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8 Main Teaching Points for Camp – 8 Encounter stations

These are the phrases Jesus gave me to tell the Bahamian kids in 2014. He had me pull them out for camp this year again.

1) Tell them I am Beautiful.2) Tell them I am Big and Safe.

3) Tell them I love to laugh, to play, to be with them.4) Tell them I believe in them; that I am for them and not against them.

5) Tell them I am Brave. Fear cannot stay when I come.6) Tell them it’s ok to hurt. Things are not okay until I come back.7) Tell them I am coming again to reveal myself as the Great King!

8) Tell them I am building a city for them to live in with Me.

The following Encounters are based on these eight statements Jesus wants us to repeat to the children. I believe the overriding theme is that He makes us brave! All that He is and all that He does for us enables us to be bold and courageous sons and daughters of God.

The Encounters are designed to be a tool in the Encounter Leader’s hand. There is no expectation for the discourse to serve as a script – though it can be for those that want that. There is no expectation for leaders to keep things in the same order as I have presented them – I am only aiming to give them a starting point. What inevitably happens, is that the kids will make the encounters better. It’s a bit of trial and error, and we learn from one session how to improve the next. I greatly appreciate the input of leaders who have actually led these encounters so that I can tweak them and make them better setups for encountering Jesus.

All the encounters practice one or more of the four parts of prayer that we are learning in our main session. 1) Start your heart, 2) Look to See, 3) Stop to Listen, and 4) Agree with Me.

TIPS: At camp we say, “I will try!” We need to constantly cheer the kids on to go after Jesus. “This is the place to try,’

is what I want them to hear over and over; a safe place to practice tools that help us to connect deeply in relationship with God and others. For children who say they don’t want to try, we insist on them behaving in a way that does not interfere with those around them who do want to try. That is why we also say, “I will let my neighbor try.” These basic rules are used throughout the different camp learning settings.

Be flexible! Keep in mind the difference in age as well as gender. Our eight year olds may not all read/write well, for example, or some boys may not want to draw/paint. Some kids are kinesthetic learners while others need to hear things or see things to learn. Holy Spirit will guide you each session, giving you hints and clues on how to reach each unique group of kids.

“Off track” is sometimes right on track! If your group “strays” into a fruitful conversation about Jesus and does not complete all the activities in the encounter – that is great! We are looking for fruit, not following programming. You feel free to keep the group where it is flourishing and let go of staying on track in those cases.

Wait a full minute for someone to respond. If you ask for anyone to share what they saw/heard/perceived from the Lord and no one answers, give them a minute to draw up courage. Remind them that Camp is a special place of safety to try to hear God. It’s practice! And God will reward us when we have the courage to take leadership and share.

Facilitate your “talkers.” In almost every group you have children (or adults) who will tend to dominate discussion. This is when your role is essential. Using kind affirmation coupled with firm transition is good facilitation. Watch the children’s faces, sometimes another, more reserved child is ready to share and just needs encouragement and an opportunity (smile).

At camp, children share first! If you have adults attending, involve them as well, but let them go second. Most importantly: Watch for God! When you see Him doing something in a child, call it out. Faith blossoms in

the moments when it is affirmed and encouraged.

Station #1 – No. 8: “Tell the children that I am building a city for them to live in with Me.”Encounter: Show me something in the New JerusalemPractices: Look to SeeMethod: Scriptural intro/discussion, listening time on a silent walk, journal/draw, biblical reading, and then sharing. Setup: Silent walk outside or map out an inside route for weather interference. Some space to gather and regather to share what they’ve seen. Maybe a string with clothes pins to hang up what children are seeing. Supplies: string, clothespins or paper clips, blank paper, pens/pencils/colored pencils

Before the children arrive, pray. Ask for God to bring the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation so that you and the children may know Him more.

Start Connecting (ice breaker)As the kids come in use the following questions to begin a discussion:

What would your dream home be like? Where would it be? Who would live there? What would your daily schedule look like? How would your life be? Prompt them to talk about the setting, the building, and who would be there, etc. If kids don’t give a response – share your dream home ideas!

Get to the Point (transition to focus)Transition the kids with the following question:

Did you know that Jesus is preparing a dream home for His followers? He really is! Does anyone know the name(s) of the city? There are two that are used? (New Jerusalem and Zion). Where is the city going to be located? (Answer: EARTH. Answer More Specific: it is in Heaven now, it will hover over earth soon being connected by a ladder between its earthly Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem above, and one day it will rest on the earth again.)

o “(Jesus said to His disciples) read aloud John 14:1-6.o In Jewish tradition, when a young man decided he wanted to marry a young woman, he would propose

to her that they should marry and she would accept or decline. If she accepted, the commitment was as binding as a marriage and the young man would leave her side and go to his father’s house to build a room for he and his bride to live in. The room would be built onto his father’s house and the wedding day was not planned until the father approved of the son’s preparations by saying the room was ready. Only at the father’s cue could the son return to his fiancé and marry her, then bringing her to the place he had prepared.

o In the same way, Jesus came to do everything it would take to propose to us. He became a man, showing Himself to be fully God, proclaiming His plan to relate to us as a groom relates to a bride – giving us all that is His and providing a home for us forever, never leaving us, loving us fully. Then He died a sinner’s death, taking on the guilt of all our wrong and making us righteous like Him. The third day, the Father raised Jesus from the dead and now He is at the Father’s side doing just what He said in John 14! He is getting everything ready for us to be with Him – even building each of us a room unique for us!

Connection Time (encounter activity) We are going to take a short walk. While we walk, I want you to ask Jesus to show you something in the new

Jerusalem. A lot of times when we are learning to hear Jesus, it helps us to take a quiet walk in order to still our minds to hear Him. Walk and set your heart to hear from Him. Then ask Him to show you something in the new Jerusalem. Look to see what He will show you. Remember that Jesus said He was preparing a place for everyone who would choose to follow His leadership. He will lead us there one day! Don’t doubt what you see. Have faith! Be courageous! Write down the description you are hearing or draw the image you see or describe the smells or sounds that you perceive. Look again! And write more. Don’t be discouraged, be brave! The Lord is eager to speak to you.

Lead the children on a silent walk. Encourage them to be silent for themselves, and for others. I always have them repeat after me,”I will try.” Remind them that they will never hear the Lord or see anything He might show them if they never look. Camp is a safe place to try! Then I go further and say that to keep it a safe place, we all

agree not to disturb our neighbor who may have decided to try (even if we haven’t), so we must keep quiet at least for their sake. I have them say, “I will let my neighbor try.”

Take the walk. Be sure to use Holy Spirit and silent cues to keep everyone quiet and on track, especially from the get-go. The first minute of the walk will set the expectation for the rest of the walk.

Faith Reflection (sharing)Knowing that faith comes from hearing, it is essential that we give opportunity for the kids to share what they heard. Remind them that we are trying here – it is a school of relationship with God, and all of us at camp are learning to hear and see and know Him more. Often times the first person that shares is the hardest part, once they share it’s like dominoes and the others will be inspired to share as well.

Does anyone want to share what God showed them about the new Jerusalem? Or tell us what they felt, heard or experienced as they listened? Be sure to cheer the kids on and thank them for having the courage to share when they do. Include the counselors and any adults in the room, but give the kids the first chance to share.

Biblical Reading (Word & Spirit)Here are some Scriptures that tell us about Zion, the New Jerusalem. Maybe one of these will sound like something you saw or heard or perceived.

(Introduce the passage by sharing the following: John, one of Jesus’ disciples and His best friend, sometime after Jesus had ascended to Heaven was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his faith in Jesus. While there he saw/heard everything he recorded in the book called “The Revelation of Jesus Christ or Revelation.” Here he is writing in chapter 21, starting in verse 2. Read Revelation 21:2-5.

Continue in Revelation 21:10-22:7.The Scriptures may stir some to share again. If so, and time permits, share again.

Share until time runs out. Then close by encouraging the kids to write their names on their papers and hang up any pieces they may want to encourage other kids who come to this encounter (pin them up on the string). Close by encouraging them to KEEP LOOKING, who knows when God may show them something else.

Station #2 – No. 5: “Tell them I am brave. They have nothing to fear when they follow Me.”Encounter: Trust exercise at pond’s edge. Replacing fear with faith. The key is WHO we are trustingPractices: Agree with MeMethod: Physical activity (Stepping out blindfolded into the pond water trusting your leader’s hand/guide), group reflection, learning the KEY is Jesus. Write His name on a key, string it, and then wear it to remember that He makes us brave!Décor/Setup: Pond’s edge and then a large picnic blanket for reflection under tent, keys and strings to wear them around neckSupplies: blindfolds (2-3), couple towels, large picnic blanket, pop-up tent (Jack will bring), keys, strings for necklaces, permanent markers, leader should either be wearing waders or be in swim gear and water shoes, a mustard seed, a bible


Start Connecting (Icebreaker/Introduction)As the kids arrive, ask for 3 volunteers right off the bat. Once you have 3, have them take off their shoes and socks and roll up pants (if necessary). As your volunteers are getting ready, have the other kids gather by the ponds edge and begin to get in yourself, going about knee deep. Ask the crew leaders to blindfold the volunteers. As this is going on, ask the group the following questions: How many of you would say that you are brave? If anyone raises their hand ask them: What makes you brave? Why

are you brave? Do you have any fears at all? How many of you have done something courageous, whether you felt brave at the time or not? Again, if anyone

raises their hand, ask them: How did you do it without courage? Why were you still able?On a few occasions, we are brave with no reason to be - sometimes it’s an emergency and adrenaline takes over or there isn’t time to think – we just act. But to be consistently brave, we have to have trust. Like the way we regularly put our weight down in a chair because we trust that it will hold us up. Invite the first volunteer to walk out to you, towards your voice and outstretched hand. Talk about how the person doesn’t know you and isn’t familiar with the pond floor. Where it drops off, what he/she might step on, etc., but how you are going to lead them carefully and safely. Once they reach you, have them remove their blindfold, clap for them and then send them back to the shore. Repeat with the other two volunteers. (If time does not permit, limit your volunteers to just two or if you have ample time, allow more volunteers to try.)

Faith Reflection (sharing)Have the group move to sitting on the picnic blanket under the canopy tent. Ask your volunteers to share answers to these questions:

How did you feel when you were walking out to me blindfolded? What were you thinking? What were your fears? Why did you keep coming?

Use the time to get the group thinking about what makes us do things that seem scary or intimidating. What makes us brave?

Get to the Point (transition to focus)God is the most trustworthy person that exists – period. In fact, one of the titles Jesus has been given is “Faithful and True.” His running record for honesty and keeping His promises is 100% perfect. And, as the Son of God, He has the advantage of omniscience (knowing everything, past, present, future). He is also our Creator, therefore He knows us best. Wisdom is natural for Him and He communicates perfectly to us. And Holy Spirit dwells within us constantly, if we follow the leadership of Jesus, giving us an internal guide for all of our life! But even all of that is not enough to earn my trust without this one last thing: He loves us tremendously. So much, the Bible says, that He gave up His life for us, His friends.

By a show of hands, do any of you agree that Jesus is more qualified than anyone else of my trust?

Biblical Reading (Word & Spirit) Read Numbers 23:1:19 Read Romans 4:18-21 Read 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Read Isaiah 55:10-11

Connection Time (encounter activity)Hand out keys and strings to each student. Be sure they take a label also, and put their name on it, attaching it to the string of their key. Then share:

I have these keys here and I want each one of you to have one to wear. I believe that the key to courage in your life is Jesus. And that just like (name of volunteers) trusted me and came out in the water, you each can trust Jesus and follow His leadership wherever He takes you. His love is a safe harbor and it is mighty for you! You may not know that yet, so you can take my word for it for now, but, in time, you will discover the truth of His love for you by experience. As you string your key, I want you to write His name on the key “JESUS” and then I want you to take out your journal (or paper if we do not have journals) and listen to the Lord for a few minutes while we all sit here together quietly.

I will help you start a conversation with God. o First, tell Jesus that you trust Him. Maybe your trust is really small, but that is all that it takes.

Show them the mustard seed. Talk about how it becomes the LARGEST of plants – an actual tree.

Matthew 17:20-21 and Matthew 13:31-32o Ask Him to increase your trust or faith in Him.o Then, ask Him to help you be brave. Confess your fears to Him as they come to your mind and then write

down anything He says to you.

Wrap it Up (closing) I want to pray for each other, that we would be bold and brave for Jesus in this generation, in our nation, and

wherever He leads us. I want to pray now, and I want to encourage you to pray for other kids at camp as you see their keys around their necks, asking God to infuse each of you with boldness because of His love and all He will do for you.

Take hands in a circle and pray for the group to have boldness and courage. Declaring that Jesus is Faithful and True and any other truth/scripture that Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Invite the students to pray aloud. Then close up as time runs out.

Station #3 – No. 6: “Tell them it’s okay to hurt. Things are not okay until I come back.”Encounter: Receive prayer for healing of your heart. Learn that God is a Counselor. Tell Him about your hurt. Pray for others.Practices: Start your heart and Agree with Me.Method: Sit with Jesus and in that safe place, tune into the “big battle” of your life right now. Remember His promises for a better future by listening to Scriptures about the hope we have. Sit back to back with another person. Ask God what you can say to encourage the child you are back to back with. Listen and then write it on a notecard. Short teaching on praying for others. Then encourage the children to pray for the other child and share their encouragement or give it to them written. Décor/Setup: Soft music, maybe listen to a song like “Love Makes Us Strong (Laura Hackett) or You Make ME Brave (Bethel) or “Things are Not Okay” (Jon Thurlow), cooled room, “quiet” lights, sit on floor, etc. A sign that says “God will fight for you; you need only be still.” Supplies: Speaker and phone or iPod with music, notecards, pens, Bibles, tissues, mints


Start Connecting (Icebreaker/Introduction)Have the children come in the room. Offer them a mint to suck on as they sit down on the floor. Ask them:

How many of you still experience pain or hurts even though you follow Jesus? Raise your hand if you have.

Get to the Point (transition to focus)Continue by teaching…

Jesus wants you to know that it’s okay to hurt or for bad things to happen to you even though you are following Him. These things are not necessarily a sign that you are lost or that He is failing you. You see He offered you salvation and you took it, and He is saving you now. But until He comes again as the King of Kings, He isn’t able to save you fully from pain. The time is not here yet when He will return. But we know from Revelation 21, that one day, God will wipe every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for those days will be past and a new day will have arrived! So, until He comes back it is ok if you cry or lose someone or have pain. Remember that those days are numbered, but the days of no tears that God has promised are forever!!

In the meantime, God has a plan to use His Spirit and “one another” to comfort us in our pain. Prayer is a powerful ladder between forever and now – we can pray for others and God will come now, in advance of His second coming, and wipe their tears and touch their hearts. Today we are going to “try” in this safe place where we can be bold and courageous, to pray that way for others.

Connection Time (encounter activity) Today we are going to give God a “setup” to come minister to us as we deal with our own hurts and pains we are

experiencing while we wait for His return. Big or small, we all have hurts and they all really matter to Jesus. Play a song (or two if time permits). Before you play it, give each child a notecard and a pen and have them find

a spot in the room to think alone. Instruct them to get in their spot and invite Holy Spirit to counsel them by showing them the “big battle” or a hurt that is in their life right now. Maybe a conflict with a friend, or a worry over school, or a difficulty in their family. Tell them you are going to play a song and while it plays they should write down anything they think of on the card. Remind them that Holy Spirit’s job is to help us remember and that He wants us to be healed, so He will remind us of what needs prayer.

Biblical Reading (Word & Spirit)Read the following Scriptures aloud

James 5:16 1 Corinthians 14:3 (to prophesy is to give voice to what God is saying, whether with words or pictures or

feelings) 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Connection Time (more Encounter) Have the kids sit back to back with another child in their crew. Encourage them to lean “lightly” on the other

child. Adults can participate as well, especially if there are uneven numbers of kids. Give each kid a second notecard.

Now we are going to ask God to use us to pray for another person. As you sit back to back with your new friend, I want you to ask God for a prayer or an encouraging thought or something He wants to say to them to help them through their big battle or hurt. Remember that when God speaks to us about someone else, prayer is agreeing with Him in what He wants to do. When we agree with Him, the answer comes down through us like we are a conduit. If you don’t get anything specific, then just write a simple prayer. Like, “God bless (name of child) in Jesus name. You know his/her big battle. Help him/her as he/she waits on You.” God will answer your prayer!

Play another song while the children listen/write. This one without words.

Faith Building (Intercession)Have the kids turn around and face you. Give a short teaching on praying for others:

Try to mostly pray for people of the same gender; boys with boys, girls with girls When you pray for someone, ask if its ok to touch their shoulder while you pray. This is the safest, most

courteous way to lay hands on someone as you pray. If they say, no, that is fine. Just pray or share your word. Be sure to give them the card you wrote on so they can pray over it and carry it with them. Short prayers are powerful too! It’s not how long you pray, but who you are praying to that makes it effective.Turn around and face the person you were sitting back to back with. Share with them the word you got or pray over them the prayer you have to pray. Be bold! God wants to bless your new friend through you today.

Wrap It Up (closing)If time permits, share what they heard or experienced during this encounter. Remind them that at camp, they are free to pray for one another just like in this encounter. When we pray for someone else like this, God really shows up!

Station #4 – No. 7: “Tell them I’m coming again to reveal Myself as the Great King!”Encounter: Work in small groups to list what kind of king Jesus will bePractices: Stop to ListenMethod: Learn/discuss (using small groups who learn about one type and share with the group) about types of rulers from cultures/history (i.e. Emperors, Pharaohs, Monarchs, Dictators, Presidents); Listen to Scriptures describing the kind of King that Jesus is and how He will return. Work in groups of 2-3 to describe what you think Jesus will be like and then share it. OR for older groups: We give small groups a problem and ask them to brainstorm how Jesus would solve it when He is King on the Earth again. (The kids will see how God will use them to do what He would have done.)Décor/Setup: Royal, throne, jewels, etc.; crowns to make for younger kids and to write His character on the inside. For older kids: some other tangible item representing Jesus as King.Supplies:


Start Connecting (Icebreaker/Introduction)Using the provided materials, quickly introduce the different types of world leaders. Quiz the children to see what they know about each one as you go. Then let the children add other leader types they can think of to the list.

Biblical Reading (Word & Spirit) Our leader, Jesus, leads us one-by-one like a Shepherd. Listen to the way Jesus leads. Read Psalm 23. When Jesus first came to earth He did not reveal Himself as a leader, but when He comes He will reveal Himself

as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Can you think of any other titles the Bible gives Jesus? Let’s listen to a few Scriptures that describe the kind of King Jesus will be:

o Isaiah 61:1-9o Isaiah 16:5o Isaiah 11:1-10o Isaiah 9:6-7o Psalm 45:1-7o Revelation 11:15-18

Get to the Point (transition to focus)The Bible tells us that Jesus will return the mighty King to set up His reign here on earth! He will come one day at the trumpet call, when the sky will split and He will gather all who follow Him up into the clouds, first His followers who died before the day of His coming, and then those of us still living. Then He will begin the work of restoring righteousness to the earth. Do you know who His leaders will be? You and me! He will give us each unique assignments to help Him clean the earth, build new structures, help the wildlife, establish justice, and more. The Bible says we will be kings and priests unto our God, ministering to Him and the people.

We read Revelation 11 about the seventh trumpet and how it signals the beginning of Jesus’s reign. Let’s look at four other Scriptures that tell us to listen for that final trumpet blast:

o Matthew 24:30-31o 1 Corinthians 15:51-52o 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18o Revelation 10:6-7

Connection Time (encounter activity)There are two options for encounter here. You can do one for the younger children and one for the older children, or you can use a combination of both. The choice is up to you.

Crowns/Swords like King Jesuso Hand out the crowns to the kids. Have them pair up with another child or two and talk about Jesus and

what kind of king He will be. Instruct the kids to write the words that describe the kind of King Jesus will be inside their crown. Once they’ve written at least 3, invite them to the tables where the jewels and markers are spread out. Let them select a few jewels for their crown and decorate it as they’d like.

Working for the King (There are two options for this activity. Choose what fits your group best and what the Spirit leads.)

o 1) Have the children get into groups of 2-3. Give them a problem on the earth – such as people groups who can’t get along on the same land or a polluted river or an area that is lacking food. Have the children come up with a solution they believe Jesus would give and talk about how they could help.

o 2) Let the children take some paper or their journals to a quiet place. Play some music while they listen to the Lord, asking Him: “What job would you like to give me when you establish yourself as King? How can I help? How can I prepare now for the work I will do then?”

Faith Reflection (sharing)Pull all the kids together and let them share what the Lord showed them or the ideas they came up with for solving problems or the characteristics they wrote on their crowns for the King.

Wrap It Up (closing)No matter where we live or how our life is now, we all share this fantastic hope of Jesus return as a King! Won’t the world be wide-eyed in wonder when they see our great God? I don’t know how you feel about it, but I want to know Jesus now – as much as possible! – so that when He returns we are not strangers, but friends. I want to be ready, qualified to help Him where He needs it most. Let’s pray together that God would become our focus, that we would look forward to His Kingdom and even live for Him now!

Station #5 – No. 3 “Tell them they can laugh and play in My presence.”Encounter: Discovering God wants to be with me and He is a happy God.Practices: Start your heart, Look to SeeMethod: Discuss being created in God’s image, propose that He is happy, wants to be with them always – even when they play. Brainstorm how God can play with us. Get the children playing with praise music and have them practice their ideas. Meanwhile, take time to put each child on the rope swing and ask the Lord for a word or two about them or a picture of thought as they swing by you. (Adults can listen or any children that want to). Share the prophecies with them aloud.Décor/Setup: On the playground or in the gymSupplies: Music player, speaker, whiteboard or chalkboard for ideas if possible, blanket for sitting on


Start Connecting (Icebreaker/Introduction)Get everyone in a circle and play with a parachute or toss a beach ball (or 3) around. As you play ask the kids:

How many of you like to play or explore or compete? Does anyone want to share what is their favorite thing to do when they have free time?

Does anyone think that God is happy? Doe He ever have playtime? Or even likes to play? Why or why not? TIP: If the kids are out of control or can’t focus while you play use it as a teaching moment. First, remind them

that we can talk and play and see if they reform. If not, put the toys away, sit down and mention that it seems hard for us to relate to others in ways like listening while we play. Do they think we could get better at that? This could be a good segway. If kids are doing great, continue playing through your whole teaching. Stepping to the center to read your scriptures if need be.

Biblical Reading (Word & Spirit) Read Genesis 1:27 Read Colossians 1:16 And listen to the beginning of each of these verses to see what it tells us about how God feels

o Colossians 1:19 – “And God was pleased…”o John 3:16 – “For God so loved that He gave…”o Ephesians 1:4 – “In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons…”

Get to the Point (teaching for focus) The Bible says that God created everything. It also says that He created us in His image. So if fun exists, its likely

He created it and if you think we created it, that also points to Him because we were made just like Him! What are the fruits of the Spirit? Apples? Papayas? No. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Finally, in Psalm 45 we read that God the Father anointed Jesus with the oil of gladness or joy! An anointing is

like a fragrance or a perfume. It’s the smell of someone that hits you when they walk into the room. Jesus has joy and gladness all over Him. He is a happy God!

Connection Time (encounter activity) Now, I will ask again. How many of you think God likes to play? Or that He is happy? I want to propose that God would like to be with you when you play. Have you ever invited Him to play soccer

with you? Or Barbie’s? Or a game of chess? Why or why not? God wants you to know that He is happy and that you can laugh and play in His presence. Let’s brainstorm ideas

of how we can play with God.Now let the children try their ideas and play!

Faith Reflection (sharing)5-7 minutes before time is up, bring them in to sit and talk about how it went.

Going Deeper (extended activity if time permits)Take a child at a time over to the rope swing and let them swing by you and another adult. As they swing, ask the Lord for a word of prophecy and share it with them. Repeat for all the children.

Station #6 – No. 2: “Tell them I am Big and I am safe.” Encounter: Seeing Jesus: Watch for God.Practices: Stop to Listen, Agree with Me.Method: Everyone should settle on the floor in the bunker/tent/refuge. Give them a meditation sheet with a Scripture on top. Instruct them to read the verse and then get still, asking Jesus to show them what He looks like. (Alternative Questions: Ask God to show you how big He is. Look to see what Jesus looks like. Why can I trust Him? Ask Him to show you a time when He kept you safe.) Share what you saw/heard. Confess aloud, as a group, what you believe about God’s size, protection, safety. Now, create a banner with a Scripture on it like, “God will fight for you; you need only be still.” OR whatever phrase the Lord gives the child.Décor/setup: A refuge. A bunker? A wall about them. Some kind of safe haven. Materials to make banners for their rooms at home.Supplies: premade meditation sheets, scriptures on cards, pens, paper rolls, coloring supplies, stencils, etc.


Start Connecting (Icebreaker/Introduction)Gather the children down in the bunker and have everyone sit close and cross legged.

We are sitting in a bunker. Does anyone know what a bunker is? Share information about a bunker beyond what the children share (see attached).

Would you feel safer in here than out in the open if there was danger? Why? Cities of old were always surround by high walls, why do you think they did that?

Biblical Reading (Word & Spirit)Ask which children would like to read a Scripture. Hand a Scripture card to each one who raised their hand and then ask them to read them aloud.

Read this one first yourself: 2 Samuel 22:2-20 and Psalm 91 (if little time read only one of these) Scripture cards:

o Psalm 16:1-2o Psalm 18:2o Psalm 18:30-32o Psalm 36:7o Psalm 46:1-3o Psalm 62:7-8o Psalm 73:28o Psalm 91:2-4o Psalm 144:2

Get to the Point (teaching for focus)God has a lot to say about protecting us.

How does He protect so many of us at once? How does it make you feel to know that God, like this bunker, surrounds you all the time to protect you? The truth is that God loves you so fiercely that He longs to be your protection. But the problem with a bunker is

that it is only a safe harbor if you are in it. So it is with God, unless you let Him cover you, surround you and guide you, He cannot be your refuge even though He is ready to do it.

Connection Time (encounter activity)Lead the children in a meditation time.

For the younger ones the time may need to be shorter or you may want to break into small groups and work with them together - asking the questions and giving them time to think and answer. Then move on to the banner exercise.

For the older ones, they should be able to take the meditation sheets and sit somewhere in the room alone and spend 10-15 minutes meditating and writing what they hear. Then bring them back together to share what they

heard/saw/etc. Encourage them in what they are perceiving from God. Prompt them to spend more time with Him on the topic and ask for more insight.

Taking it Home (hands on activity)Let the children make banners that say phrases from the Scriptures that remind them that God is big and safe. They can decorate them and then take them home to hang over their beds or in places they will see them often at home.

Station #7 – No. 1: “Tell them I am Beautiful.”Encounter: Paint a picture. Ask God to show you how He is beautiful. Draw, paint, or write what you see.Practices: Look to See.Method: Talk about beauty. Read the definition, what does it mean? Is it just pretty girls? Or can a mountain range or the ocean be beautiful? What makes something beautiful? Can someone’s gift be beautiful? What do you think is beautiful? Then split up, start your heart, and ask God to show you how He is beautiful. Draw, paint or write what you see. Look again to see more! Then share.Décor/setup: Beautiful! (Duh.)Supplies: An iPad or computer with snapshots of face swaps done with different leaders from all over camp. Art supplies and paper for painting/drawing a picture.

Before the children arrive, pray. Ask for God to bring the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you and the children may know Him more.

Start Connecting (Icebreaker/Introduction)Start by showing face swaps of leaders from camp. This will get everybody laughing and be a fun lead-in to talking about what IS beautiful (as opposed to those hideous face swaps…smile)

Get to the Point (teaching for focus)Split the kids into as many groups as you have adults to lead OR with older kids, groups of 2-3 kids. Have them list the following on paper:

The definition of beautiful. What do you think is beautiful? List some ideas of things people do that are beautiful. How is God beautiful?

Have the kids pick a spokesperson to share some of what they wrote down.

Biblical Reading (Word & Spirit)Let’s look at a passage of Scripture that calls feet beautiful and try to understand why. Read the Isaiah passage a couple times.

Isaiah 52:7-10 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tiding, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted His people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”

What made those feet so beautiful? Pedicures? Toe nail polish? Designer shoes? (smile) It was the news that they brought. The people had been in fear under the violence of their enemies and under the leadership of wicked rulers. And now these ones come running from over the mountains, shouting, “Your God reigns!” One day this will happen, kids! Jesus will return to reign on the Earth in Zion, the new Jerusalem, and we will see it with our own eyes if we are watching for Him. We will burst into joy! We will be saved from tyranny! He will comfort us and show His mighty strength against our enemies to save us.

Have any of you read or seen the Narnia books/movies? The four Kings/Queens do as much as they can and they always reach the limit of their resources and begin to lose to their enemy when Aslan shows up! And Aslan comes and with one show of his might – he saves them. The relief, the joy that bursts forth, the fear being driven out – these are the most beautiful things in all the world.

Connection Time (encounter activity) One way we can worship God is through art. Sometimes we will draw a picture He shows us – this is called

prophetic art – and God will use it to reveal Himself to others. Other times we just paint or draw freely as a gift to Him. Art can also be done as meditation, such as reading a Scripture and then creating art to represent it. There are so many ways to use art in order to encounter God!

Today we are going to try to use art to encounter God. You can do any of the following but you are strongly encouraged to try and you MUST let your neighbor try – in other words, no talking! Here are different ways you can try:

o You can ask Him to show you how He is beautiful and then draw what you see.o You can take a Scripture and try to represent it in your art. There are some Scriptures here on these cards

to give you ideas.o Or you can just create freely while listening to the music and enjoying His presence.

Faith Reflection (sharing)Have some children share what they created and why. Praise and encourage them for trying. Ask Holy Spirit to help you to point out how He was working through them or in them or revealing new things to them so they will have their faith built up.

Station #8 – No. 4: “Tell them I am for them, not against them.”Encounter: This one is still in the works. Maybe a debate or an election of a “president” of camp. Use the speakers: Maybe Wallace, Jack, and Corey. Some jest involved, but talking about what qualifies someone or disqualifies them. Discuss each candidate’s qualities (these will be pre-written and mostly comedy based) and then let the kids actually vote. Announce results Friday night. Giving the Camp President some kind of funny thing to wear to indicate their importance like a funny hat or bandana or bow tie. Kids should say, “Hail Chief! Or salute or something whenever they see them in camp.Bring it in. : In an election on our potential, God always votes FOR us. Read Scripture that shows this. Make a button that Says “GOD VOTES ME EVERY TIME Romans 8:31-32” and wear it. Décor/setup: a political rally or polling place. Lots of election signs, ballots ready, two voting booths.

Before the children arrive, pray. Ask for God to bring the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you and the children may know Him more.

Start Connecting (Icebreaker/Introduction)Start a discussion based off our campaign posters and the race for Camp President that is going on.

Jack and Wallace sure are running a tight race for Camp President! Who do you want to win? Why? How do you think the winner will feel? What about the one who loses? How do people decide who to vote for?

Biblical Reading (Word & Spirit)Read Romans 8:31-39. Focus on verses 31-32.

Get to the Point (teaching for focus) God is not mostly mad or sad at us. He is a happy God and He delights in us! Did you know you bring a smile to

His face all the time? He is for you, on your side at ALL times. We know that He will do anything for us because of what we read in Romans 8:32. He already gave what was dearest to Him away to us – do you know what that was? See if they can answer. His own Son, Jesus. There was no one that Father God loved more than Jesus and yet He gave Him to us so we could live forever with Him. Woah. That is a big deal. Now you can know for sure that there is nothing God will stop at giving you because He already gave you His very best – His Son, Jesus.

When the world is voting against you, when it seems that no one is on your side, you can remind yourself that God always is. He votes FOR you every time. HE is never against you, trying to destroy you. Its hard for us to understand, but even when God allows suffering in our life or sickness or death, HE is still for us. He will never allow anything that would divide us from Him. He is too good. You can trust Him every time because He sees your yesterday, today and tomorrow –He always knows what is best. The truth is, if you saw everything from His viewpoint all your prayers would line up exactly with what He would do. That is why when we pray, the most important thing is to open our hearts to trust Him, then watch for what He wants, listen to it without offense, and then AGREE WITH HIM. Then He can move and fight on our behalf.

You ought to be FULL to the BRIM with courage for everything in your life now that you know God is on your side every time. He votes FOR you each time – He always checks your box.

Connection Time (encounter activity) We are going to take a few minutes to start our hearts, look to see what God wants to tell us about ourselves,

listen to what He says, and then agree with Him. I want you to take your journal (or paper) and find a spot in the room. Then ask God, “What do you think I am?

Or what do you think about me?” He may say your brave or kind or powerful or…. Write down what you see if you see a picture, what you hear if you get a thought, or what you feel if you feel something. Write it down without fearing! What do you have to lose? Let’s TRY. And remember to be quiet so that your neighbor can TRY.

Faith Reflection (sharing) Hand out the buttons for the kids to wear that say, “God votes FOR me every time.” Say a short blessing over

each child as you pin them on.

Each child, or a pair or small group of the kids, should stand in front of the election posters before the camera and state the following. If they didn’t hear God tell them something specific about themselves, they can just say line 1 & 3. Today I learned that God is for me not against me. He told me that I am ____________________________. He votes FOR me every time!

Kids can watch or they can make signs for Wallace or Jack’s campaign to hang throughout the building while other children take their turn.

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