Guiding Principles for Staff 2016 Introduction to La Frontera

Dear Staff: The following materials been developed for you in your work in outdoor ministries, especially to prepare for GROW Time for this summer. Use this as a reference book and treat it like one of your campers this summer. Please keep it with you at all times and know where it is! This can be an object lesson during training to remember CAMPERS FIRST!!!! As we orient you to available materials and resources, pay attention. Watch what we do, where we go, and listen to what is being said. It’s important, even if you’ve been part of Mount Luther a thousand times, to keep watch. We’re always improving our program and we’ve changed things for this summer once again. You never know when something is a bit different as each summer here is unique!

To help with faith growth each summer, we use a themed curriculum. You should possess a basic understanding of the Biblical texts and the materials presented here so that you can adequately teach our campers. The materials in this packet are condensed and taken from various resources, including the LaFrontera Outdoor Ministries Curriculum, © 2005 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. By looking over this material, you undoubtedly will have questions. Please ask! Once you have a general understanding of our Bible passages, you can think of other activities, devotions, songs, and games which may relate to each day’s theme. We will review this material during our staff training, discussing how to apply it to your work this summer.

At first glance, this year’s theme may seem a bit strange, maybe even confusing. It begins in Spanish and ends in English. The first part is likely unfamiliar in meaning, the second part is likely very familiar. Perhaps your reaction is to wonder why not just stick with the English and leave the Spanish for another day when we are more ready for it. If this was your reaction, in a real way, you were/are experiencing la frontera. The theme is more than an exercise in translation. It is about living in the “between-place” of borders, regions, margins, and territories; that is, la frontera. We may discover another rich idea that comes from people who have different experiences than we may have, who have a different view of the world than ours.

This year’s theme also emphasizes that there is no place that Jesus will not go to meet us. There aren’t just a few places that Jesus can be found. God’s grace, through Jesus Christ, is available to all people, in every place. God knows exactly where you are and Jesus will reach you, no matter the cost, even if it means death on a cross.

At its simplest, la frontera is a place. It can mean a “place of transition,” a “place of indecision,” a “place of struggle,” “on the edge of a place,” or a “place of uncertainty.” Most often, la frontera is translated to the word border in English, in the sense of “a definite line or wall that separates or distinguishes.” It also can be used in a psychological sense: “bordering on the ridiculous.” There are different types of borders: geographical, psychological, and cultural borders; ethical and moral limits; political and religious boundaries; and the boundaries of existence between God, humans, animals, vegetation, and minerals. It also can describe places that have no definite borders at all, like “region” and “frontier.” It might be fruitful for leaders to brainstorm more possibilities of meaning, which can open up new ideas for Bible studies, discussion groups, and the like. Let’s look at three meanings of la frontera found in the Bible: border, hem, region.

2

Border In contemporary usage, la frontera most often describes a border: a geographical and/or political line that separates two countries or states. Certainly, for Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, “the Border” has a powerful, specific meaning: the border between the United States and Mexico. This is a geographical/ political border, but it is much more. It is a physical barrier to be crossed (a wall of barbed wire) and an economic barrier (separating jobs from no jobs). In the Bible, the actual word border is not used very often. One reference to border, in Exodus, speaks of enlarging the borders (34:24) of Israel so that Israelite males can fulfill their religious obligations. More often, the borders are implied. For instance, when Jesus heard of John the Baptist’s arrest, he “made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun” (Matthew 4:13). Here, both the natural border created by the sea and the implied border marking out the territory of Zebulun describe la frontera.

Hem An interesting use of the idea of la frontera in the Bible is “hem” or “fringe of a garment.” Two strikingly different contexts occur. In the first context, according to Jewish law, mantels (garments similar to a shawl) were to have fringes on all four corners to remind the wearer of the commandments of God (Numbers 15:38-39). Later in Matthew, Jesus criticizes the scribes and the Pharisees for their arrogance and hypocrisy in wearing long fringes to show off (Matthew 23:5). In the second context, an unknown woman with a longtime disease that causes her much bleeding humbly sneaks up behind Jesus to touch the fringe of his garment. She does this believing that it will make her well (Matthew 9:20). Also, crowds of people try to touch the fringe of Jesus’ garment in order to be healed (Matthew 14:34-36; Mark 6:56).

Region This is the most common use of la frontera in the Bible. Stories throughout the Old and New Testaments use the word region to describe the places God’s people encounter. This can be seen in the theme Bible verse, Mark 10:1. Jesus arrives at “the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan.” Here, region encompasses both a more-or-less specific place (the region of Judea) and a limitless place (beyond the Jordan). The range of Jesus’ ministry is, in essence, boundless. Jesus didn’t go to predetermined locations, like the campaign-stops of a politician. Jesus went to a region, a place that includes any number of specific locations. And Jesus didn’t stop there. He even went “beyond the Jordan.” There is no limit to the places Jesus will go to bring his saving message.

Day 1: Jesus Meets Us Where we meet Jesus is determined by Jesus’ love, not by humanly constructed boundaries. Jesus, first, meets us. There are no proper attitudes or feelings in the heart; there are no academic requirements; there are no minimal financial obligations. There is nothing I do or say that will bring him. Jesus first meets me, speaking a word of love. Jesus meets me where I am and promises to stay with me, wherever I am. “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Where do we meet Jesus? In church buildings? In our homes, schools, shopping centers? Among our friends and relatives, those whom we do not know, our enemies? The answer is, “Yes.” Perhaps a better question is, “Where am I?” It’s a better question because, finally, Jesus will find me there. Whether I am homeless on the street or living in luxury, Jesus meets me there. Whether I am confident in his love or in complete despair, Jesus meets me there. Jesus starts with where I am and leads me further into his love and into fellowship with others.

Day 2: Jesus Meets Us in the Neighbor The focus for this day is that Jesus meets us in the neighbor. It isn’t simply “quaint theological talk.” It is how the Christian life is actually lived out. Luther said that by virtue of our baptism, we become “little Christs” to everyone we encounter. La frontera is the place where we meet the neighbor. In our serving, we live on the 3 border between God’s love and our neighbor’s need. Neighbors are not simply those who live closest to us or who look most like us. Neighbors are defined by their needs. They may, in fact, not share anything in common with us. Yet, our neighbors are known to us by their need for God’s love. No one is beyond our concern or aid, regardless of his or her background or situation. We still take the opportunity to serve that person. God’s love for us frees us from society’s boundaries to enter la frontera. Here, Jesus meets us and we, in turn, meet our neighbor.

Day 3: Jesus Meets Us on the Cross Many Christians today have said that the cross has lost its meaning. The symbol of the cross is threatening and confusing. People are repulsed by, rather than attracted to, the cross. If this is true, then the cross has lost none of its power today. What has been lost in our society is the sense that hope and redemption come from something other than success or triumphant achievement. We think that redemption requires something bigger and better than who we are as humans. This is why the cross is a symbol of hope and grace. Jesus meets us where we are facing the power of death. Jesus goes before us, dying on the cross, rising by the power and grace of God, and sharing his new life. There are no preconditions for us to accept to share in this new life. All we do is acknowledge the gift that Jesus has so richly given. On the cross of Jesus, la frontera has been crossed—the border between mortality and immortality, between hope and fear, between life and death. The cross is not a symbol, but a real wooden bridge that lays over and pushes down the barbed-wire fence we call the power of death. We walk, with Jesus, on the cross and into eternal life. God’s love stretches out to the whole world. So, also, the least likely people become ambassadors of the cross, not because of any power they have, but because of the power of Christ’s endless life within them.

Day 4: Jesus Meets Us in La Frontera Today’s theme focuses on ambiguity, not because the message of God’s love is unclear in our lives, but because we encounter “difference” in our lives today more than ever before. Few places in our society are untouched by an increasing diversity: our schools, our neighborhoods, even our churches. We encounter different cultures, varying family structures, increased speed of communication, different religious traditions, and changing economies. Relying upon ways of knowing and methods of doing that have worked in the past has already led many to despair about the future. Old wineskins are beginning to burst with the new wine they carry. La frontera is not a wall that separates differences to make things neat and tidy. La frontera is a place where differences meet and can exist side by side. Our unity as the body of Christ depends on Jesus alone. We celebrate our differences because we already celebrate our unity in Christ. Today’s theme is an opportunity to search for God’s message of love in our lives, which are filled with ambiguity and uncertainty about the future. We search for that message in the stories of the Bible that show struggles similar to our own.

Day 5: Jesus Meets Us in the Feast Today’s theme focuses on where Jesus meets us in flesh and blood, literally. The body and blood of Jesus, through the gifts of bread and wine, connect me to God in a real way and connect me with others, as parts of a body coming together. The feast is the place where the body of Christ is formed. At the table of the Lord, we receive forgiveness, nourishment, healing, and strength. As we approach the table of the Lord, we see that Jesus has come to meet us once again. When we greet each other with the sign of peace, we feel the body of Christ forming. When we hear the words, “given and shed for you,” we recognize that this place in which we gather is where the body of Christ is. We are called by Jesus to meet with those who search for acceptance and invite them to the celebration. We celebrate, with thanksgiving, on the border between our present-day reality and the foretaste of the great feast to come.

4

Day Title and Text Focus Points Additional Bible Texts Jesus Meets Us • God’s love crosses all borders.  John 4: 27-30, 39-42 • Christ redeems the whole  Mark 6:45-51 John 4:1-15 creation.  Matthew 4:12-17 (Woman at the well) • In baptism God claims us  Luke 3:1-6 1 forever.  Acts 13:46-50 Jesus’ love is a place • Baptism is a journey of healing  John 4 that has no and forgiveness, not a  Mark 6: 53-56 boundaries. destination of perfection.  Acts 10 Jesus Meets Us in • No one is beyond our concern or  Matthew 15:1-20 the Neighbor aid.  Acts 17:22-31 • Not only Christians show concern  Luke 4:16-21 Luke 10:25-37 for others.  Acts 10:1-23 (Good Samaritan) • Neighbors are not just those who 2 live close to us or look most like Jesus calls us to a us. place that builds no • Neighbors are people in need. boundaries. Jesus Meets Us on • The cross brings grace and hope,  John 12:20-33 the Cross not fear.  Acts 13:26-33a • There is no border that God  Romans 5:6-11 Acts 10:34-48 cannot “cross over.”  Acts 9:1-22 (Peter’s sermon) • We simply acknowledge God’s  Romans 6:1-11 3 gift.  1 Corinthians 1:18-25 The cross is the • All Christians are ambassadors of bridge that unites all the cross. nations. Jesus Meets Us in • Jesus meets us where we are  John 21 La Frontera because he loves us.  Acts 2:1-17 • Jesus meets us wherever we may  Matthew 15:21-28 John 20:19-29 be.  Mark 5:1-20 (Jesus appears to • There is no place where Christ  Acts 11:1-8 4 the disciples) cannot reach us.  2 Corinthians 10:12- • La frontera is a place where 18 La frontera is a differences meet and exist side-  Jonah 2:1-10 spiritual place where by-side. Jesus meets us. Jesus Meets Us in • Everyone is invited to the Feast.  Mark 6:30-44 the Feast • Holy Communion is about  Matthew 15:29-39 relationship.  Acts 10:1-33 Luke 24:13-35 • At the table, we receive Christ’s  Luke 14:34-48 (Road to Emmaus) body and blood. 5 • In the breaking of bread, we The table of the recognize our Lord. Lord: The place where the body of Christ meets.

5

Basic Theology

Because we are a camp affiliated with the Lutheran and Episcopal Churches, there are some basic themes and identities that define who we are, which are listed below. For Lutherans, we sum it all up by saying, “It’s all about grace!” What is grace? God’s Richness At Christ’s Expense.

The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Three in One!  We believe God is omnipotent and omniscient and the creator of the world. For an interesting study, read Exodus 33: 18-23, which shows this God. Moses wanted to see God’s face, but Moses was only allowed to see the backside of God.  We believe that God came to this world in human form of Jesus Christ, who suffered and died on the cross. The cross is God’s embrace of the world. On the cross, through Jesus, God enters our darkness, suffers and embraces us with total and unconditional acceptance. This is often called theology of the cross. If you want to see the most wonderful, glorious, mighty thing God has done, you must stand at the foot of the cross.  We believe the Spirit came to the world following Christ’s death and resurrection and is “blowing through our lives,” guiding us and sustaining us.

Scripture: Jesus is the Living Word that has come to us from God. (Read John 1:14)  We have a living way of seeing the Bible- God comes to us through Scripture with judgment and grace.  The Bible’s authority comes from God.  We are called to return to the scriptures, wrestle with them and live in them. We believe that the Word of God is a “living address,” which enters our hearts calling for radical change.  This Word comes to address us in the incarnate Jesus, the scriptures, the sacraments, and our “mutual conversation.”  This Word comes to us as both Law and Gospel. The law is everything that has an if/then structure. It is demands placed on us. The law orders our life together and puts to death the self in us that thinks we can do it on our own (this drives us to Christ then). The Gospel is everything that has a because/therefore structure. It’s unconditional. Humans always have a condition- we will die and that condition will end. Jesus Christ is the only one who can make an unconditional promise. At the center of the Gospel is the Good News of Jesus Christ—grace.

Priesthood: We are both saints and sinners  The Church is not just a social gathering of like-minded folks that get together. It is not held together by our own hard work and initiative. Instead, the Church is the work of the Holy Spirit in the world to make the Kingdom of God visible.  We believe that all baptized persons are “priests” who have a ministry of servanthood in the world. Christian vocation is important. We are each called in whatever we do to care for our neighbor and creation.  We believe that we are both saints and sinners at the same time. We are justified through faith but still have our sinful nature. The latin term for this is “simul Justus et peccator.” Jesus’ ministry on earth included stories of storing riches in heaven; that material goods are not needed to experience God’s love; that we’re missing something if we focus only on possessions. This paradox of being both saint and sinner is difficult to understand, but Jesus often spoke in language of paradox. (Read Matthew 20: 16, Luke 9:24, Matthew 5: 5)  Jesus came and was not a typical king, but rather a servant. We should be servants in Christ, ministering to our fellow humans. 6

Sacraments: They are a physical sign, plus God’s Word, plus a command! 1. We celebrate two sacraments-- Baptism and Holy Communion. 2. Baptism is like God saying, “You’re mine-until the end of time!” or “I’ve gotcha and I’ll never let you go.” 3. We believe that the finite is capable of the infinite (finitum eapax infiniti), which is what we believe in Holy Communion. Jesus is there, present in the bread and wine. God comes to us in earthly things.

Evangelical: We proclaim the good news!  We believe that we are a reforming movement- constantly letting the Holy Spirit show us where our personal and corporate lives must change to conform to the Gospel.  We are “evangelical” meaning we are a “good news church,” proclaiming the Gospel. Faith comes from hearing the Word and is a gracious gift from God. (Read Ephesians 2: 8-9)  We believe that the doctrine of justification by grace through faith is the doctrine on which the church stands or falls.

A Litany for Outdoor Ministries Based on the Seven Foundations for Camp & Retreat Ministry © 2010 Jack Shitama

Let us pray for God’s work through outdoor ministries everywhere. Gracious God, give us hearts of gratitude that you would entrust us to provide intentional places apart for Sabbath, silence, solitude and prayer. May those we serve be drawn closer to you through the work that we do. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that we may extend genuine hospitality and community in all that we do so that you can build bonds of unity in the midst of diversity. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Empower us to nurture faith and discipleship, not for our sake, but so that you might make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep us mindful of our role in developing Christian spiritual leaders who are faithful and effective in shaping the future according to your will. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us in collaborating with churches, agencies and each other in a unified effort to nurture faith in God and reach out to meet true needs in the world together. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Equip us to teach Creation care and appreciation using the beauty of our camps and retreat centers so that our campers and guests see stewardship of the created world as essential to faithful discipleship. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless those who visit us, that they may be inspired and equipped to do love and justice as a sign of your Reign on earth, as it is in heaven. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We humbly offer these prayers that we might be the Body of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. 7

8

9

GROW Time

Adapted from material by Betsy Debertin, Metigoshe Ministries, from her classroom students, ELCA Curriculums and the books The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown and 4Mat Level 1 from About Learning. Introductory paragraph from How to Use Camping Experience in Religious Education by Stephen F. Venable and Donald M. Joy

Camp Bible study is not an academic endeavor in an outdoor setting. It is an intentional and relational wrestling with the written account of humanity’s quest for God. Finding God is one of church camp’s overall goals. Scripture serves as a door through which we seek. Through the study of scripture, as well as through the natural setting of camp, people seek to experience God.

Mount Luther is in the “business” of making disciples for Christ, by forming the faith of those who come to this place set apart by God. Therefore, we Gather and Reflect On the Word each day. Reading and responding to God’s Word is the backbone of all that we do at Mount Luther. Giving campers opportunities to verbalize their faith and to see how their faith plays into all they do in daily life is the most important venture of our outdoor ministry experience.

CONCEPT: Each day will have a singular concept that you want the campers to learn about and walk away with knowledge of how it affects their lives. Reinforce the daily theme/concept all day long in all you do!

LEARNING STYLES: To understand the flow of a typical day of GROW Time, you need to understand that there are a variety of gifts and abilities each of us are given (Read Corinthian 12: 4-11). Because of that, we each have a different way to learn and there are steps to the natural learning cycle. You should be creative and use your imagination when planning for these four different types, which honor and engage the gifts of our campers. The sequence of the activities is critical to how we naturally learn, too.

Type 1 learners are primarily interested in personal meaning. Type 1 (NF) Activities They are imaginative learners. They are like MONICA, who likes  Ropes course activity to talk with her friends about what is going on in her life. For  Silly game designed to create type 1 learners, a teacher must create a reason to learn. They laughter or self-revelation must gain personal value from instruction. They enjoy small (get-to-know you game) group discussions that nurture conversation. They demonstrate  “Have you ever?” or “Would concern for people. They are interested in people and culture. you rather?” or “If you could... They are idea people. what would you do?”  Human continuum When picking activities, you want to link the camper’s life  Campers tell their story (silly experiences to the concept. The learner must be motivated to or serious) want to learn. You are entrusted with the responsibility of  Journaling—write a letter engaging campers in such a way that they stay tuned to find out  Game Shows what the lesson is all about. To do this, they must have  Word association meaningful answers to questions like, “Why do I need to know  Affirmation anything’s this?” and “What does this have to do with my life?” The point of  Word Cluster Quiz  Initiative Activities (here’s the initial activity is to help campers discover the stake they have what I already know) in the lesson, understand why they should give you their time to  Preview before the session (a learn something new, and recognize you value their participation. menu or an invitation) to hook participants. The human brain can only hold 5-9 pieces of insignificant information at a time. When people are asked to remember something that is perceived as useless, they will not!

10

Type 2 learners are primarily interested in the facts. They are Type 2 (SJ) Activities: like CRAIG, who wants to know the facts and details as he words Type two learner activities do NOT through Bible Study. They are analytic learners. For type 2 need to be BORING! learners, a teacher must teach, must impart information. Type 2 learners are the keepers of the truth. They require accuracy and  Present the historical context orderliness. They are comforted by rules and they form reality of Bible stories from them. They excel in traditional learning environments  OPEN the Bible and read the because the lecture and reading modes suit them. They are story together by taking turns excellent at details and sequential thinking. They will re-examine  Read the story two ways— the facts if situations perplex them. They need continuity and readers theater, act it out, certainty and are uncomfortable with subjective judgments. freeze frame, verse-by-verse They enjoy traditional classrooms. cartoon, modernize it, Oprah interviews with each character, When picking activities for Type 2 learners, remember that story telling, visualization, children will be coming face-to-face with information they many pause part way through the have never encountered before. Unless you take time to set up story and let campers “predict” the lesson, motivate the children, and help them focus on how the ending this connects to their lives you’ll lose their interest. To enhance  Reading comprehension the Bible story, make it interactive. No one likes to sit and be questions lectured! As the children participate, they are using their EARS,  Timelines, Games EYES, and sometimes FINGERS to absorb the information you are  Mindmaps, outlines, venn presenting. Campers may be auditory, visual, or active learners diagrams, analogies so vary your type of teaching. Make sure you take some time to  Lectures and Handouts see if the kids are getting it. Check for their understanding by  What Not to Do having them retell or dramatize the Bible story, play a game or  Station Hikes/Fun Fairs; sing a song about the important facts or ask them questions  Bring a random object (a hat about the material. It is very important to check for their to recap ideas) Use interesting props understanding. Have kids use their Bibles. Remember all  Puppets, poster, flannel campers do not have the same translation of the Bible and could  be confused if theirs is different. figures, and pop-up figures  Pick a new seat

When asking a question, allow 30 seconds for the Holy Spirit to  Throw candy for right answers. work.

Type 3 learners are primarily interested in how things work. Type 3 (NT) Activities They are common sense learners. They are like JAMES, who is  Make a model most interested in how a new idea works. For type 3 learners, a  Imagine if you only had . . . teacher must let them try it. Almost before one can blink an eye, how would you? these learners are engaged in action. They want what they learn  Relate the concept of the Bible to be useful and applicable. They hate being told answers before story to the real world they have had time to explore possible solutions. They seek  Crossword puzzles utility and results. They excel in down-to-earth problem solving.  Nature hike They are common-sense people who do not stand on ceremony.  How would you solve the They experiment and tinker with things. They need to know how problem? (ark design, 5 loaves things work. They need sensory experiences. and 2 fishes for 5,000)  Interviews When picking activities for Type 3 learners, provide a variety of  Create a representation of a opportunities to practice the information they’ve just acquired. story or concept using In this step, the teacher functions as a coach, setting up the materials around you (twigs, plays and then standing back and letting the kids do the stones, leaves) activities. This is the time for kids to try out the new  Object lessons information, see how it works, make safe choices and explore.  Human Worksheet  Tinkering, hands-on

11

Type 4 learners are primarily interested in self-discovery and Type 4 (SP) Activities are dynamic learners; a teacher must let them add value to it  Act out a scenario/skits and use it in their life. They have a strong need to experience  Draw a picture, write a song or freedom in their learning and have a tendency to transform poem to show what has been whatever it is they attempt. They are flexible, adaptable, are learned risk-takers and at ease with all types of people. They often reach  Color a picture conclusions in the absence of logical justification. They show  Cabin group mural openness with new ideas and have a high ability to sense new  Rewrite something (a familiar directions. They add their own ideas to what is. prayer, a Bible verse) in your own words When picking Type 4 activities, encourage campers to show what  Faith stories they’ve learned in a personal, meaningful way. Staff should step  Follow-up letters to self back and assume the role of the encourager. First, allow  Plan a worship or an event for campers to make a plan about how they will show what they’ve another cabin or the camp learned. Second, have them implement their plans after they  Praying out loud leave the session. They may do that at camp (a Thursday night  Singing  Role play campfire skit, Friday closing worship song, or tell about it at  Slide Shows mealtime in the dining hall) or they may do it at home.  Drama  Music Have patience and understanding and let Step 4 belong to the camper. If the camper shows learning in a personal way, then the child is far more likely to put that learning into action.

Here are the “human worksheet” statements we used to review the four types:

 I bought my last car because the salesperson was really nice.  I bought my last car because it had an excellent finance package and great gas mileage.  I bought my last car because I spent half an hour under the hood, and each hose was securely attached.  I bought my last car because it is a sweet midnight blue with a cool-looking dashboard.

 Therapist  Scientist  Engineer  Actor

 When I was a kid, I most liked slumber parties, playing with my friends, and camp.  When I was a kid, I got angry that that my brother got more allowance than me. I didn’t like when the rules weren’t fair.  When I was a kid, I most liked Lego bricks and erector sets.  When I was a kid, I was equally good at entertaining myself by playing imaginary and entertaining others with my antics.

 The bummer about me is that sometimes I can be manipulative and hold high expectations of others.  The bummer about me is I have a compulsion to be complete; sometimes I obstruct progress with my need for more information.  The bummer about me is that when I get an idea, I test it immediately without regard for the consequences or the needs of others involved.  The bummer about me is that sometimes I become overcommitted and fragmented. I sometimes lack the discipline to finish one task before beginning another.

I love when we get to put our desks in circles and talk! I love my teacher, he gives such organized notes. I can’t wait for school tomorrow, we get to blow something up in chemistry. Do you like my report cover, I used three fonts and seven pieces of clip art?

12

TO REVIEW:

13

The GROW Time Schedule

How will we use these learning styles? We do activities for each of the four learning styles, in sequence, but will spread them out over the day. The idea behind this is to get the campers to see that God and God’s Word should permeate all that they do in their daily lives.

First Light: here, a staff team will present the theme of the day by doing  HOOK: A Type 1 Activity that the entire group does, such as a game, activity, or small project that hooks them on the theme.  BOOK: A Type 2 Activity where you should read the Bible verse or retell it in your own words as a short story or even act it out.

Stop and GROW: At 10:30 a.m., your cabin group will take a few minutes to stop what you are doing and look at the Bible text for the day using the ELCA Book of Faith Devotional Questions. Reread the text and then ask a few (or all) of these questions:  QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?  QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?  QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me?  QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text?

Lunch and Learn: Following lunch, a staff team will be assigned to provide an activity that allows us to dig a little deeper into the text.  LOOK: This should be an activity that campers can interact with one another and each cabin group can spend time talking about what they did and reflect on what God is doing in the scripture and what God is saying to us today. It could even happen during our meal, if done right.

Dinner Devotions: For our dinner devotions, a staff team will present our final all-camp look at the text through creative means:  TOOK: Read a poem, do a cheer or something that will help campers and staff take what they learned along with them this day and send us off, reminded of God’s grace! End with prayer requests and a closing prayer.

Worship: Your evening worship service should reflect what the group talked about during the day and be a summation of the day’s concepts and theme. It should be a way to praise God for what God has been saying through the study of the Word and “put a bow” on the gifts God gave to your group that day.

To help you plan for GROW Time, here are some planning sheets that will help you to use the 4Mat learning system and tie all these elements together. There will be some variations to this schedule. For example, Wednesday we will do an All-Camp GROW Time and do all four activities in a more traditional Bible study style, closing in prayer. This might be the preferred method of doing GROW Time at off-site day camps, too. Quick off-site lesson plans are also included. On Friday, our sending will take the place of our dinner devotions.

14

GROW Time: Day 1 Supplies I Need:

Biblical Text: ______Concept: ______

4. TOOK 1. HOOK

3. LOOK 2. BOOK

15

GROW Time: Day 2 Supplies I Need:

Biblical Text: ______Concept: ______

4. TOOK 1. HOOK

3. LOOK 2. BOOK

16

GROW Time: Day 3 Supplies I Need:

Biblical Text: ______Concept: ______

4. TOOK 1. HOOK

3. LOOK 2. BOOK

17

GROW Time: Day 4 Supplies I Need:

Biblical Text: ______Concept: ______

4. TOOK 1. HOOK

3. LOOK 2. BOOK

18

GROW Time: Day 5 Supplies I Need:

Biblical Text: ______Concept: ______

4. TOOK 1. HOOK

3. LOOK 2. BOOK

19

Off-Site GROW Time The following are designed for trip camps and when your campers may be off-site.

Gather: Introduce the idea of boundaries by giving your campers a couple of minutes to brainstorm all the boundaries they can identify. Include literal and figurative boundaries.

Word: Ask volunteers to act out John 4:1-15 as it is read. Discuss the kinds of boundaries being crossed in this text and why this discussion between Jesus and the woman is controversial. What boundaries exist in our culture today?

Day1 Send: Invite campers to recall a difficult or uncomfortable situation in their lives. How might Jesus have been present with them?

Gather: Take a walk asking the campers to close one eye and to look through a hand cupped around the open eye like half a pair of binoculars. Discuss what things get in the way of seeing what God wants us to see.

Word: Have campers come up with a movie genre that could be used to tell the good Samaritan story. Ask for volunteers to play the various parts (including the donkey) and act out the story in the selected genre.

Day2 Send: Gather around a log. Instruct a “walker” to walk along the log and assign two spotters to walk beside. When the walker loses balance he or she should ask for help from the spotters. If this is too easy, have the walker close her or his eyes. Discuss the experience.

Gather: Ask the campers to share a time when they felt left out of a group that they really wanted to join. Ask them what feelings they experienced when they were excluded, and how it felt if/when they were eventually included.

Word: Invite everyone to turn to Acts 10:34-43. Ask one volunteer to read the part of Peter, and one volunteer to read everything that Peter does not say. Invite the rest of the campers to follow along in their Bibles. After the reading, talk about the people’s differences in the story. Discuss the inclusive nature of the

cross. Day3

Send: Have campers read John 12:20-26. Focus on verse 24. For the love and grace of Jesus to reach all people, we must die to those parts of us that won’t let us share our faith. We must reach beyond our comfort zone to invite others into God’s family of love. Discuss the challenges of sharing the faith.

Gather: A common experience of all campers, most likely, is that they have at least a scar or two on their bodies, and a story to go with each scar. Gather in a circle and ask campers to each share a bodily scar story.

Word: Read today’s text in three sections. After reading John 10:19-23, discuss what is necessary for the scared disciples to rejoice in Jesus’ presence. After reading verses 24-25, discuss the proof that Thomas needed. After reading verses 26-29, discuss the main message of this story.

Day4 Send: Invite camper to share things that bring fear into their lives. Have campers look back over the fears and encourage them to write a short prayer to Jesus, asking him to help them deal with the fears they specified.

Gather: Before leaving for your Bible study location, instruct campers to choose one object from their own things that holds special meaning for them. Have campers share what object they brought and why it has special meaning for them. Listen for explanations that include words connected with the object as part of the special meaning.

Word: Invite campers to imagine they are one of the two men headed to Emmaus. Read Luke 24:13-27. Discuss what campers saw, heard, felt, tasted, and smelled as they imagined they were part of the story. Discuss how this story connects with Holy Communion.

Day5 Send: Lay a towel on the ground. Tell campers that they must all get onto the towel without any part of anyone left touching the ground around the towel. Now fold the towel in half. They must now all get on the towel again according to the same directions. If they accomplish this, then fold the towel in half one more time and have them try again. Discuss how the community works together.

20

Worship

Susan Briehl says, “We gather for worship because God has called us by the Holy Spirit and Christ has promised to be among us whenever two or WORSHIP NOTES three are gathered in his name. And Jesus is in our midst as we worship.” Worship time assures that the specific message of God’s work Sunday and Thursday of forgiveness and love in Jesus Christ is available. Worship is a time night worship will be when all campers are equally accepted and affirmed. That means that done together as a at crafts, sports, Bible studies and other camp activities, you’ll have whole camp. standouts- but everyone is equal at worship. Worship is when the faithful are reoriented toward God. Camp worship is an extension, not a Your camp chaplain can separate entity of congregational worship. Encourage campers to take be asked to lead what they’ve learned at camp back to their congregation. Display the worship for your group continuity between the two worship experiences on one of the other nights. Worship is not a spectator sport! Make it communal and participatory. Each member brings gifts needed by the whole body. When we worship, Use small group we volunteer to have God change us. Be creative! Use stories, songs, worship on Friday scripture, litanies, and prayers to worship. Let your imagination go wild. before supper as cabin Some weeks, you will have campers who will be good at planning their closure for the week; own worships. This is not only helpful, but also encouraged. Give kids then there will be a new worship experiences like field worship, using popular story books, “sending” at the end of or making up new worship songs. songs at the picnic.

It's a good idea to vary the locations of worship from day to day. The place that you worship can influence the mood. It is also important to name what you do in worship. Teach your campers the elements of worship. And, remember the following:

Grace is central to worship. Be clear about this: God first loves us, gifts us, and calls us. In response to this amazing grace, we express our love of God, gratitude for God’s gifts, and attentiveness to God’s call.

Language should be inclusive whenever possible. Not every prayer needs to begin with “Father God.” No reference to humanity should be “man.” Not every camper comes from a stereotypical “family.” Think carefully about the words you choose to describe God and the human experience.

Use familiar liturgical elements. An “old” familiar hymn, prayer, response, or refrain used in worship at camp helps build continuity between the experience of faith at home and camp.

Enjoy planning worship. Yes, life at camp is very busy. But in worship you have the chance to give expression to what the whole creation yearns to do—praise God from whom all blessings flow. Why not revel in the opportunity and discover the depths of your soul in the process?

Prayer is central to what we do at camp. Our life with God should be our top priority each day. We believe it is important to be engaged in personal and corporate prayer each day. We thank God FIRST at the beginning of each meal. We will raise intercessions to God during worship, GROW Time, and First Light. Here are some ideas to stimulate prayer:

Alphabet Prayers: Give thanks to God by encouraging everyone to add an alphabetical thanks when it is their turn. (God, we give thanks today for Aunts, Brothers, Clothing, Dreams…). This style of praying can also be done for people by name (Andy, the Bensons, Connie, the Darbys), or other similar topics.

21

Acronym Prayers: This is a type of prayer where the letters of the word each represent another word.  ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication  PRAY: Praise, Repent, Another, Yourself  TRIP: Thanksgiving (for gifts given, opportunities, circumstances), Regrets (things that are not going well), Intercessions for others, Purpose (what God desires from us?) or Plan of Action. The TRIP method can be also be used to study a Bible verse- ask questions like What in this verse makes me thankful? Regretful? For what does this text lead me to pray? What action does this text encourage me to take today?

Bidding Prayers: Bidding Prayers are an ancient form of praying that can effectively be used at camp. They begin with a leader offering a bid or opening statement like: “Let us give thanks to God for all the gifts we have been given today. We name them at this time.” Then, campers are invited to offer brief prayers of thanksgiving. It is helpful to let a few campers know beforehand, so that some are familiar with this.

Circle Prayer: Hold hands in a circle. The prayer begins and ends with the leader. The leader opens the prayer and then tightly squeezes the hand of the person next to him/her indicating that he/she is finished praying. That person can choose to pray or else lightly squeeze the hand of his/her neighbor. This continues until everyone has had an opportunity to pray, at which time the leader will end the prayer.

Hand Prayers: Have the campers trace their hand on a piece of paper. On the thumb, write “praise and worship” (Psalm 147:1). On the pointer finger, examine your life, writing “confess our sins” (I John 1: 8-9). Knowing the promises of God that in Jesus Christ we are forgiven, this makes us thankful. On the tallest finger, write “thanking God” (Philippians 4:6, Psalm 136: 1). The weakest of our fingers reminds us of our need to pray for those who are in need. Write “needs of others” on the ring finger, (I Timothy 2: 1-4). Finally, the pinky is the least of our fingers yet the most essential for having a strong grip. Write “our needs” on the pinky finger, (I John 3:22). Another option would be to put a nail mark in the center of the hand’s palm. Write “in Jesus’ name.” This will help the campers remember that we can all call upon God in prayer because of Jesus’ death for our sins. So we pray “in Jesus’ name.”

Popcorn Prayer: This metaphor for prayer is that of the random popping of popcorn. Anyone is encouraged to jump in with a brief prayer of thanksgiving or request. Again, a leader can open this time of prayer and after a healthy silence, close prayer time. A word or phrase is all that is encouraged to keep this prayer style moving. It is a good introduction to group prayer. A theme of what people are thankful for could be used throughout this prayer.

Prayer Tree: Ahead of time, prepare small sheets of paper, folded in half, with a hole and string through the hole. Campers will write their prayers inside the sheet and then hang the prayer on a tree branch that you have secured in a bucket, vase, or other device. The tree will then be a reminder of their prayers to God. Please assure campers you will not read their prayers.

Praying On The Go: Jesus often sought solitude to be in prayer with God. Quiet, uninterrupted alone time is a precious commodity for the staff of Mount Luther!! Hopefully, you will find ways to create quiet time to pray and meditate. (The chaplain to the staff is available to cover your campers for you occasionally if just ask). You will have a lot more time when you will be on the go—walking to one place or another (and back!) You can use that time for prayer. When you see something lovely—a flower, an animal, a rock, a camper—just name it and thank God either silently or out loud. “That is a beautiful wild violet—thanks, God.” “Tami just helped Aaron get that fish off the hook, God is good.” There will be times on the go which are a bit frightening, or 22 confusing. Think or voice, “I need help, God.” And it will always be helpful if you and your staff partners can share God’s grace. If you can’t share with the campers, share with your partners. Give each other God’s grace, in prayer, on the go.

Prayer Cube: Make a large cube/dice out of card stock or cardboard. Draw, paint, or paste prayer prompts on each side of the cube. Have campers “roll” the cube and pray for something concerning that particular prompt. Examples are pictured here.

Praying the Headlines: Gather newspaper articles. During prayer time, read the headlines, especially those headlines for which there are people we should pray for. This could be done with the congregation singing a contemplative song in between readings of the headlines.

Rainbow Prayers: Keeping in mind the five areas of the hand prayer taught above, another way to reinforce those five aspects of prayer is to help your campers make a prayer chain. They should write a word or phrase on a strip of colored paper (2-3 inches wide by 6 inches long).  Write down the Bible reference used for praise and worship on a white strip of paper.  Because Jesus shed his blood on the cross to forgive our sins, have your child write down a list of recent sins he or she wants to confess to God on a red strip of paper.  Because of God’s son, Jesus, there is assurance that God hears and answers prayer. To remember God’s son/sun, campers should write what they are thankful for on yellow strips of paper.  On green paper, write names of people that need their prayers, as green is a symbol of life.  Finally, in praying for themselves, encourage them to write down their needs on blue paper, as a reminder of their baptism and that they belong to Christ who loves them. These strips of paper can be pasted into loops, forming a “prayer chain” to be kept near their bed as a reminder to pray each night. New links can be easily added. As needs change and prayers are answered, those links can be removed.

Repeat (or Echo) Prayer: An easy way to do prayers, especially with younger children, is to have them repeat the prayer after you.

Scripture Prayer: One of the ancient styles of prayer within Christianity is to pray the scriptures. Repeat a scripture passage over and over until it takes root in your heart. Praying the scriptures back to God is like praying the very heart of God. This builds confidence in our prayer life and often times stretches us beyond our normal thoughts and prayers. You might also do this style with hymn texts.

Whisper Prayer: Everyone simultaneously whispers their prayer into their cupped hands. Someone ends the prayer out loud and the group releases their hands/prayers into the air.

23

The Camp Mount Luther Praise Service

observed here. This might be short with CALL TO WORSHIP: The Holy Spirit calls younger attention spans, but silence is us together as the people of God. In the call wonderful in any quantity! Examples: to worship, we call upon the Lord as we  Spoken Litany or Lord’s Prayer gather the faithful. The Call to Worship sets  “Seek Ye First” sung litany the mood and invokes God’s presence. We  “I Believe, I Do Believe” can gather with a simple invocation, a song, a  “Peace in our Time” Prayers confession. People don’t know they’re at  “O Lord, Hear My Prayer” with prayers worship until they are gathered and notified by a leader who says, “Now we’re going to worship!” There are interesting and inspiring PRAISE: Praise time can be the reading of ways to do that, and we give suggestions psalms, singing songs, chants, statements, below. As we gather, we also pray that we drumming, clapping, strumming guitars, would worship in God alone, which is called stomping feet, passing the peace, or doing an invocation. Examples: other forms to show your praise to God such  Presider simply says “In the Name of the as dance, games, activities or an offering. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.”  Any upbeat song, like “Shine, Jesus,  Use a litany where you say a line and the Shine,” or “Allelu” congregation responds, using the same  Offering- gifts of oneself, too line each time.  Prayers could also be used here as a  Sing one of the following: “I Will Call means of praise. Upon the Lord”, “Hey Everybody!” (Worship Edition), “In the Name of the Father”, “All Gather Round”, or “Here in SENDING: The sending is the benediction this Place” which sends us into mission with God’s blessing. It reminds us that we go out knowing God goes with us. We go as God’s MESSAGE: During the message, God people, being a servant. People need to hear speaks to us through scripture. We hear that worship is ended. Give them the blessing about God’s hope and love through the Word. of God, and charge them to live in the truth Scripture should be read at each worship and righteousness, to love their neighbors service. God comes to us in the living Word. and enjoy God’s presence in all things. You This section includes the statement of the can do a simple “Go in Peace” dismissal or theme of the service, the reading of scripture, other verbal sending, or you might sing of the and telling stories or giving a homily where following as a sending song: we teach and/or preach (proclaim the  “Go With God” gospel). Examples:  “May the Lord Bless & Keep You”  Bible Reading or CMLPS Psalm reading  “Go Now in Peace”  Sermon, Story or Skit  Amazing Grace with 2 syllables  Discussion  “Let Us Talents & Tongues…”  Song (like Psalm 150) These components do not always have to be in that order. For instance, we may praise LITANY: A litany is a prayer (spoken or earlier in the service than the outline would sung) of thanksgiving & forgiveness, asking suggest, often combining it with the call. Or God’s help. You can also say prayer petitions the message could be spread out in little for the Lord to have mercy and provide doses over the whole service. Much of the peace, salvation, and unity in the church and message might be in the call or the sending in the world, to give thanks, and to ask God’s sometimes. You may adjust the overall map help. At this point in the service, a creed of worship for your group’s needs and the could also be used. Also quite time for specific ways in which they might hear that contemplation and listening could be Christ is with them on that particular day. 24

Worship Planning Outline

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 C

Call to Worship

M

Message

L

Litany

P

Praise

S

Sending

25

Day 1: Jesus Meets Us Bible Text: John 4:1-15 (Woman at the well)

Concept: Jesus’ love is a place that has no boundaries.

Objectives: What will campers…  KNOW: That Jesus meets us in the borders and transition places of our lives and gives us second chances.  FEEL: God’s love as part of a community of believers.  DO: Search for God’s message of love and forgiveness in our lives maybe even crossing appropriate boundaries to help, to heal, and to make new friends.

Song Ideas: I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me, John 4 (Gil W.) Listen, God Is Calling, Soon and Very Soon

Prayer: Good Lord, thank you for the ways in which you meet us each and every day. We thank you for breaking down barriers that separate us from the love and grace that you intend for us. Remind us of your claim on us in baptism, and give us the strength and courage to be more aware of the people and places in which you come and meet us. Amen.

Daily Story: Juan and Luis were good friends. They lived in the same town. One of their favorite things to do on Saturday mornings was to go the library. They liked to look at the books, use the computers, and maybe borrow a book for the week. Every Saturday morning they would call each other on the phone to arrange the meeting time. On Saturday at 8:00 a.m., Juan phoned Luis. They agreed to meet at the library at 10 a.m. Juan’s mom worked the night shift at the hospital. She arrived home around 8:30 a.m. each Saturday. This morning she arrived with a special gift for Juan. It was an interesting rock that she found on her way home. Juan and Luis each had a rock collection and spent a lot of time looking for rocks. Juan hoped to look for a book on rocks at the library. When Juan walked out the door of his apartment building he was surprised to find Luis there waiting for him. “Why are you here?” said Juan. Luis said, “I just wanted to meet you at your place. That’s all.” “Great! But it’s out of your way to come here,” said Juan. “That’s okay,” said Luis. “Check out this rock my mom found on her way home from work this morning,” Juan said. The boys headed down the sidewalk toward the library walking and talking.

Questions for discussion  What did the boys do each Saturday morning?  What did Juan want to show Luis?  Why was Juan surprised?  What did the boys do on the way to library?  Have you ever met a friend at his or her house or apartment?  When have you helped a friend?

26

Day 1 Games and Activities

Jesus Gathers Us (Pioneers) of their skin, or religion or family background. Move the group to an open space such as a These women avoided public places when the gym or lawn. Tell the campers that you are upper class was there. A woman who came to going to play a game called “hoopla.” Set up the well at noontime, the hottest time of the a large area of hoops, about 6 feet (2 meters) day, was probably from one of the lowest between each hoop. Make sure you know the parts of society. She would visit the well at physical limitations of your group and adapt midday to avoid meeting anyone else. the game accordingly. Remind the campers about safety and be aware of each other’s personal space. This is not an elimination Jesus Meets Us (Pioneers) game. Ask everyone to sit in a hoop. (Some In our Bible story today we learn something hoops will have more than one camper.) about the social structure of Jesus’ time. This Explain that they are going to play a variation leads us to understand the very welcoming of musical chairs called “Hoopla.” Say, and friendly way of Jesus. Jesus often ate “Hoopla will help us learn more about with people on the fringes of society. Jesus diversity. Does anyone know what diversity met people on the edge (la frontera). In this means? (Spend a few minutes getting story, Jesus reaches out to quench his thirst. campers’ ideas.) We are diverse in many Jesus offers thirst quenching to someone in ways—the way we look, the way we act, and great need of forgiveness and love. Act out what we like. We will call these categories.” the Bible story. Campers can take on the Invite the campers to stand. Play the music. parts of Jesus, the woman at the well, the While it plays, campers move from hoop to well, the sun, trees, and so forth. Read the hoop. When it stops, everyone freezes. The story from the Bible while they act it out. If counselor yells out a category. Campers find costumes are available, have the actors wear others who share that trait and get in a hoop them. When they finish acting, reflect on the together before the counselor turns the music story: back on. Play for 10 minutes. (Possible  Why did Jesus ask for a drink? (He was categories include same height, eye color, thirsty.) hair color, gender, favorites [food, sport, ice-  Why was the woman surprised when Jesus cream flavor, pizza topping].) After playing asked for a drink? (Because she was a several rounds, take time for reflection. Samaritan and a woman. It was against  Why are we all so different? Talk about the law for Jews to have anything to do the things we inherit, such as our “looks” with Samaritans and men were not to versus the things we learn such as speak to women.) favorite foods, sports, and so on. If we If necessary, give additional background learn them, where do they come from? information about the relationship between  Are we mostly alike? Mostly different? Jews and Samaritans. Now read the story in  What is true of all of us? the Bible. Help campers find John 4:1-15 in  What is most important and why? (The their Bibles. Ask for volunteers to read it out way we are alike. The way we differ.) loud. After this second time hearing the story,  Have you experienced a problem with ask: another person or group because of your  What kind of water did Jesus offer to give differences? (Have one or two campers to the woman? (Water of eternal life.) share their stories.)  Why is water important in our world? (We Today we are going to hear a story about need water to live. Eighty percent of our Jesus and a woman who was not like him at body is water, 70 percent of the world is all. During Jesus’ time there were lots of rules water. Without water we would die.) and laws about with whom you could talk,  What do we use water for? (Answers will share a drink, or eat food. Women were vary—to drink, cook, wash, swim, clean.) considered not as important in society. In response to this question invite the Certain women would be considered even campers to act out some of the things lower than other women because of the color they use water for.

27

 What is baptism? (These answers will vary La Frontera Rescue (Pioneers) and will help determine where you need to Form two groups. Choose someone to play go in discussing baptism.) the “rescuer.” Give a “la frontera marker” to  How is water used in baptism? (It is one group. Explain, “You are people. All poured over the head of the baby or adult. people are special. Unfortunately through life People put their heads in the water.) you will meet all kinds of hardships and God loves all people. God offers love to struggles. We live in la frontera. You are safe everyone. Just like the Samaritan woman, we when you are traveling on a frontera marker are offered living water. One way we receive or when you reach the other side of the this living water is through baptism. In playing area.” Pass outthrowable objects to baptism we get new life and are joined with the other group. They represent the things in other believers. The water is a symbol of life that cause hardship and struggles. Their God’s love washing away the boundaries job is to hit the people on their journey. created by human laws and prejudices. We People are safe when they are on a frontera are washed in God’s love. marker. Once on a frontera marker, they can pick up the pad and toss it forward again. People are safe while standing on or throwing Rabbi Tag or Teacher Tag (Pioneers) the markers. If a person is hit while off the Play Rabbi tag. (Rabbi means “teacher” in marker, he or she sits down and waits for the Hebrew.) Form two groups: Fellows and rescuer to come. The rescuer gives out paper Serfs. Choose a person to be “it.” “It” chases hearts that act as a free ticket to the end of and tries to tag campers. Choose a person to the playing area. Once a player has a be the Rabbi. The rabbi frees people who are rescuer’s heart he or she may move without frozen by “it.” When campers are frozen they trouble. Play a second round and switch roles. must appeal to the Rabbi to be freed. Fellows After the game, sit down and reflect: can appeal to the Rabbi. Serfs, who are a  How did the people cooperate to get to lower part of society, must ask through the across? (Answers depend on the play of Fellows to be freed by the Rabbi. A Fellow the game; most likely the people worked calls the Rabbi over to the frozen Serf. The together and shared their markers.) Rabbi and Fellow hold hands around the  Could the people have cooperated more? frozen Serf and say, “Be free.” After 10  What might we do differently another minutes, sit down and reflect: time?  What did we do well in playing this game?  What role did the rescuer play? (Saved (Answers will vary.) people, stood with them as they traveled  What would make the game go more the road.) smoothly? (Answers will vary.)  How did the problems of life slow down  Can you think of a way to change the the trip? (Some people were hit and game to make it more fun? frozen.)  If we make the Rabbi not just any Rabbi  What kinds of problems do we encounter but the Rabbi Jesus, how will that change in life that make it difficult to live? the game? (Jesus loves everyone. Jesus (Answers will vary; divorce, war, hunger, wouldn’t let some kids stay frozen. Jesus poverty, fighting, bullies, and so forth.) accepts all of us no matter who or where  What does Jesus say about difficult times we are.) and experiences in our lives? (He will be Change the game and let the Rabbi “free” with us because he loves us. He will anyone who is frozen—making no distinction remain with us on the edge, in the valley, between the Fellows and the Serfs. After on the border, fringe—la frontera.) playing again, sit down and reflect:  How did the Rabbi Jesus affect the outcome of the game? Love Tag or Hug Tag (Pioneers)  Who does Jesus “tag” in life? (All of us.) Jesus loves us and through his love we love Jesus “tags” us with love, a love that has no also. Choose someone to be “it.” Establish the boundaries and no conditions. No matter what playing area. Everyone runs around the choices we make—good or bad—Jesus still playing area trying to avoid the person who is loves us and wants us to be part of his family. “it.” When a player is tagged, the player must 28 be freed by another player hugging the us, and knows us, in our entirety. Read Psalm tagged person and saying, “Jesus loves you 139:1-2 as a reminder of how Jesus meets us and I do too!” The game plays until “it” is wherever we are, even knowing everything tired or everyone is frozen. Select a new “it” possible to know about us. and play again.

Boundary Bungles (Juniors) Paper Bag Skits To demonstrate the value and importance of Form groups of three or four. Give them one boundaries ask campers to explain their of the following Bible references: John 4:16- favorite version of tag. Arrange to go to an 42; Mark 5:25-34; Matthew 4:12-17; Luke open field where other groups are also 3:1-6; Acts 13:46-50. Each group has 10 meeting. Ask the group to define the minutes to create a skit based on the Bible boundaries using the brightly colored area reference. The skits must use the items in the markers and to explain the rules of the game bag. Items can be used for any purpose in the to everyone. Ask the camper whose birthday skit. They do not need to be used in a usual is closest to Christmas to be “it” for all three manner. Campers perform the skits for the games. Proceed to play the same version of rest of the group. Ask the group what these tag three times. The first time, play however stories have in common. (Answers will vary. the campers set the boundaries and the rules, Remind campers that the skits have to do with an average-sized field of play. The with Jesus and his willingness to meet us in second time, establish boundaries that are far our need and at our place.) No matter what too small for the game, perhaps only big we have available to us, God is there with us. enough to fit the group. The third time, play the same game again but with boundaries that are far too big for the game. To add Blind Person and the …ah…Vacuum challenge and chaos, set boundaries that Cleaner (Juniors) overlap with other groups that are playing There is an old story about several blind different versions of tag. Once the games are people trying to identify an elephant, but complete, gather the campers together and each one feels a different part. As a result, hold a discussion about the merits and they have a difficult time describing the drawbacks of each version of tag. Ask them elephant individually. Since you probably what the differences were between the don’t have an elephant at camp, reenact this games, including the level of challenge, the story with campers using a vacuum cleaner level of fun, and the energy it took to play (or some other unusual object). Form small each game. Ask them to name which game groups of four or five campers. Keep the they would most like to play again and why. vacuum cleaner out of sight and tell the Explain to the campers that during this campers that they must figure out what the week’s Bible encounters, we will be looking at item is only by feeling it. Have an adult la frontera: the borders and boundaries that blindfold one camper from each group, and people consider important, how boundaries then escort the blindfolded people to the are necessary, and the ways that God calls us vacuum cleaner. Each blindfolded group to cross them sometimes. should feel a different part of the vacuum cleaner: one group might feel the hose, one might feel the brush, one might feel the cord, Border Lands (Juniors) one might feel the bag, and so forth. Then From the field, play follow-the-leader along have the campers try to figure out within the boundaries of the camp property. Make their small groups what the mystery object is. sure the group finds a place on the border of (Each person within his or her small group where campers are allowed and are not will have felt a different part of the object.) allowed. Some places might be near the camp Discuss what is learned in this object lesson. entry, near a ravine, near a tool shed or Suggest that this is similar to our attempts to garage, near the trash containers, or near the meet and describe Jesus or God. We only get waterfront. Get as close to the off-limits area a small part of the picture, and it is seldom as possible without leaving the area safe for comprehensive or sensible. But Jesus meets campers. Invite the campers to find a place 29 to sit. Ask them why these boundaries exist.  Do you think that men went to wells very Ask them to list all of the reasons they can often? Why? think of why people put up boundaries.  Do you think that Jesus crossed a “social” (Some possible answers as they look around boundary when he talked to the woman at camp might be to keep us safe, to keep track the well? of us, to keep us with others just like  Do you think the woman at the well was ourselves.) Ask campers to think of all of the special for getting to talk to Jesus? other boundaries they can. (Answers may After some initial discussion, tell the campers include our bodies, our neighborhoods, the a little bit more about social conventions of fences around our schools, the edges of our the time: that it wasn’t very common for towns, our state/province boundaries, natural people to travel, that it wasn’t common for boundaries like rivers or mountains, national men and women to be together in public boundaries, cultural boundaries, language spaces, or for Jews to share things in barriers, and so forth.) Explain that common with Gentiles. With this new boundaries are very real and very important information, ask campers if they think that in every society, including our society and the Jesus crossed any boundaries to meet this society in which Jesus lived. woman. Ask them if they think Jesus would cross boundaries to meet them. Transition to the next activity to explore the depths and Water Works and the Water Worker kinds of boundaries Jesus crossed to meet (Juniors) ordinary people right where they were. To help set up today’s Bible study, have campers complete the following exercise. Explain that in ancient times, there was only Boundary Detectives (Juniors) one well in the whole village. Women had to Provide campers with a little bit of go out to the well sometimes several times a background information about the significance day to bring back enough water for their of boundaries in Jesus’ time. Explain that it family to drink, bathe, cook food, and wash was very important to keep things in their their hands. To get a sense of what that chore proper place to keep people safe and pure. would be like, give the campers a pail, and People were not allowed to travel too far from have them hike one at a time to a source of home, to touch or talk to people of the water (such as a lake, stream, or remote opposite sex, to touch people with diseases, faucet). Have another staff person posted at and definitely not touch dead people or the source for risk management purposes. things. In each case, the society worried that (As each camper returns, ask her or him to people would become contaminated. (Ask use the water to feed plants or trees. campers for an example of what However, save the last bucket of water for contaminated water might be, and then ask the last activity.) Once all of the campers how that concept might apply to people.) have made the short hike for water, invite Form three groups and ask them to come up them to share what it felt like to walk through with a name for their very own theater the area alone and to haul back one bucket of company. During this exercise, campers water. For campers new to an outdoor investigate evidence from the past about how setting, the hike may have been a little Jesus operated with regard to all of these upsetting. With this experience in mind, ask boundaries. Give each group a story to one of the campers to read the story of Jesus consider: meeting the woman at the well (John 4:1-  Jesus raises Lazarus—John 11:1-6, 38-44 15). Ask them some comprehension  Woman with the bleeding disease—Mark questions, such as: 5:25-34  How would you have felt to meet a  Jesus walks on water—Mark 6:45-56 stranger at your well? Ask each group to choose a narrator to read  What kind of water was the woman talking the story out loud, while the rest of the group about? acts it out. Ask each group to prepare the  What kind of water was Jesus talking story to present to the rest of the groups as a about? skit or a play. After you provide each group with ample time to prepare, find a suitable 30

“stage” for the plays. With appropriate  There is a person in a different group who fanfare, introduce each theater company and has a really bad cold and is sneezing all play. Remind the audience before each play over people, has a really bad fever, and is to watch and listen for boundaries that are coughing. There is a person in jail who being crossed or not being crossed. Following has no friends and no family. each play, ask the actors and the audience to  There is a little orphan in Africa whose name all of the things they identify as parents died of AIDS and who is starving. boundaries in the play. Ask whether Jesus Ask campers to consider a series of questions was a boundary-crosser, and whether it relating to their particular scenario: helped or hurt the people in the story.  What are the boundaries between you and After all of the plays are complete, ask the the other person? campers what conclusions they would draw  Why are the boundaries between you about the nature of Jesus. important?  Did he follow the rules?  Is it okay for some people to cross the  Did he always stay within the boundaries boundaries? Who? Why? of what was good or proper to do?  Do people ever cross boundaries to hurt  Did he ever cross boundaries to hurt someone else? people?  Based on the stories about Jesus you  Why did Jesus cross boundaries? heard today, would Jesus cross the  What would Jesus expect of us? boundaries to help that person?  Do you think Jesus would have crossed  What do you think Jesus would want us to boundaries to meet ordinary people like do? us? Do you think it would have been Summarize the activity by stating that for possible? many of us boundaries are important. They help us define who we are and who we aren’t. They often help to keep us safe and healthy. Boundary Breakers (Juniors) But boundaries can also be used to hurt. Ask campers to think of boundaries that are When boundaries are used to withhold love, way too big for ordinary people to cross acceptance, forgiveness, food, or all kinds of without the use of machines. (Some answers other good things, it is important for us to be might be mountains, oceans, seas, the Arctic like Jesus and to be willing to cross and Antarctic poles, outer space, and so boundaries to help and to heal others. forth.) In one of Paul’s letters to his congregation in Rome, he is trying to convince them that there is no boundary too God’s Boundary Breaker (Juniors) big to separate us from God’s wonderful love. One of the ways that God breaks the Ask a volunteer to read Romans 8:38-39. boundary between our sinful, messy, and Then ask campers to list all of the really big dirty life and God’s perfect plan for us is boundaries that Paul talks about. If you know through water in baptism. To remind campers the song based on this verse, teach campers of the ways that baptism breaks the boundary the song as a way to remember that nothing between God’s perfect plans for us and our in all creation can separate us from the own less-than-perfect ways, retrieve the last wonderful love of God. bucket of water from the earlier activity. Ask campers to sit in a circle. Ask them all to think of something that water is good for. Boundary Dramas (Juniors) Pass the bucket of water, and as it passes to Ask campers to get in a line from shortest to each person ask her or him to say something tallest. Divide the group equally into three that water is good for. Examples might teams by counting off in threes. Once groups include drinking, boating, swimming, bathing, are formed, ask them to come up with a list washing things (like clothes or dishes), of all the things that they have in common watering plants, and so forth. When the and all the groups that would be different, bucket gets back to the counselor, the unwelcome, or on the fringes of their group. counselor should ask the campers about the Then give each group a scenario to consider. ways that water is used by God to cross The three scenarios are: boundaries. Ask the campers to think about 31 where and how water might be used in church gravity as we know them. Ask campers to to cross boundaries. Remind campers about share about movie moments in which humans baptism—when babies or children or even were able to defy gravity or move in grown-ups are washed clean of their sins. nonhuman ways. Of course, movies aren’t Making the sign of the cross is one way we real life, and there are tricks to making can remember that God forgives our sins in gravity-defying moves look real on film. baptism as we go through each day of our Would it shock you if you saw someone you lives. As a reminder that we are forgiven knew doing this in real life? How would you children of God, gather in a circle with a respond? bucket of water. Dip your finger into the water, make the sign of the cross on the Bring your campers to a quiet area of the camper’s forehead next to you, say the camp, preferably to a body of water like a camper’s name, and remind the camper that lake or river, if available (a wide open space she or he is a child of God. For instance, you like a field will suffice). Sitting or standing begin, “Mark, you are a child of God.” Then facing the body of water, have the campers Mark repeats the action with the camper look out over it as you read all or part of Mark sitting next to him. After the last camper 6:45-52. Encourage them to visualize what makes the sign of the cross on the this scene might look like coming across this counselor’s forehead, remind campers that water. What were the disciples feeling and the living water Jesus offers us satisfies a thinking? spiritual thirst and is a sign of the ways that God strives to cross the boundaries between An interesting part of this story is how Jesus God and us. recognized that the disciples were struggling, so he went to them but was planning on just passing by. Why might he have done this? Closing Prayer (Juniors) (He maybe thought just the sight of his Invite all of the campers to stand in a tight presence would be comforting to them.) How circle, shoulder to shoulder. Ask each of them did he end up comforting the disciples? (He to look into the circle and name something spoke to them to not be afraid.) Talk about they see in it. Ask them to think about why the many different ways that Jesus meets us. they are grateful for having a safe and He meets us in places and ways that we protected little world, for boundaries that expect, like in church, in the face of a loved enclose us and make us feel loved and one, in prayer, in our pastor, and so forth. Yet protected. Close the prayer with a group hug this passage shows that Jesus also meets us or huddle. Then ask the group to face out, to in places and ways that can seem mysterious hold hands, and to spread out as far as they and confusing. The disciples think that they can without letting anyone’s hands go. Ask are seeing a ghost when Jesus is walking on each of them to look out of the circle and into water to them! Does Jesus come to rescue us, the world and to shout out something they or comfort us? (To comfort us, although see in it. Ask them to think of all the sometimes it feels like he’s rescuing us.) opportunities they have to take the love of their small circle and spread it into the world. Explain to the campers that during the week Close the prayer by thanking God for you will learn much about the ways and boundaries and for opportunities to cross places that Jesus meets us. Encourage them them to bring love and healing into the world. to be on the lookout for the unexpected times and places in which we know Jesus is present. Close in prayer, asking God to keep our eyes Gravity-defying God (Intermediates) and hearts open to Jesus meeting us. Have you ever had a dream in which you were floating or flying? How about a dream where you could move wherever you wanted Round ’Em Up (Intermediates) to, even through walls and space into other The first part of the Bible study will look to dimensions of life? If humans had the ability establish the common ground between the to fly or float in the air, or to move wherever campers, as well as identify the boundaries— we wanted, it would defy nature’s rules of whether real or artificial—that also exist 32 among this group. Form a circle in a quiet and Tell the campers that they will be learning comfortable place. Have each camper share a about ways that Jesus crossed problematic little about his or her life back home, such as boundaries and changed our lives because of hobbies, family life, favorite place to travel, his words and actions. and so forth. As the next camper begins to share, have him or her start out with, “I’m like (previous camper’s name) because…” and Family Feud (Intermediates) then he or she should finish the statement Play this game that will introduce the with something they have in common with background of today’s Bible story. Form two the previous camper. For example, Marsha equal groups. Have them stand a yard apart, shares that she is the oldest of three children, and set up an imaginary line that runs she plays the clarinet in the orchestra, and between them (or use the rope from “Round she dislikes doing the dishes. Juan goes next ’em Up”). Assign one group to be the Jews and says, “I am like Marsha because I also from Judah, and the other to be the have three children in my family,” and then Samaritans from Israel. Explain to the continues with the rest of his sharing. After campers that their groups used to be united all of the campers have shared, draw a line in the same kingdom, but then somebody around the group with the chalk or arrange from one group wronged the other, and now the rope in a circle around the group. As you the two groups can’t stand each other. Give form the line, tell them that because they each group the task of coming up with a fake have many things in common a line could be and silly reason why they dislike the other drawn around them to show that they belong group, and also a group cheer or chant. Assist together. This line could be used to invite the groups by giving suggestions, such as the people into the group by welcoming all who Israelites don’t the like the Jews because they cross the line, or by expanding it to include all have bad breath or their pants are too others who have things in common with the long. When each group is ready, they should group. Alternatively, the line might be used in line up on either side of the imaginary line a negative way, to exclude those who don’t and take turns doing their chant and then seem to have the same things in common. state their reason for not liking the other group. When you give the command, each Further introduce the idea of boundaries by person should face a member of the opposite giving your campers a couple of minutes to team and play “rock, paper, scissors.” The list in their journals all the boundaries they loser falls to the ground pretending to be can identify. Then share lists out loud. The dead, and the winner finds someone else answers should include literal boundaries from the opposite team to compete with. such as fences, international borders, and Continue play until all members of one team walls, as well as figurative boundaries such as are “dead.” The group with a member or personalities, wealth, skin color, height, and members still standing is declared the so forth. You could specifically discuss champion. boundaries at camp as a start.  What do boundaries mean to us? (They Gather the campers back together and tell keep us safe, they keep us apart from them that the two groups they represented things or people we don’t want to be play an important part in the story they will around, they help create order, and so read. Explain that as a cabin group they had forth.) fun with their feud, but in history these two  Which boundaries are healthy? Which are groups really hated each other. After King or can be hurtful? Solomon died, the kingdom of God’s people  Are there any boundaries you are tempted was split because the Israelites allowed the to cross but haven’t yet? What kind of worship of idols and the Judeans, or Jews, did reaction would there be to the crossing of not. Jews were not allowed to have any these boundaries? contact with Samaritans from Israel. Have  What stops us from crossing boundaries? the campers open their Bibles to read John  Are there any boundaries you’ve crossed 4:1-6. Ask the group to identify what kind of and been really glad you did? boundaries are already being crossed in this story. (Power boundaries with the Pharisees, 33 religious and political boundaries between see friends, to have fun, to learn about God, Judea and Samaria.) Now read verses 7-15. to experience love and grace.) We know that Talk about the person of Jesus versus the when we go someplace to talk about and person of this Samaritan woman. What things learn about God, and to gather with other make them different? (Man/woman, people who believe in Jesus, usually it is a Samaritan/Jew, teacher/commoner.) What safe environment. We don’t have to worry things make this encounter controversial? (A that God might not really be there, we just Jew is not supposed to speak or associate know it. That is a freedom we experience in with a Samaritan, a man is not supposed to North America—the freedom to worship God speak to a woman in public.) What is the as we choose—but there are many places in historical connection that ties Jesus to this the world where it’s harder to see God in woman? (They both are from the family of action. In many countries it’s not safe and Jacob.) often illegal to worship Jesus, and in our own country we tend to not discuss God when Ask the group to give examples of people in we’re not in a Christian environment. Does today’s culture who are opposites, such as an this mean that Jesus isn’t with us in those athlete and a musician, a corporate executive places? (No!) In what surprising places does and a homeless person, or a police officer and Jesus come to meet us? a prisoner. What things make these people different from each other? Invite campers to Ask campers to recall a difficult or think about examples from their own lives. uncomfortable situation, perhaps something Who is one person radically different from that happened at school or among their you? What makes you different? What things friends. How might Jesus have been present do you have in common? If your friends saw with them in that situation? Assure campers you encountering this person, what might that Jesus was indeed with them, no matter they say? If Jesus were to encounter this how they responded to the situation. If their person, what might he say? response reflected their faith, then perhaps they could say Jesus helped them with Visit a couple of other stories that tell courage or truth. If they felt alone or at a loss different ways that Jesus meets people where how to respond, perhaps Jesus was with them they are at. Form three groups and assign in their loneliness, loving them even if they each group one of these passages: Mark didn’t know what to do. Just like Jesus offered 6:45-52; Mark 5:25-34; John 4:16-26. the woman living water at the well, he is Instruct each group to read the passage and always ready to meet us with the same living identify one unique way Jesus meets the water—love, grace, and eternal life. characters in their story. Come together as a group to share insights. Ask campers to list a couple of different ways that Jesus meets them that they might not have thought of before. Encourage them to Wherever We Go (Intermediates) pay attention throughout the day to times, Think again about the story of Jesus meeting people, and places in which Jesus meets the Samaritan woman (refer to the passage if them, and perhaps record those in their necessary). Was the woman expecting to journals. Stand in a circle. As a reminder of meet anyone at the well that day? Explain the living water Jesus offers us, pass the cup that because she had a poor reputation (as of water around the circle as each person verses 16-26 illustrate), she went to the well gives the next person a blessing. They do this in the middle of the day instead of in the by dipping their finger in the water and morning when the rest of the women went. making the sign of the cross on their She was not only surprised that someone was forehead. As they do this, they should say there, she was surprised that he talked to something like, “Jesus is with you always, her! What did Jesus offer the woman? (Living blessed child of God.” water.) Ask the campers to identify where they go to meet Jesus. (Church, Sunday school, youth group, camp.) What are you expecting when you go to these places? (To 34

Wash ’n’ Go (Intermediates) camp are actively involved in this baptism Read aloud to the campers Luke 3:1-6. journey through their confirmation program. Explain to your campers that the rest of this Going through the “affirmation of baptism” is activity will be conducted in silence, and that not an end point to the journey, but a they should continue to remain silent until milestone. you give the signal that speaking is permitted. Tell them to follow you and any silent instructions you give them. Proceed to Water Stories (Senior High) the edge of a body of water, or carry the Form pairs as you walk to a meeting place bucket of water to a predetermined location. (preferably next to a water source). Ask each Gesture to the campers that they should sit camper to find out three things about her or down next to the water and take off their his partner. After you arrive at the meeting shoes (perhaps take off your own as a place ask the pairs to brainstorm stories from signal). Wash each camper’s feet, dry them, the Bible that relate to water. (Noah’s ark, and make the sign of the cross on their the Israelites and the Red Sea, Jesus’ foreheads as you finish each washing. baptism, Jesus walking on water, and so Probably all campers will be familiar with this forth.) Bring everyone back together after 10 act that Jesus did with his disciples, but be minutes to share the stories they recalled. careful not to make this a sentimental act. Look at the baptismal prayer on page 122 in Instead, regard this foot-washing as a Lutheran Book of Worship and ask campers to reminder of their baptism. When you finish, identify what stories are included in the explain to them that God is ready to meet prayer. Ask campers what all of the stories them and walk with them on their journey have in common. (God uses water to save us, this week, and now they are ready too. Just wash us clean, show that Jesus is the Son of like with the woman at the well, Jesus God.) Discuss the ways that God uses water promises us living water that will carry us on specifically in each of the stories mentioned our journey. (God parts the waters of the Red Sea to let the Israelites through, saving them from the Begin a discussion about baptism with a few Egyptian army. Through the waters of questions: What is baptism? Do you know baptism, God washes away our sins. Jesus your baptism date? Were you baptized as an shows his power as the Son of God as he infant? As a guide for your discussion, use calms the raging waters of the stormy sea. this passage from Luke, Luther’s Small Through river water and a few brave women Catechism, your own experience, and the God rescued the baby Moses.) following information: Baptism is one of the two sacraments found in the Lutheran church. (Holy Communion, the other, will be Washing Hands (Senior High) discussed in Day 5.) To baptize means to Give campers a couple minutes to get their purify and sanctify, and a Christian baptism hands very dirty (if they aren’t already). Then needs two things: water and the Word. When form pairs and make sure each pair has a the Word is spoken and we are sealed with washcloth or bandanna and water, in a the cross of Christ, the Holy Spirit descends pitcher or from a nearby body of water. Ask as we are claimed as a child of God. The one camper in each pair to close his or her Lutheran tradition practices (in many cases) eyes while that person’s partner washes his infant baptism, an example that it is God who or her hands. Tell the hand washers to take works first in our lives by coming to us. In their time, slowly cleaning away the dirt and baptism, God is able to cross the boundary of grime. After a few minutes the cleaned our human, sinful nature, and initiates us into campers can open their eyes and see their the kingdom of Christ. In the waters of cleaned hands. Switch roles. Discuss how baptism, Jesus also washes away all of the good it feels to be clean after being so dirty. boundaries that separate the children of God Ask how God cleans us each day. How are we from each other. However, baptism is not made new in God? (Every morning we wake simply a onetime action with static results, up created new. Even as we sleep, God is but rather a lifelong journey of healing and forgiving us and washing us clean of our sins. forgiveness. Many of the junior high youth at Jesus already died for us; there is nothing we 35 need to do to earn his forgiveness.) other half to pretend that they are Jesus. Brainstorm some rituals that campers could Slowly describe the setting: you are do at home that would remind them of the approaching a well after traveling a long cleansing waters of baptism. (Be sensitive to distance. What does it smell like? If you are those campers who aren’t baptized. These the woman, how do the pots feel in your campers can think of God washing away their hands? If you are Jesus, how does your sins with forgiveness.) One idea of a ritual physical thirst feel? Feel the hot sun on your would be to thank God for forgiving our sins head and shoulders. Read John 4:1-15. and washing us clean every time we take a shower by standing under the water with our Form pairs so that a person who imagined eyes closed and saying a simple prayer. being Jesus is paired with a person who imagined being the woman. Invite campers to share what it felt like to be their character in Thirst (Senior High) the story. After 10 minutes bring the group Form groups of three or four and ask them to back together and ask open-ended questions share stories about times when they were like the ones below. extremely thirsty. The following questions can For the woman character: help them in telling the story:  How did you feel when this man began to  What did it feel like to be extremely talk with you? thirsty?  What were your thoughts when he wanted  What were the circumstances that led to a drink from your cup? such thirst?  What did it feel like when he offered you  How did you finally quench your thirst? living water? How did it feel to finally drink?  What made you ask so boldly for the living Allow time for each camper to share. Then water he spoke of? ask each group to pick one of the stories to For Jesus: act out for the group. Give groups a few  Who did you think the woman at the well minutes to prepare their skits. Then bring the was? whole group together and have each group  What did the woman look like? perform their story of thirst. After the stories  How did you feel when the woman did not are acted out, draw connections between seem to understand what you were talking similar stories and experiences that campers about when you offered the gift of living have in common. Ask questions to draw out water? more details from the story. Tell campers that  How did you feel when the woman asked sharing stories is a great way to get to know for living water? one another better. As we hear one another’s You may need to read the story a second time stories this week, we weave a community to allow campers to try to really walk in story that includes us all. another’s shoes. Campers may feel silly at first pretending to be someone in the story, but with practice they will gain greater Guided Imagery (Senior High) understanding of the text through this Lead the group in a guided imagery of the exercise. daily text. Guided imagery allows campers to use all their senses to become part of the biblical story. This practice brings the text to Bible Story (Senior High) life so campers do not see it as a dusty, old Lead the group in discussing the following story that has nothing to do with them today. questions. Make sure that everyone who Be sure to explain how the imagery will work wishes to has a chance to share and that the and afterward always allow time to process group members are respectful listeners. Refer the experience so that campers can express to the guided imagery experience if it is their thoughts and feelings. helpful.  Why was the woman taken aback when Have campers get comfortable and close their Jesus talked to her? (In that time a Jewish eyes. Ask half of the group to pretend that man was prohibited from speaking to a they are a woman at Jacob’s well. Ask the Samaritan woman.) 36

 Why was it unusual for Jesus to speak to share, but make sure to share with them the woman? (First, Jewish teachers, like the good news that Jesus forgives them Jesus, were prohibited from talking to and loves them, meeting them wherever women. Second, she is a Samaritan, from and whoever they are.) What does today’s the Northern Kingdom, and during Jesus’ text teach us about these times? time Jews from the Southern Kingdom of Invite a camper to read verse 15 again. The Judah did not associate with Samaritans.) woman, after understanding what Jesus  What is this living water that Jesus speaks offers, asks boldly. We can ask boldly in of? (Jesus speaks of the living waters of prayer. We do not have to fit some set of baptism that wash away all sin, all that rules or guidelines to receive the waters of separates us from God and from one baptism. This living water is freely given to all another. This living water is a free gift who believe. from God.)  What are we thirsty for? Why do we never  What did the woman do to be met by thirst with God’s living water? Jesus and offered living water? (Nothing!  Think of the community story activity There is no prior obligation we meet for above. What did it feel like to finally Jesus to come to us.) drink? How much more are we refreshed  How was the woman at the well bound by by God’s living water? society? (Read the rest of the story in  What “wells” (places to receive living John 4:16-42 for more clues.) Why do you water) do you go to to be refilled? think she went to the well during a time  What other “wells” do we look for that are when no other women were there? not from God? (Some examples might be (Perhaps she was ashamed because of her wealth, power, and fame.) How do these failed relationships and the fact that she places fail us? was living with a man who was not her husband. The other women may have made fun of her and excluded her.) Overflowing Water (Senior High)  In what other stories does Jesus break Arrange six or more cups in a circle and place down unjust rules of society? (Jesus heals a few cups in the middle of the circle as well; on the Sabbath, he throws the merchants make sure that the edges of all the cups are out of the temple, he touches lepers and touching. Then put a larger cup on top of the shares meals with prostitutes and tax cups in the center of the circle. Fill this cup collectors.) with water from a pitcher. Ask a camper to use this full cup to fill the remaining cups. (There should only be enough water to fill a Our Story (Senior High) few of the cups). Empty all the cups and place The following questions relate the text the larger one on the top center again. Now discussed above with campers’ lives. Be fill the top cup with a pitcher and continue to respectful of backgrounds and feelings as pour water into it until it overflows and fills campers share. the cups below and surrounding it. Ask  In verse 23 Jesus says that one day the campers to draw an analogy about sharing boundaries between Jews and Samaritans God’s love using the cup activity. Discuss the will no longer matter. Have those days following questions. come? Why or why not?  How does God’s living water fill us up in  Who are the “Samaritans” in our society, ways that other water cannot? in your schools? What boundaries  What happens when we try to share love (cultural, geographical, political, or as the world defines it? How is God’s love economical) keep us from loving others as different? we should? Time at camp can feel like a mountaintop  Have you ever felt like you were unworthy experience where campers are filled with of Jesus’ love or been embarrassed to God’s love and forgiveness. The transition think of Jesus meeting you because of back to their daily lives can be difficult. Ask where you were or what you were doing? campers to think about how they can take (This question may bring up sensitive what they’ve learned with them, especially issues for campers. Do not push them to 37 when they feel like they are walking in a with us through all times in our lives. A song valley, far from the mountaintop. suggestion is “I Was There to Hear Your  How are we sustained outside of camp? Borning Cry.” Suggest that campers come up  Where does Jesus meet us in our daily with movements to reflect the lyrics. lives?  What times in your life have you distinctly felt that Jesus was right there beside you, Mirrors or even carrying you? Jesus meets us wherever we are. He pays  How does it feel to know that Jesus is attention to our every move. In this simple always with you? exercise, campers try to imitate their partners as if they are mirrors of them. It might feel like a game to campers, but to a spectator it Covenant (Senior High) takes on the appearance of choreographed, Jesus was not bound by social or cultural slow dancing. It can even be mesmerizing! restrictions. Form groups of three or four and Invite campers to pair up and stand facing ask them to discuss ways they feel bound, each other. One partner initiates movements and how they can break those bonds. Ask with his or her body, while the other partner them to think about what keeps them from tries to imitate the movements as closely as showing God’s love to all kinds of people at possible, “mirroring” the partner. Encourage school or work. Invite them to also campers to be very dramatic in their brainstorm ways that they can share God’s movements, or to pantomime daily activities. love with others this week at camp and when After a few minutes, have campers switch they go home. Encourage them to discuss roles. ways to show this love to the “Samaritans” of their schools. Bring the group back together and have each of the small groups share A Well with a Beat some of its ideas. Ask campers if they can Give each group of six to eight campers a promise to do at least one of the ideas camp songbook and make sure each group shared. has a Bible, paper, and pen. Their task is to rewrite a familiar camp song with words that retell the story of the woman at the well. Closing Prayer (Senior High) Their song doesn’t have to follow the biblical If it is possible, go to a place where campers script exactly and they are encouraged to can be standing in water for the closing stretch to make stanzas rhyme or make a prayer. If you are not near a body of water, point about the story. When all are finished begin with making the sign of the cross with ask them to sing their song for the rest of the water from a water bottle on each person’s campers. They may want to offer to sing one forehead. or more of their songs for the whole camp community. Pray: Loving Christ, thank you for knowing us so deeply. You know all of our thoughts and actions, yet you still love us. We praise you Boppity Bop Bop Bop for the gift of living water, poured out so Have campers stand in a circle. The counselor freely for us. Thank you for meeting us begins by standing in the center of the circle wherever we are, whoever we are. You meet and explaining the basic game. If the us when we thirst and offer us all that we counselor comes up to someone and says, need. Your love has no boundaries. Help us to “Bop,” the camper says nothing. If the not make judgments of people, but to show camper accidentally says something, the your abundant love. Amen camper exchanges places with the counselor as the center person. If the counselor comes up to someone and says, “Boppity Bop Bop Liturgical Dance Bop,” the camper must say, “Bop,” before the Ask campers to design a liturgical dance to counselor finishes the phrase. If the camper perform at chapel, vespers, or campfire. Use doesn’t say it in time, the camper exchanges a song that explains how God knows us and is 38 places with the counselor as the center steal the treasure and carry it with them back person. to the edge of the territory without getting tagged by the guardian. If they get tagged, Once campers master this level of the game, they return to the circle at the edge of the there are several additions to make the game territory; if they have already captured the more complicated. The first is to add more treasure, they must place it back in the people to the center. Another addition is to center before leaving the territory. Play come up with actions that the camper in the continues in the round until the treasure is circle plus the people on either side of the successfully stolen or all intruders have been camper must complete. As an example, if the tagged. A successful intruder is the new person in the center goes up to a camper and guardian. Otherwise the guardian calls out a says, “elephant,” the camper makes the new invitation and a new round begins. shape of a trunk with her or his arms, while the people on either side make giant-sized ears before the person in the center counts to WAHOI (We All Have Our Issues) 10. If any camper doesn’t do the action Jesus knows everything about us, warts and before the center person counts to 10, the all. He can even see through us when we camper exchanges places with the center pretend to be somebody we’re not. Still, he person. Other possible actions include: comes to us and loves us anyway. This is a  Jell-O: middle person wiggles like Jell-O; game in which everyone has identity “issues” side people make a giant bowl and the guesser tries to find out what those  Roadkill: middle person crosses arms over issues are. Players sit in a circle. While one chest, closes eyes, and sticks out tongue; player, the guesser, goes away from the side people pretend that their hands are group beyond hearing range, the rest of the wheels veering toward the “roadkill” players decide as a group what their identity Be creative in devising other actions. issue will be. For example, all in the group might decide to be the person on their left. When the guesser returns, she or he goes to Dangerous Territory the center of the circle and asks individual When Jesus traveled from Jerusalem to group members yes or no questions to figure Galilee, he passed through Samaria, where he out the issue. The guesser may ask one was discouraged by Jewish law to go. Others player if he or she is wearing glasses. If the would have avoided it, or hurried through as camper to that player’s left is wearing quickly as possible. This game explores the glasses, the player would respond, “Yes.” The challenge of being sneaky and quick in guesser may ask if another camper has brown unfriendly territory. Choose one camper to be hair. If the person to that player’s left does the guardian of the treasure in the not have brown hair, the person would “dangerous territory.” The guardian hovers respond, “No,” and so on. The guesser can over the treasure (the ball or soft object) ask as many questions as she or he needs to during the game and tries to protect it, but he determine the issue, and gets three official or she may not touch the treasure. The rest guesses. Then the guesser chooses another of the campers, the intruders, should stand in player to be the guesser. Play for as long as a circle surrounding the guardian, just about the game is still fun. any distance beyond 2 yards (2 meters) from the guardian will work well (within reason). Helpful hints: Other “issues” that the group Inside this circle is the “dangerous territory.” might decide to have are: everyone is one The guardian begins the game by inviting particular member of the group, for example, intruders into the territory to try to steal the everyone is the camper named Mike; treasure. He does this by naming a everyone is a particular celebrity; everyone is characteristic of the members of the circle; a particular animal; everyone is the person for example, everyone wearing tennis shoes, two people to the right, and so on. or everyone who is in seventh grade. Those Hot weather variation: Have campers play he calls have to the count of 10 to enter the dressed in their swimsuits. Keep a bucket of territory by stepping forward from the circle. water in the center of the circle, and give These intruders have one chance to try to everyone a cup. If the guesser guesses 39 correctly, she or he gets to dump a cup of After the game is played, talk with the group water on all the players’ heads. If the guesser about how Jesus knows us so well. Jesus even doesn’t get it right, they get to dump water knows about the things that we try to keep on him or her! You could also use a spray hidden from others, yet he still loves us! bottle instead of a bucket for a less-wet Jesus meets us and loves us unconditionally! option.

Water Relay Tag in a Triangle Form two lines. Place one empty bucket in Form groups of four. Each small group will front of each line. Place the two buckets with play its own game of tag. In each group, ask water 4-5 yards (meters) in front of the three campers to form a triangle by holding empty buckets. One at a time campers from hands. The fourth person walks away from each line go to the far bucket with a cup. the group while they decide who will be “it.” They fill their cup and return to their line, When the fourth person returns he or she pouring the water into the bucket at the front tries to figure out who is it and then tags that of the line. Players then hand their cup to the person. The triangle must remain connected next person in line and go to the back of the as the game of tag is played with the two line. The next player in each line repeats this people who are not “it” blocking “it” from the process until one team has completely chaser. After four rounds of tag have been emptied their bucket. After the game, played, so that each person has a chance to discuss what would it be like if we had to get be “it,” bring the groups together and process our water this way. What would it be like if the experience with them. Ask how it felt to the water available to us wasn’t clean? be the person on the outside of the triangle. Ask if campers have ever seen or experienced a similar feeling in a social circumstance. How did it feel to be left out? Encourage campers to think of ways to reach out to those on the fringes of society.

Jesus Knows Us! Form a circle and ask campers to think of one thing about themselves that is not true and two things about themselves that are true. Then go around the circle asking each camper to take a turn sharing the three things. After someone shares, the rest of the group guesses which of the three things is not true.

40

Day 1 Worship Ideas

Call to Worship Leader: But Jesus, he sits right down next to Gather near a body of water, a well, us and talks to us. baptismal font, or other container of water. Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! Leader (scoop up water and let it pour so that Leader: And Jesus says he loves us. splashing is clearly audible): Across the Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! water, God speaks to us. Come and worship! Leader: Now, it wouldn’t be right to be stingy Come and hear the good news of God’s love about that love, would it? for all. Come, and receive the water of life, Response: No, brother/sister. Amen! that water that never runs dry. Leader: Just because God loves us doesn’t People: Amen mean we can hate somebody else, or look down on ’em. Response: No, brother/sister. Amen! Sung Message Leader: We’re all sitting together with the Leader: Our scripture this evening is from the woman at the well! fourth chapter of The Gospel According to Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! John. We’re going to hear it and sing it Leader: God loves us all: Samaritans and together. enemies and friends (build in volume and intensity, smiling and having fun with it) and Give instructions for the call and response for Jews and Christians and Catholics and the song “John 4.” After the song, use the Lutherans and Muslims and Buddhists and call-and-response dialogue with the white people and black people and Asian assembled group. The gender of the leader people and people from Mexico and people determines if the response includes “brother” from Canada and people from Iraq and people or “sister.” from India, and even counselors and camp directors and you and me right here! Leader: I’m going to say a sentence. And you Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! all can shout out real strong and loud, “Yes, Leader: One more time real loud! brother/sister. Amen!” or “No, brother/ Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! sister. Amen!” Leader: Jesus met a woman at a well. Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! (Have Prayers the group practice it until it gets strong. Have Between each petition scoop the water and fun with it, work ’em up a little in the style of pour, making loud splashing noises. revival preaching.) Leader: O God, across the water you give us Leader: Jesus, he wasn’t supposed to be your word. Lord in your mercy, talking to her, huh? Response: Hear our prayer. Response: No, brother/sister. Amen! Leader: In baptism the water and word wash Leader: She was a Samaritan and Jews like over us. Lord in your mercy, Jesus didn’t like Samaritans. Response: Hear our prayer. Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! Leader: In baptism you claim us and mark us Leader: There are some people you and I as your own forever. Lord in your mercy, aren’t supposed to like. Response: Hear our prayer. Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! Leader: Give us faith to always treasure your Leader: Other people tell us, hey, those claim on us, your water of baptism over us. people are your enemies. Lord in your mercy, Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! Response: Hear our prayer. Leader: But Jesus, he talks to ’em and he Leader: Give us courage to wash your love loves ’em anyway. into the world around us. Lord in your mercy, Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! Response: Hear our prayer. Leader: Now if you think about all the wrong Leader: Just as you forgive and love us, teach things that you and I have done, maybe Jesus us to forgive and love our neighbors. Lord in shouldn’t be talking to us either. your mercy, Response: Yes, brother/sister. Amen! Response: Hear our prayer. 41

Leader: In water, you unite us with you. who he really was. So what’s in a name? Ask Reconcile us with our neighbors across all campers to fill out a “Hello, My Name Is…” waters, all borders. Lord in your mercy, name tag. Then, underneath their name, ask Response: Hear our prayer. them to write what God would say it means (Include petitions for the poor, the world, our as a way to describe who they really are. enemies, and all those who cannot rightly hear the word of God’s love and forgiveness, as well as for camp, loved ones, and so on.) Reaching Out Leader: Lord, hear our prayer in Jesus’ name. Ask campers to tell about a time when they Response: Amen were waiting for a sign from God or an Alternatives: Use “Lift Our Hands” or another answer to a prayer and it seemed that an prayer setting. answer never came. When they think back, do they realize that there really was a response from God? Was the prayer answered Sending but maybe not in the way they had hoped? Leader (scoop the water again, pouring it to Tell the campers you are going to read a make clearly audible splashing): Go now with story about someone who waited and prayed peace in your hearts. God, who washes this for a miracle and finally got it. Read Mark world in love, has created a spring of water 5:25-34. As Jesus is passing through, this and new life within you. Let it flow and enjoy woman reaches out to touch him in faith, and the water of life. In the name of the Father, her prayers for healing are finally answered! and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. It appears this story is about reaching out to meet Jesus, maybe implying that we must go to him to meet him. Notice, however, two Jesus Meets Us Liturgy things: Jesus put himself in a position that For this prayer or liturgy, ask campers to allowed people to reach him, and he think of a strange place or time where Jesus responded to the woman immediately when meets us. Ask them to write their idea on a she reached out. This week is all about Jesus small slip of paper. Have one volunteer read meeting us and the many ways that he does. the responses in the following form: When you make plans to meet a friend, you Leader: We thank you God that you sent your plan to go to them, or for them to come to Son Jesus. In/at ______(read the you, or you both meet somewhere in the contents of one of the slips of paper)… middle. The middle is sort of like la frontera, Campers: Jesus meets us. this “somewhere in-between” place that is Leader: In/at ______... neither where you or your friend started. La Campers: Jesus meets us. frontera is a little different, however. If you or (Repeat until all slips have been read.) your friend for some reason couldn’t figure Leader: Jesus crosses any boundary to meet out a way to get to the meeting place, then us where we are. Jesus really meets us. you’d either choose an alternative or cancel Amen the meeting. In la frontera, you come as far as you can, and Jesus will meet you there—no matter what. The woman in the story could Hello, My Name Is… have thrown herself in front of Jesus’ feet and When you go places where people don’t know begged for healing so that he would notice you, they will sometimes ask you to wear a her, but perhaps she just wasn’t able. She name tag. This devotion examines what’s in a might have been worn out from years of name and why people sometimes think that putting her faith in people and things that they “know” you if they know your name. Ask didn’t help her. She was only able to reach a volunteer to read the story of Jacob’s name out a little and just touch Jesus’ cloak, and change (Genesis 32:22-31). Then ask that was enough for Jesus to know that she campers why they think God changed Jacob’s needed him. In our lives, we could take name. Some possible reasons might be that different approaches to meeting Jesus. We he wanted Jacob to have a clean start, or to could just sit back and wait for Jesus to have a new relationship with God or his arrive, announcing his presence. We could brothers, or that his old name didn’t match constantly throw ourselves in Jesus’ path and 42 beg for him to notice us. Or we could keep comfortable sharing. Ask campers what the our eyes and hearts open to Jesus’ presence, experience was like for them. How did the knowing that wherever we are, whatever experience make them feel? Was this an we’re doing, we know that Jesus is with us, easier way to pray? Did anyone feel ready to listen and to meet our needs. uncomfortable? Encourage open sharing Close with a prayer thanking God for coming about this experience, reminding campers to meet us and asking God to help us keep that there are no right or wrong answers. our eyes open for Jesus’ presence.

Litany Prepare The Way Invite campers to share in the following Jesus comes to meet us, but we can prepare prayer litany. Read the following petitions, to meet him too. Ask the campers to respond asking campers to respond with, “Thank you to the following questions: What steps do you for meeting us, Lord.” Encourage campers to take to prepare yourself when you are going offer their own petitions at the end. to meet friends at a basketball game or at the Leader: When we are on the mountaintops of mall? How do you prepare to meet someone life, extra special? How do you prepare to present Campers: Thank you for meeting us, Lord. a project at school? What happens when you Leader: And when we journey in the valleys, don’t prepare? Ask if any of them have heard Campers: Thank you for meeting us, Lord. of John the Baptist, and what they might Leader: During times when we are filled with know about him. (Some people thought he great joy, was crazy, he wore animal skins and ate Campers: Thank you for meeting us, Lord. locusts and honey, he was Jesus’ cousin, he Leader: And when we feel weighed down by was eventually beheaded, and so forth.) sadness, Read, or have a camper read, Luke 3:1-6. Campers: Thank you for meeting us, Lord. God sends John the Baptist not only to Leader: When we feel confident, brave, and baptize followers, but also to prepare the path loved, for the ministry that Jesus comes to do. Campers: Thank you for meeting us, Lord. We can know without a doubt that Jesus Leader: And when we feel lonely, afraid, and comes to meet us no matter what, even if left out, we’re not ready. But what might happen if we Campers: Thank you for meeting us, Lord. actually prepared ourselves to meet him? (We (Other petitions can be offered by campers.) might notice his presence more, we might be Leader: Whoever we are, however we feel, more ready to follow his call to us.) How wherever we journey, might we prepare ourselves to meet Jesus? Campers: Thank you for meeting us, Lord. (Read God’s Word, pray, be observant.) Close in prayer. Old Roots, New Shoots Find a place where you can see the roots of a Praying With Crayons tree or large shrub. Gather the group around Explain to campers that praying with crayons the plant and slowly read Isaiah 11:1-9. Point is a way to offer up our prayers to God. Give out the root on the tree and how there is each camper a piece of white paper and let probably as much tree underground as can be each person choose three or four crayons. seen above ground. Ask campers to look for Campers should find a place apart from places that indicate new growth on the plant. others to pray. Tell them that this is not an Invite the campers to sit or find a comfortable art contest, they should simply pray as they resting place standing up. Have them close draw and color with the crayons. They may their eyes. Slowly read the passage again. wish to write words for their prayer, images Ask them to picture the plant in their mind, and pictures, or shades of color. Invite with eyes closed. Slowly read the passage campers to think about the person they are two more times, reading more slowly and and how Jesus promises to meet them softly each time. Ask campers to open their wherever and whoever they are. After 10 eyes. Ask if anyone has thoughts or minutes, ask if any campers would feel impressions to share with the group. (Don’t 43 be too quick to speak. They will need time to Birds of Hope think.) Ask them to imagine that they are the Materials: Markers, tape, origami paper, woman at the well talking with Jesus about directions to make paper cranes (see www.sa the ancient well that served her people for dako.com/howtofold.html), string or fishing many, many generations. Ask campers to line, pens and pencils. think of some object they have at home that reminds them of their ancestors. Close with a God wants to be present with us wherever we prayer thanking God for our connections to are and in all that we do. Brainstorm a list of the people who came before us and the joyful where we want God to be in the world. opportunity to help nurture those who follow (Answers will vary. Include that we want God us. to be with us when we are sick, sad, dying, lonely, angry, hungry, frightened, happy, content, and so forth.) With God’s love we Drawing Water can do anything. God sent the Holy Spirit to Take your group to a source of water at your be our friend. Write one thought or word from camp—lakeside, river, pond, swimming pool. the brainstorm list on the center of each Discuss the source of the water (Ground origami paper. Fold the paper into a crane. water? Rain water? Bought from a distributor? Tie or sew a thread on each bird. Hang the You may need to ask a camp staff person birds on a tree in an outdoor worship area or about this ahead of time.) Ask if anyone has near an indoor worship area. End the activity ever been dependent on a well for water. How by praying together asking for God to send was that? Have campers fill their cups with the Holy Spirit on each of us. The birds will be water. (Make sure campers don’t drink the a reminder all week that God loves us and is water, especially if it is not from a safe source with us no matter where we are in life. of drinking water!) As they hold their cups, read Isaiah 12. Have them focus on the water, repeating after you as you reread the passage. Ask them to substitute their own name where “you” occurs. Slowly reread Isaiah 12:3-4. Repeat it one more time, this time asking campers to substitute the word “we” for “you.” Have them slowly pour their water onto the ground. If possible do this on exposed dirt that is dry. Observe how the water is completely absorbed into the ground. Close with a short prayer thanking God for the gift of water—for all its many uses in our lives and God’s longing to quench our thirst.

44

Day 2: Jesus Meets Us in the Neighbor

Bible Text: Luke 10:25-37 (Good Samaritan)

Concept: Jesus calls us to a place that builds no boundaries.

Objectives: What will campers…  Know: How neighbors can be Jesus to us  Feel: God’s unconditional love.  Do: Minister to our neighbors as a response to God’s love for us.

Song Ideas: Bind Us Together, Blest Are They, Border Bhajan (Sam Schmitthenner), In Christ There Is No East or West, Jesu, Jesu, Magic Penny

Prayer: Lord, God, you call us to love and support one another. You challenge us to view all people as our neighbors. We ask that you help us know what our neighbors need and how we may be neighbors to these people by sharing the abundance we have from you. Amen.

Daily Story: Ned was excited because a new student was going to be joining his class. As he waited at the bus stop with his older sister, Alice, and Ted, the boy who lived next door, he couldn’t stop talking. “We’re getting a new student today!” said Ned. “So what?” said Ted. “He might be a nerd. You don’t even know where he’s from.” This hurt Ned’s feelings. “Stop it, Ted,” said Alice. “I think it’s great that Ned is excited to have a new student in class.” Later at the school as Ned chatted with his friends in class, the new student walked in to the room with his parents and Mrs. Jones, the teacher. “Attention, everyone,” said Mrs. Jones, “I would like to introduce you to your new classmate, Ibrahim. And these are Ibrahim’s parents.” The class said “Hello.” Ibrahim gave a half wave and smile. Mrs. Jones asked Ned to be Ibrahim’s buddy and help him out. Ned was happy to help. He found it difficult because Ibrahim didn’t know much English and Ned didn’t know any Arabic. Ibrahim was from Sudan, a country on the continent of Africa. Ibrahim and Ned became good friends. Ned taught Ibrahim about school, food, and lots of other things. They had fun learning words in the other’s language.

Questions for discussion  Why was Ned excited?  How did Ned help Ibrahim?  When have you been lonely?  Have you ever moved to a new place? School? Town? Country? Who helped you?  Who was a friend to you? Why was that friend important to you?

45

Day 2 Games and Activities

Jesus Gathers Us (Pioneers) parts of the robber, the man robbed and Welcome everyone back for the second day of beaten, the priest, the Levite, the Samaritan, camp. Review the weekly theme by asking and the innkeeper. After hearing and seeing about the meaning of la frontera. Look at the the story, ask the following questions: display wall you have created to follow the  What did the lawyer ask Jesus? (What do theme through the week. Settle the group in you have to do to have eternal life.) a comfortable place and prepare to read the  What did Jesus say? (He asked what the story Horton Hears a Who (or the story you Bible says.) Explain to the campers that have chosen). Ask if they are familiar with sometimes Jesus answers questions with this story and/or the author. Give campers questions. This was Jesus’ way of time to share. As you read, encourage the teaching. campers to say with you, “A person’s a  What did the lawyer answer? (Love the person no matter how small.” Lord your God with all your heart and soul Afterward, ask these questions: and love your neighbor as yourself.)  What kind of animal is Horton? (Elephant.)  What did Jesus say? (Yes, that is correct.  Where was Horton at the beginning of the Do this and you will live.) story? (In a cool jungle pool.)  Jesus then told a story about a man who  What did he hear? (A small voice crying was robbed and beaten up. Three people for help.) had a chance to help him. The first two  Did he see anyone? (Only a tiny speck of men were religious leaders. What did they dust flying through the air and calling for do? (Walked by, didn’t help.) help.)  The Jews and the Samaritans usually  Was there more than one person calling hated each other. The Jews thought the out? (Yes, it was a whole town.) Samaritans were breaking God’s law by  Why were they calling for help? (They marrying outside the faith and not were afraid they would fall into the pool worshiping in Jerusalem. But what did the and drown.) Samaritan do when he found the man by  Could Horton see the people? (No.) the side of the road? (He stopped and  What did he do? (He wanted to help them helped the man. Took him to an inn and even though he couldn’t see them.) paid for his care.)  What did he say? (A person’s a person no  What do you think Jesus was trying to matter how small.) teach with this story? (We should help  How did the other animals treat him? people. Everyone is important.) (They thought he was crazy. They locked  Who is our neighbor? (The stranger on the him up.) street, the guy injured in the ditch,  What did he do? (He believed in the small answers will vary.) Reinforce that people. He remained faithful to the task of everyone is our neighbor—both the people saving the people.) we know and who live near us as well as  Were the people saved? (Yes.) those who are different from us.  Was Horton a good neighbor? (Yes.) Remind campers of their answers about the  Who were his neighbors? (The people on story from “Jesus Gathers Us.” Ask campers: the speck of dust.)  Who was Horton’s neighbor? (The people  What did Horton say about people? (A on the dust.) person’s a person no matter how small.)  Who did Jesus say was our neighbor? (Everyone.) Remind campers of Horton’s phrase, “A person’s a person no matter Jesus Meets Us (Pioneers) how small.” Finish by encouraging The story of Horton is a lot like today’s Bible campers to see that every person matters story. Let’s read it and see how it is alike. no matter who they are, where they live, Have the campers open their Bibles and read or what they do. Luke 10:25-37. While someone reads the story, invite campers to act it out. Assign the

46

Heart and Cross (Pioneers)  How could we get our beanbags to stay Help campers draw a heart on a large sheet put longer? of paper. Then draw a cross inside the heart.  What other ways can/did you help people? In the cross write Deuteronomy 6:5 (“You  What other ways can/did people help you? shall love the Lord your God with all your This game reminds us that we are to help heart, and with all your soul, and with all your each other, just like the message in today’s might”) and Leviticus 19:18 (“You shall love Bible story about the good Samaritan. your neighbor as yourself”). In the heart, around the cross, invite campers to write or draw ways that we love God. (Responses will Love Songfest (Pioneers) vary but should be based on the Bible story Teach campers songs about God’s love and for today and the verses written in the cross.) our response to that love. Teach songs such Remind campers that we love God because as “The Love Round” or “Love the Lord Your God first loved us. The cross reminds us that God.” Both have easy-to-sing, catchy tunes. God sent his Son, Jesus, to live with us and After learning these songs, challenge the die for us. Jesus made a sacrifice for all of us. campers to work in small groups and come up (Dying for our sins.) (As an alternative, give with their own songs about God’s love and each camper a piece of paper. Using a our response to that love. Campers can use template, ask campers to trace a heart on the familiar tunes such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little paper and trace a cross inside the heart. Star” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or create Encourage campers to draw or write on their their own tune. Campers may use Bible own papers.) verses or write their own lyrics.

Samaritan Dodge Ball (Pioneers) Closet Inventory (Juniors) Materials: A swimming noodle (or other Today’s theme reminds us that Jesus meets long, soft object), soft throwing objects such us in our neighbors. The Gospel of Luke gives as balls, toy flying disks, and so forth. us some radical advice about how to treat our neighbors so that we see Jesus in them, and Choose one camper to be the Samaritan. they see Jesus in us. To set the stage for Divide the rest of the group in half. Divide hearing the verse, ask campers to come up your playing area in half. The goal is to try to with some numbers of items they possess: hit the other team with the soft objects. If a pairs of shoes, coats, shirts, pants, and so player is hit, the player must sit down and forth. Campers don’t have to tell their cannot throw anything. The victim must wait numbers, as that may cause some of them to for the Samaritan to come and touch her or become embarrassed, either for their him with the caring stick (swimming noodle). abundance or their lack. To remind them of Once the Samaritan has touched the player, their answers, they could write their he or she joins the game again. responses in the dirt, so they could be easily erased. Once all have conducted a mental inventory of their wardrobes, read Luke 3:10- Beanbag Balance (Pioneers) 11. Then, ask campers the famous question Distribute beanbags to the campers and have from Micah, “What does the Lord require of them place the bags on their heads. Give all a you?” Encourage campers to consider how chance to try walking around. Explain the much stuff they really need and how much game: the goal is to have all move around for may be put to better use with someone who as long as possible with a beanbag on their really does need it. head. If a beanbag falls, the camper is frozen. The only way to become unfrozen is for someone else to pick up the beanbag and put Arm Wrestling (Juniors) it back on the camper’s head. If the helper’s Ask campers to choose today’s Bible study beanbag falls off while helping, that person is location by selecting a place that is full of also frozen until someone else helps. After living things, such as trees, plants, birds, and everyone is frozen or 10 minutes have insects. Once you arrive at the selected passed, use the following reflection questions: location, ask campers to reach out to one of 47 their human neighbors to find a partner. If decide on some definitions of what mercy there are odd numbers of campers, the means and what neighbor really means. counselor should select a camper as a partner. Then ask each pair to face off for a best-of-three match of arm wrestling. Explain The Neighbor Quiz (Juniors) that if it gets too tough, they should say, To introduce today’s Bible story, ask campers “Mercy,” as a signal for their partner to give to spread out, lie down on the ground, and them a break. close their eyes. Set the scene for them to hear today’s story by asking them to pretend After the pairs have finished their arm that it is really hot outside. You were walking wrestling gather the entire group together for to a neighbor’s house for a very important a brief discussion. Ask if anyone won all three reason, but had to go alone. Suddenly a gang times, or if anyone had a sore arm because of robbers appeared out of nowhere and they were so closely matched. Ask if any of followed you. You looked over your shoulder them asked for “mercy” and why. Do people to see where they were, and they jumped on ask for mercy because they are tired, or top of you, beat you up, took your money and because they are getting beat, or because most of your clothes, and left you for dead by they were always winning? From this use of the side of the road. Ask campers to imagine the word mercy, ask if the campers could how they would feel as they lay there injured, describe what mercy means. while you read the story of the good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37. Ask campers to Form two groups, perhaps by matching the explain how they felt when the priest and the arm wrestling “winners” versus the arm Levite walked right by them. wrestling “losers.” Play a quick game with the  Have you ever felt passed by or ignored, two groups, explaining that you will pose a like the person in the story? question, and each team has 10 seconds to  What strategies have you used in your come up with an answer to the question. Each own life to try to get someone to stop and time they can’t think of an answer, the other notice you? team gets a point. Each time they come up  How did you feel when the Samaritan with an answer, they get a point. Each team agreed to help? can take turns trying to answer the question, The Jews did not have a very high opinion of while the other team gives them 10 seconds the Samaritans. They worshiped in the wrong by counting down (one-one-thousand, two- place and married outside of the faith one-thousand, and so forth). The big question community. The Samaritans were considered is, “What can we do in our everyday lives to unclean and outcasts. Who in our daily lives show mercy to people around us?” Alternate are good Samaritans (outcasts) to us? back and forth between the teams until Explain to campers that you are going to hold everyone seems to be running out of a mock trial, and you need witnesses to answers. Playing a rapid-fire brainstorming testify to the details of the story. Ask one game such as this should illuminate the camper to be the priest, one camper to be the countless opportunities we have each day to Levite, one camper to be the Samaritan, and be nice to our friends, neighbors, and even one camper to be the judge. Assign the rest enemies. of the campers to be the jury on the case. Ask the judge and the jury to meet together to try to come up with all kinds of probing People in your Neighborhood (Juniors) questions they want to ask the witnesses. Speaking of neighbors, ask campers to take Some possibilities include the following turns telling the group about their neighbors. questions: Some campers might say that they don’t  What does your job require you to do know their neighbors, some might describe when people are injured? families that live in apartments or houses  What would your mother think of how you next door, still others might have a wider acted? definition of what neighbor means. Explain  Why would you leave someone by the side that today’s Bible stories are going to help us of the road?

48

Meanwhile, ask the campers who have code book for your group to use throughout specific parts to meet to discuss some the camp week and beyond. What do each of possibilities for why their characters may the following verses say about how we should have acted the ways that they did. Some treat each other? possibilities for the Levite and priest may  Exodus 20:1-17 include the very reasons that many of us  Micah 6:8 would use, including the following:  Matthew 19:16-21  My mother told me not to talk to  Luke 6:32-36 strangers.  Galatians 5:16, 19-23  Perhaps it was a trap, and he was just  Ephesians 4:25, 30—5:2 waiting to rob me by acting beaten up. Use chart paper and markers to write the  I needed to teach a Bible study at church Good Neighbor code book for posting in the and was running late. I didn’t have time to cabin or other prominent place. Ask campers help. to think about people in their own  I don’t have a lot of money myself, so I neighborhoods who follow these guidelines, wouldn’t have really been much help. and could be president of the Good Neighbor The Samaritan’s reasoning might be the club. What changes would we see in our hardest to rationalize. After all, he was a neighborhoods if everyone acted according to foreigner and an outcast. Some of the their newly created Good Neighbor code Samaritan’s motivations might have been that book? What changes could we see in the he felt sorry for the man, that he would worry world if everyone acted according to the Good about him if he didn’t help, that he believed in Neighbor code book? Form the same teams the golden rule and thought about what it used earlier for the brainstorming match. This would be like if it had happened to him time, ask campers to brainstorm all of the instead, and so forth. ways we can practice being good neighbors by showing other people mercy and kindness Ask the group to share who was the most during the rest of the camp week. convincing and why. Ask them to think of times that they might have been like each of the characters. For instance, have any of Acts of Mercy (Juniors) them ever passed a broken-down car on the To help make the concept of mercy more side of the road on their way to church, and concrete for campers, play a round of “bag not stopped because of fear or because they skits.” To do this activity, have a number of were in a hurry? Ask the entire group to list situations on small slips of paper in a bag or a any of the neighbors in the story. See who is hat. Some situations might include things included and who is excluded from the list. like: Challenge the campers with this thought: all  One kid is always getting teased at school of the characters in the story are neighbors. about his big ears. Which of these neighbors would you want in  Another kid always sits alone at lunch your neighborhood if you were in trouble? because she’s really quiet and shy. Encourage campers to redefine neighbor as  Someone has a big piece of spinach in his anyone in our midst who needs us. Some of teeth. the needs may be dramatic, like the traveler  Someone is walking around with his zipper in the story. But some of the needs are down. lighter, like the need for friendship, kindness,  Someone’s mom and dad just told her to share candy, or to make us laugh. that they are getting a divorce. Form teams of two or three and have each one act out an activity. Then ask the audience Good Neighbor Code Book (Juniors) to determine the ending of the skit: how one If the story of the good Samaritan isn’t clear of the characters is a good neighbor and enough about how we treat our neighbors in demonstrates mercy to his or her neighbor in need, let’s dig in to the following texts to get need. Another option would be to do one “real some more advice about how to treat our world” ending and one “mercy” ending. neighbors. Encourage campers to use the Encourage campers to consider the ways that following texts to create a Good Neighbor today’s Bible stories are encouraging them to 49 be good neighbors and, by one act of Closing Prayer (Juniors) kindness and mercy at a time, to make the Using their knowledge of current events, ask world a little more merciful. After the skits campers to come up with a list of neighbors in are complete, ask campers a few questions. desperate need of mercy. The list may include How many of them have told Jesus about people in their own communities or people in their troubles when they were being teased the greater world who may be suffering from about something at school, had done hunger, violence, or natural disasters. Have something embarrassing, or heard bad news? campers gather in a circle and hold hands. Some may say they did, through prayer. Begin the prayer yourself, with each camper Others may not. Then ask how many of them in turn saying a brief prayer for a particular had Jesus stand up for them, sit by them at neighbor (or group of neighbors) in need. lunch, let them cry on his shoulder, or help When each camper is through with his or her them laugh at their embarrassing situation. petition, have the camper squeeze the hand Unless your campers have a very active of the person next in the circle as a signal imagination, few will say yes. Emphasize to that he or she is finished. When the prayer them that we are Jesus’ arms and legs on this has traveled full circle, end the prayer with, planet, so if Jesus wants stuff to get done it “God help us to be good neighbors to these falls on us. Likewise, when we need support people and creatures in need. Amen.” and love from Jesus, it often shows up through one of our friends, a parent, a teacher, or a mentor. What Goes in Must Come Out (Intermediates) How does what we consume affect our actions Nonhuman Neighbors? (Juniors) toward other people? Start by talking with Ask campers to list all of the neighbors they your campers about what they like to do for can think of at camp. Chances are good, most entertainment. What are their favorite campers will still be thinking about the people movies, music groups, television shows, video they encounter, perhaps in neighboring games, restaurants, sports activities, and so cabins, neighboring tables at meals, or forth? Ask them how their entertainment neighbors at campfire. For some settings, it choices affect them. Do they learn lessons may be obvious that there are other human from movies or television? Do they relax by neighbors on neighboring properties. To help listening to music, or does music get them campers consider a wider range of neighbors, moving and thinking? What purpose does take them to a place full of trees, grass, and playing video games serve for them? Do they plants, and ask them to spread out as far as choose restaurants for the food or the they can but still be able to see and hear you atmosphere? Entertainment is something this without difficulty. From this position, ask age group knows a lot about. Be aware that campers to reach out to touch their closest they have probably been exposed to more living neighbor. See who reaches for whom or adult content through entertainment than you what. Gather everyone back together and were at their age, even if there are just a few ask campers whom they reached out for. years between you. Simply ask questions and Encourage a discussion about whether anyone listen, resisting the temptation to judge or considered or actually touched something affirm their entertainment choices, although nonhuman. Remind campers that in this they may have some of the same preferences world, our nonhuman neighbors (animals, as you do. The discussion could flow for a birds, fish, trees, plants, and so forth) need very long time, but keep it going just long us to demonstrate mercy to them as well. For enough for everyone to have a chance to a brief sidebar, ask a volunteer to read share (10 minutes or so). Genesis 1:27-28, but to substitute mercy for the word dominion. Ask campers for Ask a couple more questions: Has suggestions on how they might show mercy participating in some form of entertainment to their nonhuman neighbors while they are ever caused you to do something that you at camp and when they get back home. wouldn’t have otherwise? For example, the movie Pay It Forward is about a boy who sets in motion a chain of good deeds, and seeing 50 that movie perhaps caused many people to know (although campers who are not active perform acts of kindness for others. On the in a congregation may not), and some may other hand, violent movies, video games, and even be bored with it. With that said, it does music have been named as contributors to not imply that the campers have already violent actions in youth and adults, such as learned all they can learn from it—there are the shootings at various schools. Has lifelong lessons within this parable. Jesus’ participating in entertainment ever made you teaching in this story explores two main feel really good or really bad about your own points: who our neighbor is, and what we do life? Discuss with the group that sometimes with the faith God has given us. Those two our choices in consuming (taking something points will always be great challenges for into ourselves, whether that is food, drink, Christians. This activity demonstrates that it’s absorbing information with our mind, or even difficult to see what’s around us—and right in passively participating in something just to front of us!—when we don’t look carefully or keep occupied) affect our self-perception and let other things get in the way of our vision. our actions toward others. Tell the group that It’s a challenge to our human capacity to see Jesus has something to say about this, and it the needs of our neighbors. may surprise them. Turn to your Bibles and read Matthew 15:1-20. This first part of “vision quest” has the potential to throw off campers’ balance a bit, What does this passage say about what we but that may also be part of the fun! take into our bodies and minds? (Jesus says Determine beforehand a location with a that it’s not what we take in that does evil, grounded log or very low wall on which but what comes out of our hearts that is what campers can balance and walk safely. As you counts.) Does this mean that we can consume walk to your Bible study location, have whatever we want to and it won’t affect what campers carry their Bibles and journals in one we do with our lives? (They may have a wide hand, and cup their other hand around one range of responses, but essentially we know eye like half of a pair of binoculars. Have that our human nature is basically to do what them close the other eye, so they can only is done to us—“you are what you eat.”) If we see through the circle made by their want our words and actions to be pleasing to fingertips touching their thumb. Tell them you God, what would be the best course of action? will all walk silently, and that they should take (To take into ourselves that which will keep notice of as much as they can while they’re our hearts clean.) Is it possible to resist all walking. As a safety precaution, proceed at a evil or not consume at all that which is evil? slower pace than you normally would. When (No, but God gives us the faith to try and you arrive at your location, ask them to name forgives us.) Do any of our actions keep Jesus some things that they saw. Then ask them if from loving us? (No.) How does your faith they saw things that were out of their limited affect your actions? range of vision. For example, ask if anybody noticed the treetops along the path, or a bird Encourage the group to be “hyper-aware” that flew off in the distance. Why didn’t they today—aware of everything to an extreme. notice them? They should pay attention to what they consume today (what they eat, what they Have the campers stand in a circle, each less learn, and what they participate in) and how than one arm’s length apart. Campers should it makes them feel emotionally and cup both hands around their eyes like a full physically. They should also note their own pair of binoculars. Tell them to look straight actions and reflect on which actions flow from ahead and ask them questions about who their faith and which ones flow from what they see—the person directly across from they consume. At the end of the day, gather them? Others in the circle? Now they may to reflect on their observations. rotate just their upper bodies to see who else they can see in the circle. How hard is it to see the people standing directly on either side Vision Quest (Intermediates) of you? The story about the good Samaritan is one that junior high campers will probably already 51

Have all drop their hands from their eyes and Levite’s staff, and so forth. Give only minimal ask them to name who they see now. Explain directions as needed, and allow them to have that it is much easier, of course, to see fun and be creative in their portrayal of this without the limitations of your hands cupped story. around your eyes. It is common for us to let things get in the way of seeing what God When the story is finished, have the actors wants us to see. We tend to put up blinders take their seats. Finish reading the passage, around our vision as we go about the verses 36-37. Ask a few questions about the business of life, for many different reasons. story and accept responses: Tell them that today you will explore a  Where was this man traveling? (From parable Jesus told that teaches us to see Jerusalem to Jericho.) things we might not normally see or aren’t  What, therefore, was probably his able to see if we don’t look for them. nationality? (Jewish.)  Who finally helped out the man? (The Samaritan—like yesterday’s story, we’re Parable Play (Intermediates) witnessing an encounter between a Jew Start out by having all open their Bibles to and a Samaritan.) Luke 10:25. Invite one person to read verses  What did he do for the beaten man? 25-29 out loud while the others follow along. (Cleaned him up, bandaged his wounds, Tell the group to stop reading there—don’t took him somewhere to be taken care of, read ahead—and to close their Bibles. Ask paid for his care.) them to predict Jesus’ answer to the lawyer’s Now ask questions that can’t be answered but question, “And who is my neighbor?” What only speculated upon (allow campers to offer should Jesus say here? Is a neighbor just the their own answers to these, and invite them person who lives next door or across the to ask their own questions): street? (Accept all answers.) Explore the  What was the name of the man who was word parable for a moment by asking the beaten and robbed? group to tell what a parable is (a short  What did he do for a living? fictitious story that points to a moral attitude  What color hair did he have? or religious principle). Explain that Jesus  Was he rich or poor? answers the lawyer’s question by telling a  Did the Samaritan consider any of these parable instead of giving him a list of factors before stopping to help the man in qualifications to be a neighbor. Why would need? (Perhaps, but he stopped to help Jesus answer with a parable instead of a regardless.) straightforward answer? (There may be many Who is the neighbor in this story? (The lawyer answers within the parable; Jesus wanted the answers that the man who showed the victim lawyer to figure out for himself who his mercy—the Samaritan—is the neighbor.) Ask neighbor is.) the campers to identify one other person in the story who is a neighbor. (The victim.) Have the campers come up with a movie Point out that being a neighbor is not a one- genre that might be good for telling this story sided relationship. If you think of the person (for example: comedy, western, romance, living next to you as your neighbor, then that science fiction, horror). Ask for volunteers to means you are a neighbor to that person too. play the following parts in telling the parable So it is with our neighbors in Jesus’ teaching. Jesus told: man, robbers (two or more), What, therefore, is the definition of a priest, Levite, Samaritan, and innkeeper. For neighbor? (Anyone who is in need and anyone extra fun you could also have a donkey! As who helps the one in need.) you read verses 30-35, the volunteers simply Note that we are called to act out the gospel need to act out the story in the genre they’ve in our daily walk regardless of our stature or chosen, using whatever space you have as a importance in life, and especially regardless staging area. You may wish to find some of the stature of the neighbor we’re helping. props to help tell the story: an oversized shirt can be the clothes stolen from the victim, pebbles can be money stolen and/or given to the innkeeper, a stick can be the priest or 52

Help! I Need Somebody! (Intermediates) relates to today’s theme, such as, “Go with This parable is teaching us to be neighbors by courage, neighbor, as a blessed child of God.” responding to our neighbors—anyone in need. We can just sit back and wait for someone to ask for help, right? Did the victim on the side New Rules? (Intermediates) of the road ask for help? (The story doesn’t Have campers open their Bibles to Exodus say, but we can assume he didn’t—the 20:1-17 (or their Small Catechisms to the Ten Samaritan felt pity toward the man and Commandments). Form groups of two to four. helped him without being asked.) When you Instruct the groups to come up with 10 need help with something, how easy is it to commandments that God might give us ask for help? Does it depend on what it is? Is today. They may come up with new ones, or it easier to ask for help with homework than they may use commandments already listed with a friendship problem? in their Bibles or catechisms and reword them in their own language. Encourage them to Gather around the grounded log (or low wall). incorporate into their choices what they’ve Ask a volunteer to walk on the log, and two learned in today’s lesson. Gather together to others to be spotters. Instruct the walker to report their new commandments. Have each go from one end of the log to the other, and group choose one of its commandments to when the walker starts losing balance he or act out in a charade for the other campers to she should ask for help from the spotters who guess. are walking on either side. If this task proves too easy, have the walker try looking straight Talk about how the original Ten ahead or closing her or his eyes. Invite as Commandments were a covenant, or promise, many campers as possible to try out both the between God and Israel rather than just God walker and spotter roles. When you finish the ordering the people around. These guidelines activity, ask questions about what it was like bring order to our relationship with God and to be in each of the roles. As the walker, did our relationships with other people. (Note: in you begin the task determined to accomplish the Exodus passage, the first four it on your own? How did it feel to ask for commandments are related to God, and the help? As the spotter, did you feel useful? Did last six are related to other people; in the you anticipate when the walker would need Small Catechism the first three are about God help, or was it usually a surprise? and the last seven are about people). Ask campers to volunteer which commandments Brainstorm specific ways that people might are hardest to keep these days, either in their need help. (Homeless, unemployed, own lives or in our world. Why? friendless, depressed, just having a bad day, What is it called when we break one of these hurting physically or emotionally, commandments? (Sin.) Sin, which we’ll talk discriminated against, and so forth.) Can we about more during the week, is anything that expect that these people will ask us for help? separates us from God, and breaking a (No—and often it’s because of these commandment means a break in our situations that people are even less likely to relationship with God. Does it mean that God ask for assistance.) What are some reasons will stop loving us? (No!) We know that when people don’t ask for help? What gets in the we sin, if we ask for forgiveness our way? (Pride, shame, sense of independence, relationship with God will be restored because fear, and so forth.) How do we respond to of Jesus. God came to earth in human form people in these situations? What are some and died on the cross to make a new new ways that we might respond? Is covenant with us. Besides these Ten responding something we have to do alone? Commandments, which focus on what we (Sometimes yes, but mostly no.) Who will should and shouldn’t do to keep order in our help us in the challenge of responding? relationships, Jesus also teaches us to love (Jesus, other Christians.) Like you did our neighbors as ourselves. yesterday, stand in a circle and send a blessing around the circle. This time the blessing might simply be, “You are a blessed child of God,” or perhaps something that 53

Personal Parables (Senior High) these stereotypes come from? How can we Ask campers to think of an object with which not be bound by them? At the end of the they would never want to part. Give them a conversation, ask if this activity made anyone few moments to think about this. Then have aware of biases and stereotypes he or she them describe the object to the group. Now has but didn’t realize. form groups of three or four and ask campers to tell a story about the object they selected that helps their group understand why it is so Walking Conversation (Senior High) important. The story could be a memory Form pairs and tell them that they will be about the object or a made-up story revealing going on a short walk with their partner. its importance to them. Bring the whole While they walk they are to each share about group back together and discuss why Jesus a time when they were in need and someone uses stories to teach a message. How does helped them. Ask campers to share the this method get the meaning across better details of the story. How did the person help than simply lecturing? Tell campers that them? Was the person who helped them today’s Bible text is a parable that has a lot to someone they would expect to come to their teach us. aid? Tell campers that when the group comes back together, each person needs to briefly share the story her or his partner told, so Choose a Neighbor (Senior High) they need to be good listeners. After 10-15 Ahead of time, write the following minutes, bring the group together and allow descriptions on note cards, one for each card. time for each person to share. Draw  A single mother with three young children similarities and notice differences. Thank  A single man in his mid 20s campers for sharing about their experiences.  An elderly couple  A middle-class family with mom, dad, and two teenage children Guided Imagery (Senior High)  A family of a different ethnicity from you The text for today’s guided imagery is Luke  Two women in their 30s 10:30-37. Before you begin, allow time for  Two men in their 30s campers to get into a relaxed position and  A family living on welfare close their eyes. Form four groups. Ask one Place the cards face up around your meeting group to be the Levite, another to be the area. Tell campers that during this activity priest, another to be the Samaritan, and the they get to pick who they would most want to fourth to be the injured man. Paint the scene be their neighbor. Ask campers to look for campers who are listening with their eyes around at the cards and sit next to their first closed: You are walking on the road from choice for a neighbor. There may be several Jerusalem to Jericho; it is an 18 mile (29 campers at some cards. If there are only one kilometer) journey that drops more than or two campers at some cards, group them 3,000 feet (900 meters) in elevation, a tough together so that there are groups of three or road. This road is notorious for being a more. In their small groups, ask campers to dangerous place to travel. What are your discuss why they chose a particular neighbor. feelings as you walk? Read Luke 10:30-37. Ask them to think deeply about why they When you are finished reading put campers made their choice. Also ask them to discuss into groups so that there is one of each who they would least want as a neighbor and “character” in each group. Ask them to why. Bring the whole group back together respond to the following questions: and ask the small groups to share three  What were your emotions as you walked things from their discussions. down the road?  What did the injured man look like? Most likely, stereotypes will emerge as groups  From the injured man’s perspective, what share. For example, someone may say, “I did you see, hear, and feel as the priest don’t want to live next to a family on welfare and Levite walked away? because they’ll probably steal from me.”  Why did the priest and Levite not stay to Gently make the group aware of the help? stereotypes that we all have. Ask, where do  What made the Samaritan stop? 54

 How did it feel to be cared for by the four campers and ask why they think the Samaritan? Levite and priest did not stop to help the Bring the group back together and ask groups dying man. Remind campers of the guided to share two insights that came up during imagery activity and how they felt being in their conversation. Focus on how it felt for the the shoes of these men. Bring the groups injured person to be left on the side of the back together and ask each one to share. road by the priest and Levite who he thought (Responses might include that they were in would come to his aid. What were his too much of a hurry, or didn’t want to help for reactions to the Samaritan when he stopped fear that they would be assaulted next.) to help? Read the text again, this time having campers switch roles. Ask if this changed anyone’s perspective of the story Inner Monologue (Senior High) and the characters’ actions from the first Ask four campers to act out the scene of the reading. If so, in what ways? good Samaritan. Tell them that they will pantomime the scene without speaking. Then ask if there is a volunteer who will speak the Bible Story (Senior High) thoughts of the dying man. In the Bible text, Tell campers that we can understand more we don’t get to hear what the injured man about this parable by reading the text that thought or said, so this is a chance to guess comes before it. Through the text we can try at his feelings. As the campers act out the to understand what Jesus was responding to silent scene, the speaker will talk as though with this story. Read Luke 10:25-30. Discuss he is in the mind of the dying man. Allow for the following questions: other volunteers to play the roles. After  How does Jesus answer the lawyer’s experiencing the guided imagery and inner question about eternal life? (He responds monologue activities, campers can speak to the question with another question, from a closer perspective to the story. The “What is written in the law?”) following questions can be used to lead  What is the lawyer’s response to Jesus? further conversation: (He says, “You shall love the Lord your  In what ways does the Samaritan care for God with all your heart, and with all your the injured man? (He bandaged and soul, and with all your strength, and with disinfected his wounds. He carried him to all your mind; and your neighbor as an inn and made him comfortable. He paid yourself.”) for two months’ worth of lodging at the  When the lawyer asked Jesus to define a inn.) neighbor, do you think he was looking for  What was Jesus trying to tell us in this a way out of Jesus’ command? Why or parable? (No one is beyond or why not? undeserving of our help. He was teaching  Why do you think Jesus uses a story to us who our neighbor is and how we are to answer the man’s question? (Refer to the care for our neighbor in generous ways.) conversation above about the use of  Who does Jesus teach us is our neighbor? parables.) (Not only is our neighbor the person who Ask campers to share what they learned lives next to us, but those who live far yesterday about the social issues related to away, those who are different from us and Jews and Samaritans. The dying man on the much like us. Our neighbor is a person in side of the road was most likely a Jewish need. Often those on the side of the road, man. The priest represented the highest the edges of society.) religious leadership among the Jews and the Levite was the priest’s assistant. We would assume that these religious men would have Present-Day Samaritans (Senior High) stopped to help. But we also know that Form groups of four or five and ask them to contact with blood or a dead person would come up with a drama showing a present-day have made the Levite and the priest ritually good Samaritan story. They can follow the unclean. They would not have been able to go basic story line from today’s text but put it back to the temple before spending several into today’s language and include current days of purification. Form groups of three or characters. Ask them to think about who the 55

Samaritan, priest, and Levite might be today. for this time of Bible study together, for what Gather the groups after 15 minutes and have was shared and learned. Open our hearts to each group share its drama. Use the following your word and help us to reach out to those questions to further the discussion: on the edges of society, those who are hurt,  Which neighbors are difficult to help? physically and emotionally, and those who  Why do we sometimes act like the priest others choose to ignore. Thank you for and Levite? meeting us and teaching us about ourselves  Have you ever been approached by a as we reach out to our neighbor. Amen. homeless person who wants some money from you? How did you feel, react?  Who are the people in your schools or There Once was a Man from Jerusalem… work who are “on the side of the road” or The parable of the good Samaritan is the fringes of society? generally familiar. Commission campers to create a new version of the parable in poetry form. They might try limericks or rhyming Jesus Sends Us (Senior High) lines, or maybe try rapping or singing it. Share with campers that Martin Luther writes Encourage all campers to contribute, and that our love for Jesus and love for our consider performing it for groups at camp. neighbor are connected. When we feed, They should be sure to include the important clothe, and help our neighbor, we do these elements of the story as well as their things for Jesus too. Tell campers that at the interpretation of the lesson in the parable. end of the parable Jesus says, “Go and do the same.” Ask, “What is Jesus calling us to do?” Form groups of three or four and ask them to You are My Neighbor spend five minutes brainstorming as many Give each camper a clothespin and a marker. ideas as possible of how they can help their Ask them to write “You are my neighbor” on neighbor. Give them paper and writing the clothespin. Encourage campers to secretly utensils to record their ideas. After five put their clothespin in places where other minutes bring the groups back and ask a campers will find it. They can attach the spokesperson from each group to share the clothespin to a jacket or shoe or Bible cover. group’s ideas of how we can “do the same.” Challenge campers to see how many times the clothespins can be passed around in a day. This activity can involve everyone at Covenant (Senior High) camp. Ask campers to choose one of the ideas shared today that they will try to do during the rest of the week at camp or when they Who are the People in Your return home. Ask them to write a letter to Neighborhood? themselves, explaining why they want to help Form two equal-sized groups and tell them their neighbor in such a way. Also ask that their mission is to get to know as many campers to write about what they’ve learned new things about as many new people as from today’s Bible study. Tell them that the possible. Arrange one group in a circle facing letters are confidential. When they finish, outward. Ask campers to spread out so that have campers put their letters in an envelope they can’t touch the person closest to them. and seal and address it. Collect these letters Then, ask the other group to form a circle and send them to campers in a few weeks. around the first circle, but face inward. Match up the inner circle to the outer circle and give each pair two minutes to get to know as Closing Prayer (Senior High) much as possible about the other person. If If possible, go to a place near a trail or road they need help, have them start with name, to pray. Gather the group in a circle on the hobbies, favorite music, favorite foods, people edge of the road or trail. Pray: Loving Christ, and things that you care most about, things thank you for your word that teaches us, you would rescue from your house if it was on often through stories, how we can better love fire, and so forth. Every two minutes, blow a and serve our neighbor and you. Thank you 56 whistle and have the outside circle move one Repeat the exercise with campers noticing position clockwise to meet someone else new. their neighbor to the right and shutting their eyes right away.

Freeze Tag This game of tag challenges campers to risk Large Group Duck, Duck, Goose their own security to help a “frozen” neighbor Form groups of six to eight and have each in need. One person is chosen to be “it.” All group form a circle somewhere on the playing other campers attempt to avoid being caught. field. Tell the groups that they will be playing If a camper is tagged by “it,” the camper Duck, Duck, Goose in their small circles. The must remain frozen until rescued. To be only difference from the normal game is that unfrozen, another camper must crawl on the the person who tags the goose has to run to ground between the “frozen” camper’s legs. another circle in the field to find a safe place To add a little more interest, keep adding to sit. If that person makes it without being more people to be “it.” tagged, then the goose goes back to the original circle and begins another round as the “tagger.” If the goose tags the person Samaritan Tag then they both return to their original circle Everybody is our neighbor, and everybody will and another round begins. If a tagger need help from time to time. This game can successfully joins a neighboring circle, that be played in any safe, open area. Establish person must introduce himself or herself what the boundaries will be, and then choose before a new round begins. one person to be “the bandit.” The bandit tries to tag everyone else. When a player gets tagged by the bandit, he or she must make a Change Up terrifying sound and fall to the ground, lying This game helps campers get to know their flat on his or her back. Other players can try neighbors at camp. Ask campers to form one to rescue the fallen player, and they do this large circle with one person as “it” in the by simply helping him or her up. middle. Each camper must then find some Note: The fallen player cannot just jump up sort of object to mark his or her place in the on his or her own when another player is circle, such as a pinecone or rock. “It” starts near—he or she must wait for a player to the game by walking up to someone in the help. In the meantime, the “good Samaritan” circle and asking, “Who are your neighbors?” helping the fallen player must try to avoid That person then introduces the person to the getting tagged by the bandit, or else that left and right. Then “it” asks, “And who else person must also fall to the ground. After a would you like to meet?” Then the person while, choose a new bandit. describes some characteristic such as, “I’d like to meet everyone with blonde hair” or “I’d like to meet everyone who had oatmeal Noticing our Neighbors for breakfast.” All who fit the description must This game tests observation skills and is a then leave their place marker and find a new good one to spring on campers when you are place in the circle. “It” also takes a place in waiting for another activity to begin, or to the circle. The person left standing will begin transition between segments of an activity. the next round. While sitting in a circle, tell everyone to notice who is sitting to her or his left. Then have them close their eyes. Ask them to recall To the Rescue details about their neighbor. What color shirt Form two teams. Give each team two minutes is your neighbor wearing? What kind of to come up with a team name. Use boundary shoes? Is your neighbor wearing socks? Is markers to mark a playing field about the size your neighbor wearing jewelry? What color of a volleyball court. eyes does your neighbor have? What color hair? Campers will be surprised at how little Place Team A behind one end of the “court.” they’ve noticed about their neighbor, and They select one member who will go beyond sometimes at how much they’ve noticed. the opposite border (the other end of the 57

“court”); this is the robbery victim. Have Team B members line up along the end opposite Team A. Team B members try to keep Team A members from rescuing their injured team member. Team B may chase and tag Team A members anywhere within the designated field, but may not cross any borders. When a Team A member is tagged that person must stand still. Once two Team A members safely cross the field to where their injured member is located, they are free to escort their team member back to the safety of their starting place. Repeat the game a few times, then discuss obstacles that keep us from helping those in need.

Ring Around the Town Have campers sit in a large circle with legs crossed. Pick a person to start the game. Person “A” walks around the circle, stopping to tap “B” on the shoulder. “B” gets up and chases “A.” If “A” can get around the circle without being caught by “B,” “A” enters the center of the circle and “B” moves around the outside circle to tap “C.” If “A” is caught, “B” gets to sit in the center while “A” taps “C.” Play until all are in the center except the last player. Players can chant, “Friend, Friend, Foe,” as they walk around the circle. After the game talk about how the center of the circle was the safe zone, like the inn in the good Samaritan story. Ask campers to think of some safe resting places they have.

58

Day 2 Worship Ideas

Invocation Be with this camp and all of us, and inspire in Begin the invocation when all are assembled. us faith. Leader: Behold and see the love of God God of all, we pray to you. Oh people, understand it Be with our loved ones at home, and with the And tell others about it children in India. Totally and fully believe it God of all, we pray to you. We will receive life in heaven Into your hands we lay our spirits, trusting in you, O Lord, through Jesus Christ. Amen

Song Teach “Border Bhajan” using both the Indian Benediction language Telugu (TEL-e-GOO) and English. Leader: Behold and see the love of God Add finger cymbals. Oh people, understand it And tell others about it Leader: In India, people sing prayer songs Totally and fully believe it called bhajans (BUJ-uns). A bhajan may be We will receive life in heaven ancient, with its tune and words going back thousands of years. Or a bhajan may be brand new, created by someone in the Namasté present day. It is not unusual for a family to In Hindu tradition, people greet each other by sing a bhajan all night long, in a special time saying namasté (nahm-a-stay). The word called satsang (SAUT-sangh). They will sing it means, “The Divine in me greets the Divine in together while they are cooking supper, and you.” Spend a few minutes discussing with someone will continue it while others are campers what this phrase may mean, and sleeping. The bhajan shows their devotion in what significance it might have. Ask campers prayer, and the bhajans hold them in the if it would change how they dealt with presence of the divine. Christians write someone with whom they had a conflict. Form bhajans about Jesus Christ, and God the pairs and encourage them to greet each other Father and the Holy Spirit. this way, and then to describe what divine attributes the other person possesses.

Prayers (The leader part is in regular type, responses Ubi Caritas et Amor are in bold.) The monks of Taizé (a town in France) came up with a number of chants. The rhythmic O God, you are everywhere and you are Lord melodies are almost hypnotic. As a short over all people and all creation. devotion activity, light a candle and sing the God of all, we pray to you. Taizé song, “Ubi Caritas et Amor” (WOV 665). Teach us to love and care for all people. Typically, Taizé songs are sung a cappella God of all, we pray to you. repetitively until it feels like it is time to stop. Thank you for all the ways in which others care for us and for one another. God of all, we pray to you. All People Everywhere Bring peace and care between all people. Gather the campers around the map or globe God of all, we pray to you. and point to a few places, working from close On every side of every border on earth, you to your location to farther away until you’ve are there. reached the other side of world. Each time God of all, we pray to you. you point, ask campers if the people in that Walk with those who cross borders and are in place are considered their neighbors. Most danger. likely campers will answer “yes” every time, God of all, we pray to you. knowing that this is the answer expected of

59 them. Then ask them if the people in each of Read together with the campers Luke 4:16- those places would be their neighbors even if 21. Jesus returns to his hometown, goes into they don’t believe in Jesus. Ask them what the synagogue to read scripture, then reads they know about the major religions of the about what happens in the year of the Lord’s world (even if you don’t have all of the favor: good news for all who are poor, answers, you can make some generalizations oppressed, captive, and broken. This event for this activity based on what you already means two things for us: Jesus is truly the know, or use a resource such as the Internet Son of God in whom this scripture is fulfilled, or a world religions guide). What are the and in this passage we are called to serve our major religions on each continent? Where is neighbor through whom we meet Jesus. This Buddhism practiced? Islam? Hinduism? is to include bringing good news to the poor Worship of other gods? What religions are both in word and actions and proclaiming the practiced in your town? Are there places or Lord’s favor. Close in prayer, including people that don’t practice any religion or neighbors found outside of our comfort zones. claim that there isn’t a God?

Walking in Silence Does believing in Jesus make us superior to During all the activity of camp, it’s important people of other beliefs? This is a hard to take some time for silence. Silent reflection question because in Christianity we’re taught helps us to be open to hearing God’s voice in that Jesus is the way of salvation, the way to our conversation of prayer. Whether your eternal life, and this makes it seem like we group is hiking, canoeing, or sailing today, would be superior. Is it possible that all invite campers to spend five minutes in people are searching for God’s truth, even if it silence. Ask them to respect this prayerful looks like they’ve settled on a belief other silence and try to clear their minds of than ours? Are we called to only be with or distractions. Afterward, ask campers if they help other people who believe in Jesus too? noticed anything in the silence that they may Read Acts 17:22-31. Reread verses 26-27. not have noticed when surrounded by noise. Talk about searching for God, how it’s Perhaps they heard a bird singing or were possible for all people to find God because able to reflect on a better way to God set things up that way. What are barriers communicate with a friend. Often in our to finding God? How can we serve those who hectic and noisy lives, we fail to notice our don’t believe in Jesus? neighbor who is in need. We may walk by as they sit on the side of the road in pain. Close Close with a prayer, asking God to help you with a group prayer, asking God to help you reach out to people of all beliefs and for the care for your neighbor. Holy Spirit to gather all people into God’s kingdom. Writing Your Own Psalm Ask campers to open their Bibles to the book Beyond Our Comfort Zone of Psalms. Tell them that in the psalms we It’s easy to be around people with whom we hear from people rejoicing and thanking God feel comfortable and secure, and with those and we also hear from people who are whom we admire. It’s more difficult to be struggling and in pain. Invite campers to look around people who challenge our comfort through the psalms to find a thanking and zones. Yet God’s definition of a neighbor is praising psalm and a psalm where the anyone who is in need, even those with whom psalmist is lamenting and struggling. After we aren’t comfortable. Would you feel campers have shared their psalms, say that comfortable going to visit someone who is in we can find the whole range of human prison? Would you feel comfortable visiting experience and emotions in the psalms. Invite someone who is very poor? How about campers to write their own psalm. They can someone who is handicapped or mentally ill? choose whatever style they wish and convey Is it more than discomfort, sometimes even any emotion they want. Give campers 10 fear? minutes to write their psalm and then ask if anyone feels comfortable sharing. Tell 60 campers that the psalms have been used in Prayers of Love (Pioneers) the worshiping life of God’s people since Gather in a circle and hold hands. Invite before Jesus was born. campers to think of one or two ways they can show their love of God through action. Begin by singing a song that talks about God’s love. Humble Walk Then ask campers to share their words. At Gather campers in an open area near woods the end of each word everyone says together, or somewhere with a variety of insects. Read “God loves us, we love our neighbor.” At the Micah 6:8 three times. Ask campers to spread end, campers lift their hands above their out on their own in search of the smallest heads and shout “Amen.” living thing they can see without benefit of magnifying glasses. Ask them to stoop or sit quietly by and just observe what goes on in Good Samaritan Acts (Pioneers) the world of the tiny creature they find. Brainstorm ways the campers can help those Gather campers back together and let them in need in their own communities. (Some describe what they saw. What happened? ideas that may come up include holding a How did their creature fit into its yard sale, having a lemonade stand, environment? Were there any threats to it? collecting canned food for the local food What thoughts did they have watching pantry, and so on.) Decide as a group on something so tiny? Often the first step in which initiative to work. Create publicity for helping a neighbor in trouble is simply your effort. Discuss the importance of observing that a need is there. Reread Micah working for justice in our world. By working 6:8. Ask everyone to offer a prayer for a for justice, we are helping our neighbors both neighbor back home—either out loud or near and far. Remind campers that we do this silently. in response to the love God gives to us. We do not do this to earn God’s love. God’s love is given freely. If campers are writing journals Meet My Neighbor for the week, give campers time to write Ask campers to form pairs, suggesting they about what types of justice activities are not pair up with a relative. Read Matthew happening at camp. 25:35-36. Ask partners to talk about some need they or a close friend or relative is struggling with. (Health, finances, relationships, vocation issues, and so forth.) Give the pairs about three minutes each to describe their need. Have each partner summarize the need they heard for the whole group. Talk about how a neighbor is anyone we meet who is in need. Close with a prayer in which campers can ask God to help their partner with her or his need.

61

Day 3: Jesus Meets Us on the Cross Bible Text: Acts 10:34-48 (Peter’s sermon)

Concept: The cross is the bridge that unites all nations.

Objectives: What will campers…  Know: The message of hope and grace that the cross brings to all.  Feel: The breakdown of barriers because of Jesus’ dying on the cross.  Do: Witness to others about Jesus and the free gift of the cross.

Song Ideas: Amazing Grace, Humble Thyself, I Am the Resurrection, Jesus My Lord, Jesus Remember Me

Prayer: Lord of all nations, we thank you for the people who have influenced us through our inheritance of our ethnic backgrounds. Thank you for the great variety of cultures and customs in our global village. We thank you that the cross is a bridge that brings us all together in your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Daily Story: Jenny was shy but she really liked her classmate, Kayla, and wanted to invite her to Sunday school. She kept thinking about her Sunday school teacher’s words. She said, “I know it’s hard to invite someone to church. Remember that God invited everyone to be part of God’s family when he sent Jesus to die on the cross. So when you need strength to do something like inviting someone to church, ask God to help you. God will prepare the heart of the person who you want to help.” So Jenny talked with God, asking for God’s help. Then she asked Kayla, who said yes. It wasn’t so hard with God’s help.

Questions for discussion  What made Jenny nervous? Why was Jenny nervous?  What did she do? What happened?  When have you felt shy around others? Have you ever prayed for God’s help?  How does knowing God is there to help make it easier to do things?

62

Day 3 Games and Activities

Jesus Gathers Us (Pioneers) Israel.” So although he was a person of faith Gather the campers together and review the and willing to follow Jesus’ teachings, he was weekly and daily themes. (See “Introduction not part of Israel and could not be part of to the Theme” for Days 1 and 2.) If you have God’s family. Peter appreciates his faith but a heart and cross poster from Day 2, review does not invite him to be part of the group. the Bible verses with the campers. Sing one Ask for volunteers to read the Bible passage. of the songs learned earlier in the week to set Since this is like a sermon, encourage the the tone for the day. readers to do their best imitation of a pastor preaching at worship. (Encourage the other Prepare in advance strips of paper 4.25" x 11" campers to take out their Bibles, turn to Acts (11 cm x 28 cm), one for each camper and 10:34-48, and follow along.) Reflection counselor. Give out the paper. Ask campers questions: to name people in their lives. Ask campers to  What does Peter say about how God think about and/or name people they don’t treats people? (All are treated the same. like. Ask campers to think about and/or name God does not make a distinction between groups of people different from themselves. Jew and Gentile.) (Answers will vary but may include people  What did God give to the disciples? (The who are poor, rich, movie stars, hungry, gift of the Holy Spirit and the power to athletes, music stars, homeless.) Now ask forgive.) campers to draw the faces or write the names  How did Jesus die? (Crucified on a cross.) of some of these people on their paper.  What happened three days later? (God Campers should include both people they raised Jesus from the dead.) know personally and people they don’t know.  Who saw Jesus after the resurrection? (His Once everyone is done, form a large cross disciples.) with the strips. Today we will learn how we all  What happened at the end of this Bible come together at the cross. (For a related passage? What came upon everyone? activity, see “People Crosses” in the “Creative (The Holy Spirit was poured out on the Activities” section below.) Gentiles, Peter said to baptize the Gentiles.)  What is the message? (Jesus’ death on Puzzled (Pioneers) the cross is a way for all people to become Before beginning today, copy the Bible verses part of God’s family.) of today’s lesson. Glue the verses to card stock. Then cut the paper into 6 to 10 pieces. Now hide the puzzle pieces. Send teams of Jesus Loves Us (Pioneers) two or three out to look for the puzzle pieces. In today’s story, Peter and all the people in When a piece is found, bring it back to a Cornelius’s house learned that God gave this central location. Once all the pieces are gift to everyone, no matter where they came found, put the puzzle together. from. We also learn that we are invited to share that message of hope and grace with others all around the world. Teach the song Acts (Pioneers) “Jesus Loves the Little Children” using the Before reading the passage, set the scene by following lyrics. Sing this song at the end of telling campers about the book of Acts. This the lesson. book chronicles the start of the Christian church through the journeys of early leaders Jesus loves the little children, such as Paul and Peter. Peter was at the All the children of the world. house of a Roman soldier, Cornelius. All the Every child in ev’ry land, baptized followers of Jesus to this point were Jesus holds them in his hand, Jews. They believed that Jesus had died and Jesus loves the little children of the world. been raised for them. Cornelius was a Gentile, which means “the nations other than Jesus died for all the children,

63

All the children of the world. newsprint or a more permanent one can be Every child in ev’ry land, made out of foam core or mat board with Jesus holds them in his hand, envelopes for placing the questions. Make two Jesus died for all the children of the world. or more categories. Title the categories: At the Well, The Samaritan, General Bible, About Jesus rose for all the children, Camp, and so forth. You can add a category All the children of the world. each day and new questions. Write the Every child in ev’ry land, questions for each category on index cards. Jesus holds them in his hand, Campers can help in the writing of the Jesus rose for all the children of the world. questions as well.

Jesus cares for all the children, All the children of the world. Any Way to Treat a King? (Juniors) Every child in ev’ry land, Today’s theme challenges us and all our Jesus holds them in his hand, human logic. To prepare campers to hear the Jesus cares for all the children of the world. story, ask them a hypothetical question. What if God were a magician, and could do anything to make the world listen to his Son? Bridges (Pioneers) And could even get his Son out of some real This game involves trust and focus. Campers trouble, with people trying to kill him? What must be good listeners and pay attention, or would human logic tell us God would try to people can get hurt. Play on a soft surface do? For a completely different account, read such as a mat, carpet, or grass. This is done Mark 15:16-20, 25-37. Why would God let in pairs with people of similar height. The goal that happen? Why would God let any bad is to create a bridge using just bodies. Form things happen? Human nature would solve pairs and then groups of four. One pair spots the magic problem by Jesus never dying. another pair and then trades places. Humans really don’t like some of the Spotters stand beside the other pair. The pair conditions of being human. But the good making the bridge stands face to face and news of the cross is that Jesus, God’s own puts their hands, palms up, against their Son, was willing to show us that death wasn’t partner’s hands. Pairs should hold hands at the end. The cross is really our bridge to about shoulder height. Slowly and carefully eternal life. partners lean in so they are supporting each other’s weight. Pairs then take a small step backward, and then another. They keep X Marks the Spot (Juniors) stepping backward as they form a human Everyone loves an adventure! To begin bridge. Try this a couple of times. Change today’s Bible study, explain to campers that spotters as needed. Reflection questions: someone left behind treasure maps for them.  Was it hard to trust your partner and the At the end of the map, there is a great spotters enough to keep walking reward—and it is up to campers to discover backward? the treasure. Form small groups and give  Was anyone scared he or she would fall? each group a map. (Create the map ahead of  How is this like the cross of Jesus? (Jesus time to get all the campers in your group to a died on a cross. We are joined with him spot on the camp property where there is a on the cross. Jesus’ cross brings us cross. If different camper groups are doing together with others. Jesus supports us.) Bible study at the same time, it may be a good idea to create several different maps, all leading to different crosses around camp.) As La Frontera Jeopardy (Pioneers) general guidelines, tell campers that groups Materials: Chart paper, newsprint, foam must stay together and must stay within core, or mat board; markers, envelopes. camp boundaries! Also give them a hint that Using the questions from yesterday’s and once they are in the right spot, the treasure today’s Bible studies, create a Jeopardy-style will be in plain view (no digging necessary!). quiz game. Form teams of two or three. You After a few minutes of reading and planning, can create a playing board on chart paper or turn the campers loose to find the treasure. 64

Once everyone makes it to the treasure as only children versus campers with siblings, location, ask everyone to identify the or some other clearly defined characteristic.) treasure. Explain to campers that, much like Ask them to stand in order of height and the mark that a bolt of lightning leaves, the match them up by opposites, for example, cross marks a place where God acted on short rural kids with tall urban kids. Be behalf of humanity and left an indelible mark intentional about putting kids who are on how we live our lives. The cross represents “different” together into small groups of two a great treasure to remind us of Jesus’ or three. Knowing that Jews felt strongly that sacrifice. The cross also represents a bridge they should keep separate from the Gentiles, between other people who are different from ask each small group to read Acts 10:34-48, us and ourselves. By dying on the cross, and to pay attention to what happens to old God’s love, grace, and forgiveness are separations. Before they start reading, ask available to all people. them three questions to help focus their reading:  What does Peter tell the group about Different Strokes, Different Folks Jesus and his life? (Juniors)  Does God say that Jesus came to all Yesterday, we spent a fair amount of time people or just to certain people? discussing how we identify and treat our  What happened when the Holy Spirit neighbors. Today, we’re going to spend some came? time talking about who we know who is Ask each group to consider carefully what is different from us. Begin by asking campers happening in the story. Reread your three about neighbors in their schools or cities who questions, and ask campers to read the are different from them. Go around the circle, verses again. Have the campers come up with and have each person share stories about some answers to bring back to the large someone they know who is different from group. Once all are done, bring them together them and how they are different. Ask them and discuss the three questions. Make sure if the person who is different is ever treated that people understand that this event differently. Explain as background to today’s marked the beginning of a new relationship of Bible story that it was no different in Jesus’ inclusion with each other. There were still time: there were lots of different people all in arguments about their differences and how to close proximity to each other, and sometimes address those differences, but the Holy Spirit the people who were different were treated showed that everyone was now included! very differently too. As one example, explain For further clarification on how the Holy Spirit the difference between Jews and Gentiles. changes relationships, demonstrate with an (Jews believed that to be faithful to the one object lesson. Find a windy spot on the camp true God, they must keep the covenant property. Demonstrate the Holy Spirit’s role in promises, which included the Ten our lives with one of these objects: a kite, a Commandments and also included staying wind sock, or streamers. Without the wind, away from people who were different or ill. they are pretty dull and lifeless. However, The word Gentile, however, is really a generic when the wind blows through them, they word that meant “the people.” In a nutshell, it become animated, move with the wind, and was a word that meant everyone who wasn’t almost appear to be living. It is the same with a Jew. It is important to note that Jesus was us: with the Holy Spirit we are full of life and a Jew!) energy, blowing in the directions God wants us to go. But without the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are flat, boring, and definitely not The Cross Changes Relationships going in the direction God wants us to go. (Juniors) For this activity, form smaller groups. Ask all of the kids who live in a city to stand on one Cross Examination (Juniors) side, and all of the kids who live in rural areas For additional evidence on the topic of to stand on the other side. (If you know that differences, the role of the cross, and the role most of your campers are from one or the of the Holy Spirit, return campers to their other, choose a different characteristic, such earlier groups (urban and rural, or the 65 category you chose). Give each group one of and not talk to anyone. After meeting the following verses: Jesus at the cross, Billy decides to go  1 Corinthians 12:12-13 left!)  Galatians 3:26-28  Janie is a tattletale. She always tells on Before they begin reading, give them some everyone! questions to consider:  Joey is really helpful. He always helps his  What is the main message in your verses? mom and dad with chores around the  Do your verses say that differences don’t house. exist anymore—or do your verses say that If your group has bonded well over the week, differences still exist but don’t matter you may want to see if any volunteers would anymore? like to describe themselves as they approach Give each group the opportunity to read the the crossroads and the choices they might verses. Repeat the questions, then ask make to change or to stay the same. campers to read the verses one more time. Have each group report by doing a song, a skit, or a rap. Based on what they share, ask Cross Culture (Juniors) them if this information would change how Ask campers if anyone could describe what they treat people who are different in their cross-culture or cross-cultural usually means. neighborhood. Ask them if they think that all If no one volunteers, provide a simple people must be Christians for us to treat them definition: a place where people of different like we treat other Christians. cultures or traditions meet. As a way to practice honoring differences among people, try the following simulation game. Explain the Life at the Crossroad (Juniors) situation: the camp was just given the Ask campers if anyone knows what opportunity to take everyone on an overnight crossroads means. If no one knows, ask if camping trip—to the moon! However, to take anyone could take a guess. Ask campers to all of the campers, each camper is restricted find a spot at camp where two paths to taking three items with him or her. Ask intersect, or where they have a choice of campers to go to the cabin and pick three which direction to go. Ask them why they items they would take on a camping trip to might choose one path over a different path. the moon. Once all get back with their three Ask them how they make their decision if items, ask campers to play show-and-tell with they haven’t ever been down either one. the items they chose. Why did they choose You may be on a straight path, but it may be particular items? Who brought the same headed in a bad or dangerous direction. When things? Who brought different things? Next you are at a crossroads, you have the ask campers if they think they could bring opportunity to change your direction and try a more necessary stuff if they all worked new alternative. Have the group discuss the together to decide what to take. Encourage following scenarios, challenging them each them to draft a strategy for covering all of time about the decisions they could make at their bases. If someone brings enough water the crossroads. With each scenario, ask a for the whole group, maybe someone else volunteer to “approach the intersection.” could bring some food. Maybe everyone When the volunteer gets to the intersection, needs to bring a sleeping bag, and so forth. ask him or her to name the options: Going Differences work like this in real life. They can straight means continuing on the same route. be used to separate us from other people or What does going left mean? What does going to compete with them. But they can also be right mean? What direction would you take helpful in complementing what we see, in after meeting Jesus at the cross? (Use names giving us new perspectives, or helping us to of kids that aren’t in your group.) thrive. To set the stage for the activity, ask  Billy has been a bully since first grade. He them to think about who would complement picks on little kids, teases them, and them really well to make for a strong team on punches them when teachers aren’t a reality TV show, like Survivor or The looking. (Billy may keep going straight Amazing Race. Ask campers to take turns along the same path; may go left and try sharing the name of someone in the group to become a little nicer; or may go right who is different from them and why that 66 difference is good. Encourage everyone to use and because we weren’t around during the differences that are all good, and to stay time of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, away from hurtful differences, like weight, we haven’t witnessed firsthand the events social status, and so forth. For instance, that our Christian faith is based on. What someone might say, “I’m really quiet and shy, events in the Bible or Christian practices are but Andy is really loud and fun. This would hard to believe or cause you to question your make us a strong team, because he can teach faith? Who do you know that doesn’t believe me to laugh and have fun and I can teach him in God or Jesus as the savior of the world? to be quiet sometimes.” Another camper Why don’t they believe? Have you ever had a might say, “I’m really a good swimmer and time in your life when you didn’t believe? I’m strong and fast, but Heather is really Read together 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Paul smart and could help me win some of the writes in this passage about Christ’s brain challenges. We would make a good crucifixion being “a stumbling block to Jews team.” Considering what was learned today and foolishness to Gentiles” (verse 23). Why about the Bible stories and the intersection does Jesus dying on the cross seem like exercise that was just completed, ask foolishness? (From the human perspective campers how they would define “a culture of dying isn’t the way to gain power—death is the cross” or a new “cross culture.” Challenge the end, not the beginning.) What other campers to think about how yesterday’s Good things could God have done to save humans Neighbor code book and today’s realization from death and the power of evil? Paul asks that the cross “crosses” boundaries between directly, “Has not God made foolish the us and people different than us combine to wisdom of the world?” Ask the campers to give us a new way of operating in the world. name specifically what “wisdom” in the world Ask them if there are any new things they’d God makes foolish. (That money can buy us like to add to the Good Neighbor code book. whatever we want, that we only need to Ask them to think about people at home a lot believe that which we see, that if we do the like them and people who are really different right things we’ll be accepted by other people, from them. Ask them if they think the cross and so forth.) How does God turn the wisdom might be a good reminder about how to honor of the world around? (By having faith in people who are different from us. How? Christ we have eternal life and we are a part of a fulfilling community during our lives.) Close by asking campers to notice during the Upside-down World day one thing that is turned upside-down in Take a picture from a magazine or a their lives because of the cross, and end with photograph and hold it upside-down for the a prayer. group to see. Ask them to describe what’s in the picture, noting as many details as they can. Then ask them to name the picture’s Crossing Over (Intermediates) theme. Turn the picture right-side up and For this Bible study, determine beforehand an compare observations. What were you outdoor location with grass or a carpeted area accurate in describing? What doesn’t look at indoors. As your group is walking toward the all like you thought it did? location, ask the campers to share about a time when they felt left out of a group that When Jesus came onto the human scene they really wished they could join. Ask them 2,000 years ago, his teachings and life events what feelings they experienced when they defied what people thought they knew about were excluded, and how it felt if/when they God and about life. His descriptions of God’s were eventually included. You may also ask kingdom and his directions for how to live the campers to share about a time when turned what people thought was true upside- something that seemed impossible actually down. How could they believe this man who happened. taught such radical ideas? And then he was crucified, died, and was resurrected to new When you arrive, set up two parallel lines life…sometimes the gospel of Jesus Christ is about 4 feet (1.2 m) apart. Inform the just plain hard to believe! It defies our human campers that each member of the group must tendencies to need proof in order to believe, cross one at a time over the empty space 67 between the lines without touching the down the barriers between groups of people ground. Campers should not assist each other so they can share equally in God’s promises. physically, they should not give clues to each other, and they should not encourage each other. If a member does touch the ground, Now I’m a Believer (Intermediates) the group must start over. Witness several To understand this story more fully, your attempts to cross over—give campers some campers will need to know a bit about who time to figure out that this is a really difficult Peter is. Sit in a circle and ask the group to thing to do on their own. A few may succeed, say what they know about Peter. Most likely and notice their behavior once they reach the they know that he is one of Jesus’ disciples, other side. the one who denied knowing Jesus, and they may also remember Peter as being Jesus’ Stop the activity and announce that you are favorite disciple. You can share that Jesus changing the rules. Now campers should work appointed Peter as the head of his church. together as a group to accomplish the task. That’s a huge responsibility, and he took it Notice the group dynamics and praise even very seriously. He was also Jewish, and as we small successes. (Note: move the lines as enter this passage he believes—like all other necessary for safety concerns, but try to Jews of the time who believed that Jesus was resist the temptation to narrow the gap the Messiah—that God has made Jesus Lord between the lines too much, lest it lose its over Israel only, not Gentiles (all non- challenge completely!) When they have all Israelites). But Peter has had a vision (Acts successfully crossed over, announce that they 10:9-16) that leads him to conclude that have joined the ranks of many before them “God has shown me that I should not call because of their teamwork skills and because anyone profane or unclean” (Acts 10:28). they attended to each member of the group, While Peter is speaking to a group of Gentile no matter what her or his level of physical followers of Jesus’ teachings, his belief is that ability. If the group does not succeed, it is an the Gentiles should be included as a result of opportunity to discuss how difficult it is to Jesus’ death on the cross is affirmed by the overcome some obstacles, and they shouldn’t appearance of the Holy Spirit. view it as a failure but rather something that they can learn from and work toward Invite campers to find The Acts of the accomplishing in the future (you could try it Apostles in their Bibles. Ask them to note again another time during the week). As a where in the Bible this book is located (after substitute for the two parallel lines, you may the Gospels—the stories of Jesus—and before find a challenge course element at your camp Paul’s letters to various congregations). will work well, as long as it requires group Explain that even though today you are participation to be completed safely and talking about Jesus dying on the cross, right successfully. If you are not trained to lead now you will be looking at a story that challenge course elements, enlist the help of happened a little while after Jesus had a staff member who is qualified. already ascended into heaven. In Acts we read how stories of Jesus’ power and Reflect on the activity with the group. Which resurrection were spreading rapidly, and how way worked better—crossing on your own or thousands of people had come to believe he as a group helping each other cross? Ask the was the Messiah. Note to the group that in group to name specific challenges they had to the book of Acts up to today’s story, there are overcome, and specific ways they handled two main events that stand out in the history them so that they succeeded. Point out to the of Christ’s church: Pentecost (Acts 2) when campers that they did this activity as you the Holy Spirit descended and thousands directed them to, but there are real-life believed, and Paul’s conversion (Acts 9) which situations in which we don’t associate with would lead to widespread evangelism to all other people and it keeps us—and them— nations. from sharing terrific experiences or accomplishing great things. Explain that you Invite everyone to turn to Acts 10:34-43. Ask will encounter a story in which Jesus breaks for one volunteer to read the part of Peter, and one volunteer to read everything that 68

Peter does not say. Invite the rest of the Ask if anyone knows the story about the campers to follow along in their Bibles. After composer of this song. John Newton was a the reading, talk about the differences of the brutal slave-trader in the 1700s, and was people in the story. converted to Christianity. He, like Paul who  What two groups are part of this story? persecuted followers of Jesus Christ in the  What are the main differences between first century, seemed like an individual whose these groups? (Campers can look for clues evil heart could never be penetrated. in Peter’s speech—Jews believed Jesus However, God found a way to bestow love came just for them; Gentiles believed and grace upon these men to transform their Jesus came for all people.) lives. John Newton stopped slave trading, and  What happened in the story that brought he even became a preacher! Paul became an these two groups together? (First they evangelist who spread God’s Word to were all meeting to hear Peter’s story, thousands of people during his lifetime, and then the Holy Spirit descended and they his letters continue to instruct us in scripture. were united in baptism.) God’s love is meant for all people, even if it seems like an impossibility.

For Everyone…Really? (Intermediates) Invite the group to name some conflict Comfort Zone Expansion (Intermediates) situations between individuals or groups of Ask campers to quickly recall a few people in people that seem unresolvable. Encourage whom they meet Jesus: family, friends, them to think about personal situations and others they respect and love. Point out to those close to home, as well as those them that just as Jesus comes to meet us in worldwide. How might God’s grace and love other people, other people meet Jesus play a part in bringing peace to these people? through us. How do they do this? Try this Talk about how sometimes we create artificial experiment with campers’ “comfort zones.” boundaries based on feelings of superiority. Have campers form pairs and stand 4 feet When we think someone isn’t as good as us, (1.2 meters) away from each other. One or for some reason that person’s presence camper in each pair should draw an imaginary feels threatening to our well-being, we might line with hands or feet around the space that put that person down, maybe even try to hurt is his or her comfort zone. While that camper her or him. We can look to history for stories stands still the other camper moves to stand about how this happens. The Holocaust is one inside the comfort zone and face her or his well-known example. Adolph Hitler spread the partner. What’s the reaction? Are there message that Jews and other “inferior” giggles? Does anyone pull their upper body or groups of people threatened the possibility of head backward? Now the movers should go to a perfect society. The hate he preached the edge of the comfort zone. Notice established a boundary between Jews and reactions. Finally, have the movers stand those who believed Hitler. Before they were back about 5 feet (1.5 meters) from their stopped, Hitler and his followers killed six partners. What are the reactions now? million Jews. Different activities actually have varying typical comfort zone spans (this also varies by The Holocaust is an extreme example, but in culture), but rarely does someone feel our own lives we often let artificial boundaries comfortable talking casually with someone rise up and we fail to recognize that Jesus less than a foot (30 cm) away. Ask campers loves even people we think don’t deserve it. to suggest typical comfort zone distances for Is it possible that Jesus’ love really extends to different situations: if someone has bad body every person, even those who seem to have odor; if you are sharing a secret; if you are an evil heart? Sing together the first stanza of standing in a ticket line; if someone is telling “Amazing Grace”: a story using lots of gestures; if someone is singing a song to you. Have campers gather Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, together and sit down. The idea of sharing That saved a wretch like me! our faith with others, either by talking about I once was lost, but now am found; it or by serving others, often pushes our Was blind, but now I see. comfort zone further out. Ask campers to 69 close their eyes and envision people they are Son: preached peace; healed the oppressed; most comfortable around, perhaps family was put to death, raised, and appeared; ate members, friends, or a group of people with and drank with others; commanded us to whom they share much in common. What preach; is judge of living and dead. God the feelings do you have when you are around Holy Spirit: comes to Jesus in anointing; fell them? Imagine these people being showered upon all who were listening to Peter; poured with grace and love from God. Now have out gifts on Gentiles. campers envision someone they feel uncomfortable with. What is it that makes you feel uncomfortable? How does Jesus give Boundary Challenge (Senior High) grace and love to this person? For this activity you will need a rope that is at least 20 yards (18 meters) long. Ask the Have campers read John 12:20-26. Focus on group to form a cluster. Each member needs verse 24. For the love and grace of Jesus to to be blindfolded. Then stretch the rope to reach all people, we must die to those parts make a polygon around the group with one of us that won’t let us share our faith. We opening. You can wrap the rope around trees must reach beyond our comfort zone to invite to make it or ask for volunteers to hold the others into God’s family of love. Jesus is rope as they watch the group. Tell campers ready to meet us, not with words of hate and that their challenge is to find their way out of exclusion, but with words of comfort. the polygon—out of the boundary that holds Send a blessing around the circle of campers, them inside. Tell them a story: “You are being this time with each camper, saying, “Go with kept in a room and are not able to get out grace and love, child of God.” and share God’s love. There is one door that will lead out of the room. Once you find the way out, shout ‘God loves you!’ so the rest of Three’s Company (Intermediates) the group can find their way out as well.” Acts 10:34-43 is one biblical passage in which For safety, ask campers to walk slowly as we see all three parts of the Trinity at work. they try to find the exit, with arms folded Form three groups and tell them to read across their chest. Watch as the group tries to together the Apostles’ Creed and the meaning get out of the boundary. If they do so quickly, of each article. Assign each group one part of have them try again and time them. the Trinity: God (the Father), Son, and Holy Afterward, process the activity. What was Spirit. Referring to both the Acts passage and difficult about getting free? What was easy? the catechism, tell them to identify where in How did campers feel being blindfolded and this passage they see their part of the Trinity not knowing the way out? Encourage sharing. working, and what specific work it is doing. Remind campers that no boundary can Encourage them to use the article separate us from God’s love. It is freely given explanations (“What does this mean?”) for to us and Christ’s death has destroyed all help. When each group has identified the ropes or walls that would separate us from specific work of their part of the Trinity, they that love. Knowing this to be true, we can should come up with a short skit that share this good news with others. illustrates their part in the story (this will be challenging, but it could also be quite entertaining!). Gather the campers together Word Association (Senior High) and have each group present its skit. Discuss Tell campers that you are going to say a word the challenges of identifying the work of God and then they are to shout as many words or acting out God’s work. that come to mind related to that word. There are no right or wrong answers. Campers Helpful hints: If the campers are having should simply say the first word that comes to difficulty identifying the work of each part of mind. Say “Cross.” After campers have the Trinity, assist them with a suggestion. stopped shouting out words, discuss what God the Father: “shows no partiality”; sent was shared. What did most of the words have Jesus Christ; anointed Jesus with the Holy in common? Were there any surprises? Spirit and power; went with Jesus where he went; raised Jesus; chose witnesses. God the 70

Surprise Appearances (Senior High)  Did you learn anything new about anyone Invite campers to find someone who has in the group? about the same size pinky finger as them. Ask  How do our choices sometimes label us as the pairs to sit and each will share a story of cool or uncool? Is this fair? a time when they went to see a movie or hear  Regardless of choice, how do some people a concert or speaker and were surprised by belong to the “in crowd” and some do not? what they saw or heard. Give campers 10 Bring this part of the conversation into a minutes. Bring the group back together and teaching time about the word Gentile. Explain ask each camper to share briefly about his or that in our Bible story today, the disciple her partner’s story. When everyone has Peter goes to the home of a man who has shared, ask: invited many Gentiles to listen. Gentile is the  Do you like to be surprised in these ways? English translation for the Hebrew word  How do our expectations of what will Goyim, meaning “the nations.” During biblical happen shape our experience? times the meaning of “the nations” meant everyone except Israel. All Christians were Jews in the earliest days of the church and Choosing Sides (Senior High) many thought they were the only chosen For this activity, you need a small open space people of God. Therefore, Gentiles were not with two defined areas. Campers will begin included. the activity in the middle. Tell campers that you will be giving them two options and they must choose one by going to that defined Guided Imagery (Senior High) area. For example, you might say, “Country Set the stage for today’s guided imagery music to the left and rock and roll to the exercise by telling campers to imagine that right.” Campers must move to an area. If they are a group to Jews traveling with Peter. they do not like either option, they should They’ve come to the home of Cornelius, a move to the one they dislike less. Play several Roman soldier who has gathered with other rounds. You can use the following ideas and Gentiles to hear Peter preach. You believe some of your own. Notice that the choices get that these Gentiles are not the “chosen deeper and more important as the activity people of God.” Tell campers that the progresses. scripture text begins with Peter’s sermon.  pie or cake Read Acts 10:34-48. Discuss the following  mowing the lawn or taking out the questions: garbage  What part of Peter’s sermon grabbed your  going to a movie or going to a concert attention?  summertime or wintertime  Was there a part you did not understand?  math or English  What was your reaction when the Holy  pray out loud or pray quietly Spirit fell on all who heard the word,  liberal or conservative including the Gentiles?  missionary work or high-paying business Now tell the campers that you will read the job text again. This time they are to imagine that  death penalty or no death penalty they are one of the Gentiles invited by As you play, watch for campers’ reactions as Cornelius to be present to hear Peter. Ask they make choices. When you are done, them to hear the sermon from the Gentiles’ gather together to process the experience. If point of view. Read Acts 10:34-48 again, then you noticed strong reactions in a few campers discuss: ask them why they felt that way. Use the  What part of Peter’s sermon grabbed your following questions to further the discussion: attention? Was this answer the same or  By a show of hands, who liked this different from when you imagined yourself activity? Who did not? Why? to be a Jew?  Was it ever difficult to choose a side?  What feelings did you have toward Peter When and why? and the other Jews?  Did anyone want to stay in the middle  How did you react when the Holy Spirit area and not have to go to a side descended upon you? boundary? 71

 How did you feel when Peter encouraged representation of the text, “acting out” the you to be baptized? text using movement and no words. One person in the group will read while the other two “act out” the text using gestures and Sermon Notes (Senior High) movement. If anyone knows sign language, Ask campers if they ever wrote sermon notes. they can use that too. When groups are (Many campers who have been in ready, bring everyone together and have confirmation have probably written sermon each group share its representation. Discuss notes. Some campers may not have done the following questions: this, so describe what they are.) Ask if a  What does Paul mean when he says “we camper can tell the rest of the group what have been buried with him by baptism sermon notes are. (Make sure she or he into death” (verse 4)? (When we are includes that the notes list the main points of baptized, we are dead to all of our sin. the sermon.) Give each camper a pen or Because Christ died for us, we are no pencil and a piece of paper. Tell them that longer bound to them. We are also united they will take sermon notes as you “give” the with Christ in his death in that our old sermon. Read Acts 10:34-43, adding emotion selves, “our bodies of sin,” have died. We as fits preaching a sermon. Form groups of are also united in Christ’s resurrection in three and ask campers to share their notes in that we are created new with him.) their small group. Have them discuss  Even though we know we are dead to sin, similarities and differences they noticed in why do we continue to sin? (Because we their notes. Then ask them to come up with a are human! But God continues to forgive sermon notes list that has three points. Group and renew us.) members must come to a consensus about  How does it affect your life to believe that the three main points. Bring the groups you are united in Christ’s resurrection? together and have each small group elect a spokesperson to share their points. Then ask the following questions: Weak But Strong (Senior High)  Why do you think Peter accepted the Find a place where nature surrounds invitation to come preach at Cornelius’s campers. Invite campers to take a walk house? (Read Acts 11:1-18 after campers around the area and look for something in have come up with some ideas of their nature that is weak and something that is own.) strong. If the items are nonliving and will not  Why do you think Peter waits until the disturb the environment, campers may bring middle of his sermon to speak about the items back to the group. Otherwise they Jesus’ death on a cross? can simply tell the group what they found.  For those familiar with the Bible, have you Call the group back together and ask each heard a story like verses 44-46 before? person to share. See if there are any (Yes, the story of Pentecost when the Holy examples of things in nature that are “weak Spirit descended among the disciples in but strong.” For example, a tiny sapling that Acts 2:1-12.) What is the difference in the could easily be crushed by a shoe could have two stories? (This time people other than the strength to grow up through a crack in a Jews are blessed by the Holy Spirit.) rock. Or a small amount of water that seems  How do you think the news of this event weak can erode river banks and smooth affected other Gentiles? rocks. After giving a few examples ask  What does this story teach us? (That campers if they can draw similar “weak but Jesus Christ died for all people, Jews and strong” examples. The cross, a symbol of our Gentiles, everyone! God often surprises us Christian faith, also has this “weak but to teach us that the gospel message is strong” symbolism for us. Ask if anyone can one of inclusion, not only for a select few.) think of how the cross is “weak but strong.” (Christ died on the cross, suffering and in pain. Many taunted him by telling him to Dying and Rising in Christ (Senior High) come down from the cross to show his power Read Romans 6:1-11. Form groups of three. and glory if he was indeed the king of the Ask groups to come up with a visual Jews. But Christ died, and appeared weak and 72 beaten. However, we know the good news, Covenant (Senior High) that Jesus overcame death on the cross. He In Romans 6:11 Paul writes that we are alive destroyed the boundaries of sin and death. He to God in Christ Jesus. What a gift! Being a is the victor; Christ is our king! Through part of Christ’s death and resurrection, we are death on a cross, Jesus showed his all united with Christ. No boundary can tremendous love for us, that he would suffer separate us from the love of God because and know the weakness of human life.) Ask Jesus has already died on the cross for us all. campers to get into groups of three and Invite campers into a circle. Tell campers that brainstorm other ways that Jesus teaches us we know nothing can separate us from the about “weak but strong.” Give campers about love of God and that we are going to do an 15 minutes to think and then bring the groups activity to remind us of this. Begin the activity back together to share their ideas. (Some by turning to the person on your right. While ideas might include how Jesus was born, making the sign of the cross on his or her fragile and humble in a manger, or how Jesus forehead, say, “Nothing can separate you never used violence against those who from the love of God.” Ask that person to turn persecuted him, yet he gained victory over all to his or her neighbor and do the same their plots.) around the circle. When finished, ask campers to make a covenant to do a morning ritual saying to themselves, “Nothing can Faith Symbol (Senior High) separate me from God’s love.” Invite campers to walk around the natural area of camp and find some sort of object in nature that could be used as a symbol for Closing Prayer (Senior High) their faith. Ask them to do this individually If there is a cross on your camp property, and to take time to think about what their gather around for a closing prayer. Or you faith means to them as they walk. Make sure could make a cross with two large sticks. to tell campers to only bring items back that Have the campers kneel around the base of are not living and will not hurt the habitat. the cross to pray. Pray: Loving Christ, thank Otherwise they can simply tell the group what you for the gift of your life for us. Thank you object they chose. Bring the group together for crossing over the boundaries of sin and and ask each person to share what object death, destroying them and making us free. symbolizes her or his faith. Allow time for Help us to share your love and help our each person to share and others to ask neighbor. Though appearing weak, you have questions. Draw campers back to the earlier showed your great strength and glory. You parts of the Bible study when they talked are our king. Amen. about the cross being a symbol for all Christians. This is a symbol that all of us share. Ask if anyone would like to share a Upside-down story about what the cross means to her or Find a black-and-white drawing of anything him. The stories could be about the first time appropriate. Hold the drawing upside down they remember seeing the cross, or a time for the campers to see. Invite them to draw when seeing or touching or kneeling before a what they see in the picture, and give them cross had a large impact on them. Allow time enough time to draw much or all of the for respectful listening as these stories are picture. Some will enjoy this exercise and told. Invite campers to find two sticks from others will be frustrated. If they struggle, around your meeting area. Tie the two sticks encourage them to focus on lines, shapes, or together with some twine or hemp string to shading, not on the overall picture. The make a cross. Tell campers that God showed process is more important than the final tremendous love for us by giving us God’s product. Talk about how the cross makes us only Son. Jesus Christ crossed over the see things differently because it turned boundary of sin and death to free us forever. everything upside down. Jesus picked apart the rules—the way that things looked—and framed them in the light of God’s love.

73

Christian Symbols Banner their style of acting, such as happier, slower Ask campers to close their eyes and picture a or more dramatic, sadder, and so forth. church building. Tell them to pay attention to Another option is to do the same skit, but what they see on the outside of the building. each time a bell rings a new person jumps Then ask them to imagine walking inside and into a skit and has the opportunity to change taking a tour. After a few moments, ask them the direction of the skit. to open their eyes and tell them that we use symbols in church to represent important parts of our faith. The cross is the most What’s the Rule? important of these symbols of the Christian This game involves taking a trip around the faith. What other symbols have they have world! All are invited to come, but players seen in and outside of a church building? must figure out the rule to join the tour After all have an opportunity to share, invite group. The rule is usually a spelling rule, but campers to draw these symbols on a large it could also be a physical or geographical piece of newsprint using markers. Encourage rule. The leader of the game begins by them to fill the space with different symbols. announcing, “I’m going on a trip around the They can also include their own symbols that world. Won’t you join me? I’ve decided to represent their faith. Hang the banner visit India first.” Players try to guess the rule somewhere around camp for all to see. by guessing other places to visit. If the rule is that they’re visiting places that begin with the letter “I,” then a player who guesses, “Are Crazy Endings you going to Indonesia?” would get to come This game is a creative way to think about along. Other rules might be places that have the choices we make and how they influence double letters in their name, such as Vienna where we end up. Ask everyone to write a or Platteville, or places all on one continent, story. Have them start by writing the name of such as Namibia and Chad, or places that are the hero of the story on the top of the page, located on the coastline of a continent, such followed by a description of what the hero as California or Argentina. Once all the looks like. Then ask them to describe the players have guessed the rule, start a new problem the hero is trying to solve. Ask round, allowing someone else to be the campers to draw a line, and right under the leader. The message of God’s love is meant line, write the first sentence of their story. for all people in all corners of the world. Once everyone has written their first line, ask them to stop and put down their pens. Ask everyone to pass their papers one person to Catch ’Em the left and to write the next line of their Just try to escape God’s love—you can’t! This neighbor’s story. Once everyone is finished fast-moving game is best played in a space again, continue passing the story around the that has easily identifiable boundaries. circle until the story comes back to the Choose someone to be “it.” “It’s” job is to owner. Ask the owner to read the story and catch everyone in the group. Each time “it” put an ending on it. If time permits, discuss tags someone, that person holds hands with with campers if their story looks anything like “it” and joins the team. The end hands of the they thought it would, which decisions they line are the hands that can tag players. Play would have made differently, and so forth. until all campers have been caught.

Whose Line Is It Anyway? Finding Crosses Have a small group of campers practice any Tell campers that the cross is the symbol of particular skit. One old skit that uses this our faith, reminding us that Christ died for us, premise is the “bee sting skit” starring a and destroyed the bonds of sin and death director, a little boy, a mother, and a doctor. forever. Ask campers where they most often The boy is stung by a bee, the mother panics see a cross. Tell them that for this activity and brings the boy to the doctor, and the they will need to pay close attention to find doctor attempts to save the boy’s life. Each crosses in the natural area surrounding them. time, the director asks the actors to change 74

Form two teams. Ask the first team to close Free for all Volleyball its eyes or go to another area. The second Have two teams sit on the ground and stretch team will then make as many crosses as it out yarn, string, or cones between them to can in five minutes using natural items form an imaginary net. Teams should have surrounding them such as sticks, rocks, lines about 8' (2 meters) between the two front drawn in sand, or mud. These crosses can be lines. Players toss the beach ball back and large or tiny and can be easy or hard to find. forth across the net line. The beach ball must Remind campers to not disturb any of the be hit three times on each side before it goes natural environment as they make their over the “net” to the other team. If the ball crosses. When they are finished, invite the doesn’t reach the other team, goes out of first team back. Explain that it has one bounds, or isn’t hit exactly three times, that minute to find as many crosses as it can. See team has to send both the ball and one player if all can be spotted. Play another round with to the other side. After the game talk about the teams switching roles. how we have to cooperate and coordinate to accomplish a goal. It was Cornelius and Peter’s cooperation that enabled God to All Tied Up expand the ministry. This is a simple relay running game. Form teams of six to eight and have them form rows perpendicular to a starting line. Tell Trust Your Guide them that when you say “Go” the first person Form pairs. One player in each team closes in each row must run to an object about 20 his or her eyes while the partner hides the yards (18 meters) away, run around it, and ball. Encourage campers to spread out and be return to the line. When they cross the creative in their hiding places. The player who starting line, the next person can go. This will hid the object gives verbal directions to her or continue until everyone has had a chance to his partner on how to find the hidden object. run. Now for the catch: all have to run with The ones looking for the object keep their their hands tied in front of them with a eyes closed. Guides can tell partners to move bandanna. Begin the game. When finished left, right, or straight ahead and tell them untie everyone’s hands and play the game “warm,” “warmer,” “cold,” or “colder” to again with hands free. Ask what it felt like to indicate how close they are from the object. run with hands tied and then how it felt to run When the object has been found, partners with them free. Ask if anyone can draw an reverse roles. What was it like guiding analogy to today’s Bible study theme. someone who couldn’t see? What was it like (Because of Jesus’ death on a cross and his getting guidance from someone? Ask campers resurrection, we are no longer in bondage and if they see any similarities between this kind tied to our sins. Our sins would weigh us of guidance and guidance we sometimes down and make it hard to move well. But we receive from God. are free, and this freedom gives us the opportunity to live joyfully, fully, and in service to others.)

75

Day 3 Worship Ideas

Call to Worship and Invocation someone near you who will. Do that right now Assemble participants in a circle. Begin the (make sure everybody is ready). This lesson drumming/rhythm making with the phrase: is from the tenth chapter of the book of Acts. “Ho-ly Spir-it come to us.” 1: Then Peter began to speak (Participants may chant to get the rhythm, 2: I now realize and then bring in the shakers or rhythm 3: how true it is sticks.) 4: that God 5: does not show favoritism After some time, begin chanting the phrase: 6: but accepts people “Ho-ly Spir-it dwell in us.” 7: from every nation After some time, begin chanting the phrase: 8: who fear him and do what is right “Je-sus Christ is God with us.” 9: you know the message (Let the drumming go on for quite some time, 10: the good news developing an atmosphere of mystery. Use 11: of peace through Jesus Christ dynamics and different tempos to create 12: who is Lord of all variety in the rhythm making, but the 13: We are witnesses drumming need not be fast or loud to be 14: of everything he did effective.) 15: they killed him 16: by hanging him on a tree Immediately when the drumming ceases: 17: but God raised him from the dead (The following is a Christian prayer that 18: and caused him to be seen honors a prayer form from the native 19: God commanded us tradition.) 20: to preach Leader (facing east): Creator God, from the 21: and to testify east comes the dawning sun, witnessing to 22: everyone who believes in him the resurrection to new life. 23: receives forgiveness of sins Leader (facing south): From the south you 24: through his name send us teaching: that you love us and we (The leader may choose to read Acts 10:34- shall love one another. 48 again so that everyone can listen and Leader (facing west): From the west comes meditate upon the scripture expressed the setting sun, speaking of a future in your through the many voices.) hands and our ultimate home with you. Begin the drumming/rhythm making again, in Leader (facing north): From the north you response to the lesson, basing it on the send us wisdom. Open us to your wisdom chanted phrase: “Jesus Christ is Lord of all.” now. After some time, change it to: “Jesus died Leader (facing east): From the east comes upon the tree.” And finally: “God raised Jesus the new day of salvation in the rising of your from the dead.” Let the drumming and beloved Son. We give you thanks and praise chanting go on for some time. Create a mood for Jesus who meets us each day in the cross. of mystery and proclamation.

Message Prayer Leader: The message tonight is to be read in (The prayer should be said immediately upon many voices, symbolizing what the lesson the cessation of the drumming.) says. God shows no favoritism and all people, Leader: O mighty creator, spirit over and from every nation, can follow God and be through all things, inspire in us faith, that we accepted. If you’ve been given a slip of paper, may believe that you alone forgive sins, and look at it. It has a number on top. I’ll call out that because Jesus died on the cross, and you “one,” and whoever has the card marked one have raised him in victory over death and sin should read the card as loud as she or he can. and all evil, that we may come to you with We’ll go on like that through the whole open hands and grateful hearts, and receive lesson. If you can’t read your card, give it to the forgiveness of all our sins. We pray right

76 now for the forgiveness of all that we have separates us from God, including not trusting done wrong. (Pause.) In the name of Jesus God and doing things that go against what Christ, forgive us. And by your great spirit, God teaches us. Our nature is to want to do walk with us that we may do what is right and things that are contrary to God’s desire, and pleasing in your sight. Fill us with your love God’s deepest desire is that each of us fully that we may love our neighbors and bring to experience his steadfast love. Even people them the good news of what Christ has done, who try with all of their might to live a life as and how you love us so. In Jesus’ name. close to God as possible are still sinners Amen. because they can’t completely do this. It’s up to God to come to us, to make us perfect by forgiving our sins. If anyone were perfect, Benediction they wouldn’t need God. But because we are Leader: Go now into the night that is God’s separated from God by sin, we all need God gift to us for rest. The Great Spirit holds all to close the gap between us. This God did things in his hands, and the Great Spirit holds through the cross—the death and resurrection you. In the name of the Father, and of the of Jesus Christ. Jesus has crossed the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen boundary of sin to meet us and restore our relationship with God. Close with a prayer, giving thanks for Jesus and the actions on the Cross Your Heart cross. When we are kids, there are times we have to promise in a big way. Sometimes the oath we take is, “Cross my heart and hope to die.” From Death to Life While the Bible tells us that we don’t need to Gather the campers in a quiet place (outdoors take oaths—that our word should be our if possible) where there is a cross. Ask the word—it is interesting to think about crossing campers to share examples of when death is our hearts as a way to indicate a promise. necessary for something to live. How does it How does the cross function as a reminder of feel to know that? God’s promises to us through Jesus? What promises are campers willing to make about Read together John 12:20-33, the conclusion how they will treat people who are different of Jesus’ public ministry. Jesus acknowledges from them? and teaches that it will only be through his death that we all shall live. Read verse 24 again, which can be related to seeds, pine Nobody’s Perfect cones, and so on, that can be found around Ask campers to describe a perfect person. It the campsite. As an example, talk about the could be a general description or someone jack pine and the role death plays in its life that they think is perfect. What qualities does cycle. The cones of a jack pine don’t open up this person possess that makes him or her each year like other pines, but instead the perfect? Campers may protest that a perfect seeds are locked up in the cone by a tar-like person doesn’t exist, and they’re right. Then resin for years. Only when heated by a fire move into a discussion of who they think is passing through the area do the cones open, nearly perfect or a really good person and the and the thousands of seeds are released and qualities he or she possesses. Is the world a spread out over the burned area. Of course, better place because this person exists? Why? the fire destroys the other brush and trees in Let’s say this person’s life is in danger, and if its path. The jack pine seeds, however, sprout someone dies for this person they will be quickly and soon dominate an area burned by spared. Would you be willing to be the one to fire, but they will only remain dominant if die for them? Why or why not? Read fires burn every few decades. Otherwise, together Romans 5:6-11 (the key verse is 8). other species will eventually replace the jack In verse 8, what does the word sinners pine. mean? What makes someone a sinner? Accept a few answers and then explain that In order for life to happen, death must first all humans are sinners—even the ones we occur. This is the gift from Christ to us, the think are close to perfect. Sin is anything that bridge that unites us once again with God. 77

Close in a prayer of thanksgiving for the Day Dreaming ultimate gift of life found on the cross. Give each camper a lump of playdough about the size of a golf ball. Read John 16:21-24. Ask campers to close their eyes while you Cross Walk read the passage again. Have them sit quietly To prepare for the cross walk, look for a path and reflect on what you’ve just read, while or route that campers can walk on as they shaping the clay in their hands. After about read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. This can five minutes have each camper find a partner. be around the camp or a natural area. Begin Ask them to look closely at their partner’s in prayer, thanking Jesus for living the human clay shape and describe to their partner what life and dying for all of us on the cross. they see in it. Bring the group together and During the cross walk you will walk a short give all time to talk about what they distance and then stop and read a passage experienced. Close with a time of quiet prayer from Matthew (listed below), then walk again, after reading the John 16:21-24 passage and so on. Invite campers to each bring a again. After a few moments of silence, end Bible and ask for volunteers to read each of with a quiet “Amen.” the sections below as they walk. After the cross walk ask campers which part was most meaningful to them. Allow time for each Cross Search camper to share. Form teams of two or three and give each a Matthew 26:1-4 Matthew 26:69-75 sheet of paper and drawing supplies. Send Matthew 26:14-16 Matthew 27:11-26 teams out to see how many crosses they can Matthew 26:17-25 Matthew 27:27-31 find. It might be one put up by the camp Matthew 26:26-35 Matthew 27:32-37 staff, a shadow that forms a cross, a place Matthew 26:36-46 Matthew 28:1-10 where two branches intersect, and so on. Ask Matthew 26:47-56 Matthew 28:16-20 teams to sketch one of the crosses on the Matthew 26:57-68 paper. Bring the group back together. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18. Ask campers to imagine they are Cornelius in today’s Bible story. Heavy Burdens What would they say to their friends who Invite campers to look around their natural weren’t there to hear Peter preach about the area and find a rock that could fit in their meaning of the cross? Close with a prayer for pocket. Explain that they will be carrying their all their pastors and church staff people back rock for a 24-hour period. Think of the rock home who tell the good news over and over as the burden of their sins, which weighs again. them down and is a hardship to carry. Have them take the rock out of their pocket several times during the day and hold it and think of From Death to Life (Pioneers) those sins for which they need forgiveness. Gather the campers in a quiet place (outdoors At the end of the 24-hour period, bring if possible) where there is a cross. Ask the campers together in front of a cross on an campers to share examples of when death is altar. (You may have an altar at camp or you necessary for something to live. How does it can make one.) When all are gathered around feel to know that? the cross, ask a volunteer to read Matthew 11:28-30. Ask all to place their rock at the Read together John 12:20-33, the conclusion base of the cross. Jesus takes our burden by of Jesus’ public ministry. In this Gospel story, dying on the cross for us. On the cross he Jesus acknowledges and teaches that it will suffered and died for us that we may be free only be through his death that we all shall of the weight of our sins. When we ask for live. Read again verse 24, which can be forgiveness, it is as if Jesus lifts all the rocks related to seeds, pinecones, and other that burden us and takes them upon himself examples of nature that can be found around to carry. What a gift! What amazing love! the world.

As an example, talk about the jack pine and the role death plays in its life cycle. The cones 78 of a jack pine don’t open up each year like bridge that unites us once again with God. other pines, but instead the seeds are locked Close in a prayer of thanksgiving for the up in the cone by a tar-like resin for years. ultimate gift of life found on the cross. Only when heated by a fire passing through the area do the cones open, and the thousands of seeds are released and spread Cross Rap/Hip-Hop Dance (Pioneers) out over the burned area. Of course, the fire Create a rap and/or a hip-hop dance about destroys the other brush and trees in its path. the theme of the day. Key points to include The jack pine seeds, however, sprout quickly are the gift of the cross—grace and hope, not and soon dominate an area burned by fire, fear; there is no boundary Jesus cannot but they will only remain dominant if fires “cross over”; we are ambassadors of the burn every few decades. Otherwise, other cross. Share this with the rest of camp at species will eventually replace the jack pine. worship or another appropriate time. In order for life to happen, death must first occur. This is the gift from Christ to us, the

79

Day 4: Jesus Meets Us in La Frontera

Bible Text: John 20:19-29 (Jesus appears to the disciples)

Concept: La frontera is a spiritual place where Jesus meets us.

Objectives: What will campers…  Know: That God is faithful and Jesus meets us in various places and various ways and is with us always.  Feel: Empathy with others who are fearful or doubting; feel Jesus’ unconditional love as he meets us even in our fear and anxiety.  Do: Take Jesus’ message of hope, grade, love, and forgiveness to others and overcome fears.

Song Ideas: Blindman, Canticle of the Turning, Jesus Remember Me, Just a Closer Walk with Thee, The King of Love My Shepherd Is, The Summons

Prayer: Lord God, our protector and salvation, we know that you will protect us from that which causes us anxiety. We know you long for us to know peace and not fear, love and not hate, community and not isolation. Help us face our fears, expand our capacity to love, and joyfully participate in the communities you give us. Amen.

Daily Story: Janelle was nervous. Over the summer she had moved to a new town. In two weeks, she would be starting a new school. This week was the start of town soccer. Janelle loved soccer. She had played for the last three years in her old town—on the same team with the same coach and the same players. Janelle told her mom that she didn’t want to play soccer this year. But her mom knew Janelle was nervous about meeting new kids. She said, “Playing soccer will be a way to meet some new friends.” Janelle said, “I don’t want new friends. I want to go back to my old school and town. I have plenty of friends there.” The first day of soccer arrived. Reluctantly Janelle went to the practice. When she arrived, the coach waved and walked over to greet her. A bunch of the girls walked over too. Janelle felt welcomed by the coach and girls. She was glad to play soccer. Her mom was right. Playing soccer was a great idea! She made new friends who would go to her new school.

Questions for discussion  Why was Janelle nervous? What did her mom say she should do?  What did Janelle want to do? What happened when she played?  What games do you and your friends like to play?

80

Day 4 Games and Activities

Jesus Gathers Us (Pioneers) share his story, forgive sins, and share As you gather for Bible study sing one or two the peace that Jesus brings.) of the campers’ favorite songs. Take a  What did Thomas say when the disciples moment to review where Jesus has met us so told him about Jesus? (He didn’t believe. far this week. (At a well, along a road in the He needed proof.) neighbor, on the cross.) Encourage campers  Finally ask this question: Thomas believed to recall what they learned on those days. It because he saw Jesus. What did Jesus say is true that God’s love has no boundaries. about people who believe without seeing Today we are going to look inward to see him? (“Blessed are those who have not where Jesus meets us. seen me and yet have come to believe.”)

It’s Impossible (Pioneers) Scary Things (Pioneers) Ask campers if they have ever heard someone Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples to say something like, “I’d have to see that to give them the power to share his message of believe it.” Have the campers ever said that? love, hope, and peace. Jesus sent the Holy Share a personal story and allow time for Spirit upon the disciples so they could go out campers to share things they’ve seen. Take a in the world and forgive sins. Form groups of quick trip back in time and consider how two or three. Ask each group to discuss people might have reacted to some of things that are scary. Once the groups have humankind’s greatest inventions: cars, identified several scary things ask each group planes, lightbulb, television, the Internet. to pick one scary thing that they can act out What would seem impossible about these for the other groups. Allow a few minutes for inventions? each group to prepare, then have each group present its skit. Have the other groups try to guess what is being acted out. Assure Jesus Meets Us (Pioneers) campers that it is okay to be afraid. The Ask for volunteers to read the parts of Jesus theme for the week is the Spanish word la and Thomas. The rest of the group will be the frontera. It means “the edge,” “on the disciples. While the volunteer readers take a border,” “a place of transition,” “a place moment to find and read through their lines, where choices must be made,” “a place of have the disciples practice being afraid, struggle.” It can be a place that is scary. No rejoicing, and saying the line, “We have seen matter where we are or what we are going the Lord.” As you read John 20:19-29 pause through, Jesus is with us. for Jesus and Thomas to read their lines and for the disciples to react as the story indicates. After the group has acted out the Wordless Book (Pioneers) story, consider the following questions: Have someone read John 3:16. Tell the story  Where did Jesus meet the disciples? (In a of the Wordless Book. This book is a reminder locked room.) of God’s promise to be with us always in  Why were the disciples afraid? (They Jesus and through the work of the Holy Spirit. thought Jesus was dead. They thought The Wordless Book is a book of colored their lives might be in danger. They didn’t pages. Each page represents part of God’s know what to do next.) promise to us. Lay out colored construction  What did Jesus say? (Peace be with you.) paper and invite campers to take the  Why do you think he showed them his appropriate color for their book as you hands and feet? (To prove it was really describe what each page represents. The first Jesus, the one who had been crucified.) page is gold (or yellow). This page is to  What and why does Jesus breathe on remind us of heaven. As it is written in them? (He breathed on them the Holy Revelation 21:21, “The street of the city is Spirit so they can go out in the world to pure gold.” This is the place we will live eternally with our God. The second page is

81 blue and represents the wrong things we No matter what challenges there are in our have done. It is written in Romans 3:23, life, Jesus is there to help us. Play a couple of “Since all have sinned and fall short of the times so campers can switch roles. glory of God.” Red represents the blood of Christ. In Romans 5:8 it says, “God proves his love for us in that while we still were Whale Tales Old and New (Juniors) sinners Christ died for us.” Let us remember La frontera is that place away from the safety the great sacrifice Jesus made for us when he and comfort of the people whose love we died. The white page represents forgiveness. count on, away from the familiar routines of Isaiah 1:18 says, “Though your sins are like our lives, and away from all that we find scarlet; they shall be like snow.” Our sins are normal. On la frontera, we sometimes feel forgiven. All we need to do is ask. The green alone with our own doubts and fears. For a represents growth in God. Colossians 1:9-10 really weird story about a guy who had to says, “We have not ceased praying for you… face his fears in a totally new and unusual so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, place, read Jonah 2:1-10. As a parallel, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in remind campers of the scene from the Disney every good work and as you grow in the movie Finding Nemo, where Marlin and Dori knowledge of God.” Have campers put their are hanging for dear life on the tongue of a books together using a paper punch and yarn. whale. Dori told Marlin that the whale told They may wish to write the Bible verses on them to just let go. But Marlin had to confront the appropriate sheet. Encourage them to his own fears—he wanted to know how Dori share their Wordless Book with family and knew it was okay to let go. But Dori, who friends. didn’t know if it was okay, did let go. Ask campers who have seen the movie to describe what happens next to Marlin and to Dori. Ask Signs and Symbols of the Holy Spirit campers to compare the stories to see what is Hunt (Pioneers) similar about them. Then ask campers to Where is the Holy Spirit? Can we see it or reflect on times in their own lives they just sense it today? Before you begin this activity had to take the plunge and confront their own review with campers some of the symbols of fears. the Holy Spirit (bird, dove, flame, wind, breath, breeze, speaking in other languages, feeling that God is present). Take a walk Blindfold Hike (Juniors) around the church or camp or park, looking Ask for campers to choose a challenging and for signs of the Holy Spirit. As you travel, unusual place to hold today’s Bible study. have campers explain why they see the Then ask for half of the group to volunteer for object or situation as a sign of the Holy Spirit. a risky adventure. Pair each of these campers with one of the other campers. The adventure half of the group will be blindfolded and led Navigation (Pioneers) on the hike. The caveat is that the guide is In this game, a camper must travel from one only able to lead the blindfolded person with side of the playing area to the other without vocal directions—no touching allowed (unless hitting anything. Set up a course with game someone is in danger of falling or injury). Be cones or carpet squares. (The cones/squares sure that the guides are aware of their can have labels indicating some of the responsibilities and of the risks involved in challenges we face, such as loneliness, fear, being a guide: it is their responsibility to anger, hunger, temptation.) Choose one make sure their camper gets to the person to be Jesus, and one person to be the destination safely, with no injuries! seeker. The seeker is blindfolded and tries to Once you get to the location, ask the navigate the playing area with the help of adventure half what it was like to rely on Jesus. Jesus can speak to the salvation someone else for their safety. What was it seeker, but cannot touch him or her. like to navigate a trail by only following Everyone else is a roadblock standing on the someone’s voice? Would they like the side of the playing area. The roadblocks yell opportunity to lead the person who led them? out and try to confuse the salvation seeker. Ask the guide group what it felt like to lead 82 someone else. What was it like to feel them to try to “see” the story as it happens, responsible for someone else’s safety? Ask paying attention to every little thing they the whole group how this exercise made them notice, including what they see, feel, smell, feel. Connect this activity with real life. Are taste, and hear. Read the story of John there any times when we feel like we don’t 20:19-29 with expression. After the reading, know where we’re going, but we have to rely ask the campers to gather close and answer on someone else to guide us? Would you the following questions: prefer going on your own or having a guide?  What did you feel, hear, see, taste, or Who are the guides in your lives? Why do you smell? trust them?  How do you think the disciples were feeling?  Why were the disciples inside a locked Virtual Fear Factor (Juniors) room? (They were afraid of the To introduce the idea of Jesus meeting us authorities.) even (especially) in the midst of our fears and  Which disciple wasn’t in the locked room? doubts, play a brief game of “virtual fear (Thomas.) Where was he? (We don’t factor.” As a group, brainstorm a giant list of know.) fears, worries, or doubts. Include normal  • What does Jesus say over and over fears (talking in public, falling/heights, again? (Peace be with you.) spiders, snakes, being chased by dogs, and For the second dramatic reading, find a small so forth) to more exotic fears that kids might room at camp to reenact the story. If a room have seen on the popular TV show Fear isn’t available or convenient, create a room Factor (such as eating bugs, bike riding on a using colorful boundary markers, such as a tightrope, jumping out of a helicopter). To the rope wrapped around a small cluster of trees. question of fears, contribute “seeing a ghost” Assign each camper a role in the story. Ask as a way to introduce the Bible study. After a them to exaggerate how that character might giant list is created, designate three areas: be feeling as you read the story. Read John yes, no, and in the middle (maybe). With 20:19-29 again, in a very deliberate and each item you call out, get the group to vote dramatic way. Allow sufficient time for the on whether or not the item makes them campers to act and react to the story. After worry or causes actual fear by standing in the the reading, ask campers to respond to the designated area. Hopefully, through this same questions above, this time from the exercise, campers will begin to realize that point of view of their character. Encourage fears and worries are common to all of us. campers to be creative and detailed in their And that while our fears may differ, we all reactions to the story. Ask campers to have them. It was true of the disciples too. consider which character they think they are With that, turn to today’s Bible study. most like in this story and why. In addition, ask campers what they think Jesus meant by the words he said to the disciples three times: Disciples Get Scared Too (Juniors) Peace be with you. What do those words Gather the campers together and introduce mean for us when we get worried or have today’s story by saying that we meet the doubts? disciples shortly after Jesus was killed. They are really worried that the same people are going to kill them too. Plus, even though they Strange Reassurance (Juniors) had been told Jesus was risen (John 20:18), For some additional reassurance, read Psalm they did not believe it. In this story, they 23. Many people find this passage very require physical proof that Jesus is alive. comforting. Consider the following questions Before you read the story to the campers, ask as a group: them to use their imaginations. First, ask  What things are reassuring about the each camper to find a comfortable place to words in Psalm 23? sit, and to breathe deeply and relax. Then ask  Which images in the psalm are a little each camper to pretend that he or she is a fly scary? on the wall, or a mouse in the corner,  What things about this passage are a little watching what happens in the story. Ask troubling? 83

 Do you think that the person who wrote Trust Fall (Juniors) these words ever worried about anything? To challenge some of the campers, tell them What does he say that makes you think that this activity will cause some of them to that? confront their fears, and will force them to Are there particular words or songs that trust their fellow campers. It may be good, in campers turn to when they are worried or the context of today’s study, to explain the scared? How do these words or songs make activity and then to discuss who is them feel? Some camp songs are well suited apprehensive and why. To do a trust fall, be to be reassuring words of comfort and are sure everyone is mature enough to take the based directly on Bible verses. Encourage responsibility seriously. Have pairs of kids and campers to sing some of their favorites, and adults stand across from each other at the then find the verses in the Bible. A few base of a picnic table or other platform of examples are listed here. about the same height. Each pair can reach  “The Rock” (“I Will Call Upon the Lord”)— out and grab onto their partner’s arms just 2 Samuel 22:4; Psalm 18:3 below their elbows. One camper should stand  “I Lift My Eyes Up”—Psalm 121 at the edge of the picnic table with his or her  “As the Deer”—Psalm 42:1 back toward the rest of the group. (To show  “I Am the Resurrection”—John 11:25 your commitment, you can demonstrate this first.) It is a good idea to put the biggest kids in the middle, and the smaller kids at the Drawings in the Sand (Juniors) edges. Also, be sure the person who is falling In the Buddhist faith tradition, practitioners falls stiffly, and doesn’t move into a sitting learn the transient nature of all living things position while falling. After everyone has by creating elaborate artwork made of sand. completed the trust fall, sit down and discuss Today’s study focuses on how Jesus meets us what kinds of feelings came up, what fears even in the midst of fears: fears about our people had, what went well or didn’t go well. own well-being, fears about our future, fears about what might happen to people we love, Alternative: If you decide not to have the and so forth. In addition, Jesus meets us in “faller” fall off a picnic table or platform you the midst of our doubts: doubts about our can do a similar activity on the ground. Work own abilities, doubts about whether we can in teams of three. The “faller” (with arms really trust other people, and doubts about crossed in front of his or her chest) stands Jesus’ promises to us. To introduce this point between the other two team members. The with campers, ask each of them to find a other two team members face each other small twig and a place in the sand or dirt. (If starting close to the faller and moving back as your site is short on sand or dirt, consider trust builds. The faller falls forward and is using sidewalk chalk on pavement.) Be sure stopped when a team member catches him or that campers have the privacy they need. Ask her by the shoulders and provides a gentle each camper to make a drawing in the sand push back. The faller is then caught by the of something that they fear or doubt. Ask if person behind him or her (again with hands anyone is willing to share their drawings with on the shoulders). the group. You can start by sharing your own drawing as a way of indicating that fears, doubts, and worries are all normal at any You’ve Got a Friend (Juniors) age! Ask the group why it is so difficult to talk In a really old movie the theme song asked, about our fears, doubts, and worries. How “Who you gonna call?” In this exercise, ask does knowing about Thomas and the other campers to identify one person who they trust disciples make it easier to share some of your implicitly, who they would be willing to say doubts and fears? Once everyone who wants anything to—even going so far as to share to has contributed to the discussion, have their doubts and fears. Encourage campers to campers “erase” their doubts and fears. (If think about friends and counselors at camp in you are using sidewalk chalk, you may want that role too. Sometimes, these are the to provide a bucket of water for kids to use to friendships that last a lifetime! If appropriate erase their drawings.) to your setting, you may want campers to share some contact information if they are so 84 inclined. Discuss with campers what they do ill be feeling? Frightened? Alone? when they are worried or scared. Do they Researchers have learned a lot about the have a safe place that they go to? Or is there human brain, but there’s so much that they a person with whom they can share their still don’t know. Mental illness can be doubts and fears? To create a visual example, frightening because it can sometimes cause take a ball of yarn and throw it to different people to do scary things. It’s easy to fear people across the circle. When someone people with severe mental illness, and we catches the ball of yarn, ask her or him to may try to stay as far away from them as hold onto a part of it, to name someone or possible. On the other hand, there are many something that is comforting when she or he people with mild mental illness, and we is worried, and to toss the ball to someone maybe don’t even notice they are ill. The else. After the ball of yarn has gone around human brain and all of its complexity remains the circle a few times, you will have created a mystery, despite all that we have learned what looks like a spider web or perhaps a through research and human behavior. safety net. Explain that when we rely on each We learn in this story that Jesus not only met other, and recognize that other people have the man who was possessed by demons, but skills, abilities, and contacts that can be he also healed the man by casting the comforting when we are worried, we form a demons out. How might it have been to safety net for us and for others. witness this event? (Unbelievable, scary.) Have you ever known someone who was healed when they thought it wasn’t possible? The Crazy Thing about Jesus Jesus comes to the darkest corners of our (Intermediates) lives—mysterious places, spiritual places, Have campers form pairs and stand or sit places that need healing whether we know it facing each other. For a couple of minutes or not—and is not only there with us, but also and without talking, campers should try to working in us to make himself known and mind-read. Each camper should focus on his reveal his light. This is his mercy: there is no or her partner’s face and try to determine place Jesus’ love and healing cannot reach. what the partner is thinking. Ask, “What do Ask campers to share what places in their you think is going through your partner’s lives Jesus has touched that they never mind?” Of course, none of us really know thought would be possible. Close with a what goes through other people’s minds—we prayer asking God to reveal his light to you can only guess. But Jesus knows us so and bring healing and love to all corners of thoroughly that he knows our every thought your lives. and everything that we need, and he knows our souls. He knows things about us that we don’t even know ourselves. Does it comfort Feed the Need (Intermediates) you to know Jesus knows so much about you, Your campers have experienced and learned a or make you feel uneasy? Read Mark 5:1-20. lot this week. Undoubtedly they have lots This story reads like a horror movie (think going through their minds as they reflect on The Exorcist). If this demon-possessed man the week’s events and anticipate what going were encountered today, he would probably home will be like for them. Some may be be psychoanalyzed, diagnosed severely grieving the transition from camp to home, mentally ill, medicated, and probably housed and some may be very ready to return to in a mental health institution. Although familiar territory. Some campers will feel doctors might try to continue to heal him with both. Often, campers will look back on a week different therapies, chances are he would at camp as a “spiritual high,” when they knew remain severely mentally ill for the rest of his that they grew in their faith and were walking life. Have you ever encountered someone closely with God. This is also sometimes with severe mental illness? Did his or her paired with a spiritual letdown when they behavior frighten you? Part of our typical return home. Life outside of camp doesn’t reaction to this behavior is fear of the seem as exciting, finding God is harder, and unknown—we don’t know what to expect talking about God is suddenly uncomfortable. because the behavior doesn’t follow typical, Now what? Ask campers to share some normal patterns. How would the person who’s things they’ve learned this week. Which 85 stories opened your eyes to a new aspect of knowledge. Today’s story shifts our focus to Jesus? What main lessons will you take with the murky realm of spiritual questions: la you when you leave camp? Assure campers frontera. Sorting out the matters of our spirits that even though returning home might be is challenging work. Though we have sad and good at the same time, they can questions, it takes courage to ask them. Even always be close with God like they were at the most basic of inquiries can be difficult to camp if they pray with God and read God’s articulate. How do we ask our deepest, Word in the Bible. Another way they can be darkest questions? How do we express doubt close with God is by being with God’s people, or fear? How do we know that Jesus is which we call the body of Christ. Every time already there with us in the places that are you gather with God’s people, God is with you hardest to talk about? Well, we start with and you are not alone in your faith. Ask what we know: our bodies. campers who they think belongs to the body of Christ. (Accept all answers.) Ask campers A common experience of all campers, most where they’ve heard this before: “and after likely, is that they have at least a scar or two giving thanks he broke them and gave them on their bodies, and a story to go with each to the disciples.” Does it sound like what the scar. Gather in a circle and ask campers to pastor says when presiding over Holy each share a bodily scar story, and if they Communion? One way that we celebrate choose they can show their scar to the group Jesus’ presence in our lives is by taking Holy (be aware that some scars may be in places Communion together. In Holy Communion, campers won’t want to reveal, and assure Jesus provides everything we need to survive them that it’s not necessary to show those spiritually: forgiveness of sins. In fact, Jesus scars if they don’t want to). Have campers provides everything that we need to survive, answer this question when they tell their period. Read together Matthew 15:29-39. story: Did you feel afraid or alone when it was They know this story of the amazing miracle happening? Some of their stories will be Jesus performed by multiplying loaves of simple, and others almost unbelievable, some bread and fishes until thousands ate and were involving injury, and others involving surgery full. As campers recall the story or look back or self-inflicted incidents. Whatever the case, in the text, ask them questions. Who came to campers will probably enjoy sharing their be with Jesus? (The lame, the maimed, the stories! Limit the discussion, however, to blind, the mute, and many others.) Why did about 15 minutes. Jesus decide to feed them? (He had compassion for the crowd because they were Talk about the nature of scars. Scars reveal hungry, he didn’t want them to faint.) What that in some way we were once wounded. did Jesus do just before passing out the food? Although some fade with age, they are (He took it, gave thanks, and broke it.) How generally permanent. Some blend into our much did the people eat? (They ate until they skin, and others are red or purple and more were filled.) Explain to the campers that easily recognized. Scars indicate a wound, but today’s focus is about gathering with the body a wound that has healed. After an injury to of Christ and celebrating Holy Communion the skin, it heals over to make new skin, together. Encourage them to take notice of although the types of skin don’t match. Scars the variety of people included in the body of reveal that a hurt has changed into something Christ by observing other people at camp new. today. Close with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for providing others with whom we can Scars can be external or internal, and each share our faith and a way for Jesus to come affects us differently. Scarring on the outside to us and forgive our sins in Holy of our bodies is often something that is just Communion. cosmetic (surface appearance that doesn’t affect the body’s normal range of motion), but it can also be severe enough that it Scarred for Life (Intermediates) strains or limits movement or feeling, as in Our Bible studies so far have had an outward severe burn wounds and skin grafting. focus: learning how Jesus meets us and then Scarring on the inside of our bodies, such as how we in turn meet others with this scarring on organs from injury or disease, can 86 be troublesome if it interferes with normal Explain that today’s story happens the day functions of organs or joints. Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and Jesus appears to her, alive. She has Another type of internal scarring is something delivered this good news to the disciples, who we can’t see but we can feel. It’s the scarring are grieving the loss of their Lord. Shouldn’t that happens to our spirits when we’ve gone they be overjoyed that their leader has been through a difficult experience. Although it can raised from the dead? hurt tremendously while it’s happening, in the end this isn’t such a bad thing. It is closely Read or have campers read John 20:19-29 connected with grief, but it’s not the same once. Then revisit the passage for deeper thing as grief. Grief is the process of dealing study with this activity. Ask for one volunteer with change, specifically dealing with what to step aside, and have the rest of the we’ve lost. It doesn’t necessarily mean big campers stand in a tight circle, facing in with loss, like a friend or family member dying. It shoulders touching shoulders. Stand near the can be all the little losses we experience, like group and read to them John 20:19, just moving from a home you love to a new home through the phrase “fear of the Jews.” Explain or starting a new year of classes and realizing to the circle that they are the disciples in this it’s going to be harder than you thought. room. What is the greatest emotion among Sometimes we don’t grieve like we should. the group at this point? (Fear.) The volunteer Ask campers what holds people back from on the side represents anything that dealing with grief. (Other people won’t let threatens the disciples’ safety right now, them grieve, they might look weak, they’re including those who might wish to catch them afraid, the feelings are painful.) and crucify them too. The volunteer should try to break through the circle to the center, If we don’t acknowledge that our life is but the disciples must stand strong and do changing, or we fail to face and deal with our their best to not let the intruder into the circle grief, our wounds lay open and it’s harder to (within reason—remind campers of safety weather injuries to our spirits. Have you ever issues if necessary). Let the exercise continue heard about a person losing someone he or for just a minute or two before giving she loved dearly, and other people saying, someone else the chance to be the intruder. “They never got over her or him”? This is It might be fun for the campers to each take recognizing that the person is still vulnerable on the intruder role, and you may allow as to the pain of losing his or her loved one. many campers to try as you like. Whether or If we deal with our grief, the process of not someone breaks in, stop the activity after healing can happen. We may still feel some a few minutes and ask campers to sit down. pain, but over time it is likely to lessen as Ask campers about how we react to fear. scars form over our injury. We become What do you do, or want to do, when you are stronger. It is possible to make the mistake afraid? (We want to shut out what frightens that we can face our grief on our own, us.) What did the disciples do? (Locked however. Grief is a spiritual process in which themselves into a room.) Have campers open we can recognize Jesus. Jesus is with us when up their Bibles to John 20:19-29. Read or we go through changes and hardships, and have campers read verses 19-23. Pause to Jesus is with us when we deal with our grief. process what is happening in the story. What Let’s explore together how this happens. happens before the disciples rejoice at Jesus’ presence? (He says “peace” and shows them his scars.) What directions does Jesus give Fear and Doubting in Jerusalem the disciples? (He sends them, and he directs (Intermediates) them to receive the Holy Spirit.) What Introduce the story by talking about Jesus’ important function of God is Jesus passing on crucifixion. Ask campers to tell you the main to his disciples? (Forgiving sins.) points of Jesus’ crucifixion story. The order of events isn’t terribly important, but if someone Continue reading verses 24-25. What kind of doesn’t say something about Jesus being proof did Thomas need in order to believe? speared in the side or being nailed to the (To touch Jesus’ scars.) Was this an cross, volunteer those events yourself. unreasonable request? (No—the other 87 disciples saw Jesus’ scars before believing it would want us to ask him to be with us, so was him too.) Jesus’ scars are a crucial part we could pray to him.) of his story because they reveal that he was once wounded, but has now been healed in Assure campers that it is possible—even his resurrection. By these he proves that he is probable—that they will doubt God’s presence alive, and that he is their Lord. This proof is or work in the world from time to time. This is one step in the right direction for the normal and acceptable to Jesus. He even disciples, but it still didn’t seem to ease their knows when it’s happening, just as he knew fears. Thomas doubted his appearance even without Thomas saying so directly to him. It does not Finish reading the passage. Did Jesus come to mean, however, that Jesus will not work in us lecture them about being afraid? How do we to overcome that doubt. We can try to protect know this? (He says “peace” again.) How did ourselves as best we can by denying there is Jesus know that Thomas doubted he was a God (which might simplify things) or by alive? (It doesn’t say—Thomas told the other trying to shut out his help when we need it disciples that he didn’t believe, but not most. But as Jesus appeared to the disciples Jesus.) and proved he was their Lord by showing his scars to them, Jesus proves that he cannot be Certainly it wasn’t the first time or the last shut out by boundaries we create—whether time they doubted their Lord or feared what those are physical boundaries like locked might happen to them if they believed in rooms, or spiritual boundaries like fear and Jesus. But even the biggest doubts about doubt. We may be wounded from this life in Jesus’ resurrection didn’t stop him from the world, but Jesus knows our wounds and bringing a word of peace to the disciples. In works to reach us even when we’re scarred the same way, Jesus comes to us when we over. have huge questions and fears. Today’s story is given to us to help us deal with these Have campers look over the fears they’ve spiritual issues in a good way: by relying on written and encourage them to write a short Jesus to help us face our grief, and to be with prayer to Jesus, asking him to help them deal us when we feel hurt, afraid, and alone. with the fears they specified.

Fear Factor (Intermediates) Turning Over a New Leaf (Intermediates) Ask campers to write one or two of their fears Have campers each choose a fallen leaf from in their journals. Underneath their fears, they the ground. Their leaves should be intact, not should draw a horizontal line across the page. decaying, and dry. Have campers spread out They should label one end “Will never around the immediate area and tell them happen” and the other end “Will definitely you’ll have a contest to see who can keep happen.” Then ask them to mark with a slash their leaf in the air the longest. Once you’ve where on the spectrum lies the probability of said go, no hands or other body parts are their fears being realized (coming true). For allowed, only blowing on the leaf to keep it example, a fear of death would be marked at afloat. This contest won’t last very long! You the “Will definitely happen” end because may play several times. Ask campers to everyone dies an earthly death, but a fear of suggest factors that might have kept their spiders (for whatever reason) would be leaves in the air longer. Would wind have marked somewhere closer to the “Will never helped? More lung capacity? An electric leaf happen” end. When it seems like all the blower? Could they keep their leaves in the campers have completed this, ask them what air indefinitely if they had the right kind of they would do if suddenly their fear was help? If they saw a leaf hovering in the air realized. Would they panic? Cry? Face it without falling to the ground, could they bravely? Laugh? Pray? Is it hard to imagine believe it? Why or why not? Ask campers to that Jesus might be with you when you have suggest ways that they know a story is true. to face your fear? How might Jesus want us (Saw it with their own eyes, heard it from a to deal with our fears? (To know his peace, he trusted source like a good friend, and so forth.) The story of Jesus is 2,000 years old, 88 and some of it is pretty hard to believe. How with their eyes closed where they try to link do we know it’s true? (It is written down in up with the person who is “it” until everyone the Bible, people have told the story for is linked together. Tell campers that one centuries.) There are a lot of good stories person will be chosen to be “it.” Everyone, floating around our world, good ones including “it,” will walk around the playing happening even right now. What are the area with eyes closed. Every time the other chances that a really impressive story from campers bump into someone they are to say, today will still be told 2,000 years from now? “Peace be with you.” If they bump into the (Not very good.) Will the story of Jesus, God’s person who is “it,” that person will respond, Son, still be told then? (Yes!) What will help it “and also with you.” If campers hear the survive? (The Holy Spirit will keep it alive by completed phrase, they link arms with that helping us to tell it.) person and travel together until the next encounter. If they bump into someone who Have campers open their Bibles to John also says, “Peace be with you,” then they just 20:19-29 again. What did Jesus do that continue on their way. Ask all to close their ensures his story will last forever? (Note eyes and then select a person to be “it.” Play verse 22—he breathed the Holy Spirit onto until the entire group is linked. Play several the disciples.) Jesus needed the disciples to rounds. know they could trust that God was with them even when he, Jesus, was not visible to them. This was not the only reason, however, that What is La Frontera? (Senior High) he gave them the Holy Spirit. Tell campers that during the past three days we have explored the ways that Jesus meets Recite together from memory, if possible, the us. Ask campers if they can brainstorm some Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed (the “I of the ways they have learned so far. believe in the Holy Spirit” article). Invite (Through our neighbor, when we feel like an campers to open their Small Catechisms to outcast, when we are hurting, on the cross, the pages that give the meaning of this and so forth.) Remind campers that the article. Ask a volunteer to read the “What overall theme of the Bible studies is la does this mean?” explanation. frontera. Give each camper a slip of paper and a writing utensil. Ask each one to write a Explore the purposes of the Holy Spirit with definition for la frontera. If they do not this activity: Have campers write the letters understand the concept yet, ask them to of the words Holy Spirit vertically in the make up a definition. While campers are middle of a page in their journals. Using the writing, you will write the following definition Small Catechism as a resource, they should on a piece of paper: “a place of transition or find words from the Third Article and its indecision, on the edge of a place, or a explanation that include letters used in the border.” Collect all the papers, mix them up, words Holy Spirit, incorporating the letter into and then tell campers that you will read all the word. Words can be entered at the the definitions and they need to guess which beginning, middle, or end of the word. For one is correct. (There may be multiple correct example, for “H” they might write “gatHers”; definitions.) Read from all the slips of paper for “O” they might write “whOle”, and so and then have campers guess. Reveal which forth. Give campers about five minutes to definitions were correct. Discuss the concept complete the activity. of la frontera. Tell campers that it is a Spanish word that relates to our Bible studies. Talk about the many functions of this Holy Form three groups, assigning Day 1 to the Spirit that we cannot see but that keeps the first group, Day 2 to the second group, and story of Jesus alive and unites believers into Day 3 to the last group. Ask campers to one church. review their assigned day’s Bible study and come up with reasons why la frontera fits as an overall theme. Bring the groups together Peace Link Up (Senior High) and have each small group share. (Responses Bring the group together in an open area. might include: The woman at the well was on Explain to campers that they will play a game the edges of society and Jesus crossed 89 societal borders to talk with her. The injured Guided Imagery (Senior High) man in the good Samaritan parable was lying Ask campers to think about the stories about on the edge of the road. Jesus broke through being scared that they shared and remember the boundaries of sin and death as he crossed the feelings of fear and worry they may have the border into death and then rose again.) experienced. Tell them that in today’s Bible story, we first see the disciples huddled in a house and filled with fear. They are afraid Disappearing Ground (Senior High) because Jesus had been crucified and they Fold up a tarp and lay it on the ground so that thought that the authorities might be coming all the campers, when huddled together, can to get them next. They had locked all the stand comfortably on it. Ask campers to doors of the house. Ask campers to imagine surround the tarp and tell them that their that they are one of these disciples as you challenge is to all stand on the tarp without read the text. Read John 20:19-29. Discuss any part of their bodies touching the ground the guided imagery with the following around the tarp. Tell campers to begin. They questions: should be able to do this easily. Affirm the  How did you feel when Jesus entered the campers and ask them to step off the tarp. house? Now, fold it in half and ask them to do the  What did Jesus look like? same thing. Each time they succeed, fold the  What do you think Jesus meant when he tarp in half and ask them to try again. said, “As the Father sent me, so I send Continue until it is impossible for the entire you”? group to stand on the tarp.  What was your reaction to Thomas when Ask the group about the activity. he would not believe unless he saw the  How did it feel when the tarp kept marks of the nails in Jesus’ hands? shrinking?  Were you surprised when Jesus appeared  What was your level of comfort during the a second time? activity? Read the story again, asking campers to  Was anyone frustrated? imagine that they are Thomas. Then ask the Tell campers that often when we are afraid, it following questions: feels as though the ground below us is  What was your reaction when the disciples disappearing and we huddle close to those told you what you had missed—that Jesus who care about us. Today our Bible text tells had returned to them? How did you feel? us about the disciples who were afraid and  Why do you think you were not in the huddled together in a small room. house with the other disciples? (Perhaps Thomas was the only disciple who was able to get past his fears and go out of the Scary Stories (Senior High) house.) Form groups of four or five. Ask them to sit  How did you feel when Jesus showed you together in a circle and have each person his wounds? share a story from a time when she or he was  Does imagining yourself as Thomas lead afraid. Ask them to include what happened to you to understand his doubt better? ease their fear in the end. After groups have had enough time to share, tell them to choose one person’s story to act out for the rest of An Inside View (Senior High) the group. Give them time to practice their Have campers form groups of four or five. Ask drama. Bring the groups together and have them to come up with a drama showing the each group act out the story. disciples when Jesus returned to them. Tell After everyone has shared, ask the following them that they should speak the thoughts the questions: disciples were having so that the audience  Did you notice any similarities in the can have an inside view into what they think stories? the disciples were feeling. Give the groups 10  What kinds of things scare us? minutes to come up with their drama and  How were people’s fears eased? then bring them back together to share.  How does your faith help you when you Ask if this activity helped shed more light are afraid? upon the behavior of the disciples. 90

Is seeing believing? Ask for volunteers to on dry land and sending him to Ninevah to read John 20:1-18. This is the text that proclaim God’s message.) precedes the text we have been studying thus far. Draw attention to the final verse in which Mary Magdalene tells the disciples that she Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubt and Fear has seen the Lord. Ask if it surprises campers (Senior High) that the disciples had already been told the Ask campers to find a partner who is the good news before they were hiding behind closest to their height. Pairs will take a walk the locked doors of their house. Thomas is around the camp area. During the walk ask given the title of the doubter, yet did not the campers to share a time when they felt filled other disciples doubt Mary’s words? What with doubts. Give campers plenty of time for other clue is in verses 19-20 that tells us they both partners to share. Then bring the group doubted as well? (After he entered the house, back together. Ask those campers who feel Jesus has to show them his hands and side comfortable to share with the whole group before they rejoiced.) Ask campers why it is about their time of doubting. Then ask: so hard to believe without seeing.  What have you learned today about Jesus’ reaction to our times of doubt? (Jesus continues to meet us even when we have Jonah’s Slide Show (Senior High) emotionally locked ourselves away from Form groups of four or five. Tell each group to him.) read Jonah 2:1-10. Ask them to read the text  Is it okay to be a Christian and to doubt? through twice and then come up with a slide (Of course! We wouldn’t be real human show to tell the story. To do the slide show, beings if we didn’t doubt. Often during campers will come up with five or six different these doubting times, we learn more freeze frames with campers positioned to tell about God and ourselves, and our faith different parts of the story. The audience will grows deeper, though it may take a long close its eyes while the performers get into time to realize this. The important thing is position. Then you will tell the audience to to remember that just as when the open its eyes for about five seconds, then tell disciples doubted, Jesus comes to us and them to close eyes again while the performers gives us his peace.) assume the next position, and so on. One camper from the group can read the text throughout the slide show. Sharing the Peace (Senior High) After everyone has had a chance to share, In our churches we often share the peace discuss the following questions: during worship. Ask those campers who have  Why is Jonah in the belly of a fish? (He done this to tell the group what the refused God’s call for him to witness in experience of sharing the peace is like for Ninevah and was on a ship when a storm them. Then ask: arose. Jonah was thrown into the sea  When Jesus enters the locked house of when the sailors believed that the storm’s the disciples his first words are, “Peace be fury was because of his disobedience.) with you.” What is the significance of this?  Why do you think Jonah was “fleeing from (Jesus understands that the disciples are the presence of the Lord”? (Campers may afraid. He meets them in the place of their have a variety of ideas for this question: fear and doubt. Jesus gives them the gift Jonah was afraid; he doubted God’s call or of his peace.) his own ability to do what God asked of  What is important about his second him.) statement, “Peace be with you. As the  When Jonah was filled with fear and Father has sent me, so I send you”? (The despair inside the fish, what did he do? disciples are hiding in a house with the (He prayed to the Lord for deliverance.) doors locked, filled with fear and doubt.  How did God respond? (Even though Jesus is giving them his peace and then Jonah had run away from the Lord, God encouraging them to go forth with the still meets him in his fear and worry. God good news of his resurrection. The delivers Jonah from the fish, setting him disciples are able to do this because Jesus

91

has met them where they were at, which fluid motions that symbolize the meaning of was a place of fear and worry.) the text. Ask them to dance to Jonah’s  Does this discussion we’ve had today prayer. Give groups as much time as they change your feelings about sharing the need to prepare and then provide an peace in worship? opportunity for each group to present. After the discussion has come to a close, spend some time sharing the peace with one another. Tell campers that when we say, Pantomime Faith or Fear “Peace be with you” and “And also with you,” Have each camper (younger children can be we are sharing Christ’s peace with one paired with older campers or adults) write another. down one saying, proverb, or motto he or she believes to be true and one thing that frightens him or her. One camper at a time La Frontera (Senior High) (or pair for small children) acts out either the Today we have discussed the concept of la faith or the fear he or she wrote down. The frontera and how it applies to the Bible actor gives his or her paper to the audience, studies earlier in the week and today. Ask which gets to decide if the player is acting out campers to think about the statement, “La faith or fear. Players may not speak, but can frontera is everywhere.” Give them paper and use traditional pantomime signs. Suggest a writing utensil or ask them to use a journal they agree on a nonverbal symbol for faith if they have one. Ask campers to spend some (such as hands together as if in prayer) and time journaling about whether they agree or fear (such as closing one’s eyes and covering disagree with the statement and why. You one’s ears). Play until each camper has had a can bring the campers back to share as a turn to pantomime. group or simply let the time be individual reflection. Fear Factor Charades For this game, form two equal-sized groups. Word of Peace Ask each group to write down all kinds of The peace that Jesus brings to us can surprise fears that the other team will act out and try us with its huge impact, and it might present to guess. Once each team has about 15 itself in big or small ways. Work as a group to suggestions in its hat, gather everyone create a word of peace for others to discover together to play a game of charades. The first as they go about camp. Discuss the different team elects two people to come up and draw possibilities with your campers, and ask them a fear from the other team’s hat. Give a set for ideas too. If you have a beach with lots of amount of time, such as 30 seconds, to get sand, the group could sculpt the word peace their team to guess that fear. For each fear in huge letters on the beach. If you have lots they guess correctly, award them one of trails, the group could carve the word thousand points. peace into the dirt along the trail, either once in large letters or over and over again along the trail. If you have lots of fallen branches, Blindman Kickball the group might gather them and construct This game is intended to push limits of trust the letters in the word peace on the ground with campers, and counselors must take where others will see it. Have fun working extreme caution in selecting a place where it together to surprise others with a word of can be played safely. Form two teams and peace. explain that they will be playing kickball with a twist. Give each member of the outfield team a blindfold and assign a guide to each Liturgical Dance player. Each person, including the pitcher, In groups of four to six, ask campers to read must rely on the direction of her or his guide Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2:1-10. Tell campers to make the play. To complicate matters, the that liturgical dance is a way to express the kicker is also blindfolded and must rely on a feelings and actions from a particular guide for advice on when and how to kick. scripture text. This dance is really showing After a number of attempts to play the game, 92 get campers to discuss the difficulties of person next to them in line. Have one partner playing a game this way. Then turn them put on a blindfold. Tell the other campers that loose for a lively game of regular kickball! they are to lead their blindfolded partner around the camp area by touching one finger to their partner’s finger. Pressing finger to Blind Faith finger, they will walk around camp. Give them It’s difficult to trust that Jesus is leading us in time to explore and then switch partners. the right direction, especially because we Remind them to be safe and avoid dangerous can’t see him. But that is what faith is about: areas. Bring the group together and ask each trusting in, believing in something you can’t camper to share what it felt like to be blind see. You will be choosing or setting up a and trusting someone else. Also ask what it course for this game in which each “caller” is felt like to be the one with sight and to guide a partner through the course. Find a responsible for the partner’s safety. place at your site that has some open space and a few obstacles. The obstacles may be fixed (tree, building) or maneuverable (cone, Elbows Up chair). The course could also be as simple as For this game, the group needs to gather traveling from one end of an open field to the around a table or in a circle on the ground. other or a more difficult and narrow path on a Choose one person to be “the watcher.” The trail through trees. Adjust the difficulty of the watcher must leave the group for a few course according to your group’s ability. minutes while you give a pebble or coin to a As you explain the game, stress the group member. Now the watcher can return importance of safety during play. Ask callers and as he or she watches, the group must to not rush their partners, and emphasize pass the pebble under the table from person that callers should stay only a few feet (about to person. (If you are playing on the ground, a meter) away from their partners at all then the entire group must pretend to pass all times. Form pairs (for an odd number of at the same time with their left hands open players form one group of three). One partner and their right hands picking up the pebble or covers her or his eyes with the blindfold, the imaginary pebble from their left hand and while the other becomes the caller. Giving placing it in the palm of their neighbor’s left simple directions, without touching, the caller hand.) After a few minutes the watcher says, guides the blindfolded partner through the “Elbows up,” and everyone must put their course. Have players switch with their elbows on the table with their fists clenched. partners once they have finished. The watcher has three chances to guess who has the pebble. Whoever has the pebble is the watcher for the next round. Yurt Circle Jesus’ love holds us up, even when it seems impossible. For this game, an even number of Imitate Me players stand in a circle and securely hold Players will try to imitate the rhythm the hands. Every other player is the “yin” and the leader taps out with the spoon and cup, but opposite players are the “yang.” On the what they really have to imitate is the body leader’s count of three, players keep their posture of the leader. Sit with the group in a bodies straight and slowly lean: the “yin” lean large circle, with your legs to one side or in, and the “yang” lean out. The group should straight in front of you. Tell campers you hold the position for a couple of seconds—it want them to imitate you. They can clap their really works! Return to positions and switch hands to imitate the sounds you make. leaning directions. Tap out a simple rhythm with the spoon and cup. Pause between each set of sounds and repeat it. As you do this, move your feet to a Trust Walks different position. Keep repeating the rhythm Tell campers that as Christians we often walk and changing your posture. As soon as by faith and not by sight. Ask campers to line someone in the group catches on to what you up in order of birthdays from January 1 to are doing, ask them to be the leader. December 31. Then pair campers with the Periodically repeat the phrase, “Imitate me.” 93

After the game ask campers to talk about group will assist them by humming softly or their experience playing the game. loudly. The closer the sculptors are to (Frustrating, confusing, challenging.) Ask if duplicating a posture, the louder the they see similarities between this and trying humming. Repeat for as long as there is to imitate Christ. (It’s hard to know what to interest. Ask those who were sculptors what it focus on; it’s not as easy at is sounds; it may was like trying to catch on to something they take effort to get the rhythm of it.) didn’t see firsthand. What must it have been like for Thomas to try to catch up with what he missed? Here I Stand Ask two players to leave the area. Pick two more campers to be the “clay” for a sculpture. The rest of the campers shape these two into some sort of statue. Have the two statue campers leave the pose and stand up. Bring back the two players who were sent out. Their task is to duplicate the statue. The

94

Day 4 Worship Ideas

Don’t Worry! campers to share what they experienced in Light the candle in the dish or pan. Invite the story. Close with a prayer. each camper to write down a worry on a slip of paper. Ask them to hold their papers while someone reads Matthew 6:25-34. Pause and Say What? let the words hang in the air for a few Have campers tell you the story of Jonah, moments. Then invite campers to bring their everything they know about it. (They are worries to burn in the fire. When everybody’s probably familiar with this story. If they worries have been completely burned, reread aren’t, they can open their Bibles to the book verses 25 and 33 as a closing benediction. of Jonah and tell you the facts as they glance through the story.) A couple of times during their telling, stop them and feign confusion by When In Doubt… asking them to clarify whatever point they For a simple devotion to address worries and just made. For example, when they say Jonah concerns, or even doubts in our own abilities, was thrown overboard to stop the storm, say, refer to Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things “I’m lost. Jonah was thrown overboard? Tell through [Christ] who strengthens me.” Create me how (or why) that happened again.” a mantra for campers, asking them to fill in Convey that you’re learning this story for the the area of doubt or concern: first time and the facts of the story are lost on  I’m not sure I can live up to my parents’ you—it’s a very confusing tale, and hard to expectations of me. “I can do all things believe. Encourage them to keep telling you through [Christ] who strengthens me.” more until they’ve told all they can tell.  I don’t think I can do a trust fall. “I can do Explain that sometimes stories are hard to all things through [Christ] who believe, even if we know they came from a strengthens me.” reliable source. Jonah’s story is like that, Make a button out of a disc of a branch, hot because it sounds like a fairy tale. But Jonah’s glue, and a safety pin. The pin can say, “I story tells us something about God’s presence can…” as a reminder of Paul’s full sentiment. in our lives, and that’s really important. Read Jonah 2. Jonah is in an unbelievable place—the belly of a giant fish! He must have Meditation on John 21 been frightened beyond belief. How could he This is a meditation on the scenes in John 21, survive such a situation, much less think the last chapter of the Gospels. Ask campers clearly enough to know that the Lord God was to get comfortable lying down or sitting, with with him? Yet he prayed in this mysterious their eyes closed or focused on something place and God answered his prayer by saving that’s not distracting. Set the scene for your him. What does this tell you about God’s campers, explaining that this story happens presence in the most unbelievable places you after Jesus was resurrected. Invite campers could ever be? Close in prayer, asking God to to imagine that they are one of the characters always hear you no matter where you are at, in the story, such as Simon Peter, Thomas, no matter how afraid you are. (Luther’s Nathanael, or one of the other disciples, and Evening Prayer, Small Catechism, would be then place themselves into the scene—on the appropriate here.) edge of a sea, just after dawn. They should imagine with as many senses as they can. What are the sounds, smells, sights, tastes, Healing Sounds and textures of the story? Read John 21 All of us have wounds. Some wounds are deliberately, not hurrying through it. Pause visible and some cannot be seen. Emotional after particularly descriptive parts to give wounds can be the most painful. Jesus can campers time to visualize. At the end, pause heal all of these wounds. He meets us when before asking campers to come out of their we are in pain, filled with fear. Even when we meditation. Gather in a circle and ask try to lock Jesus out of our lives, he continues to try to meet us.

95

Gather campers in a circle. Do any of them up and over the branch. If you do this have a scar? Invite them to share how they correctly, the ball will end up dangling in mid- got it. We also have emotional scars from air. Ask again if they believe you can throw times we felt afraid, hurt, put down, or the ball so it does not land on the ground. ashamed. Jesus heals all our wounds! Give Discuss what happened. There was more to each camper a bandage. Explain that it is a the story than you revealed at first. Other symbol of Jesus healing our wounds. Invite factors changed the outcome. Read Matthew campers to turn to a neighbor, say, “Jesus 7:7-8. Have campers discuss any seemingly longs to meet you and heal your wounds,” impossible situations they’ve seen that had a and put the bandage on their neighbor’s happy outcome. What role do they think hand. Campers can leave the bandage on prayer played in the outcome? Close with a their hands as a sign of healing. circle prayer, giving everyone a chance to offer a petition of thanksgiving and requests for help with personal situations. Peace Prayers When Jesus appeared to his disciples after he had risen, he said, “Peace be with you.” A Sensible God Christ’s peace is an amazing gift and blessing Form five groups and assign one of our five to us. Using the following prayer litany, pray senses (sight, sound, taste, smell, touch) to for those who need Jesus’ peace. Campers each. Each group will think of ways God might can also offer their own petitions. be revealed to us through that sense, as Leader: For those in the battlefield, many ways as possible before you call time. Campers: Peace be with you. Give campers about three minutes to think of Leader: For those children who know the fear their examples. Have campers sit in a circle of war, and share their ideas one team at a time. Campers: Peace be with you. When all have finished, open the discussion Leader: For those whose lives are filled with for additional ideas. Close by reading Psalm 8 hurry and stress, and saying a closing prayer thanking God for Campers: Peace be with you. the different ways we have to receive Leader: For those who struggle with information about the world around us and addictions, God’s presence with us. Campers: Peace be with you. Leader: For those suffering from pain and illness, Prayer Journey (Pioneers) Campers: Peace be with you. Take the campers on a prayer journey. Walk Leader: For those who feel guilt for past around the camp or church. Discover places behavior, where you can stop and pray. Some Campers: Peace be with you. examples: Gather at a large tree and pray (Here petitions from campers can be offered.) that God will help campers grow and reach Leader: For all of us gathered here, out to others. At a fork in the path or Camper: Peace be with you. intersection, pray that God will help campers make good choices. Stop at the lake or a water faucet and ask for God’s cleansing. End Is it Possible? by saying that God meets us in la frontera of Before you meet your campers put the tape our lives. Thank God for being with us always. and string in a pocket or sack. Take your campers to a place where there is a tree branch or bar 8 feet (2.5 m) or higher. Have Song Writing (Pioneers) the campers sit in a group in front of you. Create a brainstorm list of 14 two-syllable Show them the ball and ask if they think you words that relate to la frontera. Words might can throw it up so it doesn’t come back down include caring, loving, grace/hope, Jesus, to the ground. Most likely they will say this is neighbor, and so forth. Then sing these words impossible. Now tape the string to the ball. to the tune of “Amazing Grace.” Use this in Hold the free end of the string in one hand the closing camp worship. and toss the ball with the string attached to it 96

Day 5: Jesus Meets Us in the Feast

Bible Text: Luke 24:13-35 (Road to Emmaus)

Concept: The table of the Lord: The place where the body of Christ meets.

Objectives: What will campers… Know: That everyone is invited to God’s table and feast. Feel: Jesus’ presence in the breaking of the bread and feel welcome at God’s table. Do: Celebrate God’s love for the whole world through Jesus by sharing meals and fellowship with others.

Song Ideas: Micah 6:8, Lord, I Lift Your Name on High, One Bread, One Body, Seek Ye First, Shine, Jesus, Shine

Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, that you gather us together in communities. Thank you for the strength and insights we have drawn from one another here this week. As we prepare our hearts and minds toward the communities we have left behind, fill us with the spirit of your love and openness. Grant that we might be a blessing to those we will meet back home. Thank you for inviting us to the feast in honor of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Daily Story: Eric woke up early. It was a special day! He was going to have Holy Communion for the first time. He and his parents had met with their pastor. He learned about the bread and wine—the body and blood of Jesus. Pastor Danielle called it a feast for everyone all over the world. She had him close his eyes and imagine people he knew coming to the communion table. “Imagine your grandma is there, people you know and don’t know, people you like and don’t like, people dressed like you and not dressed like you, people who look like you and don’t look like you,” she said. Pastor Danielle said to imagine that people all over the world are at this table because Jesus welcomes all of us. We are there because God loves us and has given us gifts—we have grace, love, hope, and forgiveness. Eric was enjoying the picture in his mind when his mom called, “Time to get up, Eric.” He opened his eyes and jumped out of bed. He was ready to join others at God’s feast!

Questions for discussion  Why was Eric excited? Who would be at the feast?  Why is everyone at God’s feast?  Do you go to communion? What is it like in your church?

97

Day 5 Games and Activities

Jesus Gathers Us (Pioneers)  What did Jesus talk about? (He talked Show pictures of different types of bread. about what it says in the Bible about the Ideally the pictures will show people from Messiah.) Reread portions of this section around the world with different types of of the text so campers hear again what bread. Buy frozen bread dough or make Jesus had to say. some bread dough ahead of time. After the  What happened when they sat down to campers wash their hands, give them a small eat? (Jesus broke the bread and the men amount of dough. Encourage them to knead realized this was Jesus.) the dough for a few minutes. As campers  What happened next? (Jesus disappeared explore the dough, ask these reflective and the men went back to Jerusalem and questions: told the disciples they had seen the risen  Who eats bread? Lord.)  Did you know bread is eaten all over the Share the bread and drink with the campers. world? We all need bread to live.  Does anyone know who is called “the bread of the life”? (Jesus.) What do you Jesus Sends Us (Pioneers) think it means to call Jesus “the bread of When did the disciples realize this man was life”? Jesus? (When they were eating together.)  What does it mean to break bread with This is a very important point because it someone? (Eat with them.) shows that Jesus is with us when we are in Today we will learn about God’s feast and relationship to others. Who do you eat meals Jesus breaking bread with his disciples. Place with? (Family, friends, campers, people at the dough on a greased baking sheet and church.) Say, “We sit down and eat meals cover with a cloth. Place the baking sheet in a with people we may know only a little or a lot. warm spot to rise. After 20 minutes or so, The story of the disciples on the road to bake the bread. The campers can eat the Emmaus shows that God is with us at all bread later in the day. times. Sometimes we can’t see or don’t know God is with us. When have you known that God is with you?” Make a brainstorm list. If Jesus Meets Us (Pioneers) campers can’t think of any times, share times Take a walk with your campers. (In a you have felt God with you. “Do you ever feel backpack have a loaf of bread and juice or God is not with you? (Yes.)” Ask campers to water and cups.) As you walk, tell the story of share times when they feel God is not with Jesus appearing to the disciples on the road them. (War, my parents are divorced, my dad to Emmaus. When you get to the place in the lost a job, we had a fire in our apartment story where Jesus and the disciples begin building, my dog died.) Let the campers eating, find a good spot to sit in a circle. At know that God is with us even when our this point invite campers to open their Bibles hearts are sad and lonely. Just like Jesus was to Luke 24:13-35 and take turns reading the with those men on the road in today’s story story. Ask the following questions to check for and they didn’t know it was him, Jesus is understanding: walking with us today and every day. In the  Why were the two men (disciples) upset church we celebrate this time of Jesus being and sad? (Their leader and friend, Jesus, with us by sharing a meal. had died.)  This meal has a number of names. What  What did Jesus do? (He walked with them are some of the names? (Holy and talked.) Communion, The Lord’s Supper, the  Why were the men surprised when they Eucharist, Communion, The Table.) were talking with Jesus on the road? (He  What happens at this meal? (People get didn’t know anything about what had wine and bread. We celebrate Jesus’ happened.) presence with us in a special way.)  Did the men know who Jesus was when they were walking together? (No.)

98

 Who comes to this meal? (Answers will  people showing grace vary depending on the campers’ After all the pictures are taken, gather experience.) together and collect the cameras. View the  Why do we share this meal? (To pictures and talk about the experience. remember Jesus, forgiveness of sins, love of Jesus, hope, grace, promise.) At this meal we remember and believe that Easter Story Hunt (Pioneers) Jesus is with us in the breaking of the bread. Materials: Seven different colored plastic The bread is the body of Jesus and the wine is Easter eggs, drawings of the items listed the blood of Jesus. (Campers may get silly below to go inside the eggs: about the blood/wine and body/bread thing.  Branch—entry to Jerusalem as king (Mark Keep the conversation on Jesus being present 11:7-8) in the meal.) Since Holy Communion is  Cup—the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-19, shared all over the world by Christians, we 26-28) are all part of this large community. People all  Cross or nails—Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus is around the world are eating with Jesus and with us at the cross. (John 19:16-22) with us.  Stone—stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 28:1-2)  Empty egg—Jesus is risen (Matthew 28:5- Photo Scavenger Hunt (Pioneers) 8) Materials: A digital camera for each group of  Bread—Jesus is present in the breaking of 3-7 campers, scavenger hunt list, a computer the bread (Luke 24:30-31) or other means of viewing the pictures, one  Bible—tell others the story of God (Luke adult for each group. 24:46-50) Hide the eggs in a specified playing area Form two or more groups. (Keep groups to 3- outside. Have the campers go around and find 7 people.) Invite campers to go around in the eggs. Once they are all found, sit in a groups taking pictures of the items on the circle with a Bible and open the eggs. scavenger hunt list. Take ideas from the list Challenge campers to put the eggs in the below or make up your own list based on your correct order. As time allows and is necessary setting. The goal is to take as many pictures for understanding, read the appointed Bible as possible and complete the list first. Think verses. Allow campers time to figure out what creatively. Establish a time limit. Pictures to each item represents. take:  your group with a cross  three members of your group with some God’s Great Banquet—Who’s In? bread (Juniors)  two members of your group with a Ask campers to consider parties they’ve been member of the camp/church staff invited to. Do you ever want to know who  some in your group acting like statues else is going before you say whether you’ll showing the story of the good Samaritan go? Are you ever afraid that you’ll be out of  your group with water place with the people who show up? Read the  your group making the letter “J” with their story of God’s great banquet in Luke 14:15- bodies 24. Then ask campers to retell the story in  your group by a tree modern terms by acting it out. Perhaps cast  members of your group and others the class president as the person throwing the showing forgiveness party—or perhaps even the leader of your  members of your group with others country. Try to get campers to fully showing God’s love comprehend that God really wants everyone  your group with the word la frontera at the banquet. It’s up to us whether to  your group making the shape of a heart attend!  your group walking on the “road”  members of your group “breaking bread”  your whole group together (get someone outside your group to take the picture) 99

Invitation Only (Juniors)  American flag and hamburgers (Fourth of Early in the morning, before campers wake July) up, give them an invitation to a party, with  Fiesta, piñata, parade, dancing (Cinco de today’s date and the time of the Bible study Mayo [Fifth of May]: Mexican celebration on it. Make it look a little like an invitation to of victory over the French) an upper elementary birthday party. For each of these “feast” occasions, ask Somewhere on the invitation put the words campers to explain some of their family “By Invitation Only.” Try to stir up a little bit traditions, church traditions, or traditions with of excitement over the prospect of a party friends. Ask them who usually comes to each later today. At party time, ask campers what of these “feasts” and whether strangers are people typically eat at birthday parties. Ask ever invited. Do any families do anything them who is usually invited to a birthday special if strangers come to holiday meals? party. Ask if anyone was ever not invited to a Ask campers why they think food is always party that they really wanted to attend. tied to our special occasions. Brainstorm all of the things that usually go with birthdays (things like a birthday cake, candles, singing “Happy Birthday,” having Recognizing Jesus in the Feast (Juniors) friends around, birthday presents, party In today’s Bible story, two disciples meet a favors, balloons, and so forth.) If you see a stranger on the road to Emmaus. They are card with a cake and candles, what do you stunned to find out that he doesn’t know what think of? Explain that like birthday parties, has happened or why they are so sad. They there are lots of traditions that remind us of a invite Jesus in to join them for a meal. whole bunch of events even when we only Because it is a long story, ask for several see a few parts of the picture. It is like this volunteers to each read five verses of Luke with a lot of our traditions. Ask campers what 24:13-35. Tell them that you will be on a long they think of when they see some of the walk while they read the story. Begin walking following images together: and have each reader take turns reading the  a pilgrim, a Native American person, and story. Walk a few paces between each a cornucopia (Thanksgiving) segment of the story. When you have finished  fat man in a red suit, elves, and presents consider the following as a group: (Christmas)  How long do you think we just walked? (A  a foam finger, cheerleaders, and referees camper may want to wear a pedometer, (Basketball game) or measure ahead of time about how far  graves of family members decorated with the group will walk.) flowers, candies, and food (Dia de los  How long would it take to walk 7 miles (11 Muertos [Day of the Dead]: a Mexican kilometers)? celebration honoring the dead that  How much do you think Jesus could have parallels All Saints Day) taught during the walk?  How many times do you think the men on the road would have been able to look at Famous Feasts (Juniors) Jesus while he was talking? For many of our traditions, we have certain Ask campers to help decipher the story by foods and objects that remind us of certain volunteering to help recap the highlights. events. To bring home how associations work Frame the question as follows: The campers for us, use some made-up “feast” flash cards meet someone in their church who asks them to see what campers think of when they see what happened on the road to Emmaus. What the images on them. Some of the flash cards would they tell that person about the may include things like: important points of the story? Ask campers  a turkey (Thanksgiving) to guess why the disciples didn’t recognize  a present under a tree (Christmas) Jesus until he ate with them. The Bible tells  a bunny and an egg (Easter) us that their eyes were kept from recognizing  two doves kissing and holding two rings him. (Some possibilities include: They weren’t (wedding) expecting to run into someone who had died  masks and beads (Mardi Gras) a few days earlier. They were sad. They maybe had heard of Jesus but hadn’t spent a 100 lot of time with him. While you are walking symbolic feast. But the intention is still the you are paying more attention to where you same—to remind us of the ways that God are going than to the people next to you.) came to us and shared himself with us during Ask campers what kind of a person they meals.) If you have a hymnal with you, you would be hoping for if they hoped for a savior could remind campers of some of the words and a king. Compare that image to the kind that are spoken during communion. of person they got in Jesus. Ask if they think this discrepancy would have prevented them from recognizing Jesus too. Then ask Feasting with our Enemies? (Juniors) campers to try to figure out why they would Yesterday, we read Psalm 23 with an eye on have recognized Jesus when they ate the fear factor in it. Let’s read Psalm 23 again together. What words sound familiar to them? today, this time looking at the feast in it. What other things go with these words to  What do you think about verse 5 in remind us of feasting times with Jesus? To relation to the other things we’ve learned help answer this question, turn to some other about Jesus’ recommendations about examples that happened earlier in Luke. feasting?  How often should we feast?  Is preparing a table in the midst of Looking Back in Luke (Juniors) enemies consistent with other suggestions While John the Baptist was all about fasting, about feasting? Jesus in Luke is all about feasting. For some  How often do you invite people who aren’t additional help in finding out why this might your friends to eat with you? have seemed like déjà vu to the disciples,  Have you ever seen a person on a street form three groups to explore other verses in corner with a sign that says, “Homeless— Luke: will work for food”? Have you or your  Luke 9:10-17 family ever invited someone like that to  Luke 14:12-14 your house for Christmas dinner?  Luke 22:19-20  How much of a challenge is it for us to eat Have each group report back on what was with our enemies? What do we fear? going on in its verses and how it might help us interpret the story of the road to Emmaus. Were the disciples doing what Jesus told them The Breakfast Feast (Juniors) to do in inviting a stranger to dinner or were Unveil a stack of cinnamon rolls or other food they doing something wrong? Use the items, with enough for everyone to have at following questions to recap the connection least one. But share a caveat. Explain that with the previous events: you are going to distribute cinnamon rolls the  If Jesus were sending out an invitation to way food is distributed in the rest of the his party, who would be on the invitation world. Give one cinnamon roll each to two list? (Everyone.) campers, and give all the rest of the  Like the other feasts we mentioned, what cinnamon rolls to one other camper. Explain are some of the things that remind us of that there are some people in the world who Jesus’ feast? have a great abundance of food, some people  What other things are we reminded of who have enough for themselves, and some when we share in Jesus’ feast? people who have none. Before giving campers  Are we feasting the way Jesus intended if the okay to go ahead and eat what is in front we only feast with our family and friends? of them, encourage some discussion about  When do we “feast” at church? how much fun a feast would be if only some (Here, there may be some discussion about of the people got to eat. Imagine communion as a mini-reminder feast. In the Thanksgiving for instance, if only some of the early days of communion, it worked more like people got to eat while all the rest watched. a potluck feast. But because people forgot Ask campers if they think how the cinnamon about Jesus’ mandate about who should be rolls were distributed is fair, and why. invited in Luke 14:12-14, they started Encourage the campers to find a way to make excluding people who didn’t bring as much to this a feast for everyone. Ideally, the person the potluck. So communion became more of a who received all the cinnamon rolls will be 101 encouraged to share or to invite the others to Yours, Mine, and Ours (Intermediates) join him or her. Once everyone has eaten, Before leaving for your Bible study location, brainstorm ways that campers could instruct campers to choose one object from effectively change the distribution of food in their own things that holds special meaning their own communities. Some examples for them. This might be something you get might include inviting others to dinner, having them started thinking about earlier in the potluck dinners at church and inviting day, but don’t explain why they need the homeless people to join you, and collecting objects. Campers should bring their objects food for the local food pantries. (This activity with them to the Bible study. Spread the should be handled delicately, because some beach towel out and invite the campers to sit of the campers may get their “daily bread” around the edge. Ask campers to think about, from food pantries or homeless shelters.) but to not respond to, this question: When does something ordinary become something special? Have campers share the object they Stone Soup (Juniors) brought and why it has special meaning for If time permits, you can share the story of them. Listen for explanations that include Stone Soup. In the story, there was a great words connected with the object as part of famine in the land. Everyone was hard the special meaning. When each person is pressed to find enough food to eat, and finished sharing, she or he should put the people were hoarding what food they had, object on the “towel table.” Share your even from their friends and neighbors. One observations about when words seemed to day a peddler came to town to peddle his give their objects special meaning, such as wares. Some villagers warned him that there when someone received an object from was no food in this town, so he’d better keep parents who said, “I love you,” when giving it going. But the peddler said that he was going to their child. Affirm the campers by thanking to make himself a fabulous batch of stone them for bringing their special objects and for soup. Word of food spread quickly, and soon sharing their interesting stories. Explain to people had gathered around the peddler to the campers that the specialness of their see what he was making. He pulled out a pot object is unique to them—their object does from his backpack, filled it with water, and set not mean the same thing to others. Even if it over a roaring fire. Then he ceremoniously they tell the story of their special object to pulled an ordinary-looking stone from a others, it might be considered special in a special-looking bag and plopped it into the symbolic way to the listeners, but not in a pot. He regaled the townspeople with stories personal way. That’s all right. Some things of sumptuous soup, then told them that stone will always hold more meaning for individuals soup with cabbage was even better than plain than they do for everyone else. Some things, stone soup. Soon, someone emerged with a however, are symbolically special to many bit of cabbage to put in the soup. The peddler people. The national flag symbolizes affection then said carrots would really make the soup for the country to many people. The golden a stew. Soon someone else came forth with arches of McDonald’s are an internationally some carrots. On and on it went, as villagers recognized symbol that means food to people came out with a small token of food to put in all over the world. The star of David is a the soup. Long after the famine was over, the symbol of the Jewish faith. There are many villagers still remembered the most amazing objects that symbolize the Christian faith, and soup they had ever had. Someone even the most recognizable is, of course, the cross. offered to buy the special stone that created A symbol is empty, however, if it is not the wonderful soup. Discuss with campers connected to individuals in a personal way. whether the stone was really magical. What, Explain that today you will talk about in their opinion, was magical about the stone? celebrating our belief in Jesus Christ in a way What things do we sometimes hold on to? If that is more than symbolic: it’s very personal. we shared, would we go hungry?

At the Table (Intermediates) Tell the campers that a very personal way to celebrate something is to eat. Announce that 102 you will now celebrate a special meal What did they realize after Jesus vanished together. Because there are so many objects from their sight? (That their hearts were among them that have special meanings, you burning within them when they were on the will celebrate those objects and the memories road talking with Jesus.) Somewhere inside you associate with them. Then have the them they knew this person was significant, campers try to eat their objects. Most likely but still they didn’t recognize that it was you’ll get lots of laughs—hopefully no one will Jesus. There’s an expression that hindsight is be successful, unless an object is food! Their 20/20, meaning that after something happens objects are special because of a memory or a it’s more clear what actions we might have particular usefulness, but they will never taken. What might have happened if the men physically be a part of them because they had recognized Jesus right away? (They can’t be ingested. Ask campers to describe might have worshiped him or fallen at his what makes a meal special. (Really good feet, they might have been afraid, they might food, family or friends together, good have been very joyful.) Ask campers to recall conversation, nice restaurant, celebrating an a difficult time in their lives when they occasion like a birthday, and so forth.) Take realized after the fact that a friend or family the bread (or crackers) you brought with you, member had been very supportive of them break it into small pieces and pass them through their troubles. How did you respond around so that everyone gets one piece or when you realized they had been there for one cracker. Invite them to eat with you. Ask you? Did you thank them? Did you celebrate them if this is a special meal you are sharing with them? together. (Some may say yes, because you’re all together, or because they really like Explain to the campers that we humans want bread.) God to reveal himself to us in extraordinary ways, swooping in like Superman—we almost expect it to happen that way. If the disciples ’Tis a Gift to be Simple (Intermediates) on the road to Emmaus had expected to see Explore together this story about an instance Jesus, they might have recognized him when breaking bread and sharing it meant earlier. Jesus could have chosen to reveal more than just eating something good himself very boldly to the two men before the together. Read Luke 24:13-27. You might meal, but he waited until the time was right, have campers read, or you might try asking and then he chose a simple object through them to close their eyes and imagine the which he showed himself. When you imagine scene as you read, pretending they are one of the supper scene in this story, what does it the characters in the story. Stop at verse 27 remind you of? (The Last Supper, with Jesus and ask if they think the two travelers realize and his disciples.) Invite campers to turn to that this is Jesus walking and talking with Matthew 26:26-29. Have someone read this them. Wait for answers, and then continue short passage aloud, and then invite campers reading verses 28-35. Ask them: What to share what is similar to the passage about happened that made the men finally realize the disciples in Emmaus. (Jesus took bread, that this was Jesus with them? (Jesus blessed blessed it, broke it, gave it for them to eat.) the bread and broke it.) Why didn’t they Do you think Jesus chose the bread on realize it was him earlier? (Their eyes were purpose? In those days, people would have kept from recognizing him, they were too eaten bread with every meal—it was a consumed with grief and surprise at the common food that Jesus gave significance to events surrounding the crucifixion, they were by revealing himself in it. confused by reports that Jesus was alive, and so forth.) These two disciples had been How do we celebrate the presence of Jesus walking along and even talking with Jesus, today? (Holy Communion.) In this special and they didn’t know it was him! It was when meal that we share on a regular basis, Jesus they stopped to eat together, to nourish reveals himself to us. We say that Jesus is themselves with supper, and the bread was present in the wine we drink and the bread broken and blessed, that their eyes were we eat during Holy Communion, because he opened to recognize Jesus. said at the Last Supper that this is his body and blood. We could think of this as a very 103 personal way that Jesus comes to us, because through the motions of receiving the bread we take it into us by eating it. and the wine. Does it involve just holding out your hands and accepting what is handed to you, then putting it in your mouth? Jesus Towel Tricks (Intermediates) feeds us with this gift. Explain to campers that you are going to shift gears now for a little while. Have them pick Next, have them do these simple actions as up their special objects and set them aside, you read Luke 24:30: “When he was at the several feet (meters) away from the towel. table with them, he took bread (with both Tell them they must all get onto the towel hands, reach out at chest height and pretend without any part of anyone left touching the to take an imaginary loaf of bread), blessed ground around the towel. Encourage them to and broke it (raise arms in front of you to just work together to accomplish this, and they above the head and look at your loaf, then will succeed without too much trouble. Then bring them down to waist height and pull the ask them to get off of the towel, and fold the loaf apart), and gave it to them (raise the two towel in half. They must now all get on the loaf pieces up to chest height again and towel again according to the same directions. stretch each arm out as if handing the pieces If they accomplish this, then fold the towel in to someone on either side).” As you go half one more time and have them try again. through these actions, what symbol are you Congratulate them on their efforts and spread creating with your movements? (The cross.) the beach towel out. Invite the campers to Where are your arms when you’re finished? sit down as you continue the study. Ask a few (Reaching out.) The gift of Holy Communion questions: invites all believers everywhere to share in  Have you ever felt crowded out of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. something you really wanted to be a part of? Send a blessing around the circle as you’ve  Have you ever been welcomed by a group done each day. On this last day of Bible study in an unexpected way? together, perhaps “Go with Jesus’ blessing,  Have you ever participated in something child of God” might be the phrase you use. that you felt was much bigger than yourself? Talk about how they worked together to all Communion Capers (Intermediates) get on the towel, even when it got really Some of your campers may have had their challenging. first communion long ago, and some may not have it until they are confirmed. They are Explain that their working together to stay on probably at various levels of understanding the towel is just like the work of all Christian this sacrament. Start with a brief discussion believers, which we call the body of Christ. As by asking the following questions: What is believers, we gather together to worship God, grace? Why do we need it? Campers may to serve and learn together, to grow together offer their own interpretations to these in fellowship, and to strengthen our faith and questions. For a basic explanation, grace is the faith of others. But instead of trying to God’s forgiveness and love, a gift to us stay on a “believer island,” we do these though we are undeserving. We need God’s things among all people of the world as grace to be saved, to have eternal life with faithful witnesses to God. Holy Communion is God. We cannot achieve eternal life on our one way we come together to be own through good works, but only through strengthened by the presence of Christ, so Jesus’ saving act of dying on the cross to that we can do this work. forgive our sins.

Invite the campers to stand. Have them do a Next explain that Jesus established two couple of simple pantomimes to illustrate how distinct ways that we can receive God’s grace, Jesus invites all believers into Holy and we call these sacraments. What are these Communion with him. First have campers two sacraments? (Holy Baptism and Holy imagine they are celebrating Holy Communion Communion.) Sacraments involve a visible at their church. Ask them to pantomime going reminder of God’s grace, a physical “thing” by 104 which we can know that God is present as we game silly and fun. Continue playing for participate. In Holy Communion, these several minutes. “things” are the bread and the wine. We just learned in the Bible study that Jesus reveals himself to us in the breaking of bread; in Holy How Ya Doin’? (Senior High) Communion we can know that our sins are Form a circle with everyone seated and ask forgiven because Jesus is there. for a volunteer to stand in the middle. Tell the volunteer that you will be blindfolding him or Have the campers stand in a circle and her and then he or she must go around the explain this game to them. Start by telling circle and find someone by feeling for their campers that we know we need the bread and knees. Then the volunteer must sit in front of wine for Holy Communion. These are called the person and ask, “How ya doin’?” The “the elements.” Ask campers to name the person in the circle must respond, “Fine, other two things needed to celebrate Holy thank you.” They repeat this three times and Communion. (The words from scripture then the blindfolded person tries to guess spoken over the elements, and the people who the person is with whom they’ve been gathered together.) Explain that all of these speaking. If the blindfolded person guesses have to be present for it to be Holy correctly, the person with whom they have Communion. It’s not the same thing if even been speaking is the next to be blindfolded. If one of these is missing. the blindfolded person is incorrect, he or she Demonstrate the symbols you will use in the must find a new person with whom to start game for these three things, and point out the conversation. Campers seated in the how each one without the other two things is circle may disguise their voice as they answer just what it is and no more: for the elements, the volunteer’s questions. hold one hand out flat, palm up, and the other hand cupped and poised as if you are about to drink from a glass; for the words, Walk ’n’ Talk (Senior High) open and close your hand with your flattened Pair up your campers with someone that they fingers meeting your thumb, next to your know the least. Ask these pairs to go on a mouth, as if imitating a duck’s bill; for the walk together and talk. As they “walk ’n’ talk” people, drape your arms over the shoulders they should find out two things their partner of the two people on either side of you, like knows are true about Jesus and two questions you’re buddies. Feel free to invent your own they have about Jesus. Ask campers to finish appropriate actions for each thing. their walks at the place they started from. Now choose someone to be “it” to stand in When everyone has returned, sit together in a the middle. “It” wants to join the circle again, circle and ask each person to share one of the but to do that, “it” needs to get someone else things his or her partner knew was true and to mess up. “It” tries to stump someone in one of the partner’s questions. Stress that it the circle by approaching a person, pointing is okay to question, in fact it’s good to be at him or her, and saying, “Elements!” or seeking more. Tell campers that our Bible “Words!” or “People!” That person must study text today is about two disciples quickly do the appropriate action before “it” walking to a place called Emmaus and talking counts to 10. If that person is successful, “it” about the events of Jesus’ death. moves on to another person; if not, that person becomes the new “it.” Another way to stump someone is to approach a person, Feasting Together (Senior High) point, and say, “Holy Communion!” The Ask campers to find a partner who has the person pointed at does the “people” action, same length hair as they do or whose length while the people on each side choose either is closest to theirs. Then tell each pair to find the “elements” or “words” action, so that a place to sit together and have each person there is a complete set, all before “it” counts share a story of a “feast” that is memorable to 10. Whoever is unsuccessful in performing to them. This may be a Christmas dinner with the action must change places with “it” and family or a picnic with friends. Campers become the new “it.” Campers might find this should tell what they ate, who was there, and other details relating to why the “feast” was 105 memorable. Give each pair 10 minutes or so  Why do you think you invited the man to to share. Then bring everyone back together stay and have supper with you? and have each person share with the whole  Why did you not recognize Jesus? group the story that her or his partner told.  What were your thoughts and feelings When everyone has shared, ask what many of when you recognized Jesus as he broke the different “feasts” had in common. the bread? (Answers may vary but may include that special people were a part of the “feast” and that the food had symbolic meaning for them On the Road (Senior High) [such as they always have Swedish meatballs Have campers stand in a line facing you. Then on Christmas Eve because it is a family whisper the name of an animal into each tradition].) person’s ear and ask campers to get in line from smallest animal to largest without talking or making any sounds. When the Signs of Those We Love (Senior High) campers have finished, pair campers with the Invite campers to think of someone who they person standing next to them. Ask campers love greatly. Then ask them to imagine that to go for a walk with their partner to they were unable to recognize this person at brainstorm the conversation of the two first when he or she passed on the sidewalk. disciples on the road to Emmaus. Give Explain that perhaps they were too focused campers about 10 minutes to walk, on their own thoughts, or their loved one’s brainstorm, and prepare a skit showing what appearance was somehow changed. Now ask they think the conversation between the campers to think of one action or something disciples was like. When the groups are the loved one would say that would ready, bring everyone back and give each immediately let them know who they were. pair an opportunity to present its skit. Allow For example, a beloved uncle may be time for the “audience” to ask questions. immediately recognizable by his deep, Then move into a discussion using the rumbling laugh or a loved friend could be following questions: easily recognized by the way he always winks  Why were the disciples unable to when he waves good-bye. Give campers recognize Jesus? (The disciples were so some time to think and then ask each one to filled with grief and confusion that they share the action or words of the loved one did not recognize the risen Christ.) and then tell who the loved one is.  Why did they finally recognize Jesus after he broke the bread? (This act of breaking bread brought them back to the present Guided Imagery (Senior High) and also the remembrance of Jesus Tell campers that for today’s guided imagery breaking the bread at the Last Supper— exercise, they should imagine that they are and probably many meals they shared one of the two disciples who are walking together. Perhaps Jesus’ presence helped along the road to Emmaus. Tell them that to calm their fear and sadness so that Jesus was crucified three days earlier and they were able to finally recognize him.) that these disciples do not know that he is  Why do you think Jesus appeared to the risen from the grave. Remind campers to use disciples in this way? (Again, Jesus shows all their senses, to think about what they us that he meets us on the road of our might smell, hear, and see as they walk along life’s journey and that out of his great love the road. Read Luke 24:13-35, then ask the for us he walks alongside us even when following questions: we are so filled with sadness or confusion  What did you see as you walked along the that we cannot recognize him.) road? Was there anything you smelled?  How is Christ with us when we share in  How were you feeling as you walked along the bread and wine at communion? (As we the road to Emmaus? share in the feast of bread and wine we  What were your thoughts when this man remember Jesus’ suffering and death for whom you did not recognize as Jesus us and we also celebrate in his began to walk along with you? resurrection. Christ gives us these gifts at communion and promises to be there with 106

us, as he told the disciples at the Last worship. Remind campers that even when we Supper.) make excuses, Jesus continues to invite us to  How does the Lord’s Supper or the feast! We are constantly given the communion unite God’s people? (Jesus invitation. All we need to do is come to the tells us that all are invited to this feast table. because Jesus died for all and gives the gifts of his body and blood to all people. When we join in this celebration, we Bread that Sustains (Senior High) receive forgiveness and healing so that we Tell campers the following story: During can go out to serve and love others. These World War II when bombs were falling, gifts of bread and wine are freely given; thousands of children lost their parents and we cannot judge who can receive and who were sent to refugee camps where volunteers cannot.) fed and took care of them. The volunteers noticed that the children were not sleeping at night. It seemed that their grief, worry, and A Letter Home (Senior High) fear did not allow them to rest. Finally one of Give each camper a piece of paper and a the volunteers had the idea to give each child writing utensil. Ask them to imagine again a piece of bread to hold as they went to bed. that they are one of the two disciples who As they held their piece of bread, the children had the encounter with Jesus on the road to finally were able to sleep. They knew that Emmaus. Reread verse 35, “Then they told they had bread to sustain them for another what had happened on the road, and how day. Through our times of grief and [Jesus] had been made known to them in the confusion, we need the “bread of life,” Jesus, breaking of the bread.” Tell campers to write to sustain us. Thankfully this gift is freely a letter to a friend telling them of this news. given to us! Ask campers: They should write the letter as if they were  What are your reactions to the story of one of the two disciples. Allow time for the orphans? campers to share their letters with the group  When you are in pain or struggling, what if they feel comfortable. gives you assurance for another day?  How does the bread that Jesus gives us sustain us? The Parable of the Great Banquet (Senior High) Ask for a volunteer to read Luke 14:15-24. Remembering the Cross (Senior High) Remind campers that Jesus used parables to Invite campers to look around the natural tell stories to teach us about God’s kingdom, area of camp to find two small sticks 1"-3" how to treat one another, and much more. (2.5 cm-7.5 cm) long. Bring the group Ask campers that if the banquet in the together and give each camper a piece of parable is meant to stand for feasting with twine about 6" (15 cm) long. Campers can tie Christ, being in relationship with him at his the two sticks together, forming a cross. table, then what meaning can we draw from Encourage campers to keep their cross in the story? (Answers might include that Jesus their pocket or on their desk at home as a invites everyone to be in relationship with reminder that Christ is always with them. him, but that many of us give excuses about Invite campers to share times when they why we are too busy to share in this feast, knew Christ was with them, often by looking and that there is always room at the table, back. Sometimes Jesus meets us through our especially for those in need.) Tell campers neighbor, who is with us in our struggles. This that you are going to set your watch for two neighbor may be a good friend who saw us minutes and during that time they are to call through a difficult time or an adult who out the excuses people use for not “coming to helped us to our feet when we fell. Remind the feast” with Jesus. Challenge campers to campers that Jesus loves us so much, he come up with as many ideas as possible in accompanies us on our journey, promising to the two minutes. After the two minutes are be with us always. up, ask campers why we so often make excuses instead of spending time in prayer or 107

Walking Alongside (Senior High) Gather Us in Collage In our Bible text today we learned that Jesus Materials: Lyrics and/or CD with Marty walks alongside us, even when because of our Haugen’s hymn “Here in This Place (Gather sadness, fear, or confusion we do not see him Us In),” old magazines, poster board or large at the time. Knowing this to be true, how can pieces of paper, scissors, glue. we “be Christ” to our neighbor? How do we walk alongside our neighbor? Form groups of This is a beautiful hymn, rich with imagery three or four and ask each group to come up and lyrics that capture the essence of Holy with two ideas of how they can walk alongside Communion. The lyrics name those whom their neighbor. After 10 minutes or so, bring God gathers into God’s kingdom, a kingdom the groups back together and have a that exists here with us today. If possible, spokesperson from each small group share play this hymn for the campers and provide ideas. Affirm the ideas that campers share, the lyrics for them (With One Voice 718). encouraging them to “be Christ” to one Who is invited to share in Holy Communion? another. Create individual collages, or a group collage, by cutting out pictures of people who might be included in God’s kingdom and gluing them Covenant (Senior High) to poster board. An alternative is to draw Campers may be having a variety of feelings symbols of the people mentioned in the song. related to the camp week ending. They may Depending on the time you have, you might feel sad about leaving friends and the camp try adding other aspects of the song as well, setting. Tell campers that we are part of a such as the kingdom imagery, the light Christian family and that we can pray for one shining, and so forth. Ask campers to share another and think of each other when we why they chose the pictures that they did. worship at home. Invite campers to write a prayer together that they can pray every time they receive communion. This can be a simple Invitations to the Feast prayer such as, “Thank you, Jesus, for this All are invited to share in the celebration feast gift of bread and wine that sustains me and with Christ Jesus. However, some have not unites me with all those who celebrate this yet heard the invitation. Campers can make feast.” Tell campers that when they receive invitations to friends, family, or a neighbor to communion at their home congregations and join in the celebration feast. Campers can pray this prayer, they can know that all their invite someone to come to worship with friends from camp are doing the same. This them, or to a special meal at their home, or can be a good reminder of the ties that bind they can simply share the good news of us as Christian people united with Christ. Jesus’ love. Provide stamps, glitter, natural objects, or other items to decorate the invitations. Closing Prayer (Senior High) As campers prepare to leave camp encourage them to continue to keep one another in Big Feast Baseball Trivia prayer. Form a circle and ask campers to hold Using a conventional baseball diamond, play hands. Tell campers that you will begin the “big feast” baseball trivia. Concoct dozens of prayer by praying for the person to your questions about various feasts, both in the right, then that person will pray for the Bible and in popular culture. Rate the person on his or her right and so on. Campers questions by their difficulty, assigning each as can pray out loud or silently and then squeeze a single, double, triple, or home run. As each the hand of the person next to them to signal camper comes up to the plate, ask the player that they are done with their prayer. Remind what kind of question he or she would like to campers of the great power of prayer and “swing” for. If a camper asks for a double, that God promises to hear our prayers, even ask a “double”-rated question. If the camper those we find too difficult to put into words. gets it wrong, that person gets one “out” for her or his team. But if the camper gets it right, he or she moves to second base. Each team proceeds until there are three outs. 108

Heaven and Hell Story Body of Christ Sculpture Before telling campers the story, invite them Jesus calls each of us to be part of the to an unusual breakfast banquet. Give each beautiful body of Christ in our own unique person a spoon that has been attached to the way! In this silly game, teams try to be the end of a yardstick/meterstick or dowel, and first ones to build a sculpture with their tape the stick or dowel to each person’s arm bodies according to the directions, using all up to the elbow. Ask campers if they can members of the team. Form teams of three figure out a way to eat. If they don’t figure it or four players (with a very large group, out right away, ask them to work together to teams can consist of many more players). A try to figure something out. If they still don’t “calling artist” calls out the specifications for figure out a way to eat, tell them the story of the sculpture each group is to make. For the tour of heaven and hell: example, the artist calls out, “I want my sculpture to have the following things There is an old story about a man who was touching the ground: four feet, six hands, two escorted on a tour of heaven and hell. On the ears, and one shoulder.” Team members then first stop, the angel took him to a place where rush to build a sculpture that fulfills those there were sumptuous smells, fabulous specifications. Nothing except those things buffets, and spectacular desserts. The man called out can touch the ground for a team’s thought that certainly this must be heaven. sculpture to be complete. When a group has But on closer review, he discovered that finished, everyone relaxes for a moment until everyone in this place was starving, because the artist calls out a new set of specifications. the people had long spoons extended from each arm and were unable to feed themselves. The angel then took him to the Invited to the Banquet second place, which looked and smelled This is a fun game to play with campers who exactly like the first. But in this place, are on a hike or doing a work project. First, everyone was satiated, because everyone fed an order needs to be established among another person. campers, like the line they are hiking in or simply numbering off the campers. The first person starts by saying someone’s first and Winker last name in the following sentence: “(Name) In this game, the “winker” brings as many is invited to the banquet.” For example, people as possible to life without getting “Martin Luther is invited to the banquet.” The caught by the “guesser.” Players lie in a circle second person must now think of another on their stomachs facing the center of the person whose first name starts with the first circle, and the guesser sits in the middle. The letter of the previously said last name. So, in leader has players put their heads down, with the example, the next person must think of eyes closed, until the leader secretly chooses someone whose name starts with “L” (the the winker by gently tapping one player on first letter of “Luther”). They might say, her or his back. When eyes are opened, the “Lucille Ball is invited to the banquet.” The winker brings people to life by making eye next person might say “Brian Williams in contact with them and winking. If that invited to the banquet.” The names given happens, the player who was winked at calls must be people that the whole group has out, “Hallelujah!” and sits up in his or her heard of, and could be the names of people at spot. Meanwhile, the guesser looks around at camp. Whenever a name is given where the everyone’s face to try to catch the winker. first and last name start with the same letter, The guesser has three guesses before the the direction in which the game has been winker is revealed. Other players should not traveling is reversed. give hints as to who the winker is. When a round is finished, the winker becomes the new guesser, and the previous guesser Blind Obstacle Course chooses a new winker. In an open, flat area set up an obstacle course that campers will try to walk through. Line up the campers on one side of the course and blindfold the first camper. He or she must 109 then try to walk to the other side of the we are searching for something, and the course without bumping into any of the support and encouragement we get when obstacles. The only help the person can others join us on the journey. receive is from the rest of the campers who can shout directions to him or her. Be sure to tell campers to walk slowly with their arms Who Am I? stretched out in front of them to safely Pass out paper and pens to every player. Ask negotiate the course. Allow each camper to them to write the name of one of the people, have a turn through the course. Now form places, or objects from the Bible studies this pairs and have one person in the pair put on week. Collect these and shuffle them. Pin a the blindfold. Ask the seeing partner to lead square on everyone’s back. Campers mill the blind person through the course. Each around asking only “yes” or “no” questions camper should have a turn leading and being until they guess who they are. Once they’ve blind. Process the activity by asking campers guessed correctly, they can pin their piece of if it was easier to have someone lead them paper on their front side. After the game through the course. Ask why it was easier. invite campers to talk about which parts of Discuss how Jesus walks alongside us, even the stories you’ve studied this week they during times when we are blind to his think they’ll remember the best. What most presence. impressed them about what they selected?

Reverse Lost and Found Pick one person to be “it.” “It” hides while everyone else stands with eyes closed counting to 100. Tell players to find the missing camper. When a player finds “it,” the player hides with that camper. Continue the game until all the campers have found the rest of the group. Repeat the game a couple of times. Talk about times in our lives when

110

Day 5 Worship Ideas

Call to Worship Narrator: And beginning with Moses and the (Use Luke 24:13-35 as a basis for the prophets, he explained to them what was said drama.) in the scriptures concerning Narrator: Now that same day two of them himself. were going to a village called Emmaus, about (All three begin walking in place again, then seven miles (11 kilometers) from Jerusalem. pretend to arrive at an inn.) They were talking with each other about Narrator: As they approached the village to everything that had happened… which they were going, Jesus acted as if he (Two actors come out to the center of the were going farther. But they urged him gathering, walking in place. They begin a strongly… discussion.) Person 2: Stay with us, for it is nearly Person 1: Wow, what a week it has been at evening; the day is almost over. camp! Narrator: So he went in to stay with them. Person 2 (Cleopas): I’ll say! Do you When he was at table with them, he took remember when… (Describe happenings of bread (Jesus picks up a loaf of bread), broke the week a bit. Have fun recalling funny it and began to give it to them. Then their things, nice things, challenging things. Don’t eyes were opened and they recognized him. make fun of anybody, but mention specific And he disappeared from their sight. (The people and celebrate everyone’s being person playing Jesus goes and sits down with together that week.) his or her group.) Narrator: As they talked and discussed these Person 1: Were not our hearts burning within things with each other, Jesus himself came up us while he talked with us on the road and and walked along with them; but they were opened the scriptures to us? kept from recognizing him. Person 2 (astonished): You don’t think…Was Jesus: What are you discussing together as he here all along this week? Every time we you walk along? opened the scriptures and studied God’s Narrator: They stood still, their faces Word? downcast. Person 1: Yes, and every time we gathered Person 2: Where have you been? Are you, for worship and called on him? like, the only person who doesn’t know the Person 2: You know, I felt him there when we things that have gone on here this week? had our overnighter. Watching over us. Jesus: What things? Person 1: When I looked up at the stars I felt Person 1: Well, besides all the fun and games a shiver down my spine, and I knew that God and activities here this week, we also learned is there for us. We’re in God’s hands. about Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet in Person 2: It is true, then, the Lord has risen! word and deed before God and all the people. Person 1: And he has been with us all this Person 2: The chief priests and the rulers week! handed him over to be sentenced to death, Person 2: Let’s go and tell the others right and they crucified him. But we had hoped away! (Person 1 agrees quickly, and they go that he was the one who was going to redeem off with a purpose.) the people of God. Person 1: And some of the women amazed us. They went to the tomb early in the Message morning but didn’t find his body. They said Leader: This week you came away to a they saw angels. Other people went there and different place, Mount Luther. You crossed found the tomb empty, just like they said. over some borders to come here and have a Jesus (smiling and gently chiding): How week away from your normal routines. I hope foolish you are and how slow of heart to some of you have also crossed some personal believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did borders this week, as you’ve learned more not the Christ, the Savior, have to suffer about yourself and been challenged to grow. these things and then enter glory? Now we’re getting ready to cross back over the borders, out of camp and into the outside

111

world. We trust that you will not forget what we will meet Jesus Christ, by your spirit, on has happened here, and what it has been like the road ahead of us. Lord in your mercy, to be so close to Jesus all week. But here’s a People: Hear our prayer. wonderful thing: Jesus is going with you, over Leader: Teach us to see the face of Christ in the border and out of camp. Jesus will meet all people. Our neighbors in need, and those you wherever you go, just as he went with who are different. Lord in your mercy, those men on the road to Emmaus. People: Hear our prayer. Leader: When we feel lost in our journey, And here’s what we want you to do. Think comfort us that your Son, Jesus Christ, goes right now about a friend who you could invite with us everywhere, just as he went all the to come along to camp with you next year. way to a cross. Lord in your mercy, Someone who you think could come away to People: Hear our prayer. this place, meet Jesus, and listen to all that Leader: When we can tell of your love to Jesus has to teach. That’s a really great way others, open our mouths and fill us with your to share Jesus with others, to invite them to Holy Spirit. When we can show your love in camp, so they can live with God’s Word every our actions, empower us and fill us with your day, like we have here. Holy Spirit. Lord in your mercy, People: Hear our prayer. Find a congregation where you can go to Leader: We pray that you would also be with, church, and when you go there, think of camp and strengthen, and heal, and comfort all and this time right now. Take a little bit of those whom we love and whom we now name camp back with you to your congregations, before you: (pause for a moment of silence). and remember that there, and everywhere Lord in your mercy, you go, Jesus is right there with you. You only People: Hear our prayer. have to open your eyes, and listen, and he’ll Leader: Bless and guide all your missionaries, reveal himself to you. Just like on the way to preachers, and teachers of the gospel, and Emmaus. people who work for justice and peace in our time. Lord in your mercy, We call it communion when Christ is with us People: Hear our prayer. and we are in him. In the Holy Communion at Leader: Bless (name of camp) and all who church, Christ promises to meet you. And he come here. May your Word and your Spirit will surprise you in a lot of other ways, too, always reign here, so that many may hear the just as we’ve seen here. good news of Jesus Christ and come to faith. Lord in your mercy, So go out and cross the border of camp, and People: Hear our prayer. journey on the outside for a while. And then Leader: For all those for whom we pray, and come back, bringing someone else who also whatever else you see that the world needs, needs to meet Jesus. Come back over the we ask it in the name of Jesus Christ, the border and meet Christ again here next Lord of every frontier, who crosses by means summer. of a cross, and who comes to be God with us, and to live and reign with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen. Prayers Leader: Lord God, you who are present on both sides of every border, we praise you for Table Grace Reflections your love. Lord in your mercy, Ask each camper in the devotion group to People: Hear our prayer. choose a favorite table grace used this week. Leader: Thank you for our week at camp. We With each one, go through the words and have been on la frontera, where we have met explore what each table grace means. (Often you. Lord in your mercy, we say prayers repetitively and may not even People: Hear our prayer. have the words right. The table prayers that Leader: You send your Son and your Spirit to are said and sung at camp are often full of go with us everywhere. As we cross the meaning, even if they are really fun.) border out of camp, guide us to expect that

112

Bread of Life end with thanks for a week of growing even Ask campers if they were stranded on a closer to Jesus who meets us in every place desert island what food they would be willing and at all times. to eat every day. The foods that are listed might be referred to as “staples.” In biblical Commissioning times, the staples of everyday diets were A week at camp can be a mountaintop bread and wine. Read John 6:30-35. Ask experience for campers. Perhaps they were campers to reflect on why Jesus compares able to open up and share in ways they himself to bread. As a closing, sing the song, haven’t before. Hopefully their faith was “I am the Bread of Life” (WOV 702). nurtured and seeds were planted that will grow to bear fruit in the future. Campers may be experiencing some nervousness about Enough for All going home and sadness about leaving Gather campers and invite them to share the friends. They wonder how they can take the best made-up excuse they’ve ever used to feelings and experiences from camp and bring get out of doing something. This will probably them back into their lives at home. You can be a fun exchange of stories! Have you ever help to support and encourage campers in made up an excuse and then been sorry you their journeys home by praying for them did? How did the person receiving the excuse before they depart. Gather campers into a respond? What did you do to make up for it? tight circle. Ask for a volunteer to be the first Did you ever make up an excuse to miss in the circle and have everyone else lay his or going to church or to a church event? Did it her hands on this person’s shoulders and work? Read Jesus’ parable of the great head. Allow time for campers to share prayers banquet in Luke 14:15-24. What does this of thanksgiving for this person, what she or story say about who is invited to participate in he has taught others, and what they’ve Holy Communion? Is there anything about shared together. After the time of prayer, ask you that would prevent God from welcoming each camper in the circle to think of a word or you to God’s table in Holy Communion or into phrase that describes the person in the God’s eternal kingdom? (No!) Close with a middle in an affirming way. Lastly, as the prayer of thanks for this meal Jesus gave to leader, say, “Jesus goes with you as you remind us that all are loved and welcomed by leave this place. Go with courage, knowing we God. support and pray for you.” Make sure each camper has a turn in the middle to be prayed for, affirmed, and sent out with courage. From Camp to Home Gather in a place that has been a favorite of your campers. Encourage them to share their Neighbor’s Needs Feast favorite memories and happenings during the Jesus shared meals with his disciples and with week at camp and enjoy the conversation! outcasts of society. Sharing a meal together Ask them to list some of the worship-related is a special experience and in biblical times it experiences they had during the week. Do often symbolized a covenant between people. any resemble worship experiences at home? Share a special meal with campers by Some of these may include singing familiar experiencing the “neighbor’s needs feast.” In hymns, the passing of the peace, reading of this feast, campers cannot get anything scripture, and so on. Be sure to mention Holy themselves but have to be asked by someone Communion. What does communion mean to else if they need anything. For example, them? If they are in a confirmation program, instead of grabbing the milk and pouring a what have they learned about Holy glass for himself, a camper has to wait until Communion? Encourage campers to think someone else asks, “Would you like some about what they’ll remember when they leave milk?” Campers do not need to be asked to camp and head home. What will you see eat, but must be asked if they need more of differently when you go to church? When you anything, to get up from the table for any go to school? When you are with your family? reason, or to have food passed to them. Tell Close with a popcorn or hand-squeeze prayer campers that during this meal they must to give all a chance to pray if they wish, and always be aware of what their neighbors may 113

need. Talk about the meal afterward by to just say, “Paragraph,” to indicate it’s time asking campers if their needs were met to start a new part of the story. during the meal and how the experience felt When everyone has had a turn begin a new for them. story about what’s going to happen when the campers go home. Stand and exchange the peace of the Lord with one another. Close Walk to Talk with a circle prayer of thanksgiving for your Have campers pick one or two walking week together. buddies. Instruct them that they are to walk for about 10 minutes, each taking turns talking about what they’ve gotten out of this Bread Talk week of camp. When they get to a place to Begin with a loaf of bread. Gather the rest, they are to sit quietly together and just campers in a circle and pass the bread observe the area around them. After a few around. Each person breaks off a piece of the minutes they are to walk back to your bread and shares a prayer concern. The bread starting place in silence. When they get back keeps moving around the circle as long as they can exchange information about what there are concerns or there is bread. This they observed. Those things were there all experience creates a sense of community for along, but they overlooked them in their the campers. End with the Lord’s Prayer. focus on their conversation. Bring the group together and have everyone find a comfortable place to relax. If possible, have Take-Home Prayers campers lie on their backs looking up at the Have campers bring their prayer booklets to sky. Ask them to review the week quietly until devotions or pass out pieces of paper. Pass you say “Amen.” Give them about three the booklets around, asking campers to sign minutes to do this and end with a quiet their names and write a short uplifting “Amen.” comment to the camper whose booklet they have. When finished, stand in a circle holding And in Conclusion the booklets. Pray, asking God to bless each Gather campers together. Read Luke 24:44- person as she or he heads home and ask for 47. Lead campers in creating a story about help with both the “Alleluia” and “Lord Have the week of camp by starting with a sentence Mercy” times of our lives. End with the Lord’s or two about things that happened this week. Prayer. Go around the circle with each camper building on the previous campers’ summaries. Tell those who can’t think of anything to add

114

“La Frontera” Bible Studies for Pre-Schoolers Based on the Spark Story Bible. Presented here as one time block but can be divided into several if needed.

 As kids gather, they could put a sticker on an attendance chart or have time to color.  Read the daily story from the curriculum (first page of the daily themes) OR do the rhymes and stories activity in the next section.  Do the discussion questions with either the daily story or the rhymes and stories.  Tell the kids what the theme is for the day.  Do an activity from the curriculum that will help the kids get “hooked” on what the theme is.  Read the Bible story in the Spark Story Bible o Day 1: Woman at the Well, p. 420 o Day 2: Good Samaritan, p. 360 o Day 3: Peter’s Sermon, p. 524 o Day 4: Jesus Appears to Disciples, p. 492 o Day 5: Road to Emmaus, p. 488  After you read the story, ask them these questions: o Which part of the story doesn’t make sense to you? o What is your favorite part of the story? o You can also ask other questions that might pertain to the story.  Do an activity that the kids can “tinker” with the Bible story, such as making a model out of Legos showing the story, a puzzle, anything that will help them to think more about the story. Can also use suggested activities for preschoolers from the daily activities.  Ask them what they remember about the Bible story from today and reread it, if needed. Then ask them these questions: o What does this story remind me of? o What is God or Jesus doing in this story?  Do something artistic that shows they know the story. It could be a skit, draw or color a picture, do something with stickers, sing a song, etc. Can also use suggested activities for preschoolers from the daily activities  Conclude by asking the kids: o What was your favorite thing today? o What are you thankful for today?  Close the session with a prayer (can use the one from the curriculum if you’d like). You can say the prayer and have them repeat it, line for line.

Day Camp Suggested Crafts

Here is a suggested craft list for off-site day camps. Congregations can adapt this in any way they wish or might even want to ask a crafty member of the congregation lead and create the crafts for day camp. The crafts are intended to reinforce and supplement what the campers learn in GROW Time. The activities selected hopefully allow for the variety of expressive skills of the campers. Leaders should focus on the desired learning outcome with campers, rather than the quality of the creation. Some campers will be reluctant to demonstrate or display their products to peers. Respect their sensitivities. Several ideas are presented for each day. You may pick one or a few suggestions for each day.

Day 1 open-ended opportunity to be creative. It is an indirect way to express affection for our La Frontera Journals own creator. Include enough pages in the Bookmaking is an art developed by the journal to be able to write and/or draw for the church in previous centuries. It offers an five days of the week. Campers can design 115

the cover and give a title to their journals. may not choose to speak their prayers aloud. Sew (or otherwise bind) the journal together. Don’t rush the process; this is prayer time For the first day, campers can record the and there may be lots of silent moments. theme statement, Bible basis, and key verse. Conclude the prayer as the loom returns to Campers can write their answer to the daily you. Hang the weaving somewhere in your focus question in their journals. cabin for the week, or pull it out when you have small group time together to remind the group of their prayers for the week. Quicker Prayer Weaving version: make the frame and warp ahead of Materials: Scissors, several pieces of string time (if you do this activity more than one (jute cord or yarn) about 18" (46 cm) long week, you can use the same frame and warp and several pieces of different colors about 1' and simply remove the colored yarn pieces in (30 cm) long, four sticks (to be gathered by between groups). the group).

Each camper contributes to the group prayer. Waterscapes As the group weaves a prayer together, they Materials: Sidewalk chalk in various shades are also weaving a reminder that their of blue, baby food jars (one for each camper), prayers have been heard by God. Try the fine sand or salt. activity on your own once before doing it with a group. The finished product is a small jar filled with layers of different shades of blue sand that Begin by asking campers to gather sticks for look like waves. Ahead of time, rub different the group, four sticks of equal lengths (about shades of the blue chalk against a hard, 1' [30 cm]) for the group. Ask campers about rough surface so you can collect the chalk their expectations for the week: What will dust. Mix this dust with fine sand to color it. happen? What are their concerns? What are Give each camper a small baby food jar. Ask they excited about? Talk about the them to carefully spoon some of the colored importance of communicating with God during sand into their jar to make a bottom layer. this week away from home. As you are Next they can add another layer of a different talking and listening, create a frame on which shade. Continue until the jars are full of to weave your prayers. Do this by crossing layers. They do not need to be level—uneven two sticks about 1" (2.5 cm) from their ends layers give the jar more of a wave effect. Talk and wrapping string around their junction about how this jar can be a reminder of the until they are securely squared to be one living water that Jesus gives us. corner of the frame. Continue with the other sticks until you have a square frame. Day 2 Now create the warp on which to weave. Take an 18" (46 cm) piece of cord and tie one end Love Grams of it (knot it) around one stick about 1" (2.5 Materials: Construction paper, markers or cm) inside of a corner. Drape the string crayons, glue, glitter, heart-shaped across the frame to the opposite stick and templates, scissors. wrap it around once or twice, then knot it. Cut the excess string. Repeat the string-tying Create cards that share a message of God’s process across the whole frame, leaving love. As Christians we are called to help our about 1" (2.5 cm) between strings. You then neighbors both near and far. Have available have the warp of the loom. Bible verses that talk about God’s love for Invite each camper to choose a shorter piece everyone or encourage campers to write their of colored yarn. Their pieces will represent own messages. Take the cards to a local their prayers for the coming week. Say that nursing home, soup kitchen, shelter, or other you will begin a prayer and weave your piece place where campers can experience firsthand into the loom. As the frame is passed around what it means to minister to their neighbors. the circle, campers should weave their piece into the frame. As they weave, they may or 116

Good Neighbor Picket Fence Magnets Although we are not saved by our actions, we Materials: Craft sticks, glue, peel-and-stick are commanded to follow God’s rules of order magnets, paint, markers, pictures of each (the Ten Commandments) and to love our camper and/or decorations (optional). neighbors. In this activity campers create a necklace as a reminder of our call to follow Using seven craft sticks per person, campers God’s plan for us. Give each camper a small can create a magnet to remind them of Jesus’ chunk of clay. They should flatten and mold call for us to be a neighbor to those in need. the clay into little tablets, like the Ten Lay out five craft sticks vertically side by side. Commandments tablets in the Bible, or Glue one stick horizontally over the others another flattened shape of their choosing. near the bottom, and glue another one Invite them to think about a word, short horizontally near the top. A photo of the phrase, or symbol that would remind them of camper, if available, may be glued over the God’s commandments and God’s call to us to middle vertical stick. The picket fence can be love. Using small sticks, campers should painted and decorated with felt flowers and carve the words or symbols into their clay, chenille stems. Words, such as “Jesus Meets then poke a hole large enough for the cord to Us in Our Neighbor” or “We See Jesus in Our go through near the top of their creation. Neighbors,” can be printed using markers on When the clay has hardened (at least several the horizontal sticks. hours, perhaps even a day or two), campers can string the cord and tie the clay tablets around their necks. Variation: If you have Friendship Bracelets access to an oven, you can use Sculpey or Materials: Two (or more) colors of FIMO clay instead of a self-hardening clay. embroidery floss, each strand 4'-5' (1.2 Follow the directions on the package for meters to 1.5 meters). baking.

This craft is a camp classic, but a good reminder of our relationships with our Calling Cards neighbors. For a simple friendship bracelet, Materials: Stamps and ink pads (or select two colors of embroidery floss, line up markers), manila folders, scissors, rulers, the ends, and fold them in half. At the folded pens. end, loop a knot 2"-4" (5 cm-10 cm) from the end. (The loop can be attached to a toe or to Campers will design their own calling cards to a peg.) Lay the four strands of floss parallel. use in getting better acquainted with their Beginning with the strand on the left, angle it neighbors. Distribute two manila folders to out to the left and fold it over the top of the each individual or family. Cut the manila next thread in the row. It should look a little folders along the fold line. Trim each half to bit like the number 4 if attached at the top. measure 8.5" x 11" (22 cm x 28 cm). Divide Pull the end of the horizontal floss under the each piece in half two times to create four second floss and up through the space in the note cards. 4. Pull it tight. Using the same floss, make a number four over the next strand in the row. Decorate the card fronts with inked stamps or Repeat until the end of the row. To start a markers. On the inside write: new row, use the new far left thread and Name(s) Address continue making 4-knots across the row. Phone Names of pets Once 2"-5" (5 cm-13 cm) have been made, Other information tie off the bottom and tie onto the wrist of a new friend. Campers can use these to exchange information with people who live near them who they do not already know. Clay Tablet Necklace Materials: Self-hardening clay, small sticks or toothpicks, cord or yarn.

117

Day 3 and looping diagonally around the center of the cross. (Counselors might want to use People Crosses pliers to press the ends of the craft wire into Materials: Poster board in the shape of cross the cross so the edges don’t snag clothing or about 8" x 15" (20 cm x 38 cm), magazines skin.) Fold the cord in half, and at the fold tie with pictures of people from around the the cross onto the cord. Tie a knot in the world, scissors, glue sticks. other end to complete the necklace.

The cross is the bridge that unites us. We are united as various nations, classes, genders, Pony Bead Cross Keychain and ages on the cross. Campers will design Materials: For each camper: pony beads of people collages that cover the cross. two contrasting colors (12 for cross, 58 for Encourage campers to use pictures of people border), plastic lacing, key ring. of different ages, genders, ethnicities, and so forth. Using about 1 yard (1 meter) of plastic lacing per craft, string 10 beads of one color onto the plastic lacing and dangle them at the Paper Cutouts midpoint of the lacing. Add one bead of a Materials: Medium weight paper for cutting contrasting color, followed by three more (origami paper works well or bulletin board beads of the first color. Bend the beads into backing paper), construction paper for two rows. Weave the lacing back through the backing, scissors, glue stick, pencils, circle second row of beads. Add beads to one side templates 8"-12" (20 cm-30 cm) in diameter. of the lacing, using the pattern at the side as This is based on traditional Polish paper cuts. a guide. When all seven beads of a new row Trace a circle on a piece of midweight paper. are added, string the lacing from the opposite Fold paper in half. Fold in half again and one side back through the seven new beads and more time. Now the paper looks like a cone. pull tight. Once all rows have been added, tie Draw the shape of a person on the cone. off the lacing and add a key ring. Make sure the person’s arms and legs reach out to each side. Cut along the lines. Carefully open up the cutout. The cutout will be people Station of the Cross holding hands in a circle. Glue this to a piece Materials: Twine, string, or long grass; two of construction paper. Under the picture write sticks and several rocks (from the site or on “Jesus Loves All the Children of the World.” the way). Encourage campers to be creative and make their own designs and images. The cross is the most recognizable symbol for Christians. An empty cross symbolizes the power of resurrection over death, of God’s Cross Necklace love triumphing over evil, of sin conquered Materials: For each camper: 30" (76 cm) and our place with God restored. This week cord, four horseshoe nails, 12" (30 cm) craft we are also reminded that the actions on the wire. cross are meant for all people everywhere.

For a rustic reminder of how Jesus meets us Choose a place where a small cross can be on the cross, make this simple cross placed. Find two sticks and bind them necklace. Arrange two horseshoe nails for the together with string or long grass until they vertical portion of the cross by laying one on are secured in a cross shape. Invite campers top of the other with the wide ends on the top to sit together near or around the place where and bottom. Using the craft wire, wrap a loop your cross will stand. around the nails about a third down from the top. Use two more horseshoe nails similarly Ask campers what the cross symbol means to for the horizontal portion of the cross. Lay the them. (Answers will vary, ranging from horizontal nails on top of the vertical nails, general and rather Sunday school scripted to and wrap craft wire around both sets, deeply personal.) Have them name ways that alternating looping around the nails directly the cross’s shape might be interpreted as part 118

of God’s message for us. For example, the Day 4 vertical post of the cross points up to heaven (or where we consider heaven to be) and Salvation Bracelets down to earth, reminding us that God came Materials: Gold or yellow, blue, red, white, to us. The horizontal beam reminds us that and green beads—one bead of each color for God’s relationship with us extends outward. each camper; cord or leather strips long enough to make bracelets. Talk about how the cross is necessary for restoring our relationship with God. God takes Salvation bracelets are a parallel activity with our sin—whatever separates us from God— the Wordless Book. Campers create a bracelet and overcomes it by coming to us. Ask as a reminder of God’s promises to us. As you campers to each find three rocks around the go through the meaning of each color (see area. Each rock will represent things in their “Wordless Book” above) invite campers to lives that they need God to overcome: a take beads of appropriate color and string personal struggle, a struggle experienced them on their bracelets. Tie the bracelets beyond the camper’s own self but within her around the campers’ wrists. Have campers or his circle of family or friends, and a retell the story using the beads on their struggle with all of humankind. bracelet.

Hold the cross upright, touching the ground. Form a base for the cross by having the Gospel Plaques campers place their rocks in a pile around it. Materials: Pieces of heavy cardboard or If necessary, dig the stem of the cross into wood (about 6" x 12" [15 cm x 30 cm]), Mod- the ground a little for extra support. Pray Podge, colorful patterned napkins or tissue together a popcorn prayer or hand-squeeze paper, sponges, a copy of the Bible passage prayer, including in your petitions the John 3:16 printed on paper. (If Mod-Podge is struggles represented by the campers’ rocks. not available in your local craft store, you can Close the prayer with thanks to God for use regular white school glue with water. Use coming to us in love and overcoming all of a ratio of 2 glue to 1 water.) that which we cannot overcome on our own. Martin Luther said that Jesus sets no boundaries around his love. God’s message of Cross Collage love is summarized in what Luther calls the Materials: A cardboard cross for each “gospel in miniature,” John 3:16: “For God so camper, old magazines, scissors, glue, loved the world that he gave his only Son, so decoupage glue. that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” Give each camper a cross made of cardboard that is at least 23" (58 cm) long and 3" (7.5 In this activity, have campers create plaques cm) wide. Invite campers to search through that have this Bible verse on them. Campers magazines to find faces of people. Encourage spread the Mod-Podge on the cardboard or campers to find faces of people from ethnic wood. They choose the items to be backgrounds different from their own. decoupaged, choose tissue paper or napkins Campers will cut out these faces and glue (use only one layer of napkin) to put on the them onto their cross in a collage. When the cardboard or wood. Then they place the Bible entire cross is filled with faces, campers can verse paper on top of the plaque. Cover brush the decoupage glue over the entire top everything with Mod-Podge. to give it a clean, smooth surface. Allow the crosses to dry for several hours. Remind As a group, practice saying the Bible verse on campers that Jesus died for everyone! the plaque. Remind campers that Jesus is always by our side.

119

Worry Dolls and then make a knot in the cord below Materials: Clothespins (without springs; with them. They will repeat this until there are round “doll head” shaped tops), chenille four pairs of a colored bead and a white bead stems, fabric scraps, yarn, markers, glue, and with a knot separating the pairs. They can ribbon. then tie the cord onto their wrist. Tell campers that each colored bead represents a According to Guatemalan legend, worry dolls time when our emotions cause us to try to take away the worries of sleeping children. move away from Jesus. The four colored Before bed, children tell the dolls one worry, beads represent fear, worry, doubt, and then put the doll under their pillow to sleep. loneliness. However, the white beads While sleeping, the doll takes the child's represent Jesus who is always there with us, worry away. To make the doll, take a meeting us even when we are overwhelmed clothespin and wrap a chenille stem around by these feelings. the “head” to form arms on each side. Turn the ends of the chenille stems into little circles to make hands and to prevent the Day 5 stems from snagging on other things. Using fabric scraps, make clothes for the doll and Community Bread Making glue in place. Decorate the doll’s head with Making bread and sharing it with others is a hair and use markers to draw on a face. clear way to understand that Holy Communion is about relationships. You can use the bread during small group devotions Trinity Bracelet (see “Bread Talk”). Also, the bread can be Materials: Leather cord, an assortment of frozen and used at Sunday worship. If you beads. don’t want to use it for a worship experience, share the bread with others. The sharing of Cut the leather cord into lengths that will go bread reminds us of our relationship with around a wrist, plus a few extra inches (5 cm- Jesus. 8 cm) for knotting. Place the beads in a container or basket so that campers can easily see the bead choices. Start a discussion Communion Bread about the Trinity. Talk generally about the Crispy outside, a puffy pocket inside, this functions of each part of the Trinity (use Middle Eastern bread starts out flat and Luther's Small Catechism as a resource). “explodes” in the oven. Invite campers to each choose three beads, Yield: 6 loaves. Can be frozen. with each one representing one part of the 1. Heat oven to 500˚F (260˚C). Trinity. Campers might choose their beads 2. Dissolve 1 package of yeast in 11⁄3 cups with characteristics that signify the symbolic (.32 l) warm water in a large bowl. value of each part. Tie the leather cord into a 3. Stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt, 1⁄4 teaspoon knot about one-third of the length from the (1.25 ml) sugar, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) salad end. String the beads onto the cord, reflecting or olive oil, and 3 to 31⁄2 cups (.7-.8 l) flour. on what each bead means, and then knot the Beat until smooth. cord after the last bead. Have campers tie the 4. Stir in enough flour to make dough easy to bracelets around their wrists to remind them handle. that God is always with them as Father, Son, 5. Turn dough out onto lightly floured and Holy Spirit. surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. 6. Place in greased bowl; turn greased side Jesus is Near Bracelet up. Materials: A cord bracelet, four colored 7. Cover; let rise in a warm place until beads, and four white beads for each camper. double, about 1 hour. (Dough is ready if an indentation remains when touched.) Give each camper four colored beads and four 8. Punch dough down; divide into 6 equal white beads and a piece of cord. Ask them to parts. Shape each part into a ball. Let rise 30 put on a colored bead and then a white bead minutes. 120

9. Sprinkle ungreased baking sheets with would like to add a message, such as “This Is cornmeal. Roll each ball into a circle 1⁄8" (3 the Feast” or “Jesus Meets Us in the Feast,” mm) thick. Place 2 circles in opposite corners they can use markers to add a message. As a of each baking sheet. Let rise 30 minutes. final step, sandwich the finished place mat 10. Bake until loaves are puffed and light between two sheets of clear self-adhesive brown, about 10 minutes. paper. Trim the edges to form an even border.

Prayer Booklets Materials: Card stock, copier paper, pencil, Feast Banners pen, markers, needle and thread or stapler, Materials: Burlap or felt sheets, dowels, felt copy of the Lord’s Prayer. squares, fabric scraps, fabric paint, glitter, Create these booklets for writing or drawing and so forth. prayer requests. The books have two front covers. One cover is for prayerful “Alleluias.” Groups can create banners to decorate the On the pages under this cover write or draw camp dining hall. Campers can create banners about things of thanks and praise. (Possible that illustrate communion, with phrases such topics include: health, not fighting with my as “One Bread, One Body” or “This Is My sibling, a new baby, the new house, beautiful Body…Given for You.” The banners that are weather, and so forth.) The other cover is for created each week can adorn the dining hall prayerful “Lord Have Mercys.” On the pages all season and possibly beyond. under this cover, write or draw about things that make you sad or sorry. (Possible topics include: sickness, fighting, divorce, stealing, Camp-style Bread war, loneliness.) Materials: 2 cups (500 ml) flour, 1⁄2 cup Sew or staple the books together. Use the (125 ml) water, 1⁄2 cup (125 ml) oil booklet as a way to develop a focus to prayer. (preferably olive, but vegetable will do), a Have a copy of the Lord’s Prayer printed on pinch of salt, bowl, spoon, large frying pan, paper that will fit in the booklets. Campers spatula, spices or other seasoning (optional). can glue this in the booklet as a reminder of (Before serving any food, always check with the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray. caregivers for campers who have food Remind campers that God is with us no allergies. Provide an alternative if necessary.) matter what is happening in our life. Just like Make this simple flatbread over the fire. Eat the men on the road to Emmaus, we don’t the bread together during a devotion time or always know or sense God’s presence in our if you have time during your Bible study. life. Because of the promise of Easter, we can be confident that God is with us offering Using the same precautions you would around forgiveness, love, hope, and grace. any open flame, place the frying pan over a low flame or hot coals to heat it up. In the bowl, mix the flour, salt, and water with the Woven Place Mats spoon until all of the water is absorbed. Add Materials: Construction paper (9" x 18" [23 the oil and mix until it is completely cm x 46 cm]), construction paper strips (1" x incorporated into the flour/water mixture. It 9" [2.5 cm x 23 cm]), clear self-adhesive should be a doughy consistency. Pull off small paper, markers, glue or glue sticks. chunks of dough and give them to each camper to flatten to about 1⁄4" (6 mm) thick Take one sheet of large construction paper with their hands. Carefully place each piece in and cut 1" (2.5 cm) strips horizontally across, the frying pan (it doesn’t take long to cook, stopping 1" (2.5 cm) from the edge. Weave in so you could do two or three “shifts” if multicolored strips of construction paper, necessary). Cook on each side for 2-3 gluing the ends in place. Continue adding minutes or until brown and toasted. Let the strips of paper, alternating the over/under pieces cool for a few minutes before eating pattern. Once strips have been added to the them. end, glue the final ends in place. If campers

121

Games

There are many different games and activities that you can do during a week at camp. Here is a non-inclusive list for reference. If you don't know what something is, ask someone! For more ideas and more activities, consult the program file found in the office in the A-Center or talk to an experienced staff person. Campers will learn the importance of following the rules, playing fairly, striving to do their best, competing to win but keeping losing and winning in proper perspective. Everyone is a winner at Mount Luther! Campers will learn the values of teamwork, develop motor skills, improve skills, and learn to think and make decisions quickly while learning the rules of the game. It is important to build people up during games. Don’t be tempted to switch rules and promote competition but instead instill good sportsmanship in your campers.

What to look for in a game: 1. Consider growth and development needs as basic to planning, selecting, modifying and creating programs and activities. Does the game offer practice in life skills such as listening, attention span and concentration, memory, perseverance, self control, handling stress, generating alternatives and problem solving, making choices, reading the environment and positive social interaction? 2. Consider the importance of INCLUSION by attempting to continuously incorporate the following: a. EXPANSION- increasing the number of turns or opportunities to participate in the activity and the important developmental experiences the activity offers b. EQUALIZATION- giving each player an opportunity to participate at his or her own level or ability c. PROGRESSIVE CHALLENGE- The availability of multiple levels of difficulty within an activity so that each individual may choose a challenge a freely increase this challenge, allowing equalization to occur d. INTERACTIVE CHALLENGE- allowing participants who vary in ability levels to be able to interact and reciprocally contribute to each other’s growth process.

Other things to consider: 1. When doing these activities, you should be supervising. All staff will be trained and prepared in working with various age groups, games, and game equipment. 2. If any special sports/game equipment is used, it shall be in your presence. Counselors will provide and return all equipment to the storage area. 3. All campers are eligible for field games/new games. Games shall be appropriate for age groups 4. Staff shall identify risks such as injury from balls, injury from camper collision, injury from equipment- swung bat, hit by ball, exhaustion, and muscle pulls, strain, abrasion, broken bones due to competition of game. 5. If there is an emergency during the playing of games, begin first aid treatment, get camper to the nurse. If the camper is not to be moved, call 911 for emergency transportation. 6. Other Safety rules a. No tackle football b. Underhand pitch softball c. Softball- no sliding, designate batting warm up circle, no throwing of bats, catchers must wear mask and be at least 8 steps behind batter d. All rules of fair play shall be observed e. No physical or verbal intimidation f. Fighters will be removed from the game g. Equipment shall be used as intended h. First aid kits shall be available at the field area, pool and ice is available in Evergreen i. Capture the Flag- travel with buddy j. Be mindful that environmental factors affect health/safety/first aid. These include: Weather – hot, humid, rain, wet; Wildlife – gnats, horseflies, bees; Time of day; Condition of camper – tired, rested. k. Frequent rest/water breaks should be taken during physical activities. l. Staff shall be especially alert for sprains, bruises, heat exhaustion, fatigue and burns/abrasions from ropes/sliding/collisions m. Only two games of “Flags” 122

Dividing into Teams The following are some fun ways to break a large group into small groups. Have those with the same answers to the following questions meet in a small group: • Everyone fold your hands. If your right thumb is on top, get together with other “right-thumbers.” “Left-thumbers” do the same. Can also use folding your arms. • How many children are in your family? Divide to make groups based on similar-sized families. • Which leg do you put in your pants first? You might end up with three groups as some people sit down and put both legs in at the same time. • Are you left- or right-handed? Ambidextrous? Meet with “like-handed” folks. • Do you put the toilet paper roll on so that the paper comes over the top or the bottom? • Do you wear a watch? Glasses, contacts or none? Divide up by the things you wear in common.

Poor Sportsmanship and Foul Play  Sportsmanship is not something that you can take for granted or think your campers will practice on their own or naturally know how to do. It has a set of skills that you can teach to help them feel good about themselves and connect to others.  Kids who experience poor sportsmanship may show certain upset expressions. These include a dejected look, slumped shoulders, head turned down, emotional reactions such as tears, anger or irritation, and a growing disinterest in the sporting activity.  Poor Sportsmanship and Foul Play can be initiated by staff when a staff person ignores the teasing or taunting of a camper towards another camper. If a staff person stands by and does nothing to stop it, the teaser actually gets the message that their behavior is acceptable. This creates a poor example for others. A staff person may be contributing to the belief in the camper that they don’t belong in camp playing a sport, and create disinterest and loss of motivation on the camper’s future play. The staff negativity may make young athletes feel badly about themselves, in general.  Sometimes staff members actually join in and promote poor sportsmanship because they get pulled into immature behavior done by the teasers. Other times, coaches may think that winning is the most important thing in a camp sports event, and encourage undesirable Foul Play and bullying behavior just to get the “victory” or to compensate for their own feelings of inadequacy.  Be mindful of your acceptance of foul play/poor sportsmanship which you may think is fun or part of a joke and watch the expressions of the camper who may be the target of it to really see how they feel.

Promoting Good Sportsmanship  The key to promoting good sportsmanship is to use positive motivation to promote teamwork and encouragement.  Positive motivation is not limited to encouraging members of your own team. It also includes treating members of the other team fairly and even encouraging them.  Staff members who step in at the first sign of poor sportsmanship (through negative words, gestures meant to hurt, or exclusion create good sportsmanship.  A good, talented coach uses positive motivation to encourage teamwork and avoids joining into negativity amongst players.  What helps campers perform better is the last thing told to them. Remember to provide encouragement to your campers even if you have been critical of their behavior.

Team Building An Action Socialization Experience (ASE) is a group activity that fosters reliance on group effort and support to complete a task as quickly and/or as efficiently as possible. The goals of ASEs are to help the group see the importance of each member in the accomplishment of the group’s goals; to illustrate the present level of interdependence which exists among members of the group; to stimulate the members to evaluate their attitudes and feelings as members of a task group; to sensitize the members to some of their own behavior which contributes toward or hinders the progress of the group. When doing ASEs, a story may be made up to give more realism; do not tell the group any more than they need to know. Don’t offer suggestions on how to complete the task- let the group work it out. There is no correct way to do a task- if it works, it is okay! 123

See different games on the following pages. Games in blue indicate good get acquainted/ice breaker- type games. Games in black indicate good ASEs. Games in red indicate indoor/rainy day games. Games in green indicate outdoor/field games.

ACID PIT- Use 4 pieces of lumber and 6 number ten cans. Split group into 2 smaller groups. Set boundaries from where and to where they have to go. The object of the activity is to get all your people to the designated point across the "acid pit." They cannot touch the ground and can only use the materials given to them. See which group can get all their people to the other side the quickest. NOTE: It is not necessary to split group into two. You can do it as one group but it is kind of fun to see who can get their team across first. Also encourage group(s) that if they first don’t succeed, try again to find a different way.

ARUBAN FIELD BALL- Divide group into two fairly equal teams. One team is given the SCORE BALL and other gets the STOP BALL. These objects need only be distinctively different. If a team has the SCORE BALL they should do the following: form a circle and try to pass the ball around the circle as fast as they can. When the object gets back to the starting point in the circle, the team gets ten points. The whole team should shout out, “Ten, Twenty, Thirty” and so forth as they continue to score. The team with the STOP BALL does this: line up behind the person with the object. Pass the object to the back of the line by passing it over everyone’s head. When it reaches the last person in line, he/she runs to the front of the line. The team should now shout, “STOP.” The other team must stop scoring. At this time the two teams are free to kick off. This means they toss their objects any place in the play area. The teams should now get the opposite object to being scoring or stopping. The game is usually played until the hilarious exhaustion of those involved brings the action to a close.

AWE-SUM- Get it teams of two. Players put their hands behind their backs. The leader says, “Ready, Set, Go,” and each person in a pair puts up 1-5 fingers. The object of the game is to be the player who adds the numbers together first. When the total has been shared, players give a high five to their partner. After a few rounds, they should switch partners. You can also do this with subtraction.

BACK-TO-BACK STANDUP- Have campers get in pairs and sit back-to-back, linking their arms. Challenge them to stand up without using their hands and allow their legs as the support for one another to stand up. When successful, have groups of three get in a similar position and stand up, without using their hands. Work together to see how many campers can be “linked” together to stand up, simply using the support of one another.

BAG SKITS- Make up original skits with a bunch of stuff in a bag.

BIRTHDAY LINE- The object of this activity is to form a line in order of birthday (or birth date). The twist is that you cannot talk. A variation of this game is to assign each participant an animal and then campers must form a line with the smallest animal at one end and the largest at the other. They may communicate only by acting out their animals. Another variation may be to blindfold everyone and have them sound out their animal. Make small slips of paper with the animal names. Some suggestions: bee, chipmunk, rabbit, beaver, dog, panther, deer, monkey, kangaroo, walrus, bear, camel, giraffe, elephant. When finished with either activity, you should have them see if they have done it correctly. Still another variation is to blindfold participants, who may not speak. They are to arrange themselves in line from shortest to tallest.

BLANKET GAME- Two people hold a blanket between two teams. One person on each side gets close to the blanket. The blanket is dropped and the person who says the other person’s name last goes to the other team. Do this until everyone is on one side. Personalities come out in this game.

BLIND CROSSING- Blindfolded people walk towards and find a seeing partner, guided by verbal directions from the seeing partner. Obstacles can be added to the course.

124

BLIND POLYGON- Have to form a square, pentagon, or other polygon with sides of equal length while all campers are blindfolded. They take hold of a string and try to form the shape. A variation could be that one person is not blind and has to help the others form the shape.

BLIND WALK- A group is blindfolded and linked together, holding the hand or shoulder of someone in front of them. The group is then led on a walk. Increase difficulty as they become comfortable.

BLOB TAG- One person is the blob and tries to tag the other members of the group. When you are tagged, you grab hands with the blob and form a bigger blob. Try to get whole group tagged and part of the blob.

BIG BUDDHA- Participants face each other in a circle. Each person is assigned a number, but the number stays with the position and not with the person. As someone is “out” of the game, the circle rotates, and the person at the front is designated Big Buddha, but the number stays stationary. Everyone in the circle starts clapping their hands and then clapping their hands on their legs in rhythm. The person who is Big Buddha starts by saying, for example, “Big Buddha, Big Buddha, Big Buddha, Number One, Number Two.” The person standing in the number two position replies, “Number two, number ten.” This continues until someone makes a mistake, and then that person is out, and all the players advance counter-clockwise towards the Big Bubba position. The one who is out goes to the last number in the circle.

BITE THE BAG- Get a paper bag and place in somewhere. Then have the group line up and run up to the bag, biting a piece of it off without using their hands. See who can last the longest.

BLACK MAGIC- Person leaves the room. Group chooses something to be it. When person comes back, the leader asks them if various objects are it. The object pointed to the right of the object chosen must be black.

BRADY BRUNCH MUSICAL CHAIRS- Play musical chairs but the person who gets “out” has to come up with an action that everyone does the next time they walk around the chairs. Play music from the Brady Bunch.

BODY SURFING- Everyone lies down on ground shoulder to shoulder. One person begins “surfing” over the first and the group rolls on the ground, taking the person with them.

BUNKO

CATERPILLAR KICKBALL- When the ball is kicked, those in the outfield have to get the ball and form a straight line behind one another before the runner gets to home plate.

CATERPILLAR RACES- Race around your cabin, dining hall, pavilion, or craft lodge in sleeping bags.

CAPTURE THE FLAG- Each team has its own territory in which its members are free to move as they please, but which opponents enter at their own peril. The territories are separated by a boundary line. Any player crossing that line may be captured by the enemy. The teams assembly close together at the center of the line, each team in its own territory. On a signal, the teams proceed to set their flags at any point within 100 paces of the starting point. The flags must be visible, although they can be displayed inconspicuously. After three minutes, another signal is given for the start of the game. The object is to enter the enemy’s territory, capture the flag, and return to home territory without being caught. Player may be posted to guard the flag, but must not get nearer than 10 paces to it, unless an enemy goes in that distance. They may then follow him or her in. Any player found in enemy territory may be captured by rules set in advance (such as tagging them). When a player is captured, he must go with the captor to the jail, which needs to be 10 paces away from the boundary line. A prisoner may be released by a friend touching him, provided the prisoner is touching the jail at the time. He or she can then go back to their home. If the rescuer is caught before he touches the prisoner, he too becomes caught. A rescuer may only rescue one prisoner at a time. If the flag is 125

captured, the raider must carry it over the boundary line. If the raider is caught before making it home, the flag is set at the point of rescue and the game continues. If neither side captures the flag within the given time span, the team with the most prisoners is declared the winner. Variations:  Eliminate the jails. Simply have tagged players return freely to their team’s side.  Use more than on flag per team. Use three or four instead.  Allow more than one prisoner to be freed at a time.  Play the game with three or four teams instead of two. Each team will need its own flag or flags and its territory to defend.  You can also add a “no man’s land” which is a safety zone.  If you have someone jailed, they are blindfolded and a trust walk is done with them back to the other side.

CHAOTIC TEAM JUGGLE- Toss several small soft objects around. Players must get the person’s attention by calling out their name and then throw the object to them. Emphasize that the player tossing the object needs to get permission from the receiver before sending the object on its way. It can be eye contact, or a nod of the head, or a smile. Gradually add more objects. Can use Frisbees.

CHICKEN AND FISH RACE- This activity uses a rubber chicken and rubber fish, although you can use any two soft throwing items. Participants stand in a circle and count off 1,2,1,2, etc. and remain in their location. Team 1 is assigned the chicken and Team 2 is assigned the Fish. Each team can only touch their object! Hand the props to people on at one end of the circle. Once you begin, the object is to pass your object around the circle (both clockwise) in order to the original location before the other team. You cannot skip players on your team while playing. Teams are awarded one point for each time they pass the other’s prop or get to the finish line first.

COPYCAT- Ask two volunteers to leave the group while you explain this game. One person is the leader. She casually does little things like scratching her nose, crossing her legs, adjusting her classes, and so on. The rest of the group copies her as subtly as possible. Choose someone to bring the two volunteers back to the group. Explain the activity without identifying the leader—they have to watch carefully and try to figure that out for themselves.

CROSS THE RED SEA- The idea of this game connects with the escape of the Israelites across the Red Sea. It can be fun to play with a larger group, so consider inviting another cabin or village to play. The game is like Rock, Paper, and Scissors but with body motions. There are three choices: Egyptians, Israelites, and the Red Sea. Egyptians overcome Israelites, Israelites overcome the Red Sea, and the Red Sea overcomes Egyptians. The motion for “Egyptians” is to move arms so they form a Z-shape like that used in the song “Pharaoh, Pharaoh.” The motion for “Israelites” is one hand on top of the other and bringing them down as if they are holding the staff Moses used to open the Red Sea. The motion for “Red Sea” is to put arms over head and do the wave. To play, campers are paired off back to back. They count to three and then pivot with their motion in place. The “winner” finds another partner and the game continues until all are out. The “losers” move to the side and sit in their group of Egyptians or Israelites. The object is to see how many Israelites will make it across the sea in each turn. The Israelites will sit and wave their arms back and forth thanking God that they have been saved. The Egyptians will sit arms folded on their chest making “Hmmmph” noises. This game can be played in competition with another group if you wish. See how many turns it takes to get as many Israelites across the Red Sea as possible.

CROSSED/UNCROSSED- Use two sticks or pencils. Pass them around the circle and say I receive these (crossed or uncrossed) and pass them (crossed or uncrossed). The sticks really don't matter- the key is whether or not your legs are crossed.

COUCH GAME

DIZZY BATS- Runners run up to a bat and spin around a certain number of times. Run back to their group. This is done as a relay race.

126

DOGGIE, DOOGIE, WHO TOOK YOUR TOY- One person sits with his back facing the group. He has a "bone" behind his back and someone steals it and barks. The other person has three guesses to find out who stole the bone.

DOWN AND OUT- Someone from staff needs to write a good description of this popular game. If you read this and are the first to do it, Chad will buy you a camp t-shirt.

DOUBLE NICKEL DODGEBALL- The numbers are for two teams of ten. Change them accordingly. Set up five pitcher’s mounds. Mark them with towels or something safe. The five pitchers roll five balls at once to five kickers. When balls are kicked, players run to the ten to fifteen bases you scattered around the field. They try to get to all the bases and back to their home plate while the fielding team tries to get five balls back onto the five pitcher’s mounds. When that happens, they yell STOP. Now the next five kickers and pitchers take their turns. If a pitch is bad, just have the kicker stop the ball and kick it where it stands. This will keep the action going. After two turns for each five, switch sides. Good luck keeping score!

DRAW A PARTNER- Have the campers get into partners. Place a piece of paper around the room enough so every set of partners will have a piece. Give each set of partners a pack of markers. Have each person draw their partner and find out 1 personal fact about that person and 3 things the two people have in common. Go around the room and have everyone introduce their partner and say one fact about their partner.

DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE- Everyone is in circle. Person who is it goes around the circle, saying, “Duck, Duck, Duck” and when they say, “Goose,” that person has to chase them around the circle and try to tag them before they get back to that person’s seat.

EGYPTIAN NUMBERS- Someone from staff needs to write a good description of this popular game. If you read this and are the first to do it, Chad will buy you a camp t-shirt.

ELECTRICITY- Pick a starting point and an ending point. Squeeze hands. Person in the middle has to guess who has the electricity.

FARKEL- Everyone rolls to see who rolls first- highest does, of course. First player rolls 6 dice. Look for ones and fives OR three of a kind ONE = 100 POINTS FIVE= 50 POINTS THREE OF A KIND Three Ones= 1000 Three Twos= -1000 (subtract one thousand points) Three Threes= 300 Three Fours= 400 Three Fives= 500 Three Sixes= 600 In one roll you get three pairs of two- 1500 points and roll again Each additional to add to your sets is 100 points You need 500 to get on “the board.” You keep what you have (ones, fives or three of a kinds) and shake the remaining dice. You determine when to stop, but if you don’t get any dice that add points in a roll, you FARKEL and don’t get any points. If you have gotten points from all six die, you get to pick them all up and roll again. If you have a straight in a roll with all six die, (1,2,3,4,5,6) you can either get 1500 points and continue rolling or switch points with another player. You can also play where you pick up the dice that are unrolled from the previous player and continue rolling, adding to their point total for your own. If you Farkel before you stop, you lose that amount of points. Play stops when a player gets 10,000 points. Then each person gets one last roll to try and top their score or get a straight and switch points. Each player rolls until they Farkel.

127

FARMER, FOX, CHICKEN, AND BAG OF FEED- Begin this activity by dividing campers into groups of four. Assign each camper in the small group one of the following roles: Farmer, Fox, Chicken, Bag of Feed. Then ask each group to find a solution to the following problem: A farmer must get a fox, a chicken and a bag of feed across a river in a boat built for two. The farmer may make as many trips as needed but he or she must never leave the fox alone with the chicken or the chicken alone with the bag of feed. SOLUTION…On the first trip the farmer takes the chicken, on the second trip the farmer takes the feed across and brings the chicken back. On the third trip, the farmer takes the fox across, leaving the chicken behind. On the fourth trip, the farmer takes the chicken across.

FRUIT- Each person in the circle is given the name of a fruit. One person stands in the middle of the circle holding a “thwapper.” He or she calls out the name of a fruit. The person who is that fruit has to call out the name of someone else’s fruit before they get thwapped. If they call out a fruit that no one is, or they call out the fruit of the person in the center, they are in the center. If you get twapped, you are in the center. A variation of this is to use vegetables or people’s names.

GAGA BALL- Gaga Ball is a form of Dodge Ball that's normally played in an Octagon 'Pit'. The game's roots originated in Israel. The word 'Ga' means Hit, so Ga-Ga means 'Hit-Hit'. There are several variations on exactly how the game is played, but these rules seem to be the most common, fair, and competitive: 1. Any number of people can play. To start, everyone in the pit must be touching the wall. Someone tosses the ball in the center of the pit, and it must bounce twice on the ground. As it bounces, everyone yells "Ga" for each bounce. After the second bounce ("Ga-Ga"), the ball is live. 2. Hit the ball with an open hand or palm, and try to hit it into another player's leg at the knee or below. If the ball hits or touches anyone from the knee or below, that player is out and must exit the pit. Always use a lightweight ball. 3. Anytime the ball goes out of the pit, the last person that the ball touched is out. 4. You can only hit the ball one time until it either touches another player or the wall, then you are able to hit it again. You can dribble the ball against the wall to position it if necessary, and, you can move around anywhere inside the pit during the game. 5. The game ends when the last person is eliminated, or, to speed up the end of the game, the last few players can be given a certain time to finish, such as 10 seconds to win, and at that point, a tie is called. Once the game is over, everyone else re-enters the pit to start a new game. 6. You can add variations to the game such as playing with more than one ball, play in teams, expand the ‘hit’ area to be above the knee, catching the ball eliminates the person that hit it, and any other variation you can come up with! A good variation for school recess time is to play Rotation instead of Elimination. This is done by allowing a certain amount of players in the pit, and forming a line for the rest that want to play. Then, as one person gets ‘out’, the next person in line goes into the game. This way, everyone that wants to play should get a chance during a short period of time.

GIANTS, WIZARDS, AND ELVES- Split group up into 2 teams, designate 2 safety zones, one on each teams side, and designate a middle area. Each team then gets in a huddle and picks what they want to be as a team, a giant, a wizard or an elf. Giants put their hands up over their heads, wizards put their hands our straight in front of them wiggling their fingers, and elves make pointy ears on their head with their pointer fingers. Once the teams have decided their character they want to be, they come up to the center spot and line up face to face, then on a count of 3, everyone does whatever action their team picked. Giants beat elves, elves beat wizards and wizards beat giants, so the team that beats the winning team chases the other and tries to tag as many members on the other team as possible before they reach the safety zone. The members from the team that get tagged become a part of the other team. Repeat until all players are on one side.

GOOD EGG- A variation of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Everyone starts in the group as “eggs” (can be done with any number of hand signals or positions) and when you meet another egg, you play rock, paper

128

scissors. The winner evolves into a chicken (with flapping wings). The loser stays an egg. When a chicken meets another chicken, you play again. This goes on and the winner evolves into something new. The loser goes down a developmental step. You can add as many developmental steps as you need to fill time. Then the ultimate stage can be a camp counselor.

HA HA- Everyone lies in a circle on the floor. Each person lies with his head on the belly of someone else. The third person goes “ha.” The second person goes “ha, ha.” The third “ha, ha, ha” and so on. Usually laughter begins and the effect heightens as people laugh together.

HEADS OR TAILS- The group leader holds up and a coin and asks all participants to decide whether they think the coin, when flipped, will land on heads or tails by putting their hands either on their head or their tail (their bottom) respectively. The leader calls out, “Pick em and Stick em” and players position their hands in the heads or tails position. Once everyone has chosen, the leader then flips the coin and calls out the results. Anyone who has chosen correctly advance to the next round. Play repeats again until only one participant remains.

HIGH FIVES- This is a fun activity for adults or intergenerational groups. Gather in a circle and tell the campers to run to the middle of the group and give high-fives to anyone else who is there if they can answer yes to any of the statements. (Note: If there are mobility issues, have the person raise both hands and have the others in the group go to that person(s) and give high-fives.) Some samples: • traveled more than 150 miles (240 km) to get here • favorite ice-cream flavor is chocolate • first time at this camp • is a parent or grandparent • likes to play or watch baseball • plays a musical instrument • has coached or refereed a team • reads before sleep all or most nights • enjoys cooking or baking • owns a dog or cat • has skied or snowboarded

HOOLA HOOP GAME- Have campers stand in a circle and hold hands. Place a hoola hoop around the arm of one of the campers, and have them reconnect the circle. The campers’ goal is to get the hoola hoop from its starting point, around the circle, back to the initial person, without releasing hands.

INDIAN CHIEF OR RHYTHM GAME- Everyone is in a circle. One camper closes their eyes or steps out of the room. The leader chooses a secret leader or Indian Chief. Be sure to choose quietly so the "guesser" can't hear you. The Leader begins an action such as snapping fingers, patting the tummy, or slapping knees, and everyone in the circle imitates the Leader. The guesser returns and tries to figure out who the leader is within three guesses. As the guesser looks around, the Leader should change the action without being detected.

I LOVE MY NEIGHBOR- Everyone sits in a circle on their own chair. There is one person in the middle without a chair whose goal is to get a seat. That person will say something such as “I love my neighbors with glasses!” Everyone with glasses must get up and find another seat that is not right beside the seat they are in. During the shuffle, the person in the middle finds a seat, leaving someone else to stand and call out more neighbors. Look to the Pile Up examples for more ideas.

I’M GOING ON A PICNIC- Sit in a circle. First person starts and says, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m taking _____.” That object should start with the same letter as the person’s first name. The next person goes, does the same thing, but also has to repeat all the people’s names that went before him/her and their object.

JUMP- This is a jump rope group style. Have the entire group form a circle arms over shoulders. On the word “Go” everyone tries to jump with both feet off the ground, all at the same time. Once you 129

have mastered this, try jumping with an imaginary rope with one person shouting out a cadence, getting progressively faster.

KILLER- Shake hands with each other. The killer has his finger bent in. Another variation is MARATHON KILLER- played over a whole day or several days. Stage dramatic deaths

KNOTS- Have campers stand in a circle and grab hands with two different people in the circle, not those on either side of them. Without letting go of each other’s hands, campers are to “untie” themselves into one larger circle.

LAP SIT- Everyone stands in a circle facing the back of the person in front of them. Count to three and everyone sits down on the lap of the person behind them.

LEAN IN LEAN OUT - A group stands in a circle holding hands. People are assigned a “one” or a “two”. On the count of three, one’s lean in while two’s lean out. The group should be able to support and balance itself. Ins need to have their knuckles out, and vice versa.

LOG GAME- Everyone stands on a log and has to get in reverse order without falling off the log. No contact can be made with the ground.

LOOK DOWN, LOOK UP- Have campers stand in a circle looking down at the ground. When the counselor/leader says, “Look up,” everyone should look up and directly at someone else in the circle. If two make eye contact, then they leave the circle and become partners. To make it silly, have the pair yell loudly when eye contact is made. If campers did not make eye contact with someone, then they look down again as directed by the leader for the next round. Continue until everyone in the circle has a partner by continuing to say, “Look down” (everyone looks at the ground), “Look up” (everyone looks at another person in the circle). You can also use this as a get acquainted game. While campers are with their partners, ask them to answer questions about themselves always starting with their name. Include other questions like the following: Where are you from? Is this your first time at camp? How long did it take you to drive here today? What is your favorite subject in school? What sports or activities do you enjoy? Play several rounds so that campers have a chance to mingle with a variety of partners.

MAFIA- A moderator leads this game. All of the participants should sit in a circle and close their eyes. Depending on the size of the group, the moderator will tap less than half of the group on the head. They are in the mafia. The moderator will then one person on the shoulder. (S)He will be the police inspector. All other players are civilians. No other player, besides the moderator, knows the identity of the players. The game has two phases: Night and Day. At night, the moderator tells the players to close their eyes. Then, only the mafia should open their eyes. They look at each other and through a series of hand gestures and pointing, choose someone to be killed. The mafia then closes their eyes. The police inspector then opens his or her eyes. He or she should point to a player that might be in the mafia. The moderator then gives a thumbs up or thumbs down to the inspector. When day arrives, the moderator tells all the players to open their eyes. The moderator announces who has been killed. That person gets a few last works to make an accusation. The group then talks about whom they want to kill. It should eventually come to a vote. The mafia wins once all the civilians have been killed. The civilians win once all of the mafia members have been killed. IS THERE A WAY WE COULD CHANGE THIS GAME TO MAKE IT NOT AS VIOLENT? COULD WE MAKE IT BIBLICAL CHARACTERS?

MAKE A SPLASH- This is a variation of Duck, Duck, Goose. Campers sit in a circle. Fill a large bucket with water and place it near the circle. Choose one camper to be “it” and give him or her a large cup. “It” fills the cup with water and walks outside the circle saying, “Splish, Splish” passing behind each child. “It” says “Splash” and pours the cup of water over a camper in the circle. That person then chases the camper with the cup. Whoever reaches the empty place in the circle first sits down and the other person becomes “it.” Play continues as long as the water lasts and campers remain involved.

130

MAKE UP A WORD- Participants are given cards with letters on. They go around introducing themselves and exchanging cards. The leader yells “time” and they must form groups of a certain number. That group must come up with a word using those letters and also supply a definition.

MARBLES- Everyone in the group will need a twelve-inch long piece of wide PVC pipe. The pipe will need to be cut open-face. The object is for the group to transport the Word of God (a marble) to the people (a coffee can). Place the can about ten yards away from the starting point. The marble must touch everybody’s pipe and while the marble is in one’s pipe, one cannot move. Also, the marble cannot stop, roll backwards or be touched once it has started. If this occurs, the group needs to start over.

MONSTER- Have to form a monster out of all the group's bodies that will move them to a finish point about 30 feet away. The catch is that only one third of the group's feet (round any fractions up) and only one half of their hands may touch the ground.

MOON IS ROUND- Someone from staff needs to write a good description of this popular game. If you read this and are the first to do it, Chad will buy you a camp t-shirt.

MOOSE GAME- Here are the motions: Moose- 2 horns; Rooster- 1 hand on head like rooster; Aardvark- hand over head; Cow- milk; Fish- 2 hands; Chipmunk- puff cheeks, tickle; Snake- slither one hand; Giraffe- fingers on neck; Skunk- hold nose. Person starts and makes his animal then another. Play continues. You can also make it harder and when someone is out, everyone moves up.

MYSTERIES- You give the campers the scenario and they have to ask you yes/no questions to figure out the answer:

Sawdust at Circus- A man was found dead at a circus with a pile of sawdust next to him. How did he die? (Answer: The man was a midget. He was blind. Someone cut off the bottom of his cane. He thought he was getting taller and would be fired so he killed himself.)

Brig- A man is in a ship, in a room that is totally secluded from the outside world. He has no contact with anyone, his meals are slid under the door. In his room is a toilet, a sink, and a bed. Yet he knew exactly when the ship crossed the equator. How did he know? (Answer: He knew because in the Southern Hemisphere the water rotates in the opposite way than in the Northern Hemisphere. He looked at the water in the sink (or toilet).)

Adam- You are on a nude beach and a man walks up to you. You know he is Adam from the Bible. How do you know? (Answer: You know because Adam is the only person without a belly button.)

Umbrella- A man lives on the 12th floor of a swank apartment building. He takes the elevator and goes to the seventh floor, when walks five flights to his room, when he comes home from work. On rainy days, he goes directly to the 12th floor. Why? (Answer- the man in a midget. He can only reach the 7th floor button, so he needs to walk up the other flights. On rainy days, he uses his umbrella and can reach the 12th floor button.)

Iceblock- A man is found hung to death in a locked room. There is only a puddle of water underneath him. How did he die? (Answer- The man committed suicide. He stood on an iceblock to kill himself and the water melted.)

53 Bicycles- A man is found dead in an alley. Beside him are 53 bicycles. How did he die? (Answer- The man was killed after he cheated at cards. That’s why he had 53 cards. Also BICYCLE is the brand name of cards.)

131

Theatre Killing- A man and his wife go to the movies. During an especially loud part of the movie, the man kills his wife by shooting her. He then takes her out of the theatre at the end of the movie without anyone noticing. How does he do it? (Answer- It was a drive-in movie)

Icicle- A man is found dead in a cabin in the woods. It is winter. How did he die? (Answer- He stabbed himself with an icicle)

Table/Saw- There is a man in a concrete room. It has no windows, doors, or access to the outside world. All he has is a table and a saw. How does he get out? (Answer- The man took the saw, cut the table in half, two halves make a (w)hole and he crawled out.

Abraham Lincoln- A man claims he has an original copy of the Gettysburg Address as well as a handwritten journal entry of Lincoln’s that he wrote on the day of the address. It said, “Before I gave the address today, the band played our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. I then gave my address which began four score and seven years ago.” Why was this a fraud? (Answer- The Star Spangled Banner was not our national anthem until the 20th Century)

Hot Car- A man was being chased by the police. The police lost him, but later stopped at his house. The man claimed he had been in his house all day. How did the police know he was lying? (Answer- his car hood was still hot)

Cabin in the Woods- Some cross country skiers find a cabin in the woods. There is smoke coming out of it and inside there are some dead people. There is a small hole in the wall of the cabin. What happened? (Answer- It was an airplane cabin. It got a hole in it and cause the air pressure to drop, killing the people and causing the plane to crash.)

Home Plate- A man starts at home, walks awhile, turns left, makes another left and then another left. He returns home to find a man with a mask at home. Why isn’t he afraid? (Answer- the man was playing baseball)

Car Ride- A man was out driving in a car with his wife, when the wife’s behavior caused him to stop the car and rush to the nearest house. When the man returned, he found his poor wife at death’s door and there was a stranger in the car with her. The police arrived in a few minutes, but they did not arrest or even question the stranger. How come? (Answer- his wife went into labor in the car and when he went for help, she gave birth to their baby.)

Sibling Barriers- A mother and her two sons were sitting in the kitchen talking. The mother spoke freely to her sons and they spoke freely to her, but the sons wouldn’t speak to each other. The son’s hadn’t fought and they didn’t dislike each other and yet they didn’t exchange a single word. How come? (Answer- Years ago, the mother had immigrated to another country with one of her infant sons; the other had remained in his country of birth. At their reunion as adults, the two brothers did not speak the same language and could converse only through their mother.)

Trouble Sleeping- Charles was at home in bed one night, having trouble getting to sleep. He tossed and turned; no luck. Finally, he arose, went to the phone, and dialed a number that he had never dialed before. A person he did not know said, “Hello.” Without saying a word himself, Charles hung up, went back to bed and immediately went to sleep. How come? (Answer- Charles lived in a big-city apartment building and could not get to sleep because his neighbor was snoring. So, he looked up his neighbor’s number in the phone book, dialed it, and hung up as soon as the neighbor answered. As the neighbor’s snoring had now stopped, Charles was able to get to sleep quickly.)

Heinous Murder- Terry committed a heinous murder- so awful that we will not discuss the details here. Terry was arrested, tired and convicted of the crime. The jury found no extenuating circumstances in the case and there was absolutely no legal grounds for 132

overturning the verdict. And yet the judge said to Terry, “I have no alternative but to release you without punishment.” How come? (Answer- Terry was half of a pair of Siamese twins. He could not be punished without also punishing his innocent twin.)

One Dead- No Charge- There was a wreck. It was the fault of a man in a small foreign car, who had darted out in front of a big car causing it to crash through a store window. The people in the foreign car were unhurt. In the other car there was one injured and one dead. A manslaughter charge was never filed against the drive of the foreign car. Why? (Answer- the big car was a hearse.)

Hardware Store- A man went into a hardware store and was looking at an item when the clerk walked up and asked, “Yes, sir, may I help you?” “Yes,” said the man. “How much are these?” “They are 25 cents each, but you can get 25 for 50 cents and 114 for 75 cents.” What were the items? (Answer- house numbers)

Swiss Alps- A man in New York City happened to read a small article in the paper about a mid-western man who had taken a cruise to Europe with his wife. The article stated that while skiing in the Swiss Alps the wife had an accident and died. The man in New York immediately phoned the police and told them he had proof that the woman’s death was not an accident. Later, that evidence was instrumental in the conviction of the husband for premeditated murder. Who was the man in New York and upon what did he base his action? (Answer- travel agent sold him a one way ticket)

Night Watchman- Once there was a night watchman who had been caught several times sleeping on the job. The boss issued the final ultimatum and the very next night he was caught again sitting at this desk with his head in his hands, elbows resting on the best. “Ah, ha! I’ve caught you again!” exclaimed the boss. The watchman’s eyes popped open immediately and he knew what happened. Being a quick thinking man, he said one word before looking up at his boss. The boss apologized profusely and went home. What was the one word? (Answer- Amen. The man was praying)

Not a Stickup- Harold walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a glass of water. The bartender pulls out a gun from beneath the counter and aims it at Harold. A moment later Harold says “Thank You” and walks out. How come? (Answer- Harold had hiccups and asked for a glass of water. The bartender successfully scared Harold’s hiccups away by pointing the gun at him.)

Pack of Trouble- Ethelbert was found face down in a desert, dead, with a pack on his back. Nobody else’s tracks were near the body and Ethelbert did not die of thirst. How come? (Answer- Ethelbert was a skydiver. His parachute pack did not open)

Albatross Soup- Josh goes to a restaurant and orders albatross soup. He eats one spoonful of it, leaves the restaurant and immediately kills himself. How come? (Answer- Sometime in the past Josh had been shipwrecked with his wife and a third person on a nearly barren South Seas island. Josh and his wife got terribly sick, and Josh was in a delirium when his wife died. The other survivor supposedly caught an albatross and brought Josh what he said was albatross soup, which helped nurse Josh back to health. The two men were rescued. Back home, Josh ordered albatross soup at the restaurant, found that it tasted differently from what he had eaten on the island, and realized that his wife had been cannibalized to make the “albatross soup.” The shock was too great, of course, for him to continue.

Bodies- Two bodies are found lying in a puddle of water and there is broken glass all around. How did they die? (Answer- the bodies are those of fish whose tank fell and broke)

NEEDLE AND THREAD TAG- A large group of about a dozen or more stands in a circle with about four feet between each of them. “It” is outside the circle. The person being chased is inside the circle. 133

When either person runs in or out of the circle during “tag,” the circle gets “sewn up” and stays that way for the rest of that round. That means that the two people in the circle who a person ran between now much take their arms and link them, which prevents a person from using this point for entrance or exit. You can also have multiple taggers and more than one person being chased at the same time.

NEVER HAVE I EVER- Have the campers sit in a circle. As the game begins, each camper holds up both hands and extends all ten fingers. One by one, each person announces something that they have never done. For example, “I have never been to a rock concert.” All the campers in the circle who have been to a rock concert must fold one finger down—now displaying nine. The goal is to stay in the game the longest (to have fingers remaining). Thus, it is a good strategy to say statements that most people have done, but you haven’t.

NORTH, EAST, SOUTH, WEST- Mark four directional points near the outer edge of your meeting area (north, south, east, west). Gather the campers together at the center of the meeting area. Ask them to move to one of the four directional points in response to the following statements: I traveled north/south/east/west to come to camp; if I could visit any place on earth, I would travel….. I was born….. Following the second statement ask volunteers to share why they chose a particular direction. Can also have signs colored and ask them to go to the sign which answers these questions: If God has a favorite color, I think it must be…..; In terms of my personality, I am mostly…..

NOSE TAPE GAME- Each person puts a masking tape doughnut on their nose. You have to go around and greet one another and then touch noses. The person who has the tape continues until one person has all the tape.

PAIR UP- Write the name of a song or an animal on two papers and give to people who have to find each other and strike up a conversation. You could also prepare name tags with different Bible, cartoon, or sports (or whatever) figures. Make each tag different. Gather the group in a circle and then walk around the outside of the circle, sticking a tag on each person’s back. Then people mingle and ask each other yes or no questions about their identity. Members who have correctly guessed their identity can sit down.

PARACHUTE- Use the parachute to do various activities. Some examples:

Basic Inflation- have the group stand around the outside of the parachute, holding on to the edges. Bend down so the parachute is flat on the ground. On the count of three, everyone raises their arms, which causes the parachute to float over everyone’s head to its maximum height.

The Mushroom- using the basic inflation technique, raise the parachute. When it reaches full height, the entire group takes five steps into the center, still holding on to the edges. The parachute will create a giant mushroom shape that then floats down, engulfing the entire group.

Popcorn- This game sounds easy but it soon has everyone huffing and puffing for breath. Have the group stand and hold the parachute taut at waist level. Toss 15 to 20 lightweight balls in the center and have the group shake the parachute until all the balls have popped out.

Funny Faces- Lift the parachute overhead. When it is fully raised, the kids drop to their stomachs, holding the edges of the parachute around the back of their necks. Only heads are inside the parachute, creating a humorous sight, as everyone makes silly faces until the parachute drops to the center.

Igloo- Raise the parachute to its full height. Holding onto the edges, the kids take one step forward while also bringing the parachute behind their bodies as they sit down. This causes the entire group to be inside the parachute, creating an igloo of friends.

134

Catch Them- Inflate the parachute. The leader calls out a specific category, such as “anyone wearing a red shirt” or “anyone with sandals.” Whoever falls into that category releases the parachute and runs under it to the other side. Practice it a few times so kids get the idea about running to the opposite side of the parachute. Then add a twist. Call a category such as “anyone who had scrambled eggs for breakfast.” Those people run under the parachute and you yell, “Catch them!” The group quickly brings the parachute edges to the ground, “trapping” people underneath.

Tug-of-War- The group rolls the parachute into a long, fat “rope.” Tie a brightly colored scarf at the center. Place one team on each side of the scarf. On a designated signal…pull.

Wind Baths- The entire group stands around the parachute, holding the edges. One person at a time sits in the center, on top of the parachute. The rest of the group provides a wind bath by rapidly shaking the parachute, causing rippling air to flow on the person in the middle.

PEOPLE TO PEOPLE- Ask players to walk around chanting “People to People, People to People.” The leader announces a command and the player have to do that action with the closest person to them, while chanting that action. Then the leader starts to chant, “People to People” again and the players begin to roam around until the next command is given. Some possible commands are: back to back, pinky to pinky, shoulder to shoulder, chin to chin, heel to heel, thigh to thigh, forearm to forearm, cheek to cheek, sole to sole, palm to palm, ankle to ankle, toe to toe, knee to knee, head to head, hip to hip, nose to nose, thumb to thumb.

PERSNICKETY PENELOPE’S PUZZLING PREFERENCES- Begin by saying, “I know a women named Penelope who is very persnickety. She’s very pricy and particular. But also very confident. She knows exactly what she likes and what she doesn’t like. But she has some puzzling preferences. For example, Penelope loves books, but she doesn’t like movies. She is very fond of pepper, but she doesn’t like salt. She lives school, but she doesn’t like studying. She likes to sleep, but she will never, ever be caught taking a nap. So, can you tell me what Penelope would like and what she would not like?” Campers then give guesses similar to your examples. If they are right, acknowledge it. If they are not, simply thank them for trying, but saying that Ms. P actually does not like that item. The secret is that Penelope likes anything with double letters.

PILE UP- Start with each person sitting on a chair in a circle. Ask questions. If they apply to you, you move one seat to the right. If someone is there, you sit on their lap. Object is to get everyone on one chair. You can make up many questions. You should start to remove empty chairs in the circle after awhile. Some sample questions: 1. If you are left-handed 2. If you came to camp to have fun 3. If you are wearing sneakers 4. If you ate pizza in the last week 5. If you watch the news regularly 6. If you are a good listener 7. If you were born out-of-state 8. If you have a sister 9. If you brushed your teeth today 10. If you snore 11. If you like baseball 12. If you have brown eyes 13. If you play an instrument 14. If you have ever traveled outside the U.S. 15. If you like to read 16. If you are not sitting on one’s lap 17. If you have ever had a broken bone 18. If you’ve met a TV star in person 19. If you are not wearing socks 135

20. If you are a first-time camper

POWER/POWER- The leader says "Power, Power, who has the power. If you have the power, or you think you know who has the power, please leave the room." The person who talks first after you say this has the power.

PROOEY- Everyone is blind folded except one person who is the prooey. People start walking around in a confined environment. When you run into someone you say, “Prooey.” If they say “Prooey” back, they are not the prooey. When you run into someone who does not respond, then you take off your blindfold and join hands with the prooey to make a large prooey. The goal is to get everyone to be part of the prooey.

PROTECTIVE TAG- A cluster of three people, including person “A,” hold hands and don’t let go while a fourth person tries to tag “A.” The cluster spins in both directions to prevent the tag. They rotate positions so everyone gets a turn in a different role.

PUDDLE STOMPING/CREEK HIKES- Have your campers put on old shoes and clothes and go for a hike in the rain, making sure that you stomp through all the puddles the rain has left.

PSYCHIC ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS- A twist on the traditional game. The twist is that each partner needs to get the same item. The benefits to playing this way are that the partners need to work together with each other to achieve success and they get to celebrate together. It achieves a very different, positive connection compared to the traditional form of the game.

RAIN - This game attempts to imitate a rainstorm, using sounds made with your hands. Players are seated or standing in a circle with the leader standing in the center. The leader turns slowly, demonstrating and pointedly directing 8 rounds of motions in the following order:  Rub fingers  Swish 2 hands together  Snap fingers  Clap lightly and fast  Clap loudly and slower  Slap thighs  Stomp feet on ground to imitate thunder  Optional: Turn flashlights on and off to imitate lightning  Do motions in REVERSE, ending in silence

ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS WITH WHOLE GROUP- Divide the group into two teams. Establish two team safe lines at least 25 yards from middle of area. Each team huddles together and decides which hand sign (rock, paper or scissors) they want to present. Remind the teams that rock breaks scissors, scissors cut paper, and paper covers rock. After everyone has agreed on a signal, the teams line up face-to-face. On the count of three, both teams show their hand signs. The winning team chases the other group, tagging other members before they cross the safe line. Members who are tagged join the other team. The game is complete when everyone is on one team.

SHRINKING ISLAND- Get everyone to stand on a burlap sack for at least 10 seconds so that no one is touching the uncovered ground. Once the group is successful, shorten the size of the sack. ALTERNATIVE IDEA: Have all members of the group stand on the island and they have to turn over the burlap sack to the other side without getting in the water.

SIMON SAYS PLEASE- Play Simon Says but the twist is that the participants do not do the action unless Simon says the word please.

SKY HOOK- The group attempts to make a mark as high as possible on a tree trunk or a wall. Use masking tape and mark it with a group’s number. The wall works best. If you use a tree, it should not be climbed but only used for support. The area should be cleared for participants to jump down into. 136

SLIPPED DISC- Tell your group to get on its hands and knees, close together in the shape of either a circle or a straight line (choose one, it doesn’t matter). Place a plastic flying disc on the back of one person. Tell the group it needs to move the disc from back to back across each person in the group. The challenge is that they may not use hands, arms, legs, or feet to help move it.

SNAIL- Everyone stands in a circle and clasps the hand of the person next to him. The leader starts weaving inside the circle until everyone has made a snail. Then the leader does the reverse until the circle is restored.

SNOWBALL GAME- Each person writes down three things about themselves on a piece of white paper. They then crumble it up and toss it into the center. Go around the circle and pick a paper, read the three things and the person has to guess who that is in the circle.

SPEEDSTERS STORY TELLING Supplies: a hat, stopwatch, 12 strips of paper per player, pencils. Each player comes up with 12 entries (words or short phrases) to contribute to a selection pool. Players write each entry on a separate slip of paper. They fold completed entries in half, and place them in the hat. An entry may be a product, theme, title, proper name, character, quotation or location. Examples of entries include “grape jelly,” “Peter Fonda,” “Beetle Bailey,” and “Where’s the beef?” Entries may not exceed five words. Players should not discuss their entries with one another. Player One begins a story by making an original statement. For example, he could say, “Bertha was from the old country where tin foil was commonly use in hair clips to catch the eye of a young bachelor.” He then pulls an entry from the hat and attempts to incorporate it into the story. Player One must incorporate the exact words of the entry. He has 15 seconds to complete his turn. Each subsequent player pulls an entry out of the hat at the beginning of her turn and must incorporate it into the same story within 15 seconds. If a player is unable to do so, or her contribution is nonsensical, she must withdraw from the game. After this occurs, the next player pulls a new entry from the hat and continues the story from where the eliminated player left off. The player who draws the last entry concludes the story. Player remaining after the story has concluded are the winners of the game.

SQUARES- Use the envelopes marked “A, B, C, D, E” each of which contains pieces of paper for forming squares. When the signal to begin is given, the task of the group is to form five squares of equal size. No member may speak or ask another member for a card or in any way signal that another person is to give him/her a card. Members may, however, give cards to other members.

SUPERHERO SURPRISE- Begin by introducing the motions: • Superman: Put your hands on your hips and say "Da NaNa Naaa" (Superman Theme)  Wonder Woman: Making a lassoing motion and sound (Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth)  Batman- Put the first two fingers of each hand behind head pointing towards the sky to show Batman’s pointy ears on his mask. Ask everyone to find a partner. They stand back to back. Tell them that they are going to try to match one of the three motions with their partner. There is no talking or planning!! Count to three and say "Go!" Both partners turn and face each other and immediately make the motion and sound that they had chosen. If the pair match, they give a resounding "Yes!" and pump their fist in the air. If they do not match they say "D'Oh" and lightly bump themselves on the head. Try it again with the same partner or have everyone switch partners and see if a match can be created with someone new.

THIS IS MILK- The leader holds up an imaginary glass in one hand and says, “I love to drink things that are good for me. This is milk.” She puts it down. She picks up the second imaginary glass. “This is orange juice.” She then repeats this with both “glasses.” Now she picks up a “glass” and asks campers whether it contains milk or orange juice. “What is this?” she asks. They have to guess which it contains as the leader continues to display and label these imaginary glasses. The secret to the game is that when the leader looks at the glass, it is milk. If she does not, it is orange juice.

137

THIS IS MY NOSE- You introduce this game by saying, “I once met a woman/man who said the most peculiar thing. She introduced herself. Here’s how do that… (Demonstrate! Young people need to learn this). And then she said (pointing to your chin), ‘This is my nose.’ I understood, like you, that sometimes people are different and they have different ways of looking at things, which is okay and actually interesting. So I, wanting to be respectful, said, ‘Ah. And this (point to your nose) is my chin…” How to play: You “accept” what the person says by showing them that you get the opposite (i.e. if this is your elbow and they pointed to their eye, you point to your eye and call it an elbow.) Then you initiate one. Speed up! This could be done around a table at lunch and teaches acceptance and stretches your brain!

TOE FENCING- Two partners try to touch the ankles of each other with a rolled up newspaper. This is a good activity to wear campers out!

TOILET PAPER GAME- Pass around a roll of toilet paper in your circle of campers. Tell them to take as much as they think they will need. After everyone has taken some, then tell them that each square of toilet paper, they have to tell something about themselves. Go around the circle and do this.

THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT IT IS- Stand or sit in a circle with a prop (such as a bandana, a water bottle, a sock, or other found object). Say, “I’ll use my imagination to pretend that this bandana is something else other than a bandana.” Hold up the bandana and say, for example, this is a bullfighter’s cape and demonstrate it. Another example, holding the bandana over your head -”This is an umbrella,” Be sure to demonstrate the use. As soon as I say what the bandana is, “this is an umbrella,” all players, at the same time, say immediately and with lots of enthusiasm, “That’s exactly what it is!” Lets practice…”this is an umbrella.” “ That’s exactly what it is!!” Then I’ll pass the bandana to the next person, who repeats the game with his own invention. He has thought of something else, and says, “This is a ______. And we say, “That’s exactly what it is!” If you need more time to think of something, you can say pass, and we’ll come back to you. Try to think of something that no one else has already said.

TORPEDO- Get the tire over the telephone poles at the bottom of the field. Possible story: You are a SWAT team assigned to deactivate a torpedo which has accidentally fallen from a Navy transport vehicle. To deactivate the torpedo, this tire must be placed over the notch in the tree you see before you.

TRAIN- Four or more people make up a single file line “train” and move around a room. This is also a good listening exercise. The train does the following actions when the counselor yells out the command:  “SWITCH-” the first person goes to the back of the line and the whole team moves up one space.  “CHANGE-” the middle two people in the train switch places.  “ROTATE-” the whole train rotates 180 degrees so now the back is the front and the front is the back and everyone in between have switched.  “FREEZE-“ the whole train stops in place.  “LOOSE CABOOSE-“ the team is dissolved and everyone must find a new four-person team to join.

TRAIN WRECK

TROLLEYS- Group has to move together in a race with the other trolleys.

TRUST FALLS- Have campers get in a circle, shoulder to shoulder. One person is in the middle with their feet planted on the ground and arms crossed over their chest. They should fall backwards, not moving their feet. The people in the circle pass him/her around. Another variation is to have a group member say “falling” and then fall backwards from a chair or table, remaining in a rigid, standing position. The rest of the group must respond with “fall away” and then catch the person in their arms. Encourage each member to attempt the fall. 138

TWO CIRCLE GAME- Form two teams. Ask one team to form a circle facing out. Have the other team surround them with a circle. Each person in the outer circle should face a person in the inner circle. For odd numbered groups, work in a 2:1 ratio. Ask participants to introduce themselves to the people they are facing and answer a question you provide (see below). When all have finished invite the outer circle to move one person to the left and repeat the introductions and the question (or the leader can ask a different question). Repeat as many times as desired using easier questions first.  What would be an ideal vacation for you?  What is one skill you could teach to others?  Why are you going to camp?  What are the qualities of a good friend?

TWO TRUTHS AND A FIB- One group member tells two things about himself or herself. One is true, the other is a lie. The group votes on which statement is true. The goal is to fool as many of the group members as possible.

VERBALS AND BOING BOINGS- Start an object around the circle by saying, “This is a verbal.” Next person says, “A What?” and you say, “A verbal.” They reply, “Oh, a verbal.” Start a boing boing the other direction and keep adding objects with goofy names until everyone is confused. Can make the conversation have to go all the way back to the originator; “a what, a what, a what, and so forth until it gets back to the leader to say “a verbal.

VOLLEYBALL AND FRISBEE ACTIVITIES- You can also make up your own group building activities. For the volleyball activity, have your campers stand in a circle. One person hits the ball into the air. Then you count how many times the group can pass it around, keeping it off the ground. Using a Frisbee, put your group into two lines facing each other. The first person passes the Frisbee to the person in front of him. Then that person passes it to the person beside the first one. Continue doing this until you can go all the way up and back the line. If someone drops the Frisbee onto the ground, it goes back to the very first person.

WATER CARRY- Place a bucket approximately 50 feet away from the source of water. The object is to fill the bucket by finding some way to transport water to the bucket, without using the bucket. Possible story would be that you are in a dessert and while sleeping one night, all your water leaks out of the bucket and you need to refill it. An alternate direction would be that you cannot cup the water in your hands or use your mouth. Only natural objects that you find may be used.

WILLOW IN THE WIND- This works with groups of five to eight participants. Have the group form a tight circle, shoulder to shoulder, with one participant standing in the middle. Have the participants in the circle stretch out their arms in front of them, with their hands near to the person in the middle. Then, the person in the middle stiffens his or her body and leans back towards the out-stretched hands of group participants. The person in the middle stays stiff, as the others pass him or her around the circle. After a complete pass around the circle a new person stands in the middle.

ZIP AND ZAP- The leader points to a person in the circle and says zip, zap or zip-zap. If they say zip, you must say the name of the person on your right. If they say zap, you must say the name of the person on your left. If they say zip-zap, name the person on your right then your left. If they are too slow, they are in the middle.

139

People Bingo

Someone who Someone Someone born Someone who Someone who is left handed wearing out of state has a brother snores sneakers

Someone who Someone who Someone who Someone who Someone who likes baseball plays an likes vanilla ice likes to read knows twins instrument cream

Someone Someone who Someone who Someone who Someone who wearing glasses likes pizza likes broccoli has blonde hair is less than five or contacts feet tall

Someone who Someone who Someone Someone who Someone who can drive a car is wearing wearing a likes chocolate likes to sing white socks watch

Someone who Someone who Someone who Someone who Someone who has been to a loves Jesus is a good likes to swim is wearing a T- drive-in movie listener shirt

Someone who Someone who Someone who Someone who Someone who has been out of has a dog is wearing blue has pierced can count to the country ears ten in another language

Someone who Someone who Someone who Someone who Someone who can ride a bike has green eyes is wearing has an “outie” has flown in an colored belly button airplane underwear

140