arts, and a multiplicity of other methods make camps a powerful force in the faith formation of young people. InsideOut resources are committed to experiential learning. Activities are based on the Multiple Intelligences theory of Howard Gardner. Gardner defines “intelligence” as the ability to create problems to solve and then to solve them. Each person has a preferred manner in which to do that best. Gardner has named and described eight different ways in which people express their ability to create and solve problems. See the Multiple Intelligences chart on page 22. Have staff look through the activities in the resource, identify at least one activity for each of the eight different intelligences, and talk about how the activity engages the particular intelligence. The primary Multiple Intelligences for each activity are identified at the end of the activity, along with the list of supplies needed. As staff teams plan the week, encourage them to choose activities among the options that result in several intelligences being included during a camp day. In this way, each camper will find an opportunity to use his or her preferred intelligence, which will lead to greater engagement. Active learning is always more effective than passive learning, which involves just listening or watching. In establishing a relational learning environment, staff members need to consider the roles of both learners and leaders. In such a learning environment, leaders are not “teachers” who have all the answers. Leaders or counselors are facilitators, guides, and encouragers helping the whole group make discoveries. They are also partners and travelers with the learners on the journey of discovery. The learners are full participants in the discovery process, bringing insights and sharing experiences. The following are indicators of such an active, experiential learning environment: • Learning and discovery are taking place. • Leaders are aware of the many ways in which people learn. • Leaders understand that faith formation takes place through the whole camp experience. • Campers and leaders engage in dialogue and practice collaboration. • A spirit of cooperation undergirds the discoveries, and the experiences of each person are valued. Developmental Characteristics

Younger Children (7–9 Years Old ) Physical Characteristics • minimal upper body strength • mastering bowel control • energetic, but tire easily • developing body coordination Mental Characteristics • concrete, literal thinkers • rule-based morals • short attention spans—learn best through senses and activity • easily frightened Social Characteristics • learning to live apart from family and friends • outgoing and loving • prone to hero worship • mirror the behavior and actions they see in adults Spiritual Characteristics • concrete understanding of God • varying degrees of biblical knowledge • may ask a lot of questions • may only remember the highlights

Older Children (10–12 Years Old) Physical Characteristics • girls maturing faster than boys • greater self-control when performing motor activities • beginning to develop sexually • high energy, but may complain of being tired Mental Characteristics • beginning stages of abstract thinking • beginning to challenge the answers adults give • strong sense of right and wrong • strive to complete projects and to do them well Social Characteristics • learning to live apart from family and friends • boys often relate to others in contests of strength • girls will often develop crushes • boys beginning to relate to girls Spiritual Characteristics • developing a more personal faith • begin to grasp bigger issues • strong memorizing skills • may start to rebel from what they were first taught Younger Youth (12–14 Years Old) Physical Characteristics • deepening of male voices • concerned with personal appearance • females begin to menstruate • awkward due to incredible growth spurts Mental Characteristics • idealistic—may come across as negativity • starting to be able to put themselves in another person’s “shoes” • decision-making process focuses on the present • competitive Social Characteristics • fear of embarrassment • urgent need to belong • dealing with strong sexual feelings • desire and respect strong adult leadership Spiritual Characteristics • making their own faith decisions • prefer to discuss issues • may tie their faith into social issues • may question the content of the Bible study Older Youth (15–18 Years Old) Physical Characteristics • largest and strongest campers at camp • physical appearance and attributes are a major concern • need privacy • need more sleep Mental Characteristics • abstract thinkers • specialization in selected skills • experience strong feelings and emotions • critical of self Social Characteristics • urgent need for acceptance or attention • increasing peer pressure to engage in drinking, smoking, drugs, and sex • question authority • able to take on responsibility Spiritual Characteristics • begin questioning their own salvation • making their own decisions about church attendance • able to carry the whole discussion on their own • struggling with social pressures in light of their faith

O u t d o o r M i n i s t r i e s P r o g r a m L e a d e r s h i p M a n u a l ( C o m m i t t e e o n O u t d o o r M i n i s t r i e s o f t h e N a t i o n a l C o u n c i l o f C h u r c h e s , 2 0 0 0 ) U s e d b y p e r m i s s i o n .

Multiple Intelligences Multiple Intelligences refers to the ability to create problems to solve and to solve those problems. Each of us has a way or ways to do things that suits us best. Here is a brief description of the eight different ways in which people express their ability to create and solve problems. The Multiple Intelligences lists following activities throughout the guide will help you choose activities that will engage your campers.

Logical/Mathematical: T h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e li k e s t o d e a l w i t h n u m b e r s a n d a b s t r a c t p a t t e r n s . O f t e n , t h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e i s r e f e r r e d t o a s s c i e n t i f i c r e a s o n i n g . T h e s e l e a r n e r s li k e t o r e a d , w r i t e , a n d t e l l s t o r i e s ; p l a y w o r d g a m e s ; u s e c o m p u t e r s ; d e b a t e ; a n d w r i t e i n j o u r n a l s .

Intrapersonal: T h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e i s c o m f o r t a b l e w i t h s e l f - r e f l e c t i o n , t h i n k i n g a b o u t t h i n k i n g , a n d s p i r i t u a l i t y . I t i n v o l v e s t h e k n o w l e d g e o f i n n e r f e e l i n g s a n d e m o t i o n a l r e s p o n s e s . T h e s e l e a r n e r s p r e f e r i n d e p e n d e n t , s e l f - p a c e d s t u d y , j o u r n a l k e e p i n g , a n d i n d i v i d u a l i z e d p r o j e c t s . Musical: T h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e i s b a s e d o n a n e n j o y m e n t o f r h y t h m i c a n d t o n a l p a t t e r n s . P e o p l e w i t h t h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e e n j o y s i n g i n g , li s t e n i n g t o m u s i c , a n d p l a y i n g m u s i c a l i n s t r u m e n t s . T h e y r e s p o n d t o m u s i c a n d g r o u p s i n g i n g .

Spatial: T h e k e y e l e m e n t s o f t h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e a r e t h e s e n s e o f s i g h t a n d t h e a b i l i t y t o f o r m m e n t a l i m a g e s a n d p i c t u r e s i n t h e m i n d . T h e s e l e a r n e r s e n j o y d r a w i n g , b u i l d i n g , d e s i g n i n g a n d c r e a t i n g t h i n g s , l o o k i n g a t p i c t u r e s , a n d p l a y i n g w i t h m a c h i n e s .

Linguistic: T h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e u s e s w o r d s a n d l a n g u a g e e f f e c t i v e l y . P e o p l e w i t h t h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e e n j o y a l l t h e p o s s i b i l i t i e s o f e x p l o r i n g i d e a s a n d c o n c e p t s . T h e y e x p r e s s r e a l i t i e s t h r o u g h w o r d s — w r i t i n g , r e a d i n g , t a l k i n g , a n d li s t e n i n g .

Interpersonal: T h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e r e s p o n d s w e l l t o w o r k i n g w i t h o t h e r s . T h e p e o p l e w h o h a v e t h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e a r e a b l e t o w o r k c o o p e r a t i v e l y a n d h a v e a s e n s e o f e m p a t h y f o r t h e f e e l i n g s a n d e x p e r i e n c e s o f o t h e r s . T h e y e n j o y c o o p e r a t i v e g a m e s , b o a r d g a m e s , g r o u p b r a i n s t o r m i n g a n d p r o b l e m s o l v i n g , p e e r c o a c h i n g , a n d i n t e r p e r s o n a l i n t e r a c t i o n .

Bodily/Kinesthetic: T h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e u s e s t h e b o d y t o e x p r e s s e m o t i o n , a n d t o a r t i c u l a t e i d e a s a n d c o n c e p t s . T h e s e p e o p l e l e a r n w e l l t h r o u g h m o v e m e n t , t o u c h i n g , u s i n g b o d y l a n g u a g e , s p o r t s a n d p h y s i c a l g a m e s , d r a m a , d a n c e , u s i n g c l a y , a n d b u i l d i n g p r o j e c t s .

Naturalist: T h i s i n t e l l i g e n c e i s a t t u n e d t o t h e n a t u r a l w o r l d a n d u s e s a l l s e n s e s t o e n j o y c r e a t i o n . T h e s e l e a r n e r s e n j o y t h e s t u d y o f n a t u r e , i d e n t i f y i n g c u l t u r a l a r t i f a c t s , c o l l e c t i n g , s o r t i n g , a n d o b s e r v i n g v a r i a t i o n o f o b j e c t s i n n a t u r e .

Those wishing to learn more about Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory are encouraged to consult Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, by Howard Gardner (New York: Basic Books, 1983).

Additional Resources for Leaders (NEW!)

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.

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 Power Up! 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.

Living in the Spirit BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL OVERVIEW

Introduction

Power Up! Living in the Spirit! When campers hear “power up,” they think about turning on an electronic device. They know what it means for a cell phone to have a full charge, and they are rarely far from the power source that keeps them electronically connected. But where does the true, reliable, and never-ending power to live as Christ calls come from? It comes from the Holy Spirit. The materials you have in your hands (or on your screen) will help you lead campers on a powerful journey of discovery. Each day, with each scripture passage, you and your campers will be challenged to plug into the power of the Holy Spirit. You will be charged and ready to live for Christ with energy and passion. The Holy Spirit is described in a variety of ways, from wind to fire, Advocate to Comforter. Jesus promises, through the Holy Spirit, to give disciples the words to say and the ability to understand and remember all that he taught. It is the Holy Spirit who unites believers from every place and time. It is the Holy Spirit who enables Jesus’ followers to bear the fruit of love, joy, kindness, and goodness. The Holy Spirit gives the peace that passes understanding and emboldens disciples of all ages to preach the gospel and spread the good news. In a time characterized by the relentless bombardment of information, perpetual connection to the digital universe, and endless texts, tweets, and instant messages, camp offers an opportunity to unplug in order to connect in new ways with God and others. You are invited to relish the spotty cell reception of camp and delve into seven scripture passages that reveal the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Take hold of these Bible stories and power up with Jesus’ promised, unwavering peace. Power up and celebrate the boundary- breaking, church-creating, wind and fire Spirit that comes at Pentecost. Power up and imitate Christ. Power up and bear the fruit of gentleness and peace, patience and self-control. Power up as one community—called, equipped, and sent. Power up through connecting with those who came before you and by passing on the faith to those who will come after you. Power up with the peace of Christ that is with you wherever you go. Living in the Spirit is the source of that power! The pages ahead may look like any others, but make no mistake, they contain within them great power: the power to transform frightened disciples into bold leaders of the faith, the power to transform strangers into community, the power to transform ordinary people of all ages into extraordinary reflections of Jesus Christ. They contain within them the awesome power of the Holy Spirit. God has called you to lead campers with and to that power, so read on. Power up and live in the Spirit! See the DVD menu for the video “Biblical Overview” for staff training. Biblical and Theological Overview

Power Up with the Promise of Peace John 14:25-27 The Story Jesus is on the cusp of being arrested and crucified; but instead of worrying about what will happen to him, he is worried about what will happen to his friends when he’s gone. As always, Jesus’ concern is directed outward, toward the world God sent him to save. Knowing that his earthly life is coming to an end, Jesus takes his time preparing his disciples to continue his mission after his death. John 14:25-27 summarizes much of Jesus’ promises and encouragement to his disciples then and now. He tells them: • Even when I’m gone you will have a teacher sent from God, the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. • I promise you peace in all circumstances. • You need not let your fear overtake you. John 14:25-27 captures some of the key themes of the Gospel of John. It is as if the writer had to condense Jesus’ message down to a text: Have 2 go. Not leaving u alone. Sending help. Be @ peace. The Story’s Context and Background The Gospel of John is markedly different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke in its rich symbolism and the long monologues of Jesus; but here, in these verses, we get a snapshot of the whole gospel, a glimpse that reveals the big picture. Today’s verses are nested within Jesus’ larger final teaching to his disciples. Chapters 13–17 take place in one room with only Jesus and his disciples present. Jesus and the disciples are gathered for the Passover in Jerusalem. Jesus uses every moment of their time together to convey who he is and therefore who they must be also. Jesus does this with words and actions. Jesus begins by washing the disciples’ feet, modeling for them what it means to be a servant leader. Then he tells them: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). This, Jesus says, will show the world that they—that we—are his followers. After giving them his final instructions enacted and spoken, Jesus reassures the disciples with the promise that they will not be left alone because the Holy Spirit will come after he has left. In the chapters that follow, Jesus will tell them that they are his friends and he will pray for them. Here John’s gospel focuses on Jesus’ mission: that he is sent by God to save the world and that salvation comes through his death and resurrection (he has to go), and on Jesus’ promise: I will not abandon or forsake you (he won’t leave them alone). The disciples are assured that they have an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will remind them of all that they already know (help is on the way). Finally, the disciples are given their legacy from Jesus: peace, a sense of well-being in all places and circumstances that enables them to live without fear or anxiety (be at peace). Theological Issues In these verses, as Jesus prepares for his death, he lovingly prepares his disciples for the imminent ending of his earthly ministry; and, in so doing, he prepares us too. We live after Jesus’ earthly life and his ascension to heaven, and so we need the assurance of Christ with us no less than the first disciples. So what does Jesus promise? Jesus promises his disciples then and now that they have an Advocate, the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for advocate begins with the prefix “para,” which means “beside” or “from the side” and therefore indicates that no matter where they go or what transpires, Jesus’ followers have God with them. This Advocate, the Holy Spirit, promises to help them, intercede for them, and teach them. It is as if Jesus’ apprentices always have their teacher and mentor ready and waiting to assist when called upon and even before called upon. They are never alone or left unequipped for the work Jesus has called them to do. Like the earliest disciples, we are never without this promised Advocate, and because of that we can be confident and unafraid. We can be sure that we will be taught what we need to know when we are fulfilling Jesus’ call. The writer of Matthew’s gospel put it this way, “Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:19- 20). We are also enabled, through the promised Holy Spirit, to remember Jesus’ words and believe them (John 2:22, 12:16). It is the Spirit that reveals the truth to us and helps us discern the difference between true and false teachings (John 16:13). In other words, faith itself is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Through our Advocate, the Holy Spirit, we are given the gifts that Jesus promises his followers: • Peace, regardless of circumstance, that is so profound the world cannot understand it; • Courage to speak the truth of God’s reign in the midst of a world often opposed to it; • Power to do more than we ever thought possible; • Love that is enacted toward friends and enemies alike; • Self-discipline to refrain from actions that are counter to Christ’s teaching and destructive of the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 John 2:20, 27; John 16:33; 20:19, 21, 26; Colossians 3:15; 2 Timothy 1:7) The promised Advocate that Jesus gives to us is sure and all-encompassing. It could be summed up like this: • We are promised a permanent and unwavering Advocate: our helper, mediator, and intercessor. • Our Advocate guides us, teaches us, anoints us, and speaks through us. • Our Advocate gifts us with peace, courage, power, love, self-discipline, and knowledge. • Our Advocate empowers us to remember Jesus’ words, to believe them, and to live them out in the world. Leader Reflections • • The challenge of this text is helping campers claim the promise without feeling guilty or unfaithful when they (and we!) inevitably fall short. Be sure to emphasize with your campers that we all experience times of fear and anxiety. That is part of being human! Create a safe environment for honest discussion, acknowledging that we are often not as loving, kind, and peaceful as we would like to be.

• • Part of the promise is that the Holy Spirit is always at work, helping us to live more faithfully every day. Can you imagine some common camp experiences that might make campers, especially first-time campers, feel afraid? Give them the opportunity to share their fears. Use today’s verses to help ease their anxiety and encourage more experienced campers to share what has helped them when they were afraid.

• • When you read these verses, good questions to consider with campers are, “What prevents us from living in ways that reflect Jesus’ promise to us? When do we lack courage and love, for example, and why?” As you read the scripture with campers, try to help them “translate” words like “advocate” in ways that are more relevant to them.

• • As you explore this lesson with your campers, help them imagine what Jesus’ peace means for them and for the world. Help them think about what the promise of peace means for people living in homes, communities, or countries where violence is an ever- present reality. How are we to share the gift of Jesus’ peace with others?

• • This week at camp take note of when you feel a sense of the Holy Spirit and share it with your campers. Invite your campers to notice when they feel God close to them. Ask them to be aware of when they feel as if God has given them the words to say or the courage to speak (or the self-discipline to keep quiet). Encourage them to be mindful of those times when they have a deep sense of peace (perhaps around the campfire? rowing in the canoe? during morning worship? while eating together?). Point out to your campers the occasions when they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit: love, kindness, self-control, and then go further and remind them that these are evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives.

• • It is significant that in today’s passage Jesus is talking to the gathered group of disciples. The Holy Spirit appears in scripture almost exclusively when Jesus’ followers are together. The promised Advocate comes alongside us, and often we feel the presence of the Holy Spirit with and through others. This will certainly be true when we are gathered together with our campers. Day 2

Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 The Story The promised Holy Spirit has unquestionably arrived. Jesus’ followers are gathered together for the Jewish religious festival of Pentecost when all of a sudden there come a roaring wind and tongues of fire. The disciples begin to speak in different languages. Imagine coming to worship one morning with a few friends, bowing in prayer, and, out of nowhere, having a thunderstorm descend so violently that the windows rattle and the lights flicker. You glance around and see what appear to be flames resting on the top of each person’s head. You go to speak or scream and have a language you have never spoken come out of your mouth. You listen and hear Spanish, German, Greek, Arabic, Swahili, Bengali, Chinese, and so many other languages coming from the people around you. This story in Acts describes just this kind of scenario. But in Acts the disciples are surrounded by Jewish believers from all over the known world. Those witnessing the disciples are bewildered, and no wonder! They understand what is being spoken and realize that the speakers are Galileans. How can they know their languages? They exclaim, “We can understand them, and they are talking about God’s deeds of power. What is this all about?” Peter is empowered to explain and proclaim. He quotes from the Old Testament prophet Joel and tells all those confused by this wild sound-and-light display that it is about God fulfilling God’s promise. The Holy Spirit has come and a new era of understanding and inclusion has arrived. Peter tells the story of Jesus in two long sentences. He preaches the gospel succinctly and truthfully: Jesus was sent by God and, through God, did deeds of power and wonder among the people. Jesus was crucified and died, but God raised him up because even death has no power over him. The coming of the Holy Spirit fulfills Jesus’ promise, and the disciples are given the words that tell about what God has done for the world through Jesus. Peter’s Spirit-empowered speech moves those who hear to repent and be baptized. The church is born! Peter’s twitter feed reads: @world_Holy Spirit here! We’re speaking your language about Jesus. Hear, believe, join us#promisefulfilled. The retweeting breaks records in the twitterverse. The Story’s Context and Background Today’s story takes place in Jerusalem, where the disciples have gathered for the Festival of Pentecost. Pentecost means “fiftieth day” and was also known as the Festival of Weeks. It was a time for Jews to celebrate the gift of the Law on Mt. Sinai. It was believed that the Ten Commandments were given to the Jewish people fifty days after the exodus from Egypt. This commemoration is the reason devout Jews from every nation had gathered together, including Jesus’ disciples. In Acts 1 the disciples receive their final instructions from the Risen Christ just before he ascends to heaven. Jesus again promises them that the Holy Spirit will come and, when that happens, the disciples will become witnesses to “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.” The disciples will start telling who Jesus is and why he matters right where they are, Jerusalem. However, they won’t stop there. They will keep spreading the Word, the gospel, further and further out, until all the earth knows the salvation story of Jesus. Chapter 1 foreshadows what is coming in our chapter for today. As soon as the Holy Spirit descends with a roar and a flame, the disciples start witnessing, in Jerusalem, to the people present from all the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit is on the loose and, through the first witnesses, the gospel will spread exponentially. The community of Jesus’ followers is about to expand and include all kinds of people who have never before been together. Theological Issues Two theological issues to lift up in this rich passage from Acts are 1. Jesus’ promise to the disciples has been fulfilled. God’s promises are trustworthy and sure. 2. Jesus came to save the world, reconciling human beings to God. The community of believers is expanding beyond all human boundaries. First of all, the promise has been fulfilled. Jesus promised his followers that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, would come after he went up to heaven. Acts 2 chronicles the Holy Spirit’s arrival. The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, that Jesus promised his followers just before his death, was to: • Help, teach, and guide the disciples; • Gift them with peace, courage, power, love, and knowledge; • Anoint them and speak through them; • Empower them to remember Jesus’ words and believe. In today’s verses all of those aspects of the Holy Spirit are evident: • The twelve are “taught” languages that they never knew before. • The Spirit speaks through them as they tell of God’s deeds of power. • Peter has the courage and ability to answer the question, “What does this mean?” • The disciples are anointed with wind and fire and made the witnesses Jesus told them they would be. The second theological issue not to be missed is the truth that Jesus was indeed sent to bring salvation to all the world. This small band of twelve has been entrusted with the message not simply for their own sake. They are to preach and teach so that others can receive the gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Along with Jesus’ instructions in Acts 1 about being witnesses starting in Jerusalem and not stopping until those at the ends of the earth know the salvation story, the Pentecost story is a foretaste of all that is to come in the rest of Acts—and in the rest of history! The Holy Spirit is poured out on all, just as the prophet Joel had stated. Not only do the disciples receive the Holy Spirit along with the faith, understanding, and belief the Holy Spirit gives, but also countless others do too. Medes, Parthians, Cretans, and Arabs hear God’s word in ways they can understand. No one is left out from God’s work through Jesus Christ. Leader Reflections • • As we read the story of Pentecost, it is important to recognize that there are many parts of it we can’t explain. But perhaps explanation is less important than a willingness to enter into the story and imagine what it was like to experience it. This is a good passage to encourage campers to use all their senses as they listen. In this Bible story are vivid descriptions of sounds and sights. Allow campers to paint the scene in their own minds and then to share with others what they saw, heard, and felt.

• • Once they have had an opportunity to hear the story in a fresh way, explore the different characters in the text. Ask campers to consider: What might it have been like to be one of the disciples? Peter? or those in the crowd? Talking about each of these perspectives invites different questions. Invite campers who see themselves as one of the disciples to consider if the promised Holy Spirit came as they expected. If campers envision themselves as Peter, ask them how they would answer the crowd’s question: “What does this mean?” Don’t leave out the crowd. What do they need in order to hear and understand about Jesus?

• • This reading invites you to talk about what it means to be a witness for Jesus Christ and the importance of God’s ever-expanding community. Who are those who have yet to hear the good news? What language do we need to speak in order for them to understand? If Jesus tells his followers that they will be witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth, where are those places for us? Maybe Jerusalem is this week at camp. Judea could be their home or school, Samaria their community, and the ends of the earth, well, anywhere! Spend some time talking about where those places are and how the Holy Spirit is sending us there. Remind them that they can trust the Holy Spirit to be with them and to give them what they need to be Christ’s witnesses wherever they are.

Power Up to Imitate Christ 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 The Story If the Web had been around in the apostle Paul’s day, he would have used it. Paul used whatever means of communication were available to him to spread the gospel. When he could not be with people face to face, he wrote letters. Today’s verses come from Paul’s letter to the early Christian community of Thessalonica. After his traditional greeting of grace and peace, Paul tells believers in Thessalonica how thankful he and the other leaders in the faith are for them. He assures them that they are not forgotten. Even though Paul cannot be there in person, he makes it clear that he remains connected to the church at Thessalonica through prayer. The heart of these verses comes with verse 4 when Paul writes, “We know, brothers and sisters…” Paul emphatically lifts up to those hearing the letter that they are chosen by God. How else would they have come to believe the message of Jesus Christ? Further, they experienced Paul and those with him as faithful in the most difficult of circumstances. Not only that, in the midst of persecution the Thessalonians then imitated Paul’s example of faithfulness. And, finally, their faith was so great they themselves converted others through their example. Paul commends the Thessalonians while pointing to the source of their model beliefs and behavior: the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit enabling both Paul and the Thessalonians to be imitators of Jesus Christ. Paul “posts a Facebook status”: Wishing I was in Thessalonica but know my brothers and sisters there are following my example and living like Jesus. Keep it up! The Story’s Context Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is believed to be the oldest document in the New Testament. It is also one of Paul’s most pastoral letters, with his deep concerns for the new converts in Thessalonica coming through, verse after verse. Paul was not able to stay long in Thessalonica. In Acts 17:1-9 we learn some important details about Paul’s quick departure. When Paul and his companions arrived in Thessalonica, they went to the synagogue, which was their normal practice. They preached and shared the gospel. According to the account in Acts, some Jews received the news of Jesus Christ and believed, as did some Greeks. However, other Jews were so offended by Paul’s message that they began to riot. The mob went in search of Paul and Silas; and when they did not find them, they dragged out Jason, the man who had been hosting the apostles. The crowd and the city officials were “thrown into turmoil” by Paul’s evangelism. In the face of this uproar Paul and Silas had to flee Thessalonica, unable to nurture those newly converted to Christianity. Paul was keenly aware that those new to the faith are vulnerable. They might be swayed by false teachings, revert to old ways, or misinterpret the gospel message. Hence, Paul wrote this letter to the new church at Thessalonica. These verses are part of the larger goal of encouraging, instructing, and nurturing this fledgling faith community. Background Letters written in Paul’s day would have been read aloud to all the believers when they were gathered for worship. The church at Thessalonica would have been eager to hear Paul’s words. They were a small, fragile community, and vulnerable to the same persecution that Paul and Silas experienced when they visited the city. Paul’s warm tone of care expresses his sincere desire that this small community continue to thrive despite real and dangerous challenges to their existence. The entirety of the letter expands on the themes present in today’s verses: • Imitate others who are faithful. Look to Paul and others in the community who are living the faith they have been taught by God. (There is a unique Greek word likely coined by Paul and found only in 1 Thessalonians 4:9 that is translated “the God- taught-ones.” Paul uses this term to describe the faithful of Thessalonica. They are “the God-taught-ones” and therefore should live out what it is they have been taught.) • Remain faithful even in the face of persecution. The phrase “encourage one another” is repeated frequently in the letter. As a minority group in a larger, hostile culture, upholding one another and remaining united are critical. • God’s faithfulness to them is certain. God will not abandon them; and as they imitate Christ, they are promised unity with Christ now and forever in heaven. Paul wants to stress his solidarity with the Thessalonians even though he is absent from them. He shares in their joys and also in their suffering. Paul, in imitating Christ, does not abandon them. They, in imitating Paul, encourage, instruct, and support one another. Theological Issues These four verses pack a theological punch. Paul includes several key concepts that are critical for Christians: • Being loved and chosen by God. We are not believers in Jesus by accident. • The role of the Holy Spirit in spreading the gospel and in people accepting it. • The important role of witnesses telling the good news. How are people to believe if they do not hear? • Being imitators first of Christ and then of those who faithfully follow him. • Each person’s call to be an example to others of what it looks like to believe and follow Jesus Christ. • The importance of Christian community in learning and growing in faith. In talking about this story with campers, it is important to lift up several of these themes. An awareness of whom we imitate and of what we model for others is central to today’s reading. Paul reminds his hearers that he is always pointing to Jesus. Paul imitates Jesus, and therefore others should imitate him. He also reminds the people of Thessalonica that he does none of this through his own abilities, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, which was given to him by God. There are two words that can shape your discussion with your campers: imitate and example. How do we imitate Christ? What example are we holding up for other Christians and for those who aren’t believers in Jesus Christ? Leader Reflections • • In exploring these verses with your campers, you have the advantage of being in a distinctively Christian community at camp. In this small group of Christians, Paul’s themes in his letter to Thessalonica can be modeled. You might ask, “How can we encourage one another while we are here?” Invite campers to give specific examples of when someone has been supportive. Point out that these are examples of faithfulness that we can imitate.

• • There are several phrases that you can share with campers to get at the idea that we are examples of Christianity to others. Ask them what it means that “you may be the only Bible someone else ever reads.” Or have them consider St. Francis Assisi’s declaration, “Preach the gospel always; when necessary, use words.”

• • The Greek word that is translated as “example” can also be translated “pattern.” What is the “pattern” of our lives? Talk with your campers about things that have patterns: quilts, puzzles, paintings, rugs. How do all the individual parts make up a whole image? If someone steps back and looks at our lives, what image do they see?

• • Given your campers’ context, invite them to think about the example they set in social media. In looking at their Facebook page or Instagram what is revealed? How about at yours? Imagine Paul’s selfies. What would he take pictures of and what would he say about them? How would they be representations of Christ to believers in Thessalonica and now? How are ours?

• • Don’t forget the important role of community in all of this. Paul doesn’t go it alone and neither can we. Paul emphasizes the need for fellow Christians to be united, to support, to teach, to encourage, and to love one another. Make sure to talk about how we do these things at camp, through the power of the Holy Spirit! Day 4

Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:16-26 The Story There is an old saying that goes something like this: “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Paul, in these verses addressed to the Galatians, is detailing the evidence of a life in Christ, which should be obvious to everyone we encounter if we are truly living Christian lives. Paul doesn’t bury the headline in today’s story. He starts with the most important instruction: Live by the Spirit. Then he compares and contrasts life in the Spirit versus life in the flesh. The distinctions between these two opposites are clear, and Paul leaves no room for doubt as to which choices followers of Jesus Christ are to make. Paul realizes that, even though the choice is obvious, it is not easy. The pull of wordly, human behaviors, of selfish desires is strong, but he assures the Galatians that the power of the Spirit is stronger. Paul wants to leave no room for ambiguity, so he lists those behaviors that reflect a life under the rule of the world and its values. Then he contrasts those behaviors with the ones that reflect a life lived in Jesus Christ. Paul, like a good parent, teacher, or counselor, makes expectations clear, better enabling those he is instructing to choose the right thing. Paul’s final word in today’s story reminds the Galatians of the most important truth: They belong to Jesus Christ. They have experienced an extreme make-over, a rebirth—the old life has passed away, and a new one has begun. They have been given the gift of God’s Spirit and, therefore, have the freedom to bear fruit that reveals the vine of which they are branches. Paul tweets: @Galatians_b Spirit-filled, not worldly. Bear fruit#love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. The Story’s Context Two words in today’s reading need to be unpacked: flesh and Spirit. This is a compare and contrast text, and it is important to understand what Paul is contrasting. For Paul, “flesh” represents worldly values. The Galatian Christians are a small minority living in the midst of a larger culture with radically different values from those of the Triune God. Then, as now, all kinds of selfish, hurtful, and community-destroying actions take place. Paul wants emphatically to tell believers that they are to have no part of those “desires of the flesh,” those “selfish desires.” Instead and by contrast, Christians are to live a life “by the Spirit.” Notice that “Spirit” is capitalized. It is God’s Spirit, the Advocate and Helper that Jesus promised his disciples, whom they are to follow. A life led by the Spirit is one that reflects God’s values, the very actions that Jesus demonstrated in his earthly ministry: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Today’s verses take place within Paul’s larger instruction to the Galatians about freedom. He is making it clear that Christians have the ability, through Christ and the Holy Spirit, to choose to live in ways that show forth the love of God. Freedom for Christ’s followers is not about self-gratification or doing whatever they wish. Freedom means being made free to live a life of loving service because they have been made righteous through Jesus Christ. In other words, through the power of the Spirit, they can be the people God has created them to be: good. This entire section of Paul’s letter points back to the very beginning of the epistle, demonstrating what a life in Jesus Christ “who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” looks like (Galatians 1:4). Background Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a pointed one. He is responding to specific problems in the Galatian church. Many of the believers in Galatia were former pagans, people worshiping the numerous gods of the Roman and Greek cultures, which is different from other early Christian communities, which were made up primarily of Jewish Christians who worshiped the one God. When these two very different groups came together, disputes erupted about what was required in order to follow Jesus. Some Jewish Christians contended that Gentiles (non-Jews) needed to first convert to Judaism in order to be Christian. Known as Judiazers, they argued that Gentiles first needed to be circumcised (the sign of being a part of the covenant community in Judaism) and then they could be baptized into the Christian community. In addition, they advocated that the Law of Moses needed to be followed by Christians. This included things such as observing the Sabbath and only eating certain foods. In this letter to the Galatians Paul is unwavering in his teaching that such Jewish requirements were not necessary for Christians. Earlier in the letter he writes, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Jesus Christ has fulfilled the law and made us one. The only law to which Christians are subject is the law of love. Theological Issues In talking with campers about this text, one of the challenges is making sense of what appears to be Paul’s radical dualism between “flesh” (“selfish desires”) and “Spirit.” A cursory reading of today’s verses might leave hearers thinking that Christians need to withdraw from the world and all its sinful behaviors and focus on being “spiritual.” Help campers understand the context and background of Paul’s letter to the Galatians—that Paul is writing to help build up a community that is in the midst of conflict within and dealing with negative influences from the larger culture surrounding it. Paul is listing actions that are hurtful to others and therefore to the community as a whole. It isn’t that Christians shun the world. Jesus became fully human in order to save God’s beloved world. Jesus’ followers are not to reject the very world for which Christ died. They are to be a part of that world, but they are to engage with it in radically different ways because they are followers of Jesus Christ. No longer are they to seek their own pleasure and gain. They are to seek what is best for others. No longer are they to seek power. They are to out-do one another in servant love. It is also critical to talk about the role of choice with your campers. What is the nature of the freedom we have in Christ? If it isn’t to do whatever we want, what is it? God has chosen us and given us the gift of the Spirit to help us live as we are called to live. However, we do have the ability to make choices, beginning with the decision to follow Christ. Discuss with campers the importance of making choices that reflect the One we follow and the impact those choices have on individuals and on the greater community. Leader Reflections • • Actions do speak louder than words, and sometimes our actions speak so loudly people can’t hear what we are saying about Jesus. Invite campers to give examples of when someone’s behavior drowned out what they were saying. Recent surveys have revealed that many young people are turned off by Christianity because they perceive it to be judgmental and exclusive. This perception certainly contrasts with the gospel of Jesus and with Paul’s words in this letter about there being no longer Jew or Greek, male or female, slave or free. So what’s going on? Are we being led by the Spirit or are we guided by desires of the flesh?

• • The works of the flesh that Paul lists may seem less obvious to us than they did to Paul’s hearers. Ask campers to think about things in our culture that tear communities apart. Then invite them to name things that build up others and the community. Do the “fruit” of the Spirit they list coincide with the fruit of the Spirit that Paul names? Were any left out? If so, why? Think together with your campers about which fruit are the most challenging for them to bear and then ask them to consider tending those fruit while they are at camp. Covenant to pray for one another and keep each other accountable.

• • Encourage campers to consider the following statement: What we truly believe shapes our daily choices. Then mentally review the choices, big and small, that they made today and ask them what those choices reveal about their beliefs.

• • Ask campers to consider the following question as they make choices the rest of the week at camp: What will I become as a result of this action?

• • If your campers signed a covenant before coming to camp, review it with them, thinking about the fruit of the Spirit listed in verses 22-23 of today’s reading. Ask, “How have we demonstrated those fruit so far this week? What impact has choosing to be patient, kind, and loving had on our camp community?” On our own, making good choices is not always easy, but with the Holy Spirit we have the power!

Power Up as One Community Ephesians 4:1-6 The Story Paul is a motivational speaker in today’s lesson. He is emphatically calling upon the recipients of this letter to live like who they are: those chosen and called by God. He goes on to tell them what it looks like to live as those called by God. There are outward characteristics that reveal that a person is a follower of Jesus Christ. Those called by God to follow Jesus Christ will exhibit the following traits, especially with their brothers and sisters in Christ. They will be humble, gentle, and patient. They will love one another even when it isn’t easy and when they may not feel very loving. They will work very hard at preserving the unity that has been won through Jesus Christ. That means living peacefully together. Then Paul offers the foundation for such living: They are chosen and called by the one God and Father of us all. That means that we are irrevocably connected to one another. This connection is further demonstrated in the fact that there is one body: the body of Jesus Christ, the church. There is one Spirit: the promised Advocate. There is one hope of our calling—God did not abandon us, but instead chose us. There is one Lord, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord of all. There is one faith, in Christ alone. There is one baptism that marked us as Christ’s own and made us part of the covenant community. All of this is through the one God, the creator and ruler of heaven and earth. With all this inseparable, God-given oneness, we must live in ways that make it evident, treating one another as the brothers and sisters in Christ that we are. Paul, in prison and unable to go to the Ephesians personally, could have sent the following text: Can’t get there. U must live as 1, in luv, b/c of JC. The Story’s Context and Background Ephesians 4:1-6 begins the second major part of this letter. This letter is general in that it does not address a specific issue or conflict. Scholars believe that it was meant to be a “circular letter” read to a variety of different churches, not just the church at Ephesus. It was likely written during a time in the early church when Christian communities were starting to divide and fragment. The letter assumes that Jews and Gentiles are together in Christian communities, but even so, the pull of breaking into different groups is strong. The writer of Ephesians wants to reestablish the basis of their life together, which is Jesus Christ, the one Lord who through his death and resurrection has united them as one. The whole of the letter calls the hearers back to that unshakable truth. Following today’s verses, the author makes it clear that unity is not uniformity. There is needed diversity within the one body, the church. Everyone has different gifts, but all are equal and all are called to use them for the purpose of building up the community with love. Theological Issues Who are you? This is a fundamental question that all of us ask others and ourselves. Today’s verses seek to provide Christians with the answer to that question. This text is about identity. It is also about identity formation, answering the question: What shapes who we are? Or, how do we become who we are meant to be? In answering the first question, the writer of Ephesians says that Christians are those whom Christ has called. But Christians are not only those who have been called (chosen), they are those to whom God has given a second calling. God first reaches out to us in love —claiming, naming, and calling us. Further, an additional calling (a vocation) comes with that claiming: We are to live out our identity in the world in ways that reveal who we are and Whose we are. Today’s text explores the nature of both kinds of callings. These verses have baptismal themes. Often a baptism begins with today’s verses from Ephesians and is followed by these words: Obeying the word of our Lord Jesus, and confident of his promises, we baptize those whom God has called. In baptism God claims us and seals us to show that we belong to God. God frees us from sin and death, uniting us with Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection. By water and the Holy Spirit, we are made members of the church, the body of Christ, and joined to Christ’s ministry of love, peace, and justice. (Book of Common Worship, pages 404–405) God has called us, and, even if we are not yet baptized, God is seeking us out in order to claim us. That is the foundation of our identity. We are God’s beloved children. But what about the second question: What makes us who we are? The simple answer is God —Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, we are also shaped by our daily actions. Ephesians 4:1-6 is an impassioned plea for us to live in ways that reflect our God-given identity. When we live in ways that maintain the unity of the Spirit, we continue to grow in our identity and mature in our faith. We are individually strengthened as the community is strengthened through our loving actions. This is the vocation part of the calling. Being called (chosen) is of the Spirit. Living out our calling (vocation) is of the Spirit too. Neither our identity nor our growing up and into that identity is possible without the gift of the Holy Spirit. However, we are responsible for whether or not we choose to live in ways that reflect our call. Leader Reflections • • In exploring today’s story with campers it is important to emphasize the practical application of these verses. These are “rubber meets the road” kinds of instructions that get at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus in our day-to-day lives. Things like humility, gentleness, and patience aren’t often traits that our culture values highly. And yet, they are the very qualities that show the world we are the body of Christ.

• • Take some time to discuss the qualities listed in verses 2 and 3. Ask, “When and how do we demonstrate them? When do we not bear one another in love?” Ask campers to share the ways people divide and separate themselves. Invite them to think about their own schools and youth groups. Ask, “Are people put (or put themselves) in various categories? What are they? Why do we do this so readily?”

• • Contrast our human tendency to split apart with Paul’s plea for unity. Ask, “How can we live in ways that show we are united and connected?” Talk openly about how unity is not the same as uniformity. Ask, “Are there ways we can disagree and still ‘maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?’ How should Christians handle conflict?”

• • Given all the connections with baptism in today’s text, you have the opportunity to talk about what baptism means. Acknowledge that not everyone may be baptized at this point, making sure that no one feels lesser because that is his or her situation. You could use the stories of Jesus’ baptism in the gospels as a way to talk about being called and having a calling.

• • Your campers may be a part of various groups that give them their identity: Boy or Girl Scouts, sports teams, schools. Use these groups as a way to talk about how the people and groups we associate with shape who we are and how we behave. Use their participation in these groups to talk about the church community. Ask, “How are those groups the same as our church community? How are they different?” Some campers may be able to recite the Boy Scout Law or motto. (A Boy Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous…and “Be Prepared!”) Based on today’s reading from Ephesians, what would the “law” and “motto” for Christians be?

Power Up with Courage 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14

The Story Today’s verses from 2 Timothy are written as a last testament, the final words of Paul, an unparalleled leader in the early church, to Timothy, his successor. Knowing that he will likely not see Timothy again, Paul wants to make sure he communicates what matters most. Like a climactic deathbed scene in a movie, everyone is leaning in to hear what Paul will say. Paul writes: Don’t take the gift of faith for granted. Timothy has received this gift of God, the gospel and belief in Jesus Christ, through his mother and grandmother. He has also received this gift of faith through Paul’s mentorship. Paul knows that even with this rich heritage Timothy can’t simply assume it. Faith is a gift from God, but Timothy must continuously receive and nurture that gift. Paul wants to make sure that Timothy recognizes what comes with God’s gift of faith in Jesus Christ. Timothy must work to follow Jesus—but he doesn’t need to rely solely on his own strength. He can be strengthened by his connection to the believers who taught him and to other faithful people around him. He can trust the spirit of power and love and self-discipline that inevitably comes with belief in the gospel. It is of the utmost importance that Timothy cling to the good news of Jesus Christ. If Timothy holds fast to the gospel, he will be equipped with the courage he needs to live it. As if pulling Timothy close to ensure he will hear and know, Paul tells Timothy: “Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). There is nothing more valuable than the Christ, the very word of God, and now, in preparation for when Paul is gone, Timothy is entrusted with guarding the “treasure” and sharing it with others. No doubt Timothy understands that carrying on Paul’s work of evangelism will be challenging. Paul recognizes how awesome this responsibility is. Therefore, he reminds Timothy of the source of his power and help: the unfailing Holy Spirit. Trusting the promise of the Holy Spirit will give Timothy a spirit of courage to do the work God has called him to do. Paul “posts on Timothy’s Facebook wall”: I’ve taught you all I know. It is time for you to take over. Never, ever forget: There is nothing more important than your faith in Jesus. God is all-powerful and loving and that very power and love is in you through the Holy Spirit! You need nothing else! The Story’s Context Our story in 2 Timothy takes place within a letter written to pass the mantle of leadership on to the next generation of church leaders. It is like parents giving advice to their child leaving for college, or a respected sage giving a graduation speech. Today’s verses are words that mark a significant transition in the lives of Paul and Timothy and in the life of the early church. Paul recognizes that a shift must take place—his student is about to become the teacher. In the chapters following today’s verses, Paul gives Timothy detailed instructions about how to live faithfully. Paul uses several images that are metaphors for being strong in the faith and claiming the spirit of courage within Timothy: Be like a good soldier, fully obedient to your commanding officer. Be like an elite athlete—train hard and play by the rules. Be like a farmer, sowing and tending the seeds, and then you will reap the harvest. Paul ends this list by instructing Timothy to trust that the Lord will help him understand all that Paul has written. Paul goes on to offer “dos” and “don’ts” of faithful living. He warns Timothy of potential threats to the treasure of God’s Word. He offers Timothy a clear charge that he summarizes with, “carry out your ministry fully” (2 Timothy 4:5). Paul, knowing that his time for training Timothy to be a Christian leader is coming to an end, writes what he thinks is critical for Timothy to remember. He then reminds Timothy, and perhaps himself, that the power of the Holy Spirit will take care of the rest. The church is in good hands because, even though the treasure is entrusted to Timothy and to us, ultimately, it is in God’s hands. Background Second Timothy was written during a time when the early church was experiencing change. Some issues had been settled, but new ones were surfacing. For example, how Gentiles were to be incorporated into the community had been resolved; but how to handle “false teachers” from within the community was hotly debated. Second Timothy is a means of addressing the threat of persons within the body of believers who were teaching something counter to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This background is relevant to us given that we still struggle with how to guard the “treasure” of God’s Word. Then, as now, Christians seek to discern what is acceptable behavior and what isn’t. As new situations arise, people of faith attempt to understand how scripture applies to those new circumstances. The writer of 2 Timothy wants to make sure that the leaders of the church stay true to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Knowing that the pull of other teaching is strong, the writer of 2 Timothy wants to make sure those in positions of leadership rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, whose power working in us is always stronger. Today’s text is a particular genre of scripture called “testament.” Paul, like pillars of the faith before him, is ensuring a successor so that the work of the faith will continue. Like Moses laying hands on Joshua, blessing him and entrusting him with carrying out God’s mission, Paul, through this letter, is passing on the mantle of leadership to Timothy. Theological Issues The main theological issue in today’s story is that of remaining true to the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter what the challenge. False teachings can come from the culture that surrounds the church or from within the church community itself. The source of counter- Christian teachings is irrelevant. All that counts for believers is holding fast to the truth that Jesus is Lord of all—and living accordingly. The issue is simply stated but not easily applied. Paul knew that those who remained faithful would suffer for the sake of the gospel, as he had. Paul knew that many false teachings were appealing and much easier to follow than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul knew that Timothy, and all who proclaimed the gospel, would face challenges and times of doubt and hardship—hence his insistence on clinging to the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline that comes from the unshakable Holy Spirit. The letter of 2 Timothy and its call to hold fast to sound teaching, thus guarding the treasure of our faith, is wholly relevant for your campers. Our global, pluralistic, hyper-connected, digital world bombards us with every manner of teaching and idea. Simply sorting through the massive amount of data, let alone discerning its value and relationship to Christian teaching, is a mammoth challenge. How do we use the teachings of Jesus to help us filter all the information that is instantly available to us? Further, how do we then live in ways that demonstrate what we know to be true about God and ourselves? These are no small tasks! That is why it is critical to lift up Paul’s final words to Timothy as a model for us. Claim the promise for yourself and for your campers that the Holy Spirit is within us. Remind your campers, the next generation of leaders in the faith, that they have been given all they need to follow Jesus Christ: the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Leader Reflections • • Since today’s story is a testament in which Paul passes on the responsibilities of leadership to Timothy, consider with campers times when they have marked an important transition. For younger campers it could be when they started school or moved from one grade to the next. Ask them to think about how their parents and teachers prepared them for those next phases of their lives. What were they told about how to act and what was expected of them? Older campers who have been through confirmation or believer’s baptism could think about how that experience relates to today’s text. What new responsibilities come with choosing to unite with the church? How were they recognized as leaders? What gifts were they given and what did those literal gifts symbolize?

• • Some of your campers will no doubt have experienced the death of a loved one. They may know of the final words of someone and want to share them, which is appropriate in light of today’s verses. Recalling such an occurrence can be profound, but also painful. Welcome the campers’ insights, but be mindful of when continuing the talking away from the group setting is appropriate.

• • The relevance of 2 Timothy for your campers is striking. With all they are exposed to on any given day, today’s story is an opportunity to speak candidly about how not all “teachings” are equal. Your campers are always living in the tension of embracing the diversity of a radically pluralistic culture and holding fast to Christian teachings. Invite campers to talk about this tension. How do we follow Jesus Christ exclusively, without being exclusive of others?

• • Consider looking at gospel stories in which Jesus encounters those who are outside his circle of followers. Examples would be Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the rich young ruler, Zacchaeus, Jairus (John 3:1-21, John 4, Matthew 19:16-22, Luke 19:1- 10, Luke 8:41). Note how Jesus remains steadfast in his message and mission but does not demand that others join him. He is responsive, compassionate, and invitational. What can campers learn from Jesus’ example?

• • Finally, assure campers that they are not alone in sorting out this complexity! God has given them, no less than Paul and Timothy, the spirit of power and love and self-discipline that comes from the Holy Spirit that is within them. This Spirit gives them courage. Explore scenarios when they have felt empowered to say or do something. Perhaps they have stood up for someone being bullied. Maybe they have raised money for charity or participated in a mission trip or service project. Encourage your campers to share how they felt God in those experiences and the ways they demonstrated Jesus’ teachings. Help them recognize the Holy Spirit in those instances.

Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go John 20:19-23 The Story Jesus has risen! Just as Jesus promised, he was raised by God on the third day and even death cannot contain him. In today’s story the risen Jesus visits his closest friends. It is Sunday evening and the disciples are gathered together behind locked doors. Imagine how traumatized and afraid they must be. Their leader, their friend, has been publically killed. They are without his guidance, his care, his presence. They are afraid that the ones who killed Jesus will now come after them, Jesus’ followers. This is how we find the disciples in today’s story, huddled and hiding, terrified of what might happen next. All of a sudden, into this room of fear and sadness, walks Jesus. Can it possibly be Jesus? Jesus walks into the middle of his anything-but-peace-filled friends and says: “Peace be with you”—better than any tweet, text, or posting. There is nothing they needed more in that moment than the living presence, power, and peace of Christ! Then, so that there is no doubt it really is him, Jesus shows the disciples the wounds in his hands and side. Finally, the disciples rejoice. Jesus really is alive! Alleluia! Now, in the midst of their joy, Jesus again says, “Peace be with you.” This time, along with the gift of peace, he gives them a job to do. He commissions them, saying, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Jesus gives his friends the gift of his peace and the task of continuing his mission, and he equips them by giving them his very Spirit. Breathing on them with the breath of life he, says, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:22b-23). They are to continue Jesus’ work of forgiveness and healing; and now, by receiving the Holy Spirit, they have the power to do that work. The Context of the Story The story for today is the second of four resurrection appearances of Jesus in John’s gospel. In each of the resurrection appearances Jesus reminds the disciples that his resurrection is a fulfillment of what he promised. Further, Jesus uses this time after his resurrection and before his ascension to heaven to commission and empower his disciples to continue his work in the world. These verses are the beginning of the church, the community of believers led by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel. The role of the disciples in Jesus’ earthly absence will get repeated in the final resurrection appearance in John. Jesus will tell Peter to feed and tend to Jesus’ sheep. Feeding and tending Jesus’ flock will demonstrate love for Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The resurrection stories in John emphasize the fact that the risen Christ is the same person as the crucified Jesus. Jesus shows his wounds in two of the four stories. Additionally, John wants his readers to know that Jesus is truly alive. He speaks, he walks, he eats with his friends. All of this makes it evident that Jesus’ word is trustworthy and God fulfills God’s promises. Background Some texts from the Old Testament inform today’s story. Jesus breathing on the disciples echoes two stories in the Hebrew scriptures: 1. The Creation story of Genesis 2 when God creates man out of dust and breathes life into him. 2. The story of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 when Ezekiel is instructed to prophesy to the dry bones and God breathes the breath of life into them and they live.

Genesis 2:7 reads, “Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed in his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.” From the very beginning it is God’s breath that has the power to give life. In Ezekiel 37 the prophet is led to a valley of dry bones. Ezekiel says, “There were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry” (verse 3). God asks him if the bones can live. Ezekiel rightly responds that only God knows the answer to that question. God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones; and when he does, the bones begin to come to life. God tells him to prophesy to the breath, “Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live” (verse 9b). It is then “they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude” (verse 10b). These two Old Testament stories inform our understanding of today’s story. The breath of God is the breath of life. When God breathes on dust, on dry bones, on weary and fearful disciples, something powerful and life-giving happens. The breath of the Risen Christ gives resurrection life to his disciples; they are “born again” and made ready to do God’s work in the world. Theological Issues The main theological issue to address with campers is the truth that the Holy Spirit bestows God’s transformative power. This is at the core of the gospel message. Jesus meets us where we are, but does not leave us there. These verses can be the jumping off point to a discussion of the radical, life-giving nature of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. It is important to get at the desperate situation in which we find the disciples in today’s text. They are absolutely heart-broken and afraid. They have no idea what they will do, where they will go, or how they will live now that Jesus is dead. Linger a little bit with this hopelessness because it is important to recognize the total turnaround that happens when Jesus enters the room. Into hopeless, desperate, life-draining circumstances Jesus enters and gives those he finds peace and power through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Mourning turns to joy. Fear is replaced with peace. Hopelessness is transformed into courage made evident in action. But where does forgiveness fit into this metamorphosis? Of all the things Jesus could say at this pivotal point in the story, why does he give his followers the power to forgive sin? Jesus, through his Holy Spirit-giving breath, passes on to the disciples his mission and the power to do it. This ability to forgive was often what got Jesus in trouble with the religious authorities. They wanted to know who in the world he thought he was. Only God has the power to forgive sin. Well, yes, and Jesus is the Son of God. Now, with the life-giving breath of God given to the disciples, they too have that power. What an awesome thought! Those who have received the Holy Spirit have received the very power of God, including the power of forgiveness. The power of forgiveness allows us to start again, no matter how desperate our past or present circumstances. God’s forgiveness brings life no less than when God breathed on dust or blew through the valley of dry bones. The power to extend God’s forgiveness to others brings life and wholeness no less than when Jesus healed the paralytic and said, “Your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5; Matthew 9:2; Luke 5:20), or when he prevented the woman from being stoned and told her, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11, KJV). Such is the assurance we have with the gift of the Holy Spirit: Our sins are forgiven. We are free to live certain of God’s grace and power, and we are given the life-giving power to forgive others. Leader Reflections • • Given that this is the last day of camp, it is important to reflect not just on today’s story but also on the entire week of stories, events, and experiences. Since this is a text about transformation, invite campers to talk about how they have changed over the course of their time at camp. Compare how they felt on the first day with how they are feeling now. What will they take away from this week and put into practice at home? At school? In the world?

• • Many campers will be excited to be going home. For others, the highlight of their year will be their camp experience. Most will likely have a combination of these feelings. Today’s story allows you to assure all of your campers that, no matter how they feel about camp ending or where they go from here, they do not go alone. Assure them that the peace-giving, power-giving, help- giving Holy Spirit goes with them.

• • In exploring the story for today, give campers a chance to talk about what frightens them. When do they find themselves anxious and maybe even wanting to hide? Does starting something new cause them stress? Are there relationships that are in need of healing? Allow for honest discussion, honoring whatever it is they share.

• • Ask them what gives them a sense of peace. Invite them to tell about those activities, Bible stories, or people who have helped them experience Christ’s peace this week. Encourage them to remember these things during challenging times after they return home. Remind them they are not alone when they need to stand up for others or for making a difference in the world.

• • End the week by giving your campers a charge: Receive the Holy Spirit. You are never alone or without help. You have been given power, peace, and courage. Go and live in ways that show the world who and Whose you are! YOUNGER CHILDREN Day 1: Power Up with the Promise of Peace Key Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” —John 14:27 Scripture: John 14:25-27 Focus: Jesus promises the gift of peace through the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Are you ready to receive it? Connection to Campers: “Do not be afraid.” These words of Jesus will speak directly to many campers on the first day of camp. Many are going from home to sleep-away camp for the first time. The new routines of camp life may seem scary at first. Be upbeat, hopeful, and encouraging today as these fears emerge. Ask campers what kinds of activities they do at home and make connections to what is happening at camp. For example, if a camper says, “At home we say grace before a meal,” say, “At camp we sing our grace together.” Do what you can to make the transition from home to camp as smooth as possible. Leader Notes: Prepare by reading the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 1. This age will have some trouble understanding the Holy Spirit as Advocate. That’s an awfully big word for someone so small. Explain that an advocate is “someone who stands up for you.” Many schools now teach bullying prevention, using this type of language. Making those connections will help campers come to understand today’s scripture reference to the Advocate. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Learning about the Advocate

Peace Pledge

EXPERIENCE Peace Train

_ Prayer Path

_ Peace Pole

_ Spirit of Peace Wind Chimes

EXPRESS Evening Worship

Cabin Devotions . EXPLORE .

Learning about the Advocate Read today’s scripture aloud. Jesus teaches us that the Advocate will come to give us peace. The word “advocate” will likely not be familiar to your campers. One way to explain is to say that the Advocate is “the one who speaks up for us, the one who leads us to peace.” Encourage campers to tell about occasions when people spoke up for them (or for others they know) when they were in trouble, afraid, or needed encouragement. After a few brief examples, make the connection for the campers that these people are advocates, and one way Jesus talked about the Holy Spirit was as the Advocate, one who speaks up for us and reminds us of what Jesus teaches us. Reread today’s verses, pointing out to campers that, if they have the Holy Spirit’s power, they too can be advocates for others. Use the following situations to help campers understand the role of an advocate. Invite volunteers to act out one or more of these scenes, then ask: “What would an advocate do?” • A friend is being bullied on the playground • A classmate steals from another student’s desk • Your younger sibling is crying in bed because he or she is afraid of the dark After the discussion, close by saying, “The Holy Spirit is a spiritual advocate teaching us about God, calming our fears, and allowing us to feel peace in our hearts. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can live in ways that help others. We can live in ways that are peaceful.” Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e

Peace Pledge Creating a more peaceful world is a goal that many people strive toward. Children can understand the need for a world free of fighting and fear. Help them know that God’s Holy Spirit can lead them to peace. Read John 14:27. (“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”) Invite the campers to decorate—using paint, markers, or crayons—a large banner that reads, “Peace Zone.” Introduce today’s symbol, the peace sign, and invite the artists to include it in their decorating. Hang the banner in a prominent place. Ask campers to create a pledge—words they can use—to remind them to be peaceful with one another, working out any problems without resorting to tattling or yelling. Use something simple, such as “I pledge to…” Write out the peace pledge on a large sheet of paper and post it. Have the group recite their pledge. Later, if arguments occur, reference the peace pledge; encourage and help campers to resolve any conflict peacefully. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: L a r g e b a n n e r w i t h “ P e a c e Z o n e ” w r i t t e n o n i t , m a r k e r s o r c r a y o n s ( o r p a i n t s , b r u s h e s , a n d c l e a n u p s u p p l i e s ) , l a r g e s h e e t o r r o l l o f p a p e r , t a p e o r s t r i n g f o r h a n g i n g t h e b a n n e r a n d p l e d g e

. EXPERIENCE .

Peace Train One person is the locomotive and does his or her best imitation of an engine (chugging, piston-turning arms, steam whistle, and so on) around the group in a circle. The engine stops in front of someone and introduces himself or herself and invites that person to join the peace train. That person must respond with his or her name and attach to the locomotive, which chugs off again, this time repeating the name of the new person in chugging-style (“Mary! Mary! Mary! Mary!...) until the train stops at a new person and the pattern repeats. Vary the game by having the engine become the caboose and the next person in the peace train be the engine. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Prayer Path Often God’s Holy Spirit speaks to people when they are quiet. When we aren’t distracted, we can focus attention on spiritual thoughts. Help campers overcome their distraction and create a sacred space. This activity will focus on working together on a prayer path. Take a walk around camp to gather objects from nature, being careful to take only inanimate or already-dead things (such as leaves, twigs, and so forth) found on the ground. Once the group has enough materials to define their space, choose a spot that won’t be disturbed by others. Allow campers to use their creativity to create a path for prayer. They might, for example, create a spiral or a circle or weave a path through several trees or other spots of beauty and inspiration. Ask questions such as: “What makes this space special to you? What makes it special to God? How would you explain your special place to a stranger? Once the prayer path is completed to the group’s satisfaction, spend time listening for God’s voice in this special place. Perhaps sing the chorus, “(We are Standing on) Holy Ground,” as a blessing over the path. Invite the campers to come to the prayer path as they choose. Remind everyone that when someone is on the path, others need to respect that as sacred time and a place of peace. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , M u s i c a l Supplies: S t i c k s , r o c k s , a n d o t h e r o b j e c t s g a t h e r e d f r o m n a t u r e

Peace Pole Leader Notes: Have you seen peace poles in public parks or at churches? They are part of an international movement called “The Peace Pole Project” to visualize and pray for world peace. Each pole is inscribed with the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. They can be found in over a 180 countries around the world. If your camp has a peace pole, take your campers for a walk to see it. Otherwise, browse the Internet for images to print and show to campers. Campers will take a stand for peace by creating painted peace poles and planting them in the ground. Acquire pine stakes from your local lumberyard—one for each camper, if possible. (Or each stake can be shared between two campers. Stand up the stake and invite two campers to work on opposite sides, peacefully, to decorate their peace pole.) Offer a variety of paint supplies and let creativity flow. Direct campers to include today’s symbol, the peace sign, in what they paint. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: P a i n t s , p a i n t b r u s h e s , c l e a n u p s u p p l i e s , 1 i n c h x 2 i n c h e s x 2 f e e t u n t r e a t e d s t a n d a r d p i n e s t a k e s

Spirit of Peace Wind Chimes What is more peaceful than the sound of wind chimes on the breeze? Help campers make their own nature-inspired chimes using a few simple items found outdoors. Have campers gather fallen sticks that are about 6–12 inches long and some of their favorite rocks or shells from around camp. Feel free also to include items that can be recycled, such as jar lids or small cans. Using recyclable materials creates an opportunity to talk about this important way to care for God’s creation. Find a table where campers can assemble their items into wind chimes, using yarn and glue. (Leader Notes: If using small cans, be safety conscious so no one gets cut on a sharp edge. Also, for safety reasons, it would be wise to punch holes in cans or jar lids in advance.) Help campers by providing the following directions: 1. Attach yarn to the center of the stick from which to hang the stick horizontally. 2. Tie several smaller pieces of yarn to the stick that hang from it. 3. Choose the rocks, shells, cans, etc., that will become the chimes. 4. Next, wrap the yarn around these pieces and tie or secure with glue. 5. Allow the glue to dry for a few hours before hanging the chimes. The chimes can accompany campers to evening worship for use during songs. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / k i n e s t h e t i c , N a t u r a l i s t , M u s i c a l Supplies: S t i c k s , r o c k s , s h e l l s , r e c y c l a b l e i t e m s s u c h a s j a r l i d s o r s m a l l c a n s , y a r n ( o r s t r i n g ) , g l u e , t o o l f o r p u n c h i n g h o l e s i n t o c a n s ( i f u s e d ) . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Holy Ground” (chorus), Geron Davis “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Hymn “Hymn of Promise,” Natalie Sleeth “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” Traditional “What a Wonderful World,” Louis Armstrong “One Day,” Matisyahu “Peace Train,” Cat Stevens EVENING WORSHIP Sing songs that focus on God’s peace. The mood should be one of peaceful reflection and hopeful expectation. Allow campers to bring their “Spirit of Peace” wind chimes to add to the music. Read John 14:25-27 aloud. Every time campers hear the word “peace,” they are to whisper “peace” to a person sitting nearby. Bring out today’s symbol, the peace sign. Say, “Jesus promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit was coming to bring peace. Peace has power. Peace brings people together. Peace helps us work through our problems. Peace comforts us when we are afraid.” If possible, play the song “One Day.” Have campers stand up and point to the sky when they hear the phrase “one day.” Or, tell campers that in this litany they will say “one day” to finish what the leader says and, each time they do, they are to stand up and point to the sky: Leader: Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit would come… All: …one day. Leader: The Holy Spirit has come to us all as we look toward… All: …one day. Leader: But we aren’t going to wait around for peace… All: …one day. Leader: We are going to create peace together... All: …one day. Leader: Because one day begins today! After this liturgy, the group will participate in a hands-on prayer for peace using sky lanterns. Present each cabin counselor with a sky lantern and lighter for that cabin group before the worship service. Sky lanterns are a biodegradable alternative to fireworks. They are miniature hot air balloons that float and light up the sky. At this time, prompt campers and counselors to assemble and light each sky lantern. Release them into the night sky and pray for peace. (Leader Note: Be sure to show counselors in advance how to handle the sky lanterns safely.) Play the “One Day” song quietly as campers are dismissed to their cabins, or leave singing one of the other songs listed. Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : r e c o r d i n g a n d d e v i c e t o p l a y i t ) , o n e s k y l a n t e r n a n d li g h t e r f o r e a c h c a b i n , c a m p e r s ’ w i n d c h i m e s

CABIN DEVOTIONS Present each camper with an art notebook that will include a page for each day of camp. Take a few minutes to allow campers to draw images of what peace looks like to them. Share the drawings with the group. The promise of peace extends to this evening’s rest time. Turn off the lights and allow campers to use flashlights during a time of prayer. Say to them, “If there are problems in your life that need God’s peace, turn on your flashlight and point it to the sky while we pray.” Spend time in prayer, inviting any campers to speak out loud the concerns on their hearts. As you help each camper to bed, read Psalm 4:8, “I will both lie down and sleep in peace; / for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.” Personalize the prayer for each camper by changing the word “I” in the scripture to that camper’s name (for example, “Jamie will both lie down and sleep in peace”). Supplies: B i b l e ; f l a s h l i g h t s ; a r t j o u r n a l s f o r e a c h c a m p e r ; d r a w i n g s u p p l i e s s u c h a s p e n s , p e n c i l s , m a r k e r s , c r a y o n s

YOUNGER CHILDREN Day 2: Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit Key Verse: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak. —Acts 2:4 (CEB) Scripture: Acts 2:1-6 (CEB) Focus: The Holy Spirit comes to the disciples, and they are empowered to speak many languages so that all can understand the message of God’s love. Campers learn that they too have the power to share the good news with others. Connection to Campers: Today is your campers’ first full day at camp. Usually, this day is accompanied by a mood of celebration, a feeling that the fun is just beginning. Harness that energy to help campers connect with the joy of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Have campers dress in red clothing today if possible. Red is a great visual reminder of the Holy Spirit! Leader Notes: To prepare for leading your campers, read through the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 2. As you read and discuss with campers the Holy Spirit, be mindful of the words you use. Try to refrain from using the pronoun “it.” Instead, use the many biblical names, such as Advocate, Comforter, Teacher, Companion, Counselor, Spirit of Jesus, or God’s Spirit. These help younger campers connect with the person of the Holy Spirit rather than a supernatural force that is hard for young minds to comprehend. Also, be careful of the term “Holy Ghost,” which is used in many churches. This image can be scary and confusing, especially for younger campers. If need be, carefully explain that words change meaning over time and that the word “Spirit” is what we will be using this week. Keep the conversation open to questions and focused on the biblical text. For some younger campers, the idea of fire or flames on people’s heads is frightening. If need be, dispel those fears by reminding campers that the disciples were not harmed. This was God’s fire, and it was a special way of showing them they were chosen. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Campfire Spirit

Acting Out

EXPERIENCE Paint the Flames

Prayer Flags

The Candle That’s Hard to Blow Out

Spirit Pinwheels

Language of Love

Get Ready to Celebrate

EXPRESS Morning Worship

Evening Worship

Campfire Spirit Find a spot near a campfire or campfire ring if your camp has one. This is great place to tell the story of the Pentecost. Ask campers to share what they like about having a campfire. (Examples: “I like the smell,” or “I like gathering around it with friends.”) If campers seem shy, it might be helpful for leaders to tell what they like best about campfires first. Preface today’s scripture by saying, “The Holy Spirit seems to like fires too. In fact, in the Bible Christians even saw the Spirit in a fire. Let’s read from Acts 2 to hear more.” Introduce the story by reminding the campers that the disciples were waiting for the Advocate that Jesus had promised to send them. Read Acts 2:1-6. Walk the group through the scripture again to make sure they grasp what happened and have a sense of its importance. Ask questions such as these: • Who are the two groups in this story? (They are the disciples and people in the crowd.) • What do these groups have in common? (They have come for the great religious festival of Pentecost.) • What separates them? (They speak different languages.) • What does the fact that the crowd could all understand the disciples tell us about God’s Spirit? (The Holy Spirit helps people understand and be together.) • Who do you think the disciples were telling about when they were speaking in other languages? (Jesus is the answer; however, some campers may say “God.” A good way to expand on that is to point out that ultimately the disciples were telling about God’s great love for humanity as shown through Jesus.) Point out that the Holy Spirit helped the disciples “power up”—instead of being afraid and hiding, they were speaking out and showing people God’s love. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e Acting Out Help the campers get into the story a little more by acting it out together. Put together some fun props for this skit, such as red scarves, burlap for clothing, ethnic costumes from other cultures, and so forth, to help campers act out the scripture. Ask: “Who would like to be a disciple? Who would like to be a Jewish visitor to Jerusalem? Who would like to act out the Spirit’s part?” Campers can use their creativity to dress and mimic the actions in the story. Reread the story together as the actions bring life to the words. After the group has acted out the story, spend some time debriefing the activity. Ask: • How do you think the disciples felt when the Spirit came? • Did it seem like any of the people knew what was going on? If so, which ones? • What is your favorite part of the story? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e ; s k i t p r o p s s u c h a s r e d s c a r v e s , e t h n i c c o s t u m e s , a n d c l o t h i n g o f b u r l a p o r l a r g e s h i r t s a n d s c a r v e s f o r b e l t s o r h e a d d r e s s e s

. EXPERIENCE .

Paint the Flames In this exciting project, pinecones are dipped in substances that react with a campfire to turn the flames into beautiful colors. Have campers collect pinecones from off the ground (do not allow them to pick them from trees) and bring them to the dipping place. You will need one bucket for each of the three colors. Pour enough water into each bucket to completely immerse all the campers’ pinecones. Stir in the following colorants (one per bucket): Epsom salts, potassium chloride (a salt substitute found in the spice section), and Borax (sold as 20 Mule Team Borax laundry booster in grocery stores) until nothing more can be dissolved in water. Allow campers to help with set up and stirring. Remember, camp should be hands on, not a spectator sport. Soak the pinecones in their various buckets completely for several minutes. Afterward, place them in the sun to dry for a few hours. Gather them up after they have dried and bring together your group for an evening campfire. Later, at the campfire, remember to keep safety in mind as you do this activity. Keep the group at a safe distance from the fire and carefully allow campers a chance to drop or gently toss their pinecones into the flames. As the flames change color, prompt campers to chant, “Come, Holy Spirit!” See what colors appear. Epsom salts should burn white; Borax will burn a yellowish green; and potassium chloride will burn purple. This activity is a beautiful and meaningful way to remember today’s Bible story. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: T h r e e b u c k e t s , w a t e r , E p s o m s a l t s , B o r a x l a u n d r y b o o s t e r , p o t a s s i u m c h l o r i d e ( s a l t s u b s t i t u t e a v a i l a b l e i n t h e s p i c e a i s l e ) , s t i c k s o r o t h e r u t e n s i l s f o r s t i r r i n g , p i n e c o n e s , c a m p f i r e ( a n d a s a f e , a p p r o p r i a t e s i t e f o r i t )

Prayer Flags How do you pray? In the country of Tibet, people often use prayer flags to help them talk to God. Prayer flags are colorful strips of cloth with a prayer written on them. As a group, discuss what your hopes and prayers are for camp this week. Ask, “What can we pray for together?” Make a list and have each camper decorate a simple prayer flag. Use cut-up triangles of bed sheets to fashion prayer flags. After the flags are created, have a prayer parade through the camp with everyone flying the flags. Designate a place that is frequently visible around camp to display the flags. Remind the group of the scripture and that wind is one way to think about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Tell the group that, as the wind blows through the flags, they can think of God’s Holy Spirit receiving their prayers. At the end of the week, take down the flags and talk together about answers to prayer. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: W h i t e b e d s h e e t s c u t a h e a d o f t i m e i n t o p e n n a n t - s h a p e d t r i a n g l e s , m a r k e r s o r p a i n t s a n d b r u s h e s t o d e c o r a t e a n d a d d p r a y e r s t o t h e f l a g s The Candle That’s Hard to Blow Out Part of today’s lesson is to help campers celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and know the Advocate is always with us. For this activity, refer to today’s symbol, which is the candle. Acquire two candles, one a regular birthday candle and the other a trick candle that keeps burning even when blown out. Light the regular candle. Say, “The Holy Spirit came to the disciples, shown as flames above each person. I wonder if they thought the Spirit would leave them.” Blow out the candle. Ask: “What do you think?” Allow campers time to share their thoughts. Next, light the trick candle. Say, “What the disciples didn’t know was that the Holy Spirit would be with them always.” Ask volunteers to blow out this candle. Give everyone a chance to put out the flame. Say, “The Holy Spirit, our Advocate, our Comforter, is a bright flame inside us that nothing can put out. Jesus promised us and we celebrate that promise coming alive in us. We also celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit as the birthday of the church.” Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: O n e r e g u l a r b i r t h d a y c a n d l e , o n e t r i c k b i r t h d a y c a n d l e t h a t i s h a r d t o e x t i n g u i s h , m a t c h e s

Spirit Pinwheels The scripture today says the Spirit came to the disciples in the wind. Celebrate the Spirit of Pentecost by making pinwheels that spin in the wind. Assist the campers with these steps. (Leader Note: Mark the squares in advance, or assist the campers to do so before they cut.) 1. Cut a 4-inch x 4-inch square out of a piece of red paper. 2. Draw two diagonal lines from corner to opposite corner. Where the two cross is the center of the paper square. Mark it with a small dot, and surround it with a circle the size of the end of your thumb. 3. Cut along each diagonal line toward the center circle. Do not cut into the circle. After the cuts, there will be eight points on the outer edges of the paper. 4. Use a hole punch or pin to punch a hole through every other point (for safety, do this for them)—a total of four points. Gently fold —no creases—the holes on the outer edge of the pinwheel to line up with the dot in the center. Those points with the holes will overlap each other and the center dot. 5. Push a pin (again, counselors should do this step for safety) through them to hold everything together (do this for them). 6. Push the pin into the side of a pencil eraser or straw (do this for them). 7. Decorate the handle of the pinwheel with red and orange ribbons. Celebrate the joy of Pentecost by bringing pinwheels to use during music at worship. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: R e d p a p e r , r u l e r s , p e n c i l s , s a f e t y s c i s s o r s , r e d o r o r a n g e p u s h p i n s , p e n c i l s o r s t r a w s f o r p i n w h e e l h a n d l e s , r e d a n d o r a n g e r i b b o n s

Language of Love Leader Note: Are there any campers in your group who are bilingual? This is an activity in which they can shine. Ask campers: “How do you feel when you can’t understand what other people are saying to you?” Share stories in the group about times when people couldn’t understand each other—perhaps they heard something incorrectly and that caused problems, or perhaps they simply spoke different languages and didn’t know what each other was trying to say. Tell the group that today’s story is about a time when people didn’t understand about Jesus. They came from many different places and spoke different languages. Through God’s gift of the Holy Spirit the disciples were suddenly able to tell about Jesus in those many different languages, and everyone there understood that God loved them! Help campers experience this story through learning how to say, “God loves you,” in languages other than English. If you have any bilingual campers or counselors, allow them to teach the group how to say, “God loves you” in their language. Here are a few examples: In Spanish, it is: “Dios tea ma.” In French it is, “Dieu vous aime.” (Leader Note: You can find many other languages by doing an online search.) Allow campers to each choose a translation to practice. Once campers have memorized their various phrases, try to re-enact Pentecost as a group. Assemble everyone in a circle and at the count of three have each person shout “God loves you” in any language three times in a row. Remind campers that God loves all people—no matter what language they speak! Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: “ G o d l o v e s y o u ” w r i t t e n i n d i f f e r e n t l a n g u a g e s w i t h p r o n u n c i a t i o n t o s h o w c a m p e r s , t a p e t o h o l d u p t h e p a p e r i f n e e d e d

Get Ready to Celebrate If the group will be having cupcakes as part of worship, consider involving them in the preparations. (Leader Note: Be sure to check with the kitchen staff before choosing this activity.) Campers can be involved in mixing and pouring the cupcakes into individual cupcake papers. Whether they do those first steps or someone else does, campers can do the decorating of the cupcakes. Either bring the cupcakes to worship to share later, or talk after decorating about the fact that Christians celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost as the birthday of the church. Save the cupcakes to share at worship, or enjoy the treat as a snack after singing “Happy Birthday.” Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: A c c e s s t o t h e c a m p k i t c h e n a n d / o r a s s i s t a n c e f r o m k i t c h e n s t a f f t o b a k e t h e c u p c a k e s , i n g r e d i e n t s a n d e q u i p m e n t f o r m a k i n g a n d d e c o r a t i n g c u p c a k e s (Leader Note: Check with the kitchen staff to determine any supplies needed other than what is already on hand.) . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “The Spirit of the Sovereign God,” Vineyard Music “This Little Light of Mine,” Traditional “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Our God Is an Awesome God,” Rich Mullins “Kum Ba Ya,” Traditional “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual

MORNING WORSHIP Start the morning in worship. Explain to campers that you will meet there each morning to start the day right. Begin by singing “Kum Ba Ya” together, noting that this song is a prayer for God’s Spirit to “come by here” today. Psalms are songs of God’s people gathered together. Each morning’s psalm begins the day on an uplifting note. Simply read aloud Psalm 3:3-5, or line it out for the campers to repeat the words. Bring out the campers’ art journals, or give them out if you did not do so the first day. This morning, direct each camper to draw a picture of how he or she imagines the Holy Spirit. If direction is needed, talk about some of the images scripture uses, such as a dove, fire, flame, wind. Allow inspiration to come. Close this reflective time with “Kum Ba Ya.” Supplies: Bible, art journal Day 2, (optional: large piece of paper with Psalm 3:3-5 written on it)

EVENING WORSHIP Sing several songs that speak to life in the Spirit. Keep the mood one of celebration. Invite campers to bring their pinwheels to express themselves through movement. Read Acts 2:1-6. Bring out today’s symbol: the candle. Say, “Today we celebrate the birthday of the church. When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the disciples received power from God, power to make the world a better place. God’s Spirit gives us that power too. Let’s power up and celebrate!” Use the phrase, “I’ve got the power!” as a response in the liturgy below. Leader: “The Holy Spirit comes in the wind, telling God’s people…” (response) Leader: “The Holy Spirit comes in the fire, warming hearts to believe…” Leader: “The Holy Spirit comes to God’s children, reminding them no matter what…” Then say, “Tonight we have the power to celebrate God’s gift from heaven. Let’s have a party for God’s Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church.” Bring out cupcakes for the campers. Pass them out and sing together “Happy Birthday” to the church before departing for the evening. Supplies: B i b l e , e n o u g h c u p c a k e s f o r a l l t h e c a m p e r s , p i n w h e e l s i f m a d e e a r l i e r

CABIN DEVOTIONS As campers are settling in for the night, come together for a time of prayer. Ask campers to name one thing they are thankful for that happened over the course of the day. After each person shares, say, “Holy Spirit, we say, ‘Thank you.’” Bedtime routines vary, but reading a book seems to connect many kinds of families. Help campers experience the comfort and familiarity of home by reading a story out loud each evening. A good suggestion for tonight’s reading would be Is God Always With Me? It discusses many questions children may have about God and also has some great illustrations. (Note the picture of children going away to camp on page 8.) Supplies: I s G o d A l w a y s w i t h M e ? b y C r y s t a l B o w m a n

YOUNGER CHILDREN Day 3: Power Up to Imitate Christ Key Verse: And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. —1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Focus: Campers look to the example of Jesus and other Christians to learn how to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Connection to Campers: Young children are great imitators. In fact, it’s often how they learn to live in the world. They follow around their mom, dad, brothers, or sisters, learning to behave and respond in appropriate ways. This trait can be both positive and negative, depending on the role models they are mirroring. Help your campers choose healthy, loving role models by being one yourself this week. Leader Notes: Prepare for the day’s lesson by reading the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 3. Sometimes following Jesus is hard, especially for new believers and for those struggling through the bumps and bruises of life. Part of growing in faith is realizing that God is with us—no matter what. The Christians in this passage were being persecuted, but the Spirit led them into deeper discipleship as they followed in Christ’s footsteps. Role models are important, and Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of faith. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Mirror, Mirror

Mirroring Jesus

EXPERIENCE Rhythm Egg Imitator

Spirit Says Game

Sit Down Circle

Sun Prints

Evening Worship

Mirror, Mirror Read aloud 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7. Return to the word “imitators,” inviting the campers to describe or explain what it might mean. Point out that a mirror, today’s symbol, is a reflection, an imitation of what the eyes see, and that Paul was writing to the people in the Thessalonian church to remind them that they were to be imitators of the Lord, who is Jesus Christ, and also to look to other Christians to see the good that was worthy to imitate. Introduce the group to the game Mirror, Mirror. Pair off campers into partners facing each other. Tell each to imitate the partner just as if looking in a mirror. Allow some time for them to be silly together. When they have completed the task, bring the group back to a circle and ask: • How was your partner a good imitator? • How were you a good imitator? • What makes a good imitator? • What does it mean to imitate the Lord, Jesus Christ? • How does the Holy Spirit help us to imitate Christ? (If campers have a hard time with this question, remind them that the Holy Spirit is our Advocate, not only standing up for us but also helping us stand up for and do what Jesus would have us do.) Keep your eye out today for how different campers are imitating Jesus, even in small ways. Point out such actions and remind others to look for ways to mirror Jesus. Assure them that the Holy Spirit will help them. Multiple Intelligences: Bodily/Kinesthetic, Spatial Supplies: Bible

Mirroring Jesus Read the scripture, stopping after the first part of verse 6 to ask: • Paul was praising the people in the Thessalonian church because they had become imitators of whom? (the Lord and “us,” referring to Paul and other Christians) • What does that scripture say to us today? (We also are to imitate Jesus and to look to other Christians for what we should do.) Reread verse 6a and finish the passage. Point out that because the Thessalonians, with the help of the Holy Spirit, were faithful even in difficult times of persecution, they became examples that other people imitated, along with Jesus. Give out the pieces of a puzzle. (Leader Note: Choose a puzzle that has the appropriate number of pieces, or select a distinct image from a larger puzzle. Giving out one puzzle piece per person is best, but one or two extras per person can work also.) Ask campers to look only at their own piece—can they tell what the picture on the puzzle is? Have them put the puzzle together. Then ask: • If people wanted to know what the big picture was, would it be easier to tell from just your one piece or from everyone’s together? • How clear would the picture be if several of the pieces were missing? Point out that God has chosen them to be imitators of Jesus and other Christians so that they become examples to others. Their “pieces of the puzzle,” the way they live in the Spirit, help other people see Jesus more clearly. Assure the campers that just as one piece is not a complete picture of the whole puzzle, they do not have to be “perfect” imitators of Jesus—that would be impossible because Jesus is so much greater than any human being! But God has given us other Christians, in the church, to help fill in the image of Christ for others to see and follow. Remind campers that Jesus also gave his followers—including them—the Holy Spirit to help them live joyfully as examples, as imitators of the Lord! Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , b a g w i t h p u z z l e t h a t h a s o n e p u z z l e p i e c e f o r e a c h c a m p e r a n d c o u n s e l o r , o r s l i g h t l y m o r e (Leader Note: Do not bring the puzzle box with the picture on it.)

. EXPERIENCE .

Rhythm Egg Imitator A rhythm egg is an easy-to-assemble percussion instrument that campers can shake to imitate different musical rhythms. Instruct each camper to choose a plastic egg and fill it halfway with a noisemaker (small pebbles, coarse sand, for example). Have campers snap their egg halves together and seal them with electrical tape. Campers can then shake the eggs to enjoy the sound. Upon completion, remind the group that they are learning how to be imitators of Christ, and imitating means learning to follow along. Play some music and ask campers to imitate the rhythm. Remember to bring rhythm eggs to enhance this evening’s worship music. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l Supplies: H o l l o w p l a s t i c e g g s ; s m a l l p e b b l e s o r c o a r s e s a n d ; e l e c t r i c a l t a p e ; ( o p t i o n a l : C D / M P 3 p l a y e r w i t h s p e a k e r s )

Spirit Says Game Spirit Says is a variation of the popular children’s game Simon Says. In this game one player takes the role of “Spirit” and gives instructions (physical tasks such as “wave your right hand”) to the other players, which they should only follow if prefaced with the phrase “Spirit says.” For example, “Spirit says, jump in the air.” Players are eliminated from the game by either following instructions that are not immediately preceded by the trigger phrase or by failing to follow an instruction that does include the phrase “Spirit says.” Point out that it is the ability to listen to instruction and imitate the Spirit’s lead that will determine the winner of the game. The object for the player acting as the Spirit is to get all the other players out as quickly as possible. The winner of the game is usually the last player who has successfully followed all of the directions. Occasionally, the last players may all be eliminated by following a command without “Spirit Says,” which means the Spirit wins the game. Leader Note: Pay attention to your group. Watch for any campers who get “out” and become upset. Try to keep the emotional tenor of the game balanced so that everyone “gets out” but truly “stays in” and has fun. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: J u s t h a p p y c a m p e r s ! Mirror Image Painting Use newspaper to cover a table to create an art space. Make sure to have enough white paper for several pieces per camper, as this is a fun art experiment! Ask each camper to take a piece of white paper and paint a picture on one side of it. When satisfied with that painting, he or she is to fold it in half and press both sides together. The paper should be left stuck together for about a minute, and then pulled apart to see what has transferred. Give campers multiple opportunities and lots of time to experiment with shapes and colors to see what their mirror-image creativity forms. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: N e w s p a p e r , w h i t e p a p e r , p a i n t , p a i n t b r u s h e s

Sit Down Circle Leader Notes: This fun team builder is a good illustration of “mirroring” behavior. If good group dynamics and trust are present, this activity is great. Be aware, however, of the possibility of having a camper or two for whom being this close to others is uncomfortable or even threatening. In that case choose an alternative activity. Make a circle big enough to include all campers, standing front to back. Tell campers to get as close together as possible while still maintaining the circle. At the count of three, each camper will slowly sit down on the lap of the camper behind them. The result should be a circle of body chairs. If group members don’t listen and follow directions, it won’t work. Should this happen, take the opportunity to teach about following the example you are given, just like today’s theme. Multiple Intelligences: Bodily/Kinesthetic Supplies: Cooperative campers Sun Prints Collect all types and sizes of nature items, such as rocks and fallen leaves (only those items found already on the ground) for this solar-powered art activity. Place dark-colored construction paper on a flat surface in full sunlight. Arrange your collected items on top of the paper so that they create interesting shapes. Allow the sunlight to fade the construction paper for at least an hour. Remove the collected items later in the day to reveal your sun print. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , S p a t i a l Supplies: D a r k - c o l o r e d c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , n a t u r a l o b j e c t s s u c h a s r o c k s , l e a v e s

. EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “Spirit Thing,” Newsboys “Seek Ye First,” Traditional “Hello, My Name Is,” Matthew West “Step by Step,” Rich Mullins “He Who Began a Good Work in You,” Steve Green “Sing Alleluia to the Lord,” Traditional “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” Traditional MORNING WORSHIP Come together for worship in song. A good chorus for today would be “Step by Step.” Present the story symbol, which is a mirror. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7, drawing the campers’ attention to verses 6 and 7. Say: “The reflection in a mirror tells something about the ones we see there. Facial expressions, for example, can give us a hint about what they truly care about and live for. Does your life mirror the Lord Jesus Christ’s? Do others see in you the kind of joy that comes from living in the Spirit when they look at you?” Invite campers to tell about people in their own lives who mirror the love of Christ for them. Allow time for today’s art journal page, which features a mirror and asks campers to draw a picture of themselves as examples of how to live in the Spirit. Optional: Bring a handheld mirror to use as campers draw self-portraits. (Leader Notes: If campers struggle, use some prompts such as, “How do you show love?” or, “How do you help others?” to help them think of ways they imitate the Lord. Also, be attentive to any campers who incline toward a very negative view of themselves. Do some one-on-one follow-up later, reminding them that the Holy Spirit is there to help people change so that through Jesus Christ they know the joy of living in God’s love.) Supplies: A r t j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s , t o d a y ’ s s t o r y s y m b o l , ( o p t i o n a l : h a n d h e l d m i r r o r )

EVENING WORSHIP Sing rounds and call-and-response songs such as “Seek Ye First,” having campers imitate the worship leaders to build on today’s theme. Don’t forget to include the rhythm eggs campers made earlier! Campers should participate in worship, not sit back and watch others. Bring out the story symbol for today, a mirror. Display it prominently. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7. Turn off all lights except campfire and flashlights. Allow campers to point their flashlights at the mirror while singing, “Shine, Jesus, Shine.” Remind campers that each and every one of them is loved and chosen by God. Pass the peace among the group with this greeting, “[Name of Camper], you are loved and chosen by God.” Remind campers that being chosen also means that God has a plan, a mission for each of us. That mission is to imitate Christ, reflecting his love to the world. We don’t go it alone. God’s Spirit is with us helping us complete the work. End worship with “He Who Began a Good Work in You.” Supplies: B i b l e , m i r r o r

CABIN DEVOTIONS The story symbol today was a mirror. Invite campers to tell about ways they have seen the reflection of Christ today. (They don’t need to name names, but rather they should focus on actions.) Especially if they have negative examples—times someone could have reflected Christ, but did not—remind them that Christ followers aren’t perfect, but they try to set good examples. Pray for each person by name that he or she might become a mirror reflecting Christ to a world in need. Read aloud the book You Are Special. This great story, featuring wooden characters called the Wemmicks, is about looking to God for our worth. Supplies: M i r r o r , You Are Special b y M a x L u c a d o

YOUNGER CHILDREN Day 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit Key Verses: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. — Galatians 5:22-23a (CEB) Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23a, 25-26 (CEB) Focus: Living in the Spirit produces good fruit in our lives. Good fruit affects the whole community positively. Connection to Campers: The most difficult spiritual fruit to understand and live out at this age is self-control. Young children are still learning their limits. Camp will push these boundaries, and campers will push right back. Provide them tools to move toward self- control, such as breathing through frustration, counting to ten before reacting, and taking a short walk (within sight) to cool off. Your camp will reap the benefits of peace by teaching these strategies. Leader Notes: Prepare for the day’s lesson by reading the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 4. So often the Christian life is understood by what believers are not allowed to do. That emphasis leads to legalism and judgment. Help campers move beyond these misconceptions by focusing on the things all Christians can do to make the world a better place. The beauty of today’s passage is that it explores the wonderful characteristics of vibrant faith. Today is an opportunity to celebrate the life-giving gifts of the Holy Spirit. If possible, use the translation from the Common English Bible (CEB) today. Be aware of the “goodness”/”generosity” issue. (See Fruit Alert on page 6.) CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Taste and See

Go and Pick

EXPERIENCE Fruit (of-the-Spirit) Basket Upset

Fruit Rocks

Plant Good Seeds

Community Tree

Your Fruit Is Showing

Preparing the Worship Basket

Evening Worship

Taste and See Discuss with campers: “What is your favorite fruit? Why do you like it?” God’s word teaches that following Jesus is like growing good fruit in our lives. People will “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8) because of the way we live. Read aloud Galatians 5:22-23a, 25-26. Bring some grapes in a bag for a snack to continue the discussion. Don’t allow campers to see what you have inside. Say: “I have a snack to share with you inside my bag. We will eat it after you figure out what kind of fruit it is.” Tell campers they have to use their senses to find the answer. Allow them to smell, touch, and even listen to the closed bag. If campers still can’t figure it out, have them close or cover their eyes with a blindfold and taste the fruit. Say: “This is a grape because it feels, smells, tastes, sounds, and looks like a grape. No other fruit is exactly like a grape. In the same way, Christians should be as easy to identify because of how they live. They should imitate Jesus so that others will see him too. We can do so with the help of the Holy Spirit.” Enjoy the snack. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: B i b l e , b a g ( o n e t h a t c a n n o t b e s e e n t h r o u g h ) w i t h a b u n c h o f g r a p e s i n s i d e , ( o p t i o n a l : b l i n d f o l d )

Go and Pick Leader Note: If your camp has a garden, wild berries or a berry patch, or fruit trees, this activity is for you (but only if you have permission from the proper camp authorities). Much of the Bible references farm life to lead to spiritual insight. Use the natural environment to bring the fruit of the Spirit to life by taking your group to pick berries (or any fruit or vegetable that is in season during camp). Afterward, gather to read Galatians 55:22- 23a. Ask: • Why do you think God’s Word calls these characteristics “fruit”? • How do you know when fruit is ripe? • How does a spiritual fruit become ripe? • How does fruit grow? What helps it grow? • How does a Christian grow? What helps a Christian grow? • If you had to choose an actual fruit to represent each gift, which would you choose? Why? (For example, love could be a raspberry because it is red like a heart.) As the discussion comes to a close, remind campers that God loves seeing the fruit of the Spirit in all Christians, no matter their age. Even young children can grow good fruit in their lives. Ask individuals to choose one particular fruit from the scripture that they want to grow in this week. Leader Note: From time to time throughout the week, ask campers individually what fruit they have chosen and encourage them as they grow their fruit with the help of the Holy Spirit. Watch what God will do. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B e r r y - p i c k i n g p a t c h , c a m p g a r d e n , o r t r e e s t o p i c k f r u i t

. EXPERIENCE .

Fruit (of-the-Spirit) Basket Upset Make a circle of chairs with enough seats for all but one of the group members. Tell campers that you are going to play Fruit (of-the- Spirit) Basket Upset. In this game they will be using the names of some of the good fruit that Jesus wants them to grow in their lives! Assign each camper one of the fruits from Galatians (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control). Instead of trying to assign all of the fruit of the Spirit, make sure that there are at least two of each fruit used (two loves, two joys, and so on), even if some fruit is left out. If you have an odd-numbered group, you may have three of one fruit. Ask campers to practice saying their fruit out loud a few times so that they can remember what theirs is. Invite campers to sit in the chairs. The group member left without a chair will start off in the middle of the circle. Whoever is in the middle wants to get a chair, so he or she should say the name of one of the fruit of the Spirit. The campers who have been assigned that fruit must get up and move around the outside of the circle, trying to find another chair, as the person from the middle tries to get to one of the vacated seats ahead of them. Whoever is left without a seat is then in the middle and should say the name of another fruit. Multiple Intelligences: Bodily/Kinesthetic Supplies: Chairs

Fruit Rocks Invite campers to collect rocks of all shapes and sizes for an art project. Find a table or spread a tarp on the ground to do some painting. Provide lots of “fruity” colors to inspire creativity. Challenge campers to use paint to create the most lifelike fruits. Allow the paint to dry. Bring the rocks to evening worship where they will be used in a tree planting ceremony. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , S p a t i a l Supplies: R o c k s , p a i n t s , p a i n t b r u s h e s , t a b l e o r t a r p , c l e a n u p s u p p l i e s

Plant Good Seeds Turn your campers into junior farmers in this planting activity. Gather all supplies and bring the group to a table or tarp to begin planting. Fill cups with soil, place seeds just below the surface, and cover with topsoil. Water the seeds and then place them in a sunny spot, such as a window sill in the cabin. Check back all week to water and note any growth. You can even measure and record growth if you have science-oriented campers who would enjoy charting the changes. As the group plants and as they check on the development, talk informally about the fruit of the Spirit they are nurturing and growing in themselves this week at camp. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: P a p e r c u p s , s o i l , b e a n o r g r a s s s e e d , p o t t i n g s o i l , a c c e s s t o w a t e r , t a b l e o r t a r p ( Leader Note: If using bean seeds, soak them first to encourage faster sprouting.)

Community Tree Discuss with campers where various fruits grow. Point out that buds, seed pods such as acorns, and even leaves are the “fruit” of trees —just as much as is an apple or a peach, for example. Take a short walk together to collect fallen seedpods and leaves from off the ground. Bring the group together to make a community tree using the items gathered. A community tree is like a family tree, except that it includes people who are connected but who may not be related by blood. This element is important to emphasize because of the diversity of today’s families and the varied life experiences of campers. On a large piece of paper, outline a tree, and invite campers to glue on the leaves and seedpods. Campers can then tell stories of special people in their lives and add their names to the community tree. Then switch the focus to the campers, saying: “The Holy Spirit uses special people in our lives to help us know and grow good fruit, and we are also part of the tree.” Prompt the campers to add their names. Point out that when they are loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, gentle, faithful, generous (or good), and self-controlled, the whole community grows stronger, the tree gets bigger, and they grow closer to God. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , S p a t i a l Supplies: L e a v e s , a c o r n s a n d o t h e r s e e d p o d s , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s , g l u e

Your Fruit Is Showing Help campers identify and encourage one another to pursue good fruit in their lives by playing an on-going spy game. (Leader Note: Ahead of time, make the cutouts—your choice of fruit.) Ask each camper to decorate a paper cutout of a fruit. Using a hole punch, make a small hole in each fruit and have each camper loop enough yarn through his or her fruit to make a necklace. The campers will then be on the lookout for others who are demonstrating a fruit of the Spirit. If they catch another camper or leader showing good fruit, they will give their necklace to that person. All day the focus will be on good attitudes and behavior. Remember, what you focus on, you get more of! An option is to give campers some stickers (or small clip clothespins as counters) to give away instead. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: E n o u g h p a p e r c u t o u t s o f a f r u i t s h a p e f o r o n e p e r c a m p e r , y a r n , m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : s t i c k e r s o r s m a l l c l i p c l o t h e s p i n s )

Preparing the Worship Basket Look ahead to the Evening Worship plan in Express. Note that campers will be bringing representations of fruit to put in the basket. These could be some of the “fruit rocks” or the fruit necklaces from the activities above. Or invite the campers to use their creativity to make different types of fruit, which they can label as various fruit of the Spirit. Provide a variety of supplies, a good place to work, and some encouragement. That’s a good recipe for making fruit! As campers are working, compliment them as they display generosity, kindness, self-control, patience, and peacefulness, for example, among themselves. Collect their creations and bring them to worship. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: A v a r i e t y o f a r t a n d c r a f t m a t e r i a l s , s a f e t y s c i s s o r s , m a r k e r s , a n d g l u e . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “The Fruit of the Spirit (Is Not a Coconut),” Traditional “I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N,” Traditional “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in My Heart,” Traditional “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “The River Is Here” (chorus), Vineyard Music “The Trees of the Field,” Steffi Geiser Rubin and Stuart Dauermann

MORNING WORSHIP Welcome campers this morning by teaching them how to greet the day. Greet the sun, saying, “Good morning sun!” Greet the earth, saying, “Good morning earth!” Add other greetings: “Good morning God,” “Good morning, Holy Spirit.” Have children chime in with other greetings. Finally, greet each camper individually. Read or line out for the campers to repeat Psalm 1:3: “They are like trees planted by streams of water, / which yield their fruit in its season, / and their leaves do not wither. / In all that they do, they prosper.” Tell the campers that today, just like the trees in the psalm, they will be focused on planting good things in their lives. Ask campers to close their eyes and imagine what it would be like to be a tree. As they take a quiet moment to imagine this, bring out the art journals. Tell campers to draw on today’s art page what they imagined. Learn the song, “The Trees of the Field,” which is based on Isaiah 55:12. Supplies: B i b l e , a r t j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s , m a r k e r s , c r a y o n s , ( o p t i o n a l : l a r g e p a p e r w i t h P s a l m 1 : 1 a , 2 a , a n d 3 w r i t t e n o n i t )

EVENING WORSHIP Leader Notes: Place a large basket in the worship space. Choose several campers beforehand to fill the basket during worship with items that represent fruit of the Spirit. These could be the fruit necklaces they created or simple representations of any piece of fruit labeled as various fruit of the Spirit (for example, “Love”). Be creative in making visuals of the fruit of the Spirit. Don’t forget to bring along some of the fruit rocks made earlier in the day. To plant a tree (or bush), get approval in advance. Sing songs that emphasize the gifts of living in the Spirit. The mood should be one of expectation, of waiting to see what the Spirit can do. Display today’s symbol. While a volunteer is reading the Galatians passage, invite your helpers to come forward to fill the basket. Afterward, say: “We have offered good fruit to God today through kind words, actions, and attitudes—enough to fill this whole basket. Now we have a gift to offer the camp. We are going to plant a tree to celebrate all the good fruit God is growing in our lives.” Have some helpers dig a hole, plant the seedling, and water it. Invite campers to place their fruit rocks around the base of the tree. As campers individually come forward, help them make a circle around the tree with rocks. As each rock is added repeat, “God, plant good fruit in us.” Close with “The Trees of the Field.” Supplies: B i b l e , l a r g e b a s k e t , v a r i o u s r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s o f f r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t m a d e i n e a r l i e r a c t i v i t i e s , s e e d l i n g , w a t e r , w a t e r i n g c a n , s h o v e l s o r s p a d e s , f r u i t r o c k s f r o m “ F r u i t R o c k s ” a c t i v i t y

CABIN DEVOTIONS Invite each person to share a favorite thing from the day. Give everyone a chance to speak, even those who are reluctant at first. It may take extra time for introverted campers to speak up. Read aloud The Giving Tree, which is a beautiful parable of God’s love. Remind each camper that, just like the tree in the story, God is longing to spend time with us. Close with popcorn prayer. Supplies: The Giving Tree b y S h e l S i l v e r s t e i n

YOUNGER CHILDREN Day 5: Power Up as One Community Key Verses: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. —Ephesians 4:4-6 Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6 Focus: Living in the way of the Spirit brings unity to groups, creating community. Connection to Campers: Young children know what it means to be part of a group. They are involved in clubs, sports teams, and classrooms. They may not yet understand that community means more than just showing up. It means contributing toward a goal, working together, and listening. Help them to understand that Spirit-filled individuals contribute to the well-being of the whole group. Leader Notes: Review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 5. Today’s scripture presents some unique challenges in working with young children. We live in a diverse world where individuality is celebrated. Remember that unity is not uniformity, requiring everyone to act and think the same. Unity can mean finding your place within the group, finding your gifts within the body of Christ, or finding your seat at God’s banquet table. Encourage campers to think about the church as God’s family. As such, we are all unique, but we share the same family name—Christian. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Join the Club

The Most Important Things

EXPERIENCE Unity Circles

Lift Me Up

Cabin Flags

Back Ball

Bandana Tie Dye

Evening Worship

Join the Club Many campers will belong to clubs like Scouts or Awana back home, which have mottos, uniforms, flags, and badges that are symbols of belonging. Help campers understand the church’s symbols of belonging found in churches or among Christians (crosses, cross pendants, bumper stickers on cars with the name of a church or a fish symbol, pictures of doves or dove pins, for example). Find out from them what clubs or organizations they belong to or know about. Then ask: • How do you know if someone else belongs to your club? • Are there special things that you do with these groups that don’t happen anywhere else? • Is there a motto for your club? • How is the church like a club? • How is it different? Read today’s scripture, Ephesians 4:1-6. Stop briefly after verse 3 and point out the similarity between the characteristics Paul encourages the Ephesians to have and the fruit of the Spirit that the campers are focused on. Then turn to verses 4-6. Ask what word they heard repeated (“one”). Review the list of “ones” and point out that these are the things that bring us together as the church. Using this scripture as a guide, ask campers to come up with a Christian motto. Write it out on a large sheet of paper and display it for all to see. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s , t a p e t o h a n g t h e m o t t o

The Most Important Things Make a sharing circle with your campers. Ask: “What are the most important things in your life?” Allow each person time to think and to answer. Some answers will be silly; some will be insightful. Say: “Today’s scripture from Ephesians tells us what the most important things are to the church.” Read Ephesians 4:1-6 aloud. Afterward, ask campers to choose what the most important things are from this reading. If they seem lost, read the text again and tell them to focus on the word “one.” These are the things that bring Christians around the world together, making us all one family. Today we will focus on what brings us together, not what sets us apart. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e

. EXPERIENCE .

Unity Circles Grab a Hula Hoop for this fun teambuilding game. Place the Hula Hoop on the ground. Explain to campers that they must work together to figure out a way that everyone in the group can fit inside the circle. There can be no feet outside the boundaries of the hoop. Allow brainstorming and experimenting, but don’t give pointers. Remind the group that learning to work together and solve problems is a part of being united in Christ through the Holy Spirit. After the group has mastered this task, make things more challenging. Arrange campers in a circle holding hands. The group has now made a chain with their bodies that the Hula Hoop must travel around. Campers can move up and down to help one another move the hoop, but they must not let go of hands. The activity is over when the hoop travels all the way around the circle to the starting point. Affirm them for the ways they worked together. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: H u l a H o o p

Lift Me Up Being united in Christ means that we carry one another through difficult times. We lift each other up with prayer and encouragement. This activity will have campers literally lifting each other up as a visual reminder of the power of unity. Ask for a volunteer to lie flat on the ground while being encircled by the remaining campers. Tell the campers they are creating a prayer circle, a picture of what happens when Christians help one another. Have each camper bend down and slide both hands under the person in the center of the circle, grasping the hands of the person opposite. For safety, check that all have a firm grip. Tell them they will lift together at your count of three. Ask the volunteer in the middle to relax, close his or her eyes, and pray for any needs in his or her life. Lead the team in a prayer also for the person’s needs. Then signal them to lift the camper up off the ground, literally lifting up the person as they continue in silent prayer. Once they reach shoulder level, the team will cheer: “We lift your prayers to God.” Continue this with every camper who is willing. Leader Notes: If your camp has a trust-fall platform, this would be an appropriate time to use it to further enhance this lesson. Make safety a priority, and consult with camp staff before using any onsite facilities. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: ( o p t i o n a l : t r u s t - f a l l p l a t f o r m )

Cabin Flags Every cabin at camp has a distinct identity. Celebrate this by creating a cabin flag to fly this week. Ahead of time, cut a two-foot by three-foot section out of an old sheet. Discuss as a group what sets your cabin apart. What does your cabin love? What is important to the cabin mates? Give everyone some paper and pencils to sketch out ideas for the flag. Be sure to include a motto and a picture, just like flags around the world. Consider also adding today’s symbol, the numeral 1 in a circle. Invite the campers to use art supplies to decorate the section of sheet, turning it into your cabin flag. Help campers work together to create a unified flag to celebrate cabin life. Then, display the flag for all to see. Cabin flags will be used in evening worship, so be sure to take it with you tonight. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: W h i t e m a t e r i a l c u t t o t w o f e e t b y t h r e e f e e t , m a r k e r s , p a i n t , p u f f p a i n t , p a p e r , p e n c i l s , m e a n s o f d i s p l a y i n g f l a g

Back Ball Try this game to encourage your campers to communicate and work together. Use masking tape to create start and finish lines that are at least 40 feet apart. Split the group into teams of two. Give each pair a ball. The ball is placed between the backs of each pair of players. No hands may be used. Players must run or walk to the finish line without dropping their ball. If their ball is dropped, that team must return to the beginning and start over. Congratulate the winning team with a high five. Afterward, debrief: • What made the challenge hard? • What did the winning team do well? • How does this game teach us to work together? • How does it connect with today’s scripture? (one goal) Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: E n o u g h b a l l s f o r a o n e - b a l l - t o - t w o - c a m p e r r a t i o , o p e n s p a c e o f m o r e t h a n 4 0 f e e t , m a s k i n g t a p e

Bandana Tie Dye Teach your campers about unity and diversity with this classic camp craft. Acquire white bandanas and multiple colors of dye. Prepare the dye as indicated by the directions on the box. Make sure there are several colors from which to choose. Have campers use the rubber bands in various places to bunch up the fabric before dipping their bandana. Provide plastic gloves, and perhaps even cheap plastic aprons, to keep the mess to a minimum. Encourage each camper to create a unique creation. With a marker, put each camper’s initials in a corner of his or her bandana. Hang the bandanas to dry for the day. Wear them the rest of the week to remember that, even though we are all different, our differences can come together to create beautiful things. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: W h i t e b a n d a n a s , f a b r i c d y e , r u b b e r b a n d s , b u c k e t s , m a r k e r s , p l a s t i c g l o v e s ( o p t i o n a l : p l a s t i c a p r o n s ) . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” Traditional “One Bread, One Body,” Hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” Traditional “Make Us One,” Carol Cymbala

MORNING WORSHIP At the prayer place, teach campers the song, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” Display today’s symbol, the numeral 1 in a circle, which is to remind us of our unity—being one in the Holy Spirit. Read Psalm 133:1 (CEB): “Look how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!” At camp, cabin groups live together like families. Ask: • How has this cabin group been like a family? • What has been good and pleasing about our time together? • How is the group different from your family at home? • What can we do today that would make us more like a family? Bring out the art journals and drawing supplies. Ask campers to draw pictures of their camp families. Afterward, ask for volunteers to share their artwork and tell about the members of their camp family. You may be surprised who is included! Supplies: A r t j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s , c r a y o n s , p e n s

EVENING WORSHIP Look to today’s song suggestions and sing about Christian community and oneness in the Spirit. Campers may wave their cabin flags in time to the music. Display the “1” symbol alongside communion elements. Say, “Tonight we come together as one. I will read Ephesians 4:4-6 and you will help me. Every time you hear the word ‘one,’ raise one finger to the sky and say ‘one!’” After the reading, point out that the greatest sign of Christian unity is celebrating the Lord’s Supper together. You can either simply refer to the elements or actually celebrate communion together. Conclude with singing, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” as the entire camp gathers in a circle around the communion table. Supplies: B i b l e , t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l , c o m m u n i o n e l e m e n t s

CABIN DEVOTIONS Continue the emphasis of being one body in Christ by reading aloud The Sneetches, which highlights the truth that, no matter what a person looks like, we are all the same inside. During prayer time, focus on the positive things each camper brings to the group. Invite campers to give thanks for something good about another person during popcorn prayer. Supplies: The Sneetches b y D r . S e u s s YOUNGER CHILDREN Day 6: Power Up with Courage Key Verse: For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. —2 Timothy 1:7 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 Focus: Through the Spirit, we have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline—not of fear or cowardice. Connection to Campers: When young children come to camp, they bring fear along. They may be scared of the dark, strange animals, unfamiliar people, or simply just a new environment. Sometimes the best way to overcome fear is to name it aloud. When you see campers come up against fears, encourage them by saying, “It’s not easy. Keep trying. You can do it.” Overcoming fear is a lifelong journey, but leaders can give campers a leg up by challenging them to try new things and encouraging them to trust others for support. For an extra fun factor, make today superhero day and have campers dress as their favorite superheroes at the evening meal. Leader Notes: Prepare for the day’s lesson by reading the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 6. Resist the temptation to teach that having fear is bad. Everyone—even grown-ups—has fears. Instead, focus on overcoming fear with the power, love, and self-discipline that come from the Holy Spirit. Living a courageous life does not mean living without fear, but rather living beyond it. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE The Big Three

Courage to…

EXPERIENCE Fly Away Fear Fire

Invisible Obstacle Course

Four-Cord Bracelet

What I Want You to Remember

Nature Treasure Hunt

Evening Worship

Cabin Devotions

. EXPLORE .

The Big Three Read aloud today’s key verse, 2 Timothy 1:7. Ask campers to listen for “The Big Three” as you read. “The Big Three” means the three most important things that the Holy Spirit gives us to help us stand up to fear. Give campers a pencil and three pieces of paper on which they are to write, each on a separate sheet, “Love,” “Power,” and, “Self-discipline.” Ask them to illustrate each word. (Leader Note: You may need to make sure younger campers understand what self-discipline means; the CEB uses the term “self-control,” which may help give campers a fuller understanding of the word.) After the illustrations are finished, brainstorm some real-life situations in which campers may need the Holy Spirit to help them with “The Big Three.” For example, a boy needs a good grade on a test to be able to play on his baseball team. Which one of “The Big Three” can he ask the Holy Spirit to help him with? Ask campers to hold up the signs they created earlier to vote for the answer (self- discipline to study for the test). Work through several examples until campers understand better how love, power, and self-discipline can help them live a life of faith. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , t h r e e s h e e t s o f p a p e r f o r e a c h c a m p e r , p e n c i l s

Courage to… The theme today is courage. Dig into what courage means. Ask: • What does courage mean to you? • What would the opposite of it be? (cowardly, timid, fearful, unable to act) • Can you give an example of someone who is courageous? • How have you been courageous at home? At school? At camp? Read aloud the scripture (2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14). Return to verse 7 to emphasize it. Point out that the Spirit, which God gives, is the opposite of being cowardly; it is courage, which is made up of power, love, and self-discipline. Tell the group that today they will celebrate Random Acts of Courage (RAC). Explain to campers that, when they see someone trying something for the first time or working hard at something that is difficult, they are to say to that person, “Take Courage.” Let’s see how the Holy Spirit teaches campers how to be courageous today! Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e

. EXPERIENCE .

“Fly Away Fear” Fire Sometimes in order to overcome a fear, we have to let it go. Use “Wish Paper” to help campers understand how the Holy Spirit frees us from fear. Wish Paper is a specially designed paper that burns down and then flies away. (Leader Note: To see how it works, go to www.flyingwishpaper.com.) Caution campers to be careful, as this activity involves fire. Next, tell them each to think of a fear that he or she wishes would go away. Have each camper choose a piece of Wish Paper to represent that fear and shape the paper into a tube and place it on the Wish Platform Card. Have an adult light the top edge of the tube for each camper. Campers can watch it burn down into a small, beautiful flame. At the last moment, the fear magically lifts off the platform and rises to the heavens! Remind campers that the experience is like the Holy Spirit lifting their fear away. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: W i s h P a p e r ( a v a i l a b l e a t a m a z o n . c o m o r f l y i n g w i s h p a p e r . c o m ) , W i s h P l a t f o r m C a r d ( i n c l u d e d i n W i s h P a p e r k i t ) , a li g h t e r , a b u c k e t o f w a t e r n e a r b y f o r s a f e t y

Invisible Obstacle Course The invisible obstacle course game is an opportunity to learn to overcome fears, even ones that can’t be seen. Select a volunteer to begin the activity. Ultimately, each person in the group will create an imaginary element in an obstacle course, with group members crawling, jumping, running, and helping one another through the obstacles they encounter. After each person’s element is enacted, leadership changes and another member of the group describes his or her obstacle and helps the members of the group navigate over, under, or around it. (Leader Note: If you see a camper having trouble coming up with an idea for an element or struggling with a challenge, remind him or her to “take courage.”) In the game, the group will encounter a variety of obstacles (for example, jumping on an invisible trampoline or climbing over an invisible stone wall, or kayaking in an invisible lake full of icebergs). They will experience creativity and leadership, and, most importantly, the campers will increase their readiness to face their fears with confidence! Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Four-Cord Bracelet Leader Note: If you are not familiar with the square-knot pattern, be sure to practice doing it in advance. Remind the campers that the Holy Spirit gives us power, love, and self-discipline to help us overcome fear. This four-cord bracelet will help them remember to have courage in scary situations. Visual instructions are available at http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Square-Knotted-Friendship-Bracelet. Ahead of time, cut enough pieces of twine or colored yarn into 72-inch pieces so that each camper will have two. 1. Show campers how to put the four ends together and tie them in a knot. Their pieces will form one circle. 2. Holding the knot in one hand, campers are to pull their circle to form a line; then they can cut the end opposite the knot. Now they now have four pieces tied together at the knot. (Leader Note: Having two different colors of yarn makes the remaining steps easier.) 3. Have each camper bring the right cord under the two center cords and over the right cord and pull as if starting to tie a shoe. 4. The next step is to make the second knot. The left cord (which was the right cord in Step 2) goes over the center cords and under the left cord. 5. The right cord (which was the left cord in Step 3) goes under the center cords and over the left cord. Pull again as if you were tying your shoe. Repeat steps three and four to the desired length. Help the campers tie their bracelets on as their reminders. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: T w i n e o r v a r i o u s c o l o r s o f y a r n , s c i s s o r s

What I Want You to Remember Leader Note: Some of your campers may need help with writing. They are at the early literacy level. Give direction and remember they can always draw pictures to complete this task. The scripture for today is a letter Paul wrote to Timothy, who lived far away. This letter can be considered part of the apostle Paul’s “faith legacy” to Timothy. Paul was in jail facing the death penalty. He wanted to tell Timothy what he had found important about following Jesus Christ, about living in the Spirit. Help campers each to think about what they would want to tell someone they love, who lives far away, about what is important to them about living in the Spirit. Ask: “What words would you like to send to those you love who are far away? What thoughts and feelings would you want those you love the most to remember from you?” Have campers spread out to work silently on their letters for a few minutes. Come back together and invite campers to share their work with the group. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: P a p e r a n d p e n s / p e n c i l s

Nature Treasure Hunt The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:14 to “Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.” One of the most precious treasures that God has given humanity is the natural world. In this activity, campers will be hands-on with nature, exploring its wonderful treasures. Give small groups a list such as these suggestions, which come from natureconservancy.com: • Find something round. • Jump like a frog, growl like a bear, and flap your wings like a bird. • Find something really smooth. • Discover evidence that an animal has been here. • Find something that smells good—or bad! • Listen for a bird. What else can you hear? • Find a place where an animal would be happy. • Count how many different colors you see. • Find something that moves. • Dig into the ground with your hands or flip over a rock or log. What can you find? Remind campers that all of these things are treasures that God would have us protect. Talk about ways each of us can protect God’s world. Think of ways your camp protects God’s world. Leader Note: Remind campers to put natural things back where they find them. That is one way to care for the treasure of the natural world, which God has given us. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: A c o p y o f t h e li s t f o r e a c h s m a l l g r o u p , n a t u r e t r a i l i f a v a i l a b l e

SONG SUGGESTIONS

“Steal My Show,” Toby Mac “He Has Made Me Glad,” Leona Von Brethorst “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” Graham Kendrick “I Love You, Lord,” Laurie Klein “Father, I Adore You,” Terrye Coelho “Pass It On,” Kurt Kaiser “Lean on Me” (chorus especially), Bill Withers

MORNING WORSHIP Begin this morning in joyful worship of the Lord. Teach campers the song “He Has Made Me Glad.” Read aloud Psalm 27:13-14 or line it out for the children to repeat. Say: “Today we will be learning about how the Holy Spirit gives us courage to overcome fear. The story symbol is strong arms linked to show courage. This helps us remember that we are never alone; even when we are afraid, the Holy Spirit is with us. Pass out the art journals and invite each camper to draw a picture of someone showing courage. After the drawings are complete, ask volunteers to share whom they chose and why. Tell them that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, anyone can be courageous. Supplies: B i b l e , a r t j o u r n a l s , d r a w i n g u t e n s i l s , ( o p t i o n a l : l a r g e p a p e r w i t h w o r d s o f P s a l m 2 7 : 1 3 - 1 4 o n i t )

EVENING WORSHIP Come together in song. Tonight’s focus is that the Holy Spirit gives courage in every situation. Display the story symbol—the image of strong arms linked, representing courage. Use the story of Daniel in the lion’s den from Daniel 6:16-23 to create a spontaneous melodrama. Choose a Daniel, a king, lions, an angel, and servants from camp staff and allow them to really ham it up. Be sure to give an introduction to the story. After the skit is over, ask campers who the hero of this story is. Remind them that the Holy Spirit gave Daniel courage to face the lions. The Holy Spirit is a hero! Choose a camp staffer to be the “Holy Spirit Hero,” who is out of sight until this point in worship. Dress him or her all in red, with a cape. The “Holy Spirit Hero” will come out and read 2 Timothy 1:7 and lead the camp in the following litany, with large cue cards raised, with the campers’ responses, at the appropriate times: Leader: God did not give us… All: …a spirit of fear. Leader: God gave us… All: …love! Leader: God gave us… All: …power! Leader: God gave us… All: …self-discipline! Leader: God gave us the Holy Spirit. All: The Holy Spirit—our hero. Leader: So that, through the Spirit, we can all be heroes. All: We are all heroes! Supplies: B i b l e , c o s t u m e s f o r t h o s e a c t i n g o u t t h e D a n i e l s t o r y ( l i o n s , k i n g , D a n i e l , e t c . ) , r e d c o s t u m e w i t h c a p e f o r t h e H o l y S p i r i t H e r o , l i t a n y r e s p o n s e s w r i t t e n l a r g e o n c u e c a r d s f o r t h e c a m p e r s t o r e a d a s a g r o u p

CABIN DEVOTIONS Even in small things, campers can learn to rely on the Holy Spirit, enabling them to be courageous. To encourage campers to try new things, read aloud Green Eggs and Ham to end the day. At prayer time, ask campers to name at least one thing they have done this week for the first time. Remind them that even trying new things takes courage. Give thanks for the presence of the Holy Spirit, helping campers be courageous this week. After prompting campers to pray over situations back home that may require courage to work through, spend some time in silent prayer. Supplies: Green Eggs and Ham b y D r . S e u s s

YOUNGER CHILDREN Day 7: Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go Key Verses: Jesus said to [the disciples] again, “Peace be with you…” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” —John 20:21a, 22 (CEB) Scripture: John 20:19-23 Focus: Receiving the Holy Spirit overcomes fears and empowers us for living the way of peace. Connection to Campers: This is the last day of camp. Some may be excited to get home to see family, while others may dread leaving camp, knowing they will return home to tough family situations. The truth of the Christian faith is that we will all face hard times, but the peace of Jesus is there no matter what happens. Send campers home with great memories but also with God’s peace, so they know they are not alone. Leader Notes: Read through the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 7. “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart” (Anonymous). Be inspired by these words as you have had the experience of living them out this week!

CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Breath of the Spirit

EXPERIENCE Praise Tag

Peaceful Bodies

Mission Peace-able

. EXPLORE .

Breath of the Spirit Read John 20:21-23a. Tell the campers Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on the disciples, but they can’t see the Spirit—not with their eyes anyway. Ask: • How do we know that the Spirit is there? • What other ways can you think of to know God is always with us besides using our eyes? (sense of peace, being able to forgive others) After the discussion, offer each camper a balloon. Instruct campers to blow air into their balloons until about half full, and then to hold the balloons closed. Don’t have them tie the balloons! Ask campers to gently release some air from the balloons. Ask the following questions: • What happens when the air is let out? Can you see the air? • Remind campers of the five senses. Which senses could experience the air? • How is this like the breath of the Holy Spirit? Point out that some things we just can’t see, but we know they’re there anyway—like the air in the balloon. Conclude the discussion by saying, “God’s Spirit is like the air inside the balloon. It fills us up and, even though we can’t see it, we can know the Advocate is working in our hearts and lives. When we are full of the Spirit, we can be peacemakers in the world.” Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: O n e b a l l o o n f o r e a c h c a m p e r

. EXPERIENCE .

Praise Tag In this variation of freeze tag, choose one camper to be “it” while the rest get chased and tagged. Persons who get tagged must immediately sit down. They can only be allowed back in the game if the following happens: another player touches them and the person seated “praises” or give a compliment to the person helping him or her back in the game. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Peaceful Bodies In this activity, camper bodies are “sculpted” on the ground to make shapes that represent this week’s theme or other biblical images. (Leader Note: Be sure to have a camera nearby to catch these great photo opportunities!) Start out with the peace sign from Day 1. Choose one camper to be the “sculptor.” Have all other campers lie on the ground, moving under the directorship of the sculptor until their bodies form a peace sign. Then, for the next shape, a new camper gets to be the sculptor. Here are some other great shapes to try: heart, circle (unity), smiley face, cross, star. If the group is particularly competitive, do this activity in two groups and see who can form the shape first. See if your campers can spell out the camp name by working with a few other groups. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: C r e a t i v e c a m p e r s

Mission Peace-able Jesus sends his disciples out with a mission of peace. What mission peace-able can campers do before leaving camp to carry on the work? Here are some ideas: walk through the camp and pick up any trash they find, write thank you notes to camp directors and staff, water the garden, or tidy up the chapel. Have campers brainstorm and vote on a mission to complete before they leave camp today. Remind them that Jesus has the same kind of mission in mind for them when they get home. Explore some ideas as to how they can continue to carry out a mission of peace. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: G a r b a g e b a g s o r o t h e r s u p p l i e s , d e p e n d i n g o n w h a t m i s s i o n c a m p e r s c h o o s e . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Hymn “What a Wonderful World,” Louis Armstrong “More Precious Than Silver,” Lynn De Shazo “Sing Alleluia to the Lord,” Linda Stassen

MORNING WORSHIP Sing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Show the group today’s story symbol, which is the two-finger go-in-peace sign. Encourage campers to greet one another with the peace sign, saying, “Peace be with you today.” Read or line out Psalm 85:8 for the campers to repeat. If you have time, come up with a series of hand gestures to interpret the text. Pass out art journals; challenge campers with the question, “How can I take peace home with me?” Allow time for campers to draw their thoughts and talk about how peace goes out from camp to everyday life. Optional: For an extended worship time today, read aloud The Lorax. Discuss with campers that God wants each of us to take care of the world that God created. “Unless” is an important word to take from this reading: unless we care…, unless we do something… Close by asking campers to name their favorite thing that happened at camp this week, and something they want to do at home with the Holy Spirit’s help to show they are living in the Spirit. Offer a simple thank you prayer after each camper shares. Supplies: B i b l e , a r t j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s , m a r k e r s , a n d c r a y o n s ( o p t i o n a l : l a r g e p a p e r w i t h P s a l m 8 5 : 8 w r i t t e n o u t o n it , The Lorax b y D r . S e u s s )

ART JOURNAL FOR DAY 1

Power Up with the Promise of Peace SCRIPTURE: John 14:25-27

Jesus promises the gift of peace through the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Are you ready to receive it? Draw a picture of something that makes you think of peace or feel peaceful: Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me your peace so that I do not need to be afraid. Amen.

ART JOURNAL FOR DAY 2 Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit

SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:1-6

The Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to speak many languages so that all can understand the message of God’s love. You too have the power to share God’s love with others.

Draw a picture of how you imagine the Holy Spirit: Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to help me to show others your wonderful love. Amen.

ART JOURNAL FOR DAY 3 Power Up to Imitate Christ

SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians

Look to the example of Jesus and other Christians to learn how to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. What kind of example will you be to others? Draw a picture of what others see when they look to you as an example of how to live in the Spirit. How do you show love? How do you help others? Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me to be a good example to my family and friends as I try to be like Jesus. Amen.

ART JOURNAL FOR DAY 4 Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit

SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:22-23a, 25-26 Living in the Spirit produces good fruit in your life. Good fruit affects the whole community positively. Imagine what it would be like to be a wonderful tree that bears good fruit. How does good fruit help others? Draw your ideas: Prayer: Dear God, I want my life to be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help me to live in ways that grow the fruit of Spirit. Amen.

ART JOURNAL FOR DAY 5 Power Up as One Community SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:1-6 Living in the way of the Spirit brings people together as one, creating community and a sense of family. Draw a picture of your “camp family.” What helps all of you be one community? Prayer: Dear God, help us not to exclude people but to bring them into your circle where we all can feel the love of being part of your big family. Guide us in your way, always. Amen.

ART JOURNAL FOR DAY 6 Power Up with Courage

SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can be courageous. You are never alone. Even when you are afraid, the Holy Spirit is with you! Draw a picture of someone showing courage: Prayer: Holy Spirit, please walk with me. Help me to feel your presence and your power, especially when I need to be brave. Amen

ART JOURNAL FOR DAY 7 Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go

SCRIPTURE: John 20:19-23 With the Holy Spirit you have the power to live the way of peace. Draw one way or one place or one situation you especially want to take peace home with you. How would you live the way of peace that Jesus invites you to? The Prayer of Saint Francis: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace...” Amen. OLDER CHILDREN Day 1: Power Up with the Promise of Peace Key Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” —John 14:27 Scripture: John 14:25-27 Focus: Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Are you ready to receive it? Connection to Campers: As campers arrive today, create a warm and welcoming environment, a place where community will grow and relationships will form. Today’s focus will be offering the similar welcome that we are given with the promise of the Holy Spirit. Leader Notes: To prepare to lead your campers, read through the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 1. Just as the disciples were feeling nervous about Jesus leaving, your campers may be feeling some apprehension on the first day of camp. It is important that they feel the comfort of this passage—“Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Today, campers will learn about Jesus’ promise of a helper who gives peace. Camp provides a place for them to experience Christian community and explore what that peace looks like and means for them. The gift of the Holy Spirit as peacegiver and comforter will be life giving. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE The Promise

My Advocate

EXPERIENCE Postcard Introductions

We Are Each a Piece of the Puzzle

Create a Ritual

The Keeping Quilt

What Does Peace Mean?

The Promise First, help your campers imagine the biblical story that leads up to today’s scripture. Have smaller groups of campers stand still (“freeze”) as if they are the figures in a drawing of the scene, or have them pantomime the action and emotions as if the drawing were animated. Do this for each of the scenes: 1. Jesus tried to explain to his disciples that he would be arrested and crucified. They didn’t really understand. 2. When they were all gathered in one room to celebrate the Passover, Jesus washed their feet. He was spending quality time with them, demonstrating and telling his closest friends what to do when he was gone. He was modeling servant leadership, which was to be the foundation of their future ministry. Again, they didn’t understand. 3. Jesus encouraged them to live a life of love, loving one another as he himself had modeled throughout his ministry. No doubt the disciples were feeling a little nervous, confused, and perhaps overwhelmed or afraid of the unknowns ahead. Next, turn to today’s scripture. Have the campers be the disciples. Either have a volunteer reader or you be Jesus and read John 14:25- 27, stopping after each verse for you as the leader to ask questions of the campers. (Leader Note: If you read as Jesus and you are also the one asking the questions, draw upon your dramatic skills to make a distinction between your two roles.) Ask: • What do you imagine the disciples were feeling or wondering in that moment? • What questions might the disciples ask Jesus? • What side remarks might they say to another disciple? The hope is that campers will sense a progression in the disciples as you move through the story and the individual verses (from feeling afraid, confused, overwhelmed to feeling more hopeful, trusting in Jesus’ promise, more at peace). Point out that Jesus knew his friends would experience hard times ahead, but he did not just abandon them. He gave them his promise that they would not be alone—and he gave them his peace. Leader Note: If you become aware of any campers becoming homesick, you can remind them of this Bible study and of Jesus’ promise. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: B i b l e

My Advocate Divide into smaller groups. Give each group a large sheet of paper. Have a member of each group write the word “Advocate” in the center of the paper. Talk about what the word means (helper, mediator, intercessor, guide, teacher, someone who speaks up for or on behalf of another). Ask the campers to think about answers to these questions: • Who are the people who speak up for you? • Who helps you be the person you really want to be—even when you feel pressure from others to do or be something else? After allowing time for campers to call to mind their answers, invite volunteers to give their responses or briefly tell their stories. After talking together as a whole group, encourage the smaller groups to write examples on their large sheet of paper of times when they have been advocates for others, or when someone has been an advocate for them. To whom do they turn? Who are their advocates? (teachers, parents, best friends) After working as small groups for a few minutes, have each group tell one or two things about how they were encouraged and cared for or how they were advocates for someone else. Read John 14:25-27. Invite campers to listen for how the Holy Spirit is this same Advocate—a helper who gives peace. Help them make the connection. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r a n d m a r k e r f o r e a c h g r o u p . EXPERIENCE .

Postcard Introductions As the facilitator, spread a large number of postcards or pictures out on the table, floor, or ground—making sure they are equally accessible to all group members. Next, ask each camper to choose a card that represents the answer to one or more of the following questions: • How are you feeling about coming to camp today? • What are your hopes or fears for your week at camp? • How would you describe your personality? • What are some positive characteristics you bring to the group? (for example: patience, humor, generosity, kindness, and so forth) Have campers each find a partner and share their cards and the information about themselves. Give each a chance to report something found out about the partner that he or she really liked. Emphasize that camp is a place where everyone is safe and welcome and the uniqueness of each person is valued. Focus on the promise of a great week ahead. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: P o s t c a r d s ( o f t e n f o u n d i n e x p e n s i v e l y a t a s e c o n d - h a n d s t o r e ) o r p i c t u r e s ( l a n d s c a p e s , a n i m a l s , p e o p l e e n g a g e d i n a c t i v i t i e s , f a c e s , w e a t h e r — p r e f e r a b l y o n e s t h a t o n l y d i s p l a y i m a g e s , n o t w o r d s — s u c h a s f o u n d o n c a l e n d a r s )

We Are Each a Piece of the Puzzle Leader Notes: Using a tangible object can often help campers explain and express who they are. For other campers, a physical item can help serve as a reminder as they seek to get to know new people. For this activity, campers will each get a puzzle piece. Prior to the campers’ arrival, use a large sheet of paper, poster board, or foam board and, after determining the number of participants, cut it into the same number of puzzle pieces as there are participants. Once campers each receive a puzzle piece, they will write their name clearly in the middle of their respective pieces and then surround their name with symbols that represent themselves. The symbols could be likes or dislikes, areas of talent or giftedness, or other fun facts such as favorite foods, sports, or free-time activities that they enjoy. After campers have created their puzzle piece, they will need to work together as a group to complete the one giant puzzle, using each member’s piece. Depending on the group and their comfort level, parameters for the task can be set, such as creating the puzzle silently or with a time constraint. After the puzzle is completed, invite each camper to explain the significance of one or two of the symbols on his or her piece one-on- one to another person in the group or with the group as a whole. Consider also displaying the work of the campers as a whole puzzle. Multiple Intelligences: L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l , I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: L a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r ( o r p o s t e r b o a r d o r f o a m b o a r d ) t o c r e a t e p u z z l e , s c i s s o r s , m a r k e r s / c r a y o n s / c o l o r e d p e n c i l s

Create a Ritual One of the most powerful experiences in worship and community is ritual—a meaningful marker of the group that is repeated. Invite the group to think about today’s scripture and come up with a ritual, perhaps a physical action and verbal response, which the campers could use each time they gather. In a church setting, for example, congregants often “Pass the Peace of Christ” to one another. One will simply say, “The peace of Christ be with you”; the other responds, “And also with you,” while shaking hands. Some camps create a cheer, for example. Leader Notes: If your group is large, consider either having smaller groups create their own rituals to use or to present to the whole group as one option to be chosen. Or, ask counselors at a pre-camp meeting to come up with a ritual or a couple of choices to present to the campers. If campers need to choose, try to achieve consensus rather than deciding by a vote, which makes some “winners” and others, “losers.” Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l ( p o t e n t i a l l y ) , L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

The Keeping Quilt Read the children’s book, The Keeping Quilt, which is a story of a family that remains connected, although divided across oceans and even death. This precious quilt connects the family together through common memories and love. Anna’s mother, when creating the quilt, uses fabrics from family members’ clothing—a physical connector and reminder of the community that unites them. Point out that even when we can’t see the Spirit, Jesus promises that this Spirit provides peace, courage, power, love, self-discipline, and all knowledge. The Spirit, like the quilt in the story, squelches fears and anxieties that can paralyze. The Holy Spirit, like the blanket, binds us together in community and provides a concrete reminder of how we are held, guided, and comforted. Later in the week, campers will be invited to create a camp-wide “Keeping Quilt” that will be displayed at camp and added to throughout the summer. This “quilt” will become a physical and visual reminder of the connections forged through the camp experience. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: The Keeping Quilt b y P a t r i c i a P o l a c c o (Idea adapted from http://storypath.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/lectionary-links-sunday-may-19-2013/)

What Does Peace Mean? As the campers focus on God giving us a constant source of peace, explore today’s symbol, the peace sign. This symbol, which in our times has come to represent peace, grew from both despair and hope. Rather than give in to despair, thinking about the possibility of a nuclear war and what that would mean for the world, a British citizen, Gerald Holtom, called attention to the issue by creating the design from the navy’s signal flags for “N” and “D” to stand for “nuclear disarmament.” In the signaling system, the letter “N” is formed by a person holding two flags in an inverted “V,” and the letter “D” is formed by holding one flag pointed straight up and the other pointed straight down. Putting these two signals together within the circle formed the shape of the peace sign. Ask the students to discuss how the world views peace. What does it mean to experience “Peace on Earth”? (No war? No danger? No military presence?) Next, invite the group to consider how Jesus views peace. What did Jesus mean when he promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives”? If the campers don’t have an answer, it’s OK as it is their first day of camp. Let them know that the question is one they will continue to explore throughout the week. In this next activity, campers will get to create and express an artistic symbol to show what they think peace looks like. Provide them with some nature materials. If weather and time permit, you may also invite them to find additional items (but only inanimate objects and things found already on the ground!). Each camper will first make a peace symbol like the one for today’s theme. As an opportunity to extend their learning, have each camper work with a partner to create a new peace symbol from nature materials to express what peace means to them. One (or more) of these symbols can be brought to the evening worship time to offer a visual and creative expression of peace. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: A r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l ( t h e p e a c e s i g n ) , n a t u r e m a t e r i a l s , ( o p t i o n a l : g l u e )

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Let the Peace of God Reign,” Hillsong “Child of Peace,” Sandi Patty “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Hymn “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart” (especially, the verse “I’ve got the peace that passes understanding”), Traditional “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled,” David Haas “Peace Pilgrim’s Prayer,” Shawn Kirchner

EVENING WORSHIP Leader Note: After parents, grandparents, caregivers, loved ones drop off their campers for the week, invite them to write on one or more large sheets of paper a sentence or two offering “last words,” reminders, and encouragement for their kids. Display the “mural” in the evening worship space. Gather together, welcoming the group to worship. Sing “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled.” Read John 14:25-27 aloud. Tell campers that, just like Jesus gave the disciples some last words, a promise, to cling to after his impending departure, they also have similar wishes coming from people who love them. Spend time reading some examples of the parents’ encouraging words. Invite the campers to make connections. Which of the parents’ messages were similar to Jesus’ promises? (Love one another? You are not going to be left alone? Don’t be afraid?) Remind the campers that, despite fears and worries, like the disciples they are given a comforter, a teacher, and an encourager. Invite them each to think of one thing that is hard to let go of—one concern, fear, or worry that the camper brought with him or her to camp. While the group is singing “Spirit of the Living God,” give campers time to think of their one thing, write it on a piece of paper, and bring the paper to a special box situated at the front of the worship space and place it inside, symbolically leaving behind that concern or fear. This practice invites campers to let go of things that could hinder their experience. Many of these challenges will still be there when they leave camp, but the week together is a chance to live in community and experience the peace of the Christ through the Holy Spirit. If any campers or cabin groups brought peace symbols from the earlier activity, “What Does Peace Mean?” have them bring the symbols up front at this time. If they are willing, they can present their symbols. These symbols provide further reminders of the peace Jesus promised. Close in prayer, thanking God that Jesus promises a helper who gives peace. Supplies: L a r g e s h e e t s o f p a p e r w i t h t h e p a r e n t s ’ w o r d s o n t h e m , i n d i v i d u a l i n d e x c a r d s o r s t r i p s o f p a p e r , p e n c i l s f o r c a m p e r s , s p e c i a l b o x , p e a c e s y m b o l s f r o m “ W h a t D o e s P e a c e M e a n ? ” a c t i v i t y

CABIN DEVOTIONS Cabin devotions are an important part of each day’s routine, allowing campers the opportunity to reflect on what they learned and experienced. Often this time also serves as a “wind down” for campers to help them prepare for bed. Tonight give each camper an opportunity to express some thoughts about the first day at camp. With this age group, a great format is to have each camper talk about “lows” and “highs” from the day. Next, ask: • How does it feel to know that Jesus promised to give us peace even in hard situations? • Where did you see or experience God’s peace today? Leader Note: Earlier in the day, place a special reminder under the campers’ pillows for them to find when going to bed. Write each camper’s name on the top line. Supplies: P a p e r s f o r e a c h c a m p e r ( e x a m p l e b e l o w )

(camper name) x “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid.” —Jesus

OLDER CHILDREN Day 2: Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit Key Verses: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak. There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because everyone heard them speaking in their native languages. —Acts 2:4-6 Scripture: Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 Focus: The Holy Spirit fills the disciples and commissions them to share the good news in many languages. Through the Holy Spirit, people are empowered to come together and to understand. Connection to Campers: Today is the first full day of camp. The campers’ excitement and energy is a perfect backdrop, as today’s scripture focuses on celebrating the Spirit. The theme for Day 2 reminds campers of the power of community and the joy of the Spirit —tangible gifts the campers can also experience. Leader Notes: To prepare, read through the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 2. The Common English Bible (CEB) translation is recommended for today’s lesson because the language is somewhat easier to follow with this longer passage. You may choose to read more or less depending upon your needs. Be thoughtful about the words you use when discussing the Holy Spirit with the campers; try to keep from using the pronoun “it.” For many, the concept of the “Holy Ghost” or “Holy Spirit” is tough to understand and may feel supernatural. Using words such as “Teacher,” “Advocate,” “Counselor,” and “Comforter” will feel more tangible and better fit their developmental understanding. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Wind and Fire

The Story Is Alive

A Fire That Can’t Be Extinguished

EXPERIENCE Birthday Party for the Church

Spirit Pinwheels

Revisiting the Ritual

“The Holy Spirit Is with Me! Share the Good News!”

The Language of Love

Color Your Campfire

Evening Worship

Wind and Fire Leader Note: As today’s scripture takes place during the traditional Feast of Pentecost, using an outdoor location for the lesson is ideal. A campfire area will be a perfect physical setting. Tell the story of Acts 2 in a multisensory way, adding the feel of “wind,” the sight and sound of fire, and the sounds of a crowd as appropriate to allow the campers to truly grasp the amazing fulfillment of Jesus’ promise and the event that unfolded before the disciples. Ask the campers to explain what they like about having a campfire. They could also suggest other times fire is used for celebration or comfort (birthday candles, bonfires on the beach, or a cozy fire during a storm). Before reading the scripture for today, begin with, “God decided to use fire to bring about a big change in the lives of the disciples too. Let’s read more in Acts, chapter 2, to hear what happened shortly after the story we heard from John’s gospel yesterday.” Read Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 (CEB). Then ask: • Why do you think the disciples were together at this particular time? What had happened earlier to Jesus? • As the disciples waited, what did they hear? What did they see? • Why were the people in the crowd from so many different places? • What strange event happened? How did the crowd react? • What did Peter do? How could he be so bold? • What gift did God send to the disciples? Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , c a m p f i r e s e t t i n g

The Story Is Alive Read the story again, this time having the campers act out the narrative together. This passage lends itself to great props to make the story come alive. Provide some fun costumes, red or orange crepe paper or scarves, and maybe even an electric fan to simulate the wind. Allow the campers to choose which parts they’d like to play: a disciple, the Spirit, Jewish believers who were visiting Jerusalem. Read the story with appropriate pauses for the campers to act it out. Ask: What new thoughts or insights do you have from playing a role in the story? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e a n d p r o p s ( c r e p e p a p e r , s c a r v e s , c o s t u m e s ) , ( o p t i o n a l : e l e c t r i c f a n a n d p o w e r s o u r c e )

A Fire That Can’t Be Extinguished Another option for a second reading of the passage needs a “trick candle,” the type that can’t easily be extinguished. Tell the campers you are going to read the story again, but this time you are going to say “Whoosh” at appropriate spots to replicate the wind of the Holy Spirit. When they hear the “Whoosh,” allow one of the campers to attempt to blow out the “trick candle.” Continue telling the story as your candle relights, asking a different camper to try to blow it out, or have the campers pass the candle around the circle. You could read Acts 1:4-8 and then Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 plus 37-38, 41. Insert the “Whoosh” after Acts 1:4, 5, 8; Acts 2:2, 4, 18, 24a, 33, 38, and 41. When the campers realize that the candle won’t go out, explain that this is similar to the Holy Spirit’s fire in each of us. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , t r i c k c a n d l e , m a t c h o r l i g h t e r

. EXPERIENCE .

Birthday Party for the Church Pentecost is the birthday of the church. Every birthday includes some wonderful surprises. The church’s birthday surprise on the first Pentecost was that even though Jesus had died, been raised, and then gone to heaven, his disciples (and us!) were not left alone. The Holy Spirit, the very power of God, was with them, giving them the power to be the body of Christ in the world. The same is true for the campers today. Tell the campers, “Since today’s story is about the birthday of the church, we are going to make cupcakes in celebration.” (Leader Notes: Prior to handling food, all campers should tie back loose hair, wash hands, and wear aprons or something similar to protect their clothes. Follow directions to make the boxed cake mix and be sure to allow for cooling time prior to frosting and decorating the cupcakes. Also, make sure you have permission from the proper camp authorities, and the kitchen staff, to use the camp kitchen.) As the campers work together to mix and prepare the ingredients or to frost and decorate the cupcakes, engage them in some questions about Pentecost: • What birthday are we celebrating today? • What kind of gifts could we give the church for its birthday? • How do we open our hearts, minds, and ears to hear God speaking to us? After the cupcakes are ready, plan to share them with the entire camp after lunch for dessert or maybe for the afternoon snack. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B o x e d c a k e m i x a n d r e q u i r e d a d d i t i o n a l i n g r e d i e n t s f o r t h e m i x a n d f o r f r o s t i n g a n d d e c o r a t i n g ; h a i r t i e s ; a p r o n s o r l a r g e , o l d e r t - s h i r t s ; c a m p k i t c h e n a n d p e r m i s s i o n t o u s e i t

Spirit Pinwheels In the Pentecost story, those present felt a great rushing wind, a physical reminder of the Holy Spirit’s power. Today, to remind the campers of this wind, they will be creating pinwheels that spin in the wind. Give campers these instructions: 1. Begin by measuring and cutting out a 7-inch by 7-inch square from red, orange, or yellow paper. 2. Draw two diagonal lines across the square from corners to opposite corner. 3. Then, mark the center of the paper square (where the diagonal lines cross) with a small dot, and draw a circle the size of the tip of your thumb around the dot. 4. Use a pair of scissors to cut along each diagonal line, being careful not to cut into the circle. The cuts will create four “flaps.” 5. Add additional dots near the four righthand corners of these flaps. 6. Next, use a hole punch or push pin to put a hole through each of the dots, including the center one. Gently bend each flap to line up the holes on each one with the hole in the center. Push a pin through the center to hold everything together. Push the pin into the side of a pencil eraser or straw. 7. Decorate the handle of the pinwheel with red and orange ribbons. Celebrate the joy of Pentecost by using the pinwheels during music at evening worship. Pinwheels could also be placed collectively in a public location. The visual of the pinwheels as a whole can be a powerful reminder of the rushing wind of the Holy Spirit and the celebration. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: R e d , o r a n g e , a n d y e l l o w 7 x 7 i n c h p a p e r s q u a r e s ( 8 ½ x 8 ½ i n c h w i l l a l s o w o r k ) ; r u l e r s ; p e n c i l s ; s c i s s o r s ; p i n s ; p e n c i l s o r s t r a w s f o r p i n w h e e l h a n d l e s ; r e d a n d o r a n g e r i b b o n s ; ( o p t i o n a l : h o l e p u n c h )

Revisiting the Ritual As discussed yesterday, one of the most powerful experiences in worship and for a community is ritual. Be sure to revisit the ritual campers created yesterday. Use it to begin your morning worship, during cabin devotions, or even as evening worship concludes. The more the ritual is repeated, the stronger the tie is for the campers. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l ( p o t e n t i a l l y ) , L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: None

“The Holy Spirit Is with Me! Share the Good News!” Ask the campers to stand and spread out around the space. Hold up a roll of red (or yellow or orange) crepe paper (or ball of red yarn) and announce that this represents the Holy Spirit (like “tongues of fire”). Say, “The Holy Spirit is with me!” Hold on to one end and toss the roll (or ball of yarn) to someone else in the group; and say, “Share the good news!” When campers receive the crepe paper, they will say, “The Holy Spirit is with me.” Next, they will continue to toss the crepe paper from camper to camper, with the “tosser” making sure to hang on to an end of the paper. Campers should say, “Share the good news!” as they toss the paper to the other campers. Make sure the paper stays loose or it will rip. However, even if it does, the activity can still continue. Point out that the crepe paper is like the Holy Spirit helping them spread the good news to others. Remind campers that their actions tell others about God. Encourage campers to toss the crepe paper to campers farther and farther away from them, preferably across the group, so that the good news trail gets all crisscrossed. Continue tossing until everyone has a chance to toss, or keep tossing until the crepe paper runs out. As a closing reminder, at the end of the activity, campers can tear off pieces of the streamer and tuck them in their pockets or sleeves. These can be physical reminders of the power of the Holy Spirit that is with them and also calls them to share the good news. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: R e d ( o r y e l l o w o r o r a n g e ) c r e p e p a p e r ( o r b a l l o f y a r n )

The Language of Love Engage the campers in a discussion along these lines: When did you experience a time when you couldn’t understand what people were saying to you? How do you feel when you are having a hard time communicating an important message to someone? Sometimes miscommunication can lead to problems. In the Pentecost story, despite all the excitement and celebration, there was a lot of confusion. Amazingly, everyone present, from many different locations, heard people speaking in their own native languages! How would you feel if you heard strangers suddenly speaking your language? Or if you could suddenly speak unfamiliar languages? Today, the campers will learn how to say, “Jesus is alive!” in different languages. (The phrases below are spelled out phonetically.) Using a large sheet with the phrases written on it, teach them to your campers. You can also first ask campers if they know how to say, “Jesus is alive,” in any other languages. (Leader Note: Do you have any children who are bilingual? If so, include them in teaching others the phrase in their other language and encourage them to talk about the struggles of not always understanding one or the other languages spoken around them.) Then have individuals draw a phrase out of a bag, randomly. (Assign the same language to more than one person. If the group is smaller, use fewer of the phrases.) After quietly practicing their phrase to themselves, when the leader says, “Begin,” the campers will say their phrase until they find other individuals with the same language translation. Once they find their partner or partners, they will return to the original circle and sit down. After everyone is seated, go around the circle and have each group say, “Jesus is alive,” in the language they were given. Here are some possibilities. • Filipino: Bukey ang Jesu Christo • Greek: Esues erne Zotanos • Taiwanese: Yah so go wah (Jesus has risen) • Russian: Christos gzyork mezdinyanos • Gallic: Jesus cha a gla bretha • German: Jesus lebt (Jesus lives) • Spanish: Jesus esta vivo! (Jesus lives) • Mandarin (Chinese): Yah su ai ni (Jesus loves you) • Korean: Yae su nu sa dang da (Jesus loves you) Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: M u l t i p l e c u t - o u t c o p i e s o f “ J e s u s i s a l i v e ” p h r a s e i n t h e v a r i o u s l a n g u a g e s , b r o w n b a g ( o r s i m i l a r i t e m ) t o h o l d p h r a s e s , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r w i t h a l l o f t h e p h r a s e s p h o n e t i c a l l y l i s t e d

Color Your Campfire In this exciting project, campers will dip pinecones into substances that react with a campfire to turn the flames into beautiful colors. You will need one bucket for each of the three colors. Pour enough water into each bucket to completely immerse all the campers’ pinecones. In each bucket, stir in one of the following colorants: Epsom salts in one bucket, potassium chloride (a salt substitute found in the spice section) in another, and Borax (sold as 20 Mule Team Borax laundry booster in grocery stores) in the third bucket until nothing more can be dissolved in water. Allow campers to help with set up and stirring. Remember, camp should be hands on, not a spectator sport. Have the campers collect pinecones they find on the ground (they are not to pick them off trees). Then soak the pinecones completely for several minutes, and, afterward, place them in the sun to dry for several hours. After the pinecones have dried, gather them up and bring them to an evening campfire. Remember to keep safety in mind as you do this activity. Keep the group at a safe distance from the fire and carefully allow each camper a chance to drop or gently toss some pinecones into the flames. See what colors appear. Epsom salts should burn white; Borax, a yellowish green; and potassium chloride, purple. Make the connection to today’s Bible story. This fiery display is a beautiful and meaningful way to remember the coming of the Holy Spirit. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , S p a t i a l Supplies: B u c k e t s , w a t e r , E p s o m s a l t s , B o r a x l a u n d r y b o o s t e r , p o t a s s i u m c h l o r i d e ( s a l t s u b s t i t u t e a v a i l a b l e i n t h e s p i c e a i s l e ) , p i n e c o n e s , c a m p f i r e ( a n d a s a f e , a p p r o p r i a t e s i t e f o r i t ) . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship,” Brian Doerksen “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing” (make up new verses such as “I’m gonna serve…,” “I’m gonna walk…,” and so on), African American Spiritual “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” Hymn “Our God Is an Awesome God,” Rich Mullins “We Are the Church,” Avery and Marsh (Sing hymns in different languages, such as in Spanish; many are available in hymnals or songbooks.)

MORNING WORSHIP As you gather, preferably outdoors, sing together “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship.” Each morning’s worship will include a psalm. Psalms, songs of God’s people, express emotion and praise in real and authentic ways. Today’s is Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, which sets the tone of celebration for God’s creation. Read it aloud. Next give campers each a sheet of paper and a writing instrument. (Leader Note: You may also need to give them something sturdy to put under their paper in order to write.) Have them each draw a picture of something God has made. Afterward, invite them to tell about their pictures. Campers could respond to each picture with “Praise the Lord!” or “Our God is an awesome God!” Close with prayer and sing, “Our God Is an Awesome God!” Supplies: B i b l e , p a p e r , p e n s , p e n c i l s , o r m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : s t u r d y b a c k i n g f o r w r i t i n g )

EVENING WORSHIP Celebrate tonight! Sing several songs; campers can bring their pinwheels, created earlier, to use during worship, or display the pinwheels around the worship space. In advance, select camper volunteers (or staff) to present the Pentecost story through a reenactment. Assign various campers specific phrases in different languages from “The Language of Love” activity above. The script is below. Bring out today’s symbol, the candle and flame. Say, “Today we celebrate the gift of the church. When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the disciples received power from God, power to make the world a better place and to live in community. Let’s power up to celebrate!” Sing “Happy Birthday” to the church. If you use the “trick candle” from earlier, remind the campers that, unlike the candles on a birthday cake, this candle, like the Holy Spirit, will always stay lit. The Holy Spirit’s presence is impossible to blow out. If worship includes a campfire, use the pinecones made earlier. If you didn’t use the crepe paper activity earlier (or even if you did), pose the question, “What kinds of gifts could we give the church for its birthday?” After asking this question, give the first camper who wants to answer a roll of red crepe paper (or a ball of red yarn). After speaking, he or she is to hold onto the end of the paper and gently toss the roll to another person who would like to respond. As campers hold their ends and toss the crepe paper to others, everyone should respond, “I’ve got the power!” The paper will crisscross through the circle. Emphasize to the campers that when they give a “gift” to the church, they help spread the story of Jesus, just like we “spread” the streamer. Invite campers each to take a small piece of the crepe paper when leaving worship to remember what gift he or she wants to give to the church. Close in prayer. Dismiss campers, one cabin at a time, after each stanza of “Spirit of the Living God.” Supplies: B i b l e ( p r e f e r a b l y t h e Common English Bible) , r o l l o f r e d c r e p e p a p e r ( o r b a l l o f r e d y a r n ) , c a n d l e ( e i t h e r t r i c k o r r e g u l a r ) , m a t c h e s o r li g h t e r , c o p i e s o f P e n t e c o s t R e e n a c t m e n t , r e d s t r e a m e r s o r s c a r v e s CABIN DEVOTIONS After a day of celebrating, it will be important to settle in for the night and help campers reflect with thanksgiving on all that has happened. We Are One is a short picture book to read and savor. Each beautifully illustrated page features a short phrase that recalls Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:17-21) and the realities of Pentecost. Read the book aloud and ask the campers to identify images of scenes that remind them of the lessons of today. Close in prayer together. Supplies: We Are One b y Y s a y e M . B a r n w e l l Pentecost Reenactment for Worship .

Based on Acts 2:1-47 (CEB) Characters: Narrator, disciples, participants, Holy Spirit actors, the crowd, Peter Narrator: When Pentecost arrived, the disciples were all together in one place. Suddenly, a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. [Designated participants make sounds of the wind.] The disciples saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. [Holy Spirit actors run around the group holding red fabric or scarves high and flapping them.] The disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak. [Disciples shout their phrases loudly.] There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because each heard the disciples speaking in his or her native languages. [The listeners in the crowd wander around, looking confused and amazed.] The people in the crowd were surprised and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them? How then can each of us hear them speaking in our native language?” They were all surprised and bewildered. [Some people in the crowd ask one another “What does this mean?”] [Some people in the crowd jeer and say, “They’re full of new wine!”] Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and addressed the crowd. [Peter gives speech from Acts 2:15-18, 22-24, 33.] [Narrator concludes by reading Acts 2:42-47 (CEB).]

OLDER CHILDREN Day 3: Power Up to Imitate Christ Key Verses: And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. —1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Focus: People look to the example of Jesus and of other Christians to learn about how to live. Connection to Campers: Today the campers will connect with the call to imitate Christ and see their own role in being an example to others. Leader Notes: To prepare, read through the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 3. Today’s lesson is about claiming the gift of the Holy Spirit and choosing to live in the Spirit. The symbol for today is a mirror—representing “mirroring” Christ, reflecting and imitating Jesus’ character and heart. Even from the ages of ten and earlier, campers are eager to latch onto something or someone to emulate. In order to “fit in” and be accepted, campers are seeking after a leader and an example of how to live their lives. Prior to today’s scripture passage, Paul reminds the believers in Thessalonica how thankful he is for them, and he assures them that they are not forgotten. He even calls them brothers and sisters. Today, as you work with your campers, allow these truths to be the foundation of the call to follow Christ and imitate Jesus’ example through the power of the Holy Spirit. God calls us to reflect Christ even in the midst of hard times. Just as Paul encouraged the Thessalonians, remind your campers that God’s faithfulness to them is certain and that they too can be an encouragement to one another. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE The Backstory

Modern Day Miracles

EXPERIENCE Let the Spirit Move You!

Mirror Image

Simon Says

The Recess Queen

Evening Worship

Cabin Devotions . EXPLORE . The Backstory Today’s scripture lesson, 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7, is a portion of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. Paul couldn’t be face-to-face with the believers, but he wanted to write a letter to encourage them in their faith journey and to remind them that their friendship was important to him and that God was calling them to keep following Christ, with the help of the Holy Spirit. To help the campers understand the narrative behind this letter, go back to Acts 17:1-9. In this passage, Paul and Silas had come to Thessalonica, where they spent three Sabbath days teaching nonbelievers about the Messiah. Paul talked about why Jesus had to suffer. Many people became believers. However, some Jews who disagreed with Paul became jealous and, along with some ruffians, created an uproar. Basically, they were angry that Paul and Silas were “turning the world upside down”! Jason, a man who had housed Paul and Silas, was even brought before the authorities and questioned. The focus on “imitating Christ” is a perfect chance to act out this significant event found in Acts 17. Have campers choose roles: Paul, Silas, Jews in the synagogue, Jason, believers, the authorities. As you read Acts 17:1-9, the campers should take on their respective roles and act out the situation as you (or another person) narrate. (Leader Note: This passage depicts “an uproar.” Remind campers to be not only in character but also behaviorally appropriate as they reenact the events with Paul and Silas.) Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e a n d p r o p s ( c o s t u m e s )

Modern Day Miracles If you have already presented the scripture as “an official letter” (in morning worship), reread the passage again. If not, this is a great time to incorporate that activity. Paul’s letter encourages the Thessalonians to imitate Christ. What does that look like? What did Jesus do in the everyday moments, as well as in the grander times of miracles? (Jesus was kind, he listened, he accepted people who were outcasts and even ate with them; he also fed people, healed people, walked on water, and so on.) Split into a few smaller groups, giving each a story highlighting some of Jesus’ actions, such as: • The Feeding of the 4,000 (Mark 8:1-13) • Jesus Healing Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) • Jesus Listens on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:17-20) • The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4) Have each group dramatize Jesus’ response and actions in each passage and then create a second skit, modernizing the passage to reflect a current situation. One skit could focus on bullying. Another could address the issue of what to say to a friend after someone important dies. One group could dramatize caring for a homeless person they encounter. After each dramatization, have the observers talk about what they noticed. Also ask: • How did that make you feel? • How was the person a good friend in the modern-day skit? • How can we imitate those who are faithful, even in the midst of persecution? • How do we imitate Christ? • What kind of example are we holding up for others? As you close the activity, remind the campers that they are chosen and loved by God and given power to imitate Christ. As scary and as hard as that may seem, they are also given the Holy Spirit to walk alongside them. Additionally, the gift of the Christian community, which surrounds them, encourages them to serve, listen, and love even when doing so seems impossibly hard. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e s , s c r i p t u r e r e f e r e n c e s p r i n t e d o n p a p e r f o r g r o u p s t o u s e a s t h e y p l a n t h e i r s k i t s

. EXPERIENCE .

Let the Spirit Move You! This icebreaker facilitates “getting-to-know-you” in an active way. Include the leaders! Have campers stand in a circle, facing inward. A volunteer comes to the center of the circle to be “It.” Ask campers to find out the names of those on either side of them. The person in the center calls, “The Spirit moves everyone who…”—completing the sentence with a statement that is true for him- or herself. (For example, “The Spirit moves everyone who can speak another language!”) All who share this characteristic leave their places to quickly find new ones at least two spaces away. The central person must also find a place. The last one not in the circle is “It.” When people reach a new spot, again have them find out the names of those to either side and quickly elaborate on the characteristic that moved them (“I speak Spanish!”). The person who has not found a place begins a new round. Encourage a variety of questions to elicit facts, history, preferences, and other aspects of identity. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: I f p l a y i n g i n s i d e , u s e c h a i r s f o r e a c h c a m p e r — m i n u s o n e .

Mirror Image Today’s theme, “Power Up to Imitate Christ,” explores the topic of “mirroring” or imitating Christ’s example. This activity is a tangible way to examine this idea. Ask partners to sit facing each other. One of the pair becomes the initiator of a movement, and the other becomes his or her mirror image. Direct the partners to move slowly, as if in slow motion, as if miming. The initiator should try to keep the actions flowing to create a pattern of slow movement that the two can enjoy together. Have partners take turns as initiator and follower. If pairs want to, they can stand and mimic each other’s whole bodies. Make connections to the theme. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Simon Says Play the classic “Simon Says.” Choose a camper to be Simon and call out ways of moving: “Simon says skip,” or, “Simon says walk with your hands on your head,” for example. If the leader gives a command but doesn’t start the command with, “Simon says,” any campers who mistakenly obey are out. Trade out leaders, giving different campers the opportunity. As an extension with a great opportunity for discussion, have one camper leave the group with a staff person prior to the start of the game. (The staff person will need to make up a legitimate-sounding excuse.) Inform all of the other participants that they will play the game the usual way until the absent camper has a turn as leader—then they should do the opposite of anything “Simon says.” Begin playing the classic way, giving the absent camper time to return and play a couple of rounds before being the leader. After this opposite version, spend some time getting the campers’ feedback on the experience. Allowing the leader to express his or her emotions is especially meaningful. Encourage campers to compare and contrast this situation to their own decisions to listen to and follow God. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Mirror Image Painting For this art activity, be sure to protect the tables with newspaper or an old sheet. Cover the campers with aprons or smocks to protect their clothing. Fill squeeze bottles with red, yellow, and blue paints (feel free to use other colors if you have them) for the campers to share. Each camper will fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise. After unfolding it, it should be laid flat on the covered table. Each camper should drop splotches of paint on one half of the paper. Making sure that at least one drop of paint is right on the crease is helpful to show the connection between both sides. Finally, the campers should place the blank side of their paper over the painted side by refolding, making a mirror image on the other side. Pressing the paper firmly and then slowly pulling it apart should allow for the most accurate mirrored image. Point out that, even though the campers’ artwork results are not exact images, they leave an impression (a mirror image). Paul calls the Thessalonians—and us—to mirror Christ’s example. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: P a p e r , p a i n t ( r e d , y e l l o w , b l u e ) , s q u e e z e b o t t l e s , t a b l e , n e w s p a p e r o r o l d s h e e t s , a p r o n s o r s m o c k s

The Recess Queen Today campers are exploring how Paul encouraged the Thessalonians, reminding them of the big difference they are making in their community as they live like Jesus everyday. A great book to help express the importance of being an example to others is The Recess Queen. (Leader Note: This book is a tongue twister at points, so be sure to practice reading it ahead of time so that you’ll feel confident reading it aloud.) In the story, “Mean Jean has been the ‘queen’ of the playground for as long as anybody can remember, bullying others out of swinging, sliding, and fun. When a new student, Katie Sue, comes, she sets a new example. By asking Mean Jean to play with her, she changes the playground back into a place of fun for all and sets a good example for everyone to follow. Just as the Thessalonians’ deeds were heard about all around the region, this act is the talk of the school and changes everything for the better.” (Review from http://storypath.wordpress.com/2011/09/16/lectionary-links-sunday-october-16-2011/.) After reading the story, be sure to ask some questions to help the campers explore the theme further and make connections with today’s lesson. • Who in this story was most like Jesus? Why? • What things did Katie Sue do to show love? • In what situations in your life or here at camp could you respond similarly to Katie Sue? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: The Recess Queen b y A l e x i s O ’ N e i l l

Revisiting the Ritual Today, be sure to repeat the ritual your group created. Use it to begin morning worship, during cabin devotions, or as evening worship concludes. The more campers use the ritual, the stronger the tie is for them. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l ( p o t e n t i a l l y ) , L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “They Will Know We Are Christians,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual “I Choose to Follow Jesus,” Reggie Coates “I Will Change Your Name,” D.J. Butler

MORNING WORSHIP Sing “They Will Know We Are Christians.” Remind the campers that psalms express emotions and praise; today’s (Psalm 96:1-9, 10-13) is to be read with excitement and joy! Use the handout on the next page. Give each camper today’s scripture printed out on paper and sealed in an envelope. Tell the campers they are receiving a letter that was originally written by Paul to the believers in Thessalonica. Invite volunteers each to read a sentence or two aloud. Say, “Paul couldn’t be with the believers, so he wrote to them to encourage them to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminded them that they were chosen by God and deeply loved by God.” In the front of the worship space, have a large piece of paper mounted that says, “Chosen by God. Loved by God.” While singing “I Will Change Your Name,” have campers come up front and write their own names on the mural. Close with prayer, reminding the campers that they indeed received the word with joy! Long-lasting joy is ours to give to others as we encourage one another to follow Christ’s example. Supplies: E n v e l o p e s w i t h “ l e t t e r ” ( w i t h t o d a y ’ s s c r i p t u r e p a s s a g e p r i n t e d ) f o r e a c h c a m p e r , B i b l e , b i g p i e c e o f p a p e r w i t h “ C h o s e n b y G o d . L o v e d b y G o d ” w r i t t e n i n t h e m i d d l e , m a r k e r s , c o p i e s o f t o d a y ’ s p s a l m

EVENING WORSHIP Remind the campers that even though the people in Thessalonica were faithful, they still needed encouragement from Paul and from one another. Everyone has insecurities that make living our calling to imitate Christ more challenging. Give each camper a small piece of paper or index card and a pencil. Allow time for each camper to think of an insecurity he or she struggles with or an obstacle that makes it hard to follow Jesus and be an example (appearance, weight, clumsy, nonathletic, fearful, family’s beliefs, rejection, money, and so on). After campers have anonymously written down their insecurities and obstacles, collect the papers. Have several counselors write the words from the papers with black dry erase markers down the mirrors (to resemble bars—see example below): A R F N P E A O P J M T E E I A A C L T R T Y H A I L N O E C N T E I C Display the mirrors around the space. While the leaders are writing on the mirrors, set the stage for what the campers will do next. Maybe tell a story about one of your own insecurities. Your being vulnerable will be meaningful for the campers. After sharing your story, invite campers to go to the mirrors, look for a word they identify with, and then wipe it off with their fingers. As campers wipe off the insecurities and obstacles, the mirrors become less filled, allowing them to see themselves as God created them—perfect. They are no longer held in by prison bars. They are who they are, created in God’s image, encouraged to live that out and be examples to others. Close with this litany prayer. Have campers respond each time with, “We are chosen by God and loved by God.” Leader: When we feel inadequate, Lord, help us remember… (response) Leader: When we fear rejection, Lord, help us remember… (response) Leader: When we are worried about our appearance, Lord help us remember… (response) (Continue with examples that the campers wrote down.) End the prayer with: All: We are chosen by God and loved by God. Thanks be to God. Amen. Supplies: M i r r o r s ( a t l e a s t o n e m i r r o r p e r t e n p e o p l e ) , b l a c k d r y e r a s e m a r k e r s , s l i p s o f p a p e r o r i n d e x c a r d s , p e n s o r p e n c i l s , B i b l e

CABIN DEVOTIONS How have they seen their cabinmates be Jesus’ example? How have they been encouraged by one another? Invite campers to give specific examples of when people have been supportive to them during this week and then to go around the circle to say words of encouragement to one another. Finally, give each camper a card to fill in for the person to the right, writing that camper’s name on the first line, and if time allows, decorating it too. As a closing prayer, beginning with the leader, one at a time each camper turns to the person to the right and reads the card to him or her. Supplies: C a m p e r c a r d s , m a r k e r s

______, Beloved by God, God has chosen you. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Psalm 96:1-9, 10-13

Leader: “O sing to the Lord a new song!” Campers: “Sing to the Lord, all the earth!” Leader: “Sing to the Lord, bless the Lord’s name; tell of God’s salvation from day to day.” Campers: “Declare the glory of the Lord among the nations, and God’s marvelous works among all the peoples.” Leader: “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; the Lord is to be revered above all gods. Campers: “For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” Leader: “Oh, the honor and majesty of the Lord’s presence! Oh, the strength and beauty of God’s sanctuary!” Campers: “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.” Leader: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due God’s name; bring an offering, and come into the courts of the Lord.” Campers: “Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before God, all the earth.” Leader: “Say among the nations, ‘The Lord is king!’” Campers: “‘The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. The Lord will judge the peoples with equity.’” Leader: “Let the heavens be glad,” Campers: “Let the earth rejoice;” Leader: “Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;” Campers: “Let the fields exult, and everything in them.” Leader: “Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for the Lord is coming, for God is coming to judge the earth.” All: “The Lord will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with truth.” —Based on the NRSV and Book of Common Worship

OLDER CHILDREN Day 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit Key Verses: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:22-23a, 25 (CEB) Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26 (CEB) Focus: Living by the Spirit produces good fruit in our lives. Good fruit affects the whole community positively. Connection to Campers: Today campers will connect with allowing the Spirit to work in and through them to produce “good fruit” that can change their lives and the community around them. Some of the “fruit” are easier than others to understand for this age group. Help campers practice and live out the good fruit with one another today—to be loving, joyful, gentle, kind, and self-controlled. Leader Notes: Read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 4. If possible, use the translation from the Common English Bible (CEB) today. Be aware of the “goodness”/”generosity” issue. (See Fruit Alert on page 6.) One of the challenging things about today’s passage is the tendency people have to judge themselves and others. As you look at verses 16-21 with your campers today, be sure to remind the campers that we are called to live by the Spirit. Instead of focusing on all the things believers can’t or shouldn’t do, help campers see the many ways they can live out a vibrant and life-giving faith. Throughout the remainder of the week, be attentive to naming for campers actions they do that show the fruit of the Spirit. Your noticing and affirming will go a long way toward helping them be more aware of how people live in the Spirit. Remind campers that the Spirit gives them the power to choose the fruit of the Spirit versus “selfish desires.” Help the campers be excited to live out the call, not just to look at Christ’s example. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Taste and See That the Lord Is Good

The Fruits Modeled for Us

EXPERIENCE Good-Fruit Basket Upset

Growing the Fruit of the Spirit in Me Fruit of the Spirit Scavenger Hunt

Good Fruit versus Bad Fruit

Fruit Rocks

The Giving Tree

Evening Worship

Taste and See That the Lord Is Good Leader Note: Prior to meeting with your campers, prepare a basket of fruit that can be observed and eventually enjoyed. Feel free to share the fruit with the campers as you move through the lesson. Discuss with the campers: • What do you know about fruit? (juicy; grows on trees, vines, or bushes; good to eat; and so on) • What is your favorite fruit? Why? Say: “In the scripture we will read today, we learn that following Jesus is like growing good fruit in our lives.” Read Galatians 5:16-26 and discuss: • Just like fruit grows from a seed, God plants seeds of these fruits in us. What are some of the “fruit” that were mentioned? (love, joy, peace...) • Why do you think we call these characteristics the “fruit of the Spirit”? • We are called to grow these seeds into mature fruit. How do we keep these fruit of the Spirit healthy and growing? • What do you think it means to “live by the Spirit”? At this point, give each camper the camper page on page 104 to color and keep. Another option could be creating a huge paper tree to hang in a public space, maybe the dining hall or eating area. Groups of campers can create visual fruits for each of the nine fruit of the Spirit. Additional blank pieces of paper cut in fruit shapes can be available with writing utensils nearby. As campers see others displaying the fruit of the Spirit, they can write examples of what they saw and add them to the tree. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , b o w l o f f r u i t , n a p k i n s o r p a p e r t o w e l s , ( o p t i o n a l : c u t t i n g b o a r d , k n i f e , p i c n i c b l a n k e t ) , F r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t c a m p e r p a g e f o r e a c h p e r s o n , m a r k e r s o r c r a y o n s , ( o p t i o n a l : l a r g e t r e e c u t o u t o r m u r a l , t a p e , b l a n k p a p e r , s c i s s o r s )

The Fruit Modeled for Us Leader Notes: One of the best ways for campers to grasp what the fruit of the Spirit looks like in day-to-day lives is to see examples of the characteristics being lived out. In this activity, campers will work together to tie each fruit of the Spirit to another passage in scripture. In advance, if possible, have counselors read through the passages listed below for an assigned fruit, so they can better facilitate the small groups’ work within the amount of time available. After reading and discussing the Galatians 5 passage together, divide the campers into up to nine smaller groups. (Or, if your group is smaller, break into the appropriate number of groups. It is not necessary to cover every fruit.) Each group will be “secretly” assigned a fruit of the Spirit. As a team, they will work to create a skit from a story in scripture (suggestions below or add others) that illustrates that fruit of the Spirit: • Love: The loving friendship experienced by David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:1-42), or friends carrying the paralytic (Mark 2:1- 12) • Joy: David dancing for joy (2 Samuel 6:12-22), Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46-55) • Peace: Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), Jesus healing the Gerasene demoniac (Mark 5:1-20) • Patience: Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 12:1-6 and 21:1-7), Hannah (1 Samuel), • Kindness: The kindness of Boaz (Ruth 2), Jonathan prays for David (1 Samuel 19) • Goodness: The boy who shared his lunch (John 6:1-14), the goodness of the Lord (Genesis 1) • Faithfulness: Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1), Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22), Daniel faithful in prayer (Daniel 6:1-23) • Gentleness: Pharaoh’s daughter taking care of Moses (Exodus 2), the lost sheep (Luke 15), Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 45:1-15) • Self-Control: Manna in the desert (Exodus 16:4-30), David not killing Saul (1 Samuel 24) After each group has prepared their skit, they will act out the narrative and the other campers will have a chance to guess which fruit of the Spirit is being represented. (Leader Note: Oftentimes, more than one fruit of the Spirit will clearly tie to the story the team has chosen to illustrate. That is fine! Just have them identify the various fruit they see.) Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e s , ( o p t i o n a l : f r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t a n d t h e i r s u g g e s t e d s c r i p t u r e s o n s l i p s o f p a p e r )

. EXPERIENCE .

Good-Fruit Basket Upset Leader Note: This silly game is a good way to get out some built-up energy, while also slipping in some of the good fruit that Jesus would like us to grow in our lives. Have campers make a circle with one person in the middle. Tell them they are going to play Fruit Basket Upset, but with a special twist: They will be using the names of some of the good fruit that the Holy Spirit will help them grow in their lives! Then assign each camper one of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness/generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). Instead of trying to assign all of the fruit of the Spirit, make sure that there are two of each fruit used (two loves, two joys...), even if some fruit is left out. If you have an odd-numbered group, have three of one fruit. Ask campers to practice saying their fruit out loud a few times so that they can remember what they are. Whoever is in the middle starts by saying the name of one of the fruit of the Spirit. The campers who have been assigned that fruit must get up and move around the outside of the circle, trying to find another place in the circle, as the person from the middle tries to get to one of their vacated spaces ahead of them. Whoever is left without a place is then in the middle and should say the name of another fruit. If “It” calls “fruit basket upset,” everyone must find a different place at least two spaces away. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : c h a i r s , e s p e c i a l l y i f p l a y i n g i n s i d e )

Growing the Fruit of the Spirit in Me Using a big piece of paper, trace one camper. Have one of the campers cut it out. Meanwhile, engage the group in a coming up with a list of their favorite edible fruits and how each might represent a fruit of the Spirit. Here are some ideas: • cherries for love (red and they often may be in pairs!) • bananas for joy • peaches for peace • kiwis for patience (tough and “hairy” on the outside, but once inside, worth the effort) • oranges for kindness (a fruit easy to share) • grapes for generosity/goodness • lemon for faithfulness (If you were eating it, it would require willpower and “faithfulness” to keep eating until the end!) • blueberries for gentleness (gentle or else berries are bruised or become mushy) • watermelon for self-control (Don’t spit the seeds at anyone!) If you have more than nine campers, have some work with a partner for the next steps. Give campers paper and have them draw their fruit as an outline. (Leader Note: You may want to have a sample of a simple drawing such as from a children’s coloring book to show them.) Campers can now paint or color their fruit and cut it out. (Leader Note: A fun, thematic idea for painting is to use fruit-flavored drink mixes of different colors in water. They act like watercolor paints and add the smell factor too!) After all nine fruits are cut out and colored, campers will attach them to the inside of the cut-out of the camper. Place the mural in a central location so it is clearly visible. Remind the campers that the Holy Spirit wants to grow these fruits in their lives—for them to be inside their hearts and minds, but also visible to everyone they meet. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: L a r g e p i e c e o f p a p e r ( t h i c k e r p a p e r li k e b u t c h e r p a p e r w o r k s b e s t ) , p e n c i l , t a p e a n d / o r g l u e , s c i s s o r s , m a r k e r s , w a t e r c o l o r p a i n t s ( o r p a i n t s m a d e f r o m w a t e r a n d p o w d e r e d j u i c e m i x ) , w a t e r f o r p a i n t i n g , p a i n t b r u s h e s , c l e a n - u p s u p p l i e s Fruit of the Spirit Scavenger Hunt Leader Notes: Prior to the activity, choose and hide nine “fruit” to represent the nine fruit of the Spirit. (If possible, use fruit representations so as to not waste food.) Also prior to the activity, write the various fruit of the Spirit on individual slips of paper and place them in a brown lunch sack. Consider having your campers search for the fruit on their way to your meeting place so that when they arrive they are ready for the next step in the activity. Give your group a time limit and radius for the scavenger hunt, and then send them out in search of the fruit. Once they have found all nine, have them gather together. Tell them that, as in the scavenger hunt, today they are going to be on the lookout for the nine fruit of the Spirit—in one another. Point out that sometimes in everyday life, we need to hunt for joy, for peace, for kindness. Campers will “blindly” reach into the bag and choose a fruit of the Spirit. Without telling anyone else, they will be on the lookout for this fruit all day. Later in the day, campers will have a chance to share what they found. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N i n e f r u i t s t o h i d e ( p l a s t i c o r p a p e r r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s ) , b a s k e t f o r c o l l e c t i n g , b r o w n b a g w i t h t h e v a r i o u s f r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t w r i t t e n o n s l i p s o f p a p e r i n s i d e t h e b a g ( e n o u g h f o r o n e p e r c a m p e r — f r u i t n a m e s c a n b e r e p e a t e d )

Good Fruit versus Bad Fruit Leader Notes: Prior to the activity time, cut at least 18 pieces of various fruit out of construction paper. The fruit papers can be all the same or a variety. On nine of the fruit papers, write one of the following words: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness (or generosity), faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. On the others, write nine bad “fruit”—jealousy, anger, envy, arguing, meanness, lying, and so on. Roll them up and put each inside its own balloon. Blow up the balloons. Invite the group to create a mural to represent the fruit of the Spirit versus bad fruit. Their first step is to draw two trees on one or two large sheets of paper. One tree should look full and healthy, and the other, withering and dying. Campers will each pop a balloon, figure out which of the two trees their fruit belongs to, and tape it to the appropriate tree. Especially with the bad fruit, engage campers in telling why that behavior or “fruit” is bad: • How does it hurt the individual? • How does it hurt others around the person who lives that way? Ask also if campers can think of other types of bad fruit that people sometimes display. Campers could also write the verses of Galatians 5:22-23 on the mural and then hang the finished product in a public place. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: 1 8 f r u i t s h a p e s ( s u c h a s a n a p p l e , o r a n g e , o r p e a c h ) c u t o u t o f c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r ( c r e a t e m o r e i f y o u r g r o u p i s l a r g e r ) , b a l l o o n s , l a r g e p i e c e s o f p a p e r f o r t h e m u r a l d e p i c t i n g t w o t r e e s , m a r k e r s o r c r a y o n s , t a p e

Fruit Rocks For this activity campers can find their own rocks, or you can provide them by finding or purchasing rocks. If campers are searching, they can collect more than one, seeking to find many examples, shapes, and sizes. Using a large table covered with a tarp or newspaper, prepare bright paints, preferably acrylic, to paint fruit rocks. Each camper will be challenged to create lifelike fruits. All of the rock should be covered in paint, thus needing plenty of time to dry. In the evening, campers will bring the rocks to evening worship, where they will be used to reflect on fruits of the Spirit observed during the day. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , S p a t i a l Supplies: R o c k s , p a i n t s , c o n t a i n e r s f o r p a i n t s , p a i n t b r u s h e s , c l e a n - u p s u p p l i e s , t a b l e , t a r p o r n e w s p a p e r

The Giving Tree In the story The Giving Tree, the tree shows love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in a memorable storyline. After reading it, assign small teams a fruit of the Spirit and have them choose a scene from the book that shows how the tree displayed their fruit of the Spirit. Suggest that they depict their scene using a “freeze frame” technique, basically creating a still picture with their bodies (without movement or words). Remind the campers that God, through the Holy Spirit, longs to show us each of these same fruits in our lives, giving us power to live them out. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: The Giving Tree b y S h e l S i l v e r s t e i n

Revisiting the Ritual Be sure to repeat the group’s ritual today. Use it to begin morning worship, during cabin devotions, or even as evening worship concludes. The more the ritual is revisited, the stronger the tie is for the campers. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l ( p o t e n t i a l l y ) , L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

SONG SUGGESTIONS “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart” (make up new verses like, “I’ve got patience, kindness, gentleness...”), Traditional “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” Traditional “The Fruit of the Spirit (Is Not a Coconut),” Uncle Charlie “The Fruit of the Spirit,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette “For Freedom, Christ Has Set Us Free,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (especially verse 3) “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” Hymn, Edwin Hatch

MORNING WORSHIP Leader Notes: Prior to worship, have a large pot or planter in the front of the worship space, filled with soil. Additionally, be sure to have a small shovel, seeds, and a watering can ready to go as well. Represent today’s symbol with a bowl of grapes—already separated. If time is limited, have staff do the planting as a demonstration while campers speak. Sing “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” Then pray this interactive prayer. Have the campers say, “Spirit, grow the fruit of [named fruit] in us,” after the leader speaks. Leader: “Thank you, God, for your gift of love.” Campers: “Spirit, grow the fruit of love in us.” Leader: “Thank you, God, for your gift of joy.” (Continue through all nine fruit of the Spirit.) Leader: “God, we thank you.” Campers: “Amen.” Read Psalm 1:2-3. Tell the campers that today’s focus is on growing good things in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as the trees in the psalm gave good fruit, we too are called to do the same. Invite them to close their eyes and imagine what good things, what fruit God wants to grow in them. After a quiet moment, invite the campers to come individually to the front to plant a seed in the pot. As they plant their seed, they can, if they are willing, share one of the good fruit they believe God wants to grow in their lives. As the leader, go first. Afterward, invite campers to take a grape to eat, a symbol of the fruit that is to come! After everyone has planted a seed, add water and remind campers that it is the Holy Spirit that waters and nurtures us as we seek to grow the fruit of the Spirit. Sing “The Fruit of the Spirit (Is Not a Coconut).” Supplies: B i b l e , p o t , s o i l , s m a l l s h o v e l o r s p a d e , s e e d s f o r e a c h c a m p e r , g r a p e s i n a b o w l , ( o p t i o n a l : p i c n i c b l a n k e t ) , w a t e r i n g c a n

EVENING WORSHIP Open with an upbeat, energizing song. Consider reading the children’s board book Spirit. Read the scripture, and as each fruit is read, have a volunteer (pre-selected) bring a piece of fruit or its representation, and add it to the basket or picnic blanket. Invite campers to come forward one at a time to tell about a fruit of the Spirit they observed in others today. Then, if the painted fruit rocks are there, they can choose one and lay it around the pot the group planted earlier. In prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to continue growing good fruit in each of the campers and leaders. Close with “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart,” adding new fruit of the Spirit verses. Supplies: P o t t e d s e e d s f r o m m o r n i n g w o r s h i p , p i c n i c b l a n k e t o r b a s k e t , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s o f f r u i t , p a i n t e d f r u i t r o c k s , ( o p t i o n a l : Spirit b y H e i d i B r a t t o n )

CABIN DEVOTIONS Invite campers to talk more about the ways they saw the fruit of the Spirit in one another or how they showed or struggled to show the various fruit themselves. Even if some are quiet, give plenty of wait time. They have been at camp for three full days and are becoming more comfortable with one another by this point. Or, read or review The Giving Tree. Invite campers to tie a current situation in their lives to the boy in the story, seeking to show where and how they want to work on a certain fruit. For example, the boy is very busy and neglects to visit the tree. Maybe a camper feels the pressure of activities and school demands and wants to be more patient and generous. Campers should focus on the practical. In other words, “What does kindness look like?” or “What does generosity or goodness sound like?” Make a list of these ideas and post it in the cabin. As campers look at unity tomorrow, these fruit are foundational. Supplies: The Giving Tree b y S h e l S i l v e r s t e i n , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r a n d m a r k e r s , t a p e

OLDER CHILDREN Day 5: Power Up as One Community Key Verses: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. —Ephesians 4:4-6 Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6 Focus: Living in the way of the Spirit brings unity to groups, creating community. Connection to Campers: Campers have learned about allowing the Spirit to work in and through them to produce “good fruit” that can change their lives and the community around them. Today they will be looking toward the importance of the community that surrounds them. Many campers experience multiple communities in their daily lives—family, school, church, and friends from extra- curricular activities—not to mention camp! Paul talks about the importance of oneness and peace, as well as putting love into practice. What better place to dive into these topics and look toward the future than in a safe and supportive community found at camp. Leader Notes: Read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 5. Today’s lesson is about the necessity and gift of community. Unity among believers is a challenge. Campers face similar struggles, and they will explore how to claim the power of the Holy Spirit to walk through hard times and differences. At camp many campers experience oneness in a safe environment; however, not all return home to that same peace. Emphasize the need for prayer and identify practical ways for them to put love into practice. One caveat to remember today as you explore the idea of unity in the body of Christ is the reality that campers may either come from or know people from different backgrounds and even religions. The scripture directly talks about the source of our unity as one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all. Be caring and empathetic as you sensitively approach these questions and topics with your campers. Remind the campers that the Holy Spirit is what binds us together as one. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Digging Deeper

Put It into Motion

Put It into Action

EXPERIENCE Value Line

Binocular Hunt

We Are One: Revisiting The Keeping Quilt

Tarp Flip

The Sneetches

Find a Motto

Evening Worship

Digging Deeper Leader Notes: On Day 4, campers focused on the fruit of the Spirit. Today’s passage reflects many of those results of living in the Spirit as the very things that cement and bond a community together. As you look at the Ephesians passage today, campers will have a chance to look back to yesterday’s lesson and connect it with today’s as the foundation for unity. Prior to the lesson, print a large copy of the scripture on a big piece of paper. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:1-6 aloud. Read the passage a second time and, for each instance the word “one” appears, have another volunteer circle it on the poster. Ask: “Why do you think the word ‘one’ appears so often?” Be sure to remind them that this letter was written to a small, new community of faith that was starting to divide. Paul is begging them to reflect the unity of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. All of the “ones” that Paul refers to really are the glue that holds the community together and unifies everyone—one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God. Bring out today’s symbol, the numeral 1 in a circle, and talk about how it relates to this passage. Next, go back and read the scripture again and choose another color of marker to circle and focus on fruit of the Spirit that are present in this passage (love, gentleness, patience, peace, faith). Ask: • Are there any others that are similar? • Since Paul was talking to a group of believers that was divided, how could these words be a reminder to them? • What is one reminder that was listed that could help a community that was divided? • What was the “call” that the folks in Ephesus were originally “called to”? Paul writes, “Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” What does that mean? How can you live a life like that? • Where are some places in your life that living like this might make a difference? • What difference would it make for you, for your family, for others? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r w i t h t o d a y ’ s s c r i p t u r e , t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l ( n u m e r a l 1 i n a c i r c l e ) , v a r i o u s c o l o r e d l a r g e m a r k e r s

Put It into Motion Ask campers to look up Ephesians 4:1-6 and have volunteers read it aloud. Talk about the rhythm of the verse. How does the list of words in verses 2 and 3 flow? How do the words in verses 4, 5, and 6 remind us about unity? Next, split into two or three smaller groups. Each will be responsible for coming up with motions to visually show the meaning of the passage. A narrator from each team will be reading the verse while the remaining campers will do the motions to create a picture of the verses. Doing a cheer and creating a song are other options. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e s , ( o p t i o n a l : p r i n t e d s c r i p t u r e f r o m “ D i g g i n g D e e p e r ” )

Put It into Action Leader Note: In advance, have staff read and be familiar with the story lines so they can assist campers more readily. To see the application of today’s passage in other stories in the Bible, assign each group a narrative in the Bible: • The feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 15:32-39) • The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36) • The story of the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 16) Similarly to “Put It into Motion,” each group will have a narrator and the other campers will act out the story. Either perform these dramatizations now or have campers present them during Evening Worship. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e s . EXPERIENCE .

Value Line Leader Note: Beforehand, put tape down the center of the floor, or use a rope to create a line dividing your space in half. As an option, simply designate distinct sides of your area. Tell the campers they are going to create a Value Line. They are to stand on the side that best represents their response to a particular choice. Let them know it is OK to use some “think time” before moving. However, they must choose one side or the other. Use these contrasts (or create some of your own): (one assigned to each side) Cats are best or dogs are best Chocolate or vanilla Shorts or pants Play before you work or finish your work so you can play Football or baseball Day or night Have a few close friends or enjoy being with a big group of people Hamburgers or hot dogs Country music or pop Afterward, have the group sit in a circle and respond to these questions: • What made this activity hard? • What was helpful about having choices? What was hard? • What surprised you about the choices? • Why do you think we like different things? • How can the fact that we like different things make life hard? • What can we do to work through differences? • How is it possible to like different things and still be a community? • There is a phrase that says, “Unity doesn’t equal uniformity.” What do you think that means? Is it true? Why or why not? (Leader Note: Be prepared to help campers unpack the meanings of the two words—perhaps using something as simple as “all together” versus “all exactly alike.”) • What are some ways people separate themselves from others or that groups split up? • What are some ways we bond together or unify? (Leader Note: This idea is especially great to explore at camp, as unity is often shaped by camp songs, mottos, and traditions! Remind campers of their ritual and take this opportunity to close the activity with it.) Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: T a p e o r r o p e

Binocular Hunt As we look at the world around us, it is clear that God loves variety. In nature and in people, God reminds us of the importance of depending on one another in spite of our differences. Invite the campers to make “binoculars” with their hands (or, if time permits, you could actually create binocular representations from toilet paper tubes and decorate them). Ask the campers to look around the area where they are sitting (preferably outside!) without talking. Then ask: • What signs of variety do you see? • How many different forms of life? (trees, plants, animals, insects, people) • How many colors? Textures? Point out that despite all the variety they have observed, there is harmony. Next, have the campers imagine turning the binoculars around, looking at themselves and the group. Ask: • What variety do you see in yourself? • What differences do you see (and have you experienced) in and with one another? • How do your group members react differently? Say, “Clearly, we can see God’s love of variety in God’s design in each of us. No matter our differences, though, God invites us through the power of the Spirit to be one.” Ask: • What are some fruit of the Spirit that we can focus on to help this task? • How does living in the Spirit day-to-day help us? If campers made “binoculars,” have them write some of the fruit of the Spirit on them as a reminder that we are called to observe and look with an eye of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and so on. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : t o i l e t - p a p e r r o l l s , s t a p l e r o r g l u e , m a r k e r s f o r d e c o r a t i n g , a n d s t r i n g t o m a k e a n e c k s t r a p )

We Are One: Revisiting The Keeping Quilt Just like in the story The Keeping Quilt, each of us is connected, despite miles of separation or differences in personality and beliefs. The Holy Spirit allows us to be unified. Give each camper a five-inch by five-inch square of thick paper. Invite each camper to write his or her name prominently on it and then decorate it with symbols or pictures that represent that camper. Encourage the campers to limit the use of words on their squares (other than their names). Each square can be joined together during this activity (or later at Evening Worship) to create one large “quilt,” which will be a symbol of all the unique differences that the campers bring to the group, but also of the fact that they are unified through the power of the Holy Spirit. Be sure to leave one central square to be a vivid numeral 1 in a circle similar to today’s camp symbol. Write the date of camp on that square, as well as the scripture reference for today. It will be placed in the center of the quilt. Each week, as other quilts are created, they can also be bound together with ones from the previous weeks of campers to show unity throughout the summer. Campers, despite going home to separate lives and families, are still bound by their shared experiences at camp. Leader Note: To finish the “quilt,” punch a hole at each of the four corners of the squares and tie the squares together with yarn or ribbon. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: The Keeping Quilt, 5 x 5 i n c h s q u a r e s o f w h i t e c a r d s t o c k o r t h i c k p a p e r , c r a y o n s , m a r k e r s , g l u e , o l d m a g a z i n e s ( o r p r e c u t m a g a z i n e i m a g e s ) , t a p e ; h o l e p u n c h a n d y a r n o r r i b b o n f o r b i n d i n g t h e s q u a r e s i n t o a l a r g e r q u i l t

Tarp Flip

This activity is great for a confined space, either outside or inside. First, get all of the campers onto a tarp. Their only goal is to flip the tarp over without stepping off of the tarp. Once they accomplish this challenge, you can keep folding the tarp in half to make the activity more difficult. Afterward, take time to debrief the challenge with the group. Here are some questions to help: • What was hard about this challenge? • How did each person contribute to us being one? • What conflicts arose? • How does this experience teach us about learning to work together? • At camp, as in other areas of life, we have many different people coming together. How does the Holy Spirit help us be unified as a community when we come with so many differences? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: T a r p

The Sneetches The Sneetches, by Dr. Seuss, ties into today’s lesson: the importance of unity. The Sneetches, like us, don’t have to be exactly the same or make themselves better than one another. The important lesson is not to be uniform, but be unified. The Sneetches are a group of yellow creatures, some of whom have a green star on their bellies. The ones with stars discriminate against those without. Sylvester McMonkey McBean comes with his Star-On machine and offers the Sneetches without stars the chance to have them put on, for three dollars. The treatment is popular with the starless Sneetches, but it upsets the original star-bellied ones, who no longer have special status. McBean then tells them about his Star-Off machine, costing ten dollars. Those Sneetches happily pay to have their stars removed in order to remain special. However, McBean allows the newly starred Sneetches through this machine as well. Ultimately the Sneetches are running from one machine to the next, “until neither the Plain nor the Star-Bellies knew whether this one was that one...or that one was this one… or which one was what one...or what one was who.” Ultimately, the Sneetches are all penniless and McBean departs a rich man, amused by their folly and convinced “you can’t teach a Sneetch.” However, the Sneetches learn from this experience and are finally able to get along. After reading the story to the campers, debrief the lesson to be learned: • Dr. Seuss uses stars to create a divide between two groups of Sneetches. What are some modern causes of conflict? • The two groups of Sneetches really weren’t too different from one another. It was just the stars that separated them. What does Sylvester McMonkey McBean show the Sneetches by the end when they have lost track of their groups? Why does he continue the conflict between them? • What are some ways people divide up? (Invite campers to think about their own schools and youth groups.) Are people put, or do they put themselves, in various categories? If so, what are they? Why do they do this? • How should we work toward peaceful unity when we are surrounded by Sylvester McMonkey McBeans? How can the Holy Spirit help us? Leader Note: One option is to give out stars to half the group before reading the story. Then in the discussion talk about how it felt to be a person with a star or one without a star. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: The Sneetches b y D r . S e u s s , ( o p t i o n a l : s t a r s , c o u l d b e s t i c k e r s )

Find a Motto Your campers may be part of various groups that shape their identities: Boy or Girl Scouts, 4-H, sports teams, schools, and so on. Elicit from the campers examples of groups they are part of. Ask: • How are these groups you are a part of like our camp community or your church community back home? • How are these groups different from camp? • Does your group have a motto or “law”? (for example, Boy Scouts: “Be Prepared”) Divide campers into groups of three or four. Remind them that according to our scripture, we are all called and chosen by God—we are all part of God’s “chosen ones.” In their groups, they are to come up with a motto and/or law for the family of God. Their motto should be short and based on the ideas found in Ephesians. Often mottos start with the verb “be” or other action verbs (examples: Be Loving. Build one another up. Take care of one another. Ask what you can do to help and then do it!). After coming up with the mottos, have each group share theirs with the larger group. In a manner that promotes unity, have the campers decide on one motto for the whole group. Have them write it on a big piece of paper that can be displayed in a public spot such as the dining hall. On the last day, the banner could be moved to the entrance to camp for the campers (and their parents) to see as they leave. Consider also making copies and giving them to campers on the last day to take home. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s , p a p e r , m a r k e r s , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r

SONG SUGGESTIONS “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” American Spiritual “This Little Light of Mine,” Traditional “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “In Christ There Is No East or West,” Hymn “One Bread, One Body,” Hymn “We Are the Family of God,” Jon Byron “Look All Around You,” John Fischer “Build Your Kingdom Here,” the Rend Collective “Bind Us Together, Lord,” Bob Gillman “Make Us One,” Carol Cymbala

MORNING WORSHIP Leader Note: In advance, write on an old bed sheet, “We Are Chosen and Called by God!” Drape it on the altar. Sing “We Are the Family of God” or “Look All Around You.” Read today’s scripture and introduce the symbol (the numeral 1 in a circle). Introduce Psalm 133:1: “How very good and pleasant it is / when kindred live together in unity!” Ask the campers to give examples of times and ways they have seen the community at camp show this unity. Allow time for the campers to encourage and build one another up! Finally, ask one small group or cabin at a time to come to the altar; have each camper trace a hand onto the sheet and then write his or her name inside the handprint. Make sure everyone is included. Use this sheet as your altar covering for the rest of the week; display it the last morning of camp to welcome parents. Close in prayer and sing “Build Your Kingdom Here.” Supplies: B i b l e , t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l , o l d b e d s h e e t , m a r k e r s , t a b l e EVENING WORSHIP Leader Note: As campers arrive, display the Keeping Quilt prominently in the front of the worship space as a visual reminder of unity in the midst of diversity. Or, have campers bring their pieces to worship and attach them during the service. Sing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” or “Bind Us Together, Lord.” Draw attention to the quilt. Ask the campers to tell what they learned about being one today. Talk about the diversity among the campers, but also about the way the Spirit binds different persons together harmoniously. One pair of “binoculars” or the representation of today’s symbol could be passed around to indicate the camper speaking (like a “talking stick”) as campers share what they learned and observed today about unity and community. Read Ephesians 4:1-6. If you used “Put It into Action” earlier in the day, have each group present their skit. After each, invite campers to discuss how the story ties back to Paul’s message and what fruit of the Spirit were displayed. This is a wonderful night to share in communion, a tangible reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, which allows us to be unified and reconciled to one another. Our unity reflects the unity found in the Trinity. While taking communion, sing “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love” or “One Bread, One Body.” Sing “This Little Light of Mine.” If it is safe to do so, have campers each hold a lit candle. Otherwise, use one candle up front and allow it to be the sole source of light during the song. Pray for the campers to allow their lights to shine as they are bonded together as a community. Pray for the campers to be examples through their love, humility, patience, and gentleness. Supplies: B i b l e s a n d / o r s c r i p t u r e p o s t e r , c a n d l e ( s ) , K e e p i n g Q u i l t ( o r e a c h c a m p e r ’ s s q u a r e a n d t a p e o r h o l e p u n c h e s a n d y a r n i f y o u a r e b u i l d i n g t h e q u i l t a t w o r s h i p ) , ( o p t i o n a l : “ b i n o c u l a r s , ” c o m m u n i o n e l e m e n t s ) CABIN DEVOTIONS Invite campers to talk about one or more of the following questions. (Leader Note: An alternative is to give each one a sheet of paper and a pencil and select one or more of the questions to be a prompt for writing or drawing. Campers can then either share their thoughts with the group or simply keep what they have written or drawn.) • In what ways does camp feel like a family to you? • Where did you see the Holy Spirit working and moving today? • How has your faith grown this week? • How has your love for others been increased? • How has it been hard to love? Close in prayer; consider incorporating your ritual. Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s )

OLDER CHILDREN Day 6: Power Up with Courage Key Verse: For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. —2 Timothy 1:7 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 Focus: Through the Spirit, we have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, not of cowardice or timidity. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be brave, to stand up, and to make a difference. Connection to Campers: Campers have learned about the importance of the community that surrounds them, the value of oneness and peace, as well as putting love into practice. Today, the focus will be on stepping forward in courage, being brave, and, with the aid of the power of the Holy Spirit, standing up to make a difference. Leader Notes: Read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 6. Today’s lesson is about Paul’s encouragement to his successor, Timothy. Paul knew that Timothy was going to face hard times ahead, and he encouraged him to remember that God’s gift was already within him. He reminded Timothy and the early church that the power of the Holy Spirit can give strength to love and be brave. As you work with campers today, encourage them in the same way. The Holy Spirit will be going with them, even as they leave camp. God’s gift, God’s very Spirit, will give them courage to be brave, to stand up for their faith, and to make a difference. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Scripture on the Road

Bible Stories of Courage

EXPERIENCE Stand Up

A Present

A Prayer for Leaving Your Comfort Zone

Funeral for Fear

Flying Carpet

Chalk It Up!

Evening Worship

Scripture on the Road Leader Note: In advance, scout out and select various places to read today’s scripture, such as the camp van or bus, a quiet place outside, in a chapel or meeting room, at the swimming pool, in a cramped cabin, on a volleyball or basketball court or camp playground, or in the dining hall. Choose locations that provide different contexts, such as quiet, loud, no other people, lots of people, dark, bright, outdoors, and indoors. Prior to departing on your scripture walk, set the context for the campers. Paul’s letter is to his young friend, Timothy, to encourage him as he begins the next part of his faith journey. Paul’s words are encouragement for the campers, too, especially because they will leave camp soon. Begin the journey. At each point of your itinerary, read a portion of the scripture (2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14) and invite campers to reflect on Paul’s advice. Use questions such as these, but be attentive to what has been said at each stop and build upon those reflections, making connections and probing deeper as the journey continues: • What do you think Paul means in this verse? • Is it hard or easy to hear this reminder? Why? • Were you ready to listen to the scripture? If not, what distracted you? If so, what made it easier? • What new thing did you hear in the scripture that you didn’t hear before? When the group returns to the starting point, ask: • Where do you often feel it is easiest to hear God’s voice? Where is it hardest? • What kinds of things can you do to help you continue to follow Paul’s encouraging advice when you leave camp? (Point to spiritual practices, being part of a Christian community and among friends who are also Christians, paying attention to growing the fruit of the Spirit, trusting Jesus, and so on.) Spend time praying for the various places the campers will find themselves upon their return to their lives outside camp. Pray that even in those harder situations, they will live in the Spirit and be courageous. Optional Variation: Instead of moving from place to place, chose one location, such as the entrance to camp or a camp vehicle. This place should represent their departure in some way. Use the Lectio Divina method (found in the “Extra Resources” section of this resource) for experiencing the scripture. Afterward, invite the campers to write or discuss and share their thoughts. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: B i b l e o r s c r i p t u r e p a s s a g e w r i t t e n o u t o n p a p e r , ( o p t i o n a l : s h e e t o f p a p e r , p e n c i l f o r e a c h c a m p e r ) (The idea for this activity comes from Making Worship Real, by Aimee Wallis Buchanan, Bill Buchanan, and Jodi B. Martin.)

Bible Stories of Courage Leader Note: In advance, select the stories for your groups and make sure staff are familiar with the scriptures so they can retell the stories if need be to make the most of the time available. Divide into groups of two to three. Give each group a biblical story that focuses on believers who showed courage (such as Miriam, Moses, Rahab, Joshua, David, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ruth, Mary, Stephen, Paul, the unclean woman who touched Jesus’ cloak). Before campers begin working with the stories, reread 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14. Ask volunteers to put into their own words what they think Paul’s message is to Timothy, the early church, and to them. Next, have each group look up their passage. If it is relatively short, have one person read the passage to the group. If it is longer, have a staff person retell the story (with some dramatic flair), perhaps with campers reading portions of the scripture. As they listen to the story, campers should be considering how the characters acted with courage or bravery, how they made a difference, and what helped them act with love even when they were fearful. Invite campers to think about what their characters might have been feeling and thinking, as well as doing. Each group should create a diary entry from the perspective of their assigned characters. It should include what they experienced and what they thought and felt about it. After 15–20 minutes, gather together and ask volunteers to read or summarize their biblical story and then share the diary entry their group composed. Another variation could be creating skits of the biblical stories, including one camper as the narrator, who could relay the main character’s thoughts, prayers, or reflections during the skit. Multiple Intelligences: L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: B i b l e s , ( o p t i o n a l : p r o p s ) , p a p e r a n d p e n c i l s (The idea for this activity also comes from Making Worship Real, by Aimee Wallis Buchanan, Bill Buchanan, and Jodi B. Martin.)

. EXPERIENCE .

Stand Up Leader Note: This relatively quick physical activity is a good one to precede some of the other Experience options that have more discussion and thinking. Create pairs of campers and have them stand back-to-back and lock elbows. They should sit down together and stand back up by supporting each other. If the partners aren’t working together, they won’t be able to stand! Have the campers try the challenge again, this time without locking elbows. Afterward, ask, “Was this easier or harder than the first challenge?” Without the support of their partner, it should have been more difficult. Point out that, similarly, as the campers seek to be brave and make a difference, proper support from friends is helpful for moving forward with courage. The Spirit is also the power that makes that possible! You may wish also to make the connection to nature, which mimics this same dependence. Challenge the campers to give examples of similar situations of support in ecosystems (such as bees and flowers). Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: N o n e

A Present Leader Notes: Prior to today’s lesson, wrap up a care package for your group. Inside, include a snack, a puzzle, stickers, and so on. Have fun choosing things for your group to share on their last full day together. Maybe each camper could even receive a bookmark with today’s verse on it (see “Extra Resources”) or a fun picture of your group to take home. Once campers are settled, have them each pick a number between one and fifty. The person who comes closest to the number you have in mind gets to open the care package. Allow the group to see what is inside, and observe how they divide things up. Don’t give any explicit directions. After a few minutes, open the conversation by affirming any instances you saw of them exercising the fruit of the Spirit (kindness, generosity, patience, for example). Then say: On your birthday you probably get gifts. At camp, you might get a similar care package to what you received today. Do you leave your gifts on a table, unopened or unused? No. You take your gift and use it. It is yours to enjoy. As Paul reminds Timothy in today’s lesson, he should use the gift he was given, to “fan it into a flame” or “rekindle” it. Today’s care package is to be used and enjoyed. If you were to discard a few pieces of the puzzle, it wouldn’t be whole and people would see only that something was missing rather than see the picture. The gift we have been given, the very Spirit of God in our hearts, allows us to reach out and love. That gift is our “treasure” entrusted to us. End the time working on the puzzle together. It could have a special message on it, such as today’s verse(s), or even become a group challenge where they have to put it together without talking. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: B o x , w r a p p i n g p a p e r , p u z z l e a n d v a r i o u s o t h e r c a r e - p a c k a g e i t e m s ( s n a c k s , p i c t u r e s , s t i c k e r s , a n d s o o n )

Prayer for Leaving Your Comfort Zone Start by spending some time in prayer. Read the prayer below or change it for your group: God, we want to rekindle the gift that you put within each of us. But we get scared. We feel like we have stage fright. We need to let go of our fears and be brave. We want to make a difference and have courage. God, we know there is freedom in trying new things and that you give us the Holy Spirit to help us be powerful. We want to feel creative, excited, and joyful. Give us your hand, God! Each camper should get a piece of paper with questions such as the following, or list these questions on a large piece of paper up front. 1. What ideas about being courageous and making a difference have been in your head lately? Tell God about them and write them down. 2. Who are the people most likely to make them happen? If it is you, who can be on your support team? 3. What is the worst that could happen if you fail? 4. What is the best that could happen if you succeed? 5. Tell God about your fears and your hopes. Write them down. 6. Ask God to give you strength to take the first step. You could write your thoughts as a letter to God or a prayer. After the campers have individually written out their answers to these questions, give each camper an envelope. Have the campers address them to themselves (or at least put their full names at the top of the address line) and put their written page inside. (Leader Note: Plan to send the letters to them in a month or so. If you wish to add a letter of encouragement or a quote or prayer, have them leave the envelopes unsealed.) Pray for the group, lifting up the fears and dreams the campers share, asking the Holy Spirit to give them power to be brave: God of stability, we accomplish nothing when we worry. It isn’t even a satisfying feeling. We get nothing out of it. Yet we still do it… You have things under control… Give us patience because there are things we can’t change. But give us courage because there are things we can change… Calm our nerves, protect the ones we love, and make us all better servants. Fan the gift within us into flame. Amen. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: C o p i e s o f t h e q u e s t i o n s h e e t , p e n c i l s , e n v e l o p e s (This activity comes from “A Prayer When It’s Time to Leave Your Comfort Zone,” from The Book for Uncommon Prayer 2, by Steve Case.)

Funeral for Fear Writer Note: This activity is loosely based on an activity from the original Chicken Soup for the Soul book called “Rest in Peace: The ‘I Can’t’ Funeral,” written by teacher Chick Moorman. It is a great and memorable activity for the campers and one I use the first week of school every year. My former students in their mid-20s still talk about it. Hand out paper to the campers and tell them to write down all the things they “can’t” do because they are afraid. They can list school or friend or family struggles, but also encourage them to think about barriers they feel in their faith journeys too. The leader should sit down and also write during this time (five to eight minutes). Suggest that campers fold their “I Can’t” papers in half. Then collect them in a large zip-sealed bag. Next, bring a large pot to the center of the circle, along with a bag of soil and a small shovel. Explain that you will be having a funeral for all the things that they fear, challenges to which they often respond “I can’t.” Place the sealed bag of fears in the bottom of the pot. One-by-one volunteers will have the chance to be brave and share one of their fears with the group, after which they can place a scoop of dirt in the pot. Do this until everyone who is willing has spoken. Planting seeds or an actual blooming flower in the pot can be meaningful at the end. During the funeral ceremony itself, say: Please join hands and bow your heads. Friends, we gather today to honor the memory of “I Can’t.” While he was with us on Earth, he touched the lives of everyone, some more than others. His name, unfortunately, has been spoken in every public building from schools to homes, churches to city halls, state capitals and, yes, even by us. We have provided “I Can’t” a final resting place. He is survived by his brothers and sister, “I Can,” “I Will,” and, “I’m Going to Do It Right Away.” They are not as well-known as their famous relative and are certainly not as strong and powerful yet. Perhaps someday, with your help, they will make an even bigger mark on the world. May “I Can’t” rest in peace and may everyone present move forward with a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline in his absence, living into the gifts God has given us. May we, with the power of the Holy Spirit, be courageous, standing up for God and working to make a difference. Amen. Leader Notes: Ahead of time, draw a tombstone with the date when the “I Can’ts” are buried. Be sure to leave the pot and tombstone in a public place to remind campers of their pledge and charge. You can even have a “wake” after the service to celebrate the new life and commitment, sharing the day’s snack together. Consider taking a picture of the burial scene later, after seeds have sprouted or the plant has grown, and sending a copy to your campers as a reminder. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: P a p e r a n d p e n c i l f o r e a c h c a m p e r , l a r g e z i p p e r - s e a l e d b a g , p o t , s o i l , s h o v e l , t o m b s t o n e , s c r i p t f o r f u n e r a l , ( o p t i o n a l : s e e d s o r a p l a n t , s n a c k f o r t h e “ w a k e ” )

Flying Carpet Leader Note: This group initiative activity is a great one for demonstrating the importance of facing fears, building trust, and relying on the “laying on of hands” in verse 6. People don’t “lay hands” on themselves, rather the community commissions and supports one another as they step out in faith. First, one person will lie on the ground stiffly, eyes closed and arms across his or her chest. The rest of the campers will each get down on one knee around the volunteer, with one at the feet, one at the head, and at least three or four people on each side. Putting their hands under the lying camper, the group will say check-in phrases (for example, “Lifters ready?” “Ready!”) before beginning and before each count. The group counts, “one, two, three, UP!” and lifts the volunteer to their knee height. They repeat the count and, standing, lift to their waist, then to the shoulder height, and, if the camper is willing, overhead. The group then counts again and returns the person slowly and safely to the ground in the reverse order. Be sure to debrief the experience: • For the volunteer who was the flying carpet: “How did you show courage? What were you afraid of? How did your team members help you face your fears?” • For the lifters: “How did you offer courage and love? How did you encourage the friend being lifted? Were you nervous about doing your part? Why or why not?” • For everyone: “What are you afraid of when it comes to sharing your faith and making a difference? When is it hard to do what God calls us to do? Who do you rely on to lift you up in prayer? Who is the source of the power you have inside to be brave?” Similar to the call and response check-in phrases prior to the initiative, you can conclude the time with a simple, similar phrase found in Isaiah 6:8: Leader: God calls us to be courageous. Campers: Here am I! Send me! Leader: The Holy Spirit sends us out into the world to continue the work we started here. Campers: Here am I! Send me!” Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Chalk It Up! For this simple activity, divide into groups of two or three, and give each group a copy of 2 Timothy 1:7 and a few pieces of sidewalk chalk. Campers are to find a spot around camp that is prominent and write the scripture boldly to be seen by others. One example is on the risers (not the treads) of a set of steps so that people walking up will see the words. They could also use a dry erase marker to write the scripture on mirrors, window markers to place it on windows, or make posters of paper (or sticky notes). (Leader Note: Be sure to know your camp’s rules about posting items, such as putting posters up with painter’s tape; make those guidelines clear to campers.) Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: S i d e w a l k c h a l k , p a p e r o r s t i c k y n o t e s , m a r k e r s , d r y e r a s e m a r k e r s , w i n d o w m a r k e r s , p a i n t e r ’ s t a p e , c o p i e s o f 2 T i m o t h y 1 : 7 p r i n t e d o u t . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” Edwin Hatch “Come, Holy Spirit,” Jonny Baker and Jon Birch “Spirit, Draw Near,” Adrian Riley “Shelter,” Bill Bastone and Andy Crouch “What Does the Lord Require of You?” Jim Strathdee “Lean on Me” (chorus especially), Bill Withers

MORNING WORSHIP Leader Notes: In advance, prepare a special box or basket to display in the worship space. If campers made the handprint banner, keep it in a central place too. Prepare rock necklaces for each camper before worship. Use linen or cotton material to wrap up a rock. Tie the rock/fabric onto a piece of twine or string. As campers arrive, have leaders put the necklace around their necks. Sing “Come, Holy Spirit.” Introduce the symbol, strong arms linked, and a bit of background about today’s scripture: Timothy, like many of us, needed to be reminded that the Holy Spirit, along with the power of a strong community of believers, would give him the courage to be brave and not fearful. Read or line out Psalm 46:1-3 and sing “Shelter.” Say, “Similarly to the heavy rocks you each are wearing around your necks, we all have fears that weigh us down. Yet God is calling us to be brave and loving.” Encourage campers to imagine what the rocks around their necks symbolize. What fears weigh them down or steal their courage? As the group sings “Spirit Draw Near,” invite campers to leave their rocks in the basket up front as they leave, symbolizing giving that fear over to God. It isn’t gone, but it is held by God. The Spirit will give the power to step forth and make a difference. Supplies: R o c k s , li n e n o r c l o t h , t w i n e o r y a r n , b a s k e t o r b o x p l a c e d a t e n t r a n c e t o w o r s h i p s p a c e , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l ( o p t i o n a l : l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r w i t h P s a l m 4 6 : 1 - 3 w r i t t e n o n i t )

EVENING WORSHIP If campfire is part of your evening worship, have campers help build it tonight as a way to emphasize Paul’s message of “rekindling” or “fanning into flame” the gifts within. Each camper could bring kindling (twigs, dry leaves, and pine needles) or logs. Leaders could bring the matches. Sing “Come, Holy Spirit.” Refer to the building of the campfire, if you used it, to help campers focus on Paul’s imagery of rekindling the gift within. As you sing “Spirit, Draw Near,” ask campers to cluster in small groups (whatever size fits your needs) for a special “laying on of hands” blessing. Instruct them to take turns standing in the middle while the others each put a hand on the center camper and pray out loud or silently that the Spirit will be “fanned into flame” in that person’s life. Close by having everyone stand shoulder to shoulder in a big circle and literally lay hands on one another (across shoulders) while the leader gives a blessing to the whole group. Supplies: C a m p f i r e - b u i l d i n g m a t e r i a l s , m a t c h e s

CABIN DEVOTIONS Give campers plenty of time to share what the camp has meant to them. How did the Holy Spirit challenge or change them during their week at camp? Encourage them to look for the Holy Spirit’s presence in their relationships and daily lives once they return home. Invite campers to, on paper, • Make a list of all the gifts God has given them—family, friends, teachers, and also gifts of personality (sense of humor, kindness, persistence) and talents (for music, art, dancing, writing, sports). • Choose three gifts and think about how they will “fan these into flame.” • Decide a specific way to show appreciation for the gifts of others. An option is to read Giraffes Can’t Dance. Supplies: P a p e r , p e n c i l s o r m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : Giraffes Can’t Dance b y G i l e s A n d r e a e )

OLDER CHILDREN Day 7: Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go Key Verses: Jesus said to [the disciples] again, “‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” —John 20:21-22 Scripture: John 20:19-23

Focus: Receiving the Holy Spirit overcomes fears and empowers us for living the way of peace and forgiveness. Connection to Campers: Yesterday, campers learned about stepping forward in courage, being brave, and, with the power of the Holy Spirit, standing up and making a difference. Today, as campers are preparing to leave camp, they will hear Jesus’ message to his disciples, who were scared and immobilized after Jesus’ death. When Jesus met them in that place of fear, he loved them and promised the Holy Spirit would be with them. Similarly, the Holy Spirit will help campers overcome their fears and will be their very breath as they depart. Leader Notes: Read through the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 7. Today’s lesson, John 20:19-23, occurs shortly after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The disciples are hiding in fear when Jesus appears. Campers may be feeling similar emotions as they prepare to go home. Some may be sad to walk away from meaningful times with friends and the “mountaintop” experience of their week. Other campers may be nervous returning to challenging situations at home. Be attuned to what campers might be feeling and send them off today with joy and encouragement. They don’t go alone. The Holy Spirit walks with them! CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Hiding Out

EXPERIENCE Help, Thanks, Wow Prayer

You Don’t Go Alone

One Small Blue Bead

EXPRESS Morning Worship . EXPLORE .

Hiding Out For today’s scripture lesson, set the scene: Just as Jesus promised the disciples, he has risen. Death couldn’t contain him. In today’s story, the risen Jesus visits his closest friends. It is Sunday evening and the disciples are together behind locked doors. Imagine how afraid they must be. Their leader, their friend, has been publically killed. They are without his presence, care, and guidance. They are afraid the ones who killed Jesus will now come after them. As a group, ask your campers to follow you to a “hide out,” which you have predetermined. Once everyone is settled, invite a volunteer to read today’s passage aloud. Next, have the campers choose parts (narrator, Jesus, the disciples) and have them act out the story as the narrator reads it again. Then ask: • What time of day was it when Jesus appeared to the disciples? • Why do you think Jesus appeared to them in darkness? (Jesus meets the disciples where they are, but doesn’t leave them there. Jesus brings light and power even in the darkest and most difficult places.) • What were the disciples doing? Why? • How did they react when Jesus appeared? (Many doubted it was really him. In fact, Jesus needed to say, “Peace be with you,” two times and show his wounds to prove his identity.) • How did the disciples’ emotions and feelings change? What did Jesus do to bring about that change? • How did the disciples’ lives change that night? (Be sure to focus on the gift that Christ gave to the disciples. He breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit. Jesus was sending them out, but he gave them the Spirit to go with them.) • What does Christ tell the disciples to do after he leaves? (Jesus commands them to forgive, to continue the ministry Jesus began.) Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s , p r e d e t e r m i n e d s a f e a n d h i d d e n l o c a t i o n . EXPERIENCE .

Help, Thanks, Wow Prayer Famous author Anne Lamott published a book called Help, Thanks, Wow about the three essential kinds of prayers we offer to God. Today, as a way to reflect on their week and look forward, campers will create their own “Help, Thanks, Wow” prayers visually. Give each camper a large sheet of 11 x 17 paper (to divide into thirds, each section roughly the same size. One will be titled “Help,” one “Thanks,” and one “Wow.” Campers will experiment with “praying in color”: writing words and drawing images to focus on each area. Just like the disciples, they have, no doubt, many places of “help” on their minds. Maybe friends or family back home are going through hard times. Hopefully, campers are grappling with what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet when they go home. Possibly they are thinking through what it means to forgive. Encourage them to incorporate visually as many areas as possible into the “Help” section. In the “Thanks” section, campers can list and draw things they are thankful for, appreciating all that they have experienced during the week at camp. Oftentimes, people only focus on the “easy” and “good” things when offering gratitude, but campers could find it meaningful to think also of some harder lessons for which they are thankful. Finally, in the “Wow” section, encourage the campers to focus in joyful wonder and awe at the beauty that surrounds them, both at camp and at home. If the distinction between “Thanks” and “Wow” is too tricky, you can simply create one category. Remind the campers that the disciples too felt fearful about many things, and they too experienced the shift to joy and awe as Christ revealed his identity and gave them the Holy Spirit. Help the campers make this connection as they work on their prayers and drawings. After campers have had a chance to create and color their individual prayers, bring the group back together to talk about their work. No matter how campers are feeling about going home (no doubt a mix of emotions!), they do not go alone. Despite fears and anxiety, God is present in the Holy Spirit. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: P a p e r ( p r e f e r a b l y 1 1 x 1 7 i n c h e s ) , p e n c i l s , m a r k e r s , c r a y o n s

You Don’t Go Alone Leader Notes: For this activity, campers will have a chance to encourage one another. Just as Jesus offered peace to the disciples, campers can do the same thing for one another. Monitor the signing to make sure every camper has things written on his or her page and that all the notes are positive. In advance, create for each camper a sheet of paper with “Peace be with you, [his or her name].” on it. Place the papers around the room and give campers time to move to all the papers and write the other campers messages of encouragement or positive things they saw in their peers this week. After everyone has written on each page, regroup in a “memory circle.” Take a few moments to read a few snippets from each camper’s page, or give campers time to relay memories of one another and the week they shared at camp. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: P a p e r , p e n c i l , p e n , o r m a r k e r f o r e a c h c a m p e r

One Small Blue Bead Leader Note: Arrange to have the necklaces made in advance. The book One Small Blue Bead is a story depicting the life of a boy growing up as part of a nomadic tribe. He moves from place to place with his community, yet he wonders if anyone else is out there like himself. He meets another boy, and although they are from different cultures, they connect through the exchange of one small blue bead. The bead becomes a token of communication and sharing, and the boy who receives it wears the bead with pride and a sense of thankfulness. The story focuses on friendship and shared experiences. Sitting in a circle, read One Small Blue Bead to the campers. Afterward, remind the campers that, like the boy in the story, they will be leaving one another—but the shared memories bind them, even when they are not physically together. After reading the story, give each camper a blue bead necklace, saying something that you see in him or her that you are grateful for. Campers will go home with their own necklace to serve each as a reminder of the experiences he or she has shared. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: O n e b l u e - b e a d n e c k l a c e p e r c a m p e r ( b l u e b e a d s a n d s i m p l e t w i n e ) , One Small Blue Bead b y B y r d B a y l o r

SONG SUGGESTIONS “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” Edwin Hatch “Come, Holy Spirit,” Jonny Baker and Jon Birch “Spirit, Draw Near,” Adrian Riley “Shelter,” Bill Bastone and Andy Crouch “Here I Am, Lord,” Hymn, Daniel Schutte “Breathe,” Marie Barnett

MORNING WORSHIP Begin worship with the song “Breathe,” which ties back to Jesus giving the Holy Spirit. Open with a prayer of thanksgiving. Introduce today’s symbol, the two-finger go-in-peace sign. Today, as campers leave, they can go in peace because the Holy Spirit goes with them and lives in them. During worship this morning, be sure to bring back your daily ritual. If you “passed the peace,” this is a great connection to today’s story. Campers can be like Jesus, passing the peace to one another. Instead of just saying, “Hi,” they say, “The peace of Christ be with you.” It is a prayer and a wish for them…almost a benediction as they head home today. Invite campers to pass the peace of Christ or do their ritual. In today’s psalm, David recounts the ways he has been tested and experienced hard times. He then turns in trust to ask God to teach him and lead him in the way he should go. This same message is the crux of today’s lesson in John. The disciples have gone through frightening circumstances and need Jesus’ assurance that they are not alone. They need guidance for walking forward. Invite campers to close their eyes and listen to Psalm 143:8 and 10. Afterward, read John 20:21-23a. Invite campers to close their eyes, and then guide them in meditation. Have them imagine Jesus entering that “room” in their own lives, similar to the room the disciples were in, then picture Jesus and listen for the word of peace he has for them. Encourage the campers to feel the breath of the Holy Spirit surrounding them. After a few minutes of silence, ask them to open their eyes. Encourage volunteers to tell what they experienced. As a closing time together, provide a space for a silent prayer of confession. As the leader, close the prayer time with an assurance of forgiveness, “Receive the Holy Spirit and know you are forgiven.” Remind the campers that we are given new life and we can start fresh, even when we make mistakes or cling to fear. Give a charge to the campers as they leave the time of worship: “Receive the Holy Spirit. You are never alone or without help. You have been given power, peace, and courage. Go and live in the ways that show who and Whose you are!” As a closing song, sing “Here I Am, Lord!” Supplies: B i b l e , t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l ( t h e t w o - f i n g e r p e a c e s i g n ) YOUNGER YOUTH Day 1: Power Up with the Promise of Peace Key Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” —John 14:27 Scripture: John 14:25-27 Focus: Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Are you ready to receive it? Connection to Campers: Campers will feel welcomed and accepted by this new group and excited about the promise of the Holy Spirit. They will learn truths about the Holy Spirit and be introduced to the idea that living their lives connected to the Holy Spirit will help them to “Power Up” and take action for God. Leader Notes: Please read the scriptures and review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 1. Be sensitive to the different ideas about the Holy Spirit that may come with the campers, as well as to those who may feel intimidated by this topic. Be ready to help campers understand that the Holy Spirit is that energizing, action part of God that will help us to power up and live as God wants us to! Because today is the first day, start with an ice-breaker or name game, such as “Meet Your Match!” (in the Experience section). CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Say What??!

Identify with the Story

EXPERIENCE Meet Your Match!

Sabbath Box

Nature Peace Signs

Peace Out of Chaos

Say What??! Leader Note: Counselors need to read through this role-play and be prepared to act their parts. Try not to overact or scare the campers. The counselor begins the meeting by rushing in and telling the campers he or she has to go right now! (creating a sense of urgency without scaring campers). Before leaving, he or she gives the campers this message: “I told you some important things while I was with you. There will be an Advocate and Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father is sending, who will teach you and remind you of everything I have told you. I want to leave you with peace. I give you my peace, which is not the same kind of peace as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” Then he or she rushes out, leaving the other counselor(s) looking bewildered. Continuing the role-play, the remaining staff engage one another and the campers with questions such as these: • What just happened? • How do you feel? • What do you think about what was said? What did it mean? • What do you think is going on? • What do you think we should do next? • What do you think the counselor meant when she (or he) said the Holy Spirit was coming? • What do you think he (or she) meant about leaving peace behind? End the role-play, having the counselor return to the campers and tell them that something very similar happened to Jesus’ disciples. Choose a volunteer to read John 14:25-27 and talk about the comparison between how campers felt during the role-play to how the disciples must have felt. Remind campers that the disciples had spent the better part of three years following Jesus—and now he was talking about leaving. • How do you think Jesus’ words made the disciples feel? (worried, annoyed, confused, etc.) • What do you think the disciples thought about the Holy Spirit? • What do you think the Holy Spirit should be doing in your life? • Jesus knew the disciples would be anxious and scared about the coming events. How do you think his words would be an assurance for them? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , s t a f f w i t h t h e m e s s a g e m e m o r i z e d i n o r d e r t o s p e a k a n d r u s h o u t

Identify with the Story Choose a volunteer to read John 14:25-27. Ask: • What is your first impression? • Was anything confusing? • What stood out to you? • What was the tone of the messages? Choose another volunteer to read the passage again. This time invite campers to listen for action words and phrases (“Father will send,” “teach,” “remind,” “Peace I leave,” “Do not be afraid”). Ask: • What action words did you hear? • What do these action words tell us about what Jesus is saying? (Something is about to happen; movement or change is coming; the disciples are going to have to act.) Choose a third volunteer to read the passage once again. This time challenge campers to listen for the promises in the words. (The Holy Spirit is coming; the Spirit will teach and remind; Jesus leaves peace.) • What do you think is the significance of the fact that Jesus says two times that he will leave the disciples peace? • What is the implication when someone promises to “leave something with you”? (that he or she is going away and that there is a level of trust between you) • What are your impressions of the Holy Spirit? • What does this passage tell you about the Holy Spirit? • How do the words of this passage change your thinking about the Holy Spirit? How does this passage affect how you act? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e

. EXPERIENCE . Meet Your Match! From the list below of famous couples (plus any additions you want), write the appropriate numbers of names of the couples on cards (to match the size of your group—one couple for every two campers), and then cut the cards in half between the two names. Give each camper one half of a card. Instruct the campers to keep their identities secret. They must find their other halves by asking people “yes” or “no” questions about their secret identities until each camper finds the person with the other half of his or her card. Once campers find their “other halves,” have them take turns asking their real life partners these questions and any others they wish: • What’s your real name? (if they are not wearing a name tag) • What are you looking forward to at camp? • What is your favorite ice cream? • What do you like to do in your free time? Then, to help everyone learn the other campers’ names, have partners introduce each other to the group. Couple examples include these: Adam and Eve Barbie and Ken Barney Rubble and Betty Rubble Batman and Robin Beauty and the Beast Bert and Ernie Donald Duck and Daisy Duck Fred Flintstone and Wilma Flintstone George Washington and Martha Washington Herman Munster and Lily Munster Homer Simpson and Marge Simpson Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy Lady and the Tramp Lucille Ball (Lucy Ricardo) and Ricky Ricardo Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Popeye and Olive Oil Romeo and Juliette Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus Shrek and Fiona Siegfried and Roy Simba and Nala Superman and Lois Lane Tarzan and Jane Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: 3 x 5 c a r d s w i t h c o u p l e n a m e s w r i t t e n o n t h e m , s c i s s o r s t o c u t t h e m i n h a l f

Sabbath Box Tell your campers they are to make a Sabbath box. The box will hold all the things not needed this week at camp, so the campers can truly be in community with God and one another. Explain that it is customary in some Jewish families to make a Sabbath box to hold all the technology, fears, and other emotions not needed on the Sabbath (holy day). As people enter the house for the evening meal, they put into the box anything they know should not be taken into sacred space. Then, stripped of all such tools, machines, troubled feelings, or fears, they can truly pray: “God, there is nothing I can do about these concerns—so I place them in your hands.” Together decorate the group’s box with religious symbols, camp symbols, and with each camper’s name. Be sure every camper participates in the creation of your box. Encourage each person to write or draw a symbol for something that he or she needs to put aside this week. These will serve as physical reminders of what the campers leave behind when they enter the sacred place camp creates, such as a fear about camp, a worry from home, something left undone, or anything that they feel they need to put aside for the next days. Tell the group: “In putting these things in the box, we know that they do not magically disappear or get ‘fixed,’ but we give them to God. They are in God’s hands, so our minds can be at peace and we can be fully present at camp and get all that we can from this experience.” Then light a candle and create an atmosphere of worship. Encourage all members of the group to speak about things they left in the box. Counselors should go first to model the pattern for campers. Do not force campers to speak, but encourage everyone to “put something in the box.” A leader should pray for the group, for the concerns and fears placed in the box, and for the week ahead. Put the box in a safe place, assuring the campers it will not be tampered with. Then debrief: • How did it make you feel to put something in the box? • How hard will it be to set your concerns aside for the next several days? • Why do you think this exercise is important for us to do on the first day of camp? • Do you believe God called you to be a part of this camp this week? (The idea of God calling someone to camp may be new to some campers. Don’t press for an answer now, but do plant the seed.) • What do you think God wants you to learn this week? Leader Note: If you choose do this activity, then on your last day of camp, do the “Opening the Sabbath Box” activity provided for Day 7. Be aware that this exercise may be very challenging, especially for the first day of camp, when trust levels are still building. Be sensitive to that and don’t force any kind of “expected” responses. Trust God to lead and let the campers say and do what they are comfortable with. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B o x w i t h a li d , g l u e , p a p e r , c r a y o n s , m a r k e r s , s t i c k e r s , o t h e r d e c o r a t i o n s

Nature Peace Signs Find a secluded spot for your campers to sit quietly. If time allows, hike to a peaceful location where your whole group can sit together, or find a place that overlooks a peaceful spot in your camp (waterfront, worship space, cross…). Ask the group to sit quietly for a few moments and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and the feeling this place gives. Then ask: • What are the feelings you get in this place? (how peaceful it is) • Why do you think this place feels like that? • What is different here from home? Remind campers that Jesus most often came to outdoor places to teach, pray, and be in communion with God. Nature helps us to put aside other things and be with God. This is at the very heart of what makes camp so special. In pairs, ask campers to look around for some found objects that they can use to make a peace sign. Remind them not to damage anything living to form their signs. Arrange your peace signs around the space on the ground so that the next group that comes to this space will know your campers were at peace here. Ask for a volunteer to pray for peace in this space, in your camp, and in the world. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: Q u i e t , p e a c e f u l l o c a t i o n

Peace Out of Chaos Gather campers in a large, open area. Tell campers to run around creating “chaos”—making noise, waving hands, and generally acting wild. When a counselor calls out “Jesus gives us peace!” everyone should freeze in place. The last one to freeze is out. Play continues until you have one winner. Dig further: • What did the chaos feel like? • What would it be like to live like that everyday? • What are some the things that cause chaos in our world? • What are some things that cause chaos in your life? • How do you think Jesus can help give you peace in the middle of the chaos? (Remind campers that Jesus does not promise to remove all chaos, but he empowers us through the Holy Spirit to rise above it all and know his peace.) Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: O p e n p l a y a r e a w h e r e y o u c a n b e l o u d

SONG SUGGESTIONS “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” African American Spiritual “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Hymn “Peace,” Sherri Youngward “Arms of Love,” Craig Murray Musseau; Kutlass or Vineyard “Comforter,” CeCe Winans “It Is Well with My Soul,” Hymn (This hymn has a relevant story; check the Internet.) “Peace, My Friends,” Ray Repp

EVENING WORSHIP Introduce today’s symbol, the peace sign. Briefly tell its history. (See “What Does Peace Mean” in the Experience section for Day 1 in Older Children.) Transition by pointing out that today’s scripture is also about peace, but a different kind. Retell today’s scripture round-robin style: Have a counselor open the story with a sentence and each camper fill in the next sentence in turn. Encourage campers to add some dramatic descriptions, but not to change the story. Using several dry erase boards all around your space (or one piece of paper per camper). Ask each camper to write a social media “status update,” “text,” or “tweet” as if he or she had been one of the disciples listening to Jesus talk about peace. Before the campers write, ask them to consider: • How would they have felt about what Jesus said? • What would have made the strongest impression on them? • What would they want to tell the world? • How would Jesus’ peace differ from the world’s? Have volunteers read what they wrote; take time to talk together about each one. Ask other campers to “like” or to comment on the status updates. (Leader Notes: If time is short or the group trust level is only beginning to grow, consider having campers talk and “like” in smaller groups of two or three. Be sure to affirm all the efforts. If you used paper, hang the sheets around your worship space.) Invite campers to sit quietly, breathe slowly, and tip their heads back to observe the evening stars, if outdoors, or just to close their eyes. Once all are settled, guide their thoughts in the silence: • Tell God what you are most looking forward to this week. • Think about what you are anxious about. Ask God to give you peace about your concerns. Tell the campers: “God is with you and will speak to you in many ways this week. Stay open to the Spirit’s leading.” Close with prayer. Supplies: B i b l e s , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l ( t h e p e a c e s i g n ) , d r y e r a s e b o a r d s a n d m a r k e r s , o r p a p e r a n d p e n s CABIN DEVOTIONS Use these prompts for writing in journals or for verbal sharing: • What was the best part of the day? • Where did you see the Holy Spirit today? • How might camp be a place of peace for you this week? Ask for a volunteer camper to close with a prayer. If no one volunteers, then a leader should pray, thanking God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the way that Spirit is moving in your camp. Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s o r p e n s )

YOUNGER YOUTH Day 2: Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit Key Verse: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.” — Acts 2:4 (CEB) Scripture: Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 (CEB) Focus: The Holy Spirit filled the disciples and empowered them to share the good news in many languages. Through the Holy Spirit today, people are also empowered to come together and to understand. Connection to Campers: Today campers will celebrate the promise of the Holy Spirit fulfilled at Pentecost. They will see that the Spirit creates community. Leader Note: Please read the scriptures and review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 2. Convey excitement about a promise fulfilled, and emphasize the inclusive nature of multiple languages. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Eyewitness Account

Reenact the Scripture

EXPERIENCE Plan the Birthday Celebration

Make “Tongues of Flame” Hats

Find the Promise

“Come Celebrate” in Every Language!

Fly Kites

Show Your “Holy Spirit”!

Evening Worship

Eyewitness Account Read Acts 2:1-18. Assign one or more campers to be reporters. Assign others parts from the scripture (Peter, disciples, crowd, and skeptics). Give some time for the actors to think about how their characters would feel and react. Encourage the actors to improvise their responses based on the scripture verses. Have Bibles available for them to consult as they think about their roles. The actors should feel free to be creative but not to change the meaning or the story. Set the scene with any costumes or props that might be appropriate. Ask the reporters to pretend they just arrived on the scene from the scripture, and their job is to find out what is going on. They should interview each of those present. Encourage them to ask probing questions to try to find out the real story. Suggest questions such as: “What do you think this all means?” “What do you think will come next for the disciples?” “What did the tongues of fire feel like?” “What made you think the disciples might have been drinking?” Remind the other actors to “ham it up” for the reporters. Leader Note: You could arrange to make a video of this activity and then show it later at worship as a “this just in” type of newsbreak. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s , a v a i l a b l e p r o p s a n d c o s t u m e s t o a d d t o t h e s c e n e , p r o p m i c r o p h o n e ( s ) f o r r e p o r t e r ( s ) , ( o p t i o n a l : v i d e o r e c o r d e r )

Reenact the Scripture Assign each camper to play one of the parts of the story (Peter, other disciples, crowd, wind, flames). Think about where the participants were located. Assign one person to be the narrator to help move the story along, but the campers should act out their parts as the story is read. Use blue and white streamers or ribbon to represent the wind, orange and red for flames. Then discuss: • What do you think was the significance of the different languages being spoken and understood? (Help campers see the very dramatic shift in focus for the disciples—from the movement being local to now becoming much larger.) • How do you think this change in focus made the disciples feel? • What do you think that means for us today? • Why do you think Pentecost is referred to as the “birthday” of the church? • What are some words used in this scripture passage that you think should be used to define our churches today? • How can churches make sure they are “speaking the language” so that everyone can understand? • How are our churches reaching out to everyone? • Who might be being left out? How can we remedy that? • How can you reach out and invite someone to learn about Jesus? What would you do? What would you say? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e , s t r e a m e r s o r r i b b o n o f v a r i o u s c o l o r s ( b l u e , w h i t e , r e d , o r a n g e )

. EXPERIENCE .

Plan the Birthday Celebration Celebrate the birthday of the church! (Leader Note: This could also be an all-camp project in which each smaller camper group plans a part of the celebration and the whole camp comes together for one big party). Tell campers you are going to plan a birthday party for the church. Divide into teams, each planning one aspect of the celebration. They need to create a plan from start to finish. Remind them to think about how to include everyone, the set-up, supplies needed, and what the clean-up process will be. Encourage campers to find ways to create a celebratory, festive environment! Team 1 should plan some games that are church-related (for example: Layperson, Layperson, Clergy rather than Duck, Duck, Goose, or Follow the Pastor rather than Follow the Leader, or Pin the Bible on the Altar rather than Pin the Tail on the Donkey). This team needs to plan all aspects of the games, supplies, prizes, rules, and when they will be played. Team 2 can plan the food. Food can also be theme-related: whipped-up windy cupcakes, flaming fruit punch, flame-grilled fruit kabobs, for example. (Leader Note: Be sure to work with your kitchen staff in advance. You may also want the team to include someone from the kitchen staff as a consultant. Also, be open to having the food be something the campers and staff can prepare, given the supplies, rather than asking the kitchen staff to do the preparation.) Team 3 can work on decorations. Encourage them to find ways to represent the flames, wind, and the different languages spoken. Team 4 should come up with gifts the church would like. Encourage them to think beyond material things. For example, gifts could include: “The church would like us to pray for others for its birthday,” or, “The church would like us to do a service project for camp for its birthday.” Challenge the team to identify specific ways for campers to follow through either as a group or individually when each returns home. That extra step moves the gifts from simply being nice ideas to campers taking action. Enjoy the party! Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: T h e s e w i l l d e p e n d o n t h e p l a n s e a c h t e a m m a k e s ; a b i r t h d a y c a n d l e f o r e a c h c a m p e r w i l l b e a g o o d t a k e - h o m e r e m i n d e r o f t h e c e l e b r a t i o n a n d o f t h e P e n t e c o s t s t o r y ; a f a n w i l l h e l p r e p r e s e n t t h e w i n d

Make “Tongues of Flame” Hats Have each camper cut two 1 x 11½ inch strips of construction paper and then staple them together at one end. Next, each camper will form the resulting longer strip into a circle, and size the strip to fit his or her head or the head of a younger camper, stapling it into the ring shape. Then have the campers cut out red, orange, and yellow flame shapes. Ask campers to write on their “flames” at least three ways they can be “on fire” for God and make a difference in their world. Have them glue or staple the flames to the construction paper headbands. Ask: • Why do you think flames are a good representation of the Holy Spirit? (Fire changes things; fire is powerful; fire can purify.) • What did the disciples of Jesus do to change the world in their time? • Who are some disciples of Jesus who are changing the world today? Give examples of what they are doing. • What can you do to keep your fire for God alive and well? Encourage campers to wear their hats to worship. (Leader Note: Younger youth may be self-conscious about wearing the hats themselves but willing to make them to give to younger campers at an all-camp worship, meal, or celebration.) Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: R e d , y e l l o w , o r a n g e c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , s c i s s o r s , s t a p l e r s , g l u e , p e n s , p e n c i l s

Find the Promise Print copies of the scripture from the first day, John 14:25-27. Have campers read it over and underline the promises that Jesus made to his disciples. Or supply Bibles and have campers read the passage and simply identify the promises. Ask: • How important is it to you to keep your promises? • Have you ever been disappointed by a broken promise? • Where do you see Jesus’ promises fulfilled in today’s scripture from Acts? • What do you think those promises mean for us today? • What other promises did Jesus make? Were those kept? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: C o p i e s o f J o h n 1 4 : 2 5 - 2 7 ( o p t i o n a l : B i b l e s ) , h i g h l i g h t e r s o r p e n c i l s

“Come Celebrate” in Every Language! Campers will create posters that say, “Come Celebrate,” in one or more languages. If you have campers who are bilingual, invite them to share the translation from their second (or first) language. Encourage the group to be creative with their posters.

Here are samples, which you may print to give to campers; look online for others: German—Kommen Sie und feiern French—venir célébrer Japanese—祝う来る Spanish—venga a celebrar Greek—Ελάτε να γιορτάσουµε באו לחגוג —Hebrew As campers are putting final touches on their posters, ask: • Has anyone been to a celebration in another country? Tell about it. • Why do you think the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to speak in other languages? • What do you think the significance is for us today? Hang the posters in the worship area or use them as decorations in the party area, or post them around camp as invitations if the whole camp will be coming to the celebration. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: P o s t e r b o a r d , m a r k e r s , g l i t t e r , c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , t r a n s l a t i o n s Fly Kites Supply kites for each smaller group of two or three campers. Have the campers in each small group work together to fly that kite. Afterward, ask: • Why do you think the Holy Spirit is sometimes compared to wind? • If you can’t see wind, how do you know its power? • If you can’t see the Holy Spirit, how do you know the Spirit’s power? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: K i t e s a n d m a t e r i a l s f o r t a i l s ( e i t h e r p u r c h a s e d o r t h e s u p p l i e s t o m a k e t h e m ; p a t t e r n s a r e o n l i n e ) , w i n d y d a y , o p e n p l a c e t o f l y k i t e s

Show Your “Holy Spirit”! Have campers create a cheer, song, chant, dance, or rap to show their “Holy Spirit.” The expression should focus on what the Holy Spirit can do in and for us and should include movements. Encourage campers to use some of the descriptive words from the text: mighty wind, noise from heaven, fiery tongues, and so on. Plan to use the result in worship or at campfire. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: N o n e

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Celebrate Jesus, Celebrate,” Gary Oliver “I Will Celebrate,” Linda Duvall “Let Faith Arise,” Chris Tomlin “Our God,” Chris Tomlin “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn, Daniel Iverson “Spirit Song,” Hymn, John Wimber “Holy, Holy,” Jimmy Owens “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual “We Are the Church,” Avery and Marsh

MORNING WORSHIP Read the scripture. Ask campers to identify who the participants are in the story. Assign campers to each (Peter, other disciples, crowd of foreigners, skeptics in the crowd). Read the story again, but ask the campers to think about it from the perspective of the person or group they have been assigned: • What did they see, hear, feel, and smell? • What were they thinking about? • What would they have done next? Introduce today’s symbol (candle with flame). Ask campers why they think it is a good symbol for today’s scripture (Pentecost story) and theme. Supplies: B i b l e , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l ( c a n d l e w i t h f l a m e )

EVENING WORSHIP Read today’s scripture. Then, using several dry erase boards all around your space (or a piece of paper for each camper), ask each camper to write a social media “status update,” “text,” or “tweet” as if he or she had been present on the day of Pentecost. Before the campers write, ask them to consider these questions: • What did you think or feel about what you saw that day? • How are you different because of that experience? • What are you going to do now? Have volunteers read what they wrote; take time to talk together about each one. Ask other campers to “like” or to comment on the status updates. (Leader Note: If time is short, have campers talk and “like” in groups of two or three.) Affirm all the efforts. If you used paper, hang the sheets around your worship space. Celebrate today! (Optional: provide hats and noise makers to add to the atmosphere.) Ask campers to identify times of celebration in their lives (birthdays, holidays, milestones, or accomplishments). Invite them to share some of the traditions of their family celebrations. Ask what good things they saw in camp today that should be celebrated. After each answer, the group can cheer or use their noisemakers. Hang celebration prayers. Ask each camper to write on a colored piece of paper something good he or she wants to celebrate. Punch a hole in the top of each paper and tie a loop of yarn to each so the papers can be hung from the trees. Point out the wind moving the papers as a symbolic reminder of the Holy Spirit at work. Supplies: B i b l e , d r y e r a s e b o a r d s a n d m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : p a p e r a n d p e n s ) , h o l e p u n c h e s , y a r n , s q u a r e s o f c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r i n v a r i o u s c o l o r s , p e n s

CABIN DEVOTIONS Use these prompts for writing in journals or for verbal sharing: • What was the best part of the day? • Where did you see the Holy Spirit today? • What person in the story did you most identify with? Why? Ask for a volunteer camper to pray. If no one volunteers, then a leader should. Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s o r p e n s )

YOUNGER YOUTH Day 3: Power Up to Imitate Christ Key Verse: And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit. —1 Thessalonians 1:6 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Focus: People look to examples of Jesus and of other Christians to learn how to live. Connection to Campers: As campers learn of a church in Paul’s time, they will be pointed to Christ as the One worthy of being imitated and explore how that looks and feels in today’s world. Leader Notes: Please read the scripture ahead of time and review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 3. Some of today’s activities refer to additional passages from the Bible. Be sure to read those and be familiar with their context so you can help campers understand what is happening in those scriptures. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Mail Call!

Write Your Own Letter

EXPERIENCE Encourage Your Camp

Copy Cat

Just Like Jesus

Mirror, Mirror

Evening Worship

Mail Call! Type today’s scripture and print copies for each camper. (Leader Note: You can also cut and paste the verses from an online Bible source such as biblegateway.com.) Use a font that looks like it could be handwriting. If it is practical, personalize the letter by using a mail-merge program to substitute some of the “you’s” with each individual camper’s name. Address each letter with a camper’s name and cabin number or name. If your camp has a mail-call tradition, give campers their letters in that way. Give them time to read their letter. Point out how hard it was in Paul’s time to send correspondence and, consequently, how excited people were to receive a letter. The people of the church would have gathered around to hear it read, and then they would have discussed it in depth—as you will now. Ask: • How did it feel to get a personal letter from Paul? • What do you think is the most important part of the letter? • What does Paul really want you to know and hear? • What is going to be the hardest part of doing the things in this letter? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: C o p i e s o f t y p e d B i b l e v e r s e s , e n v e l o p e s a d d r e s s e d t o e a c h c a m p e r

Write Your Own Letter Ask campers to think about people in their lives whom they want to encourage and help to find their way. Pair campers up and ask them tell the other about such a person and what that person has meant in that camper’s life. Once campers have had a chance to talk with their partners, invite them to each write a letter to their special person, using Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians as the template or model. Have Bibles or the printed copies of the scripture from “Mail Call!” on hand for campers to refer to as they consider what they will write. Remind campers that what they write may or may not be letters that they actually send, but they are to write them just the same. Encourage campers to pray over their letter and ask God to direct them about whether or not to send it. When campers have finished writing, ask: • How did it feel to be encouraging? • How do you think this letter will make a difference? • Tell us about a time someone encouraged you. • Why do you think encouraging words can be so powerful? • Do you encourage others often? Why or why not? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s ( o r p r i n t e d c o p i e s o f t h e s c r i p t u r e ) , p a p e r , p e n s o r p e n c i l s , e n v e l o p e s

. EXPERIENCE .

Encourage Your Camp In verse 5 of today’s scripture, Paul talks about the “gospel” that came to the people in Thessalonica. Though they will be familiar with the word from the four gospels, explain that, at its essence, gospel is a word that translates as “good news.” Ask campers what they think that “good news” was. Brainstorm some good news that your camp needs to hear today (for example: God chose you, God loves you, you are a special child of God). Make several “good news” posters to hang up around your camp. Find unexpected places to post them (bathroom mirror, kitchen door, parking lot). Be sure to take care to hang posters in ways that will not do damage. Multiple Intelligences: M a t h e m a t i c a l / L o g i c a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , p o s t e r b o a r d o r l a r g e s h e e t s o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s , c r a y o n s , t a p e o r o t h e r s a f e w a y t o h a n g p o s t e r s

Copy Cat Put your campers into pairs (preferably with someone they don’t know very well). Give one a slip of paper with an action scripture written on it. This person is to act out the scripture while the other mirrors his or her partner’s actions. Encourage the one acting to use exaggerated motions and act out the idea of the scripture rather than each literal word. After a few minutes of “mirroring,” let the “mirror partner” guess what the actions were. Give different scriptures to the “mirror partners” and have them lead. Afterward, ask: • How did it feel to try to mirror your partner when you had no idea what that person was doing? • How did it feel to try to act out some of the scriptures? • How is this exercise like trying to mirror Jesus’ actions? • How can we better mirror the actions of Jesus? Suggested Action Scriptures (feel free to choose others): Jeremiah 18:1-4 (potter and clay) Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (a time to…) Ephesians 3:14-15 (prayer) Psalm 100:1-4 (celebration) Matthew 14:15-21 (Jesus feeds five thousand) Matthew 9:1-7 (Jesus heals paralyzed man) Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: A c t i o n B i b l e v e r s e s w r i t t e n o n p i e c e s o f p a p e r

Just Like Jesus Read today’s scripture again, focusing closely on verse 6. Remind campers of the past two days’ lessons, in which Jesus promises the Holy Spirit would come and then that promise is fulfilled in a dramatic way. Ask: • Now that the Holy Spirit has come into our lives, what do we do? • What does verse 6 tell us? • What does it mean to be “imitators of…the Lord”? Look up some stories of Jesus and talk about what he was doing in each. Suggested stories: Mark 11:15-17 (Jesus goes against accepted tradition to stand up for what is right) Matthew 8:1-4 (Jesus heals) Luke 19:1-10 (Jesus reaches out to an outcast and changes his life) Mark 2:5 (Jesus forgives) Matthew 7:24-29 (Jesus taught using parables) John 13:12-17 (Jesus serves with humility) Divide into small groups of three or four and assign one passage to each group. Each group should create a skit that shows how we can imitate in today’s world what Jesus did in his time. Remind them that they do not have to do exactly what Jesus did, but they should find creative ways to be imitators. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , M a t h e m a t i c a l / L o g i c a l Supplies: B i b l e s

Mirror, Mirror Leader Note: Receiving a genuine compliment from a counselor is huge in the life of a camper. It is important that counselors take seriously the need for heart-felt words of affirmation to avoid hurting feelings or embarrassing a camper. Cut a frame from a poster board, leaving the center open. The counselor holds the frame in front of his or her face while each camper in turn comes to the “mirror” and asks: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, where have I been like Jesus this week?” The counselor should be prepared to give an encouraging answer to each camper. (Sample answers: “Your smile helped others feel better.” “You welcomed the new campers and helped them fit in.” “You listened closely during worship.”) Another option: You could have campers share affirmations if you think they are ready to be serious enough. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: P o s t e r b o a r d f o r f r a m e a n d p o s i t i v e r e s p o n s e s f o r e a c h c a m p e r . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Change My Heart, Oh God,” Eddie Espinosa “Cry of My Heart,” Terry Butler “Take My Life (Holiness Is What I Long For),” Scott Underwood “Every Move I Make,” David Ruis “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes

MORNING WORSHIP Leader Note: This scene should be set up ahead of time so that the campers experience it as real. Counselors act out an improvised scene in which they are bickering with each other, putting each other down, and not acting like a community. They should suggest that some of the staff have not really been “chosen” to be there and are not doing the job correctly. Then one receives a letter from the dean (or director or whatever title the camp leader holds) and reads the letter out loud. Dear Camp Staff, You are loved by God, and I know God has chosen you to be an important part of this camp. The good news that you would be on camp staff didn’t come to you in just an email, but it was also a powerful message from the Holy Spirit. There was a deep conviction—I’m sure you felt it. I am sure you remember the example I was for you during our training time. That was for your sake! You should become imitators of me, but most importantly of the One I try to imitate in my life—the Lord Jesus Christ. When you accepted this call from the Holy Spirit to come to camp, I hope it was with joy and in spite of the sacrifices you have to make (like lack of long showers, clean clothes, and personal time). As a result you can become an example to all our campers here in camp this week and beyond! After the letter is read, staff in the scene should then have a change of attitude and be more positive toward each other. Read today’s scripture, 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7. Use the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 3 to talk about what was happening to the church in Thessalonica and how Paul’s words must have been an encouragement for them. Talk about how those words are still needed and relevant in our world today. Supplies: C o u n s e l o r s p r e p a r e d f o r t h e s k i t , p a p e r w i t h t h e d e a n ’ s l e t t e r o n i t

EVENING WORSHIP Leader Note: Ahead of time, prepare a table with mirrors on it. Tape to each mirror a paper with the message, “The Holy Spirit empowers you to imitate Christ. How will you live that?” Read today’s scripture. Using several dry erase boards all around your space (or a piece of paper for each camper), ask each camper to write a social media “status update,” “text,” or “tweet” as if he or she had been part of the church in Thessalonica. Before the campers write, ask them to consider these questions: • How do you think Paul’s letter would have made you feel about your behavior? • How would the letter have helped you make positive changes? • What encouragement would you offer churches of today? Have volunteers read what they wrote; take time to talk together about each one. Ask other campers to “like” or to comment on the status updates. (Leader Note: If time is short, have campers talk and “like” in smaller groups of two or three.) Affirm all the efforts. If you used paper, hang the sheets around your worship space. Point out the mirrors as today’s symbol. Remind campers they are to be imitators of Christ. Invite them to come and stand around the table of mirrors and read the message, “The Holy Spirit empowers you to imitate Christ. How will you live that?” Campers can come in groups; give them time to reflect silently on the question while other campers sing soft reflective music while they wait for a turn. Once all have been to the table, offer a prayer asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and courage to be imitators of Christ in camp and at home. Supplies: B i b l e , d r y e r a s e b o a r d s a n d m a r k e r s ( o p t i o n a l : p a p e r a n d p e n s ) , t a b l e , m i r r o r s w i t h t h e q u e s t i o n t a p e d o n t h e m

CABIN DEVOTIONS Use these prompts for writing in journals or for verbal sharing: • What was the best part of the day? • Where did you see the Holy Spirit today? • How do you think imitating Jesus would change things around us? Ask for a volunteer camper to pray. If no one volunteers, then a leader should pray, thanking God for Jesus and asking for the courage to follow his example at camp and always. Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s o r p e n s )

YOUNGER YOUTH Day 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit Key Verses: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. — Galatians 5:22-23a (CEB) Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26 (CEB) Focus: Living by the Spirit produces good fruit in our lives. Good fruit affects the whole community positively. Connection to the Campers: Campers will recognize they have choices about how to live. Campers will claim the positive results of living by the Spirit. Leader Notes: Please review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 4. Be careful to avoid emphasizing Law versus Spirit, which can lead to being judgmental. Encourage campers to concentrate on their own choices and how they want to live their lives. You may want to treat “the actions that are produced by selfish motives” as a whole rather than focusing on specifics. Also, be sure to help campers understand that there are more “fruit” that will produce good than just the nine listed in the scripture. If possible, use the translation from the Common English Bible (CEB) today; it will be helpful in dealing with verses 19-21, especially. Be aware of the “goodness”/”generosity” issue. (See Fruit Alert on page 6.) CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Scripture Rewrite

Extreme Believer Makeover

EXPERIENCE Following the Spirit or Selfish Desires

Fruity Commercial

Christian Trees

Random Acts of Fruitiness

Apple of God’s Eye

Evening Worship

Scripture Rewrite Invite a volunteer(s) to read Galatians 5:16-26 out loud. Ask the campers: • What do you think the main message of this passage is? • What is the “headline” here? (What is the most important part in a few words?) • Why do you think Paul is being so direct with the Galatians in this passage? (Leader Note: If you use the NRSV, be sure to clarify the language. To assist in that, this question is designed for those using the NRSV translation.) What do you think Paul means by “flesh”? (worldly values, selfish desires) Divide campers into groups of two or three and assign each group the task of rewriting the scripture for different audiences. Groups could write the scripture as: a newspaper or TV news report; a rap, chant, or song; a textbook or poem; a children’s story or melodrama. Remind each group to keep the integrity of the message in their rewrite, but to be creative in the presentation. Have the groups present their rewrites. Consider sharing these again at campfire or worship. Multiple Intelligences: L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l , M u s i c a l Supplies: B i b l e

Extreme Believer Makeover Ask a volunteer(s) to read Galatians 5:16-26 out loud. Point out that this is a passage of comparisons and contrasts. • What is Paul comparing and contrasting? (living by the Spirit versus living by selfish desires) On a poster board make two columns. Label one “Spirit” and the other “Selfish Desires.” Ask campers to review the scripture lists for both and identify the kinds of results that happen when people live by selfish desires (temporary “fun” with a high cost, others get hurt, bodies don’t work well, disease, jail, can’t keep a job, can’t keep relationships strong, can’t make friends, families suffer). Next, list the results living by the Spirit produces (happiness, stronger relationships, closeness with God, reliability, making a positive difference). Ask: • What kind of life do you want to live? • Which column do you think will help you to get there? • How do the choices you make now affect your life long-term? If you have enough campers, divide into groups of five to seven (if not, make do with smaller groups). Ask each group to create two skits—one that shows a person living by selfish desires and one in which the participants’ lives get an extreme makeover and they then live by the Spirit. Encourage the groups to model their skits after a favorite makeover show. Have them perform for each other. The skits could also be part of worship or campfire. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e , p o s t e r b o a r d , m a r k e r s

. EXPERIENCE .

Following the Spirit or Selfish Desires Before the group begins, write “Fruit-filled Life” on a poster board, and “Selfish Life” on another. Divide campers into groups of three (Leader Note: If groups are uneven, have one or more counselors fill in to complete the groups.) Tell the campers that one person in each small group will be blindfolded and led by the other two. The goal is to get to the “fruit-filled life.” The catch is that one of the leaders will be trying to lead that person to the fruit-filled life, and the other to the selfish life—but the blindfolded person won’t know which is which. Blindfold one camper from each group, and then silently identify which of his or her partners will be leading toward the fruit-filled life and which will be leading toward the selfish life. Move the signs around in your space so the blindfolded person won’t be able to guess just by direction. Remind leaders not to let their blindfolded person get hurt. Tell them to begin talking to their blindfolded person. (Leader Note: Counselors should monitor closely so no one gets hurt.) Once all the ones who were blindfolded have made it to a final destination, allow them to take off their blindfolds and see where they ended up. Ask: • How did you feel as you were figuring out whom to follow? • How did you choose which way to go? Why? • How did you try to convince your blindfolded person to follow you? • How is this like real life? (We have to make choices; sometimes it’s hard to know whom to listen to; sometimes we feel lost or confused…) • Reread Galatians 5:16-26. What does the scripture tell us to do? • How do you know you are making good choices in your life? What things help us know we are being led by the Spirit and not our selfish desires? • Have you ever made a wrong choice in your life? What were the consequences? How did you deal with them? • Who are some trusted people from whom you can get advice when you are faced with a difficult choice? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: T w o p i e c e s o f p o s t e r b o a r d , m a r k e r s , b l i n d f o l d s ( o n e f o r e v e r y t h r e e p e o p l e ) , B i b l e s

Fruity Commercial Tell the campers you are going to create a “Spiritual Fruit Public Service Announcement (PSA).” Divide the group in half, assign one half Galatians 5:19-21 and the other Galatians 5:22-26. The Galatians 5:19-21 group will create a commercial warning against the selfish desires. The Galatians 5:22-26 group should come up with a commercial promoting the fruit of the Spirit. Remind each group to include any risks that come from following the Holy Spirit or our selfish desires. After the groups have time to prepare and rehearse, they are to perform for one another. Consider inserting the PSA’s into worship or campfire time.) • Why do you think it might be hard to always follow the Holy Spirit? • How do you think doing so could be made easier? (good friend choices, prayer, Bible study, participating in a Christian community such as church and youth group) • What are some other risks involved with following the Holy Spirit? (losing friends, reputation changes, being made fun of or bullied) • What are the rewards of following the Holy Spirit? • Is that choice easy or hard for you to make? Why? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: B i b l e s

Christian Trees Gather four different kinds of fruit in bags that are numbered 1–4. Invite campers to sit in a circle. Ask for volunteers to read Galatians 5:16-26. Talk about what the campers think this scripture means. Now tell them they will be asked to guess what kind of tree each fruit represents. Leaders should walk around the circle letting campers reach inside to feel the fruit in the bag, but not see inside. Remind campers to remember the order. Once everyone has had a chance to feel each fruit, ask them to guess what kind of tree each the fruit came from. Use well-known fruits so campers have little trouble getting the answers right. • How could you tell what each fruit was? (size, shape, feel) • Was it easy to tell? (Say: “Each fruit has easily identifiable characteristics, such as…”) • What would the characteristics of the fruit from a Christian tree be? Invite campers to close their eyes and to respond silently to the next two questions. Give the group a full minute of silence for each question: • What kind of fruit fills your Christian tree—your life? • What spiritual fruit do you have the most of on your tree? Would you say it’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control? What do you need more of? Come back to group discussion, asking: • How can you increase the harvest of spiritual fruit in your life? What practices do people need to cultivate in order to have a rich spiritual harvest? (being thoughtful about making good choices and choosing friends who are also making good choices and following Christ; participating in worship, Sunday school, and youth group; reading and studying the Bible or doing daily devotions at home; praying; helping others we know and serving people we don’t know who need help) Give each camper a pen or pencil and an index card. Encourage campers to write down one or two things from the discussion that they will commit to doing to increase their harvest of fruit of the Spirit. Challenge campers to take their card home with them and post it someplace where they will see it frequently. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , f o u r d i s t i n c t l y d i f f e r e n t k i n d s o f f r u i t ( n o t j u s t f o u r d i f f e r e n t k i n d s o f a p p l e s — e x a m p l e : b a n a n a , a p p l e , p e a c h , c a n t a l o u p e ) , f o u r n u m b e r e d b a g s , p e n s o r p e n c i l s , i n d e x c a r d s

Random Acts of Fruitiness Divide into groups of four to six (preferably with an adult leader with each group). Tell them each group is going to plan and carry out a secret “random act of fruitiness” (random act of kindness with a “fruit of the Spirit” twist). Reread Galatians 5:22-23 so the campers remember all the fruit listed in the scripture; remind them also that there are other fruit not listed. Set a time limit for each group to plan and carry out their random act, and remind them to be sneaky so the act remains anonymous. (Examples could be clean the bathroom of another cabin, put love notes on the cars of the staff, make an appreciation poster for kitchen staff, send affirmation notes to a camper who is homesick or feeling left out…) Encourage campers to be creative and find ways to make a difference with their fruit. This activity could even be expanded to continue all day or throughout camp. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , a n y s u p p l i e s n e e d e d f o r a c t s t h a t t h e g r o u p s c o m e u p w i t h

Apple of God’s Eye Give campers an assortment of construction paper. Ask each of them to cut a fruit shape and decorate it. (These can be abstract; remind them they do not have to be perfect.) Have each write “Galatians 5:16-26” on the fruit. In advance, write the name of each camper in the group on a separate slip of paper. Invite each camper to draw a name (making sure no one gets his or her own). The name-drawer should write on the paper fruit at least one way he or she has seen a fruit of the Spirit displayed in the person whose name was drawn. Once everyone is finished, have the campers give the fruit to those whose names they drew, sharing what they wrote and affirming one another. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: C o l o r e d c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , c r a y o n s , m a r k e r s , i n d i v i d u a l p i e c e s o f p a p e r w i t h e a c h c a m p e r ’ s n a m e . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “The Papaya Song (I Like Bananas),” Traditional “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart,” Traditional “I Love You, Lord,” Laurie Klein “Try a Little Kindness,” Curt Sapaugh and Bobby Austin “Hymn to Joy (Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee),” Beethoven and Henry van Dyke “The Fruit of the Spirit (Is Not a Coconut),” Traditional

MORNING WORSHIP In advance, cut out nine large pieces of fruit from poster board or construction paper. Label each with one of the nine fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness/generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.) Tell campers that today’s symbol represented by the nine large pieces of fruit comes from the scripture, which refers to these nine specifically as “fruit of the Spirit.” Invite campers to write on the papers one way they are displaying that fruit. Give plenty of time for them to move around and each write on at least two fruit. Once everyone has had time to write, lift up each fruit in prayer and ask God for the courage and strength to follow the Spirit’s lead and live that fruit each day. Hang the “fruit” in your worship space, if possible. Supplies: C o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r o r p o s t e r b o a r d s , s c i s s o r s , p e n s o r p e n c i l s , t a p e o r p u s h - p i n s

EVENING WORSHIP Read today’s scripture. Using several dry erase boards all around your space (or a piece of paper for each camper), ask each camper to write a social media “status update,” “text,” or “tweet” as if he or she had been one of the Galatians to whom Paul sent this message. Before having the campers write, ask them to consider these questions: • How do you think Paul’s letter would have made you feel about your past behavior? • What kind of fruit are you bearing in your life right now? • How are you going to bear fruit in the future? Have volunteers read what they wrote; take time to talk together about each one. Ask other campers to “like” or to comment on the status updates. (Leader Note: If time is short, work in smaller groups.) Affirm all the efforts. If you used paper, hang the sheets around your worship space. If campers prepared presentations as part of the Scripture Rewrite or the Extreme Believer Makeover earlier in the day, make time to share those with the whole group. Supplies: B i b l e , d r y e r a s e b o a r d s a n d m a r k e r s ( o p t i o n a l : p a p e r a n d p e n s )

CABIN DEVOTIONS Use these prompts for writing in journals or for verbal sharing: • What was the best part of the day? • Where did you see the Holy Spirit today? • How do you think living a “fruity life” will change your world? Ask for a volunteer camper to pray. If no one volunteers, then a leader should pray. Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s o r p e n s )

YOUNGER YOUTH Day 5: Power Up as One Community Key Verse: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling. —Ephesians 4:4 Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6 Focus: Living in the way of the Spirit brings unity to groups, creating community. Connection to Campers: Campers will explore ways to put love into practice. Campers will understand the Holy Spirit as the source of unity and common purpose within a community. Campers will feel the sense of oneness and peace that comes from unity in the Spirit. Leader Notes: Read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 5. Be aware that the concept of unity may bring up questions about inclusiveness within the Christian community. Questions about other religions may come up. Be prepared to answer from your faith tradition in a caring and sensitive manner. Emphasize the need for prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to bring unity and peace. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Scripture Repeat

Put It into Motion

EXPERIENCE Choosing Sides

We’re One

What’s a Motto with You?

We Are All on the Same Side

Let Me In!

Who Am I?

Evening Worship

Scripture Repeat Ask campers to look up today’s scripture verse. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:1-6 out loud. Give each camper a printed copy of the scripture and a pencil. Have campers underline all the “ones” in the scripture passage. Then ask: • Why do you think the word “one” is repeated so many times? (Remind them that this letter was written in a time when Christian communities were starting to divide and fragment.) • Choose one of the “ones” listed in the verse (body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God), and give an example of how that helps to build community. • What are the issues that divide students at your school? What are the issues that unite students? • What are issues that divide the church today? What unites the church? • What are issues that bring the church together today? • How does this scripture apply to our churches today? Now have campers circle on their sheets any words that seem like they could be considered “fruit of the Spirit.” Remind campers that there are more “fruit” than the nine listed in the Galatians passage. • How do you think a group that is divided could benefit from the reminder about the fruit of the Spirit? • Choose one of the “fruity” words you circled and give an example of how it could help a divided community. • What do you think the “calling to which you have been called” is? • How can you live that? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s f o r e a c h c a m p e r , c o p y o f t o d a y ’ s s c r i p t u r e f o r e a c h c a m p e r , p e n s o r p e n c i l s

Put It into Motion Ask campers to look up Ephesians 4:1-6. Ask a volunteer to read the verses out loud. Talk about the rhythm of the verse: how the list of words in verses 2 and 3 flows and how the repetitive words of verses 4-6 are drilling in the message of unity. Divide into two smaller groups. Invite each to come up with motions for the passage. Give them time to rehearse. Have them perform for each other. Consider using their motions for campfire or worship. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e s f o r e a c h c a m p e r

. EXPERIENCE .

Choosing Sides Group the campers in the center of your space; designate a right and left boundary. (Leader Note: Use a chair as a divider, draw a line in the dirt, designate opposite walls, for example.) Tell campers they will be given a choice and they must choose one side or the other—there is no middle ground. Give a series of choices: right side likes football best, left side likes baseball best; right side likes water best, left side likes milk best; right side likes chocolate best, left side likes vanilla best, and so on. Then discuss: • Explain why this was challenging. • What surprised you about the choices? • Tell what you think is good about having choices. • What is hard about having choices? • What is good about the fact that we all like different things? • Why do you think we all like different things? • How does the fact that we all like different things present challenges? • Have you ever been made fun of because of something you liked? (fashion, music, sports team…) • Why do you think that happens? • Most of these choices don’t really matter much. What are some productive ways of resolving differences when they do matter? • What do you think of this statement: “Unity is not uniformity”? • How can we like different things and still be a community? • Verse 3 of today’s scripture verse says we should be “making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Give an example of how to do that. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: L i s t o f c h o i c e s , a w a y t o d e s i g n a t e t w o s i d e s

We’re One Have campers each draw or cut and paste a large numeral 1 in a circle (the symbol for today’s lesson) on a half-sheet of poster board (or cardstock). Have the campers use crayons or markers or clippings from magazines to decorate their posters with things that they like or that describe them. Be sure each camper’s name is clearly visible on his or her poster. Use tape on the back of the completed posters to put them all together to create one large poster that represents your entire group. The center poster board might be the group name. Talk about how each person is unique, but still a valued member of the community. Unity is part of community, not uniformity. Consider using this larger poster as part of Evening Worship. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: H a l f - s i z e p o s t e r b o a r d f o r e a c h c a m p e r ( o r c a r d s t o c k ) , s c i s s o r s , m a g a z i n e s , g l u e , m a r k e r s o r c r a y o n s , p e n c i l s o r p e n s , t a p e o r p u s h p i n s

What’s a Motto with You? Ask campers if any of them are a part of a group or club (Boy or Girl Scouts, youth group, clubs at school…). Ask if any of those have a motto—a defining statement that tells who they are and what they stand for. Ask: • Why is belonging to a group or club important? • How can a motto help define that group? • How important is the motto to your group? Remind them that we are all a part of a group, the family of God. Reread today’s scripture passage, Ephesians 4:1-6. Tell campers that they have all been chosen by God to be a part of God’s “club”! Divide into three smaller groups. Ask each to come up with a motto for the family of God. Have each group write their motto on a poster board to be displayed in your meeting space. You can refer to today’s scripture and any others that seem relevant. Remind them to focus in on what it means to be the family of God and what we stand for. Then have each group present its motto and have campers talk about both what is unique about each and what they have in common. Invite the whole group to craft a new motto in light of the scripture that focuses on unity. Display the new motto at worship or campfire. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , p a p e r , p o s t e r b o a r d , p e n c i l s , m a r k e r s

We Are All on the Same Side Start with all the campers on one side of a volleyball net (or other divided area). The object of the game is to get the entire team as quickly as possible from one side to the other and back as fast as they can. Time the group. One player starts by hitting a balloon over the net. Only when the balloon is in the air can one player at a time go under the net to the other side. Play continues until all players are on one side; then they reverse the process. When the balloon touches ground, the player going under the net at that time must come back to the side he or she started on; the balloon must be batted into the air again before the activity can resume. Have the group play again to try to beat their first time. This time, however, one of the leaders should intentionally be slow and mess up the game. • What did it feel like when [name of leader who messed up the game] did not do his or her part? • How did you encourage him (or her) to keep up? (Did the group try to help, or did they just get frustrated?) • Today’s scripture talks about living as one community. What happens when persons do not do their part? • What is “the part” we are to be doing in Christian community? (Refer them to verse 2.) • How can we help the community work together? • How are things better when we all work together? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: A b a l l o o n , v o l l e y b a l l n e t

Let Me In! The group, minus two campers, holds hands to form a circle facing outward (backs to the middle). The two left on the outside must try to get into the middle of the circle while the others try to keep them out. Remind campers not to hurt anyone physically (or emotionally). The “outsiders” can try to sneak past or hurry under; they cannot physically crash through the hands. • How did it feel to be left out? • How did it feel to exclude two members of our group? • Tell about a time when you saw someone else being left out. • Tell about a time when you felt left out. • Why do you think groups intentionally leave some people out? • What is the good news in today’s scripture passage? (You are chosen.) • How does it feel to know that, no matter what, you are a part of God’s group? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Who Am I? Leader Note: This game should provide a way to measure whether, by this time of the week, the group is starting to gel and trust one another more. Divide into to equal teams of four to six people. Line the teams up side by side. One at a time, campers—when they are at the front of the line—must step forward and say an identifying sentence about themselves: “I am ____ (sister, friend, blonde, cousin, son, outgoing, athlete…) as fast as they can. Once they say their sentence, they move to the back of the line. Teams should take turns saying a sentence one member at a time. If a camper hesitates or repeats a statement he or she is out of the game. The last team with a remaining player wins the game. • What was hard about this game? • Did it get harder to come up with identifiers as the game went on? • How well do you think you know yourself? • Did anyone say something that surprised you? • What makes you who you are? (God, families, environment, life experiences…) • What is the biggest influence on who you are? Who you become? • What role do friends play in who you are? In choices you make? • What role does your family play in who you are? In choices you make? • What role does God play in who you are? In choices you make? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

SONG SUGGESTIONS “We Are a Rainbow,” Brent Holmes “Look All Around You,” John Fischer “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “One Bread, One Body,” Hymn “We Are the Family of God,” Jon Byron “Till All My People Are One,” Ray Repp “Make Us One,” Carol Cymbala

MORNING WORSHIP Leader Note: In advance, on a white bed sheet write: “[Your camp name] has been chosen by God! —Ephesians 4:1-6” Read the scripture passage and talk together about some of the blessings your camp community has experienced so far this week (new friends, good food, learning about the Holy Spirit…). One small group at time, ask campers to come to the altar and each trace a hand onto the sheet. Ask each camper to write his or her name inside the handprint. Make sure everyone is included. Use this as your altar linen for the week. Ask for a volunteer to close with prayer. Supplies: B i b l e , w h i t e b e d s h e e t , c o l o r e d m a r k e r s

EVENING WORSHIP If every group did the “We’re One” poster activity, all of the groups’ large posters could be brought together to create a giant camp poster that represents the entire group. The result could be displayed in your worship space. (Leader Note: Do not do this unless all groups are represented.) Take a few minutes to reinforce the joy of celebrating uniqueness, as represented in the individual posters, and that through Christ we bring those differences into unity, into community, into oneness. (Leader Note: An alternative is to display a large numeral 1 inside a circle and to talk about how this symbol for today relates to the theme.) Also display the mottos developed earlier. If campers have presentations from “Put It into Motion,” let them read the scripture, do the accompanying movements, and lead the whole group in learning them. Read today’s scripture. Using several dry erase boards all around your space (or a piece of paper for each camper), ask campers to write a social media “status update,” “text,” or “tweet” as if they were a part of the church that Paul sent his letter to. Before having the campers write, ask them to consider these questions: • What did you think or feel about today’s scripture? • How are you different because of what you learned today? • What are you going to do now? • How are you experiencing community—unity through Christ? Have volunteers read what they wrote; take time to talk together about each one. Ask other campers to “like” or to comment on the status updates. (Leader Note: If time is short, work in smaller groups.) Affirm all the efforts. If you used paper, hang the sheets around your worship space. Supplies: B i b l e , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l ( n u m e r a l 1 i n s i d e a c i r c l e ) , p o s t e r s a n d m o t t o s f r o m e a r l i e r , d r y e r a s e b o a r d s a n d m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : p a p e r a n d p e n s )

CABIN DEVOTIONS Use these prompts for writing in journals or for verbal sharing: • What was the best part of the day? • Where did you see the Holy Spirit today? • How does it feel to know that you are chosen and called by God? Ask for a volunteer camper to pray. If no one volunteers, then a leader should pray. Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s o r p e n s )

YOUNGER YOUTH Day 6: Power Up with Courage Key Verse: For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. —2 Timothy 1:7 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 Focus: Through the Holy Spirit, we have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, not of cowardice or timidity. We are called to live boldly with the help of the Holy Spirit. Connection to Campers: Campers will recognize the gift of a bold, courageous new spirit within them. Campers will be reminded that they should hold onto sound teaching and guard the treasure within them. Campers will be assured that the Holy Spirit is with them always and they can have the courage to make a difference. Leader Note: Please read the scripture ahead of time and review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 6. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Scripture Review

Get the Gift!

EXPERIENCE Scripture Scavenger Hunt

Courage Crossing

Salt Painting

Courage Machines

Stand Up for What You Believe

Comfort Zones

Evening Worship

Scripture Review Before you begin today, assign one camper to read each of the past days’ scripture passages one at a time (a different camper for each scripture). After each is read, ask campers to recall the point for each day. Use the symbols for each day to remind them. Day 1: John 14:25-27—Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will come. (peace sign) Day 2: Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33—The promised Holy Spirit comes to the disciples—and to us—in a dramatic and powerful way. (candle with flame) Day 3: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7—The Holy Spirit chooses us to be imitators of Jesus. (mirror) Day 4: Galatians 5:16-26—Living in the Spirit produces positive “fruit” in our lives. (various fruits) Day 5: Ephesians 4:1-6—Even though we are many individuals, through the Holy Spirit we are called and empowered to live as one community. (numeral 1 in a circle) After reviewing each of the days’ scriptures, discuss: • What do you think comes next? • Is the Holy Spirit something you can only find at camp? • What happens after camp? • In what ways do you see the Holy Spirit in your school? home? church? • How will you show the Holy Spirit at school? home? church? Show today’s symbol (strong arms linked). Tell campers that Paul was concerned with the same issues as he wrote to give Timothy some advice. Today’s symbol is a helpful one as we think about what comes next. Now read 2 Timothy 1:6-7. Remind campers that this verse is a plea for Timothy and the other readers to live their lives with the Holy Spirit (refer to the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for more details). Paul is reminding them of the power they have through the Holy Spirit and is calling them to make a difference in the world. Ask: • How do you think knowing the Holy Spirit is with you will help you make a difference? • Why do you think verse 7 reminds us that the spirit God gives us is not one of cowardice? • How is this last plea from Paul to Timothy a perfect verse as we come close to the end of our time at camp? • Why is the symbol of strong arms linked a good one to keep in mind? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s o f e a c h o f t h e s y m b o l s f o r t h e f i r s t f i v e d a y s o f c a m p , p l u s t o d a y ’ s ( s t r o n g a r m s li n k e d )

Get the Gift Leader Notes: Before this lesson, prepare the gifts. You will need a small box for each camper. The boxes don’t all have to be the same. Put a copy of today’s scripture inside each and wrap the box. The wrapping does not all have to be the same. You could use left-over scraps, self-decorated craft paper, or newspaper. Add tags that say “To: [camper’s name] From: God.” An optional way to personalize the “gift” even more would be to have counselors write notes of one or two spiritual gifts or fruit of the Spirit that they have seen in that camper though the week. If you choose to do this, be sure you write something positive for every camper. Give each camper the gift with his or her name on it. Ask: • What is the best gift you have ever gotten? • What is your favorite gift-giving occasion? • What do you think is inside this gift? Ask campers to open their gifts and invite someone to read the scripture out loud. Ask: • What do you think about this gift? • What are some of the other gifts God has given you? (Help them think beyond material things. If counselors have written gifts they have seen in each camper, talk about those. Encourage the campers to write some more of these on the back of their scripture gift.) • Why do you think it is important for Paul to remind us that the spirit in each of us is not one of cowardice, but, rather, powerful and self-disciplined? Why is the reminder that it is also a spirit of love important? (Power and even self-discipline can be used wrongly, but not if coupled with love.) • What does it mean to “hold to the standard of sound teaching”? • How can you tell if something is “sound teaching”? (common sense, test against scripture, seek advice from those you trust) • What is the “good treasure” we are supposed to protect? How can you do that? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: O n e g i f t b o x p e r c a m p e r , w r a p p i n g p a p e r , g i f t t a g s , p r i n t e d s c r i p t u r e v e r s e f o r e a c h c a m p e r , p e n c i l s . EXPERIENCE .

Scripture Scavenger Hunt Leader Note: Before the group meets, create a list of clues to five key locations around your camp. At each location, hide a piece of paper with one of these scriptures written out on it: Genesis 15:1 Deuteronomy 3:22 1 Chronicles 22:13 Isaiah 40:9 Matthew 1:20 Give the campers the clues, one at a time, to a location until they figure out the location and discover that scripture. Repeat for each location, seeing if the group can work together to get better at unraveling the locations in fewer clues. Once campers have located all the verses, find a place to talk about them. • Why do you think the Bible tells us over and over again not to be afraid? • What are you afraid of? How will knowing the Holy Spirit is with you help? • How can you use that bold Spirit to make a difference? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: S c r i p t u r e v e r s e s p r i n t e d o n p a p e r a n d h i d d e n i n c a m p , c l u e s t o l e a d c a m p e r s t o e a c h l o c a t i o n

Courage Crossing Leader Notes: This game requires group planning and some trial and error. In advance, using paper plates (or other markers campers can stand on), create an hourglass pattern with two triangles of plates touching at the point. Triangles should be 5 plates across at the base, with one fewer plate in each row (row two is 4 plates, row three is 3 plates…). There will be 15 plates in each triangle. The goal is to get all campers across from one side of the hourglass pattern to the other. Only one camper at a time may stand on a plate. Campers must move from plate to plate without jumping or leaping, and they cannot skip a row. Once a plate has been stepped on it, it will disappear unless another camper is on it. Leaders need to watch closely and remove plates once they have been stepped on and left unoccupied. For an additional challenge for a small group (large groups will simply lose too many plates the first time through), have the team go across again with the gaps left from first crossing. Debrief: • What was challenging about this game? • How does this exercise demonstrate the need for community and working together? • How could this experience represent going out into life with the Holy Spirit? (We don’t go alone; we can help and support each other.) • Did it take courage to step up and be the leader for the group? Did it take courage to listen to other leaders and trust their plan? • How do you find the courage to step out and trust God in your life when the rest of the world wants us all to conform and not make waves? Multiple Intelligences: L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l , S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: 3 0 p a p e r p l a t e s , o p e n s p a c e t o p l a y

Salt Painting Give each camper a piece of black construction paper. Using white school glue, ask campers to write a word or phrase on their paper that will remind them to be courageous (Take heart, God is with you, Be brave, You were made to be courageous…). One at a time, help each cover the glue generously with salt, using a box lid or tray to catch the overflow of salt so it can be reused for the next picture. Then campers are to touch the end of a paintbrush dipped in colored water to the salt and watch it spread across the crystals. Campers can continue adding drops of colored water until all the salt is colored. Invite volunteers to talk about their creations, especially how they relate to today’s scripture and being courageous through the Holy Spirit. Display the artwork. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: B l a c k c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , g l u e i n b o t t l e s , s a l t , b o x l i d o r t r a y , f o o d - c o l o r i n g w a t e r , s m a l l p a i n t b r u s h e s

Courage Machines If you have enough people, divide into groups of four to six. (Otherwise, you can simply make one machine.) Instruct each group to come up with a moving machine that helps give people courage. They must include all members of their small group. Encourage campers to be creative with movement, sounds, and any other props they choose. Once every group has finished planning and rehearsing, have each demonstrate how their machine works. Then debrief: • If there were a machine that gave courage, what would you use it for? • Who do you think needs a courage machine? • Who do you suspect had a courage machine? • How is the Holy Spirit like a courage machine? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: N o n e ( c a m p e r s c a n m a k e u s e o f t h i n g s a r o u n d t h e m f o r p r o p s )

Stand Up for What You Believe Campers should all be seated in a circle of chairs. When the leader in the middle reads a belief statement, campers either stand or sit to make their choices. Encourage them to choose—no “in-betweens” allowed. After each choice, ask a camper from both sides of the choice to defend his or her response. Do not let campers argue. They are just to give brief answers as to why they made the choice they did. Move on to the next belief. Here are sample statements; feel free to add others: 1. Stand up if you believe there is never any reason to tell a lie. 2. Stand up if you believe there is never any reason to break the speed limit. 3. Stand up if you believe cell phones should not be allowed at camp. 4. Stand up if you believe the legal drinking age should not be lowered to 18. 5. Stand up if you believe students caught bullying should not automatically be expelled from school. 6. Stand up if you believe prayer should be said in public schools. Then discuss: • When you didn’t know how to answer, how did you choose? (Explore the fact that many people simply “go along with the crowd” and that who our community is does make a difference.) • How did it feel if you were for something that was less popular? • In real life, how do you stand up for something when it is not a popular view? • How can having a supportive community help you stand up? • How can the Holy Spirit help you stand up and make a difference? • What are some areas in your world that you think would benefit from more people standing up to make a difference? • How can you be a person who leads a change? • How can we disagree productively? • Why is it important that we listen to one another? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: E n o u g h c h a i r s f o r a l l c a m p e r s

Comfort Zones Arrange 12 smaller circles of rope into a larger circle, as if they were the numbers on a clock. Each rope circle should be large enough for about half the group to stand in. Invite campers to group themselves by birthday month, with the circle at the “12 o’clock” position representing January and going around clockwise. Tell campers these circles are their “comfort zones.” Once campers are arranged, have them tell any others in that circle something that makes them feel comfortable. Give groups time to share. Next, the leader says: “If you are afraid of spiders, you must leave your comfort zone and move three circles forward clockwise.” Campers who are afraid of spiders should move. Have new groups share something else that makes them feel comfortable. Play continues, with the leader calling new fears and number of circles to move each time. Sample fear suggestions: the dark, public speaking, math tests, one of your teachers, the ropes course, swimming in the lake, eating camp food, clowns, roller coasters, being around a certain person… Then debrief the experience: • Why do we like our comfort zones? • How do you think a comfort zone can be like a rut? • Why does it take courage to leave your comfort zone? • Why do you think we all have fears? • What scared you about coming to camp this week? • If you were afraid to come to camp, what has changed for you? • What scares you about living a “fruit-filled,” “powered-up” life with the Holy Spirit? • How can we help one another to live the lives we have been learning about all week at camp? Ask campers to complete these sentences: • If I had more courage, I’d like to… • One person who I think has a great deal of courage is… • One of the bravest things I’ve ever done is… • If I had more courage, in my relationship with a friend I would… Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: R o p e s o r a n o t h e r w a y t o c r e a t e c i r c l e s f o r g r o u p t o s t a n d i n

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Beloved (1 John 4:7-8),” Dennis Ryder “He Calls Us Each by Name,” Ron Griffen “Courageous,” Casting Crowns “Brave,” Sara Bareilles “Bind Us Together,” Bob Gilliam “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” Hymn, John Fawcett “That’s How You Change the World,” Newsboys “Lean on Me” (chorus especially), Bill Withers

MORNING WORSHIP Display the visuals from each of the past camp days. Add today’s image of the strong arms linked as well. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14. If you have the ability, show the video of Sara Bareilles’ “Brave,” which can be found on YouTube. If not, play the song and provide the lyrics for campers. Ask a leader to tell about a time when he or she wished to have been brave and to have spoken up instead of staying silent. Say: “At one point the song asks you to ‘show me how big your Brave is.’” Help campers make the connection that another way to say that is: “Show me how big your Holy Spirit is.” Ask campers to give examples of “how big their Brave is.” Encourage them to share ways that they are going to be brave and have a spirit that is not timid at camp today and beyond. Supplies: V i s u a l s f r o m e a c h o f t h e p a s t c a m p d a y s , t o d a y ’ s v i s u a l , l y r i c s f r o m S a r a B a r e i l l e s ’ “ B r a v e ” ( a v a i l a b l e o n t h e I n t e r n e t ) ; ( o p t i o n a l : v i d e o o f t h e s o n g f r o m Y o u T u b e a n d e q u i p m e n t t o s h o w i t )

EVENING WORSHIP Read today’s scripture. Using several dry erase boards all around your space (or a piece of paper for each camper), ask each camper to write a social media “status update,” “text,” or “tweet” as if he or she had been the one to whom Paul sent today’s message. Before having the campers write, ask them to consider these questions: • What was encouraging in today’s’ scripture? • What was challenging about today’s scripture? • How will you be different after this week of camp? Supplies: B i b l e , d r y e r a s e b o a r d s a n d m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : p a p e r a n d p e n s )

CABIN DEVOTIONS Use these prompts for writing in journals or for verbal sharing: • What was the best part of the day? • Where did you see the Holy Spirit today? • Where is God calling you to show courage? Ask for a volunteer to pray. If no one volunteers, then a leader should pray. Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : j o u r n a l s , p e n c i l s o r p e n s )

YOUNGER YOUTH Day 7: Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go Key Verses: Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” —John 20:21-22 Scripture: John 20:19-23 Focus: Receiving the Holy Spirit helps us overcome fears and empowers us for living the way of peace and forgiveness. Connection to Campers: Campers will recognize that Jesus is commissioning them to continue his work. Campers will feel assured that they are not alone and that they are empowered to encounter the world, their families, their friends, and their community with grace and forgiveness. Campers will remember camp with joy and peace. Leader Note: Read the scripture ahead of time and review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 7. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Live the Scene

EXPERIENCE Peace Prayers

Hearing God

Affirmation Posters

Powerful Breath

Open the Sabbath Box (from Day 1)

EXPRESS Morning Worship . EXPLORE .

Live the Scene Invite the campers to find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Have them intentionally relax their entire body and clear their mind. Tell them you are going to set the scene for them and you want them to put themselves into the scripture, living this scene: Imagine you are part of Jesus’ original group of disciples. You have given up your own life to travel and work with him. You have witnessed some amazing miracles these past three years. You have lived with Jesus, talked with him, eaten with him. You believed with all your heart that he was the one sent to change things, to make things better. At least you did believe that until three days ago, when he was arrested, crucified, and buried. Now you don’t know what to believe. You are scared for your life. If the authorities came after him, are his followers next? You have been hiding in this small room with all the others for the past three days; you have no idea what will happen next. Your whole world has been turned upside-down. Today you have begun to hear whispers that Jesus is alive again. It does not make any sense. How can that be? What does it mean? Then, suddenly, without warning, Jesus is there in the room with you. Jesus—the same man you saw laid in a tomb—is standing right there in the room! You can hardly believe your eyes, and yet here he is. Then he speaks, “Peace be with you.” [Pause here—let campers feel this moment.] He holds out his hands; there are the nail holes. They are raw and still bleeding a little. You can see the wound in his side. You have no doubt—this is Jesus! He speaks again: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Then Jesus does something strange. He leans over and breathes on each of you and says: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” After a moment, invite campers to open their eyes. Take time to process the experience: • How were you feeling at the beginning of the scene? • Have you ever been let down by someone who turned out to be not what you expected? How do think the disciples were feeling? • Why do you think they were hiding? • What did you think when Jesus suddenly showed up in the room? • How did you imagine his wounds to look? Why do you think Jesus took the time to show them? • How did you feel when he first said, “Peace be with you?” • Why do you think he said it a second time? • Why do you think he breathed on them? (Remind campers this story took place well before the Pentecost story happened.) • What do you think he meant by, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you”? Where is he sending them? • Where is Jesus sending you today? After camp? Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: S c r i p t f o r r e a d i n g t h e m e d i t a t i o n

. EXPERIENCE .

Peace Prayers Take your group back to the location where you did the Nature Peace Signs on Day 1. Talk about how peaceful this place is. If your peace signs are still there and intact, invite campers to talk about what they thought about that day. If you did not do the Nature Peace Signs activity, just find a quiet, peaceful spot for this current activity. Ask campers to sit quietly and pray. As they are getting settled, the leaders should be as distracting as they can. (One can sing a silly song too loud or whistle, one can bang two Bibles together, and one can yell across camp to another group—generally making as much noise and being as distracting as possible.) Ask: • What did you find challenging about this prayer time? • How was trying to pray with all the noise and other distractions like trying to find peace in the world? • How can we filter out the distractions of the world and focus on God’s peace? • How will you keep your focus on God when you get home from camp? (Leader Note: Be sure to encourage campers to practice spiritual disciplines, such as participating in worship, Sunday school, youth group, service, prayer, Bible study, and personal devotions.) • How can you keep the feeling of peace that camp brings? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: T h i n g s t o h e l p l e a d e r s m a k e n o i s e a n d b e d i s t r a c t i n g

Hearing God Have campers sit in a circle. Tell them when you touch a person’s shoulder, that camper should stand. Invite campers to be as loud as they can while sitting in the circle. One at a time, touch the shoulder of each camper. When the camper stands, each leader should speak an affirmation quietly near the ear of the camper. Be sure to speak at a volume that is loud enough for the standing camper to hear, but not loud enough to get over the noise of the group. Repeat this action for each camper. Afterward, have the campers settle down, and discuss: • Could you hear what we said to you over the noise? • What did it feel like to hear something positive though all the distraction? • How is this like how God speaks to us? (Even with all the noise of the world, if we listen we can hear God sharing God’s love for us.) • How can you better tune in to God’s voice? • How will you find ways to listen better for God when you get home? Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: A p e r s o n a l i z e d a f f i r m a t i o n f o r e a c h c a m p e r

Affirmation Posters In pairs, have campers take turns outlining each other’s head on a piece of poster board. Have campers add their names to their poster boards. Tape posters on the wall or lay them out on tables around your space. (Be sure everyone is represented.) Invite campers to move around to each of the group members’ posters and write a positive affirmation for each person. These can consist of one word or a phrase. (Leader Note: Monitor that this activity is taken seriously and that everyone writes positive affirmations.) Campers can take their posters home to be a reminder of the group and the week of camp. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: M a r k e r s , p o s t e r s f o r e a c h p e r s o n , t a p e t o h a n g p o s t e r s o r t a b l e f o r p o s t e r s

Powerful Breath Play the Blow-the-Cup Relay game. Divide into three teams. Each team should line up behind the short side of a long table. Team members take a turn blowing a paper cup down and back the length of the table with a straw. If the cup falls off the long edge of the table, the team member must start over. The first team to have all members successfully blow its cup down and back wins the relay. Then ask: • In what ways is wind good? In what ways can it be destructive? • How do images of wind and breath relate to the Holy Spirit? • How do you think the Holy Spirit works in us to make things different? • What will you do with the breath of God that is in you? How will you make things different? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: C u p s f o r e a c h t e a m , s t r a w s f o r e a c h c a m p e r , r e c t a n g u l a r t a b l e s o f t h e s a m e l e n g t h f o r e a c h t e a m Open the Sabbath Box If your group created a Sabbath Box on Day 1, on the last day you should revisit it. Ask campers to think back to what it was they put in the box for the week. Ask: • How successful were you at setting your worry or concern aside for this week? • How did it feel to take a break from that worry or concern? (Make connection to having God’s peace.) • Did you learn anything this week that will better equip you to deal with your worry or concern? One of the leaders should pray over the box. The prayer should ask the Holy Spirit to continue working in the lives of the campers and empower them to have the courage to face their problems—and the peace to know that God is in control. Ask each camper to write his or her name on a small stone. Put the stones in a bowl and, one at a time, have campers draw a name out. Invite each to keep that stone as a reminder to pray for the person whose name was drawn. Encourage them to pray that the Holy Spirit will help that person deal with whatever he or she is going home to. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: T h e S a b b a t h B o x c r e a t e d o n D a y 1 , f i n e - li n e m a r k e r s , s m a l l s t o n e s ( f o u n d o r p u r c h a s e d ) , b o w l t o h o l d t h e s t o n e s

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Hymn “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” Hymn, Sebastian Temple “God Be with You ’Til We Meet Again,” Hymn “Here I Am, Lord,” Hymn, Dan Schutte “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” Hymn “Peace Give I to You,” Graham Kendrick

MORNING WORSHIP Read today’s scripture passage, John 20:19-23. Have staff primed to tell about actions and words of peace making, including forgiveness, they saw happening during the week. They don’t have to use specific campers’ names. Encourage campers also to share incidents of peace making they saw. Then invite volunteers to tell of areas in which they want to be peacemakers when they return home. Celebrate all the peacemakers in your camp. Draw attention to today’s symbol, the two-finger go-in-peace sign. Point out that in times of conflict or uncertainty or fear, they have a reminder of the peace Christ gives us—literally just two fingers away, close at hand, as is the Holy Spirit! Ask volunteers to say what they think have been the best parts of camp. Pre-select two or three campers to tell what they have learned about the Holy Spirit during this week. If there is time, encourage other campers to speak, as well. The leader or a camper volunteer should close with prayer, thanking God for camp and for the Holy Spirit, who walks with the group as they choose to be peacemakers at home, at school, and in the world. Leave the area, giving the go-in-peace sign to one another. Supplies: B i b l e , p r e - s e l e c t e d c a m p e r s t o s p e a k , ( o p t i o n : r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t o d a y ’ s s y m b o l — t h e t w o - f i n g e r g o - i n - p e a c e s i g n ) OLDER YOUTH Day 1: Power Up with the Promise of Peace Key Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” —John 14:27 Scripture: John 14:25-27 Focus: Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Are you ready to receive it? Connection to Campers: Campers, having just arrived at camp, may have varying levels of uncertainty—even anxiety—depending upon how familiar they are with camp, what they have left behind, and so on. Help campers see that they are in community here at camp and that they aren’t alone in any situation because Jesus has given them the gift of a companion: the Holy Spirit. Leader Notes: To prepare for leading your campers, read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 1. Remember that today is also about helping campers feel safe and welcome at camp. It is important to work through the text—and equally important to help campers work through what it means to be fully present at camp. What do they hope to experience? Whom or what have they left behind? How (and with whom) will they connect while they are here? Keep these questions present in your mind as you interact with your group for the first time—and as you pray for them during their first day. You may also want to encourage Older Youth campers to bring their Bibles to worship and to the designated Explore (Bible study options) each day. Helping them be confident in using the Bible themselves is an important outcome for the week. If campers have not come with personal Bibles, be sure to have plenty of copies available. Using various translations is often a plus for campers at this age as doing so can engage them in exploring the nuances of meaning that different wording can sometimes bring.

NEW! “Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth”: As you plan your week, be sure to look also at the additional options you have in Extra Resources, especially in the new section, “Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth.” CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Spirit Sketch

Not as the World Gives

EXPERIENCE Give Us a Hand

Remember

We’ve Got Spirit!

Spirit Sketch This activity provides a way for campers to hear the scripture for the day and begin to think about the Holy Spirit. (Leader Note: For this activity the ideal setting is a room with tables and chairs, although a space with a hard-surface floor will also work.) Introduce the week’s theme: Power Up! Living in the Spirit. Explain to campers that during the week they will have the chance to understand better the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives and the world. Hand out sheets of paper and pencils or markers; invite campers to sketch or describe what they think of when someone mentions the Holy Spirit. When they are finished, invite those who are willing to share their descriptions and drawings. Next, explain that even though today’s scripture is short, it tells us a great deal about the Holy Spirit. Invite campers to imagine themselves as police sketch artists and to listen to the scripture carefully as police artists would to descriptions of a suspect. Then read John 14:25-27 aloud several times. (Leader Note: Consider using the CEB as well as the NRSV so that campers hear the Spirit referred to as both “companion” and “advocate.”) Then invite campers to work together to create a “police sketch” based upon only the description provided in the text as to what the Holy Spirit “looks like” and what the Holy Spirit “does.” (Leader Note: Depending upon the size of the group, campers can do this task all together or in small groups, creating more than one “sketch.”) Above or next to the sketch, print “Our Companion.” Then tape the paper to a wall in your meeting space. Open discussion, inviting campers to compare their original drawings to the “police sketch” that they made from the text. Ask: • In what ways are your drawings different from the sketch you made together? In what ways are they the same? • What does it mean to have an advocate? A companion? • What other descriptive terms have you heard applied to the Holy Spirit? • What does it feel like to know that, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives us an advocate, a companion, his peace? Leader Notes: Remember: This is the first day of camp. Some answers given may be more superficial than you want—and that is OK. Campers are settling into a new place with new people, so show them some grace. At the same time, do challenge them to begin thinking more deeply about what it means to be given the promise of a companion who brings peace. Also, take this opportunity to reinforce the truth that we can have different understandings of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and still be in Christian community together. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s ( p r e f e r a b l y b o t h N R S V a n d C E B ) , p a p e r , p e n c i l s o r p e n s f o r e a c h c a m p e r , l a r g e s h e e t s o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s , t a p e , ( o p t i o n a l : t a b l e s , c h a i r s )

Not as the World Gives The story behind the universally recognized peace sign is both inspiring and a good discussion starter for the contrast of the two kinds of peace in today’s scripture. Show the campers today’s symbol, the peace sign. Ask if any of the campers know the origin of the peace sign. With their help, fill in the story: At the end of World War II, the effects of nuclear war were evident after the atomic bomb explosions in Japan, yet the major powers of the world were stockpiling nuclear weapons and deepening the Cold War. In 1958 a British citizen, Gerald Holtom, was in despair over the possibility of a nuclear war and what that would mean for the world. Rather than give in to that darkening feeling, he called attention to the issue by creating the peace sign design from the navy’s signal flags for “N” and “D,” to stand for “nuclear disarmament.” Give two campers each two flags. Have them demonstrate the signaling system: the letter “N” is formed by a person holding two flags in an inverted “V,” and the letter “D” is formed by holding one flag pointed straight up and the other pointed straight down. Then have one person stand in front of the other, putting these two signals together to demonstrate. Then ask: • Now that you know what the center stands for, what ideas do you have about what the circle might symbolize? (the whole world, everyone benefits from nuclear disarmament, everyone benefits from peace) • Where and when have you seen or known about this symbol being displayed? Point out that one man chose hope over despair and action over apathy, and his effort has made and continues to make a difference in the world. Tell campers that in today’s scripture Jesus is speaking to his disciples. He is preparing them for the events ahead, when he will no longer be with them in person. Read or reread John 14:25-27. Ask: • What kind of peace do you think Jesus was talking about? How is that different from the peace the world gives? What does peace look like? • How might the kind of peace Jesus talks about help create peace for our families, our communities, our world? • The text says not to be troubled or afraid. How do you think the Spirit can help us when we are troubled, afraid, or in despair? Assure the campers that Jesus’ promise of peace through the Holy Spirit is real and trustworthy. Invite them to be attentive to the “peace signs” of the Holy Spirit throughout the week. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: B i b l e , p e a c e s i g n s y m b o l , t w o s e t s o f t w o f l a g s ( c a n b e a s s i m p l e a s w h i t e p a p e r s t a p l e d o r g l u e d t o d o w e l s )

. EXPERIENCE .

Give Us a Hand Getting to know one another is a first step to helping campers feel welcome and building community. This active name game requires youth to stand up in a loose circle, facing inward. Campers need room to move their arms around. Explain that each person will give his or her name and use a hand motion. Every hand motion must be unique, and the hand motion doesn’t have to make sense in relation to the name. Go around the circle, with each person stating his or her name and creating a hand sign. Remind campers that they need to pay attention so that they can remember as many names and hand signs as possible. Also, be sure to go first so that campers have an example. Examples of hand motions include the two-fingered peace sign, making “rabbit ears” with fingers, making a “shark fin” on top of the head, waving back and forth or up and down, the sign-language motion for “I love you,” and so on. Then play the game. Call out a name while performing the hand sign that goes with it. That person must then say another name in the group and perform the correct hand sign. If someone makes a mistake (performs the wrong hand sign or forgets a name), then that person steps out of the circle. The round is over when only two people are left in the circle. You can play multiple rounds of the game, or move on to another activity when a full round is complete. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Remember One task of the Holy Spirit is to remind us of what we already know: the things that Jesus has told us. In this activity, campers will get to know one another by sharing things they want to remember and remembering them as a group. Invite campers to sit in a circle. For the first round, have them go around the circle, reminding the group of their name and then telling something they want to remember during the week—something they need to still know when they get home. In the second round, invite campers to tell something they hope will be worth remembering about this week at camp (a new friend, a meaningful worship, a piece of scripture or message, a silly game or moment). After campers have all spoken, ask: • How is a reminder helpful? • Have you ever forgotten something really important? How did it feel? Did you remember it again? If so, how? Who or what helped you? • Why might Jesus send us a companion to help us remember all that he has said and taught? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: N o n e

We’ve Got Spirit! Building a sense of community within your group as early in the week as possible is important. One way to do this is to begin creating a special group identity. Invite campers to think of a group name that involves the word “Spirit.” Brainstorm for a while, writing down the possibilities on a large sheet of paper or a white board. As possible names are discussed, encourage campers to build consensus around this group name, rather than deciding by taking votes or silencing the minority. Once campers have agreed upon a name, they are to create a group song or chant that they can share with the larger camp community at appropriate times. Again, encourage them to use consensus and to look for ways to include everyone. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c , M u s i c a l Supplies: M a r k e r s a n d a l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r ( o r d r y e r a s e m a r k e r s a n d a w h i t e b o a r d ) f o r b r a i n s t o r m i n g a n d w r i t i n g d o w n t h e s o n g

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” Hymn, Doris Akers “Breathe,” Marie Barnett “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” African American Spiritual “Spirit Song,” Hymn, John Wimber

EVENING WORSHIP Find a quiet place, indoors or outdoors. Sing several songs. Give campers their bookmark for the day. Encourage campers to use it to mark the day’s scripture in their Bibles. It will serve as a reminder of Jesus’ promise of peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit to comfort us, to advocate for us, and to help us live at peace. As a witness from the Old Testament, line out (leader reading a phrase and campers repeating it) Psalm 51:10. Ask for a volunteer to read John 14:25-27 out loud and with feeling. Invite campers to go around the circle, each sharing one word they would use to answer this question: “Where have you felt peace today?” Close with prayer or with a song such as “Sweet, Sweet Spirit.” Supplies: B i b l e s , D a y 1 b o o k m a r k f o r e a c h c a m p e r ( f r o m “ E x t r a R e s o u r c e s ” )

CABIN DEVOTIONS Cabin devotions are a special routine at the end of each day at camp. Done consistently, they help campers settle down and reflect at night before going to sleep. Keep the first night of cabin devotions fairly simple. Encourage campers to answer the following question: “How did you feel the Spirit today?” or “Where did you see the Spirit (or God) at work today?” Another way to reflect on the day is to invite campers to share their “roses” and “thorns” from the last 24 hours. Roses are highs (joys) and thorns are lows (concerns). The only rule for this ritual is that anyone who shares a thorn must also share a rose. Go first if campers seem uncomfortable. Close in prayer (perhaps the Lord’s Prayer), and then lights out! Supplies: N o n e

OLDER YOUTH Day 2: Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit Key Verses: Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak. —Acts 2:2-4 (CEB) Scripture: Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 (CEB) Focus: The Holy Spirit fills the disciples and empowers them to share the good news in many languages. The arrival of the Spirit is a promise fulfilled—it is worthy of celebration! Connection to Campers: In most camp settings today is the first full day of camp, which can be an exciting day or a scary day, depending upon the person’s level of camp experience. The focus on celebration can help everyone begin feeling the camp spirit! Leader Notes: Read through the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 2. Today, be sure to have your campers’ names fully memorized! Do what you can to reinforce the names for all the campers, including revisiting the hand signs they created the first day (“Give Me a Hand”). Remember that—in this way—older youth are no different from younger campers: Teens begin to believe that they are known and beloved and that they belong when people know their name. Also, make time to create your group covenant today; the covenant will help shape and guide your time together throughout the week.

NEW! “Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth” is a new section in Extra Resources. Be sure to look at it—and the other options in Extra Resources—for more choices as you plan for your campers. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Birth Stories

Many Languages

EXPERIENCE A New Thing

We the People…

Name That Spirit!

Search Out the Spirit

Evening Worship

Birth Stories Birth stories are important. The stories themselves, as well as the way they are told, can tell us a lot about ourselves. This exploration will help campers tell their own stories and begin to think through the birth story of the church: Pentecost. Explain to campers that our birth stories help shape who we are within our families. Birth order, number of siblings, easy or difficult pregnancy or delivery—all of these things can affect how we are treated, how we think about ourselves, and how we operate in the world. Tell your own birth story and give examples of how some of these factors have affected your life or personality. Then invite campers to share their own stories, using prompts such as: • Were you born during the day or at night? • Do you have any siblings? How many? • Are you the oldest, youngest, middle, or only child? • What stories do your family members tell about when you were born? Transition to the scripture by telling campers that the Bible is filled with birth stories, and that one of the most unusual of these is the story of the church’s birth. Invite campers to listen carefully for clues in the story that shape what the church is like. Then read Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33. Explore this birth story; ask: • How does the Holy Spirit work in this text? • What do you find unusual about this “birth story”? • If you had never heard about the church prior to hearing this story, what might you think the church is like? • What does this text tell us about the church? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e

Many Languages Campers will examine the ways that the Holy Spirit works as “translator,” communicating the gospel through many languages. Divide your group into pairs. (If you have an odd number, or more campers, you can put three together.) Read Acts 2:1-13 aloud. Explain that in Acts 2 the Holy Spirit is like a translator, giving the disciples the ability to talk about Jesus in the languages of all the people who were there in Jerusalem. Give each group a few sheets of paper, some markers, and a “language.” Possibilities include: Technology Various social media Music Visual arts Dance Invite each group to brainstorm all of the ways that their assigned “language” can be used to tell others about the good and powerful things God has done and is doing in the world through the Holy Spirit. This brainstorming session can include both general ideas and actual examples. (The music group could list types of music, identify actual songs that have been written, recall song lyrics that are about God or Jesus, for example.) Bring the larger group back together and invite each pair to present their list. Post the lists on a wall in your meeting space so that campers can look over them throughout the week. Continue discussion, asking: • What other “languages” do people speak today? • Which “languages” do you find most helpful? In what ways? • Is translation important? Why or why not? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , M u s i c a l , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: B i b l e , p a p e r , m a r k e r s , t a p e . EXPERIENCE . A New Thing The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost created a new thing—the church. But what did “church” look like back then? What makes a church a church today? How might church be different in the future? The Holy Spirit continues the work of making something new in and through the church. Challenge campers to imagine the possibilities. In teams of three to four campers have them work together to give their best ideas of what an ideal new church would be like. Encourage them to write out their key ideas. Give the teams 15 to 20 minutes. Here are some questions they may want to consider:

• What does worship look and feel like?

• What is the role of the church in relationship to the people inside the church? To the people not in the church?

• How do members behave toward one another? In their families? With other people, especially those who are different from them? Toward people they don’t even know or see?

• What does the church do in the local community? In the world?

• Is there a church building? If so, what does it look like? Why?

• List at least five things you believe are essential for a church in God’s eyes. • List at least five things you think are good to have or do but are not necessarily essential for a church. Invite the teams to come together and present their key ideas. Continue discussion:

• What points of agreement and overlap do the various plans have?

• What new ideas or new ways of doing things emerged?

• Which of the ideas are most appealing to you? Challenge the group to come up with a single list of essentials of what a church should be like and do. (Use consensus rather than voting.) Ask:

• Would you be excited to participate in a church like this?

• Are there ideas you could share with your home congregation?

• How hard was it for everyone to agree? (Note that Paul’s letters to the early churches often were addressing disagreements about what the church should do or how they should be together as a church. The variety of individual churches and denominations today are another illustration that agreement is not easy.) Point out that the Holy Spirit is always active in the church’s life, just as that same Spirit continues to help us grow. That’s worth celebrating! Leader Note: Encourage campers to focus on the “ideal” church and not get bogged down in negativity or criticism of any current church. You may need to remind campers that no human is perfect, so no church made up of humans will be perfect either—but the Spirit continues the work of keeping the church faithful. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: L a r g e s h e e t s o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s , t a p e

We the People... This activity enables campers to create their own expectations for the group. Briefly talk with your group about covenant. Explain that a covenant is a promise made between people and with God that helps people figure out how to work and live together in peace. Point out that, in a way, the U. S. Constitution is an example of a covenant: it sets out principles and guidelines designed to help people live together well. Invite the group to create their own covenant that will govern their living together this week. Across the top of a large sheet of poster board or paper, write “We the People of (your group name):” Below this, have campers list things that need to happen (or not happen) in your group so that they can have the best camp experience possible. This document might include: “will listen to one another,” “will have fun!” “will be serious in serious moments and silly in silly moments,” or “will not tell other people’s stories.” When the covenant is complete, review it; and, when agreed upon, invite each camper to sign the document as a commitment to these group guidelines. Post the covenant in a highly visible place to refer to it as needed throughout the week. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: P o s t e r b o a r d o r l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s

Name That Spirit! This version of charades is both silly and good practice for expressing and discerning emotions. Tell campers that you will be playing charades. Instead of dividing into teams, encourage the entire group to guess together. Invite campers to take turns acting out the following spirits: a spirit of joy a spirit of anger a spirit of self-control a spirit of creativity a spirit of love school spirit the Holy Spirit a spirit of truth the Christmas spirit a generous spirit Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Search Out the Spirit This nature activity will get campers outdoors with eyes wide open, searching out signs of the Spirit around your camp. Head outdoors. Invite campers to be fully present—to carefully listen, watch, and experience—as they walk through your camp. Ask: • Where do you see the Spirit at work? (perhaps in people working together, perhaps in people fired up about injustice…) • Where do you hear the Spirit? (perhaps in shared laughter, or within your own heart…) • In what other ways do you experience the Spirit? (through smell? taste? touch?) Encourage youth to share what they experience or notice. Talk as you walk together. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Light the Fire,” Bill Maxwell “We Are Marching,” South African song (multiple languages) “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “We Are the Church,” Avery and Marsh “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” Hymn, Edwin Hatch “Father, We Adore You,” Terrye Coelho “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual MORNING WORSHIP Invite campers to think silently about the things in their lives or in the world that would be missing if the church had never existed. Bring out a cupcake with a candle in it and light it. Tell the group that today’s theme is celebrating a birthday—the church’s, which happened with the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Read Acts 2:1-6. Encourage youth to share some of their answers to the question: “What positive difference does it make that the church exists?” For each answer, invite the group to respond: “God, we thank you for your church.” Sing a favorite church song together, such as “We Are the Church.” Hand out the Day 2 bookmarks for campers to keep in their Bibles and then close in prayer. Supplies: B i b l e s , c u p c a k e , c a n d l e , m a t c h e s , D a y 2 b o o k m a r k f o r e a c h c a m p e r

EVENING WORSHIP Gather in a quiet place, outside or in a place where you can watch or hear the wind blowing. Invite campers to get comfortable. Together spend a few minutes watching or listening for the wind or breeze. (This will work on a still day as well as a windy one.) Explain that, while it is easy to notice when the Holy Spirit comes like a rushing wind, the Spirit also works in quieter ways— ways that require us to listen carefully. Encourage campers to listen closely this week for what the Spirit is breathing into their lives. Sing “Light the Fire” and close in prayer. Supplies: N o n e CABIN DEVOTIONS Invite the campers to sit in a circle or quietly on their beds. Take turns sharing roses and thorns for the day, remembering that every thorn must have a rose to go with it. Ask: • Where did you see or experience the Holy Spirit today? • How did you experience “church” today? Sing a song such as “Father, We Adore You.” Close in prayer, and then turn the lights out. Supplies: N o n e

OLDER YOUTH Day 3: Power Up to Imitate Christ Key Verses: And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. —1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Focus: People look to the example of Jesus and other Christians to learn how to live. The Holy Spirit can help us to follow their examples. Connection to Campers: Older youth care about their image and reputation and often imitate role models (both negative and positive). Today’s theme encourages teens to look to Jesus and other positive role models—and to accept the Holy Spirit’s guiding assistance in choosing role models who are worthy of imitation. Leader Notes: Read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 3. Listen to campers carefully today. It is easy to assume that you know who campers look to for guidance or inspiration, and equally easy to forget that teens are as diverse as any other group of people. You may be surprised (positively or negatively) by whom your campers call “role model.” Don’t forget that this week you are also a role model for these campers! Be sure to check Extra Resources, including “Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth,” for additional ideas. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Person of Influence

Learning to Imitate

EXPERIENCE Mirror, Mirror

The Admiration Game

Pay Attention!

Bounce and Chat

Evening Worship

Person of Influence Teens are surrounded by companies and individuals who seek to influence them in order to gain money or power. This activity will help campers examine who and what they are consciously or unconsciously imitating. Remind campers that human beings are both creatures who create and creatures who imitate. Today’s scripture (1 Thessalonians 1:4- 7) lifts up the ability to imitate when Paul praises the people in the Thessalonian church for continuing to imitate both Jesus and him, despite the fact that they were enduring persecution as Christians. Point out that one of the by-products of that creative and imitative activity is a “persona,” which is like a front porch—visible for outsiders to see but not necessarily true to what’s inside. Very often when a person develops a persona, that person imitates others whom he or she admires (for one reason or another—including their talent, physical appearance, fashion sense, athletic ability, and so on). Invite campers to think about who and what they imitate when creating their personas: views of themselves they want others to see. Using a human silhouette (an example is found below, at the end of today’s activities) and the supplies provided, each camper will cut representative pictures from magazines and attach them to the silhouette to create a personal collage that shows the people, ideas, and companies that influence his or her persona. When campers are finished creating their collages, invite volunteers to talk about their discoveries. Encourage discussion with questions such as: • How much are you influenced by people in your family? From school? From your church? • In what ways do the media or companies put forth images that give people ideas of what is “normal,” expected, valued, worthy of being imitated? Give some examples from magazines, TV or movies. • Do you intentionally try to imitate others, or do you find that you imitate people without consciously thinking about it? • Does “imitation” have a positive, negative, or neutral connotation? Why? • How important to our lives are our choices of whom or what we allow to influence us? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: C o p i e s o f h u m a n s i l h o u e t t e ( f o u n d b e l o w , a t t h e e n d o f t o d a y ’ s a c t i v i t i e s ) , m a r k e r s , p e n s , g l u e s t i c k s , s c i s s o r s , m a g a z i n e s

Learning to Imitate With the help of the Holy Spirit, campers can learn how to imitate Jesus and his followers. Explain that learning how to imitate Jesus can seem like a daunting thing, but today’s text gives some clues for how to go about it. Invite campers to listen carefully for those clues while you read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 aloud. Ask: • When does Paul say the Thessalonians became imitators of Christ? • How is the Holy Spirit a part of this process? • What do you think it means to imitate Christ? What sorts of things would you be doing? • Paul was writing to the Christian community. What role do the choices of community, of friends, play in whom we become like? • How much practice does it take to learn how to imitate someone really well? What practices of the faith are you engaged in? How are they shaping who you are? • How does it feel to know that joy is a part of the equation, even in the midst of hard times? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e . EXPERIENCE .

Mirror, Mirror This craft activity gives campers the opportunity to begin seeing the reflection of Christ within themselves. Give each camper a craft mirror. Explain that, sometimes, no matter the gender, it can be hard to look in the mirror and see anything other than one’s flaws. Other times, when people look in the mirror, all they can see are the expectations that they’re supposed to live up to—their own expectations as well as the expectations of others. All these warped reflections make it difficult to see the ways that people can (or do) reflect Christ in their lives. Invite campers to use permanent markers or paint pens to write the following message around the edges of their mirrors: “Let others see the Christ in me!” Along with this message, campers can add other decorations to their mirrors. Encourage them to leave their mirrors in the meeting area today so you can use them during evening worship. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t r a p e r s o n a l S u p p l i e s : S m a l l ( t h r e e t o f o u r i n c h e s ) c r a f t m i r r o r s , p a i n t p e n s , o r f i n e - l i n e p e r m a n e n t m a r k e r s

The Admiration Game This game is an engaging way for campers to continue thinking about and naming their role models. Give each camper a note card or slip of paper and a pen to do this activity individually. Invite campers to use their card to discreetly write down the name of a famous person whom they admire, along with a sentence about why they admire the person. Examples: “I admire Amelia Earhart because she was courageous and daring.” “I admire Martin Luther King Jr. because he fought for what was right.” After the names and reasons are written down, have campers fold their cards in half and turn them in to you. Mix the cards up and then read each card aloud. After each card is read, go around the circle so that campers can guess who looks up to the individual listed on that card. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o t e c a r d s , p e n s

Pay Attention! Accurately imitating a role model requires paying close attention. This nature activity will help campers practice the art of noticing. Mark off the beginning and end of a 65- to 100-foot section of a nature trail, making sure it’s wide enough for two people to pass. Secretly hide 15 to 20 human-made objects along the trail beforehand. Some should stand out (brightly colored bracelets or sports equipment, for example). Others should blend in with surroundings (a coin, a hair tie, and so on). Keep the number of objects you’ve planted a secret. Invite campers to walk through the trail silently, trying to spot as many objects as they can. As a camper discovers objects, he or she should list them on a note card, but not remove them or tell any other camper about what he or she has found. After five minutes have passed, gather the group and ask them how many objects they found. Indicate the actual number of objects that are on the trail and then invite teens to search the site one more time. After two rounds, walk as a group to the other end of the trail with campers telling where the objects are and picking them all up as you go. Identify which items were easy and which were difficult to find. Discuss with campers how paying attention can be helpful for our spiritual lives as well as our physical lives. Ask for examples or share stories. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o t e c a r d s , p e n s , 1 5 – 2 0 h u m a n - m a d e o b j e c t s o f v a r i o u s s i z e s , n a t u r e t r a i l Bounce and Chat This activity is great one to keep around throughout the rest of the week—when campers need a transitional activity, need to settle down after a crazy game, or need some help participating, you can pull out the beach ball and get a conversation rolling! Prior to your time together, inflate a beach ball and, using a permanent marker, write a variety of questions and prompts all over the surface of the ball—the more questions, the better. Mix in fun questions and more reflective ones. When appropriate, follow up answers with the question, “Why?” Questions and prompts might include: favorite television show? favorite musician? best gift you’ve ever received? what you want to do after high school? favorite teacher? favorite Bible verse or story? any pets? favorite book? favorite church/camp song? Sit or stand in a circle together. Explain to campers that whenever the beach ball comes out, they will take turns tossing it to various people in the circle. Tell them, “When the ball is thrown to you, catch it and answer the question that is closest to where your left thumb touches the ball. After you have answered the question, toss the ball to someone else. If you catch the ball and your thumb lands on a question you’ve already answered, pick one of the other questions that is near your left hand.” Play as long as you like, but make sure everyone gets a chance to answer a question. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B e a c h b a l l w i t h q u e s t i o n s a n d p r o m p t s w r i t t e n o n i t

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Lord, Be Glorified,” Bob Kilpatrick “In the Secret (I Want to Know You),” Andy Park “Create in Me a Clean Heart,” Hymn “To Be Like Jesus,” Pat Sczebel and Todd Twining “Legacy,” Nichole Nordeman “Step by Step,” Michael W. Smith “Thy Word,” Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes MORNING WORSHIP Invite campers to silently think about the things that make someone a good role model. Explain that today’s scripture is about how the Holy Spirit can help us to imitate Jesus and those who love him. Ask campers to describe some things about Jesus and his followers, both from Bible times and from today, that are worth imitating. Sing a favorite song, such as “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” Hand out the Day 3 bookmarks for youth to keep in their Bibles and then close in prayer. Supplies: D a y 3 b o o k m a r k f o r e a c h c a m p e r EVENING WORSHIP For this evening worship find a place that is relatively dark, and light that space with several candles. Be sure to have the mirrors that your campers made earlier in the day. Sing a song such as “Step by Step.” Have a volunteer read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7. Invite campers to spend a few moments looking into their mirrors, meditating on the question, “How am I reflecting Jesus in my family? Among my friends? At school? In my community?” Explain that with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can continue to get better at imitating Christ in our lives. Invite campers to think of one or two people in their lives who show them the way of Jesus. After a moment, have them silently offer prayers of thanksgiving for these faithful Christians. Close in a simple prayer, thanking God for our positive role models—especially Jesus—and asking the help of the Holy Spirit to be positive examples to others. Supplies: B i b l e , c a n d l e s , l i g h t e r , m i r r o r s c a m p e r s d e c o r a t e d e a r l i e r CABIN DEVOTIONS Invite campers to sit in a circle or quietly on their beds. Take turns sharing roses and thorns for the day. Then ask: • Whom did you see imitating Christ today? • In what way did he or she imitate Christ? Close in prayer and turn the lights out. Supplies: N o n e

OLDER YOUTH Day 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit Key Verses: The actions that are produced by selfish motives are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. —Galatians 5:19a, 22-23a (CEB) Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26 (CEB) Focus: Living by the Spirit produces good fruit in our lives. Good fruit affects the whole community positively. Connection to Campers: Teenagers are often presented with long lists of behaviors and experiences they are not supposed to participate in, but it can be more difficult to find positive lists that help guide healthy behavior. The fruit of the Spirit can be that positive list—a list of God’s favorite things, which the Holy Spirit helps us develop! Leader Notes: Read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 4. Keep an eye out for campers who seem uncomfortable with the list of bad behaviors and selfish desires found in the text. Many a camper may be neck deep in these things outside of camp. Help the conversation to revolve less around shame and more around the ways the Holy Spirit can help anyone and everyone to begin developing good fruit in their lives. If possible, use the translation from the Common English Bible (CEB) today. Be aware of the “goodness”/”generosity” issue. (See Fruit Alert on page 6.) Don’t forget to check Extra Resources, including “Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth,” for additional ideas. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Fruit in the Blanks

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree

EXPERIENCE Fruit Scramble Reverse Scavenger Hunt

Fruity Feast

Stuck in My Head—and My Heart!

Evening Worship

Fruit in the Blanks This Mad-Lib-style Bible activity will help campers encounter today’s text in a new way. Invite campers to help select words for each of the categories on their “Fruit in the Blanks” Word Sheet (separate handout, found below). Go around the circle, so that each camper gets to contribute several words. Use the competed Word Sheet to fill in the blanks on the Mad-Lib Interpretation of Galatians 5:16-26 (separate sheet for the leader only, found below). Then read your group’s “new interpretation” of the text aloud. Allow time for laughter and other reactions to the text. Ask: • What is your favorite part of this “new interpretation”? • What do you think the real text is actually about? Now read the CEB version of Galatians 5:16-26. Invite campers to listen carefully for similarities and differences between the actual text and their Mad-Lib interpretation. Ask: • How close or far off was the group’s Mad-Lib interpretation of the text? • What do you think about the list of bad behaviors presented in the text? Does this list cover the worst of things that go on today? What would you add? • Are the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians still good things? What would you add to the list? • What are some differences between the bad behaviors and the fruit of the Spirit? Which of those do you consider to be the biggest or most important difference? Why? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: B i b l e , p e n s , o n e c o p y f o r e a c h c a m p e r o f t h e “ F r u i t i n t h e B l a n k s ” W o r d S h e e t ; o n e c o p y o n l y f o r t h e l e a d e r o f t h e M a d - L i b - s t y l e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n s h e e t The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree This Bible activity will help campers answer the question, What do the fruit of the Spirit tell us about God? Ask campers if they have ever heard the phrase, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Encourage them to discuss what this phrase means and how it is used in day-to-day conversations. (For example, the phrase is often used to place blame on the parents when a child gets into trouble.) Explain to youth that, while this phrase is typically used in a negative way, it can also be used positively to describe who God is. If the “apple” points back to its source and tells us something about the “tree,” then each fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians also points back to its Source and tells us something about what God is like. Invite campers to list the fruit of the Spirit (using their Bibles if needed). Using a white board or large sheets of paper, write down each fruit as it is named. Leave room to write next to each fruit. Then encourage campers to brainstorm things they learn about God based upon each of the fruit of the Spirit. (Leader Note: If your group is large, give paper and markers to teams of three campers for them to come up with at least two statements for each fruit. Then put the sheets from all the teams together and identify where there are agreements and discuss any statements that would be in opposition.) Example: Love: God is love; God wants us to love one another; God wants us to make decisions that are rooted in love instead of fear (and so forth). Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e s , w h i t e b o a r d o r l a r g e s h e e t s o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s , t a p e . EXPERIENCE . Fruit Scramble This game helps campers release pent up energy, and also reinforces the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5. Get into a circle of chairs with enough seats for all but one of your group members. (Leader Note: This game is also suitable for playing outside in a stand-up circle.) Explain to campers that this game is like Fruit Basket Upset, but with a twist: They will be using the names of the fruit of the Spirit instead of the usual fruit names. Assign each camper one of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). Unless your group is large, instead of trying to assign all of the fruit of the Spirit, try to make sure that there are two of each fruit used (two kindness, two faithfulness, and so on). An odd-numbered group can have three of one fruit so that no one camper can be singled out during the game. To begin the game, the group member left without a chair stands in the center of the circle. He or she calls out one of the fruit of the Spirit and the campers assigned that fruit get up and run around the outside of the circle and attempt to sit in an open chair while the caller also heads to an open seat. The person left without a chair is next in the center and calls out another fruit. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: C h a i r s

Reverse Scavenger Hunt This activity gets campers thinking metaphorically and “on the fly” about each of the fruit of the Spirit. Divide campers into two or three teams (depending upon how many you have in your group as a whole). Tell the teams that they have 15 minutes to go back to their bunks, get a pillowcase (one per group) and fill that pillowcase with personal items and/or items from nature (only things found already on the ground; no picking of plants). Provide no other instruction about the types of items, except to say that the items must fit in the pillowcase and that items that come from the bunks must personally belong to someone on the team. When campers return to your meeting area, have them sit together in their teams. Then explain that they are competing in a reverse scavenger hunt. You will call out one of the fruit of the Spirit and the first team to bring you an item that represents that fruit (they will need to give an explanation) will receive two points. Each of the other teams that also produce an item will receive one point. Work your way through each of the fruit of the Spirit and keep track of points awarded to the groups. At the end, the group that has the most points wins! Be sure teams put back all their items. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , N a t u r a l i s t , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: P a p e r a n d m a r k e r s f o r t a l l y i n g p o i n t s , p i l l o w c a s e s , p e r s o n a l i t e m s a n d i t e m s f r o m n a t u r e

Stuck in My Head—and in My Heart! Have you ever had the lyrics to a song stuck in your head? Have fun with memorizing the fruit of the Spirit through music. Singing the simple “children’s song” called “The Fruit of the Spirit (Is Not a Coconut)” is one possibility. Another is to invite the budding songwriters to work in teams to come up with a new song to teach to the whole group to help them remember the fruit. Remind the teams that the nine fruit listed in the Bible are not exclusive but representative. If they need to add to or modify the list for the sake of the lyrics, they can do so as long as the group agrees that the new one would fit the criteria shown in the ones in the scripture. Sing the song(s) several times. The goal is to get the fruit stuck in the minds—and hearts—of the campers. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: O p t i o n a l : A r e c o r d i n g ( a v a i l a b l e o n Y o u T u b e ) o r l i v e m u s i c o f “ T h e F r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t ( I s N o t a C o c o n u t ) ” ; p a p e r , w r i t i n g i n s t r u m e n t s , m u s i c a l i n s t r u m e n t s

Fruity Feast If you know that none of your campers has a food allergy, this snack encourages campers to think about the statement, “You are what you eat,” while munching on a variety of fruity snacks. Find a place where your group can simply hang out together. Put out a spread of different fruit or fruitlike snacks and napkins. Plates are an option too. Invite youth to help themselves to this snack buffet. As campers settle into the space and begin munching away, invite them to consider the following phrase: “You are what you eat.” Ask: • What does this phrase mean? • Which of these snacks is better for you to eat? Why? • Is it easier to become a person who is filled with the fruit of the Spirit if you surround yourself with, and take in, that same good fruit? Why or why not? • How can you get more of the fruit of the Spirit in your life? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: C o n t a i n e r s f o r t h e s n a c k s , f r e s h f r u i t , “ f r u i t s n a c k s , ” f r u i t y c e r e a l s u c h a s F r u i t L o o p s , f r u i t y c a n d i e s s u c h a s R u n t s , n a p k i n s , ( o p t i o n a l : p l a t e s ) . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “One Spirit of Love,” Paul Svenson “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” Martin Smith “More Precious Than Silver,” Lynn De Shazo “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” Sebastian Temple “Rivers of Mercy,” Matt Brouwer “Take My Life,” Scott Underwood “To Love You,” Andra Moran “The Fruit of the Spirit (Is Not a Coconut),” Traditional MORNING WORSHIP Explain that today’s scripture is about how the Holy Spirit can help us to put away selfish desires and instead fill our lives (and the lives of those around us) with “good fruit.” Ask campers to lift up any selfish desires that cause them to struggle. (Leader Note: You may need to be ready to share your own issues or to identify some that are common among teens in order to help the campers feel comfortable to talk about their own struggles.) After each desire that is shared, respond as a group with: “Spirit of God, help us put away selfish desires.” Sing a song such as “More Precious Than Silver.” Hand out the Day 4 bookmarks for campers to keep in their Bibles and then close in prayer. Supplies: D a y 4 b o o k m a r k f o r e a c h c a m p e r EVENING WORSHIP Begin worship by singing a few favorite camp songs. Explain that prayer is a way to ask God for help in the area of personal growth. Hand out copies of the Prayer of St. Francis (next page) and have campers read this prayer aloud together. Read: Galatians 5:16-26. Invite campers to compare the prayer and the scripture. Ask: • How might living such a life based on the fruit of the Spirit or this prayer change the world? Your world? Invite campers to lift up the particular fruit of the Spirit that they need the most help developing in their lives. Sing “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.” Supplies: B i b l e , c o p i e s o f t h e P r a y e r o f S t . F r a n c i s CABIN DEVOTIONS Invite the campers to sit in a circle or quietly on their beds. Take turns sharing roses and thorns for the day. Ask: • Where did you see the fruit of the Spirit in your fellow campers today? • Where did you see the Holy Spirit at work today? Close in prayer and turn the lights out. Supplies: N o n e Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is error, truth; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

“FRUIT IN THE BLANKS” Word Sheet

Choose a word for each of the following categories. Write each down: 1 verb:

2 adjective:

3 adjective:

4 adjective:

5 an activity:

6 noun:

7 plural noun:

8 adjective: 9 adjective:

10 a vice:

11 a vice:

12 adjective:

13 a vice:

14 a vice:

15 verb ending in -ing:

16 negative emotion:

18 a vice:

19 noun:

20 an activity:

21 an activity:

22 a vice:

23 an activity:

24 negative emotion:

25 a vice:

27 noun:

28 noun:

29 emotion:

30 emotion:

31 a virtue:

32 a virtue:

33 a virtue:

34 a virtue:

35 a virtue:

36 another virtue: 37 yet another virtue:

38 noun:

39 past tense verb:

40 plural noun:

41 verb:

42 verb:

43 adjective:

44 emotion: FRUIT IN THE BLANKS

Match the words from your word sheet with the numbered blanks below and fill in the blanks. Then read your “new interpretation” of today’s scripture aloud. A Mad-Lib Interpretation of Galatians 5:16-26 (CEB) I say be guided by the Spirit and you won’t (1)______out your (2)______desires. A person’s (3)______desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against one’s (4)______desires. They are opposed to each other, so you shouldn’t do (5)______. But if you are being led by the Spirit, you aren’t under the (6)______. The (7) ______that are produced by (8)______motives are (9) ______, since they include (10)______, (11)______, doing whatever feels (12)______, (13)______, (14)______and (15)______spells, (16)______, (17)______, (18)______, losing your (19)______, competitive (20)______, (21)______, (22)______, (23)______, (24)______, (25)______, (26), and other things like that. I warn you as I have already warned you, that those who do these kinds of things won’t inherit God’s (27)______. But the (28)______of the Spirit is (29)______, (30)______, (31)______, (32)______, (33)______, (34) ______, (35)______, (36)______, and (37)______. There is no (38)______against things like this. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have (39)______self with its (40)______and its desires. If we (41)______by the Spirit, let’s (42)______the Spirit. Let’s not become (43)______, make each other (44)______, or be jealous of each other.

OLDER YOUTH Day 5: Power Up as One Community Key Verses: [Bear] with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling. —Ephesians 4:2b-4 Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6 Focus: Living in the way of the Spirit brings unity to groups, creating community. Connection to Campers: Community is one of the things that teenagers naturally seek out and create for themselves. Help campers examine the fact that they yearn for community and what that says about them and their connection to God. Help them see the Holy Spirit at work in all their relationships. Leader Notes: Read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 5. Be sure to pray for your campers today, and be on the lookout for any youth who still seem to be on the margins of the camp community. Today is a great day to make your community extend even wider so that all have a place! Don’t forget to check Extra Resources, including “Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth,” for additional ideas. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Make Us One

Community Mosaic

EXPERIENCE Piece Us Together

Encouraging Words

River Crossing

Signs of Unity

Evening Worship

Make Us One This active prayer exercise will give campers an opportunity to create and experience community through prayer. Explain to campers that, as a group, they are going to create an active prayer by developing hand signs and other body movements to go with today’s text. Read Ephesians 4:1-6 aloud and invite campers to listen and imagine movements that will fit each part of the text. Read the text a second time to give campers more time to imagine. Now separate campers into several groups. Assign one or more verses of the text to each group and ask them to create motions for their particular verse. Bring the groups back together and let the groups take turns teaching their portion of the scripture. After each verse has been taught and practiced a few times, have your whole group attempt to “pray the text” with their bodies by doing the full set of movements as you read the text aloud. If you have time, debrief this experience by encouraging campers to discuss what it felt like to pray the text with their whole bodies. Ask: • Did this activity seem like prayer to you? Why or why not? • How did this type of prayer feel different from other ways that you have prayed? (Leader Note: A nice complement to this activity is to learn the simple four-line song, “Make Us One,” by Carol Cymbala.) Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , ( o p t i o n a l : M u s i c a l ) Supplies: B i b l e s

Community Mosaic This activity helps campers see the way that diverse people, ideas, and backgrounds help make Christian community more beautiful and deep. Invite each camper to select two or three sheets of construction paper in whichever color or colors he or she likes. Explain that for this activity, they each need to cut out ten shapes, which can be different in size and shape and should vary from person to person. After the campers each have their ten shapes, invite each to create a design using only his or her ten pieces of paper. When campers are finished, use a phone or other digital camera to take a picture of each creation. Next, invite campers to join forces in pairs (or create one group of three if you have an odd number of campers). Instruct each duo to combine their shapes and work together to make a design out of 20 pieces of paper. Take pictures of these creations as well. Finally, invite all the campers to work together to create a single design, using all of the paper shapes. Take a picture of the final design and a picture of the whole group with their creation. Ask: • How did the process of creation change as you added people to your group? • How did the designs change? • Was anything difficult about working together in larger groups? How did you adjust to that difficulty? Read Ephesians 4:1-6. Ask: • What qualities from Paul’s list helped you create together? How were the fruit of the Spirit a part of your working style? What other qualities did your group show? • How is this camp community or your church community similar to this group activity? • How might the church as a whole grow and change if more voices are included? As you discuss, pass around the camera/phone so campers can look at their creations. (Leader Note: If your camp has an end-of-the- week “slide show,” be sure to include these photos.) Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r i n a v a r i e t y o f c o l o r s , s c i s s o r s f o r e a c h c a m p e r , c a m e r a o r c a m e r a p h o n e

. EXPERIENCE . Piece Us Together Leader Note: Prior to this activity, take a piece of cardboard, poster board, or heavy card stock and cut it into as many puzzle pieces as you have group members (including yourself). This activity becomes an experience of community as campers work together to prepare for worship. Give each camper a puzzle piece. Instruct campers to decorate their puzzle pieces in ways that represent their own gifts and personalities. Encourage them to take their time and really create pieces that show who they are. When campers are finished decorating their pieces, invite them to take turns showing off and explaining their creations. Then work together as a group to put the pieces together into a completed puzzle. Point out the ways that unique pieces can come together to create a beautiful whole that is greater than any one piece. Keep the completed puzzle in a safe spot until use during evening worship. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: C a r d b o a r d o r p o s t e r b o a r d , s c i s s o r s , m a r k e r s a n d p e n s

Encouraging Words This activity is designed to help campers build one another up—and bring the group closer together. Place a chair with its back against a wall in your meeting space. Behind the chair, tape a large sheet of paper so that it is visible behind the head of a person sitting in the chair. Invite a camper to sit in the chair. Write the camper’s name on the paper in large letters above his or her head. Then invite your other group members to write positive and encouraging words about the camper all around the person’s head. When campers are done writing their affirmations, take a picture of the seated youth along with the written affirmations. Repeat this process with each camper in your group, and let your campers do the same thing for you. Make sure a picture is taken of each person with his or her affirmation sheet. Let campers roll up and keep their papers if they would like, and offer to email or print a picture for each camper as a reminder of what it feels like to be encouraged by a community of friends. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: L a r g e s h e e t s o f p a p e r ( o n e p e r c a m p e r ) , t a p e , p e n s o r m a r k e r s , c a m e r a , o r c a m e r a p h o n e

River Crossing This activity will help campers work together and depend upon one another while solving a problem. It is best to do this outside, but it can work inside if there is inclement weather. (Leader Note: Alternative challenge activities are in the “Extra Resources” Team Builders section.) Use two lengths of rope or yarn and lay them down parallel to one another (at least six feet apart). Explain to campers that these ropes represent the banks of a river that their group needs to cross. Give the team six carpet squares or pieces of cardboard (of about one square foot in size) and explain that these are their rafts. They may use the rafts to get their group across, but each raft can only support one hand and two feet at any time. More hands or feet than this will cause the raft to “sink” and be taken away for the rest of the activity. Similarly, if a raft does not have a hand or foot on it, it will “float away” and be removed from the activity. Campers must figure out a way to get their entire group across the river without any individual touching the “water.” If a camper touches the “water” with any part of the body, the entire group must start over. After your group successfully competes the task, process the activity together. Ask: • What was it like to solve a problem together as a team? • Who acted as a leader? Who acted as a follower? • What sorts of skills are needed in order for a group to work well together? • What kinds of problems do people in Christian community, including churches and youth groups, need to work together on in order for solutions to be created or found? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: T w o r o p e s o r l e n g t h s o f y a r n , s i x c a r p e t s q u a r e s o r p i e c e s o f c a r d b o a r d o f a b o u t o n e s q u a r e f o o t i n s i z e Signs of Unity This outdoor art activity gives campers an opportunity to express their understanding of unity and community in a more public forum. Give campers a container of sidewalk chalk and head outside. Ask volunteers to define or give examples of “unity,” “community,” and “uniformity.” Talk also about today’s symbol, the numeral 1 in a circle. After the discussion, tell the group that their task for the next 30 minutes is to cover the area near their meeting space with symbols and messages of unity and community. This can involve writing out messages or scripture, drawing, and so on. If campers are unsure of what to do, invite them to create messages or artwork that would show a visiting guest what camp community is all about. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: S i d e w a l k c h a l k , p a v e d o r c o n c r e t e o u t s i d e a r e a

SONG SUGGESTIONS “One,” U2 “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “Please Come,” Nichole Nordeman “We Are Marching,” South African song “Make Us One,” Twila Paris “Make Us One,” Carol Cymbala “Bind Us Together,” Bob Gilliam MORNING WORSHIP Open with a favorite camp song. State that today’s scripture is about how the Holy Spirit brings us together in unity. Read Ephesians 4:1-6, and invite campers to give one or two words that express how they feel about being a part of something greater than themselves. Sing a song such as “Bind Us Together.” Hand out the Day 5 bookmarks for youth to keep in their Bibles, and then close with a brief prayer. Supplies: B i b l e , D a y 5 b o o k m a r k f o r e a c h c a m p e r EVENING WORSHIP Gather in a circle. Place your group’s puzzle in the center. Read Ephesians 4:1-6, and invite youth to perform the movements that they created earlier in the day. Explain to campers that it is their job to take what they have learned about community and share it with people in their homes, schools, and churches. Invite them to take their pieces of the puzzle and keep them as reminders of that calling, as well as reminders of the relationships they have made in this place. Close by singing a song such as “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” Supplies: B i b l e , g r o u p ’ s p u z z l e CABIN DEVOTIONS Invite campers to sit in a circle or quietly on their beds. Take turns sharing roses and thorns for the day. Ask: • How did you experience community today? • Where did you see examples of Christian unity? • How was the Holy Spirit at work today? Close in prayer and turn the lights out. Supplies: N o n e

OLDER YOUTH Day 6: Power Up with Courage Key Verse: For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. —2 Timothy 1:7 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 Focus: Through the Holy Spirit, we have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline—not of cowardice or timidity. Connection to Campers: Teens face many situations in life that require both ordinary and extraordinary courage. Today’s theme can help campers realize they have that courage within them, powered by the Holy Spirit. Leader Notes: Read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 6. Often, when people think of courage, they think of action heroes from the movies, who are larger than life and equipped with extraordinary skills. Today, help your campers see that real courage is already within them because it has been given to them as a gift—and a tool. Don’t forget to check Extra Resources, including “Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth,” for additional ideas. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Brave

Spirit of Courage

EXPERIENCE Spirit Portraits

Courage Songs

Watch the Crowd

Acting Courageously

Evening Worship

Brave This active and auditory-learning experience will help campers think about what it means to have ordinary, day-to-day courage. Take campers to a quiet place. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 aloud. Tell campers that they are going to listen to a song about being courageous in everyday life and faith. Invite teens to get comfortable and ask them to listen to the song as carefully as they can, using their mind’s-eyes to picture the action of the song. Play Nichole Nordeman’s “Brave.” When the song is over, invite campers to discuss the song and its lyrics: • What kind of courage is this song about? • When have you had to act courageously in your day-to-day life? • When have you had to be courageous in your faith? What helped you to do it—or what kept you from being brave? • Why is living our faith so difficult sometimes? • What helps us live in the Spirit? Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l , L i n g u i s t i c , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: A r e c o r d i n g o f N i c h o l e N o r d e m a n ’ s “ B r a v e , ” d e v i c e f o r p l a y i n g t h e r e c o r d i n g , s o n g l y r i c s h e e t s ( a v a i l a b l e o n t h e I n t e r n e t )

Spirit of Courage This Bible activity helps campers recognize the people, attitudes, emotions, and situations that hold them back; it also helps campers claim the courage that God has given them through the Holy Spirit! Give each camper a medium-sized rock and a permanent marker. Invite each camper to write a word or two on his or her rock—words that represent emotions, people, attitudes, situations—things that hold the campers back and keep them from being the persons God has created them to be. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 aloud. Explain that with the spirit of courage (power), love, and self-discipline that God gives us, we can face any obstacle and resist any temptation. All we need to do is, in times of need, claim that courageous spirit and live out of it. Head outside and have campers take their rocks with them. Find a place that could use a few more rocks (an unused field, a pond or lake, a stream, for example) and gather at the edge of that place. Invite each camper, one at a time, to say the following before throwing his or her rock down: “I have a spirit of courage, and you can’t hold me back!” After campers have cast away their rocks, ask: • What did it feel like to claim your courage so publicly? • Can you really cast away the things that hold you back? If yes, how? • How does it feel to know that courage, love, and self-discipline come from God and are part of living in the Spirit? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: P e r m a n e n t m a r k e r s , m e d i u m - s i z e d r o c k s

. EXPERIENCE .

Spirit Portraits With this craft, campers have the opportunity to paint a portrait of the Holy Spirit, based upon what they have learned throughout the week. Give each camper a canvas or piece of paper, and fill a table or central space with a variety of art supplies. Invite campers to recall briefly for the group things they have learned about the Holy Spirit during the past few days. When they have finished remembering these things together, encourage them to use what they have learned as inspiration as they each create a portrait of the Holy Spirit. When campers are finished with their portraits, gather in a circle and invite them to show their creations and explain why they chose to depict the Holy Spirit in the ways they did. Ask: • How does what you have shown today compare with what you did on Day 1 (in “Spirit Sketch”)? • How has your understanding of and relationship with the Holy Spirit grown this week? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: E n o u g h p a p e r o r c a n v a s e s f o r e a c h c a m p e r , a v a r i e t y o f a r t s u p p l i e s ( p a i n t s , p a i n t b r u s h e s , c h a l k , p e n s , m a r k e r s , c o l o r e d p e n c i l s ) , c l e a n - u p s u p p l i e s Courage Songs This fun song activity will help campers think of songs they know that inspire them to be courageous. Divide into at least three “bands.” Explain that this game is actually a contest. You will turn to one band after another, asking each to sing part of a song that is about courage or bravery or inspires them to be brave. (Secular songs count as well as church songs, and newly created songs are fine too.) The band may need to explain a song’s connection, but if a band gets stuck and cannot sing a song that fits the theme, it’s “out.” The “last band standing” is the winner. Play a couple of rounds. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e Watch the Crowd Sometimes a part of developing courage is paying attention to what is really going on in a group or situation. In this game, campers must carefully pay attention to what the rest of the group is up to. Have one person leave the room. While this person is outside, the remaining group is to decide upon a certain rule to follow when answering the camper’s questions when he or she returns to the room. Examples: Start every answer with a word that contains double letters. Tell the truth when legs uncrossed, but tell a lie when legs are crossed. Begin all sentences with a vowel. When the group has decided upon a rule, invite the camper to come back into the room and have him or her begin asking questions of individuals in the circle. The questions are not related to the game—they can be about anything. Encourage the guesser to continue asking questions until he or she recognizes the pattern. When ready, he or she gets three guesses to figure out the rule. When the camper guesses correctly or guesses three times incorrectly, the round is over, and someone else leaves the room and becomes the new guesser (and a new rule is decided upon). Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: N o n e Acting Courageously This role-playing activity helps campers practice small acts of courage and identify opportunities for courageous action that take place in their daily lives. Explain to campers that while movies, books, and television depict bravery as only taking place during momentous events, we all have opportunities to act with courage in our everyday lives. It is easier to see those moments and follow through courageously if we take time now to think about the possibilities and practice ways to act with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Present several scenarios that require everyday courage. Have campers take turns acting them out. Give each pair or group of actors an opportunity to act out their scenario on their own. After they have done so, invite the other youth to share alternative solutions that are also courageous. Encourage discussion and exploration of options. Scenarios might include the following, but invite group members to come up with additional or alternative scenarios, as well: • One day the crowd starts making fun of your friend or a person at school you don’t know. • Your friends start excluding someone from your group. • While in a store, you notice your friend shoplifting. When you are done role playing, reflect on this experience. Ask: • What did it feel like to “practice” courage? • How can this kind of practicing help you when you need to or want to act courageously? • How is the real thing different from this kind of practice? • How often do you have the opportunity to act courageously? • When you choose not to act with courage, what contributes to that decision? • How does having a relationship with the Holy Spirit help? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “I Can See Clearly Now,” Johnny Nash “You Raise Me Up,” Westlife “Courageous,” Mark Hall and Matthew West “Brave,” Nichole Nordeman “My Life Is in You, Lord,” Daniel Gardner “More Love, More Power,” Jude Del Hierro “You Are My All in All,” Dennis Jernigan “He Has Made Me Glad,” Traditional “Lean on Me” (chorus especially), Bill Withers MORNING WORSHIP Open with a favorite camp song. Share that today’s scripture is about the kind of spirit God gives us, through the Holy Spirit. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14. Invite campers to spend some time thinking about what it means to have a spirit of courage. Sing a song such as “More Love, More Power.” Hand out the Day 6 bookmarks for youth to keep in their Bibles. Read or line out Psalm 139:7, and ask campers to give their thoughts about how the psalmist might have answered that question. Then read Psalm 139:7-10 and assure the campers that God’s Spirit is leading them and holding them fast. They can be courageous. Close with prayer. Supplies: B i b l e , D a y 6 b o o k m a r k f o r e a c h c a m p e r

EVENING WORSHIP Decorate your worship space with the portraits of the Holy Spirit created earlier in the day. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 aloud. Invite campers to take turns sharing one situation away from camp in which they need to have more courage. Play “Brave” and encourage campers to sing along with the chorus. Close in prayer. Supplies: B i b l e , c a m p e r s ’ p o r t r a i t s o f t h e H o l y S p i r i t , r e c o r d i n g o f N i c h o l e N o r d e m a n ’ s “ B r a v e , ” d e v i c e f o r p l a y i n g t h e r e c o r d i n g

CABIN DEVOTIONS Invite the campers to sit in a circle or quietly on their beds. Take turns sharing roses and thorns for the day. Then ask: • Where did you see a courageous and loving spirit today? • What have you learned about being courageous? • How was the Holy Spirit at work today? Close in prayer and turn the lights out. Supplies: N o n e

OLDER YOUTH Day 7: Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go Key Verses: Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” —John 20:21-23 Scripture: John 20:19-23 Focus: Receiving the Holy Spirit overcomes fears and empowers us for living the way of peace and forgiveness. Connection to Campers: Camp can seem like a completely different world—a place where peace and forgiveness are commonplace. As campers prepare to head home, today’s scripture and theme can help them see that, through the Holy Spirit, they can take that peace and forgiveness out into the world. The way they live can make a difference in the lives of others! Leader Notes: Read the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 7. This scripture can easily get “off track” in relation to verse 23 without some in-depth theological understanding, which the overview provides. Be clear about its meaning in order to help your campers. Don’t forget to check Extra Resources, including “Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth,” for additional ideas. Today is the last day of camp, so you may have some teens who are emotional about leaving this community and going home. For some, this is a natural response to the friendships and mountaintop experiences of camp. For others, this reaction may be a desire not to go home due to difficult conditions or situations in their families. Be sensitive to these differences, and help campers get excited about the ways they can use what they’ve learned this week to bring about positive changes in their lives—at home, at school, in their communities, and at church. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Whom Should We Forgive?

The Power of Forgiveness

EXPERIENCE Circle of Remembrance

I Love to Tell the Story!

Closing Worship . EXPLORE .

Whom Should We Forgive? This activity will help campers think about how far they are willing to go when it comes to forgiveness. Be prepared for lively discussion, as campers now trust one another more and are likely to disagree on this topic! Read John 20:19-23. Point out that Jesus is commissioning his disciples—and us—to continue his work of grace and forgiveness. On a white board or large sheet of paper, write “Whom should we forgive?” Ask campers to think about the world they live in now, including their schools and the things they see on the news. Invite them to begin listing the people they think need forgiveness. (Leader Note: Stress the importance of respect and disagreeing in loving ways during this exercise!) After campers have finished brainstorming around this question, ask: • Whom do you have a difficult time forgiving? Why? • How does it feel to hear in scripture that those you forgive will be forgiven and those you don’t forgive will not be forgiven? • Why do you think forgiveness is such a difficult thing? • How does giving forgiveness affect the forgiver? • What does the Holy Spirit have to do with forgiveness? Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , w h i t e b o a r d a n d d r y e r a s e m a r k e r s , o r l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r a n d m a r k e r s

The Power of Forgiveness This Bible experience will help campers claim the power of forgiveness. Read John 20:19-23 aloud. Ask: • What are the benefits of our being forgiven? How do we feel? What are we then able to do? • What are the benefits of forgiving someone who has wronged us or others? What does that forgiveness do for that person? • What does giving forgiveness do for us? Help campers understand that forgiveness is about freedom and peace—that when we recognize and claim God’s forgiveness of our sin, we are set free. We also experience renewed freedom when others forgive us for some hurt or wrong we have done to them. When we forgive others, we set them free to begin again. We extend God’s grace. But in addition when we forgive others, we also find ourselves freed from the burden of hatred and resentment. This freedom lays the groundwork for peace in our hearts, peace in our relationships, and peace in the world. Give campers some time to think of powerful moments in which people they care about forgave them. Invite them to share some of these stories, as they are comfortable. When campers are finished speaking, give each person three to five small squares of paper. Invite campers to write on them the names of individuals they would like to set free by offering forgiveness. These can be people in their own lives, people they’ve seen on the news, even people they know about from history. When campers are finished writing, light a small fire in a safe place (fire pit, campfire spot). Invite them to take turns placing their slips of paper in the fire. When all the papers are in the fire, as a group pray the following. Use a lining-out pattern (leader speaks a phrase, campers repeat it): God, we lift these people up to you. We hope that we may be able to offer them true forgiveness. Work your Spirit in us, so that we might set these people free And in doing so, that we might also be freed— Freed to live in your Spirit with peace and joy and love. Amen. While the slips continue to burn, invite discussion: • Who was someone you chose to forgive? Why did you choose that person? (Leader Note: Campers do not have to use names, but can be descriptive instead.) • Was it easy or hard to offer that person forgiveness? • How did it feel to toss the name into the fire? • Have you completely forgiven that person, or is forgiveness more of a process in this case? • What role does prayer have in forgiving someone? Leader Note: When finished with the discussion, douse the fire properly, making sure it is completely out. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: B i b l e , s l i p s o f p a p e r , p e n s , m a t e r i a l s f o r f i r e , m a t c h e s , s a f e f i r e p i t / c a m p f i r e s p o t , w a t e r

. EXPERIENCE .

Circle of Remembrance This activity is both an opportunity for campers to share with one another through the written word and to create keepsakes that will help them remember their time at camp. Invite campers to sit around a table. Give each person a blank sheet of paper and a pen. Have each camper write his or her name at the bottom of the paper. Instruct campers to pass their papers one person to the right. At the top of each paper, teens should write a brief message of affirmation about the person whose name is listed on the bottom of the page. Then they are to fold the paper down to cover their message and pass the paper one person to the right. Repeat this process until campers receive their own papers again. (Leader Note: If someone runs out of room on a sheet of paper, add another sheet to the first one and continue.) When campers have all received their papers, now filled with affirmations, give them time to read these affirmations and simply hang out together. Offer thanks to God for the loving community that is created at camp! Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: P a p e r , p e n s

I Love to Tell the Story! This activity can help campers process some of their hopes for the days and weeks that will come after they return home from camp. Gather in a circle. Invite teens to take turns sharing what they hope they will do during the first 24 hours after returning home from camp. (Answers might include going out with friends, sleeping, posting pictures on social media, spending time with family, and so on.) Next, ask campers to tell what they hope to do in the week following camp. Finally, encourage them to talk about their hopes for the year that follows this week of camp. What do they hope to do between now and next summer? After campers have responded, invite them to think about how the things they have learned this week might influence the next days, weeks, and year of their lives. How has this time together been a game changer? Or has it been just another week? How might the group continue to be a community after camp? (Options such as becoming social media friends, sending emails, texts, tweets—including scripture references—calling, and getting together are likely possible for many campers. Don’t forget continuing prayers for one another! ) Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c , i n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “With My Own Two Hands,” Ben Harper “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” Traditional “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Hymn “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” Hymn, Sebastian Temple “If We Are the Body,” Casting Crowns “God of This City,” Chris Tomlin “Beautiful Things,” Gungor “Give Peace to Every Heart,” Jacques Berthier (Taize´) “Dona Nobis Pacem,” (Grant Us Peace), Traditional Round MORNING WORSHIP Open with a favorite camp song. Read or line-out Psalm 51:12. Tell the campers that this was part of King David’s prayer, after he confessed his sin of adultery and murder. Remind them that God extended forgiveness to David even in the face of such grave wrongs. God forgives. Tell campers that today’s scripture is about the relationship between forgiveness and peace, as well as the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing peace. Read John 20:19-23 and invite campers to share how they initially feel when they think about forgiving other people. Sing a song such as “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Hand out the Day 7 bookmarks for youth to keep in their Bibles. Refer to today’s symbol of the two-fingered peace sign. Ask how they might use their own two fingers to help them create peace and give forgiveness in difficult situations. Point out that they have a reminder of the peace Christ gives us—literally just two fingers away, close at hand—as is the Holy Spirit! Close with prayer. Supplies: B i b l e , D a y 7 b o o k m a r k f o r e a c h c a m p e r CLOSING WORSHIP Create a circle, facing inward, with one camper in the center. Have every person in the group place a hand on the camper in the center, and then take turns offering prayers for that camper. Repeat until everyone has had a turn in the middle. Close with a song such as “Beautiful Things.” Supplies: N o n e

INTERGENERATIONAL/FAMILY Day 1: Power Up with the Promise of Peace Key Verse: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” —John 14:26 Scripture: John 14:25-27 Focus: Jesus tells, prepares, encourages, equips, and promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will teach them and remind them of all the things they need to know. Connection to Campers: Campers will learn that Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to remind us of everything we need to know and that Jesus promises peace in all circumstances so we will never be alone. Leader Notes: Review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 1. Today the focus will be on generating excitement about Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit and on building community among the campers. Concentrate on helping the group know one another’s names as a way of creating a welcoming community. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Jesus’ Promise of Peace

Story Symbol = Peace Sign

Signs of Peace

EXPERIENCE Power of Community

Explore a Tree

Rainbow Peace Sign

Peace-Sign Snack

Jesus’ Promise of Peace Find the Bible story in John 14:25-27. Encourage your campers to all pretend they are the disciples and they have been traveling for a couple of years with Jesus and have witnessed him healing, teaching, praying, and caring for many different people. Now they are with Jesus, and he is teaching them once again. Read the scripture. Talk about what an Advocate is—a helper, someone who stands up for others. Name some advocates, particularly in the lives of children and youth. Encourage adult campers to tell their stories too. Ask campers what they know about the Holy Spirit. Say: “The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit present with us. The Holy Spirit is the power and life of God within the hearts of those who love God. The Holy Spirit is the Advocate Jesus promised.” Leader Note: The children’s book, Three in One: A Book About God, is a good tool, especially for younger youth and children, for understanding the Holy Spirit.

Preschool adaptation Young children will probably be unfamiliar with the word “advocate” and will need further support to understand it. Additional definitions might include: “Someone who is on your side” or “Someone who speaks for you when you don’t have the words to say what you need to.” Simple examples can also help the children relate the concept of “advocate” to their own lives. “Your mom, dad, and caregiver are advocates when you are sick and they tell the doctor what is wrong.” “Your big brother and sister are your advocates when they tell someone to stop being mean to you.” Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , ( o p t i o n a l : Three in One: A Book About God, b y L y n n e M . L e p l e y ) Story Symbol = Peace Sign Each day is represented by a symbol to remind campers of the scripture message for that day. Today’s symbol is the peace sign. Developed in the 1950s, this figure over time has become known internationally as a symbol of peace. Showing the image may lead to some conversation on what peace means, which is more than “no violence” or “quiet.” This quotation by an unknown author may be helpful for understanding the kind of peace Jesus was referring to: “Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

Preschool adaptation The full quotation may be too much for young children to understand. Focus on the phrase “calm in your heart.” When do the children feel calm in their hearts? Who are people who help them feel that way? What places make them feel peaceful? Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: A p e a c e s i g n r e p r e s e n t a t i o n

Signs of Peace Read today’s scripture. Write “Signs of Peace” on a large sheet or roll of paper and have campers add other words or pictures that remind them of peace (peace sign, dove, rainbow, olive branch, smiley face, heart, two-finger peace sign). You may want to print a few unique pictures that represent peace to add to the conversation. Once some are written or drawn, make some suggestions of others or remind campers of additional words for peace, like shalom or paz. Depending upon your time and setting, you may also wish to send campers in family groups outside to find things in nature that represent peace to them (but only inanimate things, or things already on the ground). Invite them to talk about their choices. When there are many signs of peace, gather campers around the paper and ask: • Which sign of peace stands out to you the most? • Which sign of peace surprised you the most? • Which sign of peace means peace to you? • Which sign of peace fits today’s story best, or best represents Jesus’ promise of peace to the disciples? You may want to hang up the Signs of Peace as a banner in your meeting place or use it in your place of worship. Finish by greeting your campers with, “The peace of Christ be with you,” and having them respond, “And also with you.” Ask them to share the same declaration with one another by joining hands as they pass the peace of Christ. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: L a r g e s h e e t s o r a r o l l o f p a p e r w i t h l o t s o f r o o m f o r w o r d s a n d p i c t u r e s , m a r k e r s a n d c r a y o n s , n a t u r a l i t e m s c o l l e c t e d b y t h e g r o u p , u n i q u e p i c t u r e s t h a t r e p r e s e n t p e a c e ( S e a r c h “ p e a c e ” a t w w w . g o o d s e a r c h . c o m ; i t h a s m a n y i m a g e s — p e a c e i n s h a p e o f b i r d , w o r l d w i t h c h i l d r e n a r o u n d i t , h a n d s i n s h a p e o f p e a c e s i g n . ) . EXPERIENCE .

Power of Community Invite your campers to sit in a circle with items or pictures of items that represent power in the center, one for each camper. Invite campers to choose an item and give their name and tell about the item that they chose. Have each camper take a turn around the circle, but have the whole group repeat the previous camper’s name and item before the next person’s turn. Learn the names and then talk about what all the items have in common (they represent power). Say: “Our theme this week is POWER UP! We will explore different ways that God through the Holy Spirit powers each of us up by working within us and through us. This week we will discover many ways to power up and live in the Spirit of God.” Preschool adaptation Preschoolers understand the world literally and simply. Avoid using examples of power relating to electricity, as they may think the Holy Spirit fills them with electricity. Skip having them identify what the pictures have in common, as that activity is probably too complex. Instead, focus on the animal and human images of power. Talk with them about how each animal or person is powerful, using a variety of adjectives: fast, strong, brave, and so forth. Then ask the children if they have ever felt powerful, and listen to any stories they might offer. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: O b j e c t s a n d / o r p i c t u r e s o f o b j e c t s t h a t r e p r e s e n t p o w e r ( T h e w e b s i t e w w w . g o o d s e a r c h . c o m h a s i m a g e s t h a t r e p r e s e n t p o w e r , s u c h a s li o n , b e a r , c a r , e a g l e , p o w e r l i n e , li g h t n i n g , w i n d m i l l , s o l a r p a n e l s , s u p e r h e r o , c a n d l e f l a m e , c a m p f i r e , s u n . ) ( L e a d e r N o t e : S t e e r a w a y f r o m i m a g e s o f p o w e r o v e r o t h e r s , s u c h a s f i s t , b o m b , g u n , a r m m u s c l e s . ) Explore a Tree Take your campers to an area where there is at least one tree per family group. Give each family group an Explore a Tree list, and let them choose a tree to explore. Remind campers to not break off branches or bark or harm the trees—just touch and discover. Once campers have had time to explore their trees, making notes on their lists, gather the whole group at one of the chosen trees and have the family who selected that tree tell about one item on the Explore a Tree list. Continue to each tree as the families cover another item on the list. Close by asking, “What might the tree need for its own survival?” (sun, water, healthy roots, air). Point out that all of these things power up the tree for survival. Ask, “Who has provided them?” (God). Point out that God provides us with a source of power also—the Holy Spirit. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: C o p i e s o f t h e E x p l o r e a T r e e li s t , s o m e t h i n g f o r e a c h f a m i l y t o w r i t e w i t h , h a r d s u r f a c e s t o w r i t e o n ( c l i p b o a r d o r c a r d b o a r d p i e c e w i t h a c l i p f o r e a c h li s t ) Rainbow Peace Sign Each camper needs a paper plate turned upside down and lying on a flat surface. Have each camper place masking tape on the back of the plate, pressing the tape down well, to form the peace sign (line dividing the plate in half vertically, then the two “legs” making pie shapes on the bottom third). Invite the campers to cover the plates entirely with a rainbow of colors, either using finger paints of several colors or crayon shavings. If using crayon shavings, have a camper spread shavings out on the plate, place a piece of wax paper covering the entire plate, and call a leader when ready. The leader will gently press a warm iron to the wax paper, melting the shavings. The wax paper can then be peeled off and the plate left to cool. (Leader Note: A hot iron can cause serious burns. Be very careful using one around children. Give children the rule that only adults may touch the iron. Have one adult use the iron on one table, while other adults work with the children at another table.) Once the plate is cool or paint or glue is dry, the masking tape can be peeled off to reveal the peace sign. (No color should have made its way beneath the tape.) A hole can be punched in the top of the plate, and yarn added as a hanger. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: P l a i n w h i t e p a p e r p l a t e s ( n o t s t y r o f o a m , p a p e r o n l y ) — o n e p e r c a m p e r , m a s k i n g t a p e ( o n e i n c h w i d e ) , f i n g e r p a i n t s a n d c l e a n - u p s u p p l i e s , y a r n , h o l e p u n c h ( o p t i o n a l : c r a y o n s h a v i n g s — v a r i e t y o f c o l o r s s h a v e d o f f o f c r a y o n s w i t h a p a r i n g o r c r a f t k n i f e a h e a d o f t i m e , w a x p a p e r , i r o n , a n d s o u r c e o f e l e c t r i c a l p o w e r ) Peace Sign Snack If no camper has a food allergy, give campers a pineapple ring with banana slices or strips of fruit leather snacks to make peace-sign lines within the circle. Campers can create their own peace-sign snacks and then enjoy eating them. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: C a n n e d o r s l i c e d p i n e a p p l e i n r i n g s ( o n e o r t w o p e r c a m p e r ) , h a l f o f a b a n a n a s l i c e d i n l o n g n a r r o w p i e c e s o r f r u i t l e a t h e r c u t i n t o s t r i p s , s m a l l p a p e r p l a t e s t o b u i l d s n a c k o n

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Awesome God,” Rich Mullins “Spirit, Now Live in Me,” Hymn, Bryan Jeffery Leech “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness,” Hymn, James K. Manley “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” African American Spiritual EVENING WORSHIP Read or line out for campers to repeat Psalm 51:10 (CEB): “Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit inside me!” Ask: “What might a ‘faithful spirit’ look like in each of us?” (not being afraid to follow Jesus, trusting the Spirit). Introduce the Story Symbol of the peace sign if you didn’t earlier. Ask campers what meaning the peace sign has for them tonight. Place the representation of the symbol on a table or in a prominent place in the worship space. You may want to read a children’s book related to the theme. A few options include: Three in One: A Book About God by Lynne M. Lepley 3 in 1 (A Picture of God) by Joanne Marxhausen The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood Can I Pray with My Eyes Open? by Susan Taylor Brown Together do a litany. Teach campers their response. Read aloud the leader parts and invite campers to respond after each statement: “The Holy Spirit will remind us what we need to do.” Leader: Jesus tells the disciples the truth... (response, and so on) Leader: Jesus prepares them for their work... Leader: Jesus encourages the disciples... Leader: Jesus equips them for all they will need to do... Leader: Jesus proclaims that the disciples do not need to be afraid... Leader: Jesus gives them the promise... Leader: The Holy Spirit, whom God sent to you through Jesus, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that Jesus has taught. Peace I give to you. Amen. Supplies: B i b l e , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t h e t h e p e a c e s i g n , ( o p t i o n a l : c h i l d r e n ’ s b o o k )

CABIN DEVOTIONS Leader Notes: Have a large sheet of paper to use each evening for devotions. Draw just one large circle on it for tonight, but leave room for a circle to be added each day. By the end of the week, the finished product will have seven circles overlapping. For today, only the one circle exists. One option for generating a larger sense of community at this time is to have two or three family groups form a group for the cabin devotions. Check in to see how everyone is doing. Take a few minutes to review the names of everyone and, if the group is up for a challenge, to name the power items from the “Power of Community” activity. Say: “Today we began discovering the power of the Holy Spirit and how the Spirit gives the promise of peace to the disciples— and to us.” Invite your campers to think about words that express what they have experienced today about the power of the Holy Spirit and peace. Write or have campers write those words, using one color of marker or crayon, inside the circle drawn on a large sheet of paper. Using a peace sign created earlier, pass it around the group, inviting volunteers to pray, if they would like, before they pass the peace sign on to the next person. Close by asking the Holy Spirit for the power of rest and a peaceful evening. Supplies: A l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r w i t h a c i r c l e d r a w n o n i t ( s e e t h e il l u s t r a t i o n ) , m a r k e r s o r c r a y o n s a l l i n o n e c o l o r — l i k e b l u e

Explore a Tree

Describe the tree (size, leaf shape, bark color, other features).

Look to see whether it is alive. How can you tell?

Listen to find out whether it makes any sounds.

Smell to find out whether it has an odor. Do different parts of the tree smell different—such as bark, old leaves, new leaves, fruit, or blossoms?

Think about how the tree got where it is and how new trees might join it.

Think about what other living things might need this tree for their survival.

Think about how long the tree might live.

Think about what things the tree might need for its own survival.

Cabin Devotions Illustration

Each day you will add the outline of a circle in a different color. Space the circles so that they overlap similar to this illustration. The circles do not need to be colored in. You will be writing the words in the appropriate color marker within the color outline.

INTERGENERATIONAL/FAMILY Day 2: Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit Key Verse: “When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place.” —Acts 2:1 (CEB) Scripture: Acts 2:1-6 (CEB) Focus: Through the Holy Spirit, people of different backgrounds are empowered to come together to celebrate and share the good news. Connection to Campers: Campers will hear and experience the story of the church’s birthday using their senses, to help them understand that the gift of the Holy Spirit is for all people, all backgrounds, all languages—everyone! The hope is for campers to experience the Holy Spirit’s gift of presence and to celebrate community as the new church. Leader Notes: Review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 2. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Story of Pentecost

Story Symbol = Candle with Flame

Sense of Pentecost

EXPERIENCE Happy Birthday, Church!

Pentecost Windsock

Prayer Hands

Wind Walk

Pentecost Candle

Evening Worship

Story of Pentecost Give the campers a little background before reading the Bible story. This story follows the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. So the disciples are together waiting as Jesus instructed them to do. A crowd of people from many different areas and languages is also in Jerusalem. Most are Jewish, and some are Gentiles or non-Jews with other beliefs. Now together read the Bible story in Acts 2:1-6.

Preschool adaptation Young children may not know or remember the stories of the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. You might tell or read one or more of those stories from a children’s story Bible to give them the background they need. Or you could begin the background information by telling them that “the disciples are together, waiting as Jesus instructed them to do....” Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e Story Symbol = Candle with Flame Show the campers yesterday’s peace sign and ask if they recall why it was a symbol for yesterday’s story. Show them today’s symbol, the candle with flame, and ask why they think a lit candle is today’s symbol. (Tongues of flames descended on the heads of the disciples at Pentecost; we use candles for celebrations—birthdays, holidays) Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: R e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f c a n d l e w i t h f l a m e

Sense of Pentecost Have campers practice some sound effects to add to the telling of the story. Show the campers how to make the wind sound. Have them practice rubbing hands together back and forth or blowing with hands tented near the mouth, opening and closing their hands to change the windlike sounds. Give each camper red and orange pieces of crepe paper to be “flames.” Hand out pieces of paper with “God is with us” written in different foreign languages; give campers a minute to practice saying their version. Give English to younger campers who are pre- readers, and pair early readers with a youth or an adult to read in a language. Read Acts 2:1-6 slowly, allowing the campers to add the sound effects and actions throughout the story… • “Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind…” = rubbing hands together then stronger and stronger blowing with mouth and hands, “…filled the entire house…” • “individual flames of fire” = waving crepe-paper flames above heads • “began to speak in other languages” = speaking “God is with you” in multiple languages

Preschool adaptation Younger children will enjoy the actions in this retelling of the story, but they may have trouble knowing when to do them. Before reading the story, read each of the cues a couple of times and have children practice doing the corresponding actions. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e , i n d e x c a r d s w i t h “ G o d i s w i t h u s ” i n o t h e r l a n g u a g e s ( S p a n i s h = Dios esta con nosotros, D u t c h = God is met ons, F r e n c h = Dieu est avec nous, C z e c h = Buh je s nami, F i l i p i n o = Ang Diyos ay sa amin, G e r m a n = Gott ist mit uns, N o r w e g i a n = Gud er med oss, P o l i s h = Bog jest z nami), r e d a n d o r a n g e c r e p e p a p e r s t r i p s f o r “ f l a m e s ”

. EXPERIENCE . Happy Birthday, Church! Pentecost is the celebration of the church’s beginning, or the “birthday” of the Christian church. Pentecost was a gathering in one place of people who didn’t know one another well where the power of the Holy Spirit brought them together as one to help them know and praise God. Tell the campers that we are going to host a birthday party for the church. Begin by having them decorate cupcakes or muffins with red frosting and (optional) sprinkles. (Leader Note: Check with the kitchen staff for their recommendations and to verify that no camper has a food allergy.) Add a birthday candle to each, light the candles if safe to do so, and sing “Happy Birthday” to the church. Ask: “Does the lit candle remind you of anything?” (today’s symbol, also the flames above the disciples’ heads). Play some birthday games, adapting traditional games for today’s celebration. The campers too are just getting to know one another and forming a community. As you play each game, take time to remind campers to speak their name before taking their turn. Pin the Tail on the Donkey becomes Pin the Doors on the Church by drawing a simple church building and a rectangle space for the doors, but the doors are cut out of red paper with a piece of tape on the back for sticking on the church. Adapt Musical Chairs to Holy Spirit Chairs—instead of music, use a recording of wind or storm sounds, moving until the sounds stop. Play Blow the Flame by wadding up small pieces of red and orange paper (use the crepe paper pieces from the “Sense of Pentecost” activity in Explore), and using masking tape to make two lines across the short ends of a table, a few feet apart. Two campers play at a time, each with a “flame” (wad of paper)—one with a red “flame” and one with an orange one. Each player places his or her “flame” on his or her side of the line closest to that player, one at either end of the table. At “Go,” each blows on his or her “flame” until it crosses the opponent’s tape line. Players must stay on their respective sides of the table while blowing. Remind campers that they are celebrating the birthday of the church—that, before Pentecost, church in a building with a congregation like we have today with everyone praising God didn’t exist. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , M u s i c a l Supplies: C u p c a k e s o r m u f f i n s , f r o s t i n g , u t e n s i l s f o r s p r e a d i n g f r o s t i n g , ( o p t i o n a l : s p r i n k l e s ) , c a n d l e s , m a t c h e s o r li g h t e r , r e d c h u r c h d o o r s o f p a p e r p i c t u r e o f c h u r c h , p u s h p i n s , m a s k i n g t a p e , s c r a p r e d a n d o r a n g e p a p e r t o w a d u p , c h a i r s ( o n e f e w e r t h a n t h e t o t a l n u m b e r o f c a m p e r s ) , C D p l a y e r , w i n d o r s t o r m C D

Pentecost Windsock Invite campers to work together in their family groups to make a windsock for their family to remind them of the Holy Spirit’s presence every time they see the ribbons moving in the wind. Each family group will need a ring and at least six ribbons in a variety of colors and lengths. They are to tie the six ribbons onto the ring at the top of the ribbons so they hang down to catch the wind. Then they take a long piece of orange or red ribbon and cover the rest of the ring by wrapping it around and around the ring to cover it completely, tying the ribbon’s ends to the ring. Finally, they are to tie a string to the top of the ring to hang their windsock. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: R i n g f o u r t o s i x i n c h e s i n d i a m e t e r ( w o o d , m e t a l , o r w i r e ) , r e d a n d o r a n g e r i b b o n s o r f a b r i c s t r i p s o f v a r i o u s l e n g t h s ( 1 2 i n c h e s t h e s h o r t e s t t o 2 4 i n c h e s t h e l o n g e s t ) a n d v a r i o u s w i d t h s — o n e r i n g a n d s i x r i b b o n s f o r e a c h w i n d s o c k ; l o n g p i e c e o f f a b r i c o r r i b b o n t o w r a p t h e r i n g ; s t r i n g , o r y a r n f o r h a n g e r

Prayer Hands Give red and orange construction paper to each camper, and have campers trace their hands several times in both colors to represent flames and then cut them out. Have older campers help younger campers who might have difficulty. Invite campers to write prayers on each of the handprint flames—one prayer for themselves and other prayers for other people or places. Encourage prayers for camp as well as prayers for those back home, in addition to prayers for the world. Younger campers may need help writing or drawing their prayers on the flames. Once campers have written as many prayers as they wish on the hands, have them share some of the prayers within their family groups or with the whole group. Especially in the larger group, it may be helpful to have campers give their names as they begin their prayers. Collect all the handprint flames to use in Evening Worship. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: R e d a n d o r a n g e c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r ( e n o u g h f o r t w o o r t h r e e h a n d p r i n t s o f e a c h c o l o r p e r c a m p e r ) , s c i s s o r s , p e n c i l s , m a r k e r s o r c r a y o n s

Wind Walk Plan a short walk around camp that is near or among trees, particularily trees with leaves. Invite campers to walk slowly and watch for the wind blowing in the trees, blowing the leaves or the branches. Walk quietly so campers can use their senses to feel the wind and see its effects. Challenge them to keep count on their hands with their fingers of times they “see” the wind. After a few minutes of walking, stop and ask campers where they saw or felt the wind? Invite them all to express where they saw the wind. Ask: “How did you ‘see’ the wind?” (movement of the leaves and branches). Say: “We can’t really ‘see’ the wind because air is invisible, but we do ‘see’ the movement caused by the wind. The Holy Spirit is like the wind—we can’t touch or see the Holy Spirit, but we know God’s power is at work in our lives. In the Bible the Holy Spirit is revealed to people sometimes as the breath of the wind and other times as flames of fire.” As you continue to walk, encourage campers to look for more signs of the wind. This time when you stop, ask: • How do we know the wind is blowing since we can’t see it? • How do we know the Holy Spirit is present when we can’t see the Spirit? (The actions of God, answer to prayer, good things happening in our lives, power for people to do good things are the Holy spirit at work.) • How does the wind remind of us of the Holy Spirit? (We know the wind is there because we feel it or see it moving the leaves; we know the Holy Spirit is a power in our lives through God using us to care for others.) Finish by saying, “God is always with us through the Holy Spirit moving around us and within us! That is the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Preschool adaptation While preschoolers will enjoy the movement involved in this activity, they can have short attention spans. If you sense the children’s attention wandering, consider cutting short this activity. One place to shorten it would be after the discussion following the first pause in the walk. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: T r e e s w i t h l e a v e s

Pentecost Candle Leader Notes: At some camps, candlemaking is a craft activity. If that is a tradition at your camp, incorporate it into this activity. Campers may work on this project as a family group, with each child or youth making a candle with adult help, or each camper making one—leader’s choice. For each candle, campers will need a small glass jar, cut-up colored tissue paper, and diluted liquid glue. Have campers “paint” the glue on the outside of the jar and then stick tissue paper on it. Tissue paper may overlap to create a collage look. Once the jar is covered, campers can “paint” the tissue with the glue mixture and set the jar on wax paper to dry. Add a votive candle—either real or battery operated. Invite campers to bring their candles to Cabin Devotions tonight. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: E m p t y a n d c l e a n b a b y f o o d j a r s o r s m a l l g l a s s j a r s — o n e p e r c a m p e r o r f a m i l y , r e d , o r a n g e , a n d y e l l o w t i s s u e p a p e r i n s m a l l p i e c e s ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y o n e - i n c h s q u a r e ) , d i l u t e d l i q u i d g l u e ( d i l u t e d w i t h w a t e r s o i t c a n b e “ p a i n t e d ” ) , s m a l l p a i n t b r u s h e s , v o t i v e c a n d l e s — o n e p e r j a r ( b a t t e r y o r w a x ) , w a x p a p e r s q u a r e f o r d r y i n g , c l e a n - u p s u p p l i e s

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “Every Move I Make,” Point of Grace “Light the Fire,” Bill Maxwell “We Are the Church,” Avery and Marsh MORNING WORSHIP You may choose to introduce today’s symbol of the candle and flame (see Explore). Place the symbol along with yesterday’s in a prominent place, such as a table in the meeting area. Invite the campers to think about what the symbol might represent today. Tell the Bible story or read aloud a related children’s story: Let There Be Peace: Prayers from Around the World by Jeremy Brooks Say Hello by Rachel Isadora We Are One by Ysaye M. Barnwell Challenge campers to watch for the Holy Spirit working through people throughout the day, as shown in campers caring for others and sharing God’s love in various ways. Supplies: R e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t h e d a y ’ s s y m b o l , B i b l e o r s t o r y b o o k EVENING WORSHIP Read or line out Psalm 31:5 for the campers to repeat. Recall together today’s Bible story. Ask: “How might you have responded to the wind in the room, flames over your head, and speaking and hearing all the languages on Pentecost—the presence of the Spirit?” Display in your worship space the symbols from Day 1 and today. Ask the families what the candle and flame remind them of now. Take the Hand Prayers and tape them, upright, to a brown piece of construction paper to create a “campfire,” placing some rocks around it where campers can see it. Lift up all the prayers that are “blazing” together like the Holy Spirit. Invite campers to tell where they saw the power of the Holy Spirit through people today. Give thanks for all the evidence of the Spirit among them. As campers leave, have each person pull a hand prayer from the “campfire” to put under his or her pillow tonight, reminding the camper to lift up that prayer. An option is to incorporate this idea with a real campfire, consecrating the prayers as they are lifted up to God in the smoke. Supplies: B i b l e , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s o f f i r s t t w o d a y s ’ s y m b o l s , h a n d p r i n t p r a y e r s ( f r o m t h e e a r l i e r a c t i v i t y ) , p i e c e o f b r o w n c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , t a p e , ( o p t i o n a l : a c t u a l c a m p f i r e ) CABIN DEVOTIONS Remind campers that today they explored the power of the Holy Spirit as it created a new kind of community, the church. Invite them to think about words that express what they have experienced today about the power of the Holy Spirit and Pentecost. Write or have campers write those words inside the new circle drawn on the large sheet of paper—using a different color from Day 1, preferably red. Pass around a battery-operated candle, with each camper saying a prayer if he or she would like before passing it on to the next person. Have campers hold their Pentecost candles (or a battery-operated candle, or glow stick), keeping them unlit. Invite them to say individually what gift they would give the church on its birthday (people, Bibles, hymnals, love, care, pastor...). Start with one person with a lighted candle. After speaking, campers “pass” their light to next person by switching the candle on, lighting the votive, or breaking the glow stick. Close by singing “Happy Birthday” to the church and blowing out or turning off the candles. Supplies: P a p e r f r o m D a y 1 w i t h a s e c o n d c i r c l e a d d e d , m a r k e r s a l l i n o n e c o l o r ( p e r h a p s r e d ) , P e n t e c o s t c a n d l e s f r o m e a r l i e r t o d a y o r b a t t e r y - o p e r a t e d c a n d l e o r g l o w s t i c k ( o n e p e r c a m p e r ) , m a t c h e s

INTERGENERATIONAL/FAMILY Day 3: Power Up to Imitate Christ Key Verse: For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that [God] has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. —1 Thessalonians 1:4-5a Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Focus: Paul teaches that we are to imitate others who are faithful, encourage one another, and serve as examples to others of what it looks like to believe and follow Christ. Connection to Campers: Campers will experience what it means to imitate Christ because the power of the Holy Spirit is working in and through us. When someone looks at our lives, what images do they see? Leader Notes: Review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 3. Familiarity with this information is especially important for setting the context for the Bible study options in Explore. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE In Thessalonica

Story Symbol = Mirror

Mirror Image EXPERIENCE Kaleidoscopes

Tree Imagery

Reflection

Nature Stamps

Mirror Snack

Evening Worship

In Thessalonica Before reading 1 Thessalonica 1:4-7 to the group, paint a picture for your campers of what is going on in this story. Paul—one of Jesus’ followers after Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension—is busy visiting churches and starting new ones. In the letter to the new church in the Roman Empire’s city of Thessalonica, Paul is teaching that the Holy Spirit is present in the lives of Christ’s followers to help them live in a way that pleases God. Paul is encouraging the people to imitate Christ and his followers in what they do. Invite a volunteer to read the scripture out loud. Ask: “What do we do? How do we act in a way that imitates Jesus Christ and his followers?” Write down where everyone can see some of the ways we imitate Jesus and his followers (treat others with kindness, love one another, care for others, encourage others, and so on). An option is to also write key words on index cards and fashion them into a mobile with sticks and yarn and then hang it in a common area so campers can see it all week.

Preschool adaptation Preschoolers hear and understand stories from the Bible more easily than they do other writings, so they may struggle with today’s scripture. To help them understand it better, use the language of “follow our example” to talk about what it means to imitate someone. When we imitate someone, we follow their example. We do what they do or say what they say. Then have the children imitate a few simple noises or gestures to further their understanding of the concept. Ask the children how we follow Jesus’ example. How do we imitate Jesus? Write down their ideas as outlined above. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r o r w h i t e b o a r d t o w r i t e d o w n w a y s t o i m i t a t e J e s u s , m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : i n d e x c a r d s , s t i c k s , y a r n , h o l e p u n c h ) Story Symbol = Mirror Show the campers the symbols from the past two days and ask: “How do the previous symbols remind us of the stories we have already experienced?” Show them today’s symbol, the mirror and ask why they think a mirror is today’s symbol. (When we look in a mirror, we see our image; the reflection is an imitation of us—not really us but looks like us. Our story challenges us to imitate Jesus, reflecting his love to others.) Preschool adaptation Preschool children will need help making the connection between today’s symbol and its meaning. To this end, give each child a small unbreakable mirror. Ask, “What do mirrors do?” As children look, ask them what they see. What happens when they make different movements (open mouth, wave a hand, blink, and so forth) while looking in the mirror? Collect the mirrors. Then show the children today’s symbol. Say, “Mirrors show us a reflection. When we look in the mirror, the person we see in the mirror does what we do. The mirror reminds us that we can be a reflection of Jesus’ love. We can show love like he did. We can imitate Jesus.” Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: S y m b o l s f r o m f i r s t t w o d a y s , m i r r o r s o r m i r r o r r e p r e s e n t a t i o n ( c o n s i d e r u s i n g f o i l t o m a k e t h e “ m i r r o r ” r e f l e c t i v e ) Mirror Image Read or reread today’s scripture, focusing especially on verses 6 and 7. Partner campers in two teams of two—a younger and older camper with another set of campers works well. Give each set of campers one of the ways we imitate Jesus from the list created in the first activity (“In Thessalonica”). One team acts out a “photo” of people imitating Jesus, then they “freeze frame” it. For example, for imitating caring, one team might freeze frame a picture of one person helping another up from a fall. Then the second team in the pair practices imitating the first team so they look like a mirror reflection. Once all the teams have practiced their imitating pictures and the mirrored reflection, give each set of campers a chance to show their “photo” and mirror image to the whole group. Give thanks for all of the images that show us through the Holy Spirit how to imitate, or be like, Jesus. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , li s t o f w a y s t o i m i t a t e J e s u s f r o m “ I n T h e s s a l o n i c a ” a c t i v i t y . EXPERIENCE .

Kaleidoscopes Each camper may make a kaleidoscope, or have adults assist younger campers while older children and youth each make a kaleidoscope. Walk the whole group through the process step by step: • Decorate a piece of white construction paper with crayons or markers as you choose. • Glue a piece of foil onto a piece of cardstock, shiny side facing out. • Make three folds lengthwise on the foil-covered cardstock to make four sections—three equal sections and one 1-inch section that you glue to the open side, so that you form a long triangular tube. • While the glue is drying, cut two circles out of plastic sandwich bags, big enough to cover an end of the triangular tube. • Put liquid or glitter glue around the edge of one circle, add glitter and sequins to the center of the circle. Stick the second circle on top and let your little pocket of glitter dry. • Glue your decorated paper around your triangular tube. • Cut a circle out of black paper big enough to cover an end of the triangular tube. Make a hole with a pencil (lead point of the pencil stuck in the hole) through the center of the circle. • Place the black circle over one end of the tube and tape to the tube. • Take the glitter pocket and tape it to the other end of the tube. Give everyone a chance to look through their kaleidoscopes, looking at different amounts of light and turning the tube so the sequins and glitter move. Notice how the images change based on how you hold it and what you look at. No image looks the same twice. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: W h i t e c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , f o i l , g l u e s t i c k s , p l a s t i c s a n d w i c h b a g s , s c i s s o r s , g l i t t e r a n d s e q u i n s , li q u i d g l u e o r g l i t t e r g l u e , c l e a r t a p e , c a r d s t o c k p a p e r , c r a y o n s a n d m a r k e r s , b l a c k c a r d s t o c k o r c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , p e n c i l Tree Imagery Campers will need room to move around for this activity. Outside works best, but a large space inside is fine too. Tell campers that together they will be imagining themselves as trees and use their whole body to move in small and big ways to create images of what the trees look like under different circumstances. Here is a practice example: Have campers show by moving their bodies how a gentle breeze would affect a tree, then move to a stronger wind, and on to a windstorm. Encourage campers to make small and large movements to move as the trees might react to: Gentle rain, to steady rain, to downpour with lightning and thunder Snowstorm with light flakes, moving to a blizzard Squirrel running up their trunks and in their branches Birds nesting in their branches Someone picking their fruit or their leaves falling Forest fire Ask: • What was easy about imagining what the tree “felt” like? Why? • What was hard about imagining what the tree “felt” like? Why? Say: “Sometimes it is hard to act in the same way, to imitate something or someone, but sometimes it is easy. God wants us to imitate the positive, the good things, with help from the Holy Spirit; God gives us the Holy Spirit so we will find imitating God’s love all the time is easy.” Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: L a r g e a r e a t o m o v e a r o u n d i n , i n s i d e o r o u t Reflection Campers will each make a mirror (either real mirror, mirror board, or foil) with a frame around it made from natural things collected from the ground outside. Begin by having campers glue the mirror or foil shape to the center of a piece of cardboard, leaving at least one inch around mirror as a frame. Next they are to decorate the frame by gluing the natural items they found around the edge of the mirror. They may need to let the projects dry before moving them much, especially if they used liquid glue. Ask campers: • What do you see when you look in your mirror? (their reflections) • Do you see a person in the mirror who is chosen by God? (Yes!) • Do you see a beloved child of God? (Yes!) Say: “Our reflection in the mirror is always a chosen, beloved child of God no matter what! We feel God’s Spirit in our hearts, and we imitate Jesus Christ in what we do because of the Holy Spirit’s power. Power Up!” Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: C a r d b o a r d p i e c e s o f v a r i o u s s i z e s a n d s h a p e s ( m i n i m u m 6 i n c h s q u a r e t o m a x i m u m 1 2 i n c h s q u a r e ) , s m a l l m i r r o r s ( 3 – 6 i n c h s h a p e s ) o r f o i l a n d g l u e s t i c k s , n a t u r a l t h i n g s c o l l e c t e d f r o m t h e g r o u n d ( s t i c k s , s m a l l p i n e c o n e s , p i n e n e e d l e s , l e a v e s ) , li q u i d g l u e o r h o t g l u e g u n w i t h a d u l t s u p e r v i s i o n Nature Stamps Using different items collected from God’s creation, each camper is to create imitations of them on a large piece of paper by dipping the objects in paint and pressing them on the paper to make prints. Then the question for the campers is, “When people look at you, how do your actions imitate Jesus? Could people tell by what you do that you love God?” Once the paint on their prints is drying, they are each to carefully write near the images a way that he or she can act that would show someone God’s love. Take time to share the ways people came up with. Say: “Each print we made from something in nature is an image of the real thing. When we imitate Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit every day, we are also a reflection of the real thing, Jesus Christ!” Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: S h e e t s o f l a r g e w a t e r c o l o r p a p e r ( 1 2 i n c h e s b y 1 6 i n c h e s ) a n d m a r k e r s ; s e v e r a l n a t u r a l i t e m s t o m a k e p a i n t p r i n t s , s u c h a s p i n e c o n e s , s e v e r a l k i n d s o f l e a v e s , p i e c e s o f t r e e b a r k , p i n e b r a n c h e s , r o c k s ; t e m p e r a p a i n t ( v a r i o u s c o l o r s ) o n p a p e r p l a t e s t o a l l o w f o r d i p p i n g a n d p r i n t i n g Leader Note: Keep natural items in plastic, reclosable bags in between activities so other campers can reuse them; but when finished, rinse the items and return them to nature. Mirror Snack If no camper has food allergies, have them create a “framed mirror” using a Graham cracker square with a pretzel stick frame stuck on with peanut butter, cream cheese, or other spread. Share a blessing before eating, thanking God that through the Holy Spirit we learn to imitate all the good things Jesus teaches us. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: F o r e a c h c a m p e r : a G r a h a m c r a c k e r s q u a r e o r t w o ; f o u r p r e t z e l s t i c k s f o r e a c h c r a c k e r s q u a r e ; a t a b l e s p o o n o f p e a n u t b u t t e r , c r e a m c h e e s e , o r a n y o t h e r s p r e a d p e r c r a c k e r ; a s m a l l p a p e r p l a t e . EXPRESS – Worshiping God Together .

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You,” Hymn “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love,” Hymn “Every Move I Make,” Point of Grace They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes MORNING WORSHIP Introduce today’s symbol of the mirror. Add it to the previous symbols. Invite the campers to think about what the symbol might represent today. Tell the Bible story or read a children’s story: Stellaluna by Janelle Cannon Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship by Edward Hemingway Point out that today’s story reminds us that we feel God’s Spirit in our hearts and we imitate Jesus Christ in our actions because of the Holy Spirit’s power within us. Challenge campers to look for people encouraging others around camp today; they will report what they see tonight at worship. Supplies: S y m b o l s f o r f i r s t t h r e e d a y s , B i b l e ( o p t i o n a l : s t o r y b o o k ) EVENING WORSHIP Read or line out for the campers to repeat Psalm 143:10. Ask: “What are things God wants us to do that create ‘level ground’ (good things) for ourselves and others?” Have the symbol of the day as well as the previous days’ symbols displayed. Ask: “What does the mirror mean to you now?” Tonight campers will participate in a reflection prayer either inside or outside. They need to stand around one another and the mirrors lying on the floor or ground. Each camper needs to be able to look down into a mirror; several can look into the same mirror. Ask: “What do you see?” Invite campers to share all the things they see reflected in the mirrors (sky or ceiling, lights, tree tops or beams, other campers, etc.). Pray, giving thanks for all of the amazing things around them. Have campers change their positions until they can see themselves reflected in the mirrors. In silence, have them meditate on what they see. Ask: “What do you think God sees?” Invite them to lift up a silent prayer of thanks for who they are as well as anything they want to share with God. Then pray aloud that they will each always see a beloved child of God and that the Holy Spirit will continue to move within them and through them to reflect the goodness of Jesus Christ. Supplies: B i b l e , s y m b o l s f o r t h e f i r s t t h r e e d a y s , m i r r o r s o f v a r i o u s s h a p e s a n d s i z e s ( a t l e a s t o n e m i r r o r f o r e v e r y t h r e e c a m p e r s ) s p r e a d o u t o n t h e g r o u n d o u t s i d e o r o n t h e f l o o r i n s i d e w i t h r o o m f o r c a m p e r s t o b e a b l e t o s t a n d o v e r a n d l o o k i n t o o n e o f t h e m i r r o r s CABIN DEVOTIONS Say: “Today we explored how the power of the Holy Spirit works in us and through us in our hearts so that with the Spirit’s power what we do—our actions—imitates what Jesus teaches us.” Invite campers to think of words that express what they have experienced today about the power of the Holy Spirit and how we imitate Jesus. Using a different color marker from the previous days, write or have campers write those words inside a new circle on the paper. Call attention to words that have shown up on other days in the other circles. Pass around a mirror. Invite campers, when the mirror is passed to them, to take turns telling where they saw someone encourage another person today around camp. Then pass the mirror around again and have campers look into it and answer the question, “What does God see?” (loving, caring, helpful person, and so on). As the leader, you may need to model this. You may also want to ask: “How does God use us as ‘mirrors’ to show others how much God loves them?” Supplies: H a n d m i r r o r o r j u s t o n e m i r r o r t o p a s s a r o u n d , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r f r o m p r e v i o u s d a y s w i t h a t h i r d c i r c l e a d d e d , m a r k e r s a l l i n o n e c o l o r d i f f e r e n t f r o m D a y s 1 a n d 2 ( p e r h a p s y e l l o w )

INTERGENERATIONAL/FAMILY Day 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit Key Verse: “If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit.”—Galatians 5:25 (CEB) Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23a, 25-26 (CEB) Focus: We as God’s people have been given the gift of God’s Spirit. So, we have the freedom to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity/goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to demonstrate that we belong to God. Connection to Campers: Campers will learn about the fruit of the Spirit and how, choosing to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are living the good life God wants for us. Leader Notes: Review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 4. If possible, use the translation from the Common English Bible (CEB) today. Be aware of the “goodness”/”generosity” issue. (See Fruit Alert on page 6.) The fruit of living in God’s Spirit is manifested in many ways! The intergenerational group will not deal with the “selfish desires” (“works of the flesh” in NRSV); instead the focus is on good behaviors that come from choosing to live in the Spirit. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Fruit of the Spirit Story

Story Symbol = Various Fruit

Fruit of the Spirit

EXPERIENCE Folding Fruit of the Spirit

Catch the Spirit

Bird Feeders

Baskets of Fruit

Fruit Kabob Snack

Evening Worship

Fruit of the Spirit Story Read Galatians 5:22-23a, 25-26 together and then talk through each of the fruit of the Spirit, discussing what each means to the campers and asking for everyday examples to help younger campers understand the meaning of each of the fruit in their lives. Preschool adaptation While it is good to introduce preschoolers to all nine fruits of the Spirit in today’s scripture, they might find it overwhelming to work with so many in the various activities. For very young children, focus on three to five fruits rather than all nine throughout the day. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: B i b l e s

Story Symbol = Various Fruit Refer to the symbols from the past days and invite conversation about how they relate to the stories of those days. Show the campers today’s symbol, the various fruit. Invite the group to tell why they think it is a helpful symbol for today. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: R e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f a v a r i o u s f r u i t o r a b a s k e t o f r e a l f r u i t

Fruit of the Spirit Review the nine fruit of the Spirit from Galations 5:22-23a. Tell the campers that you have a basket of fruit that will help them remember the fruit of the Spirit. As you show them a fruit, invite conversation about which of the fruit of the Spirit it might represent and why. (For example, “strawberries are red and red makes me think of love” or “the words ‘grapes’ and ‘goodness’ both start with the same sound.” Silliness is OK. It might even help them remember better!) When the campers come to a consensus on which fruit of the Spirit the real fruit will represent, write that in marker on the fruit or on paper, place it in the basket, and move on to the next fruit. Also, invite campers of all ages to give some examples of how, on a daily basis, we live out each fruit with the power of the Spirit. The conversation might also include some examples of behaviors that are not from living in the Spirit. Challenge the group to recall the fruit of the Spirit they assigned to each fruit. Keep the pace lively and fun. The goal is to remember the nine; the specific fruits are just reminders. Tell the group that throughout the day and week they will have several opportunities to practice both knowing the names of the fruit of the Spirit and living with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Leader Notes: If you have multiple weeks of camp, use fake fruits and place a piece of clear tape on each so you can write the name of the assigned fruit of the Spirit and in subsequent weeks pull the tape off to start fresh, reusing the fruit all summer. An alternative is to cut out shapes of various fruits and to have additional pieces of paper in case campers think of a fruit that is not already in the basket. If you plan to use real fruit, please do not waste it and check to make sure campers have no food allergies. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: R e p r e s e n t a t i o n s o f a t l e a s t n i n e d i f f e r e n t f r u i t s , a b a s k e t o r b o w l f o r t h e f r u i t , p e r m a n e n t m a r k e r , ( o p t i o n a l : p a p e r s l i p s , t a p e ) . EXPERIENCE .

Folding Fruit of the Spirit Have campers work together to create their folding sticks. (Leader Note: For younger children, provide craft sticks already taped together and just have them decorate the sticks.) Then have them work separately or in family groups to write and decorate. Have each camper follow these directions: 1. Cut masking tape into nine 4-inch pieces. 2. Place two sticks together side by side, flat sides down, and tape them together with one of the pieces of tape, longways down the middle, connecting both the sticks with the tape. 3. Turn the two sticks over so you don’t see the tape, place another stick next to the other two sticks taped together, and use another piece of tape to tape the new stick to the first two. 4. Turn all three sticks over, place another stick next to the third stick, and tape it onto the third stick. 5. Continue to flip the row of sticks over, attaching a new stick to the previously taped stick each time. This repetition creates a line of ten sticks that will fold like an accordion. 6. Don’t worry about tape being on a “writing side” of a stick, it is actually easier to write on the tape than the stick. Plus, the tape is a similar color to the stick and blends in. Now, in smaller groups the campers are to write “Fruit of the Spirit“ on the top stick of the folded stack, then write each of the nine fruit on the next nine sticks. Have them make sure the writing will be all on the same side of the sticks when unfolded. They may decorate as they wish. Show campers how to fold up their sticks accordion style and tie them together with the ribbon. These are a great tool for learning the fruit since campers can test themselves by revealing one fruit at a time. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: P e r c a m p e r : 1 0 j u m b o c r a f t s t i c k s ( t o n g u e d e p r e s s o r s ) , s c i s s o r s , m a s k i n g t a p e u s e d i n 4 - i n c h p i e c e s , 6 - i n c h p i e c e o f r i b b o n , p e r m a n e n t m a r k e r s o r c o l o r e d p e n c i l s ( W a s h a b l e m a r k e r s s m e a r . )

Catch the Spirit Leader Note: Ahead of time, blow up a beach ball and write the nine names of the fruit of the Spirit on the colored sections, or draw your own sections with permanent marker. (You can repeat fruit names to fill in sections.) Campers stand in a circle inside or outside and toss the beach ball around the circle. When a camper catches the ball, the camper looks at where his or her right thumb is resting, says the name of the fruit, and gives an example of what that fruit represents (gentleness = helping a young child cross the street safely). Younger children may need assistance in reading and naming an example. Continue to toss the ball around the circle until everyone has had a turn and all nine fruits have been named. If you want to speed up the activity, one option is, when a fruit is touched a second time, ask the catcher to choose another fruit that is next to it on the ball that hasn’t been mentioned yet. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B e a c h b a l l , m a r k e r

Bird Feeders Using various fruits, campers will create bird feeders to hang around camp, or for campers to take home. Campers may make all three types if supplies and time are available: • Orange halves simply need to be cleaned out (saving the fruit or eating it). After poking three holes at least half an inch down from the edge and equidistant from each other around the circumference, thread pieces of yarn through each hole, tie each off with a large knot on the inside of the orange rind, and tie all three pieces of yarn together at the top, with a loop to hang on a tree branch. Fill with birdseed or with the orange pulp for the birds to eat. • Apple cross-sections are hung by running a piece of yarn through the center where the seeds are or by poking a hole in the center. Loop the yarn through and tie at the top to hang on a tree branch. • Cranberries are strung on a thread by needle (younger campers may need a partner to help) to make about a six-to-eight-inch icicle. Tie off the thread with a big knot at the bottom and loop the thread at the top so it can be hung in a tree. Longer garlands can be made that will lie on the branches, but the needle work tends to stretch the fruit of patience in many campers. Point out that God wants us to live out the fruit of the Spirit on a daily basis. Ask: “How can caring for God’s critters and creation represent any of the fruit of the Spirit?” (gentleness of their habitat, patience when sharing space, self-control in respecting their homes, and so on). Leader Note: Campers can make one feeder to stay at camp, one to have at home, and one to give away to a friend. If you choose this option, provide plastic lunch bags for the ones going home and keep them cool or cold until campers can take them home. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: O r a n g e r i n d h a l v e s w i t h f r u i t s c o o p e d o u t ( g r e a t f o r b r e a k f a s t o r i n a f r u i t s a l a d ) ; a p p l e s s l i c e d h o r i z o n t a l l y i n a c r o s s - s e c t i o n a h a l f - i n c h t h i c k ( s o y o u h a v e a “ c i r c l e ” w i t h t h e a p p l e s e e d s i n t h e c e n t e r ) ; c r a n b e r r i e s t o s t r i n g ; y a r n f o r h a n g e r s ( b i o d e g r a d a b l e ) , b i r d s e e d , n e e d l e w i t h l a r g e e y e f o r s t r i n g i n g c r a n b e r r i e s , t h i c k c o t t o n t h r e a d

Baskets of Fruit Campers will create paper bag “baskets” and then add nine “fruits” that are painted stones or homemade play dough in fruit shapes. Campers create one basket of fruit per family group. (Leader Note: You can view the basket and the steps at http://www.elli.com/blog/diy-upcycled-fruit-basket/.) Making the baskets is easiest with all campers following each step together: 1. Cut down the center of one of the biggest sides of the grocery bag. Trim off the bottom (and handles, if there) and open bag out flat. 2. Measure and mark with a pencil 18 strips (one to two inches wide) down the length of the bag; cut them apart. Cut two of the strips in half and set them aside. 3. Fold each of the other 16 strips lengthwise into thirds. (This step helps strengthen the basket and hide any printing on the bag; the weaving keeps the strips together.) 4. Weave the bottom of the basket using six strips lying next to one another and weaving six strips across (like weaving a paper placemat), weaving over one strip under the next, over, under, over, and under. The woven part should be in the center; the “leftover” parts of the woven strips, which will form the sides, will stick out in four directions. Once the weave is aligned and tight, secure the ends of the bottom with hot glue. 5. Fold the side strips up on all four sides of the basket bottom to show the square shape of your basket. 6. Glue three of the half strips (from Step 2) onto three full-length strips (These three extra long strips will weave with the side strips from Step 5 to complete the basket sides.) 7. Now, using the three longer strips (from Step 6), weave them into the side pieces (from Step 5) to make the basket sides. Glue the side strips at the beginning point. Go over, under, and so on to create the box shape. Then glue again at the end point. Weave all three longer strips around until the basket is three-strips-high on the sides. 8. Trim any extra on the strips sticking out on the top of the basket sides to one inch, and then tuck the extra into the weave or simply fold it down and glue it on the inside of basket to make a smooth, finished top edge to the basket. Now, working within family groups, campers can make the nine fruits that go in their baskets. Choose ahead of time whether the fruits are to be painted rocks collected ahead of time or shaped out of homemade play dough. Once rocks are painted and dry, or play dough is somewhat dry, write on each in marker the fruit of the Spirit it represents. After fruits are dry, add them to the paper-bag basket. Gather for discussion; asking: “Which of the fruits of the Spirit did you use today doing this activity—gentleness? patience? kindness? joy? self-control?” Invite campers to give specific examples. Say: “We don’t always remember to use the fruit of the Spirit in everything that we do, but God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us use them to Power Up! Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c Supplies: P a p e r g r o c e r y s a c k s — o n e p e r f a m i l y g r o u p , h o t g l u e , s c i s s o r s , r u l e r s , p e n c i l s , s t o n e s c o l l e c t e d f r o m a r o u n d c a m p , p e r m a n e n t m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : p a i n t s a n d b r u s h e s o r i t e m s t o m a k e h o m e m a d e p l a y d o u g h [ s e e r e c i p e b e l o w ] ) Homemade Play Dough Recipe Materials needed: 1 cup salt, 1 cup flour, 1 cup water, bowl, drops of food coloring, utensil for mixing, plastic resealable bag Process: Mix salt and flour in bowl, add food coloring to the water, add colored water to dry ingredients and mix. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic (not sticky). Seal in plastic resealable bag until ready to use. (Campers can make various colors as part of the activity.) Fruit Kabob Snack Remind campers that the fruit of the Spirit are gifts from God to us to help us lead good lives, to do good things, and to stay away from treating others and ourselves badly. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we have help always to do good things and to stay away from doing mean or bad things. The bad and mean things do not come from the Holy Spirit, but what’s the good and what’s the bad are not always clear. That is why we need the power of God’s Spirit to help us live in the Spirit. Keeping in mind campers’ food allergies, prepare several types of chopped fruits in advance and place them in nine separate containers. (If you don’t have nine different fruits, just spread what you do have into nine bowls). Use foil as lids and write with marker a fruit of the Spirit on the foil lids. Provide kabob sticks or bowls and forks for a fruit salad. Challenge the campers to name the fruit of the Spirit again. Have them create a fruit kabob or fruit salad with the fruits from each of the bowls or the fruits that they want to eat. Encourage the campers to think about each fruit and its new meaning as they choose and eat it. Multiple Intelligences: L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: S e v e r a l t y p e s o f c h o p p e d f r u i t , n i n e b o w l s , f o i l , m a r k e r , k a b o b s t i c k s ( o p t i o n a l : f o r k s a n d d i s p o s a b l e b o w l s )

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Sanctuary,” Randy Scruggs and John Thompson “Spirit, Fill Me,” Tom and Carole Parmeter Dyer “Holy Spirit, Come Now,” Jesse Manibusan “Down in My Heart,” Traditional (add other fruit of the Spirit after “joy,” “peace,” and “love,” which are among the tradtional verses) “The Fruit of the Spirit (Is Not a Coconut),” Traditional

MORNING WORSHIP Place today’s symbol of various fruit in a prominent place along with previous days’ symbols. Invite the campers to think about what the symbol might represent. Tell the Bible story or read a children’s story such as: Amazing Peace by Maya Angelou Katie Loves the Kitten by John Himmelman Say: “God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us do good things and treat people with kindness, joy, and love, as God wants us to do. That’s not always easy, so God’s Holy Spirit is here to help us, giving us power within us and through us.” Challenge campers to look for people living out any of the fruit of the Spirit around camp today; tonight they will report what they see. Supplies: B i b l e , t h e f i r s t f o u r d a y s ’ s y m b o l s , ( o p t i o n a l : s t o r y b o o k )

EVENING WORSHIP Read or line out Psalm 104:30. Ask: “How do the fruit of the Spirit help us to renew others in the world?” Display the symbol of the day along with the others from previous days. Ask: “What does the symbol of fruit mean to you tonight?” Praying the Fruit Tree. Invite campers to reflect silently on the fruit of the Spirit. After a moment or two, ask them first to pray about one or two of the fruit they desire the Spirit help them with. After a few moments, invite them to pray for the Spirit’s help for the particular fruit their friends might need. Finally, invite them to pray for a particular fruit the world needs. With music in the background, invite campers to come forward, as they are ready, to add those prayers to the Prayer Tree. Using colored ink pads, they will each leave a thumbprint somewhere on the tree, and add a stem or seed with a marker, or add more thumbprints (like a bunch of grapes) to represent the fruit that camper is lifting up in prayer. Encourage each camper to leave at least three fingerprints for each of the silent prayers: self, friend, and world. Each camper may also write the word that the fruit represents or a word prayer next to the “fruit print.” Afterward, call attention to the tree and all the “fruitful prayers” covering its branches. Pray as a community for all the individual prayers on the tree, giving thanks for the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. Supplies: B i b l e , s y m b o l s f r o m t h e f i r s t f o u r d a y s , l a r g e “ p r a y e r t r e e ” ( m a d e a h e a d f r o m a s e c t i o n o f a l a r g e r o l l o f p a p e r ) , t a p e , v a r i o u s c o l o r s o f i n k p a d s , w i p e s t o c l e a n t h u m b s , t h i n - l i n e m a r k e r s

CABIN DEVOTIONS Leader Note: Ahead of time, draw a picture of a tree with each of the nine fruit of the Spirit written on a separate branch. Make copies. Give each family group a copy of the “fruit tree” and colored pencils. They are to think about all the places they saw the fruit of the Spirit being lived out today and write a note near the appropriate branch to identify what they saw. Encourage them to have at least one sighting from each person. Then take time to share. Add some of the words from the trees to the new circle, using a different color of marker from previous days. Supplies: C o p i e s o f “ f r u i t t r e e ” d r a w i n g — o n e p e r f a m i l y g r o u p , c o l o r e d p e n c i l s , p a p e r f r o m D a y 1 w i t h a f o u r t h c i r c l e a d d e d , m a r k e r s a l l i n o n e c o l o r d i f f e r e n t f r o m p r e v i o u s d a y s ( p e r h a p s g r e e n )

INTERGENERATIONAL/FAMILY Day 5: Power Up as One Community Key Verses: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. —Ephesians 4:4-6 Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6 Focus: Today is an opportunity to explore what it looks like to live as God’s people, called to be humble, gentle, and patient. And when we come together as one community to serve God through the power of the Holy Spirit, amazing things can happen. Connection to Campers: Campers will experience how coming together in unity (as one) is how the power of the Holy Spirit builds us up as one commUNITY. Leader Notes: Review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 5. You may want to celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in worship with this day’s lesson, adding the focus of the one bread and one cup. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Paul’s Letter

Story Symbol = Numeral 1 in a Circle

One in the Spirit

EXPERIENCE Hand Collage

Web of Life

CommUNITY

Scavenger Hunt

Put-It-Together Snack

Evening Worship

Paul’s Letter Before you read the scripture for today to the campers, ask them to listen for the word one; and, each time they hear it, have them shout “one” while pointing their right index fingers in the air. Practice once and then read Ephesians 4:1-6, pausing each time you say “one” so campers can point their fingers in the air for the number one and shout. Talk about all the places they heard “one.” Write down the list for all to see, and for use in other activities. Preschool adaptation Preschoolers will enjoy listening for and calling out “one” when they hear that word in today’s scripture, but they may have trouble keeping up if you read too quickly. To make this activity easier for them, read slowly. Emphasize the word “one” and point your finger up so that they know when they should echo you. Preschoolers may also have trouble understanding the theology as it is stated in this scripture. After reading, tell them, “God wants us to live like we are followers of Jesus. We should do everything we can to get along with one another. The Holy Spirit helps all followers of Jesus work together. We are all connected by the Holy Spirit.” Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: L a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r , m a r k e r , t a p e Story Symbol = Numeral 1 in a Circle Show the campers the symbols from the past days and ask how the previous symbols remind them of the power of the Holy Spirit. Show them today’s symbol, the numeral one in a circle, and ask why they think it is today’s symbol. (The numeral represents the many “ones” in Paul’s letter, and the circle represents unity.) Supplies: S y m b o l s o f t h e p r e v i o u s f o u r d a y s , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f a c i r c l e w i t h a n u m e r a l o n e i n s i d e One in the Spirit Remind campers that Paul’s letter tells us that we are chosen by God and called by the one God, meaning that we are connected to one another no matter what. There is one body, the body of Jesus Christ, the church. Therefore we are one together in community. Write out the word community, and show how it can be divided into comm (come) and unity. Point out that community means to come together in unity (community = come together in unity). Reread Paul’s letter in Ephesians 4:1-6, listening for the examples of coming together in unity. Next, have your campers form a circle, with you in the middle, spreading younger children between youth and adults. Go around the circle and assign each of four characteristics (humble, gentle, patient, loving of one another) to each camper in order, repeating all around the circle. Say: “We need all four—to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving of one another—in order to be one in the Spirit, as Paul teaches.” Remembering their assigned words, campers are to all turn to their right and face the back of the people in front of them, placing their hands on the shoulders of the campers in front of them. Tighten up the circle if need be. Have those who are humble to shout, then all those who are gentle to shout, then those assigned patient to shout, and all the loving of one another campers to shout. Now tell campers that you are going to count to three, and at three the campers are to sit down on the lap of the camper behind them. They will support one another in a lap-sit all around the circle—regardless of whether they are a child, youth, or adult. Hold the lap-sit for a minute or so; then have everyone stand at the count of three. You may want to repeat a couple of times. After you are done with the lap-sit, have the campers turn to face you in the center of the circle, taking a step or two back. Say: “We had to work together to do this activity. If we didn’t have humbleness, gentleness, patience, and love for one another around our unity circle, we never would have been able to be one. Our lap-sit represented our coming together in unity to be one.” While still standing in a circle, conclude with the hymn, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” You may sing the hymn or just read the words, adding the motions below. Practice the motions once before you sing or read the hymn. Verse 1 – “One” = index finger pointed in the air as a numeral 1. Chorus – “Love” = hands curved in “C”s together to form a heart with fingers and thumbs. Verse 2 – “Walk” = walk around the circle, “Hand in hand” = hold hands and walk. Verse 3 – “Work” = shake hands, “Stand side by side” = arm around shoulders of those on each side. Verse 4 – “Praise” = arms in the air. Preschool adaptation Preschoolers will have difficulty understanding the big words and the depth of the theology as it is explained in this activity. Further, they will probably struggle with the lap-sitting exercise because of the drastic size difference between themselves and older participants. You may wish to make the circles with people of similar sizes rather than mixing people of all different sizes together, or invite volunteers from older children through adults to demonstrate the lap sit. For preschoolers, focus this activity on the song. They will enjoy singing and making the motions. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e i c , M u s i c a l Supplies: B i b l e , w o r d s t o “ T h e y ’ l l K n o w W e A r e C h r i s t i a n s b y O u r L o v e ”

. EXPERIENCE . Hand Collage Providing magazines and scissors, invite campers to cut out words or pictures that represent prayers for themselves, friends, family, and the world. Encourage them to cut smaller images if they can, and have each camper cut out as many as there are campers in the group. Have campers talk about some of the images they are cutting out and the prayers they represent. Now have each camper trace his or her hand onto a piece of plain white paper and then go over the traced line with a black marker so that the outline of the handprint is visible through the paper when the camper turns it over. Have each camper retrace that outline on the back of the paper so that the same handprint is on both sides of the paper. Have each camper write his or her name on the front side of the paper. Next have campers sit in a circle with glue sticks, their cutouts, and handprints. Each camper passes his or her handprint to the person to the left, and that camper glues one of his or her pictures onto the front of that handprint, then passes it again to the left. Together, the campers are creating a collage on each handprint as they pass the papers all around the circle, gluing one of their images to each of the other campers’ handprints. Once campers have received their handprints back, they may glue any leftover images anywhere on their handprints. Then they are to cut out their handprints, using the marker guides on the back side of the papers. Each camper will then glue his or her handprint to a piece of construction paper, and write his or her name on the construction paper. Once everyone is finished, have each camper place a hand on his or her handprint and together lift up all the prayers from the community now within their hands to give to God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Collect the handprints for cabin devotions tonight. Preschool adaptation Preschoolers may become territorial about their handprints, having trouble understanding why others would glue something to their work. You may want to have them cut out two or three pictures, glue them to their handprint, and share one of their pictures with the group, without having other people glue things on their handprints. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: M a g a z i n e s o r p i c t u r e s t o c u t f r o m , s c i s s o r s , g l u e s t i c k s , p l a i n w h i t e p a p e r a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r ( o n e p i e c e o f e a c h k i n d o f p a p e r p e r c a m p e r ) Web of Life Leader Notes: Ahead of time, prepare index cards for this activity by writing down the name of a different animal on each card, except for a couple, upon which you will write down the name of a plant, such as grass. Prepare enough cards so each camper will have one. If you would like, you could punch holes in the cards and run loops of yarn through them, so campers can wear them like necklaces. Form a circle inside or outside and distribute a card to each camper. Have campers place their cards around their necks (if yarn loops are provided), or simply have campers remember their assignments. Tell campers who have animal cards to think about what the animal needs to survive. Tell campers who have plant card to think about what animals might need them for food. Ask: “What are things that all living creatures need to survive?” (water, food, shelter, space, air). Suggest that the water and shelter are represented inside the circle, and the space and air are all around us. So that leaves food, which the campers should have in mind. Begin the activity by handing the end of the ball of string (or yarn) to a person with a plant or grass card. Have him or her hold on to the string and not let go. He or she needs to hold the ball of yarn, as well. Ask the “plant” what animal might eat his or her plant to survive? (for example, rabbit or squirrel). Then, still holding on to the end of the string, have the “plant” pass the ball of string to the camper that is the animal that would eat it. That camper then thinks about what animal might need his or her animal as food to survive and passes the ball of string to the new animal, while still holding onto the string. Continue until each animal and plant are connected by food supply, adding in any plants or smaller animals that might get skipped. Some plants or smaller animals may need to be used more than once. When everyone has a section of string to hold onto, ask: “What have we created? (A giant web—everyone is connected.) Say: “This web is our community, where each of our living things can survive and live well.” Ask: What would happen if I let go of my string, a sign that animal is lost to the community? (There would be a missing part of the connection or community and that would affect the living things on both ends of the drooping string.) What would happen if I pull tight on my string, a sign that there is a shortage of food by drought or fire? (Each living thing on either side is affected by the impact of less food supply; eventually the loss affects all of the animals in the web.) Say: “Every living thing in our web is connected to whatever animal holds the string on either side. We are connected to all the animals and plants in the circle, a community of living things. Whatever happens to one of us affects at least one other, and, in most cases, several other living things—if not everyone. Since we are connected in one community, what happens to one affects everyone in the community. We need to work together to survive—we all have to do our part as one in the community of living things. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B a l l o f s t r i n g o r y a r n ( t h i c k e r i s b e t t e r f o r p r e v e n t i n g t a n g l e s ) , p r e p a r e d i n d e x c a r d s ( s e e L e a d e r N o t e s ) — o n e p e r c a m p e r , ( o p t i o n a l : h o l e p u n c h , p i e c e s o f y a r n f o r l o o p i n g t h r o u g h c a r d s ) Community Leader Notes: Ahead of time, fill each bag with a variety of items—at least ten. You may want to search the craft shack for suggested items: crayons, popsicle sticks, small pinecones, sticks, pipe cleaners, large paper clips, clothespins, marbles, foam shapes, toothpicks, wooden beads about half-inch size (not tiny). For the most part, each bag’s contents will be different from the other bags’. But, depending on the size of your group, you may have bags with some of the same things in them. Fold over the tops of the bags so items aren’t easily seen. 1. Distribute a bag of stuff to each family group and have them open their bag to see what they have. 2. Have each family group find another family group or two with mostly different items in their bags to join together and form a new group. 3. Spread out. Each new group will create something with their bags of items that represents community to them. Give them about three minutes to build their representation on the floor or ground. They must use all of their items in the creation. After time is up, invite each group to tell the others what they built and how it represents community. 4. Now invite the current groups to pair up to combine into new groups. It is OK if groups now have some of the same items. Have these new groups work together with all of their items to create something that represents community. They may move to a previous group’s creation and combine or start all over—group choice. Again they must use all of the items in their creation. Give them about five minutes, and then invite each group to tell the others what they have created and how it represents community. 5. Combine groups once more into one big group. This time the new combined group will use all the items and create one community. Give them about five minutes. They may move to a previous group’s creation and build on it or start over completely —group choice. (Leader Note: If there are over 20 family groups, then form two groups here instead, repeat the community building for about five minutes, and then combine into one for a final build.) Discuss as one group how the new creation represents community, then ask: • Are there any creations from the first groups’ work in this combined community? • What was the easiest part of building this community together? • What was the hardest part of building this community together? • Do you think we were able to build a better community when we worked in small groups or the bigger group? Say: “Working together, we built community each time that represented all of the individuals in the group, coming together as, ‘One in the Spirit, one in unity.’ Power Up!” Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: O n e p e r f a m i l y g r o u p — l u n c h - s i z e d p a p e r b a g s f i l l e d w i t h i t e m s ( l i s t e d i n i n i t i a l L e a d e r N o t e s a b o v e )

Scavenger Hunt Tell the campers they are going on a scavenger hunt. Hand out a list of ten categories to each family group. (See the suggested list below.) In family groups, campers will explore camp and collect items from the list and then return to show their finds to the whole group. Remind campers to care for God’s creation by not disturbing something living. They may always draw a picture of what they found instead of picking it or moving it. Encourage campers to collect as many of the ten on the list as they are able in the timeframe you set. When campers return, go through the list and see what the family groups found to fit each category. Call attention to the fact that they found a variety of things to represent one list that was the same for everyone. Point out that God calls us to work together as one with many different things to create one CommUNITY through the power of the Spirit—Power Up! An optional plan is to bring everything collected in the scavenger hunt to the worship space and create a cross shape on the floor or on a table. Leader Note: Don’t forget to have campers return all the natural items outside and throw the trash away or recycle it. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: F o r e a c h f a m i l y g r o u p — c o p y o f t h e S c a v e n g e r H u n t li s t , p a p e r o r p l a s t i c b a g t o c o l l e c t i t e m s i n , p e n c i l , p a p e r Put-it-Together Snack Each camper needs a bag of one snack item. Have campers come forward and add their snack to the big bowl until all the food is in the bowl, then mix it together. Next, fill each camper’s empty bag with some of the new snack created by everyone working together to add their pieces to the community snack. Leader Note: Be aware of food allergies, especially nuts. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: V a r i e t y o f s n a c k i t e m s i n s e p a r a t e b a g g i e s o r c o n t a i n e r s ( r a i s i n s , f i s h c r a c k e r s , p o p c o r n , d r i e d c a n b e r r i e s , s m a l l c r a c k e r s , c h o c o l a t e c h i p s , a n d s o f o r t h ) , o n e b a g o f o n e s n a c k i t e m p e r c a m p e r , b i g b o w l , l a r g e s p o o n t o m i x

SONG SUGGESTIONS “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “There’s a Church Within Us,” Hymn, Kent E. Schneider “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” Martin Smith “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” Traditional “Make Us One,” Carol Cymbala

MORNING WORSHIP Place today’s symbol of the numeral one in a circle in a prominent place along with previous days’ symbols. Invite the campers to think about what the symbol might represent today. Tell the Bible story or read a children’s story: Listen to the Wind by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth We Are One by Jennifer Black Whoever You Are by Mem Fox The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss Challenge campers to look for examples of community today, where several people come together in unity to accomplish something by working with one another. Supplies: B i b l e , s y m b o l s f o r t h e f i r s t f i v e d a y s o f c a m p , ( o p t i o n a l : s t o r y b o o k ) EVENING WORSHIP Read or line out Psalm 51:11. Ask: “How do we seek God every day through the power of the Holy Spirit?” (prayer, listening, reflection, devotion). Say: “Together in community the presence of the Spirit is never missing—we each help share God in many ways with one another.” Display the symbol of the day as well as those from the previous days. Ask: “What does the numeral one in a circle mean to you tonight?” Tie a clothesline between trees, posts, or furniture in your worship space. Lay out strips of fabric and invite each camper to choose three. One represents the camp community, the second the community back home, and the third the world community. Have campers tie the three strips together by a knot at one end of them. With music in the background, invite campers to come forward with their three strips and place the knot on top of the line so the strips hang on both sides of the clothesline. They are then to braid the three strips together, while offering silent prayers for their three communities. Adults may need to assist younger campers in braiding before braiding their own strips of prayer. Encourage everyone to take note of all the braided prayers hanging together on the line. Close with a prayer lifting up all of them. Supplies: B i b l e , s y m b o l s f o r e a c h o f t h e f i r s t f i v e d a y s , c o l o r f u l s t r i p s o f c l o t h ( a t 1 2 t o 1 6 i n c h e s l o n g — t h r e e s t r i p s p e r c a m p e r ) , c l o t h e s l i n e , C D p l a y e r , C D o f r e f l e c t i v e m u s i c , ( o p t i o n a l : li v e m u s i c i a n s )

CABIN DEVOTIONS Sit in a circle. Ask campers where they saw examples of community today around camp. Say: “Working together with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do amazing things by being “one in unity,” forming a CommUNITY. Using some of the words that were expressed about community, write or have campers write those words inside a new circle on the “circle paper” (in a different color). Distribute the handprints from the “Hand Collage” activity to each camper. Say: “Tonight we will close by passing our handprints around our circle and placing our own hands on someone else’s handprint and then praying for that person. Pass each hand collage around the circle until everyone has had a chance to pray for each camper. Close in prayer for the community shared today through the power of the Holy Spirit. Supplies: H a n d p r i n t s f r o m e a r l i e r a c t i v i t y o r h a n d p r i n t s d r a w n o n p i e c e s o f p a p e r w i t h t h e n a m e s o f t h e c a m p e r s , p a p e r w i t h c i r c l e s f r o m p r e v i o u s d a y s ’ d e v o t i o n s w i t h a f i f t h c i r c l e a d d e d , m a r k e r s a l l i n o n e c o l o r ( p e r h a p s p u r p l e ) Scavenger Hunt

____Something straight

____One piece of litter

____Something round

____Two different kinds of leaves

____Something you think is beautiful

____Something green

____Something smooth

____Something you think is a treasure

____Something rough

____Something that makes noise

INTERGENERATIONAL/FAMILY Day 6: Power Up with Courage Key Verse: God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled. —2 Timothy 1:7 (CEB) Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 (CEB) Focus: Through the Spirit, we have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline—not of cowardice or timidity. Connection to Campers: Campers will recognize the gift of a new spirit within that will guide them and keep them strong. They will be encouraged to be brave enough to stand up and make a difference. Leader Notes: Review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 6. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Timothy’s Strength

Story Symbol = Strong Arms Linked

Shield of Courage

EXPERIENCE Fill Our Bucket

Stand Up!

Bear Power

Glow Stick Firefly

Campfire Cupcake Snack

Evening Worship

Timothy’s Strength Say: “This Bible reading is as if the apostle Paul were sharing his final words to Timothy, who will take over for him in leading people to follow Jesus. Listen for the advice, for the things the teacher wants his pupil to learn.” Invite one of the men to read the scripture today, 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14. Ask: “What advice did Paul give to Timothy?” Write the advice on a sheet of paper for everyone to see: Rekindle God’s gift, which is a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. • Discuss what having the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline means: The power of the Holy Spirit will help campers follow God’s rules and show their faith by how they love others. Hold on to the sound teaching from Paul in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. • Also talk about how not everything we are taught is sound teaching; sometimes we are mislead or distracted from what we really need to learn or from what is true or life-giving. Protect this good treasure with the help of the Holy Spirit living inside each of us. • Remind campers that the source of the power to help us do good things is through the Holy Spirit. Say: “Paul, Timothy, and every single one of us has been given the spirit of power and love and self-discipline that comes from the Holy Spirit, which is within all of us. Power Up!” Preschool adaptation To give preschoolers a solid understanding of today’s focus, work with 2 Timothy 1:7 rather than the entire passage. More than that might overwhelm them. After reading the verse from the Bible, you can explain it by saying, “The Holy Spirit is not timid. It is not afraid and weak. It is full of power, and love, and self-control. God gives this Spirit to us.” You can help them remember the verse by working with them to create motions for “timid,” “powerful,” “loving,” and “self-controlled,” and then saying the verse with the motions several times. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r , m a r k e r Story Symbol = Strong Arms Linked Show the campers the symbols from the past days and ask: “How do all of these symbols remind us of the power of the Holy Spirit?” Show them today’s symbol, the strong arms linked, and ask: “Why do you think linked arms are today’s symbol?” (The linking represents the strength and courage available to all through the power of the Holy Spirit.) Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: S y m b o l s f o r t h e p r e v i o u s f i v e d a y s , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t w o s t r o n g a r m s l i n k e d t o g e t h e r

Shield of Courage Say: “In our Bible story today Paul is preparing Timothy for Paul’s passing on of his responsibilities to him.” Reread the scripture if needed to refresh everyone’s memories. Ask: • What have been some transitions in your life when someone has passed on instructions or helped you prepare? (first day of school, moving to a new place, starting middle school or high school, playing on a sports team, starting a new job, moving to a new location) • How did your parents, teachers, coaches, or colleagues prepare you for those transitions or next things in your life? (told how to act or what to expect, new clothes) • What new responsibilities came with that transition? (being part of a class or team, practices, studying, learning the new job or new location, making new friends) • Were some of those things scary or changes that you weren’t sure about? Say: “God gives us help and guidance to walk through those ‘next things’ or transitions. Just as Paul reminded Timothy, the Holy Spirit gives each of us the power, love, and self-discipline to move into new and next things—courage for the journey. Next, we are going to think about the courage needed for those transitions and create Shields of Courage.” Each child and youth camper will create a shield, with adults helping children with their projects. The intent is that there will be conversation between the younger ones and the adults as they cut and paste pictures or words on the shields. Have campers find pictures of things of strength or power and of people doing good things. They will cut out and glue them onto their cardboard “shield.” They can also cut out and glue letters to spell words of courage. Campers are to make a collage of overlapping pictures, covering the shields with signs and words of courage. When the campers have covered the shields, have them write with black marker the following quotation in the center of the shields, on top of the pictures. (Leader Note: Consider writing the quotation out somewhere visible so that everyone can refer to it easily.) HOPE is wishing something will happen. FAITH is believing something will happen. COURAGE is making something happen. Then, have the adults add handles to the backs of the shields by attaching ribbons or strips of fabric using a hot glue gun. Finally, say: “Shields serve as protection both physically and symbolically. Our shields of courage are reminders that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are very courageous. Power up through courage!”

Preschool adaptation Preschoolers may have difficulty recalling transitions in their lives. For this exercise, focus on getting ready for camp, a recent transition for all participants. They should be able to recall those preparations fairly clearly. You will probably need to write the poem on their shields for them. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e ; f o r e a c h c h i l d a n d y o u t h c a m p e r — l a r g e p i e c e o f c a r d b o a r d ( a t l e a s t 1 2 i n c h e s b y 1 2 i n c h e s ) a n d s t r i p o f r i b b o n o r f a b r i c f o r h a n d l e ( t o b e h o t - g l u e d t o b a c k o f s h i e l d ) , m a g a z i n e s t o c u t f r o m s t i c k e r s , p e r m a n e n t b l a c k m a r k e r s , s c i s s o r s , g l u e s t i c k s , h o t g l u e g u n

. EXPERIENCE .

Fill Our Bucket Option: You may choose to read the storybook, How Full Is Your Bucket? before this activity. Write “Bucket Filler” on a large sheet of paper and “Bucket Dipper” on a second sheet. Say: “We are going to imagine that every day we each have a bucket that we carry around. Every time we help someone or are nice to people or creation, our bucket fills up. Bucket Fillers are actions that make us or other people feel loved and that care for God’s creation. But every time we say or do something hurtful or mean, our buckets are emptied. God wants us not only to have a full bucket at the end of the day, but God wants us to be filling the buckets of others all day long.” Have campers name together actions that are Bucket Fillers, actions that make us feel good, that are good deeds that God smiles upon (give a hug, say nice things, help someone, smile, share, say “I love you,” take care of the environment, and so on). Then also name some Bucket Dippers, those actions that hurt someone or make someone feel empty or lost or that harm the environment or other living creatures (hitting, saying mean words, stealing, lying, pushing and shoving, not playing fair, not showing respect or appreciation, not giving others credit, littering). Write the words on the appropriate sheet of paper. Now have each family group work together to create their own bucket to fill up throughout the day. Say: “Think about the Bucket Fillers that we listed and add others that you want to fill your family bucket. Write each of those Bucket Fillers on a craft stick so it can easily be added to your bucket by anyone in the family. When someone dips into the bucket, that Bucket Filler is taken out until a new good deed puts it back into the bucket.” Have campers in family groups work together to decorate their buckets and to write actions on several craft sticks. Invite them to take some blank sticks to write additional actions on later at camp or at home. Encourage families to check-in at the end of the day to see how many Bucket Fillers everyone experienced that day, and challenge them to work together to completely fill their buckets up each day. You may also choose to use the buckets in this evening’s Cabin Devotions. Preschool adaptation Most preschoolers will be unable to read what is written on the list or sticks. As you first talk about things that are Bucket Fillers, add a blank stick to the bucket for each item mentioned. As you talk about Bucket Dippers, take a stick out. Later, have families add and remove blank sticks rather than ones with specific actions written on them. Preschoolers will get the idea without the added frustration of not being able to read what is on the sticks. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: O n e b u c k e t ( p l a s t i c o r m e t a l — e v e n a l a r g e p a p e r c u p c o v e r e d w i t h f o i l o r p a i n t e d ) p e r f a m i l y g r o u p , p e r m a n e n t m a r k e r s , l a r g e c r a f t s t i c k s , s t i c k e r s a n d r i b b o n s c r a p s t o d e c o r a t e w i t h , g l u e , t w o l a r g e s h e e t s o f p a p e r , ( o p t i o n a l : How Full Is Your Bucket? b y T o m R a t h a n d M a r y R e c k m e y e r ) Stand Up! Have campers sit down in a row or rows facing you in a space where they have room to sit down and stand up regularly on the ground or chairs. Say: “Today our Bible story tells us that with the Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline we can take action to make a difference. We are going to play a game in which we each decide how we would stand up with courage with the aid of the power of the Holy Spirit. I am going to read a situation and, as soon as you know how you would ‘stand up’ or act in that situation, stand up. Let’s begin with everyone sitting down.” Read a situation and once everyone has stood up, check in and see how campers would have acted in the situation. Here are some suggestions; feel free to create your own: 1. Someone trips and falls down outside and seems hurt or shaken up. 2. You see someone throw a piece of trash on the ground and walk off. 3. You know that a friend cheated on a test or that your coworkers are “sliding by” and consequently cheating the people they are supposed to serve. 4. You know that one friend has lied to another friend. 5. You hear someone speak about a group of people, spreading lies and hatred about them. 6. You see someone break something that belongs to someone else and then just leave it lying there broken. 7. You see someone steal a small thing from another person’s backpack or bag or a store. After campers share how they would respond, have them sit down. When everyone is sitting down, read another situation. Use as many scenarios as time allows. Then say: “We have the power to make good choices and to stand up for others because the Holy Spirit will help us and give us the courage to make a difference and stand up!” Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: S i t u a t i o n s t o r e a d , ( o p t i o n a l : c h a i r s f o r c a m p e r s )

Bear Power Leader Note: See preparations for this activity found below, at the end. In a fairly large open area, scatter pieces of poster board. Do not tell campers what the colors, initials, and numbers on the pieces actually represent. Tell them that they are various kinds of “bear food.” Since bears are omnivores—they like a wide assortment of food—campers should gather different colored squares to represent a variety of food. Have campers each write his or her name on an envelope, which will represent each camper’s “den site” and will be left on the ground (anchored by a rock if windy) at the starting line on the edge of the area. Younger campers may want to be paired up with youth or adults in teams with one den site. Have everyone line up on a starting line, leaving the envelopes on the ground. Say: “You are now ‘black bears.’ All bears are not alike, just as you and I are not alike. As bears, you will walk into the ‘forest’ since you gather your food—bears do not chase down their food. When you find a colored square, pick it up (one at a time) and return to your ‘den’ (envelope). After you have put the card in your ‘den,’ you may gather another piece of food.” Start all the bears walking into the “forest” at the same time. When all the colored squares have been picked up, have the bears check their dens to see how much food they have gathered. Explain the colors and what kind of food each represents. Tell campers that the number on the paper represents pounds; have them count up the number of pounds they gathered and write the total on the envelope. Say: “Each bear needs 80 pounds of food to have the power to survive.” Ask: • Which bears survived? • Is there enough to feed all the bears? (Now add up all the pounds of food collected by all the bears and divide by 80, the pounds needed by one bear in order to survive in a 10-day period.) • How many bears can our “forest” support? • How is that different from the number of bears that survived earlier? Why? (didn’t share the food equally) • How many more pounds of food would we need for all of our bears to survive? Say: “Bears have the power to choose a variety of foods that nurish and strengthen them in different ways. Working together we can help protect areas where bears live so that they have the best chance of finding all the food they need. We have the power to make a difference for God’s bears!” Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: F i v e c o l o r s o f p o s t e r b o a r d c u t i n t o 3 - i n c h b y 3 - i n c h “ c a r d s ” ( r e d , y e l l o w , g r e e n , b l u e , a n d o r a n g e ) , e n v e l o p e s ( o n e p e r c a m p e r ) , p e n c i l s , b l a c k m a r k e r s Ahead of time create a set of cards using the chart below to determine how many cards of each color to make and what to write on each one. The color of the card tells what type of food it represents, and the number written on the card represents the pounds of food. Write only the information in the Label column on the cards. Glow Stick Firefly Each family is encouraged to make a firefly that will carry a message inside it with the power to light up the night. Provide each family with the supplies described below, and lead them with the following directions, making sure families engage the smaller children in the activity while keeping the more dangerous implements (scissors, glue gun) out of their hands: 1. Take the bottle and peel off any labels and replace with a sheet of green or yellow craft foam cut lengthwise and wrapped around the bottle for the bug body; connect with hot glue. 2. Cut two wings out of the black sheet of craft foam, but keep wings connected where they meet at the body. Glue where they connect to the bottle body with hot glue. (Leader Note: Be sure to have only adults handle the hot glue.) 3. Glue two beads on the edge of the lid for the eyes—enough to attach to the lid but stick up above it. 4. Wrap one pipe cleaner around the neck of the bottle and twist ends into two antennae; tack with a drop of hot glue. 5. Cut the other two pipe cleaners in half and glue three of them on the bottom of the bottle and bend them each down one-half inch on both sides to form legs (half of one pipe cleaner is left over for another project). 6. Roll up the paper with the quote on it and slip into the bottle, then slip the glow stick into the bottle and attach the lid “face.” Say: “When it is dark tonight, take the glow stick out and break it and put it back in, glowing. Watch your firefly power up with God’s love, carrying the message to shine our lights and stand up for what we believe in.” Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: P e r f a m i l y : g r e e n p l a s t i c o r c l e a r w a t e r b o t t l e w i t h li d ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 6 o u n c e s ) , t w o y e l l o w b e a d s f o r e y e s , g l o w s t i c k , g r a y o r b l a c k s h e e t o f c r a f t f o a m , h a l f o f a y e l l o w o r g r e e n s h e e t o f c r a f t f o a m , t h r e e b l a c k p i p e c l e a n e r s , s c i s s o r s , h o t g l u e g u n , a n d s m a l l p i e c e o f p a p e r ( 4 b y 4 i n c h e s ) w i t h t h i s m e s s a g e : Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to stand up for what you believe in! Let your light shine, and love others with the power of the Spirit!

Campfire Cupcake Snack Campers will create their own campfire cupcakes and then enjoy eating them. (Leader Note: Be sure to discuss options with the kitchen staff and get their recommendations. Also be aware of campers’ food allergies.) Option One: 1. Frost cupcakes unless they are already frosted, sprinkle the orange and black sprinkles on top. These resemble the embers and ash in the campfire. 2. Line the outer rim of the cupcake with brown candies to be the rocks around the campfire. 3. Arrange the pretzel sticks to look like logs standing up tepee style and add orange candies between them to represent the fire. 4. Sing a grace around your “campfires” before digging in. Option Two: 1. Cut oranges in half, scoop out the orange pulp, either eating it or saving it to eat later or to feed the birds. 2. Follow the directions on a muffin mix. 3. Pour the mix into the orange half rinds, filling them only halfway. 4. Wrap the orange rinds separately in foil, keeping them upright. 5. Carefully place the wrapped orange rinds into the coals of a campfire. 6. When the time indicated on the mix is up or the muffins are obviously cooked, remove them carefully from the campfire. 7. After cooling, pass the campfire cupcakes out to everyone. 8. Sing a grace around your campfire before digging in. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: Option One: p e r e a c h c a m p e r — o n e c u p c a k e ( c a n b e m a d e w i t h m u f f i n m i x o r c a k e m i x ) ; f r o s t i n g ; o r a n g e a n d b l a c k s p r i n k l e s ; o r a n g e ( 5 ) a n d b r o w n ( 1 0 ) c a n d y p i e c e s ( Reeses Pieces if n o p e a n u t a l l e r g i e s , g u m d r o p s , o r m & m’s i f t h e r e a r e ) ; p r e t z e l s t i c k s ( 6 – 8 ) Option Two: H a l f a s m a n y o r a n g e s a s c a m p e r s , k n i f e t o c u t t h e o r a n g e s i n h a l f , s p o o n s t o s c o o p o u t p u l p , h e a v y d u t y f o i l , m u f f i n m i x a n d a n y o t h e r r e q u i r e d i n g r e d i e n t s , t o n g s o r o t h e r t o o l s f o r h a n d l i n g t h e o r a n g e s h e l l s i n t h e f i r e , c a m p f i r e

SONG SUGGESTIONS “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” Hymn “We Covenant with Hand and Heart,” Hymn “Great Is the Lord,” Michael W. Smith “He Has Made Me Glad,” Leona Von Brethorst “Lean on Me” (chorus especially), Bill Withers

MORNING WORSHIP Place today’s symbol of the strong arms linked together with the previous days’ symbols. Ask campers what the symbol might represent today. Tell the story of Paul’s letter to Timothy or read a children’s story. Some options include: Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae Miss Tizzy by Libba Moore Gray How Full Is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer Challenge campers to look for signs of courage or campers standing up for others today. Supplies: S y m b o l s f o r t h e f i r s t s i x d a y s o f c a m p , ( o p t i o n a l : s t o r y b o o k )

EVENING WORSHIP Read or line out Psalm 139:7. Say: “The power of the Spirit gives us courage to not fear, to not go away from or flee from God’s presence.” Focus on the symbol of the day. Ask: “What do the strong arms linked mean to you now?” Have campers make “Don’t Worry Stones”: 1. Pull off a marble-size amount of two or three colors of clay. 2. Push the clay together to form a ball. 3. Roll and twist the clay in your hand to make a “snake.” 4. Take your “snake” and smoosh it together or coil it up into a “plate.” 5. Roll it into a ball. 6. With the ball in one hand, press your thumb into the ball until you have an indentation that you can rub your thumb in. Say: “After tonight, our Don’t Worry Stones will dry hard in their shape, but they will still work for us tonight. With your stone in your hand, in the silence, think about things you worried about today. In our prayer time give those worries to God by rubbing your stone gently and saying silently or out loud each of your worries.” Close the prayer time by saying, “Timothy experienced the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline with the help of the Holy Spirit—we can too. Our Don’t Worry Stones remind us to let our worries go, to give them to God. Thank you, God, for carrying our worries for us and setting us free for a new day. Amen!” Supplies: B i b l e , s y m b o l f o r t o d a y , a i r - d r y c l a y i n a t l e a s t t h r e e d i f f e r e n t c o l o r s ( e n o u g h t o m a k e a l a r g e m a r b l e - s i z e d b a l l f o r e a c h c a m p e r )

CABIN DEVOTIONS Ask campers where they saw examples of courage today around camp. Say: “Letting the Holy Spirit work within us with the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline gives us courage to do what’s right and love one another.” Using some of the words that were expressed about courage, write or have campers write those words inside a new circle on your “circle paper” (in a new color, perhaps orange). Ask: “Do you see how the work of the Holy Spirit is overlapping? What words are in several of our circles? Encourage the family groups to revisit their buckets to see what blessings have been added or maybe dipped out but later filled back in today. Pray with thanksgiving for all the ways people fill one another’s buckets with the help of the Spirit of power and love within us. (Optional: if you didn’t do the bucket activity, use large paper cups and slips of paper to write blessings or good things done for and to one another today—one cup per family group). Supplies: C i r c l e p a p e r w i t h a s i x t h c i r c l e a d d e d , o r a n g e m a r k e r s , b u c k e t s f r o m e a r l i e r a c t i i v i t y , ( o p t i o n a l : c u p s , s l i p s o f p a p e r , p e n c i l s ) NUMBER OF CAMPERS

PAPER COLOR LABEL REPRESENTS 10-15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 35-40

Orange N-20 Nuts 20 lbs 2 3 3 4 5 6

Orange N-10 Nuts 10 lbs 8 13 17 21 25 29

Blue B-20 Berries 20 lbs 2 3 3 4 5 6

Yellow I-12 Insects 12 lbs 2 3 3 4 5 6

Red M-8 Meat 8 lbs 2 3 3 4 5 6

Red M-4 Meat 4 lbs 8 13 17 21 25 29

Green P-20 Plants 20 lbs 2 3 3 4 5 6

INTERGENERATIONAL/FAMILY Day 7: Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go Key Verses: Jesus said to [the disciples] again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” —John 20:21-22 Scripture: John 20:19-23 Focus: Receiving the Holy Spirit overcomes fears and empowers us for living the way of peace and forgiveness. Connection to Campers: Campers will recognize that Jesus is commissioning all of us to continue his work. They will also understand that we are not alone in that task—the power of the Holy Spirit will empower us to take peace wherever we go! Leader Notes: Review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 7. Today is a shorter day as you send campers home. Several activities for closure are included that help send campers out into the world with all their new assurance of the Holy Spirit’s power. CUSTOMIZE TODAY’S PLAN: Choose what you will do EXPLORE Peace Be with You

Story Symbol = Go-in-Peace Sign

Hand Puppets

EXPERIENCE What Stuck with You?

The Closer You Look

Mandala of Power

Go-in-Peace Suncatcher

Peace Sign Snack EXPRESS Morning Worship

Closing Worship . EXPLORE .

Peace Be with You Before reading the Bible story for today, invite campers to imagine they are all disciples hiding out, huddled in fear, locked in a room, thinking that they might be next to be captured and put on trial, just like their leader and teacher, Jesus. Now read the scripture as campers imagine themselves in that place, encountering these events. Read John 20:19-23. Ask: • When Jesus first says “Peace be with you,” how do you think the disciples felt? (maybe more at peace or just in shock or surprise at seeing Jesus’ again and wondering how he got inside a locked room) • After Jesus shows the wounds in his hands and side, why do the disciples rejoice? (Seeing them proved that he was really Jesus risen from the dead.) • Once Jesus says, “Peace be with you,” a second time, how do you think the disciples felt? (Perhaps they hear it differently now, since they’re not so afraid, and are able to accept the peace.) • Jesus breathes on them and tells them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” How did that change things for the disciples? (The Holy Spirit will help them, empowering them to be at peace and to forgive the sins of anyone and everyone.) Say: “The Holy Spirit gives each of us the power to live in peace in our families, with our friends, in our communities, and in the world. The Holy Spirit empowers us to carry on Jesus’ work.” Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e

Story Symbol = Go-in-Peace Sign Show the campers symbols from the past days and ask: “How do the symbols from this week remind us of the power of the Holy Spirit?” Show them today’s symbol, the two-finger go-in-peace sign and ask: “Why do you think this peace sign is today’s symbol?” (Jesus extends peace to the disciples and tells them the Holy Spirit will be with them everywhere they go and will help them find peace.) Supplies: S y m b o l s f r o m t h e p r e v i o u s s i x d a y s , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f a t w o - f i n g e r g o - i n - p e a c e s i g n

Story Puppets Begin by creating a set of hand puppets for each camper or within each family group. Each camper needs a glove with five puppet faces glued to the five fingers. (Leader Note: With time short on this last day, it’s helpful to do the gluing ahead of time.) Campers can add tiny eyes, draw a mouth and nose and add fabric scraps to “dress” their puppets. Their puppets will be Jesus and four disciples, so they do not need to represent a specific person, just a general person from Bible times. Invite each family group to find the Bible story in John 20:19-23, and while they read it out loud, have the family use the hand puppet to tell the story. Then ask: • Did any part of the story jump out to you in this telling? Remind the group that the Holy Spirit is always within us, giving us the power to follow all of Jesus’ teachings. Power Up! Leader Note: Encourage the families take the puppets home and use them to tell other New Testament stories. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: P u p p e t s — o n e g l o v e ( k n i t t e d , w o r k , o r d i s h w a s h i n g ) p e r p e r s o n , f i v e s m a l l ( o n e - i n c h ) w o o d e n d i s k s p e r p e r s o n f o r f a c e s , f a b r i c s c r a p s , f a b r i c g l u e o r h o t g l u e g u n ( a d u l t u s e ) , t i n y g o o g l e e y e s , p e r m a n e n t m a r k e r s . EXPERIENCE .

What Stuck with You? Set up a poster board with “What STUCK with You This Week?” written across the top in big letters. Challenge your campers to identify the messages from any day this week at camp that have stood out to them. What messages about the Holy Spirit might they take home with them? Have campers share within family groups or with the whole group what has stuck with them. Then, have campers write those things on sticky notes and stick them onto the poster board. Say: “Isn’t it amazing how the power of the Holy Spirit helps us grow and learn while having lots of fun at camp?”

Preschool adaptation To allow nonreaders to participate more fully, have them draw pictures to add to the poster board. Their pictures might tend toward favorite activities rather than what they have learned. If it is possible, tie those activities in to a lesson from the week. (“When we made birdfeeders, we practiced the fruit of the Spirit called kindness because we did something kind for the birds.”) If you cannot easily tie the contents of the picture to a lesson, you might say something like, “Isn’t it great to feel God’s love at camp!”

Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: P o s t e r b o a r d , m a r k e r , c o l o r e d s t i c k y n o t e s ( t h r e e - i n c h s q u a r e ) , p e n s

The Closer You Look Have each camper, or younger camper paired with an adult, make a charcoal or pencil drawing of a tree from memory, without using a model, and without going outside. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Just have each camper draw what a tree looks like by memory. Then take your group outside and let them explore various trees. Suggest that they… Look to see what colors they can find; See how many different shapes of leaves they can find; Listen to hear what sounds leaves make; Sniff to find out what trees smell like; Look to see if the trees seem to have fruit or flowers (If a tree has buds, what do they look like?); Look to see if any animals (insects, birds, mammals) or plants (lichen, moss) live on the tree; Touch the bark and leaves to see how they feel; Notice if the branches mostly point up, down, or straight out. After campers have thoroughly explored the trees, using several of their senses, return inside and ask each camper, or pair of adult and younger camper, to make a second sketch. This time have them use the colored pencils as they sketch a tree after exploring the real thing outside. Take a moment or two to have campers compare their two sketches and also to look at the pairs of drawings of other campers. Have them look for patterns repeated in both drawings. Ask: “How did your drawings change once you had explored outside? Which of the two represents the better picture of a tree?” Say: “This week we have been discovering many things about the power of the Holy Spirit. Think back to what you thought about the Holy Spirit when we first began our exploration this week.” Ask: “What meaning did the Holy Spirit have for you—do you remember?” Say: “Now that we have used a variety of ways to explore God’s stories about the Holy Spirit, we have a different picture of the power of the Holy Spirit.” Ask: “What does the power of the Holy Spirit look like to you now?” Encourage all the campers to share this new image of the Holy Spirit, transformed by their discoveries this week.

Preschool adaptation Preschoolers are not developmentally ready to understand symbolism, one thing representing another. They will have trouble connecting the tree picture to the conversation that follows. They may also have trouble identifying how their understanding has changed. For this age group, it will be enough to help them identify what they have learned (not comparing before and after camp). Have children draw pictures of the Holy Spirit’s power. What does it look like? What color is it? What size is it? What shape is it? Where do they see it? Then talk with them about the pictures. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: L a r g e p i e c e s o f d r a w i n g p a p e r ( t w o s h e e t s p e r c a m p e r ) , c h a r c o a l o r b l a c k p e n c i l s , c o l o r e d p e n c i l s

Mandala of Power Mandala in the language of Sanskrit refers to a sacred circle, representing wholeness and creation. Mandalas are used for meditation. Campers are going to create a mandala, with younger campers working with an adult, that represents “Power of the Spirit” in the center with radiating themes of this week. 1. Begin by having each camper write “Power of the Spirit” in the center of a sheet of paper and then drawing a circle around it. 2. Next have each camper add the seven themes of the week, writing them in capital letters and like spokes of a wheel poking out from the sides of the circle: PROMISE, CELEBRATE, IMITATE CHRIST, FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, COMMUNITY, COURAGE, and PEACE. 3. Then between the theme words, or spokes, campers can write in other words or draw pictures that come to mind from this week of discovery. 4. Challenge campers to use lots of color as they design their mandalas. 5. Close with: “At home, hang your mandala, your sacred circle of the Power of the Spirit, in a place where it will remind you of the Holy Power that fills you. No matter what, the Power of the Holy Spirit is with you always! Power Up!” Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: O n e p i e c e o f p a p e r p e r c a m p e r o r p a i r , c o l o r e d p e n c i l s

Go-in-Peace Suncatchers Campers will each make a suncatcher to remind them of Jesus’ words to all disciples. Give these instructions: 1. On the outside or good side of the plastic lid write “Peace Be with You” in permanent marker within the circle of the lid. 2. Pour a generous amount of glue into the lid side with the lip and swish it around to cover the entire inner surface. 3. Put one or two drops of each color of food coloring around the glue in the lid. 4. Using a toothpick, swirl the colors around in the glue. Stop swirling before the colors get too combined, or the result will be muddy and brown. 5. Let dry. As the colors settle they will continue to expand and create a dyed, “psychedelic” effect. 6. Once the suncatcher is dry, which may take half a day or more depending on how thick the glue is, peel the glue circle off the lid, and rewrite “Peace Be with You” on the suncatcher on either side. 7. Using a hole punch, make a hole and add a string to hang it in your favorite window at home. Say: “Now you have a reminder of the words Jesus gave to all his disciples—including us—“Peace Be with You”—and the reassurance that the power of the Holy Spirit will always be with us and within us! Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: P l a s t i c li d s ( f o u r - i n c h d i a m e t e r o r l a r g e r ) — o n e p e r c a m p e r , w h i t e g l u e ( c l e a r d r y i n g ) , li q u i d f o o d c o l o r i n g , t o o t h p i c k s , b l a c k p e r m a n e n t m a r k e r , h o l e p u n c h , s t r i n g f o r h a n g e r

Peace Sign Snack Let campers create their peace sign snack, and then enjoy eating it. Direct the campers to construct this snack in this way: “Place half of apple with the cut portion face down on a plate. Use one carrot and one celery stick to form the two fingers of the peace sign in a “V” with the apple representing the palm of the hand.” Campers may use peanut butter or cream cheese if you choose to stick the two veggie fingers to the apple, providing a dip for both, but beware of food allergies. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: F o r e a c h c a m p e r — P l a t e , c a r r o t s t i c k , c e l e r y s t i c k , h a l f a n a p p l e , ( o p t i o n a l : c r e a m c h e e s e o r p e a n u t b u t t e r )

SONG SUGGESTIONS “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “We Are People of God’s Peace,” Hymn, Menno Simons “Spirit, Now Live in Me,” Hymn, Brian Jeffery Leech “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Hymn, Sy Miller and Jill Jackson

MORNING WORSHIP Place today’s symbol of the two-finger go-in-peace sign with all the others. Review the meaning of each, and summarize the themes of the week. If you have time, choose a story to read: Islands of the Skog by Steven Kellog Yes We Can by Sam McBratney Read or line out Psalm 51:12. Ask: “How does the Holy Spirit sustain us in power for peace wherever we go?” Say: “All week we have been exploring the power of the Holy Spirit and all the ways that God gives us the gift of the Spirit to teach, lead, guide, fill, and support us. When we first gathered together this week, we discovered the Promise of Peace as our theme and we talked about Jesus’ promise that the peace of the Spirit would always be with us, as his disciples. Today we close our week together with Peace Wherever You Go. Again the power of the Spirit is in all that we do, in all that we are, and in all the places we go. This quotation attributed to John Lennon is a good summary of the peace, with which we leave camp: Peace is not something you wish for. It’s something you make, Something you do, something you are, And something you give away. Say: “Our challenge as we leave camp today is to take that peace home with us to our families, our friends, our communities, our world—and give it away. Power Up! Go in peace.” (Have everyone make the go-in-peace sign.) Supplies: B i b l e , s y m b o l s f o r t h e w e e k , L e n n o n q u o t e , ( o p t i o n a l : s t o r y b o o k )

CLOSING WORSHIP Say: “Today we will add the final circle in the middle of our design that we have been creating each evening this week. As we add our circle of peace for today, we see that it touches and overlaps all the circles representing all the days of discovery this week. Today’s Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go is a part of all the other days. This is the ultimate power of the Spirit: the power for us to take all that we have learned out into the world and give it away wherever we go.” Ask: “How might you give away the power of peace in the weeks ahead?” Take a moment and invite the campers to take a look at all of the circles—what has been written down—and how they overlap and have now become one complete design. Say: “All of our Power Up circles have now become one. The One became the many, and many become One. In unity all dance together in an ongoing state of harmony and unconditional love. Power Up with the love of God through the Holy Spirit.” As a part of closing your last day at camp, you may choose to give an individual blessing to each camper. You may also choose to add annointing with oil to this blessing by making the sign of the cross on the back of each camper’s hand as you say: Peace be with you. I’m sending you out into the world— receive the power of the Holy Spirit. If you choose not to use the annointing, have campers stand in a circle, and you as the leader, stand in the center of the circle. Go to each camper, call each by name, hold his or her hand, and say the blessing. Close by having all the campers repeat the blessing in unison, followed by “Amen!” Supplies: C i r c l e p a p e r f r o m t h e d a i l y d e v o t i o n s w i t h a s e v e n t h c i r c l e a d d e d , m a r k e r s a l l i n o n e c o l o r d i f f e r e n t t h a n p r e v i o u s d a y s ( p e r h a p s p i n k ) , ( o p t i o n a l : o i l f o r a n o i n t i n g ) Extra Bookmarks (NEW!)

Power Up With the Promise of Peace

Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. God promises the same Spirit to us! Are you ready to receive it? John 14:25-27 Prayer: God, please remind me that through the Holy Spirit, you have given me peace. Do not let my heart be troubled or afraid. Help me to remember that your Spirit is always with me. A text from Jesus: Have 2 go. Not leaving u alone. Sending help. Be @ peace. Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit

Just as with the disciples, the Holy Spirit fills us and gives us power to share the good news in many amazing and creative ways! Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to come together and to understand. Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 Prayer: God of Love, breathe new life into me today. Fill me with your Spirit, so that I may celebrate your love. Peter’s Twitter feed: @world_Holy Spirit is here! We’re speaking your language about Jesus. Hear, believe, join us #promisefulfilled. Power Up To Imitate Christ

We are not left to figure out how to follow God on our own. We can look to the example of Jesus and of other Christians to learn about how to live and be filled with joy. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Prayer: Holy Spirit, remind me that I am God’s beloved. Fill me with the truth that I am chosen and loved. With your help, Holy Spirit, help me to give back your love to everyone I meet. Paul’s Facebook status: Wishing I was in Thessalonica—but I know you are following my example and living like Jesus. Keep it up! Power Up With the Fruit of the Spirit

We have choices about how we live everyday. When we choose to live by the Spirit, good fruit is produced in our lives and can impact others positively! Galatians 5:16-26 Prayer: God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, grow love in my heart. Fill me with peace, patience, and kindness as a way to share your love with others. Help me to be generous, self-controlled, and gentle even when it is tough to do. Holy Spirit, may I respond in faithfulness to you. Amen. Paul tweets: @Galatians_b Spirit-filled, not fleshly. Bear fruit. #love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Power Up as One Community Do you feel it? Do you feel the love of your community, family, and friends? As we live in the way of the Spirit, we can experience unity and connection in new, exciting, and hopeful ways. Ephesians 4:1-6 Prayer: Holy Spirit, bind us together as one, reminding us of the power found in community. Bring us to a place of peace and unity, even when times are hard and we disagree. May we be rooted and connected in you. Help us to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving toward one another. Paul, in prison and unable to go to the Ephesians personally, sends the following text: Can’t get there. U must live as 1, in luv, b/c of JC. Power Up with Courage

The Spirit empowers you to be brave, to stand up and make a difference! 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 Prayer: God, I sometimes feel like I can’t do what I know Jesus would want me to. Help me to let go of my fears and be brave. Help me to have courage and make a difference. Thank you for the presence and power of your Holy Spirit. Paul posts on Timothy’s Facebook wall: I’ve taught you all I know. It is time for you to take over. Never, ever forget: There is nothing more important than your faith in Jesus. God is all-powerful and loving and that very power and love is in you through the Holy Spirit! You need nothing else! Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go

The Spirit gives you power to live the way of peace and forgiveness. You are not alone as you encounter your family, friends, community, and the world. God’s peace is with you through the Spirit! John 20:19-23 Prayer: God, help me say, “Here I am! Send me!” Remind me, Lord, that the Holy Spirit sends me out into the world and also walks with me even when I am afraid. Guide me, Spirit of Life, to accept your call to serve others in whatever way I can. Text from Jesus: U do not go alone! The Holy Spirit will help u and give u power and love to face whatever is ahead. Go in peace! Extra Arts and Crafts

Melted Fire Crayons Remove the paper from crayons and break crayons into small pieces. Fill muffin cups halfway full with a mixture of crayon pieces. Place muffin pans in a 250 degree oven and wait for crayons to melt. (Depending upon the mixture of brands used, crayon pieces will melt at varying speeds—be patient). Once the crayons have completely melted, use pot holders to remove tins from oven and place on a heat-safe surface. Use toothpicks to swirl the colors together and then allow the crayons to cool. Because the crayon material contracts as it cools, your “melted fire” crayons will pop out of the muffin tins relatively easily once they are completely cool. Use the crayons for projects at camp, or send them home as a reminder of camp and the Holy Spirit. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: A v a r i e t y o f c r a y o n s i n s h a d e s o f r e d / y e l l o w / o r a n g e ( u s e o l d b r o k e n c r a y o n s i n s t e a d o f p u r c h a s i n g n e w o n e s ! ) , m i n i m u f f i n p a n s , t o o t h p i c k s , p o t h o l d e r s , o v e n p r e - h e a t e d t o 2 5 0 d e g r e e s Bubble Wands Using wire cutters, cut wire into 16-inch pieces (one piece per camper). Help campers twist one end of the wire into a circle (the larger the circle, the bigger the bubbles!). Use pliers to fasten the circle together. Invite campers to select 10–15 beads that they want to have on their bubble-wand handle. Have campers thread beads onto the wire handle in whatever order they prefer. Help campers to fasten off the end of the handle using pliers, and remove any excess wire with wire cutters. Pour bubble soap solution into a few plastic bowls, and let campers try out their wands! Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: W i r e , w i r e c u t t e r s / p l i e r s , m e d i u m - t o - l a r g e p l a s t i c a n d / o r g l a s s b e a d s , b u b b l e s o a p s o l u t i o n , p l a s t i c b o w l s Paper Plate Dove Cut paper plate into three long strips (the two outside pieces will become the wings, and the middle will be the body of the dove). After cutting the wings free, on the back of the paper plate, draw the dove’s head, body, and tail as one piece from the remaining middle section. After you cut the head/body/tail section out, when you flip it over, the marker lines won’t show. Tape the wings like a bird in flight so that they spread out from the back of the head/body/tail combo piece. Use markers to color eyes, a beak, and legs on the head/body/tail piece of the dove. The finished dove should resemble the bird found in this picture (http://catholicicing.com/holy-spirit-craft-make-a-dove-from-a-paper-plate). Older campers may add on to this craft. For them, provide these additional directions: Use yellow construction paper to cut out flame-shaped pieces. On each flame, write a fruit of the Spirit. Then, using yarn and a single- hole punch, attach each flame from the bottom of the dove’s wings so that they dangle below the dove. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: P l a i n w h i t e p a p e r p l a t e s , s c i s s o r s , t a p e , m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : y e l l o w c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , s i n g l e - h o l e p u n c h , y a r n )

Spirit Stones Allow campers to choose their own stone(s) from a pile or while on a nature walk. Make sure stones are relatively smooth and clean. Brush or wash off dirt. Using paints and markers, campers can do one or more of the following: • Decorate a stone for each of the nine fruit of the Spirit or for one or two fruit they specifically want to work on. • Decorate a stone in a way that reminds them of the Holy Spirit. • Decorate a stone for each of the days of camp (using the symbols for the day, which can be found on the bookmarks). • Decorate stones with the various names for the Holy Spirit. Allow stones to dry completely before campers take them to their cabins. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , S p a t i a l Supplies: S m o o t h s t o n e s ( p u r c h a s e d o r f o u n d a r o u n d y o u r c a m p ) , p e r m a n e n t m a r k e r s , p a i n t s , p a i n t b r u s h e s

Fruit of the Spirit Prayer Beads Campers can create special strands of prayer beads to remind them of the fruit of the Spirit. These beads can be worn as bracelets, attached to backpacks, used as bookmarks, or made into keychains. Regardless of format, the beads can be used during worship at camp and are a great way to take home one of the lessons from the week! Explain that you are making prayer beads that represent each of the nine fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. Each color bead represents a different fruit: red = love yellow = joy blue = peace purple = patience green = kindness orange = goodness gold = faithfulness white = gentleness silver = self-control Invite campers to choose the kind of bead set they would like to make: bracelet, backpack tag, bookmark, or keychain. Help them to cut a piece of leather cord or plastic lanyard that is an appropriate length for their selection. Campers can simply slide beads onto the cord and knot both ends, or place knots between each bead for a fancier look. When campers are finished creating their bead sets, encourage them to use the beads when they pray, asking God to help them develop each of these spiritual fruits in their own lives. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: P l a s t i c p o n y b e a d s i n n i n e d i f f e r e n t c o l o r s , l e a t h e r c o r d o r p l a s t i c l a n y a r d , ( o p t i o n a l : m e t a l k e y c h a i n l o o p s o r c l i p s t o a t t a c h t o b a c k p a c k s )

Wind Chimes Wind chimes are another great object that can be used to demonstrate the movement of wind and the movement of the Holy Spirit. Prior to working on your wind chimes, take campers on a nature walk and encourage them to gather from the ground twigs, stones, shells, and other objects from nature that they want to use on their chimes. After the nature walk, have each camper gather his or her found objects into a pile on the work surface. Provide every camper with a wire hanger and explain that the hanger is the base for a set of wind chimes. Using string and yarn, string beads and found objects onto several separate strands. Attach each strand of items to a different spot on the hanger. When campers are done creating (and cleaning up the work area), head outside. Hang wind chimes on a tree branch or other outdoor spot and wait for the wind to begin making unique music! Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , M u s i c a l Supplies: Y a r n o r s t r i n g , s c i s s o r s , w i r e c l o t h e s h a n g e r s , a v a r i e t y o f c o l o r f u l g l a s s b e a d s , f o u n d o b j e c t s f r o m n a t u r e

Origami Fruit (Instructions for Origami Fruit see All-in-One PowerUP PDF file on page 246) This craft activity involves folding brightly colored paper into a variety of fruit shapes. Using the origami patterns included on page 246, or other patterns found for free online at websites such as http://en.origami- club.com/fruit/index.html, helps campers learn how to turn paper into fruit. Make these shapes just for fun, or campers can write camp notes/“warm fuzzies” and put them in key places for others to find. They may also give them to other campers as an affirmation for showing a fruit of the Spirit in some way. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: C o p i e s o f o r i g a m i p a t t e r n s , c o l o r e d p a p e r , p e n s o r m a r k e r s , s c i s s o r s a n d r u l e r s f o r c u t t i n g t h e p a p e r i n t o s q u a r e s ( i f n e e d b e )

Extra Games (Expanded!) Name Games I’m Going to a Party (Day 2) To learn the names of the campers, have them form a circle. Model the pattern: “My name is______. I’m going to a party and I’ll be (taking/doing/enjoying...) ______.” The next person needs to repeat either all the patterns of the previous campers (or the previous five) before adding his or her own. After one round, have everyone shift places and challenge the campers to recall the names of the others. Remind everyone that this week’s theme is about celebration! Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Lima Y Limón (Lime and Lemon) (Day 2 or 4) Here’s a fun game for getting to know names on a day that celebrates the Holy Spirit bringing diverse people together in understanding despite their language differences. It’s also a good get-acquainted game for fruit of the Spirit. Have the group stand or sit in a circle with the “Fruit Picker” at the center. When he or she points to someone and says “Lima,” that person must say the name of the person on the left before the Fruit Picker counts to ten in English or Spanish (or Korean for those who do Tae Kwon Do or any other language of their choice). If the Fruit Picker says, “Limón,” the person indicated must name the one sitting to the right before the count of ten. If the person indicated fails, then he or she becomes the Fruit Picker. For added challenge, shorten the count to five after several rounds of ten. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Names in Rhythm (Day 3) Have campers sit in a circle. Start a beat by having everyone slap their thighs (once), clap their hands (once), and snap their fingers (one, two). Once the four-beat rhythm is going, go around the circle with each person saying his or her name on the snaps. Depending upon the number of syllables in the name, the player can say the name fast (AnnaLisa), draw it out (Will-ill), or fit it to the beat (Ev- an), for example. To vary the challenge, speed up the rhythm, or have one person in the center point to different campers, and the group must say the name in rhythm. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l Supplies: N o n e

Pick a Pack (Day 4) Invite the group to sit in a circle. Place an empty basket in the center of the circle. Tell the campers that they will be talking about the fruit of the Spirit. Explain that as they go around the circle, each person will tell his or her first name and also a fruit—something that grows on a tree, bush, plant, or in the ground and can be picked and eaten. (Nuts, flowers, and vegetables may also count, if you wish, because they are technically fruit of the plant.) Challenge the campers to pick something that also starts with the first letter of their name. (My name is Quentin and I pick quince.) Give that person a big “Woo hoo,” but recognize that not everyone will be familiar with a fruit that goes with his or her initial. Perhaps the group can help think of one. Do another round and challenge campers to identify two (or more) other campers by name and tell what fruit they picked. After persons have been picked, the next camper must name different people in the circle—until everyone has been identified at least once. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B a s k e t

Toss Up! (Day 5) In a circle have campers toss a ball to different people. Each time the thrower must state his or her name. After everyone has had a turn, change the rules. This time the thrower must state the name of the person intended as the receiver. Then yell “Toss up!” and everyone must switch places and play again. If the group is large, work in multiple circles. At the “Toss up!” have the circles intermingle, with some people staying and some moving to form the new circle. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: O n e o r m o r e b a l l s ( s o c c e r , v o l l e y b a l l , o r s i m i l a r s i z e ) Line Up! (Day 5) This simple game is a fun way to get acquainted and find points of commonality! Challenge the group to line up in birth-date order. Once they are in line, have them create groups of three from the persons next to them and introduce themselves, telling their name and at least one other thing about themselves, which can be related to the particular challenge. Repeat the pattern with two or three more challenges, such as lining up by grade, favorite color, number of pets, number of siblings, number of years coming to camp. In a circle have each person say his or her name, and ask for two volunteers to tell one thing they learned about that person. Multiple Intelligences: L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Sing Your Name (Day 6) Form a circle. Tell the group they will introduce themselves by singing, rapping, or chanting their names. Acknowledge that being creative can be a bit scary when “performing” in front of people, but assure everyone that no one will be making fun or putting anyone down. There may be some laughter, but it’s not “laughing at...” but “laughing with...”—having fun together. As the leader, be primed to go first. Then encourage volunteers. Have everyone cheer the effort by repeating the name—either singing the same tune or just chanting the name. If someone is still reticent, ask another camper who has already sung to make up a song for the reluctant one. Song tunes can just be names or can include a short rhyme. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l Supplies: N o n e

I Have Never (Day 6) Have the group sit in a circle with one chair fewer than there are players. Ask the group to introduce themselves to their neighbors, giving their name to the person on their right and to the one on the left. The one in the middle has to give his or her name and also a true statement that begins, “I have never....” For example, “I’m Lucy and I have never been horseback riding.” Everyone in the circle who also has never done that simply stay seated. But any campers who have ridden a horse have to get up and run for an empty seat, trying to beat out the one in the middle. Have everyone make introductions again to their new neighbors. The one without a chair starts another round, stating his or her name and giving another “I have never...” statement. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e Theme Games Walk This Way (Day 3) Take a hike and be playful with a purpose. As campers are enjoying nature, from time to time, yell out “Walk this way!” The camper in the lead then creates a fun way of walking the trail (hopping, giant steps, walking and turning, and so on), which everyone else must imitate. Lead campers switch after their turn. A counselor will need to monitor the trail to both start and stop the time of walking this way. As the hike nears the end, take time to talk about the importance of choosing carefully the ones we will imitate in our lives. Point campers to Jesus as the one we can follow in complete trust, no matter how challenging the journey. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: H i k i n g t r a i l

Do This...and This...and This... (Day 3) Have campers sit or stand in a circle. Designate a leader who starts an action, such as waving a hand, which everyone then imitates. Then the next person in the circle adds another action, continuing the first as well. Again everyone must do both. Continue around the circle until everyone has added an action or the whole group collapses in laughter! For large groups, divide into smaller circles. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Contagious (Day 3) Have campers sit in a circle. One player says “Ha”; the next, “Ha, Ha,” and so on around the circle with each person adding a “Ha.” The catch is no one must laugh. If they do, the group starts over. Point out that laughter is contagious and choosing to be among positive, Spirit-filled friends and role models makes life more joyful. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Paper Bag Drama (Day 5) Divide into smaller groups of three to five persons. Give each group a bag of six unrelated objects. Each team is to work together to create one story or skit that uses all the items. As they present their “drama,” they need to have each person on the team involved in some way. Give the teams about 15 minutes to prepare. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: P a p e r b a g s ( o n e f o r e a c h t e a m ) f i l l e d w i t h o d d s a n d e n d s o f it e m s — n a t u r a l o r m a n u f a c t u r e d

Yurt Circle (Day 5) A yurt is a tent used by Mongolian nomads. It is held in place by the equilibrium of the roof and walls pushing against each other. Have campers form a circle and count off “In” or “Out.” The group has to have an even number, so a leader can participate or not, depending upon the need. Everyone stands shoulder-to-shoulder facing the center and grabs a hand of the person on either side. On the count of three the “Ins” lean toward the center and the “Outs” lean back, all the while keeping their feet in the starting place and simply supporting one another with their held hands. For a second level challenge, on the count of three, switch to “Outs” leaning inward and “Ins” leaning outward. The third level is to switch in rhythm. The community is one! Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Spaghetti Confetti (Day 5) Have campers stand in a close circle and take the hand of two other campers across the circle—not the person next to them. Then challenge the group to work together to untangle their spaghetti mess. No one is to let go of anyone’s hand until the circle is reformed and the group is one again. Then have everyone throw up their arms and wiggle their fingers like falling confetti until their hands are all down. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Guarding the Treasure (Day 6) A ball is the “treasure.” One player is designated as “Timothy.” Everyone else is trying to take the treasure away without being tagged by Timothy, who can stand over or circle around the treasure to keep watch and prevent it being kicked away. If a player succeeds in kicking the treasure away, the crowd follows, doing their best to keep Timothy from recapturing the treasure. If Timothy tags the one who has the treasure, then the tagged player becomes the new Timothy and the game starts again. No one is to touch the treasure with hands. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: A b a l l ( s o c c e r , f o o t b a l l , v o l l e y b a l l ) Games Just for Fun Got It! This game of tag has a twist. “It” is required to hold one hand on the place where he or she was tagged and still run after the others to tag a new “It,” who then has to hold a hand to his or her tagged spot and so on. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Elbow Tag This version of tag is mostly just fun, but it is also a game in which players are “safe” when they aren’t alone. Head outside to a large, flat, open area. Explain to campers that they will be playing a special game of tag. Invite them to pair up, with each pair joined together by linking arms at the elbows. (Each person should still have a free arm.) Select one pair and split them up, naming one person “runner” and the other “It.” Instruct the linked pairs to spread out across the open area. The person who is “runner” must run up to a pair and link arms with one member of the pair before being tagged by the person who is “It.” When this linking happens, the other member of the pair must leave the grouping. That person becomes the “runner” and must link with a different pair before being tagged by “It.” If the person who is “It” succeeds in tagging the runner before he or she links with a pair, the runner becomes “It,” and the former “It” becomes the runner. When you are finished, take some breathing time and remind campers that with the Holy Spirit they are never alone and, when trouble chases after them—when they are sad, hurt, scared, or disappointed—they can “link up” with the Spirit through prayer. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Monkey-Crab Relay Create two or more teams of at least four players. Set a start line and a finish line. On “Go!” the first player in each team moves forward, like a monkey, on all fours racing to the finish line. When they cross the line, the second players then race toward the finish on all fours, only backwards, like a crab. Players alternate until the first team has all members across the line. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Spirit Hands A game of quick reflexes and passing on the Spirit, Spirit Hands works well as an ice breaker or just a way to use up energy. This action-packed game uses two groups of human conductors, which mimics how the Holy Spirit can move through a community. Having at least ten people makes the game exciting! First, form two teams of equal size, facing each other. Instruct campers to hold hands with the persons next to them until two long human chains are formed. Put a tennis ball on top of a chair at the end of the two lines. The first person at the front of each line is to watch the referee. All other players will be silent and close their eyes to avoid seeing the coin toss. For each round, the referee will flip the coin, with only the designated players allowed to see it. Whenever the coin comes up as “heads,” the two people at the front of the line must as quickly as possible squeeze the hand of the next person, who in turn squeezes the next, and so on to “pass the Spirit.” As the “Spirit” travels down the line of campers, the goal is to be the first team to grab the tennis ball on the chair. When the last person in line feels his or her hand squeezed, that person is to try to grab the ball before last player in the other line. If heads was flipped and a team successfully grabs the ball first, that team wins a point. On the other hand, if the team grabs the ball but tails was flipped, then the point goes to the other team. After each coin flip, wait several seconds and then flip again. For a short game, the winner is the first team to score 10 points. If you have more time, increase the number of points needed to win. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: c h a i r ( o r o t h e r s t a n d ) , c o i n t o t o s s , a n d t e n n i s b a l l Spirit Pulse A fun table game, Spirit Pulse can be played on the floor as well. This is an excellent activity to entertain campers while waiting for meals and so forth. Begin with a circle of players seated, each with one hand flat on a tabletop. The game leader begins the pulse by pointing out the direction the pulse will travel (to the right or to the left) and then raising the hand (while the wrist stays connected to the table) and slapping the table once. The Spirit Pulse moves in the direction indicated, and the next person continues by slapping the table once, as the pulse continues to travel around the table. At any point, a player can slap the table once or twice. If a camper slaps once, the pulse continues in the same direction. If a camper slaps twice, the pulse reverses direction and goes the other way around. If any campers around the table lift even a single finger when it is not their turn, they will lose use of that hand for the rest of the round. Play continues until approximately half of the group has been eliminated, and then players move up to the next higher level of challenge. Round One: Campers place just one hand on the table. Round Two: Campers use both hands, side-by-side. Round Three: Campers use both hands, but cross them (to form an X) so that all right hands are on the left, and all left hands are on the right. Round Four: Campers use both hands, but reach outward so that their right hand crosses over the left hand of the person on their right, and their left hand crosses over the right hand of the person on their left, forming an “X” with the partner on each side. Round Five: Campers revert to the starting positions in Round Two (two hands, side-by-side), but an additional technique is allowed. If a player slaps the table with a fist, the pulse jumps over the next hand in that direction. If he or she makes a fist and double-slaps the table, the pulse reverses direction and skips a hand in the new direction. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: ( O p t i o n a l : t a b l e a n d c h a i r s )

Human Foosball A fun and wacky game based on the popular table game, Human Foosball can be played in a large open field or indoor gym space. It is played by an even number of campers—the more the better. Campers are in two teams, each protecting their soccer goal and trying to score in their opponent’s goal. The two teams each divide into “lines” of four players, representing Foosball paddles. A length of rope will connect each line of four player/paddles, who hold on to the rope with both hands and face the same direction the game is played. At no time during play are hands to come off the rope. Only feet may be used to move the soccer ball around the field. Depending on the number of players, each team can have up to four lines/rope sections (three in the field and one in the goal). Campers holding the rope may only move together in a lateral direction, right to left or left to right, while trying the kick the ball into the goal. The game begins when the referee blows a whistle and rolls the soccer ball onto the field. When a goal is scored, the referee restarts action by rolling the ball back into play. The game ends after one team scores ten goals (or whatever number you set). Bonus fun: Make the game come to life by dressing each team in opposing colors! Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: O p e n s p a c e , t w o s o c c e r g o a l s , s o c c e r b a l l , e i g h t 1 5 - f o o t - l o n g d u r a b l e r o p e s e c t i o n s

Night Ball Nothing is more fun at camp than playing with friends under the stars! This game is simple and fun. Every camper gets a glow stick on string to wear around his or her neck. Tape a couple glow sticks to the dodge balls or purchase a glow-in-the-dark ball, and use glow- in-the-dark spray paint to mark the out-of-bounds lines and the center line. Then play glow-in-the-dark Dodgeball. The referee should have a flashlight to make sure the rules are being observed. Play fun music on speakers to complete the “techno” feel. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: A glow stick for each camper, glow-in-the-dark ball, or additional glow sticks attached to the ball, glow-in-the-dark spray paint to make boundary lines, flashlight for the referee

Shadow Tag A fun, no-prep game for sunny days! Choose a camper to be “it.” The object of the game is to try to tag the shadow of other players by stepping on it. When a camper’s shadow gets stepped on, he or she is “frozen” until another camper steps on it. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: A s u n n y d a y a n d s p a c e t o r u n

Extra Nature Activities

Leaf Hunt Relay Divide campers into several teams (at least two). First, ask campers to collect leaves from each of a number of different kinds of trees and plants, which they need to name for everyone on the team. They also need to report the names of their sources (the trees and plants) to the leader of the game. Teams need to bring back leaves that have already fallen to the ground, not stripping them off of living plants. They may compare the leaves on the ground with those that are on the tree or plant to see if they are the same. An alternative is to make crayon rubbings or to write the tree name on paper. The groups need to collect as many leaves fallen from each tree and plant as there are teams. (If four teams, collect four leaves from each different tree.) (Leader Note: Know your poisonous plants and do not collect even fallen leaves of poison ivy, poison oak, and so forth.) Once the leaves have been collected, for each team make a leaf pile containing one leaf from the various trees or plants and place these piles each at a set distance in front of the respective lined-up team. The leader calls the name of a tree or plant (or holds up a leaf) and then says, “Go.” At the signal, the first camper in each line runs to the designated pile of leaves, finds the leaf from the tree named (or leaf shown) and holds it up. A point is awarded for each leaf correctly identified. The player or leader returns the leaves to the piles and shuffles the piles carefully so as to not break apart the dry leaves. Then the next player from each team can have a turn. Adaptations: Make the activity a speed relay. Or, instead of collecting leaves, prepare slips of paper with the name of the plant or trees, or make crayon rubbings of leaves to replace the actual leaves. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: L e a v e s c o l l e c t e d f r o m t h e g r o u n d f r o m v a r i o u s p l a n t s a n d t r e e s , p a p e r a n d p e n c i l s i f w r i t i n g d o w n t h e k i n d o f p l a n t a n d t r e e i n s t e a d , o r c r a y o n s a n d p a p e r f o r r u b b i n g s

Touchy Feely Boxes Invite campers to take turns reaching into four prepared boxes and touching the three items in each box. Remind them to leave the items in each box and to keep quiet about what they discover so the next camper enjoys the mystery. Once everyone has touched the items in all four boxes, discuss: • Was it easy to learn what the item really was? If no, why? • Was it easy or hard to learn by only feeling by your hands? Tell the group that now they are to try to find the place where the items from each box came from. Begin your walk or hike according to where your campers suggest they might find the places. Encourage them to stay on trails but don’t direct them. Let them lead one another as they learn where the trees with the three different kinds of leaves are and where the trees that the fruit, seeds, or sticks come from; where the evergreens are; where the rocks and objects might have come from. Only give hints if needed. The match doesn’t need to be the exact spot or tree to count. At each stop where they think the items came from, open the box and compare to see if they are correct. If they are, leave the item there, back in its “place.” Discuss: How easy was it to discover the places that the items came from naturally? Say: “God gives us an amazing variety of plants and trees as part of creation. The Holy Spirit guides us in taking care of all the parts of God’s creation. Power up!” Leader Note: Be sure to remind campers before collecting anything natural that we do not harm God’s creation by picking, breaking, or tearing anything alive; and we return our items back to nature once we are finished with them. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: F o u r s h o e b o x e s w i t h a h o l e b i g e n o u g h f o r a h a n d c u t o u t o f e a c h l i d , o r f o u r r e c t a n g u l a r t i s s u e b o x e s ; n a t u r a l o b j e c t s t o t o u c h f r o m a r o u n d c a m p f o r t h e b o x e s : B o x 1 : t h r e e d i f f e r e n t l e a v e s ( j a g g e d / s m o o t h e d g e s , s m a l l / l a r g e ) , B o x 2 : t h r e e d i f f e r e n t r o c k s ( s m o o t h / j a g g e d , s m a l l / l a r g e , r i v e r r o c k ) , B o x 3 : t h r e e d i f f e r e n t o b j e c t s ( n u t o r f r u i t , s t i c k , s e e d p o d ) , B o x 4 : t h r e e e v e r g r e e n p a r t s ( p i n e c o n e , e v e r g r e e n b r a n c h , p i n e n e e d l e s , t r e e b a r k )

Making Paper Campers can build a frame screen or use one already created in the making of their recycled paper. Begin by collecting various discarded papers: newsprint, cardboard cartons, notebook paper, envelopes, even bits of colored paper. Tear sheets of discarded papers into small pieces less than two inches in diameter, and put the pieces into a large plastic tub. Add water and laundry starch in proportions of one tablespoon of starch per cup of water to the torn paper. Beat the mixture with an egg beater or use an old blender until the pulp is the consistency of a very light gravy. Dip the frame screen sideways into the pulp mixture until the screen is completely coated with a light layer of pulp. Drain the excess water solution into the tub. Remove the four tacks holding the screen in place; remove the frame and lay the pulp on the screen on a folded-up towel and roll a smooth plastic cup like a rolling pin over the pulp to press out additional water. Turn the screen over onto a dry place on the folded towel and remove the screen from the pulp; roll again to remove more moisture from the pulp. Lay a piece of paper on top of the pulp and transfer the “paper pulp” from the towel onto the piece of paper. Lay the paper flat in a sunny place to dry. Once dry, the recycled paper may be trimmed and written on with marker or pen. Invite campers to write a prayer for another camper and deliver it on the last day of camp. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: O n e f r a m e s c r e e n p e r c a m p e r ( e a s i l y m a d e f r o m a u s e d w o o d e n p i c t u r e f r a m e [ a b o u t 8 x 1 0 i n c h e s o r s m a l l e r ] w i t h o u t g l a s s a n d b a c k i n g , o r f r o m w o o d e n m o l d i n g c u t a n d n a i l e d i n t o a r e c t a n g l e f r a m e ; f i n e - m e s h s c r e e n c u t t o f r a m e ’ s o u t s i d e d i m e n s i o n s , f o u r t h u m b t a c k s t o h o l d s c r e e n i n p l a c e ) , v a r i o u s d i s c a r d e d p a p e r s t o t e a r u p , p l a s t i c t u b , w a t e r , l a u n d r y s t a r c h , m e a s u r i n g c u p , t a b l e s p o o n , u s e d b a t h t o w e l s ( o n e p e r c a m p e r ) , s h e e t s o f p a p e r f o r t r a n s f e r r i n g a n d d r y i n g

Natural Art Ahead of time, collect a variety of colors of paint chip cards from a store that carries paint—various greens, browns, tans, and some pinks, oranges, and yellows. Each camper needs a collection of several colors of paint chips. Take the campers on a short hike and ask them to match objects in nature with the selections of color that they have. Invite campers to collect a few items that match their colors if they are items lying on the ground and not living plants, trees, or animals. Remind campers not to pick flowers or leaves, but instead remember the matches they found to the color chips. Talk about the variety of colors in God’s creation and how just by looking around us we realize so much art—God’s art—surrounds us every day. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: S e v e r a l p a i n t c h i p c a r d s o f v a r i o u s c o l o r s — b r o w n s , g r e e n s , t a n s , s o m e p i n k s , y e l l o w , a n d o r a n g e s — p e r c a m p e r o r p a i r o f c a m p e r s

A Little Piece of God’s Creation Pair up campers and give each duo four craft sticks and four pieces of 12-inch long string. Show the group how to prepare a “fence” (tie one string to one craft stick at the top; tie a second craft stick to the other end of the string, and continue until all four are tied together so that when the craft sticks are pushed into the ground they draw the strings taut and form a “fence” that defines a one-foot square (approximately). Invite campers to find spots outside to set up their fences. They then have about five minutes to explore their square area and inventory everything within the boundary of the string. Have them estimate how many grasses or plants, insects passing through, pebbles, sticks, leaves, pine needles, or dead materials are in the square. Have them write down or draw the items inside their square on sheets of paper. Encourage campers to look for the variety of items and identify the different items as they are able. Gather the group and have each pair share what they discovered in their sample square. Discuss similarities and differences between what the pairs of campers found. Point out that each sample represents a tiny piece of God’s creation and together, all the samples within a larger area represent the variety of God’s creation, even in a limited space. Share a prayer together that gives praise for God’s amazing and diverse creation. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: F o u r c r a f t s t i c k s p l u s f o u r 1 2 - i n c h l o n g s t r i n g s f o r e a c h p a i r o f c a m p e r s , s h e e t s o f p a p e r o n a c l i p b o a r d o r c a r d b o a r d ( o n e p e r p a i r ) f o r r e c o r d i n g , w r i t i n g u t e n s i l Extra Team Builders and Challenges (NEW!)

Leader Notes: These types of experiences can be fantastic learning opportunities, but they often require an extra measure of vigilance to assure safety. Think about both physical safety and emotional safety. Coming from an overly competitive world focused on winning, some campers may initially be very hesitant to try something so new. Keep the atmosphere one of encouragement—both from the leaders and from the other campers. Campers learning to encourage one another is one of the benefits of such challenges and also a hallmark of living in Christian community, guided by the Spirit. Several of these challenges have been captured on video and can be found on YouTube. However, camp staff would benefit from trying them first before being responsible for campers.

Power Grid (The Path/Maze/Gridlock Low Challenge) Campers will experience both solving a problem and being “in” the problem as they deal with trial-and-error problem solving and stepping into the unknown. Leader Notes: Lay out a grid on the ground, inside or outside [if outside, use a flat area]. The size of the grid can vary with the size of your group, but should be at least eight squares by eight squares. The larger the grid, the more challenging the activity. Create a secret “safe” path through the grid and record it on a piece of paper. Graph paper works well. Keep the paper with the solution to yourself. Have the path begin on one edge of the grid and finish on the opposite end, moving, square-to-square, right or left or forward—no diagonals. You’ll need to pay close attention to every move and keep track of the moves on the “solution paper” you made before the activity. Tell campers that God through the Holy Spirit has chosen a path for us, the right way to go, but we don’t always know what is right; sometimes we need the Spirit to guide us and get us on the right path. Say that on the grid before them is a one-way path through the grid. Only one person at a time is allowed on the grid, but all the campers will need to cross it. When a camper is on the grid, that camper may continue as long as he or she stays on the “right” path (your secret path). If a camper steps off the path in a wrong direction, then he or she must leave the grid, and the next person can begin trying to discover the right path. (It’s fun to sound a buzzer or bicycle horn whenever a person steps off the path.) Everyone in the group must attempt the grid before anyone can try it a second time. The activity ends when the complete path is discovered and everyone in the group has gone through the grid. Afterward, discuss: • What was the easiest part of this challenge? • What was the most difficult part? • Did you develop a system? • How did you decide which directions to try? • How did campers outside the grid help the camper inside the grid? • Was advice listened to? If not, why? • The Holy Spirit is God’s guidance system (God’s “GPS”), helping us find our way, following the right path, which is God’s will. How did this challenge reflect letting the power of the Holy Spirit guide us on a daily basis in our paths of life? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: T a p e o r c h a l k , d r a w n s q u a r e s , s h e e t s o f b l a c k p a p e r , o r w o o d t i l e s u s e d t o c r e a t e a t l e a s t a n e i g h t s q u a r e b y e i g h t s q u a r e g r i d ; g r a p h p a p e r , p e n c i l

Community of Power (Magic Carpet Low Challenge) Lay out the community “map” (also known as a tarp, blanket, or sheet). Have all the campers stand on it, not touching anything but the map. The challenge is to turn over the community map without anyone stepping off or touching the ground. Leader Notes: “Piggybacking” may be allowed, but not sitting on shoulders or stacking more than two high. Walk around to make sure no one gets into an unsafe position. Afterward, discuss: • As a community grows, personal space grows smaller, just as in this activity. How did your group respond to the diminishing space in this activity? • What worked well in your problem solving? Variation: After the challenge is completed, fold the map in half and challenge the campers to complete it with a smaller community map to begin with. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: A t a r p , b l a n k e t , o r s h e e t l a r g e e n o u g h f o r t h e w h o l e g r o u p t o s t a n d o n ; o p e n , l e v e l s p a c e

Power Up! (Acid River/Indiana Jones Crossing Team Builder) Leader Notes: In advance, using markers such as paper plates, create a pattern similar to the illustration. The degree of challenge can be increased or decreased based on the number and placement of markers. Tell the campers they must all cross the “gap” by only stepping on the plates. (Leader Note: If you want to increase the drama, make up a creative story about the “dangers” of falling into the “gap.”) All the plates are available. However, once a plate is “fully weighted” (with a camper on it, not just a rock or a shoe), it must stay fully weighted or else it disintegrates. (The leader takes it away.) (see graphic All-in-One PowerUP PDF file on page 257) Afterward, discuss: • What went well as the community worked together to complete the challenge? • How was every person included in the solution of the challenge? • How might you have completed the challenge faster or in a different way? • Working together as the body of Christ in community lets the Spirit strengthen the community; consequently, each part of the body is individually stronger. Where did you see the Spirit at work in this challenge? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: T h i r t y s p a c e m a r k e r s ( p a p e r p l a t e s , b a n d a n a s , c a r p e t s q u a r e s , o r a n y o t h e r i t e m s o n w h i c h a c a m p e r c a n s a f e l y s t a n d )

Rope Star Team Builder This is a fun way to energize campers and get them problem solving and moving together. Tie a long rope into a circle. Have campers grab onto the outside of the rope, with them evenly distributed all the way around. The first part of the challenge is for the group to form a five-pointed star (the way they learned to draw a star back in elementary school using one continuous line) without letting go of the rope. After campers have created the star, have them reverse the procedure to get back into a circle. Afterward, discuss: • What was easiest? Most difficult? • What worked well as a team? What needs to improve as a team? • How does the Holy Spirit guide us to follow God’s will? • What skills from this team builder are similar to powering up with the Holy Spirit? (listening, willingness to be led) Variations: Have all but one of the campers wear blindfolds; the one camper with sight doesn’t hold the rope, but rather leads with voice to help guide blindfolded campers to move. Or, only allow one camper to talk; the rest must stay silent—a challenge for listening skills. Choose other shapes to create—figure 8, trapezoid, and so on. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: A l o n g l e n g t h o f r o p e i n a n o p e n s p a c e , ( o p t i o n a l : b l i n d f o l d s f o r v a r i a t i o n )

Spirit Rings Team Builder Place a plastic disposable cup on the ground. Set the center of the “Spirit Ring” on top of the cup, with all the strings stretched out on the ground around it. Balance the tennis ball on the ring on top of the cup.(see graphic All-in-One PowerUP PDF file on page 258) Working together, six or eight campers must lift the Spirit Ring, which is holding the tennis ball, by the strings and carry it around a series of obstacles, then return and replace the ball atop the cup. Campers can touch only the ends of the strings with one hand. Once a camper picks up a string, he or she can’t switch the hand holding it. The tennis ball can touch only the ring. No one can wrap it onto the ring with the strings. If the ball drops, the group must start over. Afterward, discuss: • How difficult is it to first pick up the object? • How many attempts did it take? • How did you manage to go around narrow or low obstacles? • What needed to happen for each team to be successful? • How does this experience reflect the Holy Spirit working among us to make things better? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: O n e “ S p i r i t R i n g ” — a t w o - i n c h w i d e r i n g o f d u c t t a p e w i t h a n u m b e r o f s t r i n g s a t t a c h e d ( u s u a l l y s i x t o e i g h t s t r i n g s p e r r i n g ) , o n e t e n n i s b a l l , o n e p l a s t i c d r i n k c u p ( S o l o b r a n d w o r k s w e l l ) , v a r i o u s o b s t a c l e s a s c h a l l e n g e s

Community Challenge (Mountain Tops/Unfinished Bridge Low Challenge) At first campers may think this task is impossible. With a little thought and cooperation, they can figure out a solution.(see graphic All-in-One PowerUP PDF file on page 258) Campers will be presented with three platforms, representing three “mountain peaks” of different sizes spaced out on the ground, and two boards, which serve as their “bridges.” Using only the two boards/bridges given, all the campers must move from the first platform/mountain to the last without either the boards or themselves touching the ground because that means they will have fallen into the imaginary “abyss.” Neither board by itself can reach the other platforms, and one board is significantly shorter than the other. (Leader Note: The solution involves the boards being supported by campers sitting on at least one-third of the board lying flat on the platform [see the illustration], and the campers individually crossing by walking from one supported board to the other.) Afterward, discuss: • What made this challenge easy? What made it difficult? • What was key to solving this challenge? (working together in community, listening to one another, being one team in community) Leader Note: Be sure the campers are careful as they pass boards back and forth. Do not allow jumping from platform to platform, or using planks as diving boards. Stop unsafe behavior before anyone tries it. Spotters are needed while campers are crossing on boards. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: T h r e e p l a t f o r m s — 2 f e e t b y 2 f e e t , 3 f e e t b y 3 f e e t , a n d 5 f e e t b y 5 f e e t — e a c h t h r e e t o f i v e i n c h e s o f f t h e g r o u n d ; t w o 2 - i n c h b y 6 - i n c h p l a n k s — o n e 8 - f e e t l o n g , o n e 5 - f e e t l o n g

Fruit of the Spirit Swing Challenge (Nitro Swing/Nitro Crossing Low-Challenge) This activity uses the Nitro Swing/Nitro Crossing element found at many low-challenge course facilities. Gather the campers at the swing site. They must find a way to get all the campers across the “swamp” (or “river”), along with each of the fruit of the Spirit without dropping the fruit. Fruit may be held in pockets or tucked in clothing—only one piece of fruit per camper unless there are fewer than nine campers, in which case two may be carried at a time. Start with the rope hanging in the middle. Make the campers figure out how to get the rope. Or, swing the rope to the first camper who will be crossing, but remind the group they do not get any other “free swings.” Once a camper swings across the “swamp,” he or she must land on a wood tile or hula hoop. After campers have landed, they may move to another tile or hoop around the “landing” pad. They must, however, keep both feet within a tile or hoop, which can be shared. Otherwise campers “fall” into the “swamp.” Each camper takes a turn swinging across, swinging the rope back across to the next camper, until all the campers have crossed the “swamp” and are standing within a tile or hoop. They must also continue to hold their fruit. The fruit cannot be exchanged with another person; it must stay with the camper who carried it over the swamp. If someone touches the “swamp,” or a fruit is dropped, the whole group has to start over. Encourage campers to name the fruit of the Spirit before crossing, and have all the campers suggest examples of that fruit. Afterward, discuss: • What was easiest in this challenge? What was hardest? • Who stepped up to be a leader? • How were any of the fruit of the Spirit actually applied as you worked this challenge? Leader Note: Do not tie a loop in the rope or allow campers to wrap the rope around their hands, fingers, or wrists. Never allow feet to get higher than a person’s waist. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N i t r o S w i n g / N i t r o C r o s s i n g e l e m e n t ( p r o f e s s i o n a l l y c o n s t r u c t e d ) , f a k e f r u i t s f o r e a c h o f t h e f r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t , “ l a n d i n g p a d s i n t h e s w a m p ” — s e v e r a l h u l a h o o p s o r w o o d e n t i l e s ( e n o u g h t o s a f e l y t h e h o l d t o t a l n u m b e r o f c a m p e r s b u t n o t t o o m a n y ) Extra Science Activities

Phases of the Moon Chocolate sandwich cookies provide a great way to see how well campers can match a moon phase name with a moon phase appearance. What to do: 1. Demonstrate the proper way to slowly twist the cookie to maximize the amount of frosting on one side when you separate the halves. (Leader Note: Practice this yourself—some sacrifices have to be made.) 2. Give campers each a cookie and have them twist the halves open. Hopefully, most of the frosting will be on one side or the other. Campers can always transfer frosting if needed. (Leader Note: Be aware of food allergies.) 3. Give campers access to one or more copies of a “phases of the moon” handout. 4. Allow campers to choose the phase they would like to create, omitting “full moon,” which is too easy. 5. Recreate the given phase in frosting! Connection to camp: Consider doing this activity at a campfire and compare the cookie moons to the real moon that night. Leader Note: Once campers have made their moon phases, encourage them to eat up! Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: O n e f o r e a c h c a m p e r — a c h o c o l a t e s a n d w i c h c o o k i e w i t h w h i t e f r o s t i n g , p h a s e s o f t h e m o o n — n e w , c r e s c e n t , h a l f , g i b b o u s , f u l l — h a n d o u t ( a v a i l a b l e f r o m t h e I n t e r n e t ) , a c r a f t s t i c k o r o t h e r t o o l f o r s c r a p i n g t h e f r o s t i n g

Colorful Bubble Snakes Have the campers follow these directions: 1. Cut the bottom of a water bottle off. (Leader Note: Do this step, and step 2 in advance unless you are working with older youth and have impressed upon them the need for safety.) 2. Next, cut apart a sock, using pieces of it to cover the bottom of the bottle. 3. Use duct tape to secure the sock around bottle. Leave no holes for air to escape. 4. Pour some dish soap into a shallow container; dilute with a little bit of water and gently mix. 5. Dip the sock-covered end of the bubble blower into the solution; remove from the solution and gently blow through the mouth of the bottle. 6. Place a few drops of the food coloring onto the sock-covered end. Gently blow again. (Leader Note: This activity will be messy! Warn campers that food coloring may stain clothes. Remind them also to blow out and not suck in so they don’t get a mouthful of soap.) Connection to the theme: Point out to the campers that their breath created the bubble snakes. Ask campers where God’s breath (the Holy Spirit) has created something new. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: A p r e - c u t p l a s t i c w a t e r b o t t l e a n d a p i e c e o f a s o c k f o r e a c h c a m p e r , d u c t t a p e , d i s h s o a p ( D a w n o r J o y b r a n d s w o r k b e s t ) , w a t e r , f o o d c o l o r i n g , p i e t i n o r o t h e r s h a l l o w d i s h f o r s o a p a n d w a t e r s o l u t i o n Sidewalk Paint What to do: 1. In a bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Mix until smooth. 2. Add a few drops of food coloring. 3. Make a few batches of different colors. 4. Use paintbrushes, foam paint rollers, or sponges to paint the sidewalk. 5. Invite campers to paint, including symbols of the Holy Spirit (flame, dove, wind) or the story symbols from the various days of camp. (Leader Note: Test your surface to make sure the food color will not stain.) Connection to the theme: Symbols of the Spirit Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: F o r e a c h b a t c h — o n e b o w l , 1 / 4 c u p o f c o r n s t a r c h , 1 / 2 c u p w a t e r , s o m e f o o d c o l o r i n g ( d i f f e r e n t c o l o r f o r e a c h b a t c h ) ; m e a s u r i n g c u p s ; p a i n t b r u s h e s , f o a m p a i n t r o l l e r s , o r s p o n g e s ; s i d e w a l k t o “ p a i n t ” ; c l e a n - u p s u p p l i e s

Window Paint What to do: 1. Mix together equal parts dish washing liquid and washable liquid paint until it’s a creamy consistency. 2. Use paintbrushes to create on windows. 3. Clean windows with moist paper towels. (Leader Note: You may want to test first for staining.) Connection to theme: Ask campers to paint the “Power Up” symbols for each day in the windows. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: D i s h s o a p , w a s h a b l e p o w e r e d t e m p e r a p a i n t i n a v a r i e t y o f c o l o r s , l a r g e b o w l , m e a s u r i n g c u p s , b r u s h e s f o r e a c h c a m p e r , p a p e r t o w e l s a n d w a t e r f o r c l e a n i n g u p

Kool Dough What to do: 1. Mix first four ingredients in the “Supplies” (flour, salt, powdered drink mix, cream of tartar) in large bowl. 2. Carefully add boiling water and oil. (Leader Note: Only counselors should do this step.) 3. Stir with fork until cooled, then mix with hands until well combined. 4. Place on wax paper; knead until no longer sticky, adding additional flour one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved. (Leader Notes: Store in refrigerator in an airtight container. Cover surfaces when using to prevent staining. This recipe will create enough for four to five campers to have a fist-sized ball.) Connection to theme: Ask campers to sculpt the fruit of the Spirit with their dough. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: 1 ¼ c u p s f l o u r , ¼ c u p s a l t , o n e p a c k e t p o w d e r e d u n s w e e t e n e d d r i n k m i x , o n e t a b l e s p o o n o f c r e a m o f t a r t a r , o n e c u p b o i l i n g w a t e r , 1 ½ t a b l e s p o o n s o i l , w a x o r p a r c h m e n t p a p e r , t e a s p o o n , a d d i t i o n a l f l o u r ( a s n e e d e d ) , a i r t i g h t c o n t a i n e r s

Hover Craft What to do: 1. Cover the center hole of a CD with tape and poke about six holes in the tape with a pushpin. This step will slow down the flow of air and allow the hovercraft to hover longer. 2. Use the hot glue gun to glue the cap to the center of the CD or DVD disc. Create a good seal to keep air from escaping. (Leader Note: Consider doing this part ahead of time, or have a counselor do it.) 3. Blow up the balloon all the way and pinch the neck of it to hold in the air. Don’t tie it. 4. Make sure the pull top on the cap is closed and fit the neck of the balloon over the pop-up portion of the cap. This step is easier with two people helping each other. 5. When ready, simply put the craft on a smooth surface and pull the balloon-covered top open. Connection to theme: The power of the air from the balloon lifts the disk so it can float. Ask: “How can the power of the Holy Spirit lift us up so we can be different?” To make this activity an experiment, ask campers to try different things in order to answer these questions: • Does the size of the balloon affect the CD’s ability to hover? • Does a different surface work better for hovering? (wooden table, plastic table, the dirt…) • Do larger or smaller discs make better hovercrafts? Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: F o r e a c h c a m p e r — a n o l d C D o r D V D d i s c , t a p e ( e i t h e r s c o t c h o r m a s k i n g ) , p u s h p i n , n i n e - i n c h b a l l o o n , a n d a “ p u l l t o o p e n ” t y p e c a p f r o m a li q u i d s o a p b o t t l e o r w a t e r b o t t l e ; h o t g l u e a n d g l u e g u n

Chicken Noisemakers What to do: Leader Notes: Counselors should use a nail to carefully punch a hole in the center of the bottom of the cups ahead of time. Do not let campers take these to worship or other quiet activities. 1. Cut a piece of yarn about 20 inches long. 2. Tie one end of the yarn to the middle of a paper clip. 3. Push the other end of the yarn through the hole in the cup and pull it through so the paper clip is on the bottom of the cup, keeping the yarn from going all the way though the cup. 4. Cut a piece of paper towel about the size of a dollar bill, then fold it once and get it damp in the water. 5. Hold the cup firmly in one hand, upside down, the string hanging down. Wrap the damp paper towel around the string near the mouth of the cup. While you squeeze the string with the paper towel, pull down in short jerks so that the paper towel tightly slides along the string. It may take a few tries, but if all goes well— you hear a chicken! Connection to theme: Use noisemakers on the day of celebration (Day 2) to help create a “joyful” noise for God! To make this activity an experiment, challenge campers to try different things in order to answer these questions: • What types of string or yarn make the loudest sound? Which ones make the quietest? • Does the size of the cup affect the volume of the sound? • Try materials other than a paper towel to see if that affects the volume of the sound. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: F o r e a c h c a m p e r — a p l a s t i c d r i n k i n g c u p , y a r n o r c o t t o n s t r i n g ( n y l o n s t r i n g w i l l n o t w o r k w e l l ) , o n e p a p e r c l i p , p a p e r t o w e l , a n d s c i s s o r s ; a n a i l ( c o u n s e l o r - u s e o n l y ) ; b o w l o f w a t e r Extra

Table Talk—Younger and Older Children and Intergenerational

Use these questions to prompt theme-related discussion at meal times. They could also be used during down times, between activities, or as time fillers as well. Feel free to use one question or all of them. If the discussion takes a different turn, be open to that and allow the campers to be creative and explore the ideas. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: C o p i e s o f t h e q u e s t i o n o f t h e d a y f o r e a c h t a b l e Day 1: Power Up with the Promise of Peace • What was a memorable gift you received? Who gave it to you? Describe it.

• How are you feeling about coming to camp this week? What are you excited about? What are you feeling nervous about?

• When is a time that you felt peaceful? Where were you? What do you think helped you feel that sense of peace? Day 2: Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit • As we talk about Pentecost, known as the birthday of the church, what was a memorable birthday for you? What did you do to celebrate? Who was there? Why was it special?

• What are some special birthday traditions you do every year on your birthday?

• What do you like about having a campfire? How does it remind you of Pentecost? Day 3: Power Up to Imitate Christ • Describe your favorite teacher. Why did you like being in his or her classroom? What special things did that teacher do in the classroom? Special projects? Field trips? What about that teacher would you like to imitate or mirror? How was he or she an example for you?

• How do you like to learn? Do you enjoy reading? Listening? Doing something with your hands? Creating a project? Watching someone else?

• If you could choose anyone to be like, whom would you choose? What would you want to do together with that person if you had a whole day ahead of you? Day 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit • What is your favorite fruit? Why do you like it?

• How does fruit grow? What helps it grow?

• What are some things you want to “grow” in your life? Getting better at reading? Improving your speed on math facts? Being more loving to your brother or sister? Who could help you work on getting better and growing in these areas? Day 5: Power Up as One Community • What are some groups that you belong to? Why do you like being part of that group? (Your classroom? Girl/Boy Scouts? Church group? Neighborhood friends?)

• Tell about a time when you felt like you belonged. Who was there? Where were you?

• What is hard about working with others?

• What is easier to accomplish when working with a group of people? Why? Day 6: Power Up with Courage • Tell about a time when you were scared. What were you doing? How did you move forward even though you were nervous?

• Have you seen someone else (real or fictional) show courage? Who was it? What did that person do? Do you think you could have done the same thing?

• Who or what helps you be brave?

• What are some ways you can make a difference in your family? With your friends? At school? In your community? Day 7: Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go • What is the first thing you want to do when you get home?

• What is one memory you take home with you from this week at camp?

• Where is one place you hope to feel God’s peace when you go home?

• Tell about a time you had to choose between helping someone and doing something else. What did you decide to do? Was it an easy or a tough decision? Extra

Table Talk—Younger and Older Youth

Use these questions to prompt theme-related discussion at meal times. They could also be used during down times, between activities, or as time fillers as well. Feel free to use one question or all of them. If the discussion takes a different turn, be open to that and allow the campers to be creative and explore the ideas. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: C o p i e s o f t h e q u e s t i o n o f t h e d a y f o r e a c h t a b l e Day 1: Power Up with the Promise of Peace • What was a memorable gift that you received? Who gave it to you? Describe it.

• Who are some special people in your life who have stood up or spoken up for you or been “advocates” for your best, reminding you who you are?

• How are you feeling about coming to camp this week? What are you excited about? What are you feeling nervous about?

• What does peace mean to you? Day 2: Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit • When you think about the Holy Spirit, what comes to your mind?

• Why do you think fire is a symbol for the Holy Spirit?

• Where would you like to see the Holy Spirit bring change in the world today?

• When have you experienced the Holy Spirit giving you power to act and move? Day 3: Power Up to Imitate Christ • Who is a role model in your life? Who is someone you look up to?

• How do you learn best?

• Which teachers have been the most influential in your life? Whom would you like to be more like?

• If you could choose anyone to be your mentor, whom would you choose and why? Day 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit • When you think about the fruit of the Spirit, which one(s) come most naturally to you? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity/goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)

• Which fruit are the most challenging for you?

• Where is one place you hope to bear a fruit of the Spirit once you return home? How about here at camp? Day 5: Power Up as One Community • Tell about a time you experienced being part of a community and felt a sense of belonging.

• How did that community change your daily life? In what ways are you a better person because of your community?

• What are some challenges of living in a community and working with others? Day 6: Power Up with Courage • What does it mean to be courageous?

• How does the Holy Spirit enable us to be more courageous?

• What is an area in which you experience fear? Where would you like to see the Holy Spirit give you courage in your day-to-day life? Day 7: Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go • As you leave camp today, how do you think you will live your life differently? • What have you learned about the Holy Spirit this week?

• How has your view or understanding of the Holy Spirit changed because of your week at camp?

• What is one place or way you would hope God’s peace would be present through you? Extra

Table Talk—Younger and Older Youth

These are fun questions for helping campers connect with one another. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: C o p i e s o f t h e q u e s t i o n o f t h e d a y f o r e a c h t a b l e Question 1 If you were given lots of money, what would you spend it on? Would you save some? If you had to use your money for a trip, where would you go? Whom would you take with you? Question 2 Have you ever had something happen to you that seemed bad at that moment, but turned out for the best? Share about what you learned from the experience. Question 3 What is your favorite day of the week? Month of the year? Holiday? Why are these choices your favorites? Does your family or school do something special that has become a tradition you look forward to? Tell about one example. Question 4 Do you know how you got your name? Or what your name means? If you could rename yourself, would you? If so, what name would you choose? Question 5 What is a memorable book you read during the last year? Why did you like it? What characters or situations did you relate to? Question 6 What is the most daring or courageous thing you have ever done? Would you bungee jump? If you could learn to do anything, what would you choose? Question 7 If you could make one thing go away for a day, what would it be and why? What if you could add something? What would you like to include for one day? Question 8 Where is the farthest you have been from home? Do you like to travel or do you prefer to stay closer to home? Why? Question 9 If you could meet any fictional character, whom would you choose? Why? Similarly, do you have a hero, living or dead, you would like to meet? Who is the person, and what would you want to talk about with your hero? How would you spend time with him or her? Question 10 When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Would you spend the time indoors or outside? Extra Spiritual Practices (NEW!)

Lectio Divina (Any Day) This way of reading and listening to scripture allows for time for reflection. Invite campers to find a comfortable place to sit; ask them to close their eyes. 1. As you read the chosen scripture passage for the first time, ask campers to imagine the scene: Who are the characters? What is the setting? How does it look, sound, smell? 2. After a minute or two of silence, prepare to read the same passage a second time. This time, ask campers to listen for the meaning of the story. Invite them to ask questions of the text: What does this story tell me about God? If I were in the story, who would I be? 3. For the third reading of the text, invite campers to listen and pay attention to their emotional responses. What feelings surface as the scripture is read? Share those feelings with God in prayer. 4. For the fourth and final reading, ask campers to enter into a time of receptive prayer, waiting for whatever God brings. Offer a word of thanks to God. Have campers to open their eyes, and ask them about the experience. Allow them time to share what they imagined, what they felt, what they asked, and what word they received from God. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e

Breath Prayer (Day 1: Power Up with the Promise of Peace) The breath prayer is a simple way of praying that can be done anywhere. First, invite campers to choose a brief phrase or sentence on which to focus. Some scriptural examples are, “Be still…and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), “The joy of the LORD…is [my] strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), or, “The LORD is my shepherd…I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Other examples are, “Holy Spirit...fill me,” or, “Give me strength...O Christ.” They may use one of these or choose something else that speaks to them. Once they have corporately or individually chosen a phrase, encourage them to simply breathe in deeply, silently saying the first part of the phrase, and then slowly breathe out, silently saying the second part of the phrase. They may also say the phrase aloud or even sing or chant it. Have them repeat this for several minutes, and encourage them to use the breath prayer throughout the day as they find the need of God’s peace and presence. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Finger Labyrinth (Day 2: Power Up to Imitate Christ) Print off a finger labyrinth for each camper from the website http://labyrithsociety.org/download-a-labyrinth, and invite campers to use the labyrinths to help focus them in prayer. Tell them that the path inward is a time to clear the mind, ask a question of God, or make a prayer request. Once they have reached the center, they are to pause to listen and receive a word from God. Then, as they start the journey outward, invite them to give thanks to God as they prepare to go out to serve God. There are many additional activities, including instructions for how to draw finger labyrinths or make one to walk outdoors at this site: http://labyrinthsociety.org/activities-for-kids. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: P r i n t e d f i n g e r l a b y r i n t h s — o n e f o r e a c h c a m p e r

Feasting Together (Day 2: Power up and Celebrate the Spirit) Have a small-group gratitude party to celebrate the campers’ time at camp. Invite campers to bring whatever they have to share. Decorate with things they can find around camp: leaves, rocks, etc. (but only things found already on the ground—no picking of living things, such as flowers). Invite campers to share their best camp experiences. Ask them each to tell something he or she appreciates about each person in the group. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: I t e m s c o l l e c t e d

Examen (Day 3: Power Up to Imitate Christ, and Day 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit) Examen is a form of prayer that enables us to review our day or our week and see where we felt God most present, where we were most Christlike, and where we were not. The following instructions are adapted from the Presbyterian Church (USA) website (pcusa.org) Use them to instruct your campers: Preparation: Put your feet flat on the floor, and take a few deep breaths. As you breathe in, imagine that you are inhaling God’s love as you would a pleasant smell. Feel the sensation of this great Love moving through you. As you exhale, imagine that your breath cooperates with the Holy Spirit so that God’s love is all around you. With the Holy Spirit as your guide, look at your life, especially in light of God’s loving care for you. Examen: Review the events of your life over the past week. Look for moments of grace—times when you were given a “second chance,” an opportunity for a “do-over,” which you probably didn’t deserve but that was kind to you. How was grace a part of the words or actions each time? Rest in gratitude. Receive life again from the memory of each grace-filled moment. Allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart as you recall moments in which you sensed the absence of grace. When were you least able to give and receive love this week? Ask yourself what was said or done in that moment that made it so troublesome. Simply “be” with whatever you feel without trying to change or fix it in any way. Take a deep breath and acknowledge God’s love for you—even in the not-so-good parts of what you have thought, said, done, or failed to do. Give thanks to God for granting this self-awareness and examination of conscience. Consider where God is calling you to grow in this. Form your prayers of confession, petition, and praise. Accept the gift of God’s relentless tenderness. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Acts of Service (Days 3, 4, 5) Ask the camp director if there are ways the campers can be of service. Are there areas that need to be cleaned? Thank-you notes that need to be written to churches that provide scholarships? Bulletin boards that could use a new look? Be sure to talk about how service is one way we live out our faith. Additionally, it is a way of sharing our gifts and building community. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: D e p e n d e n t u p o n t h e a r e a o f s e r v i c e c h o s e n

Praying in Color (Day 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit) Give campers these instructions: Read the passage for Day 4, Galatians 5:16-26. Draw a shape and write one of the fruit of the Spirit in the shape or near it. Do this for as many of the fruit as you like. Add details if you like. Add color. As you look at what you’ve drawn, let the images lead you to a time of reflection. Which fruit do you find the most difficult to “grow” in your life? Which one would you like to focus on today or this week at camp? Are there people you know who exhibit the fruit you’ve drawn? If so, give thanks for them and for their example. Post your drawing somewhere where you will be able to see it throughout the week. Add to it as you feel moved to do so. (Adapted from Sybil MacBeth’s book, Praying in Color Kids’ Edition) Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s , p a p e r , c o l o r e d m a r k e r s o r p e n c i l s

Simple Hospitality (Day 5: Power Up as One Community) Have one camp group welcome the rest of camp to the dining hall. If possible, have one group serve another group their meal and then clear the table for them afterward. Take turns, having different groups serve one another over the course of the week. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Camp Prayer Walk (Days 5, 6, and 7) Plan a walk around the camp, stopping at various places to pray. If you have time, set up prayer stations at several spots with special items, and with instructions written out to be read by a volunteer or leader. For example, 1. Arrange shells near the lake or swimming pool, and read about Jesus’ baptism. Give thanks that your sins are forgiven through Christ. 2. Stop at the campfire site and read the passage from Acts 2 that talks about tongues of fire resting on each of the disciples. Ask that God would fan the flames of your faith and let your light shine brightly in the world. 3. Stop at the ropes course or other team-building area and ask God to help knit the community together. Pray that campers will be encouraging of one another. 4. Do trust falls or another physical activity that demonstrates the need for one another. 5. Go to the area where campers are dropped off and/or picked up and pray for all the campers who’ve already been to camp or who are yet to arrive. 6. Walk to the administration building and have index cards and pencils there so that campers can write out a prayer or blessing to give to members of the camp staff. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: D e p e n d e n t u p o n s i t e s c h o s e n a n d c o n n e c t i o n s s u g g e s t e d

Anointing Service (Day 7: Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go) This ritual is a simple way of marking an ending and beginning. In scripture, those who were set aside for a holy purpose were anointed as a sign of being marked by God and sealed with the Holy Spirit. The preparation to return home after a week away at camp provides an opportunity to remind campers that they are being sent home as Christ’s witnesses in their daily world. Read John 20:19-23 and then invite each camper to come forward. Using oil or water, make the sign of the cross on each camper’s forehead and say, “Jesus says: ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’” After everyone has been anointed, close with prayer. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , a n o i n t i n g o i l , f l a s k o r b o w l Extra Multi-Day Projects Free-to-Fly Butterfly Release Butterflies have long been considered signs of new life and spiritual growth among Christians. Harness this understanding and teach campers important lessons about creation care with a multi-day butterfly project. Take your campers into the woods to gather chrysalises on branches. Do not remove them from the branch as the disruption will cause damage that can kill the butterflies. If there are no butterflies native to your area, purchase a live butterfly kit from a local or an online store, such as Insect Lore’s Live Butterfly Garden. (Leader Note: Follow the directions on the kit, especially about the timing; you may need to start this project a week or so before camp to have the butterflies appear in time for these campers.) If possible, allow campers to help set up the mesh tent filled with caterpillars. Place a display nearby about the lifecycle of the butterfly and some spiritual lessons inspired by it, such as, “Butterflies remind us of Jesus’ resurrection,” or “God turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.” In the same area, place a large piece of poster board to allow campers to make observations or write their thoughts about the butterflies. Perhaps even include tools, such as magnifying glasses, to aid with butterfly research. If you follow directions, and timing is right, the butterflies should mature during the camp week. On the last day of camp or when the majority of the butterflies have emerged, hold a butterfly release ceremony as a symbol of new life in the Holy Spirit. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: L i v e b u t t e r f l y g a r d e n k i t , p o s t e r b o a r d , m a r k e r s , d i s p l a y o f b u t t e r f l y f a c t s a n d o f s p i r i t u a l l e s s o n s , ( o p t i o n a l : m a g n i f y i n g g l a s s e s )

Bring New Life to Camp Checking first with camp staff, choose a space around camp that needs a little sprucing up. Invite campers to participate in bringing new life to the camp with painting, cleaning, raking, planting, or whatever needs the camp may have. This investment will instill a sense of ownership and a stake in the future of the camp. Each cabin can pitch in an hour during the week. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: M a t e r i a l s ( s u c h a s p a i n t , r a k e s , s a f e t y e q u i p m e n t , c l e a n - u p s u p p l i e s ) n e e d e d f o r t h e c h o s e n p r o j e c t

Plant (or Maintain) a Camp Garden The Holy Spirit brings new life in Christ. A tangible picture of that new life is present in gardening. Plant some easy-to-grow vegetables and allow campers to see the work of God in planting and growing. The hardiest plant to begin with would be beans, but tomatoes, peppers, and even potatoes would work too. Encourage campers to water their plot each day, chart growth over time, and keep the area weed-free. If there is a particularly successful crop, why not incorporate it into a meal during the summer for another group of your campers? Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: C l e a r e d l a n d f o r g a r d e n , r a i s e d b e d , o r p o t s f o r p l a n t i n g ; s e e d s o r s t a r t e r p l a n t s ; w a t e r , w a t e r i n g c a n s ; d i g g i n g s u p p l i e s s u c h a s s h o v e l s , s p a d e s , t r o w e l s

Penny Harvest Send out a letter before camp announcing a Penny Harvest. Instruct campers each to bring 100 pennies for the camp challenge. Have extra pennies on hand for last-minute dollar exchanges with parents at registration, in case they have forgotten. Choose three or four local charities that would appeal to campers (usually charities involving children, youth, animals, or nature). During the week, spotlight a charity each day and ask campers to contribute some of their pennies in jars to each charity. At the end of the week, count the pennies and announce to campers how much was raised for each project. Applaud campers for supporting God’s work in the world. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: L e t t e r s t o c a m p e r s b e f o r e c a m p t o b r i n g p e n n i e s f o r t h e h a r v e s t , c h a r i t i e s c h o s e n f o r t h e j a r s , l a b e l e d j a r s t o c o l l e c t p e n n i e s , a d d i t i o n a l p e n n i e s o n h a n d ( j u s t i n c a s e )

Wall of Encouragement Create an environment of encouragement by adding a wall of encouragement to a main camping area. Campers and counselors are then invited to write kind and uplifting words about others all week long. There are lots of creative ways to do this. One way is to choose an outside wall or large piece of wood to paint with chalkboard paint and add chalk for campers to use. A more affordable option would be to find an indoor space to hang large sheets or a roll of paper and use markers. To have the most impact, make sure this is displayed somewhere that campers will see it multiple times each day. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: L a r g e s h e e t s o r a r o l l o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s , a n d t a p e ; o r c h a l k b o a r d ( o r a w a l l p a i n t e d w i t h c h a l k b o a r d p a i n t ) a n d s i d e w a l k c h a l k

Food Pantry Challenge Support a local food pantry by encouraging campers to bring along a canned food donation to be dropped off during camp registration. Send out a welcome-to-camp letter with instructions to bring donations. If the food pantry has any brochures or even statistics you can incorporate into the letter, send those along too. Have a team of campers stack the cans in a creative way that stresses the difference a community can make by contributing to a common goal. Keep the display up and let campers know that if they forgot to bring canned goods at registration, they can ask their parents to bring something with them to add at pick-up at the end of camp. Your local pantry will be grateful, and your campers will learn a valuable lesson about giving. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: L e t t e r s t o c a m p e r s b e f o r e c a m p t o b r i n g c a n n e d g o o d s , d o n a t i o n b o x a t r e g i s t r a t i o n t o c o l l e c t d o n a t i o n s Extra Going Deeper, Especially for Older Youth (NEW!)

During the week you may discover that your group flies through activities and wants or needs to dig a little deeper. If this is the case, consider the following discussion topics:

Day 1 The Holy Who? (Names for the Holy Spirit) The Holy Spirit can be difficult to grasp. For starters, what do we call the Spirit? To refer to the Spirit as “it” seems too impersonal, yet “he” or “she” doesn’t feel quite right either. Let campers know that many a theologian has struggled with this very issue. Often, the best solution Christians can find is to use names that refer to the work of the Spirit—those things that the Holy Spirit is “up to” in the world: Comforter, Sustainer, Inspirer, Helper, Advocate… These names, along with others, help us to better understand the Holy Spirit while honoring the mystery that seems to be another part of the Spirit’s nature. Invite campers to discuss the following questions: • Who or what do you think the Spirit is? • How do you refer to the Holy Spirit? What names or pronouns seem most appropriate to you, and why? • What do you think the Spirit is “up to” in the world or in your own life? Context Matters (What is going on with the disciples?) Explain to campers that often, in order to get a clearer understanding and appreciation for what is going on in a scripture, you have to look back in the text to see what has come before, and sometimes ahead to see what is coming. Looking back and looking ahead help paint a clearer picture of where you are in the “present” of the passage. The placement of this “present” in relationship to other elements of the text is often referred to as “context.” In order to understand the context of John 14, it is helpful to look back to John 13 and forward to John 18. Invite campers to look at those chapters. Then ask questions such as: • Where does today’s text fall in the timeline of Jesus’ life and ministry? • Where are Jesus and the disciples when this piece of the story takes place? • How do you think the disciples felt when they heard these words from Jesus? Why?

Day 2 Context Matters (Why are the disciples in Jerusalem?) In order to get a clearer sense of the events leading up to the Pentecost story, invite campers to look back to the first chapter of Acts. Ask questions such as: • Why are the disciples in Jerusalem? • What have they been doing prior to this moment? • Why is this moment important? • Would it be appropriate to rename Acts 2 “Jesus baptizes the disciples”? Why or why not?

Day 3 Context Matters (Persecution) The text for today (1 Thessalonians 1:4-7) refers to persecution that could have hindered the Christ-followers of Thessalonica from becoming imitators of Christ. Invite campers to read a bit further (through Thessalonians 3:5) to get a few more clues about the types of persecution that Christ-followers around the Roman Empire were subjected to at the time. Remind campers that, at various points, Paul himself faced significant persecution and was imprisoned for his work in spreading the gospel from city to city. Ask questions such as: • What “counts” as genuine persecution? Is there a difference between being inconvenienced and being persecuted? Give some examples of each. • Would it change the way you lived your faith if you were being persecuted? If no, why not? If yes, how? • Why do you think Christianity might be seen as threatening in a system like the Roman Empire? • Imagine that you are one of the new Christ-followers in Thessalonica. How would it feel to hear the words of Paul’s letter to you for the very first time? • Are Christians persecuted today? (According to christianitytoday.com, January 14, 2014, the World Watch List from Open Doors International keeps a list of 50 nations where Christians face persecution today. The top ten were North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Pakistan, Iran, and Yemen. New to the list was the Central African Republic (#16), where the strife between Muslims and Christians escalated along religious affiliation lines and quickly displaced more than one million people. [http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2014/january/50-countries-where-hardest-to-be-christian- world-watch-list.html].)

Day 4 Context Matters (The Law versus Freedom) More often than not, the fruit of the Spirit are taught on their own, without any connection to the text from which they are plucked. But in context, we discover that these spiritual fruit are brought up within a larger discussion of freedom. At the beginning of Galatians 5, Paul asserts that in Christ we are set free for something, and that something is freedom! Invite campers to read all of Galatians 5, and then discuss the following questions: • What is the difference between being freed from something and being freed for something? • What is the Law to which Paul refers? (Leader Note: Be careful to discuss Jewish Law in ways that do not demonize or dehumanize Jewish people and the Jewish faith. Discuss it in terms of broadening people’s understanding of how to live faithfully rather than in terms of “replacing” a “restrictive” set of laws. Remember, Jesus regularly referenced the Law and said that instead of coming to replace the Law, he came to fulfill it [Matthew 5:17].) • How does choosing to live in the Spirit give us freedom? • What does freedom have to do with the fruit of the Spirit? That’s Quite a List Invite campers to spend some time in closer examination of the negative behaviors (“selfish desires”—CEB version) listed in Galatians 5:16-26. You may also wish to use both the CEB and the NRSV to help campers see patterns and variations of the list. Discuss: • Are these behaviors that are still considered taboo today? Which, if any, have achieved greater acceptance among Christians? • In what ways is each of these selfish? • What kinds of consequences often result from indulging these “selfish desires”? • What other behaviors would you add to the list? Why? How do they fit the criteria that seem to be underlying the choices of behaviors already on the list in the scripture? Leader Note: Do your best not to shy away from topics that may make you uncomfortable. If a camper asks you a question to which you don’t have an answer, be honest. Say, “I don’t know,” or “I’m not sure how I feel about that,” and then do your best to find an answer. Time spent honestly discussing tough topics helps youth to see that there is room within the church for their questions!

Day 5 Context Matters (Jews and Gentiles) Among the primary issues present in this letter to the Ephesians are the differences between Jewish Christ-followers and Gentile Christ-followers. Explain to campers that a Gentile is anyone who is not Jewish, and that this distinction was the source of much conflict in the early church. Some leaders of the Christ movement thought that converts first had to become Jews before they could truly be Christ-followers, while other leaders thought that there should be no distinction made between Jews and Gentiles. The author of this letter (scholars are not of one mind when it comes to authorship: some believe Paul wrote this letter, while others believe it is the work of another author) believes that Jews and Gentiles who follow Christ are equally a part of the same body. Invite campers to read Ephesians 2–4 and then discuss the following questions: • What does the author seem most concerned with in this letter? • Why might the author write the words found in Ephesians 4:1-6? Does it sound like people are already getting along, or does it sound like there is conflict present in the church? • What can we learn about diversity from this letter? About the church? About community?

Conflict Resolution Unfortunately, Christians have a bad reputation when it comes to conflict. We are known for our internal battles, for the ways that Christians fight one another over issues large and small. Many campers have likely experienced some of this conflict within their own congregations or between churches of different denominations, traditions, or chosen emphases. Invite campers to discuss church conflict by asking questions such as: • Have you experienced conflict within the church? If so, what did that conflict look like? • Why do you think Christians argue with one another so much? Are those arguments important or unimportant? • What effect, if any, does church conflict have on our witness to the world? Does church conflict change how people outside of the church think about Christianity? If so, how? • Based upon your reading of the Ephesians text, how should we go about dealing with conflict in our churches?

Day 6 Context Matters (Parting Advice) Second Timothy can be interpreted as a letter written by one who knows he is going to die. While scholars disagree on the authorship of this letter (Is it Paul, or someone writing as Paul?), the authorship does not change the content: Paul suspects that his time on earth will soon be over, and he wants to give some final advice and encouragement to his student and colleague, Timothy. Share this context with campers and then encourage them to read 2 Timothy 1 with that knowledge in the background. Invite them to discuss questions such as: • Does it change how you read this if you know that the words were intended as final advice from a teacher who will likely die soon? If so, how does it affect your understanding? • If you were Timothy, how would this parting advice make you feel? • What other observations can you make about the text now that you have more context?

Fear versus Courage In the 2 Timothy text, the author sets up a dichotomy of fear versus courage. Invite campers to brainstorm definitions for both fear and courage. Then propose the following definitions and invite campers to discuss the ways that they experience both of these states of mind or heart in their day-to-day lives: Fear = following the crowd Courage = following your heart, following the Spirit

Day 7 Context Matters (Resurrection) Today’s text is rooted firmly within the disciples’ experiences of Jesus’ resurrection. Invite campers to read all of John 20 so that they can hear John’s account of the resurrection and the encounters with Jesus that immediately followed. Then discuss the following: • Which individuals got to interact with Jesus after the resurrection? How did each of them respond to him? • Why do you suppose that the disciples were fearful and locked in a house? • Imagine that you are one of the disciples. What would you think and feel if someone told you that Jesus, whom you knew to be dead, was actually resurrected and talking to people? • Keeping in mind what the disciples had just experienced, how do you think it might have felt to hear Jesus speak the words recounted in John 20:19-23? • With those words, would you feel empowered to go out and begin sharing the good news with others? Would the message and experience help you move from fear to a sense of calling? Why or why not?

General Topics Spiritual But Not Religious In today’s culture, we often hear individuals describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” In fact, you may have youth in your group who identify with this label. Invite youth to discuss this topic with questions such as: • What does it mean to be spiritual but not religious? • Do you identify with this label? Why or why not? • Do you think that being religious (attending church, being active in a community of faith, participating in organized worship and liturgy and other religious activities) is important? Why or why not? • If you really can experience God powerfully in nature, in silence, and by yourself (and you can!), then why would you want to be part of a religious community? • Why did God give us the church? What good is it to have the church? Is it still needed?

Spiritual Gifts It is difficult to talk about the Holy Spirit without also talking about spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:11. They include things such as prophecy, serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy, wisdom, and administration. Chances are good that many of your students have already taken a “spiritual gifts inventory” or “spiritual gifts test,” which many congregations use to help members discern their own spiritual gifts. If you have campers who have not taken one of these tests and you have Internet access (on your phone or elsewhere at camp), give those campers an opportunity to take the Spiritual Gifts Test for Youth found at http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/test/youth. After all the campers have had a chance to discover some of their gifts, invite them to discuss the ways that they can use those gifts within the context of the church as well as within the context of their daily lives. Or introduce and discuss the topic; and then, after camp is over, send an email with the link to your campers. Invite them to take the inventory and email back to you what they discovered. This conversation allows you to continue the relationship you have begun at camp and to affirm the continuing growth that comes from living in the Spirit.

For all of these activities— Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s ( I t ’ s o f t e n h e l p f u l f o r o l d e r y o u t h t o h a v e a c c e s s t o m o r e t h a n o n e t r a n s l a t i o n . ) Extra Daily Worship Plans

Campers in Leadership Consider assigning worship leadership to a different group of campers each day. They would then be responsible for planning and executing the worship service. What better way to teach leadership skills than to let them lead! Especially for any scripture reading, leading of the Call to Worship or lining out of the psalm, or giving a talk, encourage the camper-leaders to practice so they are comfortable “up front” and effective as worship leaders. Of course, you will want to adapt and modify the suggestions as your team, worship space, tradition, and schedule allow. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s , c o p i e s o f t h e d a y ’ s w o r s h i p p l a n , p e n s o r p e n c i l s

Visuals for Worship Visual representations of the lessons can be great ways to help your campers internalize the message. Each day’s plan has suggested visuals, but let your imagination play as you consider your own spaces, places, and supplies. Review also the symbols from the age- level Daily Plans. How might they be incorporated? Some of the age levels may have made representations in their Explore or Experience activities and can bring them to add to worship. Be creative in the set up of your space; consider the light (especially for evening worship), the energy, and the scenery. Making the most of these elements will take some time and preparation but will be worth the effort. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: S u g g e s t e d i m a g e r y , i n c l u d i n g t h e d a y s ’ s y m b o l s , i t e m s a s d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e p l a n n e r s

Scripture Select strong readers, either from among the worship team or other volunteers or staff. Encourage the readers to practice reading aloud before worship. For the psalms, consider ways of having the campers do more than simply hear them read. For example, a leader (possibly a worship team camper) can read aloud one phrase or line at a time and have the campers repeat it. This style is called lining-out. Another option is for volunteers on the worship team to do interpretive dance or to create motions for the campers to imitate. Setting the words to music and teaching the song to the campers to sing is also a possibility. Be creative. The Old Testament scriptures are listed before the key passage, which is from the New Testament. However, you may move the psalm to another point, such as part of the Gathering or in the Responding section—whatever seems to fit the flow of the day’s worship. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , p o t e n t i a l l y B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , M u s i c a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: B i b l e Closing Prayer A “season of prayer” is the suggested closing for each day. The format is for a leader to start the prayer and then to open it up to the campers. The leader should invite campers to pray out loud if they feel so moved, or to pray quietly in their hearts. Each day, a different designated person should close after an appropriate amount of time. You may want to encourage leaders to fill in if campers don’t respond at first. This type of prayer provides the campers an opportunity to pray out loud in a nonthreatening way. It will be even more effective if it is done at night, when the darkness provides more “safety” to pray out loud. Participation may start slowly, but by the end of the week you may need extra time for all the prayers. Remind counselors to be listening to those around them; if they hear any prayers that need follow-up, they should be prepared to help that camper as they can or indicate the need to another appropriate leader. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Skits for Worship Some of the days include a skit suggestion for worship. Outlines, rather than full scripts, are provided. The idea is for the campers (with staff guidance) to come up with the full plan. It will help if you ask a group of campers to plan and practice the skit in advance, earlier in the day. They will need time to prepare and polish their ideas. The skits should be planned and rehearsed, but can be improvised rather than scripted. The more the campers get into the planning, the better the skit—and their experience—will be. Costumes and props will add to the drama. The skits don’t have to be serious, but should stick to the message of the day. Encourage the campers to be creative and have fun. Below are a few examples of possible skits. Feel free to copy and cut apart the skits. Give the instructions to the skit team for that day. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: C o s t u m e s a n d p r o p s a s d e t e r m i n e d b y e a c h s k i t t e a m

Camper Response The worship plan for each day includes an activity for the campers to participate in to help emphasize the message. These will require some preparation and set up. Multiple Intelligences: D e p e n d i n g u p o n t h e s p e c i f i c a c t i v i t y Supplies: A s n e e d e d f o r t h e p a r t i c u l a r r e s p o n s e

Day 7 ALERT Be sure to read the worship plan for Day 7 early. Two ideas there will require advance work: 1) taking photographs all week long and 2) identifying campers who are “aging out” of your camp and who can share with the group their thoughts.

SKIT FOR DAY 1: “Find Peace with Jesus”

A “Jesus” character holds a paper that says “Peace.” One at a time, other characters enter complaining about how busy they are; how stressed they are about school; or how anxious they are about family, money, or world issues, for example. Each time, Jesus tries to offer his peace, but all the characters ignore him and continue to obsess over their problems. Finally, one character accepts the peace from Jesus, relaxes, and walks off stage sharing with Jesus his or her concerns.

SKIT FOR DAY 2: “Eyewitness Reaction”

A group of eyewitnesses react to the Pentecost story in a variety of ways. One is overwhelmed and can’t believe what he or she saw. One tries to find “logical” explanations for all that happened. One wants to run out and tell everyone he or she knows about God’s love. One wants to hush up the whole thing for fear of seeming crazy. The resolution is that, no matter what the reaction to the Holy Spirit, people are changed. We face the questions of how we will react and what difference our reactions will make in our lives.

SKIT FOR DAY 3: “WWJD”

Character 1 encounters someone crying. Character 1 views the scene for a moment as an offstage voice reads Matthew 5:4. Character 1 then moves to the upset person and offers comfort. Character 2 encounters a person anxious and stressing about life’s problems, worried about how things will turn out. Character 2 views the scene for a moment as an offstage voice reads John 14:27. Character 2 then moves in and helps bring peace to the situation. Character 3 encounters a group making fun of and judging someone for what she is wearing or how she is acting. Character 3 views the scene for a moment as an offstage voice reads John 8:7-11. Character 3 then moves in to stop the verbal abusers.

SKIT FOR DAY 6: “The Holy Spirit Gives Us What We Need”

Campers stand on stage in a line; each states a concern (examples below). After each speaks, the “Holy Spirit” character brings that person what he or she needs to make a difference. Here are some examples; feel free to come up with other ideas: Character 1: “I know kids who feel lonely and left out.” The Holy Spirit character brings a sign that says: “Courage to be a friend to the friendless.” Character 2: “I know kids who are struggling with difficult life choices.” The Holy Spirit character brings a sign that says: “Courage to be a listening ear.” Character 3: “I know kids who are hungry.” The Holy Spirit character brings a sign that says: “Courage to organize a food drive.” Character 4: “I know there are those who don’t know God’s love.” The Holy Spirit character brings a sign that says: “Courage to share my faith.”

WORSHIP FOR DAY 1: Power Up with the Promise of Peace

Preparation Visuals: Hang as many peace signs and peace quotes around your space as you can. Check with age-level leaders also. Some groups may have made peace signs, which they can contribute to the display for worship. Here are additional ways of making peace signs: • Use a pool noodle duct-taped in a circle with cut pieces of another noodle for the center lines. • Make a grapevine wreath and add twigs for the center part. • Use a paper plate for the base, and add craft sticks for the center lines. For additional visual impact at an evening worship, wrap lights around the peace signs. Suggested peace quotes: “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is not noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” —Anonymous “Peace is not something you wish for. It’s something you make, something you are, and something you give away.” —John Lennon “Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ.” —Sheila Walsh “Don’t let others pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace.” —Kimberly Jones “Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” —Wayne W. Dyer “When we put our problems in God’s hands, God puts peace in our hearts.” —Anonymous “Even in the most peaceful surroundings, the angry heart finds quarrel. Even in the most quarrelsome surroundings, the grateful heart finds peace.” —Doe Zantamata “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you.” —Isaiah 26:3 Message: 1. Day 1 Skit Suggestion: “Find Peace with Jesus.” A “Jesus” character holds a paper that says “Peace.” One at a time, other characters enter complaining about how busy they are; how stressed they are about school; or how anxious they are about family, money, or world issues. Each time, Jesus tries to offer his peace, but all the characters ignore him and continue to obsess over their problems. Finally, one character accepts the peace from Jesus, relaxes, and walks off stage sharing with Jesus his or her concerns. 2. The story of Sadako and the thousand paper cranes is available on the Internet. It is also in the children’s book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. Camper Response: Provide origami paper, cut and ready to be folded into paper cranes. Directions are available online or in the children’s book. Provide tables for supplies and for workspaces. (Leader Note: Have counselors and worship team members practice making the cranes so they are ready to assist campers.)

Gathering Call to Worship: This will be a call and response. The leader, who can be a camper with strong reading skills, will speak out strongly; and campers will respond enthusiastically with, “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” For this first worship, the leader may need to teach the pattern and give campers a practice round. The pattern is consistent every day. Leader: “Be with us this day, Lord.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “Be with us in our play, exploration, and learning.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “May we feel you close, so that we can power up with the promise of peace!” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Song: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” or another choice from the Song Suggestions list or your own camp tradition. Opening Prayer: Before the prayer, invite the group to sit in silence for a few moments to experience the peace of their surroundings. Then pray: “Lord, thank you for this special place of peace. As we live together as your community at camp this week, help us to be instruments of your peace. Help us each to be patient and kind as we experience what it is to live in the Spirit, through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Proclaiming Scripture: Psalm 51:10 (see notes in “Worship Plans”), John 14:25-27 Message: 1. Skit for Day 1: “Find Peace with Jesus” 2. Tell or read the story of Sadako and the thousand paper cranes. Responding Camper Response: Have tables with supplies ready for each camper to fold a paper crane. Younger campers may need help. Hang the cranes around your worship space or have campers take them home. Song: Sing “Peace Like a River,” or choose from the Song Suggestions list or your own tradition. Closing: A season of prayer WORSHIP FOR DAY 2: Power Up and Celebrate the Spirit

Preparation Visuals: Place Sterno or other “liquid heat” cans in terracotta pots and cover tops with rocks, leaving the wick exposed. Light these to represent the tongues of flames. (Leader Note: Use these only with permission, and be sure they are closely supervised.) Hang blue and white streamers from your space to represent the wind. For added effect, turn on a small fan or two to get the streamers moving. Message: Day 2 Skit Suggestion: “Eyewitness Reaction.” A group of eyewitnesses react to the Pentecost story in a variety of ways. One is overwhelmed and can’t believe what he or she saw. One tries to find “logical” explanations for all that happened. One wants to run out and tell everyone he or she knows about God’s love. One wants to hush up the whole thing for fear of seeming crazy. The resolution is that, no matter what the reaction to the Holy Spirit, people are changed. We face the questions of how we will react and what difference our reactions will make in our lives. Camper Response: During the response time, campers will be given an opportunity to make a windsock. To make a windsock, use construction paper cut in half long way. Have campers decorate one half with Holy Spirit symbols: dove, flames, wind, and so forth. Staple or glue the half into a circle. Staple or glue 12-to-24-inch long, colorful streamers around the bottom of the construction-paper circle. Add a piece of yarn at the top for hanging. Hang the windsocks in your worship space for the rest of the camp. Observe how the wind moves though them. The materials needed are construction paper, stapler or glue, streamers, scissors, yarn, markers, crayons.

Gathering Call to Worship: Leader: “Be with us this day, Lord.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “Be with us in our play, exploration, and learning.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “May we feel your Holy Spirit all around us as we power up and celebrate the Spirit!” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Song: “I Will Celebrate!” (Paul Baloche) or another choice from the Song Suggestions list or your own camp tradition. Opening Prayer: “Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts and minds as we learn today, and help us to feel your breath on us as we explore today. Be with us as we celebrate that gift today and always. Amen.”

Proclaiming Scripture: Psalm 31:5; Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 Message: Skit for Day 2: “Eyewitness Reaction”

Responding Camper Response: Invite campers to the tables of supplies to make a windsock. Hang windsocks in a common area of camp. Song: “Father, Long Before Creation” (Chinese, translated by Francis P. Jones) or choose from the Song Suggestions list or your own tradition. Closing: A season of prayer

WORSHIP FOR DAY 3: Power Up to Imitate Christ

Preparation Visual: Hang or place large mirrors all around the worship space. Have tables covered in small mirrors, with enough for one per camper. (Small craft mirrors will work.) Message: 1. A leader should be ready to talk of a time when he or she tried to imitate someone he or she looked up to, telling about how that was either a success or failure and tying the experience in with the idea of following Christ as the one campers should be trying to emulate. 2. Day 3 Skit Suggestion: “WWJD” Character 1 encounters someone crying. Character 1 views the scene for a moment as an offstage voice reads Matthew 5:4. Character 1 then moves to the upset person and offers comfort. Character 2 encounters a person anxious and stressing about life’s problems, worried about how things will turn out. Character 2 views scene for a moment as an offstage voice reads John 14:27. Character 2 then moves in and helps bring peace to the situation. Character 3 encounters a group making fun of and judging someone for what she is wearing or how she is acting. Character 3 views the scene for a moment as an offstage voice reads John 8:7-11. Character 3 then moves in to stop the verbal abusers. Camper Response: On the tables, have fine-line markers or paint pens and a mirror for each camper. (Small craft mirrors will work.)

Gathering Call to Worship: Leader: “Be with us this day, Lord.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “Be with us in our play, exploration, and learning.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “May we grow closer to you so that we can be imitators of you!” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Song: “Change My Heart, O God” or other choice from the Song Suggestions list or your own camp tradition. Opening Prayer: “Lord, thank you for the example you gave us in Jesus. Through your Holy Spirit, help us to know Jesus more and more so that all our actions will reflect him. Amen.”

Proclaiming Scripture: Psalm 143:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Message: 1. Leader talk on whom to imitate 2. Skit for Day 3: “WWJD”

Responding Camper Response: Invite campers to the tables of mirrors; have them stand around and look into the mirrors. Ask campers to silently consider these questions: • What do you see in these mirrors? • What does God see? • What does the world see? • How can you be a reflection of God? Invite each camper to pick up a mirror and with the fine-line markers write: “[His or her own name] is a reflection of God.” Campers should take their mirrors home with them and keep them where they will see them often so that they will remember to be that reflection everywhere they go. Song: “Every Move I Make” or choose from the Song Suggestions list or your own tradition. Closing: A season of prayer

WORSHIP FOR DAY 4: Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit

Preparation Visuals: Using nine fruit with a skin you won’t eat (watermelon, cantaloupe, orange, banana, honeydew, grapefruit…), write each of the nine fruit of the Spirit on them. (By using this kind of fruit you can write on them but still eat them later. Otherwise, tape pieces of paper [each with a word on it, and one per fruit] on the fruit.) Arrange fruit in a basket or other artful display on your altar space. As always, be aware of campers’ food allergies. Scripture: The psalm has the pronoun “they” in it, referring generally to “all living things.” Consider substituting the noun phrase for the reading in order for the meaning to be clearer. For the New Testament reading, decide whether to read the full passage or only verses 22-23a, 25-26. A key consideration is who is in the audience. The shorter passage is what the younger children have been studying. Message: Two or three leaders should each be prepared to tell about a time when he or she practiced one or more of the fruit of the Spirit and saw how it was helpful to him or her or others. The leaders should also tell where they have seen campers displaying the fruit of the Spirit through the week at camp. Camper Response: Set up “Fruit Stations” beforehand. For each station completed, the camper earns two or three colored beads. At the end of worship, each camper will add the nine beads collected to a length of leather cord to create a bracelet, a reminder of the nine fruit of the Spirit, to take home. Assign staff to run each station and help campers as they progress. Younger campers will need more help. Staff should give clues and make sure all are successful. Station 1: Have the campers decode the words. Either give them a printed handout of just the puzzles or display them on a poster board. Campers can work in groups or individually. Supply a Bible. Give out two beads at this station. If your group is using “generosity” rather than “goodness” as a fruit, be sure to adjust the puzzle.

Puzzle Answer and Solution O L E V L o v e : O p p o s i t e l e t t e r o f t h e a l p h a b e t ( A = Z , B = Y … ) K P Z J o y : n e x t l e t t e r i n a l p h a b e t E C A E P P e a c e : s p e l l e d b a c k w a r d s 1 6 , 1 , 2 0 , 9 , 5 , P a t i e n c e : n u m b e r r e f l e c t s l e t t e r ( A = 1 , B = 2 … ) 1 4 , 3 , 5 J H M C M D R R K i n d n e s s : p r e v i o u s l e t t e r i n a l p h a b e t M a k e a m i r r o r G o o d n e s s : m i r r o r i m a g e i m a g e o f G o o d n e s s

Station 2: Ask each camper to think of someone in his or her life that camper has seen display all nine fruit of the Spirit. If a camper cannot think of someone he or she knows, ask that camper to name someone famous who has displayed all nine fruit (Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, for example). Talk about what living the fruit of the Spirit looks like, and ask campers how they think their chosen persons can be so “fruitful.” Use a fine-line permanent marker to write the first initial of the camper’s person on one of the colored beads for this station so that will serve as a reminder. Give out two beads. Station 3: Ask campers to name familiar Bible stories and then to identify the various fruit displayed in those stories. Ask if any can come up with real-life stories in which they saw one or more fruit displayed. Give out two beads. Station 4: Ask campers to think about which three of the fruit they have the most trouble living in their own lives. Talk about ways they can strengthen those fruit every day. Remind them that the Holy Spirit is their helper and guide. Give out three beads. Use a fine- line marker or paint pen to mark each of these three beads with a large dot to remind campers to keep working on these fruit. Gathering Call to Worship: Leader: “Be with us this day, Lord.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “Be with us in our play, exploration, and learning.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “May we grow in the Holy Spirit so that we can power up with the fruit of the Spirit!” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Song: “Trading My Sorrows” (Darrell Evans) or another choice from the Song Suggestions list or your own camp tradition. Opening Prayer: “Lord, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to live in each of us. Help us to display all the wonderful fruit of the Spirit, so that we are living testaments to you and your love. Amen.” Proclaiming Scripture: Psalm 104:30; Galatians 5:16-26 Message: (You may want to keep this short, as the camper response is longer.) Leaders should briefly tell of places in their lives where they have practiced the fruit of the Spirit. They are also to identify times during camp when they have seen campers display the fruit of the Spirit. Responding Camper Response: Divide campers into four groups and invite them to rotate through the “Fruit Stations” you have prepared around your worship space. Finish by helping campers make their reminder bracelets. Point out that wearing the bracelet is a bit like recognizing that the Holy Spirit is always with us, reminding us of all that Jesus taught us and helping us to live in the Spirit. Song: “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart” or choose from the Song Suggestions list or your own tradition. Closing: A season of prayer

WORSHIP FOR DAY 5: Power Up as One Community

Preparation Visuals: If your camp did the “We’re One” activity from the younger youth section, use those group posters to create one camp poster to be displayed. Message: 1. A leader or a volunteer camper from the worship team needs to be prepared to tell about a time when he or she asked for and received the support of a Christian community (camp, church, other supportive group). The message should emphasize the power of having a Christian community. 2. Have a table with several Scrabble games on it. Display the letters face up, so campers can easily choose. Campers will be asked to create words using the tiles. (An alternative is to have a long roll of paper and markers for the campers to write words or draw pictures.) Camper Response: Each camper will be asked to place a thumbprint on a “branch of a tree.” You will need an illustration of a tree trunk and branches, drawn ahead of time on a poster board. This needs to be large enough to have room for a thumbprint from everyone in your camp. Provide stamp pads of green, brown, red, or yellow and fine-line markers. (If you have the ability, the tree could be painted on a canvas for a more permanent display.)

Gathering Call to Worship: Leader: “Be with us this day, Lord.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “Be with us in our play, exploration, and learning.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “May we grow closer to you so that we can power up as one community!” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Song: “We Are a Rainbow” or another choice from the Song Suggestions list or your own camp tradition. Opening Prayer: “Lord, thank you for our camp. Thank you for making us one family this week. Help us to remember this feeling of community and connection long after camp is done. Amen.”

Proclaiming Scripture: Psalm 51:11; Ephesians 4:1-6 Message: 1. A leader tells about a time when he or she needed and received the support of a community. 2. Campers contribute words that remind them of what it means to be part of the camp family. Have them come up by cabin groups while other campers are singing.

Responding Camper Response: Invite campers to come forward to the altar where the poster board of the tree is displayed. Each camper is to use the inkpad to add a thumbprint to the tree as a “leaf.” Have each camper write his or her name over or by the thumbprint. Talk about how each individual camper has left a unique mark on this camp. Point out that each thumbprint “leaf” makes up a part of the whole tree, just as each camper makes up a part of the camp. Emphasize that each individual is unique, but we are all part of the bigger picture and connected to one another. Song: “We Are the Family of God” (Jon Byron) or choose from the Song Suggestions list or your own tradition. Closing: A season of prayer

WORSHIP FOR DAY 6: Power Up with Courage

Preparation Visuals: On large cardboard boxes paint words of courage. Display them all around your space. (Suggestions include: stand fast, stand up, speak up, brave, spunk, resolution, guts, heart, boldness, fearless, backbone, fortitude, etc.) Message: 1. Supplies for an anointing service (oil and leaders ready to pray with each camper). 2. Day 6 Skit Suggestion: “The Holy Spirit Gives Us What We Need” Camper Response: Provide paper and pen or pencil for each camper and baskets to collect responses in. If possible, play a recording of the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles.

Gathering Call to Worship: Leader: “Be with us this day, Lord.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “Be with us in our play, exploration, and learning.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “May we know you so well we will always have courage!” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Song: “Beloved (1 John 4:7-8)” or other choice from the Song Suggestions list or your own camp tradition. Opening Prayer: “Lord, as we begin to think about what comes after camp, help us to find the courage to take what we have learned and make a difference in our world. We know the world can sometimes be a dark place; help us to be the light that makes a difference wherever we go. Amen.”

Proclaiming Scripture: Psalm 139:7-10; 2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13-14 Message: Take this opportunity to invite campers to commit to or deepen their commitment to following Jesus, knowing that the Holy Spirit will be with them in their journey as Christians. If it is appropriate in your faith tradition, anoint each camper with a laying on of hands, empowering the campers to have the courage to rely on the Holy Spirit to help them be reflections of Christ in their world. Have a group ready to present the skit for Day 6.

Responding Camper Response: Have campers write down where they see needs in their world and how they can do something to make it better. Remind campers these can be big plans or just small and simple things. Collect papers in an offering basket and bring them to the altar. Have a leader say a prayer over them and ask God to give the campers the courage to follow through. Song: Listen to “Brave” (Sara Bareilles), or choose a song to sing from the Song Suggestions list or your own tradition. Closing: A season of prayer

WORSHIP FOR DAY 7: Power Up for Peace Wherever You Go

Preparation Visuals: Hang pictures from your week of camp all around. You could have some projected and running on a loop from a computer. Ask counselors to make posters with their parting words of wisdom for the campers. (“I pray you will never forget the feeling of this week,” “You have touched my life,” “I hope you have been blessed,” “Remember the Holy Spirit is always with you.”) Display these all around the space. Message: Campers who are “aging out” of your program should be asked to share with the group what they have learned and how they will be different when they get home. You will want to prepare the campers days in advance so they will have time to think of what they would like to say. Camper Response: Share in Holy Communion in the tradition of your faith.

Gathering Call to Worship: Leader: “Be with us this day, Lord.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “Be with us in our play, exploration, and learning.” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Leader: “May we always feel your peace wherever we are!” Campers: “Holy Spirit, help us to power up!” Song: “Here I Am, Lord,” or another choice from the Song Suggestions list or your own camp tradition. Opening Prayer: “Lord, thank you for the amazing week we have had. We thank you for this time as a family, as a community centered in your love. As we begin to think about going home, help us to find the courage to take what we have learned and make a difference in our world. Amen.”

Proclaiming Scripture: Psalm 51:12; John 20:19-23 Message: One at a time, invite the campers who are aging out of this program to come and share what they have learned and how they will take it home with them. (If campers cannot or will not share, counselors could speak.)

Responding Camper Response: Have campers take communion in the manner the tradition of your faith dictates. Song: “Bind Us Together” or choose from the Song Suggestions list or your own tradition. Closing: A season of prayer

Day Camp The Need Grows The need for day camp is growing, especially as parents look for quality experiences for their children during school vacations. Some school systems have gone to year-round school with a shorter summer break and two weeks off in the fall and spring, as well as at Christmas. Working parents want the assurance that their children are safe, well cared for, and having a great time! The ministry of day camp can fill that need. Some residential camps are expanding their programming to accommodate both types of camping simultaneously in their location. Churches, although not equipped for residential camping, often have facilities that can host a day camp to fill the need in their community. Some churches, however, do not feel equipped to take on such a program. Consequently, a growing number of residential camps are partnering with churches to provide the expertise and staffing to fulfill the desire to reach and serve more children and families. A typical partnership begins with one week of day camp and grows into more weeks in subsequent years. The combined efforts of hosts and partners—plus a good program resource—can fill the need. The Options Are Ready Whether you are already providing day camp at your camp or at a satellite location or you are considering the opportunity, having a good program resource is key. Here are ready-to-go options for creating up to six full weeks of fun—and life-changing—experiences for day-campers of all ages. Each week has a different look at Living in the Spirit (Celebrate, Imitate, Fruit of the Spirit, Community, Courage, and Peace). The theme-related games, arts and crafts, nature activities, music, Bible exploration, quiet time, and devotions work together to help your eager and energetic day-campers grow in their awareness of the power they have through the Holy Spirit for living as followers of Jesus. You can also easily adapt the activities and modules or add other favorite traditions to make your day camp a great experience for all.

Help your eager and energetic day-campers power up for living in the Spirit!

If you are doing only one week of day camp, consider Week 3: “Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit,” especially if your group tends on the younger side. If your group is mostly older, consider also Week 5: “Power Up with Courage” or Week 6: “Power Up with Peace Wherever You Go.” DAY CAMP: Week 1 Power up and Celebrate the Spirit Plan Your Week

Use the grid below as an example to help you create a visual plan for your week. (You will want to list your own schedule and write in your choices.) Select activities from the various listings below; feel free to add others of your own creation, as well.

Camp Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Getting to Know You• I ’ m G o i n g t o a • L i m a Y L e m ó n P a r t y . . .

Energizers • G o t I t ! • M o n k e y - C r a b R o p e S t a r T e a m • E l b o w T a g R e l a y B u i l d e r

Bible Time • S t o r y o f • S e n s e o f • T h e S t o r y I s A l i v e ! • E y e w i t n e s s • T h e F i r e T h a t P e n t e c o s t P e n t e c o s t A c c o u n t C a n ’ t B e E x t i n g u i s h e d • L a n g u a g e o f L o v e Morning Activity • S t o r y S y m b o l • S o n g F e s t • P r a y e r H a n d s • S e a r c h O u t t h e • F e a s t i n g Options • P e n t e c o s t • W i n d W a l k • P e n t e c o s t C a n d l e S p i r i t ! T o g e t h e r W i n d s o c k • P a p e r P l a t e • N a t u r a l A r t • C h i c k e n • T h e H o l y S p i r i t I s D o v e N o i s e m a k e r s w i t h M e ! Quiet Time • R e s t & R e a d • T a b l e T a l k • R e s t & R e a d • T a b l e T a l k • R e s t & R e a d • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l Afternoon Activity • S o n g F e s t • S p i r i t P i n w h e e l s • S k i t : E y e w i t n e s s • P l a n t h e B i r t h d a y • H a p p y B i r t h d a y , Options R e a c t i o n C e l e b r a t i o n C h u r c h ! • F l y K i t e s • N a m e T h a t S p i r i t ! • W i n d C h i m e s • P r a y e r F l a g s • S h o w Y o u r H o l y • B u b b l e W a n d s S p i r i t ! Devotions • C e l e b r a t e ! • C e l e b r a t i o n • W e A r e O n e • L i s t e n f o r t h e S p i r i t • T a k e t h e F i r e P r a y e r s W i t h Y o u ! Week 1 Overview

Scripture: Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 (CEB) Focus: The Holy Spirit filled the disciples and empowered them to share the good news in many languages. Through the Holy Spirit today people are empowered to come together and to understand. Connection to Campers: The campers’ excitement and energy are a perfect backdrop, as this week focuses on celebrating the Spirit. The theme reminds campers of the power of community and the joy of the Spirit—tangible gifts the campers can also experience. Leader Notes: To prepare, read through the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 2. The Common English Bible (CEB) translation is recommended for today’s lesson because the language is somewhat easier to follow with this longer passage. Read as much or as little of the scripture as is appropriate for the ages you have. Consider letting the story “grow,” reading the basic verses the first day and adding more as the week progresses. Be thoughtful about the words you use when discussing the Holy Spirit with the campers; try to keep from using the pronoun “it.” For many, the concept of the “Holy Ghost” or “Holy Spirit” is tough to understand and may feel supernatural. Using words such as “Teacher,” “Advocate,” “Counselor,” and “Comforter” will feel more tangible and better fit their developmental understanding. Symbol for the Week: Candle with a Flame Campers will quickly make the connection to the joy of countless birthday celebrations—and now to the celebration of Jesus’ promise fulfilled. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, it’s time to celebrate the birthday of the church. Throughout the week, as part of the various activities, look for ways to refer to the flame. Most of these activities come from specific age levels in the residential camp daily plans. However, they can readily be adjusted for younger or older or mixed-age groups in day camp. Feel free to adapt them to fit your camp and campers.

Getting-to-Know-You Games I’m Going to a Party To learn the names of the campers, have them form a circle. Model the pattern: “My name is______. I’m going to a party and I’ll be (taking/doing/enjoying...) ______.” The next person needs to repeat either all the patterns of the previous campers (or the previous five) before adding his or her own. After one round, have everyone shift places and challenge the campers to recall the names of the others. Remind everyone that this week’s theme is about celebration! Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e Lima Y Limón (Lime and Lemon) Here’s a fun game for getting to know names on a day that celebrates the Holy Spirit bringing diverse people together in understanding despite their language differences. Have the group stand or sit in a circle with the “Fruit Picker” at the center. When he or she points to someone and says, “Lima,” that person must say the name of the person on the left before the Fruit Picker counts to ten in English or Spanish (or Korean for those who do Tae Kwon Do or any other language of their choice). If the Fruit Picker says, “Limón,” the person indicated must name the one sitting to the right before the count of ten. If the person indicated fails, then he or she becomes the Fruit Picker. For added challenge, shorten the count to five after several rounds of ten. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Energizers Elbow Tag This version of tag is mostly just fun, but it is also a game in which players are “safe” when they aren’t alone. Head outside to a large, flat, open area. Explain to campers that they will be playing a special game of tag. Invite them to pair up, with each pair joined together by linking arms at the elbows. (Each person should still have a free arm.) Select one pair and split them up, naming one person “runner” and the other “It.” Instruct the linked pairs to spread out across the open area. The person who is “runner” must run up to a pair and link arms with one member of the pair before being tagged by the person who is “It.” When this linking happens, the other member of the pair must leave the grouping. That person becomes the “runner” and must link with a different pair before being tagged by “It.” If the person who is “It” succeeds in tagging the runner before he or she links with a pair, the runner becomes “It,” and the former “It” becomes the runner. When you are finished, take some breathing time and remind campers that with the Holy Spirit they are never alone and, when trouble chases after them—when they are sad, hurt, scared, or disappointed—they can “link up” with the Spirit through prayer. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Monkey-Crab Relay Create two or more teams of at least four players. Set a start line and a finish line. On “Go!” the first player in each team moves forward, like a monkey, on all fours racing to the finish line. When they cross the line, the second players then race toward the finish on all fours, only backwards, like a crab. Players alternate until the first team has all members across the line. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Got It! This game of tag has a twist. “It” is required to hold one hand on the place where he or she was tagged and still run after the others to tag a new “It,” who then has to hold a hand to his or her tagged spot and so on. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Rope Star Team Builder This is a fun way to energize campers and get them problem solving and moving together. Tie a long rope into a circle. Have campers grab onto the outside of the rope, with them evenly distributed all the way around. The first part of the challenge is for the group to form a five-pointed star (the way they learned to draw a star back in elementary school using one continuous line) without letting go of the rope. After campers have created the star, have them reverse the procedure to get back into a circle. Afterward, discuss: • What was easiest? Most difficult? • What worked well as a team? What needs to improve as a team? • How does the Holy Spirit guide us to follow God’s will? • What skills from this team builder are similar to powering up with the Holy Spirit? (listening, willingness to be led) Variations: Have all but one of the campers wear blindfolds; the one camper with sight doesn’t hold the rope, but rather leads with voice to help guide blindfolded campers to move. Or, only allow one camper to talk; the rest must stay silent—a challenge for listening skills. Choose other shapes to create—figure 8, trapezoid, and so on. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: A l o n g l e n g t h o f r o p e i n a n o p e n s p a c e , ( o p t i o n a l : b l i n d f o l d s f o r v a r i a t i o n ) Bible Time: Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 (CEB) Story of Pentecost Give the campers a little background before reading the Bible story. This story follows the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. So the disciples are together waiting as Jesus instructed them to do. A crowd of people from many different areas and languages is also in Jerusalem. Most are Jewish, and some are Gentiles or non-Jews with other beliefs. Now together read the Bible story in Acts 2:1-6. Day Camp Adaptation: If your campers are older, go ahead and read the rest of the scripture passage. Or build anticipation by telling the group that they will hear the rest of the story in the next few days. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e

Sense of Pentecost Have campers practice some sound effects to add to the telling of the story. Show the campers how to make the wind sound. Have them practice rubbing hands together back and forth or blowing with hands tented near the mouth, opening and closing their hands to change the windlike sounds. Give each camper red and orange pieces of crepe paper to be “flames.” Hand out pieces of paper with “God is with us” written in different foreign languages; give campers a minute to practice saying their version. Give English to younger campers who are pre- readers, and pair early readers with a youth or an adult to read in a language. Read Acts 2:1-6 slowly, allowing the campers to add the sound effects and actions throughout the story… • “Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind…” = rubbing hands together then stronger and stronger blowing with mouth and hands, “…filled the entire house…” • “individual flames of fire” = waving crepe-paper flames above heads • “began to speak in other languages” = speaking “God is with you” in multiple languages Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e , i n d e x c a r d s w i t h “ G o d i s w i t h u s ” i n o t h e r l a n g u a g e s ( S p a n i s h = Dios esta con nosotros, D u t c h = God is met ons, F r e n c h = Dieu est avec nous, C z e c h = Buh je s nami, F i l i p i n o = Ang Diyos ay sa amin, G e r m a n = Gott ist mit uns, N o r w e g i a n = Gud er med oss, P o l i s h = Bog jest z nami), r e d a n d o r a n g e c r e p e p a p e r s t r i p s f o r “ f l a m e s ”

Language of Love Leader Note: Are there any campers in your group who are bilingual? This is an activity in which they can shine. Ask campers: “How do you feel when you can’t understand what other people are saying to you?” Share stories in the group about times when people couldn’t understand each other—perhaps they heard something incorrectly and that caused problems, or perhaps they simply spoke different languages and didn’t know what each other was trying to say. Tell the group that today’s story is about a time when people didn’t understand about Jesus. They came from many different places and spoke different languages. Through God’s gift of the Holy Spirit the disciples were suddenly able to tell about Jesus in those many different languages, and everyone there understood that God loved them! Help campers experience this story through learning how to say, “God loves you,” in languages other than English. If you have any bilingual campers or counselors, allow them to teach the group how to say, “God loves you” in their language. Here are a few examples: In Spanish, it is: “Dios tea ma.” In French it is, “Dieu vous aime.” (Leader Note: You can find many other languages by doing an online search.) Allow campers to each choose a translation to practice. Once campers have memorized their various phrases, try to re-enact Pentecost as a group. Assemble everyone in a circle and at the count of three have each person shout “God loves you” in any language three times in a row. Remind campers that God loves all people—no matter what language they speak! Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: “ G o d l o v e s y o u ” w r i t t e n i n d i f f e r e n t l a n g u a g e s w i t h p r o n u n c i a t i o n t o s h o w c a m p e r s , t a p e t o h o l d u p t h e p a p e r i f n e e d e d

The Story Is Alive Read the story again, this time having the campers act out the narrative together. This passage lends itself to great props to make the story come alive. Provide some fun costumes, red or orange crepe paper or scarves, and maybe even an electric fan to simulate the wind. Allow the campers to choose which parts they’d like to play: a disciple, the Spirit, Jewish believers who were visiting Jerusalem. Read the story with appropriate pauses for the campers to act it out. Ask: What new thoughts or insights do you have from playing a role in the story? Day Camp Adaptation: If you have not yet used the entire passage, do so in today’s reading. Spend some time with the group recalling the life, death, resurrection of Jesus and why that is so important not only to the people hearing Peter’s message that day but also to us today. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e a n d p r o p s ( c r e p e p a p e r , s c a r v e s , c o s t u m e s ) , ( o p t i o n a l : e l e c t r i c f a n a n d p o w e r s o u r c e )

Eyewitness Account Read Acts 2:1-18. Assign one or more campers to be reporters. Assign others parts from the scripture (Peter, disciples, crowd, and skeptics). Give some time for the actors to think about how their characters would feel and react. Encourage the actors to improvise their responses based on the scripture verses. Have Bibles available for them to consult as they think about their roles. The actors should feel free to be creative but not to change the meaning or the story. Set the scene with any costumes or props that might be appropriate. Ask the reporters to pretend they just arrived on the scene from the scripture, and their job is to find out what is going on. They should interview each of those present. Encourage them to ask probing questions to try to find out the real story. Suggest questions such as: “What do you think this all means?” “What do you think will come next for the disciples?” “What did the tongues of fire feel like?” “What made you think the disciples might have been drinking?” Remind the other actors to “ham it up” for the reporters. Afterward discuss the activity: • What do you think was the significance of the different languages being spoken and understood? (Help campers see the very dramatic shift in focus for the disciples—from the movement being local to now becoming much larger.) • How do you think this change in focus made the disciples feel? • What do you think that means for us today? • Why do you think Pentecost is referred to as the “birthday” of the church? • What are some words used in this scripture passage that you think should be used to define our churches today? • How can churches make sure they are “speaking the language” so that everyone can understand? • How are our churches reaching out to everyone? • Who might be being left out? How can we remedy that? • How can you reach out and invite someone to learn about Jesus? What would you do? What would you say? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s , a v a i l a b l e p r o p s a n d c o s t u m e s t o a d d t o t h e s c e n e , p r o p m i c r o p h o n e ( s ) f o r r e p o r t e r ( s ) , ( o p t i o n a l : v i d e o r e c o r d e r )

A Fire That Can’t Be Extinguished Another option for a second reading of the passage needs a “trick candle,” the type that can’t easily be extinguished. Tell the campers you are going to read the story again, but this time you are going to say “Whoosh” at appropriate spots to replicate the wind of the Holy Spirit. When they hear the “Whoosh,” allow one of the campers to attempt to blow out the “trick candle.” Continue telling the story as your candle relights, asking a different camper to try to blow it out, or have the campers pass the candle around the circle. You could read Acts 1:4-8 and then Acts 2:1-18, 22-24, 33 plus 37-38, 41. Insert the “Whoosh” after Acts 1:4, 5, 8; Acts 2:2, 4, 18, 24a, 33, 38, and 41. When the campers realize that the candle won’t go out, explain that this is similar to the Holy Spirit’s fire in each of us. Day Camp Adaptation: If you use this activity the last day, be sure to emphasize the Holy Spirit’s presence continuing in campers’ lives. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , t r i c k c a n d l e , m a t c h o r l i g h t e r

Morning & Afternoon Activity Options Story Symbol = Candle with Flame Show the campers today’s symbol, the candle with flame, and ask why they think a lit candle is today’s symbol. (Tongues of flames descended on the heads of the disciples at Pentecost; we use candles for celebrations—birthdays, holidays.) Bring the discussion around to the fact that Christians celebrate Pentecost (the fiftieth day after Easter) as the birthday of the church. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: R e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f c a n d l e w i t h f l a m e

Happy Birthday, Church! Pentecost is the celebration of the church’s beginning, or the “birthday” of the Christian church. Pentecost was a gathering in one place of people who didn’t know one another well where the power of the Holy Spirit brought them together as one to help them know and praise God. Tell the campers that we are going to host a birthday party for the church. Begin by having them decorate cupcakes or muffins with red frosting and (optional) sprinkles. (Leader Note: Check with the kitchen staff for their recommendations and to verify that no camper has a food allergy.) Add a birthday candle to each, light the candles if safe to do so, and sing “Happy Birthday” to the church. Ask: “Does the lit candle remind you of anything?” (today’s symbol, also the flames above the disciples’ heads). Play some birthday games, adapting traditional games for today’s celebration. The campers too are just getting to know one another and forming a community. As you play each game, take time to remind campers to speak their name before taking their turn. Pin the Tail on the Donkey becomes Pin the Doors on the Church by drawing a simple church building and a rectangle space for the doors, but the doors are cut out of red paper with a piece of tape on the back for sticking on the church. Adapt Musical Chairs to Holy Spirit Chairs—instead of music, use a recording of wind or storm sounds, moving until the sounds stop. Play Blow the Flame by wadding up small pieces of red and orange paper (use the crepe paper pieces from the “Sense of Pentecost” activity in Explore), and using masking tape to make two lines across the short ends of a table, a few feet apart. Two campers play at a time, each with a “flame” (wad of paper)—one with a red “flame” and one with an orange one. Each player places his or her “flame” on his or her side of the line closest to that player, one at either end of the table. At “Go,” each blows on his or her “flame” until it crosses the opponent’s tape line. Players must stay on their respective sides of the table while blowing. Remind campers that they are celebrating the birthday of the church—that, before Pentecost, church in a building with a congregation like we have today with everyone praising God didn’t exist. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , M u s i c a l Supplies: C u p c a k e s o r m u f f i n s , f r o s t i n g , u t e n s i l s f o r s p r e a d i n g f r o s t i n g , ( o p t i o n a l : s p r i n k l e s ) , c a n d l e s , m a t c h e s o r li g h t e r , r e d c h u r c h d o o r s o f p a p e r p i c t u r e o f c h u r c h , p u s h p i n s , m a s k i n g t a p e , s c r a p r e d a n d o r a n g e p a p e r t o w a d u p , c h a i r s ( o n e f e w e r t h a n t h e t o t a l n u m b e r o f c a m p e r s ) , C D p l a y e r , w i n d o r s t o r m C D

Pentecost Windsock Invite campers to work together in their family groups to make a windsock for their family to remind them of the Holy Spirit’s presence every time they see the ribbons moving in the wind. Each family group will need a ring and at least six ribbons in a variety of colors and lengths. They are to tie the six ribbons onto the ring at the top of the ribbons so they hang down to catch the wind. Then they take a long piece of orange or red ribbon and cover the rest of the ring by wrapping it around and around the ring to cover it completely, tying the ribbon’s ends to the ring. Finally, they are to tie a string to the top of the ring to hang their windsock. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L o g i c a l / M a t h e m a t i c a l Supplies: R i n g f o u r t o s i x i n c h e s i n d i a m e t e r ( w o o d , m e t a l , o r w i r e ) , r e d a n d o r a n g e r i b b o n s o r f a b r i c s t r i p s o f v a r i o u s l e n g t h s ( 1 2 i n c h e s t h e s h o r t e s t t o 2 4 i n c h e s t h e l o n g e s t ) a n d v a r i o u s w i d t h s — o n e r i n g a n d s i x r i b b o n s f o r e a c h w i n d s o c k ; l o n g p i e c e o f f a b r i c o r r i b b o n t o w r a p t h e r i n g ; s t r i n g , o r y a r n f o r h a n g e r

Prayer Hands Give red and orange construction paper to each camper, and have campers trace their hands several times in both colors to represent flames and then cut them out. Have older campers help younger campers who might have difficulty. Invite campers to write prayers on each of the handprint flames—one prayer for themselves and other prayers for other people or places. Encourage prayers for camp as well as prayers for those back home, in addition to prayers for the world. Younger campers may need help writing or drawing their prayers on the flames. Once campers have written as many prayers as they wish on the hands, have them share some of the prayers within their family groups or with the whole group. Especially in the larger group, it may be helpful to have campers give their names as they begin their prayers. Collect all the handprint flames to use in Evening Worship. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: R e d a n d o r a n g e c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r ( e n o u g h f o r t w o o r t h r e e h a n d p r i n t s o f e a c h c o l o r p e r c a m p e r ) , s c i s s o r s , p e n c i l s , m a r k e r s o r c r a y o n s

Wind Walk Plan a short walk around camp that is near or among trees, particularily trees with leaves. Invite campers to walk slowly and watch for the wind blowing in the trees, blowing the leaves or the branches. Walk quietly so campers can use their senses to feel the wind and see its effects. Challenge them to keep count on their hands with their fingers of times they “see” the wind. After a few minutes of walking, stop and ask campers where they saw or felt the wind? Invite them all to express where they saw the wind. Ask: “How did you ‘see’ the wind?” (movement of the leaves and branches). Say: “We can’t really ‘see’ the wind because air is invisible, but we do ‘see’ the movement caused by the wind. The Holy Spirit is like the wind—we can’t touch or see the Holy Spirit, but we know God’s power is at work in our lives. In the Bible the Holy Spirit is revealed to people sometimes as the breath of the wind and other times as flames of fire.” As you continue to walk, encourage campers to look for more signs of the wind. This time when you stop, ask: • How do we know the wind is blowing since we can’t see it? • How do we know the Holy Spirit is present when we can’t see the Spirit? (The actions of God, answer to prayer, good things happening in our lives, power for people to do good things are the Holy spirit at work.) • How does the wind remind of us of the Holy Spirit? (We know the wind is there because we feel it or see it moving the leaves; we know the Holy Spirit is a power in our lives through God using us to care for others.) Finish by saying, “God is always with us through the Holy Spirit moving around us and within us! That is the power of the Holy Spirit.” Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: T r e e s w i t h l e a v e s

Pentecost Candle Leader Notes: At some camps, candlemaking is a craft activity. If that is a tradition at your camp, incorporate it into this activity. Campers may work on this project as a family group, with each child or youth making a candle with adult help, or each camper making one—leader’s choice. For each candle, campers will need a small glass jar, cut-up colored tissue paper, and diluted liquid glue. Have campers “paint” the glue on the outside of the jar and then stick tissue paper on it. Tissue paper may overlap to create a collage look. Once the jar is covered, campers can “paint” the tissue with the glue mixture and set the jar on wax paper to dry. Add a votive candle—either real or battery operated. Invite campers to bring their candles to Cabin Devotions tonight. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: E m p t y a n d c l e a n b a b y f o o d j a r s o r s m a l l g l a s s j a r s — o n e p e r c a m p e r o r f a m i l y , r e d , o r a n g e , a n d y e l l o w t i s s u e p a p e r i n s m a l l p i e c e s ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y o n e - i n c h s q u a r e ) , d i l u t e d l i q u i d g l u e ( d i l u t e d w i t h w a t e r s o i t c a n b e “ p a i n t e d ” ) , s m a l l p a i n t b r u s h e s , v o t i v e c a n d l e s — o n e p e r j a r ( b a t t e r y o r w a x ) , w a x p a p e r s q u a r e f o r d r y i n g , c l e a n - u p s u p p l i e s

Prayer Flags How do you pray? In the country of Tibet, people often use prayer flags to help them talk to God. Prayer flags are colorful strips of cloth with a prayer written on them. As a group, discuss what your hopes and prayers are for camp this week. Ask, “What can we pray for together?” Make a list and have each camper decorate a simple prayer flag. Use cut-up triangles of bed sheets to fashion prayer flags. After the flags are created, have a prayer parade through the camp with everyone flying the flags. Designate a place that is frequently visible around camp to display the flags. Remind the group of the scripture and that wind is one way to think about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Tell the group that, as the wind blows through the flags, they can think of God’s Holy Spirit receiving their prayers. At the end of the week, take down the flags and talk together about answers to prayer. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: W h i t e b e d s h e e t s c u t a h e a d o f t i m e i n t o p e n n a n t - s h a p e d t r i a n g l e s , m a r k e r s o r p a i n t s a n d b r u s h e s t o d e c o r a t e a n d a d d p r a y e r s t o t h e f l a g s

Spirit Pinwheels The scripture today says the Spirit came to the disciples in the wind. Celebrate the Spirit of Pentecost by making pinwheels that spin in the wind. Assist the campers with these steps. (Leader Note: Mark the squares in advance, or assist the campers to do so before they cut.) 1. Cut a 4-inch x 4-inch square out of a piece of red paper. 2. Draw two diagonal lines from corner to opposite corner. Where the two cross is the center of the paper square. Mark it with a small dot, and surround it with a circle the size of the end of your thumb. 3. Cut along each diagonal line toward the center circle. Do not cut into the circle. After the cuts, there will be eight points on the outer edges of the paper. 4. Use a hole punch or pin to punch a hole through every other point (for safety, do this for them)—a total of four points. Gently fold —no creases—the holes on the outer edge of the pinwheel to line up with the dot in the center. Those points with the holes will overlap each other and the center dot. 5. Push a pin (again, counselors should do this step for safety) through them to hold everything together (do this for them). 6. Push the pin into the side of a pencil eraser or straw (do this for them). 7. Decorate the handle of the pinwheel with red and orange ribbons. Celebrate the joy of Pentecost by bringing pinwheels to use during music at worship. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: R e d p a p e r , r u l e r s , p e n c i l s , s a f e t y s c i s s o r s , r e d o r o r a n g e p u s h p i n s , p e n c i l s o r s t r a w s f o r p i n w h e e l h a n d l e s , r e d a n d o r a n g e r i b b o n s

“The Holy Spirit Is with Me! Share the Good News!” Ask the campers to stand and spread out around the space. Hold up a roll of red (or yellow or orange) crepe paper (or ball of red yarn) and announce that this represents the Holy Spirit (like “tongues of fire”). Say, “The Holy Spirit is with me!” Hold on to one end and toss the roll (or ball of yarn) to someone else in the group; and say, “Share the good news!” When campers receive the crepe paper, they will say, “The Holy Spirit is with me.” Next, they will continue to toss the crepe paper from camper to camper, with the “tosser” making sure to hang on to an end of the paper. Campers should say, “Share the good news!” as they toss the paper to the other campers. Make sure the paper stays loose or it will rip. However, even if it does, the activity can still continue. Point out that the crepe paper is like the Holy Spirit helping them spread the good news to others. Remind campers that their actions tell others about God. Encourage campers to toss the crepe paper to campers farther and farther away from them, preferably across the group, so that the good news trail gets all crisscrossed. Continue tossing until everyone has a chance to toss, or keep tossing until the crepe paper runs out. As a closing reminder, at the end of the activity, campers can tear off pieces of the streamer and tuck them in their pockets or sleeves. These can be physical reminders of the power of the Holy Spirit that is with them and also calls them to share the good news. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: R e d ( o r y e l l o w o r o r a n g e ) c r e p e p a p e r ( o r b a l l o f y a r n )

Fly Kites Supply kites for each smaller group of two or three campers. Have the campers in each small group work together to fly that kite. Afterward, ask: • Why do you think the Holy Spirit is sometimes compared to wind? • If you can’t see wind, how do you know its power? • If you can’t see the Holy Spirit, how do you know the Spirit’s power? Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: K i t e s a n d m a t e r i a l s f o r t a i l s ( e i t h e r p u r c h a s e d o r t h e s u p p l i e s t o m a k e t h e m ; p a t t e r n s a r e o n l i n e ) , w i n d y d a y , o p e n p l a c e t o f l y k i t e s

Plan the Birthday Celebration Celebrate the birthday of the church! (Leader Note: This could also be an all-camp project in which each smaller camper group plans a part of the celebration and the whole camp comes together for one big party). Tell campers you are going to plan a birthday party for the church. Divide into teams, each planning one aspect of the celebration. They need to create a plan from start to finish. Remind them to think about how to include everyone, the set-up, supplies needed, and what the clean-up process will be. Encourage campers to find ways to create a celebratory, festive environment! Team 1 should plan some games that are church-related (for example: Layperson, Layperson, Clergy rather than Duck, Duck, Goose, or Follow the Pastor rather than Follow the Leader, or Pin the Bible on the Altar rather than Pin the Tail on the Donkey). This team needs to plan all aspects of the games, supplies, prizes, rules, and when they will be played. Team 2 can plan the food. Food can also be theme-related: whipped-up windy cupcakes, flaming fruit punch, flame-grilled fruit kabobs, for example. (Leader Note: Be sure to work with your kitchen staff in advance. You may also want the team to include someone from the kitchen staff as a consultant. Also, be open to having the food be something the campers and staff can prepare, given the supplies, rather than asking the kitchen staff to do the preparation.) Team 3 can work on decorations. Encourage them to find ways to represent the flames, wind, and the different languages spoken. Team 4 should come up with gifts the church would like. Encourage them to think beyond material things. For example, gifts could include: “The church would like us to pray for others for its birthday,” or, “The church would like us to do a service project for camp for its birthday.” Challenge the team to identify specific ways for campers to follow through either as a group or individually when each returns home. That extra step moves the gifts from simply being nice ideas to campers taking action. Enjoy the party! Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: T h e s e w i l l d e p e n d o n t h e p l a n s e a c h t e a m m a k e s ; a b i r t h d a y c a n d l e f o r e a c h c a m p e r w i l l b e a g o o d t a k e - h o m e r e m i n d e r o f t h e c e l e b r a t i o n a n d o f t h e P e n t e c o s t s t o r y ; a f a n w i l l h e l p r e p r e s e n t t h e w i n d Show Your “Holy Spirit”! Have campers create a cheer, song, chant, dance, or rap to show their “Holy Spirit.” The expression should focus on what the Holy Spirit can do in and for us and should include movements. Encourage campers to use some of the descriptive words from the text: mighty wind, noise from heaven, fiery tongues, and so on. Plan to use the result in worship or at campfire. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: N o n e

Name That Spirit! This version of charades is both silly and good practice for expressing and discerning emotions. Tell campers that you will be playing charades. Instead of dividing into teams, encourage the entire group to guess together. Invite campers to take turns acting out the following spirits: a spirit of joy a spirit of anger a spirit of self-control a spirit of creativity a spirit of love school spirit the Holy Spirit a spirit of truth the Christmas spirit a generous spirit Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Search Out the Spirit This nature activity will get campers outdoors with eyes wide open, searching out signs of the Spirit around your camp. Head outdoors. Invite campers to be fully present—to carefully listen, watch, and experience—as they walk through your camp. Ask: • Where do you see the Spirit at work? (perhaps in people working together, perhaps in people fired up about injustice…) • Where do you hear the Spirit? (perhaps in shared laughter, or within your own heart…) • In what other ways do you experience the Spirit? (through smell? taste? touch?) Encourage youth to share what they experience or notice. Talk as you walk together. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Bubble Wands Using wire cutters, cut wire into 16-inch pieces (one piece per camper). Help campers twist one end of the wire into a circle (the larger the circle, the bigger the bubbles!). Use pliers to fasten the circle together. Invite campers to select 10–15 beads that they want to have on their bubble-wand handle. Have campers thread beads onto the wire handle in whatever order they prefer. Help campers to fasten off the end of the handle using pliers, and remove any excess wire with wire cutters. Pour bubble soap solution into a few plastic bowls, and let campers try out their wands! Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: W i r e , w i r e c u t t e r s / p l i e r s , m e d i u m - t o - l a r g e p l a s t i c a n d / o r g l a s s b e a d s , b u b b l e s o a p s o l u t i o n , p l a s t i c b o w l s Paper Plate Dove Cut paper plate into three long strips (the two outside pieces will become the wings, and the middle will be the body of the dove). After cutting the wings free, on the back of the paper plate, draw the dove’s head, body, and tail as one piece from the remaining middle section. After you cut the head/body/tail section out, when you flip it over, the marker lines won’t show. Tape the wings like a bird in flight so that they spread out from the back of the head/body/tail combo piece. Use markers to color eyes, a beak, and legs on the head/body/tail piece of the dove. The finished dove should resemble the bird found in this picture (http://catholicicing.com/holy-spirit-craft-make-a-dove-from-a-paper-plate). Older campers may add on to this craft. For them, provide these additional directions: Use yellow construction paper to cut out flame-shaped pieces. On each flame, write a fruit of the Spirit. Then, using yarn and a single- hole punch, attach each flame from the bottom of the dove’s wings so that they dangle below the dove. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: P l a i n w h i t e p a p e r p l a t e s , s c i s s o r s , t a p e , m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : y e l l o w c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , s i n g l e - h o l e p u n c h , y a r n )

Wind Chimes Wind chimes are another great object that can be used to demonstrate the movement of wind and the movement of the Holy Spirit. Prior to working on your wind chimes, take campers on a nature walk and encourage them to gather from the ground twigs, stones, shells, and other objects from nature that they want to use on their chimes. After the nature walk, have each camper gather his or her found objects into a pile on the work surface. Provide every camper with a wire hanger and explain that the hanger is the base for a set of wind chimes. Using string and yarn, string beads and found objects onto several separate strands. Attach each strand of items to a different spot on the hanger. When campers are done creating (and cleaning up the work area), head outside. Hang wind chimes on a tree branch or other outdoor spot and wait for the wind to begin making unique music! Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , M u s i c a l Supplies: Y a r n o r s t r i n g , s c i s s o r s , w i r e c l o t h e s h a n g e r s , a v a r i e t y o f c o l o r f u l g l a s s b e a d s , f o u n d o b j e c t s f r o m n a t u r e

Natural Art Ahead of time, collect a variety of colors of paint chip cards from a store that carries paint—various greens, browns, tans, and some pinks, oranges, and yellows. Each camper needs a collection of several colors of paint chips. Take the campers on a short hike and ask them to match objects in nature with the selections of color that they have. Invite campers to collect a few items that match their colors if they are items lying on the ground and not living plants, trees, or animals. Remind campers not to pick flowers or leaves, but instead remember the matches they found to the color chips. Talk about the variety of colors in God’s creation and how just by looking around us we realize so much art—God’s art—surrounds us every day. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: S e v e r a l p a i n t c h i p c a r d s o f v a r i o u s c o l o r s — b r o w n s , g r e e n s , t a n s , s o m e p i n k s , y e l l o w , a n d o r a n g e s — p e r c a m p e r o r p a i r o f c a m p e r s

Chicken Noisemakers What to do: Leader Notes: Counselors should use a nail to carefully punch a hole in the center of the bottom of the cups ahead of time. Do not let campers take these to worship or other quiet activities. 1. Cut a piece of yarn about 20 inches long. 2. Tie one end of the yarn to the middle of a paper clip. 3. Push the other end of the yarn through the hole in the cup and pull it through so the paper clip is on the bottom of the cup, keeping the yarn from going all the way though the cup. 4. Cut a piece of paper towel about the size of a dollar bill, then fold it once and get it damp in the water. 5. Hold the cup firmly in one hand, upside down, the string hanging down. Wrap the damp paper towel around the string near the mouth of the cup. While you squeeze the string with the paper towel, pull down in short jerks so that the paper towel tightly slides along the string. It may take a few tries, but if all goes well— you hear a chicken! Connection to theme: Use noisemakers on the day of celebration (Day 2) to help create a “joyful” noise for God! To make this activity an experiment, challenge campers to try different things in order to answer these questions: • What types of string or yarn make the loudest sound? Which ones make the quietest? • Does the size of the cup affect the volume of the sound? • Try materials other than a paper towel to see if that affects the volume of the sound. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: F o r e a c h c a m p e r — a p l a s t i c d r i n k i n g c u p , y a r n o r c o t t o n s t r i n g ( n y l o n s t r i n g w i l l n o t w o r k w e l l ) , o n e p a p e r c l i p , p a p e r t o w e l , a n d s c i s s o r s ; a n a i l ( c o u n s e l o r - u s e o n l y ) ; b o w l o f w a t e r Skit: Eyewitness Reaction Have one or more groups create a skit from the following instructions and their own ideas, perhaps in the style of on-camera TV reporters for different channels. Present the skits at the end of the allotted time or for devotions. A group of eyewitnesses react to the Pentecost story in a variety of ways. One is overwhelmed and can’t believe what he or she saw. One tries to find “logical” explanations for all that happened. One wants to run out and tell everyone he or she knows about God’s love. One wants to hush up the whole thing for fear of seeming crazy. The resolution is that, no matter what the reaction to the Holy Spirit, people are changed. We face the questions of how we will react and what difference our reactions will make in our lives. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: C o p y o f i n s t r u c t i o n s

Feasting Together Have a small-group gratitude party to celebrate the campers’ time at camp. Invite campers to bring whatever they have to share. Decorate with things they can find around camp: leaves, rocks, etc. (but only things found already on the ground—no picking of living things, such as flowers). Invite campers to share their best camp experiences. Ask them each to tell something he or she appreciates about each person in the group. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: I t e m s c o l l e c t e d

Song Fest These song suggestions come from the various age-level lists. However, feel free to draw from all of them to select ones that fit your campers. Consider making Song Fest one of your activities over several days. During that time teach the songs, add motions, do interpretive dance, or just dance! Prepare for worship. Enjoy! Recommended Theme Song: “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing” is a versatile African American Spiritual. Invite campers to make up new verses such as “I’m gonna celebrate,” “I’m gonna serve…,” “I’m gonna walk…,” and so on). They can also create motions for the verses. Intergenerational “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “Every Move I Make,” Point of Grace “Light the Fire,” Bill Maxwell “We Are the Church,” Avery and Marsh “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual Younger Children “The Spirit of the Sovereign God,” Vineyard Music “This Little Light of Mine,” Traditional “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Our God Is an Awesome God,” Rich Mullins “Kum Ba Ya,” Traditional “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual Older Children “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship,” Brian Doerksen “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing” (make up new verses such as “I’m gonna serve…,” “I’m gonna walk…,” and so on), African American Spiritual “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” Hymn “Our God Is an Awesome God,” Rich Mullins “We Are the Church,” Avery and Marsh (Sing hymns in different languages, such as in Spanish; many are available in hymnals or songbooks.) Younger Youth “Celebrate Jesus, Celebrate,” Gary Oliver “I Will Celebrate,” Linda Duvall “Let Faith Arise,” Chris Tomlin “Our God,” Chris Tomlin “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn, Daniel Iverson “Spirit Song,” Hymn, John Wimber “Holy, Holy,” Jimmy Owens “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual “We Are the Church,” Avery and Marsh Older Youth “Light the Fire,” Bill Maxwell “We Are Marching,” South African song (multiple languages) “Spirit of the Living God,” Hymn “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” African American Spiritual “We Are the Church,” Avery and Marsh “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” Hymn, Edwin Hatch “Father, We Adore You,” Terrye Coelho “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l Supplies: S o n g l e a d e r , w o r d s , m u s i c s o u r c e

Quiet Time Table Talk or Conversation Station Use these questions to invite campers into conversation about the theme. Use them over one or more of the meals or create a conversation station during one of the activity rotations. Consider using this for one or more of the days in the week. Younger Campers: • What are some special birthday traditions you do every year on your birthday? • Do you know how you got your name? • Or what your name means? Older Campers: • As we talk about Pentecost, known as the birthday of the church, what was a memorable birthday for you? • What did you do to celebrate? • Who was there? • Why was it special? • When you think about the Holy Spirit, what comes to your mind? • Where would you like to see the Holy Spirit bring change in the world today? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: C o p y f o r e a c h t a b l e o f t h e c h o s e n t o p i c

Rest and Read Here are storybooks to read aloud for quiet time, perhaps after lunch. Or use them during worship time: Is God Always with Me? By Crystal Bowman Let There Be Peace: Prayers from Around the World, by Jeremy Brooks Say Hello, by Rachel Isadora We Are One, by Ysaye M. Barnwell Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: C o p y o f t h e c h o s e n b o o k

Daily Journal Have campers use half sheets of paper, fold them over onto themselves, and staple the middle to create books (or simply provide composition books). Have each camper decorate the outside of his or her journal with the words “Grateful Journal.” Here are suggested topics for each day’s writing (or drawing) time: • How do you imagine the Holy Spirit? • What do you like about church? About the people who are part of the church? About what the church does to help people all around the world? • What are some things you are grateful for in your life? At camp? • How have you experienced the help of the Holy Spirit in your life—perhaps, overcoming differences or misunderstandings that that separated you from someone? How was God’s Spirit of love helping you? • How does the phrase “Living in the Spirit” mean to you? How might it guide you when you are no longer at camp? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: P a p e r , s t a p l e r , w r i t i n g i n s t r u m e n t s , m a r k e r s f o r d e c o r a t i n g

Devotions Celebrate! Sing several songs that speak to life in the Spirit. Keep the mood one of celebration. Invite campers to bring their pinwheels to express themselves through movement. Read Acts 2:1-6. Bring out today’s symbol: the candle. Say, “Today we celebrate the birthday of the church. When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the disciples received power from God, power to make the world a better place. God’s Spirit gives us that power too. Let’s power up and celebrate!” Use the phrase, “I’ve got the power!” as a response in the liturgy below. Leader: “The Holy Spirit comes in the wind, telling God’s people…” (response) Leader: “The Holy Spirit comes in the fire, warming hearts to believe…” Leader: “The Holy Spirit comes to God’s children, reminding them no matter what…” Then say, “Tonight we have the power to celebrate God’s gift from heaven. Let’s have a party for God’s Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church.” Bring out cupcakes for the campers. Pass them out and sing together “Happy Birthday” to the church before departing for the evening. Day Camp Adaptation: Arrange for cupcakes to be ready to take home. Consider cupcake making as an activity option, keeping in mind any campers’ allergies. Or find a substitute for cupcakes, such as balloons or colorful bead-strands, for example. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: B i b l e , e n o u g h c u p c a k e s f o r a l l t h e c a m p e r s , p i n w h e e l s i f m a d e e a r l i e r

Celebration Prayers Sing some Spirit-songs and hang celebration prayers. Ask each camper to write on a colored piece of paper something good he or she wants to celebrate. Punch a hole in the top of each paper and tie a loop of yarn to each so the papers can be hung from the trees. Point out the wind moving the papers as a symbolic reminder of the Holy Spirit at work. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: C o l o r e d p a p e r , p e n s o r m a r k e r s , h o l e p u n c h , y a r n

We Are One We Are One, by Ysaye M. Barnwell, is a short picture book to read and savor. Each beautifully illustrated page features a short phrase that recalls Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:17-21) and the realities of Pentecost. Read the book aloud and ask the campers to identify images of scenes that remind them of the lessons of this week. Close in prayer together. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: We Are One, b y Y s a y e M . B a r n w e l l

Listen for the Spirit Gather in a quiet place, outside or in a place where you can watch or hear the wind blowing. Invite campers to get comfortable. Together spend a few minutes watching or listening for the wind or breeze. (This will work on a still day as well as a windy one.) Explain that while it is easy to notice when the Holy Spirit comes like a rushing wind, the Spirit also works in quieter ways—ways that require us to listen carefully. Close with prayer asking for help in listening and being aware of the Spirit’s presence each day. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: N o n e

Take the Fire with You! Sing some favorite Spirit-songs. Take some time to ask campers what else from the week would be on their list of favorites. Bring out one of the trick candles. Light it and let campers take turns trying to blow it out. Remind them that the Holy Spirit goes with them wherever they are. That fire cannot be extinguished. Close with a prayer of celebration. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: T r i c k c a n d l e , m a t c h e s DAY CAMP: Week 2 Power Up to Imitate Christ Plan Your Week

Use the grid below as an example to help you create a visual plan for your week. (You will want to list your own schedule and write in your choices.) Select activities from the various listings below; feel free to add others of your own creation, as well. Camp Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Getting to Know You• N a m e s i n • L e t t h e S p i r i t R h y t h m M o v e Y o u !

Energizers • C o n t a g i o u s • S p i r i t S a y s • D o T h i s . . . a n d • B o u n c e a n d C h a t T h i s . . . a n d T h i s . . .

Bible Time • M i r r o r , M i r r o r • M i r r o r i n g J e s u s • I n T h e s s a l o n i c a • T h e B a c k s t o r y • W r i t e Y o u r O w n L e t t e r

Morning Activity • S t o r y S y m b o l • W a l l o f • C o p y C a t • W a l k T h i s W a y • R e f l e c t i o n Options E n c o u r a g e m e n t • M i r r o r I m a g e • S u n P r i n t s • M i r r o r I m a g e • J u s t L i k e J e s u s P a i n t i n g • E n c o u r a g e Y o u r • C o l o r f u l B u b b l e C a m p S n a k e s Quiet Time • R e s t & R e a d • T a b l e T a l k • R e s t & R e a d • T a b l e T a l k • R e s t & R e a d • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l Afternoon Activity • S o n g F e s t • A c t s o f S e r v i c e • S k i t s ( W W J D • P o w e r G r i d • S i m o n S a y s Options a n d / o r M o d e r n D a y • N a t u r e S t a m p s • T r e e I m a g e r y • S i t D o w n C i r c l e • W i p e A w a y t h e M i r a c l e s ) B a r s • M i r r o r S n a c k Devotions • W h e r e D i d Y o u • R e f l e c t i o n • A L e t t e r f o r Y o u • R e s p o n d i n g • R e m i n d e r C a r d s S e e . . . P r a y e r s Week 2 Overview

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Focus: Campers look to the example of Jesus and other Christians to learn how to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Connection to Campers: Campers will experience what it means to imitate Christ because the power of the Holy Spirit is working in and through us. We are also to imitate others who are faithful, encourage one another, and serve as examples to others of what it looks like to believe and follow Christ. Leader Notes: Prepare for the day’s lesson by reading the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 3. Sometimes following Jesus is hard, especially for new believers and for those struggling through the bumps and bruises of life. Part of growing in faith is realizing that God is with us—no matter what. The Christians in this passage were being persecuted, but the Spirit led them into deeper discipleship as they followed in Christ’s footsteps. Role models are important, and Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of faith. Symbol for the Week: Mirror The symbol for today is a mirror—representing “mirroring” Christ, reflecting and imitating Jesus’ character and heart. “When others look at me, will they see Christ reflected in my life?” That is the question campers will face as they encounter Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians to imitate Jesus and the examples of other Christians. Most of these activities come from specific age levels in the residential camp daily plans. However, they can readily be adjusted for younger or older or mixed-age groups in day camp. Feel free to adapt them to fit your camp and campers.

Getting-to-Know-You Games Let the Spirit Move You! This icebreaker facilitates “getting-to-know-you” in an active way. Include the leaders! Have campers stand in a circle, facing inward. A volunteer comes to the center of the circle to be “It.” Ask campers to find out the names of those on either side of them. The person in the center calls, “The Spirit moves everyone who…”—completing the sentence with a statement that is true for him- or herself. (For example, “The Spirit moves everyone who can speak another language!”) All who share this characteristic leave their places to quickly find new ones at least two spaces away. The central person must also find a place. The last one not in the circle is “It.” When people reach a new spot, again have them find out the names of those to either side and quickly elaborate on the characteristic that moved them (“I speak Spanish!”). The person who has not found a place begins a new round. Encourage a variety of questions to elicit facts, history, preferences, and other aspects of identity. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: I f p l a y i n g i n s i d e , u s e c h a i r s f o r e a c h c a m p e r — m i n u s o n e

Names in Rhythm Have campers sit in a circle. Start a beat by having everyone slap their thighs (once), clap their hands (once), and snap their fingers (one, two). Once the four-beat rhythm is going, go around the circle with each person saying his or her name on the snaps. Depending upon the number of syllables in the name, the player can say the name fast (AnnaLisa), draw it out (Will-ill), or fit it to the beat (Ev- an), for example. To vary the challenge, speed up the rhythm, or have one person in the center point to different campers, and the group must say the name in rhythm. Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l Supplies: N o n e

Energizers Spirit Says Game Spirit Says is a variation of the popular children’s game Simon Says. In this game one player takes the role of “Spirit” and gives instructions (physical tasks such as “wave your right hand”) to the other players, which they should only follow if prefaced with the phrase “Spirit says.” For example, “Spirit says, jump in the air.” Players are eliminated from the game by either following instructions that are not immediately preceded by the trigger phrase or by failing to follow an instruction that does include the phrase “Spirit says.” Point out that it is the ability to listen to instruction and imitate the Spirit’s lead that will determine the winner of the game. The object for the player acting as the Spirit is to get all the other players out as quickly as possible. The winner of the game is usually the last player who has successfully followed all of the directions. Occasionally, the last players may all be eliminated by following a command without “Spirit Says,” which means the Spirit wins the game. Leader Note: Pay attention to your group. Watch for any campers who get “out” and become upset. Try to keep the emotional tenor of the game balanced so that everyone “gets out” but truly “stays in” and has fun. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: J u s t h a p p y c a m p e r s !

Bounce and Chat This activity is great one to keep around throughout the rest of the week—when campers need a transitional activity, need to settle down after a crazy game, or need some help participating, you can pull out the beach ball and get a conversation rolling! Prior to your time together, inflate a beach ball and, using a permanent marker, write a variety of questions and prompts all over the surface of the ball—the more questions, the better. Mix in fun questions and more reflective ones. When appropriate, follow up answers with the question, “Why?” Questions and prompts might include: favorite television show? favorite musician? best gift you’ve ever received? what you want to do after high school? favorite teacher? favorite Bible verse or story? any pets? favorite book? favorite church/camp song? Sit or stand in a circle together. Explain to campers that whenever the beach ball comes out, they will take turns tossing it to various people in the circle. Tell them, “When the ball is thrown to you, catch it and answer the question that is closest to where your left thumb touches the ball. After you have answered the question, toss the ball to someone else. If you catch the ball and your thumb lands on a question you’ve already answered, pick one of the other questions that is near your left hand.” Play as long as you like, but make sure everyone gets a chance to answer a question. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B e a c h b a l l w i t h q u e s t i o n s a n d p r o m p t s w r i t t e n o n i t

Contagious Have campers sit in a circle. One player says “Ha”; the next, “Ha, Ha,” and so on around the circle with each person adding a “Ha.” The catch is no one must laugh. If they do, the group starts over. Point out that laughter is contagious and choosing to be among positive, Spirit-filled friends and role models makes life more joyful. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Do This...and This...and This... Have campers sit or stand in a circle. Designate a leader who starts an action, such as waving a hand, which everyone then imitates. Then the next person in the circle adds another action, continuing the first as well. Again everyone must do both. Continue around the circle until everyone has added an action or the whole group collapses in laughter! For large groups, divide into smaller circles. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Bible Time: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 In Thessalonica Before reading 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 to the group, paint a picture for your campers of what is going on in this story. Paul—one of Jesus’ followers after Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension—is busy visiting churches and starting new ones. In the letter to the new church in the Roman Empire’s city of Thessalonica, Paul is teaching that the Holy Spirit is present in the lives of Christ’s followers to help them live in a way that pleases God. Paul is encouraging the people to imitate Christ and his followers in what they do. Invite a volunteer to read the scripture out loud. Ask: “What do we do? How do we act in a way that imitates Jesus Christ and his followers?” Write down where everyone can see some of the ways we imitate Jesus and his followers (treat others with kindness, love one another, care for others, encourage others, and so on). An option is to also write key words on index cards and fashion them into a mobile with sticks and yarn and then hang it in a common area so campers can see it all week. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , l a r g e s h e e t o f p a p e r o r w h i t e b o a r d t o w r i t e d o w n w a y s t o i m i t a t e J e s u s , m a r k e r s , ( o p t i o n a l : i n d e x c a r d s , s t i c k s , y a r n , h o l e p u n c h )

Mirror, Mirror Read aloud 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7. Return to the word “imitators,” inviting the campers to describe or explain what it might mean. Point out that a mirror, today’s symbol, is a reflection, an imitation of what the eyes see, and that Paul was writing to the people in the Thessalonian church to remind them that they were to be imitators of the Lord, who is Jesus Christ, and also to look to other Christians to see the good that was worthy to imitate. Introduce the group to the game Mirror, Mirror. Pair off campers into partners facing each other. Tell each to imitate the partner just as if looking in a mirror. Allow some time for them to be silly together. When they have completed the task, bring the group back to a circle and ask: • How was your partner a good imitator? • How were you a good imitator? • What makes a good imitator? • What does it mean to imitate the Lord, Jesus Christ? • How does the Holy Spirit help us to imitate Christ? (If campers have a hard time with this question, remind them that the Holy Spirit is our Advocate, not only standing up for us but also helping us stand up for and do what Jesus would have us do.) Keep your eye out today for how different campers are imitating Jesus, even in small ways. Point out such actions and remind others to look for ways to mirror Jesus. Assure them that the Holy Spirit will help them. Multiple Intelligences: Bodily/Kinesthetic, Spatial Supplies: Bible

Mirroring Jesus Read the scripture, stopping after the first part of verse 6 to ask: • Paul was praising the people in the Thessalonian church because they had become imitators of whom? (the Lord and “us,” referring to Paul and other Christians) • What does that scripture say to us today? (We also are to imitate Jesus and to look to other Christians for what we should do.) Reread verse 6a and finish the passage. Point out that because the Thessalonians, with the help of the Holy Spirit, were faithful even in difficult times of persecution, they became examples that other people imitated, along with Jesus. Give out the pieces of a puzzle. (Leader Note: Choose a puzzle that has the appropriate number of pieces, or select a distinct image from a larger puzzle. Giving out one puzzle piece per person is best, but one or two extras per person can work also.) Ask campers to look only at their own piece—can they tell what the picture on the puzzle is? Have them put the puzzle together. Then ask: • If people wanted to know what the big picture was, would it be easier to tell from just your one piece or from everyone’s together? • How clear would the picture be if several of the pieces were missing? Point out that God has chosen them to be imitators of Jesus and other Christians so that they become examples to others. Their “pieces of the puzzle,” the way they live in the Spirit, help other people see Jesus more clearly. Assure the campers that just as one piece is not a complete picture of the whole puzzle, they do not have to be “perfect” imitators of Jesus—that would be impossible because Jesus is so much greater than any human being! But God has given us other Christians, in the church, to help fill in the image of Christ for others to see and follow. Remind campers that Jesus also gave his followers—including them—the Holy Spirit to help them live joyfully as examples, as imitators of the Lord! Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , b a g w i t h p u z z l e t h a t h a s o n e p u z z l e p i e c e f o r e a c h c a m p e r a n d c o u n s e l o r , o r s l i g h t l y m o r e (Leader Note: Do not bring the puzzle box with the picture on it.)

The Backstory Today’s scripture lesson, 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7, is a portion of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. Paul couldn’t be face-to-face with the believers, but he wanted to write a letter to encourage them in their faith journey and to remind them that their friendship was important to him and that God was calling them to keep following Christ, with the help of the Holy Spirit. To help the campers understand the narrative behind this letter, go back to Acts 17:1-9. In this passage, Paul and Silas had come to Thessalonica, where they spent three Sabbath days teaching nonbelievers about the Messiah. Paul talked about why Jesus had to suffer. Many people became believers. However, some Jews who disagreed with Paul became jealous and, along with some ruffians, created an uproar. Basically, they were angry that Paul and Silas were “turning the world upside down”! Jason, a man who had housed Paul and Silas, was even brought before the authorities and questioned. The focus on “imitating Christ” is a perfect chance to act out this significant event found in Acts 17. Have campers choose roles: Paul, Silas, Jews in the synagogue, Jason, believers, the authorities. As you read Acts 17:1-9, the campers should take on their respective roles and act out the situation as you (or another person) narrate. (Leader Note: This passage depicts “an uproar.” Remind campers to be not only in character but also behaviorally appropriate as they reenact the events with Paul and Silas.) Day Camp Adaptation: After acting out the backstory, read again 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 and then invite campers to talk about how knowing the full story has changed or deepened the meaning of the passage for them. Ask if or how they have experienced persecution for choosing to follow the example of Jesus. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e a n d p r o p s ( c o s t u m e s )

Write Your Own Letter Ask campers to think about people in their lives whom they want to encourage and help to find their way. Pair campers up and ask them tell the other about such a person and what that person has meant in that camper’s life. Once campers have had a chance to talk with their partners, invite them to each write a letter to their special person, using Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians as the template or model. Have Bibles or the printed copies of the scripture from “Mail Call!” on hand for campers to refer to as they consider what they will write. Remind campers that what they write may or may not be letters that they actually send, but they are to write them just the same. Encourage campers to pray over their letter and ask God to direct them about whether or not to send it. When campers have finished writing, ask: • How did it feel to be encouraging? • How do you think this letter will make a difference? • Tell us about a time someone encouraged you. • Why do you think encouraging words can be so powerful? • Do you encourage others often? Why or why not? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e s ( o r p r i n t e d c o p i e s o f t h e s c r i p t u r e ) , p a p e r , p e n s o r p e n c i l s , e n v e l o p e s

Morning & Afternoon Activity Options Story Symbol = Mirror Show campers today’s symbol, the mirror, and ask why they think a mirror is today’s symbol. (When we look in a mirror, we see our image; the reflection is an imitation of us—not really us but looks like us. Our story challenges us to imitate Jesus, reflecting his love to others.) Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: M i r r o r

Tree Imagery Campers will need room to move around for this activity. Outside works best, but a large space inside is fine too. Tell campers that together they will be imagining themselves as trees and use their whole body to move in small and big ways to create images of what the trees look like under different circumstances. Here is a practice example: Have campers show by moving their bodies how a gentle breeze would affect a tree, then move to a stronger wind, and on to a windstorm. Encourage campers to make small and large movements to move as the trees might react to: Gentle rain, to steady rain, to downpour with lightning and thunder Snowstorm with light flakes, moving to a blizzard Squirrel running up their trunks and in their branches Birds nesting in their branches Someone picking their fruit or their leaves falling Forest fire Ask: • What was easy about imagining what the tree “felt” like? Why? • What was hard about imagining what the tree “felt” like? Why? Say: “Sometimes it is hard to act in the same way, to imitate something or someone, but sometimes it is easy. God wants us to imitate the positive, the good things, with help from the Holy Spirit; God gives us the Holy Spirit so we will find imitating God’s love all the time is easy.” Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: L a r g e a r e a t o m o v e a r o u n d i n , i n s i d e o r o u t

Reflection Campers will each make a mirror (either real mirror, mirror board, or foil) with a frame around it made from natural things collected from the ground outside. Begin by having campers glue the mirror or foil shape to the center of a piece of cardboard, leaving at least one inch around mirror as a frame. Next they are to decorate the frame by gluing the natural items they found around the edge of the mirror. They may need to let the projects dry before moving them much, especially if they used liquid glue. Ask campers: • What do you see when you look in your mirror? (their reflections) • Do you see a person in the mirror who is chosen by God? (Yes!) • Do you see a beloved child of God? (Yes!) Say: “Our reflection in the mirror is always a chosen, beloved child of God no matter what! We feel God’s Spirit in our hearts, and we imitate Jesus Christ in what we do because of the Holy Spirit’s power. Power Up!” Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: C a r d b o a r d p i e c e s o f v a r i o u s s i z e s a n d s h a p e s ( m i n i m u m 6 i n c h s q u a r e t o m a x i m u m 1 2 i n c h s q u a r e ) , s m a l l m i r r o r s ( 3 – 6 i n c h s h a p e s ) o r f o i l a n d g l u e s t i c k s , n a t u r a l t h i n g s c o l l e c t e d f r o m t h e g r o u n d ( s t i c k s , s m a l l p i n e c o n e s , p i n e n e e d l e s , l e a v e s ) , li q u i d g l u e o r h o t g l u e g u n w i t h a d u l t s u p e r v i s i o n

Nature Stamps Using different items collected from God’s creation, each camper is to create imitations of them on a large piece of paper by dipping the objects in paint and pressing them on the paper to make prints. Then the question for the campers is, “When people look at you, how do your actions imitate Jesus? Could people tell by what you do that you love God?” Once the paint on their prints is drying, they are each to carefully write near the images a way that he or she can act that would show someone God’s love. Take time to share the ways people came up with. Say: “Each print we made from something in nature is an image of the real thing. When we imitate Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit every day, we are also a reflection of the real thing, Jesus Christ!” Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: S h e e t s o f l a r g e w a t e r c o l o r p a p e r ( 1 2 i n c h e s b y 1 6 i n c h e s ) a n d m a r k e r s ; s e v e r a l n a t u r a l i t e m s t o m a k e p a i n t p r i n t s , s u c h a s p i n e c o n e s , s e v e r a l k i n d s o f l e a v e s , p i e c e s o f t r e e b a r k , p i n e b r a n c h e s , r o c k s ; t e m p e r a p a i n t ( v a r i o u s c o l o r s ) o n p a p e r p l a t e s t o a l l o w f o r d i p p i n g a n d p r i n t i n g Leader Note: Keep natural items in plastic, reclosable bags in between activities so other campers can reuse them; but when finished, rinse the items and return them to nature.

Mirror Snack If no camper has food allergies, have them create a “framed mirror” using a Graham cracker square with a pretzel stick frame stuck on with peanut butter, cream cheese, or other spread. Share a blessing before eating, thanking God that through the Holy Spirit we learn to imitate all the good things Jesus teaches us. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: F o r e a c h c a m p e r : a G r a h a m c r a c k e r s q u a r e o r t w o ; f o u r p r e t z e l s t i c k s f o r e a c h c r a c k e r s q u a r e ; a t a b l e s p o o n o f p e a n u t b u t t e r , c r e a m c h e e s e , o r a n y o t h e r s p r e a d p e r c r a c k e r ; a s m a l l p a p e r p l a t e

Sit Down Circle Leader Notes: This fun team builder is a good illustration of “mirroring” behavior. If good group dynamics and trust are present, this activity is great. Be aware, however, of the possibility of having a camper or two for whom being this close to others is uncomfortable or even threatening. In that case choose an alternative activity. Make a circle big enough to include all campers, standing front to back. Tell campers to get as close together as possible while still maintaining the circle. At the count of three, each camper will slowly sit down on the lap of the camper behind them. The result should be a circle of body chairs. If group members don’t listen and follow directions, it won’t work. Should this happen, take the opportunity to teach about following the example you are given, just like today’s theme. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: C o o p e r a t i v e c a m p e r s

Sun Prints Collect all types and sizes of nature items, such as rocks and fallen leaves (only those items found already on the ground) for this solar-powered art activity. Place dark-colored construction paper on a flat surface in full sunlight. Arrange your collected items on top of the paper so that they create interesting shapes. Allow the sunlight to fade the construction paper for at least an hour. Remove the collected items later in the day to reveal your sun print. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t , S p a t i a l Supplies: D a r k - c o l o r e d c o n s t r u c t i o n p a p e r , n a t u r a l o b j e c t s s u c h a s r o c k s , l e a v e s

Mirror Image Today’s theme, “Power Up to Imitate Christ,” explores the topic of “mirroring” or imitating Christ’s example. This activity is a tangible way to examine this idea. Ask partners to sit facing each other. One of the pair becomes the initiator of a movement, and the other becomes his or her mirror image. Direct the partners to move slowly, as if in slow motion, as if miming. The initiator should try to keep the actions flowing to create a pattern of slow movement that the two can enjoy together. Have partners take turns as initiator and follower. If pairs want to, they can stand and mimic each other’s whole bodies. Make connections to the theme. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Simon Says Play the classic “Simon Says.” Choose a camper to be Simon and call out ways of moving: “Simon says skip,” or, “Simon says walk with your hands on your head,” for example. If the leader gives a command but doesn’t start the command with, “Simon says,” any campers who mistakenly obey are out. Trade out leaders, giving different campers the opportunity. As an extension with a great opportunity for discussion, have one camper leave the group with a staff person prior to the start of the game. (The staff person will need to make up a legitimate-sounding excuse.) Inform all of the other participants that they will play the game the usual way until the absent camper has a turn as leader—then they should do the opposite of anything “Simon says.” Begin playing the classic way, giving the absent camper time to return and play a couple of rounds before being the leader. After this opposite version, spend some time getting the campers’ feedback on the experience. Allowing the leader to express his or her emotions is especially meaningful. Encourage campers to compare and contrast this situation to their own decisions to listen to and follow God. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Mirror Image Painting For this art activity, be sure to protect the tables with newspaper or an old sheet. Cover the campers with aprons or smocks to protect their clothing. Fill squeeze bottles with red, yellow, and blue paints (feel free to use other colors if you have them) for the campers to share. Each camper will fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise. After unfolding it, it should be laid flat on the covered table. Each camper should drop splotches of paint on one half of the paper. Making sure that at least one drop of paint is right on the crease is helpful to show the connection between both sides. Finally, the campers should place the blank side of their paper over the painted side by refolding, making a mirror image on the other side. Pressing the paper firmly and then slowly pulling it apart should allow for the most accurate mirrored image. Point out that, even though the campers’ artwork results are not exact images, they leave an impression (a mirror image). Paul calls the Thessalonians—and us—to mirror Christ’s example. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: P a p e r , p a i n t ( r e d , y e l l o w , b l u e ) , s q u e e z e b o t t l e s , t a b l e , n e w s p a p e r o r o l d s h e e t s , a p r o n s o r s m o c k s

Wipe Away the Bars Sing rounds and call-and-response songs such as “Seek Ye First,” having campers imitate the worship leaders to build on today’s theme. Don’t forget to include the rhythm eggs campers made earlier! Campers should participate in worship, not sit back and watch others. Bring out the story symbol for today, a mirror. Display it prominently. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7. Turn off all lights except campfire and flashlights. Allow campers to point their flashlights at the mirror while singing, “Shine, Jesus, Shine.” Remind campers that each and every one of them is loved and chosen by God. Pass the peace among the group with this greeting, “[Name of Camper], you are loved and chosen by God.” Remind campers that being chosen also means that God has a plan, a mission for each of us. That mission is to imitate Christ, reflecting his love to the world. We don’t go it alone. God’s Spirit is with us helping us complete the work. End worship with “He Who Began a Good Work in You.” Supplies: B i b l e , m i r r o r

Encourage Your Camp In verse 5 of today’s scripture, Paul talks about the “gospel” that came to the people in Thessalonica. Though they will be familiar with the word from the four gospels, explain that, at its essence, gospel is a word that translates as “good news.” Ask campers what they think that “good news” was. Brainstorm some good news that your camp needs to hear today (for example: God chose you, God loves you, you are a special child of God). Make several “good news” posters to hang up around your camp. Find unexpected places to post them (bathroom mirror, kitchen door, parking lot). Be sure to take care to hang posters in ways that will not do damage. Multiple Intelligences: M a t h e m a t i c a l / L o g i c a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , p o s t e r b o a r d o r l a r g e s h e e t s o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s , c r a y o n s , t a p e o r o t h e r s a f e w a y t o h a n g p o s t e r s

Copy Cat Put your campers into pairs (preferably with someone they don’t know very well). Give one a slip of paper with an action scripture written on it. This person is to act out the scripture while the other mirrors his or her partner’s actions. Encourage the one acting to use exaggerated motions and act out the idea of the scripture rather than each literal word. After a few minutes of “mirroring,” let the “mirror partner” guess what the actions were. Give different scriptures to the “mirror partners” and have them lead. Afterward, ask: • How did it feel to try to mirror your partner when you had no idea what that person was doing? • How did it feel to try to act out some of the scriptures? • How is this exercise like trying to mirror Jesus’ actions? • How can we better mirror the actions of Jesus? Suggested Action Scriptures (feel free to choose others): Jeremiah 18:1-4 (potter and clay) Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (a time to…) Ephesians 3:14-15 (prayer) Psalm 100:1-4 (celebration) Matthew 14:15-21 (Jesus feeds five thousand) Matthew 9:1-7 (Jesus heals paralyzed man) Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: A c t i o n B i b l e v e r s e s w r i t t e n o n p i e c e s o f p a p e r

Just Like Jesus Read today’s scripture again, focusing closely on verse 6. Remind campers of the past two days’ lessons, in which Jesus promises the Holy Spirit would come and then that promise is fulfilled in a dramatic way. Ask: • Now that the Holy Spirit has come into our lives, what do we do? • What does verse 6 tell us? • What does it mean to be “imitators of…the Lord”? Look up some stories of Jesus and talk about what he was doing in each. Suggested stories: Mark 11:15-17 (Jesus goes against accepted tradition to stand up for what is right) Matthew 8:1-4 (Jesus heals) Luke 19:1-10 (Jesus reaches out to an outcast and changes his life) Mark 2:5 (Jesus forgives) Matthew 7:24-29 (Jesus taught using parables) John 13:12-17 (Jesus serves with humility) Divide into small groups of three or four and assign one passage to each group. Each group should create a skit that shows how we can imitate in today’s world what Jesus did in his time. Remind them that they do not have to do exactly what Jesus did, but they should find creative ways to be imitators. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , M a t h e m a t i c a l / L o g i c a l Supplies: B i b l e s

Walk This Way Take a hike and be playful with a purpose. As campers are enjoying nature, from time to time, yell out “Walk this way!” The camper in the lead then creates a fun way of walking the trail (hopping, giant steps, walking and turning, and so on), which everyone else must imitate. Lead campers switch after their turn. A counselor will need to monitor the trail to both start and stop the time of walking this way. As the hike nears the end, take time to talk about the importance of choosing carefully the ones we will imitate in our lives. Point campers to Jesus as the one we can follow in complete trust, no matter how challenging the journey. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: H i k i n g t r a i l

Power Grid (The Path/Maze/Gridlock Low Challenge) Campers will experience both solving a problem and being “in” the problem as they deal with trial-and-error problem solving and stepping into the unknown. Leader Notes: Lay out a grid on the ground, inside or outside [if outside, use a flat area]. The size of the grid can vary with the size of your group, but should be at least eight squares by eight squares. The larger the grid, the more challenging the activity. Create a secret “safe” path through the grid and record it on a piece of paper. Graph paper works well. Keep the paper with the solution to yourself. Have the path begin on one edge of the grid and finish on the opposite end, moving, square-to-square, right or left or forward—no diagonals. You’ll need to pay close attention to every move and keep track of the moves on the “solution paper” you made before the activity. Tell campers that God through the Holy Spirit has chosen a path for us, the right way to go, but we don’t always know what is right; sometimes we need the Spirit to guide us and get us on the right path. Say that on the grid before them is a one-way path through the grid. Only one person at a time is allowed on the grid, but all the campers will need to cross it. When a camper is on the grid, that camper may continue as long as he or she stays on the “right” path (your secret path). If a camper steps off the path in a wrong direction, then he or she must leave the grid, and the next person can begin trying to discover the right path. (It’s fun to sound a buzzer or bicycle horn whenever a person steps off the path.) Everyone in the group must attempt the grid before anyone can try it a second time. The activity ends when the complete path is discovered and everyone in the group has gone through the grid. Afterward, discuss: • What was the easiest part of this challenge? • What was the most difficult part? • Did you develop a system? • How did you decide which directions to try? • How did campers outside the grid help the camper inside the grid? • Was advice listened to? If not, why? • The Holy Spirit is God’s guidance system (God’s “GPS”), helping us find our way, following the right path, which is God’s will. How did this challenge reflect letting the power of the Holy Spirit guide us on a daily basis in our paths of life? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: T a p e o r c h a l k , d r a w n s q u a r e s , s h e e t s o f b l a c k p a p e r , o r w o o d t i l e s u s e d t o c r e a t e a t l e a s t a n e i g h t s q u a r e b y e i g h t s q u a r e g r i d ; g r a p h p a p e r , p e n c i l Colorful Bubble Snakes Have the campers follow these directions: 1. Cut the bottom of a water bottle off. (Leader Note: Do this step, and step 2 in advance unless you are working with older youth and have impressed upon them the need for safety.) 2. Next, cut apart a sock, using pieces of it to cover the bottom of the bottle. 3. Use duct tape to secure the sock around bottle. Leave no holes for air to escape. 4. Pour some dish soap into a shallow container; dilute with a little bit of water and gently mix. 5. Dip the sock-covered end of the bubble blower into the solution; remove from the solution and gently blow through the mouth of the bottle. 6. Place a few drops of the food coloring onto the sock-covered end. Gently blow again. (Leader Note: This activity will be messy! Warn campers that food coloring may stain clothes. Remind them also to blow out and not suck in so they don’t get a mouthful of soap.) Connection to the theme: Point out to the campers that their breath created the bubble snakes. Ask campers where God’s breath (the Holy Spirit) has created something new. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: A p r e - c u t p l a s t i c w a t e r b o t t l e a n d a p i e c e o f a s o c k f o r e a c h c a m p e r , d u c t t a p e , d i s h s o a p ( D a w n o r J o y b r a n d s w o r k b e s t ) , w a t e r , f o o d c o l o r i n g , p i e t i n o r o t h e r s h a l l o w d i s h f o r s o a p a n d w a t e r s o l u t i o n

Acts of Service Ask the camp director if there are ways the campers can be of service. Are there areas that need to be cleaned? Thank-you notes that need to be written to churches that provide scholarships? Bulletin boards that could use a new look? Be sure to talk about how service is one way we live out our faith. Additionally, it is a way of sharing our gifts and building community. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: D e p e n d e n t u p o n t h e a r e a o f s e r v i c e c h o s e n

Wall of Encouragement Create an environment of encouragement by adding a wall of encouragement to a main camping area. Campers and counselors are then invited to write kind and uplifting words about others all week long. There are lots of creative ways to do this. One way is to choose an outside wall or large piece of wood to paint with chalkboard paint and add chalk for campers to use. A more affordable option would be to find an indoor space to hang large sheets or a roll of paper and use markers. To have the most impact, make sure this is displayed somewhere that campers will see it multiple times each day. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: L a r g e s h e e t s o r a r o l l o f p a p e r , m a r k e r s , a n d t a p e ; o r c h a l k b o a r d ( o r a w a l l p a i n t e d w i t h c h a l k b o a r d p a i n t ) a n d s i d e w a l k c h a l k

Skit: “WWJD?” Character 1 encounters someone crying. Character 1 views the scene for a moment as an offstage voice reads Matthew 5:4. Character 1 then moves to the upset person and offers comfort. Character 2 encounters a person anxious and stressing about life’s problems, worried about how things will turn out. Character 2 views the scene for a moment as an offstage voice reads John 14:27. Character 2 then moves in and helps bring peace to the situation. Character 3 encounters a group making fun of and judging someone for what she is wearing or how she is acting. Character 3 views the scene for a moment as an offstage voice reads John 8:7-11. Character 3 then moves in to stop the verbal abusers. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: C o p y o f s k i t o u t l i n e f o r c a m p e r s k i t t e a m

Modern Day Miracles If you have already presented the scripture as “an official letter” (in morning worship), reread the passage again. If not, this is a great time to incorporate that activity. Paul’s letter encourages the Thessalonians to imitate Christ. What does that look like? What did Jesus do in the everyday moments, as well as in the grander times of miracles? (Jesus was kind, he listened, he accepted people who were outcasts and even ate with them; he also fed people, healed people, walked on water, and so on.) Split into a few smaller groups, giving each a story highlighting some of Jesus’ actions, such as: • The Feeding of the 4,000 (Mark 8:1-13) • Jesus Healing Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) • Jesus Listens on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:17-20) • The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4) Have each group dramatize Jesus’ response and actions in each passage and then create a second skit, modernizing the passage to reflect a current situation. One skit could focus on bullying. Another could address the issue of what to say to a friend after someone important dies. One group could dramatize caring for a homeless person they encounter. After each dramatization, have the observers talk about what they noticed. Also ask: • How did that make you feel? • How was the person a good friend in the modern-day skit? • How can we imitate those who are faithful, even in the midst of persecution? • How do we imitate Christ? • What kind of example are we holding up for others? As you close the activity, remind the campers that they are chosen and loved by God and given power to imitate Christ. As scary and as hard as that may seem, they are also given the Holy Spirit to walk alongside them. Additionally, the gift of the Christian community, which surrounds them, encourages them to serve, listen, and love even when doing so seems impossibly hard. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , I n t e r p e r s o n a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e s , s c r i p t u r e r e f e r e n c e s p r i n t e d o n p a p e r f o r g r o u p s t o u s e a s t h e y p l a n t h e i r s k i t s

Song Fest These song suggestions come from the various age-level lists. However, feel free to draw from all of them to select ones that fit your campers. Consider making Song Fest one of your activities over several days. During that time teach the songs, add motions, do interpretive dance, or just dance! Prepare for worship. Enjoy! Recommended Theme Song: “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” by Peter Scholtes, is a camp classic—for good reason —and a great expression of this week’s theme. See the conclusion of the Bible Time activity “One in the Spirit" (page 344) for motions that go with the hymn. Intergenerational “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You,” Hymn “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love,” Hymn “Every Move I Make,” Point of Grace “In the Secret (I Want to Know You),” Andy Park They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes Younger Children “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “Spirit Thing,” Newsboys “Seek Ye First,” Traditional “Hello, My Name Is,” Matthew West “Step by Step,” Rich Mullins “He Who Began a Good Work in You,” Steve Green “Sing Alleluia to the Lord,” Traditional “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” Traditional Older Children “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing,” African American Spiritual “I Choose to Follow Jesus,” Reggie Coates “I Will Change Your Name,” D.J. Butler Younger Youth “Change My Heart, Oh God,” Eddie Espinosa “Cry of My Heart,” Terry Butler “Take My Life (Holiness Is What I Long For),” Scott Underwood “Every Move I Make,” David Ruis “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes Older Youth “Lord, Be Glorified,” Bob Kilpatrick “In the Secret (I Want to Know You),” Andy Park “Create in Me a Clean Heart,” Hymn “To Be Like Jesus,” Pat Sczebel and Todd Twining “Legacy,” Nichole Nordeman “Step by Step,” Michael W. Smith “Thy Word,” Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” Hymn, Peter Scholtes Multiple Intelligences: M u s i c a l Supplies: S o n g l e a d e r , w o r d s , m u s i c s o u r c e

Quiet Time Table Talk or Conversation Station Use these questions to invite campers into conversation about the theme. Use them over one or more of the meals or create a conversation station during one of the activity rotations. Consider using this for one or more of the days later in the week. Younger Campers: • Tell us about someone you look up to as a model for how to live. Why do you think of him or her as special? • What about that person would you like to imitate or mirror? Older Campers: • Who is a role model in your life? Why? • If you could meet any fictional character, whom would you choose? Why? • Similarly, do you have a hero, living or dead, you would like to meet? • Who is the person and what would you want to talk about with your hero? Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: C o p y o f s e l e c t e d q u e s t i o n s f o r e a c h t a b l e

Rest and Read Point out that the story reminds us that we feel God’s Spirit in our hearts and we imitate Jesus Christ in our actions because of the Holy Spirit’s power within us. Challenge campers to look for people encouraging others around camp this week. As an alternative to Quiet Time reading, consider using the books during devotions. Stellaluna, by Janelle Cannon Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship, by Edward Hemingway You Are Special, by Max Lucado The Recess Queen, by Alexis O’Neill Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: S e l e c t e d b o o k

Daily Journal Have campers use half sheets of paper, fold them over onto themselves, and staple the middle to create books (or simply provide composition books). Have each camper decorate the outside of his or her journal with the words “Grateful Journal.” Here are suggested topics for each day’s writing (or drawing) time: • What are some things you are grateful for in your life? At camp? • What are you learning about the Holy Spirit this week? • Have you ever given your trust to someone who turned out not to be a good person to mirror or to be a role model? What do you keep in mind to help you look to Jesus and to other Christians? • Are you participating in Sunday school, worship, youth group, vacation Bible school or another Bible study? How are those places helping you learn more about living in the Spirit? • How are you an example to others? How do you talk about Jesus? How do you show Jesus’ love? Do you use both words and actions? Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: P a p e r , s t a p l e r , w r i t i n g i n s t r u m e n t s , m a r k e r s f o r d e c o r a t i n g

Devotions Where Did You See the Holy Spirit Today? Introduce this practice of becoming attuned to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Use this prompt at other times during the week as you choose. The first time not all the campers will be ready to speak, but continue the practice throughout the week and watch them blossom. Encourage everyone to listen closely. Sing some songs and close with prayer. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: N o n e

Reflection Prayers Read or line out for the campers to repeat Psalm 143:10. Ask: “What are things God wants us to do that create ‘level ground’ (good things) for ourselves and others?” Have the symbol displayed. Ask: “What does the mirror mean to you now?” Tonight campers will participate in a reflection prayer either inside or outside. They need to stand around one another and the mirrors lying on the floor or ground. Each camper needs to be able to look down into a mirror; several can look into the same mirror. Ask: “What do you see?” Invite campers to share all the things they see reflected in the mirrors (sky or ceiling, lights, tree tops or beams, other campers, etc.). Pray, giving thanks for all of the amazing things around them. Have campers change their positions until they can see themselves reflected in the mirrors. In silence, have them meditate on what they see. Ask: “What do you think God sees?” Invite them to lift up a silent prayer of thanks for who they are as well as anything they want to share with God. Then pray aloud that they will each always see a beloved child of God and that the Holy Spirit will continue to move within them and through them to reflect the goodness of Jesus Christ. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , I n t r a p e r s o n a l Supplies: B i b l e , s y m b o l f o r t h e w e e k , m i r r o r s o f v a r i o u s s h a p e s a n d s i z e s ( a t l e a s t o n e m i r r o r f o r e v e r y t h r e e c a m p e r s ) s p r e a d o u t o n t h e g r o u n d o u t s i d e o r o n t h e f l o o r i n s i d e w i t h r o o m f o r c a m p e r s t o b e a b l e t o s t a n d o v e r a n d l o o k i n t o o n e o f t h e m i r r o r s A Letter for You Sing “They Will Know We Are Christians.” Give each camper today’s scripture printed out on paper and sealed in an envelope. Tell the campers they are receiving a letter that was originally written by Paul to the believers in Thessalonica. Invite volunteers each to read a sentence or two aloud. Say, “Paul couldn’t be with the believers, so he wrote to them to encourage them to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminded them that they were chosen by God and deeply loved by God.” In the front of the worship space, have a large piece of paper mounted that says, “Chosen by God. Loved by God.” While singing “I Will Change Your Name,” have campers come up front and write their own names on the mural. Close with prayer, reminding the campers that they indeed received the word with joy! Long-lasting joy is ours to give to others as we encourage one another to follow Christ’s example. Supplies: E n v e l o p e s w i t h “ l e t t e r ” ( w i t h t o d a y ’ s s c r i p t u r e p a s s a g e p r i n t e d ) f o r e a c h c a m p e r , B i b l e , b i g p i e c e o f p a p e r w i t h “ C h o s e n b y G o d . L o v e d b y G o d ” w r i t t e n i n t h e m i d d l e , m a r k e r s

Responding Invite campers to the tables of mirrors; have them stand around and look into the mirrors. Ask campers to silently consider these questions: • What do you see in these mirrors? • What does God see? • What does the world see? • How can you be a reflection of God? Invite each camper to pick up a mirror and with the fine-line markers write: “[His or her own name] is a reflection of God.” Campers should take their mirrors home with them and keep them where they will see them often so that they will remember to be that reflection everywhere they go. Close with a song and prayer. Multiple Intelligences: I n t r a p e r s o n a l , S p a t i a l Supplies: T a b l e s , f i n e - l i n e m a r k e r s o r p a i n t p e n s , a m i r r o r f o r e a c h c a m p e r ( S m a l l c r a f t m i r r o r s w i l l w o r k . )

Reminder Cards How have they seen their cabinmates be Jesus’ example? How have they been encouraged by one another? Invite campers to give specific examples of when people have been supportive to them during this week and then to go around the circle to say words of encouragement to one another. Finally, give each camper a card to fill in for the person to the right, writing that camper’s name on the first line, and if time allows, decorating it too. As a closing prayer, beginning with the leader, one at a time each camper turns to the person to the right and reads the card to him or her. Day Camp Adaptation: Another option is to give each camper a bookmark to take home. (Extra Resources, Bookmarks) Supplies: C a m p e r c a r d s , m a r k e r s

______, Beloved by God, God has chosen you. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

DAY CAMP: Week 3 Power Up with the Fruit of the Spirit Plan Your Week

Use the grid below as an example to help you create a visual plan for your week. (You will want to list your own schedule and write in your choices.) Select activities from the various listings below; feel free to add others of your own creation, as well. Camp Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Getting to Know You• P i c k a P a c k • L i m e a n d L e m o n

Energizers • C a t c h t h e S p i r i t • F r u i t ( o f - t h e - S p i r i t ) • F r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t • L e a f H u n t R e l a y B a s k e t U p s e t S c a v e n g e r H u n t Bible Time • F r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t • T a s t e a n d S e e • T a s t e a n d S e e • T h e F r u i t M o d e l e d • E x t r e m e B e l i e v e r T h a t t h e L o r d I s f o r U s M a k e o v e r G o o d Morning Activity • S t o r y S y m b o l • S o n g F e s t • T o u c h y F e e l y • G r o w i n g t h e F r u i t • F o l l o w i n g t h e Options B o x e s o f t h e S p i r i t i n M e S p i r i t o r S e l f i s h • B i r d F e e d e r s • F r u i t R o c k s D e s i r e s • F o l d i n g F r u i t o f • G o o d F r u i t v e r s u s • P l a n t G o o d • Y o u r F r u i t I s t h e S p i r i t B a d F r u i t • F r u i t S t a t i o n s S e e d s S h o w i n g • T h e G i v i n g T r e e Quiet Time • R e s t & R e a d • T a b l e T a l k • R e s t & R e a d • T a b l e T a l k • R e s t & R e a d • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l • J o u r n a l

Afternoon Activity • B a s k e t s o f F r u i t • O r i g a m i F r u i t • F r u i t y C o m m e r c i a l • F r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t • C o m m u n i t y T r e e Options S w i n g C h a l l e n g e • S o n g F e s t • R a n d o m A c t s o f • S t u c k i n M y • P r a y i n g i n C o l o r F r u i t i n e s s H e a d . . . • P r a y e r B e a d s • F r u i t K a b o b S n a c k • G o a n d P i c k • K o o l D o u g h

Devotions • F r u i t C h e c k • P r a y i n g t h e F r u i t • P l a n t i n g S e e d s • D i s p l a y i n g t h e • P r a y e r o f S t . T r e e F r u i t F r a n c i s

Week 3 Overview

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26 (CEB) Focus: Living by the Spirit produces good fruit in our lives. Good fruit affects the whole community positively. Connection to Campers: So often the Christian life is understood by what believers are not allowed to do. That emphasis leads to legalism and judgment. Help campers move beyond these misconceptions by focusing on the things all Christians can do to make the world a better place. The beauty of this passage is that it explores the wonderful characteristics of vibrant faith. This theme is an opportunity to celebrate the life-giving gifts of the Holy Spirit. Leader Notes: Review the “Biblical and Theological Overview” for Day 4. If possible, use the translation from the Common English Bible (CEB). Especially if your group is predominantly younger children, you may want to treat “the actions that are produced by selfish motives” as a whole rather than focusing on specifics or just concentrate on good behaviors that come from choosing to live in the Spirit (verses 22-26). Be aware of the “goodness”/”generosity” issue. (See Fruit Alert on page 6.) The fruit of living in God’s Spirit is manifested in many ways! Help campers understand that there are more “fruit” that will produce good than just the nine listed in the scripture. Throughout the remainder of the week, be attentive to naming for campers actions they do that show the fruit of the Spirit. Your noticing and affirming will go a long way toward helping them be more aware of how people live in the Spirit. Remind campers that the Spirit gives them the power to choose the fruit of the Spirit versus “selfish desires.” Help the campers be excited to live out the call, not just to look at Christ’s example. Symbol for the Week: Various Fruit What does “living in the Spirit” produce? The fruit of those cumulative, daily decisions is life-giving, wholesome, beautiful. Choosing to live without the Spirit bears fruit that tears apart communities and lives. Most of these activities come from specific age levels in the residential camp daily plans. However, they can readily be adjusted for younger or older or mixed-age groups in day camp. Feel free to adapt them to fit your camp and campers.

Getting-to-Know-You Games Pick a Pack Invite the group to sit in a circle. Place an empty basket in the center of the circle. Tell the campers that they will be talking about the fruit of the Spirit. Explain that as they go around the circle, each person will tell his or her first name and also a fruit—something that grows on a tree, bush, plant, or in the ground and can be picked and eaten. (Nuts, flowers, and vegetables may also count, if you wish, because they are technically fruit of the plant.) Challenge the campers to pick something that also starts with the first letter of their name. (My name is Quentin and I pick quince.) Give that person a big “Woo hoo,” but recognize that not everyone will be familiar with a fruit that goes with his or her initial. Perhaps the group can help think of one. Do another round and challenge campers to identify two (or more) other campers by name and tell what fruit they picked. After persons have been picked, the next camper must name different people in the circle—until everyone has been identified at least once. Multiple Intelligences: I n t e r p e r s o n a l Supplies: B a s k e t

Lime and Lemon Have the group stand or sit in a circle with the “Fruit Picker” at the center. When he or she points to someone and says “Lime,” that person must say the name of the person on the left before the Fruit Picker counts to ten in English or Spanish (or Korean for those who do Tae Kwon Do or any other language of their choice). If the Fruit Picker says, “Lemon,” the person indicated must name the one sitting to the right before the count of ten. If the person indicated fails, then he or she becomes the Fruit Picker. For added challenge, shorten the count to five after several rounds of ten. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N o n e

Energizers Catch the Spirit Leader Note: Ahead of time, blow up a beach ball and write the nine names of the fruit of the Spirit on the colored sections, or draw your own sections with permanent marker. (You can repeat fruit names to fill in sections.) Campers stand in a circle inside or outside and toss the beach ball around the circle. When a camper catches the ball, the camper looks at where his or her right thumb is resting, says the name of the fruit, and gives an example of what that fruit represents (gentleness = helping a young child cross the street safely). Younger children may need assistance in reading and naming an example. Continue to toss the ball around the circle until everyone has had a turn and all nine fruits have been named. If you want to speed up the activity, one option is, when a fruit is touched a second time, ask the catcher to choose another fruit that is next to it on the ball that hasn’t been mentioned yet. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B e a c h b a l l , m a r k e r

Fruit (of-the-Spirit) Basket Upset Make a circle of chairs with enough seats for all but one of the group members. Tell campers that you are going to play Fruit (of-the- Spirit) Basket Upset. In this game they will be using the names of some of the good fruit that Jesus wants them to grow in their lives! Assign each camper one of the fruits from Galatians (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control). Instead of trying to assign all of the fruit of the Spirit, make sure that there are at least two of each fruit used (two loves, two joys, and so on), even if some fruit is left out. If you have an odd-numbered group, you may have three of one fruit. Ask campers to practice saying their fruit out loud a few times so that they can remember what theirs is. Invite campers to sit in the chairs. The group member left without a chair will start off in the middle of the circle. Whoever is in the middle wants to get a chair, so he or she should say the name of one of the fruit of the Spirit. The campers who have been assigned that fruit must get up and move around the outside of the circle, trying to find another chair, as the person from the middle tries to get to one of the vacated seats ahead of them. Whoever is left without a seat is then in the middle and should say the name of another fruit. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: C h a i r s

Fruit of the Spirit Scavenger Hunt Leader Notes: Prior to the activity, choose and hide nine “fruit” to represent the nine fruit of the Spirit. (If possible, use fruit representations so as to not waste food.) Also prior to the activity, write the various fruit of the Spirit on individual slips of paper and place them in a brown lunch sack. Consider having your campers search for the fruit on their way to your meeting place so that when they arrive they are ready for the next step in the activity. Give your group a time limit and radius for the scavenger hunt, and then send them out in search of the fruit. Once they have found all nine, have them gather together. Tell them that, as in the scavenger hunt, today they are going to be on the lookout for the nine fruit of the Spirit—in one another. Point out that sometimes in everyday life, we need to hunt for joy, for peace, for kindness. Campers will “blindly” reach into the bag and choose a fruit of the Spirit. Without telling anyone else, they will be on the lookout for this fruit all day. Later in the day, campers will have a chance to share what they found. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: N i n e f r u i t s t o h i d e ( p l a s t i c o r p a p e r r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s ) , b a s k e t f o r c o l l e c t i n g , b r o w n b a g w i t h t h e v a r i o u s f r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t w r i t t e n o n s l i p s o f p a p e r i n s i d e t h e b a g ( e n o u g h f o r o n e p e r c a m p e r — f r u i t n a m e s c a n b e r e p e a t e d )

Leaf Hunt Relay Divide campers into several teams (at least two). First, ask campers to collect leaves from each of a number of different kinds of trees and plants, which they need to name for everyone on the team. They also need to report the names of their sources (the trees and plants) to the leader of the game. Teams need to bring back leaves that have already fallen to the ground, not stripping them off of living plants. They may compare the leaves on the ground with those that are on the tree or plant to see if they are the same. An alternative is to make crayon rubbings or to write the tree name on paper. The groups need to collect as many leaves fallen from each tree and plant as there are teams. (If four teams, collect four leaves from each different tree.) (Leader Note: Know your poisonous plants and do not collect even fallen leaves of poison ivy, poison oak, and so forth.) Once the leaves have been collected, for each team make a leaf pile containing one leaf from the various trees or plants and place these piles each at a set distance in front of the respective lined-up team. The leader calls the name of a tree or plant (or holds up a leaf) and then says, “Go.” At the signal, the first camper in each line runs to the designated pile of leaves, finds the leaf from the tree named (or leaf shown) and holds it up. A point is awarded for each leaf correctly identified. The player or leader returns the leaves to the piles and shuffles the piles carefully so as to not break apart the dry leaves. Then the next player from each team can have a turn. Adaptations: Make the activity a speed relay. Or, instead of collecting leaves, prepare slips of paper with the name of the plant or trees, or make crayon rubbings of leaves to replace the actual leaves. Multiple Intelligences: N a t u r a l i s t Supplies: L e a v e s c o l l e c t e d f r o m t h e g r o u n d f r o m v a r i o u s p l a n t s a n d t r e e s , p a p e r a n d p e n c i l s i f w r i t i n g d o w n t h e k i n d o f p l a n t a n d t r e e i n s t e a d , o r c r a y o n s a n d p a p e r f o r r u b b i n g s

Bible Time: Galatians 5:16-26 (CEB) Fruit of the Spirit Review the nine fruit of the Spirit from Galations 5:22-23a. Tell the campers that you have a basket of fruit that will help them remember the fruit of the Spirit. As you show them a fruit, invite conversation about which of the fruit of the Spirit it might represent and why. (For example, “strawberries are red and red makes me think of love” or “the words ‘grapes’ and ‘goodness’ both start with the same sound.” Silliness is OK. It might even help them remember better!) When the campers come to a consensus on which fruit of the Spirit the real fruit will represent, write that in marker on the fruit or on paper, place it in the basket, and move on to the next fruit. Also, invite campers of all ages to give some examples of how, on a daily basis, we live out each fruit with the power of the Spirit. The conversation might also include some examples of behaviors that are not from living in the Spirit. Challenge the group to recall the fruit of the Spirit they assigned to each fruit. Keep the pace lively and fun. The goal is to remember the nine; the specific fruits are just reminders. Tell the group that throughout the day and week they will have several opportunities to practice both knowing the names of the fruit of the Spirit and living with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Leader Notes: If you have multiple weeks of camp, use fake fruits and place a piece of clear tape on each so you can write the name of the assigned fruit of the Spirit and in subsequent weeks pull the tape off to start fresh, reusing the fruit all summer. An alternative is to cut out shapes of various fruits and to have additional pieces of paper in case campers think of a fruit that is not already in the basket. If you plan to use real fruit, please do not waste it and check to make sure campers have no food allergies. Day Camp Adaptation: Start by reading the scripture and talking through each of the fruit of the Spirit, discussing what each means and giving some examples from the campers’ experiences. Then pick up this activity. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: R e p r e s e n t a t i o n s o f a t l e a s t n i n e d i f f e r e n t f r u i t s , a b a s k e t o r b o w l f o r t h e f r u i t , p e r m a n e n t m a r k e r , ( o p t i o n a l : p a p e r s l i p s , t a p e )

Taste and See Discuss with campers: “What is your favorite fruit? Why do you like it?” God’s word teaches that following Jesus is like growing good fruit in our lives. People will “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8) because of the way we live. Read aloud Galatians 5:22-23a, 25-26. Bring some grapes in a bag for a snack to continue the discussion. Don’t allow campers to see what you have inside. Say: “I have a snack to share with you inside my bag. We will eat it after you figure out what kind of fruit it is.” Tell campers they have to use their senses to find the answer. Allow them to smell, touch, and even listen to the closed bag. If campers still can’t figure it out, have them close or cover their eyes with a blindfold and taste the fruit. Say: “This is a grape because it feels, smells, tastes, sounds, and looks like a grape. No other fruit is exactly like a grape. In the same way, Christians should be as easy to identify because of how they live. They should imitate Jesus so that others will see him too. We can do so with the help of the Holy Spirit.” Enjoy the snack. Multiple Intelligences: B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c , S p a t i a l Supplies: B i b l e , b a g ( o n e t h a t c a n n o t b e s e e n t h r o u g h ) w i t h a b u n c h o f g r a p e s i n s i d e , ( o p t i o n a l : b l i n d f o l d ) Taste and See That the Lord Is Good Leader Note: Prior to meeting with your campers, prepare a basket of fruit that can be observed and eventually enjoyed. Feel free to share the fruit with the campers as you move through the lesson. Discuss with the campers: • What do you know about fruit? (juicy; grows on trees, vines, or bushes; good to eat; and so on) • What is your favorite fruit? Why? Say: “In the scripture we will read today, we learn that following Jesus is like growing good fruit in our lives.” Read Galatians 5:16-26 and discuss: • Just like fruit grows from a seed, God plants seeds of these fruits in us. What are some of the “fruit” that were mentioned? (love, joy, peace...) • Why do you think we call these characteristics the “fruit of the Spirit”? • We are called to grow these seeds into mature fruit. How do we keep these fruit of the Spirit healthy and growing? • What do you think it means to “live by the Spirit”? At this point, give each camper the camper page on page 104 to color and keep. Another option could be creating a huge paper tree to hang in a public space, maybe the dining hall or eating area. Groups of campers can create visual fruits for each of the nine fruit of the Spirit. Additional blank pieces of paper cut in fruit shapes can be available with writing utensils nearby. As campers see others displaying the fruit of the Spirit, they can write examples of what they saw and add them to the tree. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l , L i n g u i s t i c Supplies: B i b l e , b o w l o f f r u i t , n a p k i n s o r p a p e r t o w e l s , ( o p t i o n a l : c u t t i n g b o a r d , k n i f e , p i c n i c b l a n k e t ) , F r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t c a m p e r p a g e f o r e a c h p e r s o n , m a r k e r s o r c r a y o n s , ( o p t i o n a l : l a r g e t r e e c u t o u t o r m u r a l , t a p e , b l a n k p a p e r , s c i s s o r s )

The Fruit Modeled for Us Leader Notes: One of the best ways for campers to grasp what the fruit of the Spirit looks like in day-to-day lives is to see examples of the characteristics being lived out. In this activity, campers will work together to tie each fruit of the Spirit to another passage in scripture. In advance, if possible, have counselors read through the passages listed below for an assigned fruit, so they can better facilitate the small groups’ work within the amount of time available. After reading and discussing the Galatians 5 passage together, divide the campers into up to nine smaller groups. (Or, if your group is smaller, break into the appropriate number of groups. It is not necessary to cover every fruit.) Each group will be “secretly” assigned a fruit of the Spirit. As a team, they will work to create a skit from a story in scripture (suggestions below or add others) that illustrates that fruit of the Spirit: • Love: The loving friendship experienced by David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:1-42), or friends carrying the paralytic (Mark 2:1- 12) • Joy: David dancing for joy (2 Samuel 6:12-22), Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46-55) • Peace: Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), Jesus healing the Gerasene demoniac (Mark 5:1-20) • Patience: Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 12:1-6 and 21:1-7), Hannah (1 Samuel), • Kindness: The kindness of Boaz (Ruth 2), Jonathan prays for David (1 Samuel 19) • Goodness: The boy who shared his lunch (John 6:1-14), the goodness of the Lord (Genesis 1) • Faithfulness: Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1), Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22), Daniel faithful in prayer (Daniel 6:1-23) • Gentleness: Pharaoh’s daughter taking care of Moses (Exodus 2), the lost sheep (Luke 15), Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 45:1-15) • Self-Control: Manna in the desert (Exodus 16:4-30), David not killing Saul (1 Samuel 24) After each group has prepared their skit, they will act out the narrative and the other campers will have a chance to guess which fruit of the Spirit is being represented. (Leader Note: Oftentimes, more than one fruit of the Spirit will clearly tie to the story the team has chosen to illustrate. That is fine! Just have them identify the various fruit they see.) Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e s , ( o p t i o n a l : f r u i t o f t h e S p i r i t a n d t h e i r s u g g e s t e d s c r i p t u r e s o n s l i p s o f p a p e r ) Extreme Believer Makeover Ask a volunteer(s) to read Galatians 5:16-26 out loud. Point out that this is a passage of comparisons and contrasts. • What is Paul comparing and contrasting? (living by the Spirit versus living by selfish desires) On a poster board make two columns. Label one “Spirit” and the other “Selfish Desires.” Ask campers to review the scripture lists for both and identify the kinds of results that happen when people live by selfish desires (temporary “fun” with a high cost, others get hurt, bodies don’t work well, disease, jail, can’t keep a job, can’t keep relationships strong, can’t make friends, families suffer). Next, list the results living by the Spirit produces (happiness, stronger relationships, closeness with God, reliability, making a positive difference). Ask: • What kind of life do you want to live? • Which column do you think will help you to get there? • How do the choices you make now affect your life long-term? If you have enough campers, divide into groups of five to seven (if not, make do with smaller groups). Ask each group to create two skits—one that shows a person living by selfish desires and one in which the participants’ lives get an extreme makeover and they then live by the Spirit. Encourage the groups to model their skits after a favorite makeover show. Have them perform for each other. The skits could also be part of worship or campfire. Multiple Intelligences: L i n g u i s t i c , B o d i l y / K i n e s t h e t i c Supplies: B i b l e , p o s t e r b o a r d , m a r k e r s

Morning & Afternoon Activity Options Story Symbol = Various Fruits Show the symbol. Ask campers why it is a good reminder of what the Bible teaches. Talk about fruit as what the plant produces when it is connected to a source of water and food. Compare that to the campers being able to produce the fruit of the Spirit because they are connected to the Source of what they need—the Holy Spirit. Multiple Intelligences: S p a t i a l Supplies: R e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f v a r i o u s f r u i t