Crafts

The craft activities found in this section are for use at the craft center or by individual counselors. As with the other sections of this curriculum, the activities are organized around the five daily Bible study themes. They are intended to reinforce and supplement what the campers have learned in Bible study. As you select and carry out the activities, allow for the variety of expressive skills and aptitudes of the campers in your group. 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. The process is what counts.

Age-level codingEach craft is recommended for use with specific age levels. To find out which activities are best suited to your group, look for the letter corresponding to the age level of your group. Feel free to adapt an activity for use with your group. The Bible study writer for each age level has contributed two crafts for each daily theme. The coding letter in bold type indicates the source of the devotion.

P = PreschoolL = Lower elementaryU = Upper elementaryJ = Junior highS = Senior highA = AdultI = Intergenerational

DAY 1: Abraham

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

Star ornamentP LMaterials: Four narrow tongue depressors per camper, a variety of different shaped sequins, glue, ribbon or yarnGlue the four tongue depressor sticks together so they are arranged like an asterisk or star—the sticks will need to be stacked on top of one another. You may want to make a sample beforehand to hold up for younger campers to look at as they arrange their own sticks. Glue all the sticks together at the center where they meet. Lightly spread glue onto each branch of the star, and then place sequins over the glue to completely cover the sticks. Once the stars have dried, tie a piece of ribbon or yarn to one of the branches of the stick to create a hanger for the ornament.

“I spy” sensory bottlesP L

Materials: Empty plastic water/soda/juice bottles with lids, water, food coloring, superglue or hot glue, star sequins, glitter, other sequins, small fuzz balls, beadsOptional: A small card with a set of directions explaining the theme for the day and listing the items in the “I spy” bottleThe bottles can be made into an interactive game by challenging campers to find a specific thing from the list in their bottle. The special goal of the game is to spy the stars that are like Abraham’s descendants.Give each camper a bottle and lid, and help them fill it about halfway full with water. Spread collections of sequins, glitter, fuzz balls, and beads out around your workspace, keeping star sequins set aside. Have campers move through the workspace to put a mixture of different items in their bottles. After they have placed all the items in their bottles they would like, give them each 5-10 star sequins to add to their bottle. Assist campers in filling up the rest of the bottle with water, then putting in a few drops of food coloring. Be sure not to put too much food coloring into the bottle as it may darken the water too much. Screw the lid on the bottle and have campers shake their bottle until the food coloring is evenly mixed around.Use superglue to glue the lids on the bottles for campers.

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

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

Heart crayonsP L UMaterials: Silicone heart-shaped baking mold, crayons, glitterOptional: small plastic bag, label

Unwrap the crayons. Break the crayons into small pieces. Place the crayon pieces into the heart-shaped mold. Sprinkle with glitter if desired. Bake on 300 degrees F. (150 C.) for 15 minutes. Let the crayons cool and pop out of the mold. As the crayons cool, campers could put on the label a design or Bible verse that reminds them and others of God’s love. Place the label on a small plastic bag. Once the crayons have cooled, campers can put the crayons inside for themselves or to give as a gift.

Salt dough heartsL UMaterials: Mixing bowl, 1 cup [.25 l] salt, 2 cups [.5 l] flour, 1 cup [.25 l] water, spoon, rolling pin, heart-shaped cookie cutters, cookie sheets, acrylic paint, paintbrushesOptional: dowel, acrylic sealer, ribbon or string, magnetsIn a large mixing bowl combine the water, salt, and flour. Mix the ingredients together until they form a dough consistency. Then use a rolling pin to roll out the dough. Use a cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped designs. Remove the excess dough and place your heart shapes on a baking pan. They will look similar to sugar cookies. If you are going to hang your hearts, once they are baked, use a dowel to poke a hole in each heart prior to baking. Bake the hearts for 1-2 hours in a 200-degree F. (90 C.) oven. Once cooled, remove the shapes from the pan. Then have campers use acrylic paint to create a design of their choice that reminds them of God’s love. If you want the shape to be glossy, once the paint dries, spray the hearts with acrylic sealer. There are several things you could do with your salt dough creations. Consider threading a ribbon through the hole and making a necklace, or gluing a magnetic strip on the back to create a magnet.

Foil paintingL U J S A IMaterials: Foil, tempera paint, foam rollers, cotton swabs, quotes or verses about loveGive each camper a sheet of foil. With rollers, have campers paint the foil; they can overlap colors as desired. With a cotton swab, instruct campers to write and/or draw on their painted foil a phrase, quote, or Bible verse that represents the theme for today. (Examples follow: To love another person is to see the face of God [Les Miserables]; Love the Lord your God with all your heart [Mark 12:30], Love your neighbor, etc.) Let the paintings dry.Campers can experiment with different sizes of foil, colors, and typography as time and resources are available.

Cartouche (Egyptian name plaques)L U J S A IMaterials: Several copies of the hieroglyphs reference sheet (h t t p : / / ww w . k i d z on e . w s / c u l t u r e s / egypt/hieroglyph.htm), 5 x 7 inch [13 x 18 cm] pieces of white card stock, pencils, markers or colored pencilsUsing the hieroglyphs reference sheet, have campers find the symbols that sound out their name.Campers can draw the symbols either up and down or side to side on the paper. Once they have their symbols arranged as desired, give campers the opportunity to color their cartouche.

Yarn-wrapped wordL U J S IMaterials: Different colored yarn (can be any length—great way to use up yarn scraps), chenille craft stems, scissorsDecide which word best fits the day’s theme. Examples follow: love, friends, grace, faith, covenant, etc. Shape the chenille craft stems into the letters of the word and attach the letters together by twisting the craft stems together. Making cursive letters is easier than printed ones. Wrap yarn around the letters, starting at the beginning of the word. To switch colors, cut the yarn and tie a knot around the craft stem where you left off, or tie the yarn to the next color. Attach a loop of yarn to the top middle of the word so it can be hung.

Fingerprint heartP L U J S IMaterials: White paper or card stock, ink pads (various colors) or paint, pencilCreate a heart on the sheet of paper using fingerprints (pressed on an ink pad or into a thin layer of paint). Have campers include their fingerprints on one another’s hearts. At least half of each camper’s heart should be fingerprints from other campers and staff.

God’s covenant bookmarkA IMaterials: Bibles, paper or cloth or fabric cut into long strips, ribbon or string, markers or paint, natural material (make sure it’s dead and detached from any living thing), paper punch, other embellishmentsOnce all the materials are laid out, have campers start with the strip of material that will become the main part of the bookmark. Place a hole at the top of the bookmark and tie a piece of ribbon through the hole. Use different mediums to decorate the ribbon. Campers can use a biblical text or simply create a piece of art. Once the ribbon is dry, tie the natural material or other embellishments to the bookmark.

Sand candlesA IMaterials: Clean tin cans, wicks, heat source, sand or mineral soil, oven mitts or pads, wax (reclaim wax from other candles), crayon pieces, wooden spoon, twigs or small sticks, digging toolsHave campers dig small holes in the mineral soil or sand. Next have each person take a section of wick and tie it around the small twig or stick.Make sure the wick is long enough to reach the bottom of the hole. Lay the stick across the top of the hole and allow the wick to drop into the hole.While the group is preparing their molds, melt the wax over a heat source, adding old crayons and old candles until liquid. When all this is ready, pour hot wax into the molds, allowing time for them to cool completely. Once they are completely cooled, gently pull the candle straight up by the stick and dust it off. Cut the wick just below stick to remove the stick.

DAY 2: Israel

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

Rocks and water mobileP L IMaterials: Scissors, stick (1 to 2 feet [.3 to .6 meters] long), dark blue construction paper, light blue construction paper, 4 rocks, yarn or ribbonPreparation: Draw or print classic water droplet shapes on the construction paper, then put two slits in each drop.Provide campers with a few pages of the water droplet papers and instruct them to cut them out. Preschool campers come with a variety of cutting abilities, so cutting out a series of drops will likely take quite a while. Once water droplets are cut out, give campers 3-4 cuts of ribbon that vary in length. Show them how to string the ribbon through the two slits you have cut through the droplets. They should be sure to leave enough room on each end of the ribbon so they will be able to tie things to the ends of their droplet strings. If your camp has an area with a large variety of sticks and rocks, walk with campers as they work to find a stick that will serve as the base of their mobile. Preschool campers will likely need guidance in finding a stick that is of appropriate width and length. Assist campers with tying their droplet strings on to their sticks, and then once again walk with them to pick out 3-4 rocks. Help them tie their rocks on to the bottom of their droplet strings. If necessary, add a few extra knots to the ribbon or yarn going around the rocks. Tie a long cut of ribbon to both ends of the stick to serve as a hanger for the mobile.

Paint with natureP L U IMaterials: Gray, blue, and brown paint, markers, rocks, twigs, construction paper, paint cups or trays, towels or buckets of water nearbyPreparation: For each camper, write or print the words “God Provides” on the construction paper using dotted or dashed letters for tracing.Distribute a piece of construction paper to each camper, and have each trace the letters to spell “God Provides.” Direct campers to take a rock and dip it in the gray paint, and then use it to paint a large rock on their paper. Instruct them to dip the entire twig in the brown paint, and then lay it on the paper somewhere near the painting of the rock. Have campers use their fingers to paint water flowing from the rock.

Melted crayon rocksL U IMaterials: Rocks (at least one for each camper), water source, old towels, an oven or other heat source, old crayons, aluminum foil, cookie sheet, potholderPreparation: Line the cookie sheet with foil. Peel paper off of the old crayons.Have campers choose a rock and wash it. Dry the rocks and place them on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Heat the rocks until they are warm but not too hot to handle. Carefully give each camper a rock and let her or him draw on it with crayons. Use different colors

of blue to resemble water coming out of the rock!

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

Prayer diceL U J S A IMaterials: Wooden blocks about 3 x 3 x 3 square inches [8 x 8 x 8 cm], sandpaper, various mealtime prayers printed on paper, scissors, Mod Podge, brush or spongeGive each camper a wooden block. If you decide to cut blocks rather than purchase them, have campers use sandpaper to smooth the sides. Campers will select six different prayers that they would like to include on their cube. Consider cutting the prayers to fit the size of cube beforehand—or you can opt to have campers do this themselves. On each side of the dice, campers will attach a prayer using Mod Podge. They will use a brush or sponge to place Mod Podge on the back of the printed prayer and attach it to one side of the block. Once the prayer is attached, campers will use a sponge to spread a coat of Mod Podge over the top to give it a clear and smooth finish. Repeat until all six sides of the cube are covered. Campers can use their finished product before meals by rolling it and saying the prayer that the dice lands on.

Campfire breadsticksL U J S A IMaterials: Stick or dowel for each camper (2-3 feet [.6-1 m] in length and about ½ inch [1.25 cm] in diameter), dough (canned breadstick dough, biscuit dough made from Bisquick mix, or your favorite homemade dough for breadsticks)Optional: cinnamon, sugar, butterProvide each camper with a stick. Give each camper a strip or two of breadstick dough. If you are using canned breadstick dough, these portions are already created. If you are using a homemade recipe, just roll it into a couple of “snake” shapes for each camper. Take one strip of the breadstick dough and pinch it onto the tip of a stick. Then wrap the dough around a stick so it makes a coil. When you have the desired amount on the stick, cook it over hot coals until browned and cooked through. If you choose, spread butter on the breadstick and sprinkle it with sugar and cinnamon. Pray together as a group, thanking God for being the bread of life and providing us with everything we need to live. Then eat your campfire treat!

Gratitude journalU J S

Materials: Journals of any size or cardboard pieces, magazines, decorative paper, Mod Podge, paintbrushes, scissors, clear packing tape (if desired)Have campers decorate the outside of the journals or cardboard using paper, magazines, or other materials provided. Paint entire cover with Mod Podge or cover it with clear packing tape.

Migajón clay (Equadorian)L U J S A IMaterials: Slices of white bread (two per camper), white glue, paintRemove the crusts from the white bread slices. Tear the bread into small pieces. Add 1 tablespoon [15 ml] of white glue into crumbs. It will start with a sticky consistency, but will turn claylike. Mold clay into a shape, figure, or symbol that represents abundant life, God’s provision, or the story of the Israelites in the desert. Let the clay air dry for a couple of days or bake at 200 degrees F. (90 C.) for 1½ hours. Paint the creation after it has dried.

Paper plate mosaicU J SMaterials: Paper or cardboard mosaic squares, paper plates, glue or glue stickWe can’t always see the big picture while we’re in the midst of its formation. We trust God to take care of us, even when we don’t know what the outcome will be. Remind campers of how God provided for the Israelites in today’s Bible story. Invite campers to make a mosaic picture of something from the story or something that reminds them that God provides for us. Glue mosaic squares one at time, and watch the picture develop. Place the squares on the plate to form your picture.

Cup weavingU J SMaterials: Clear or white plastic cup, yarn or string or embroidery floss (various colors), scissorsCut strips in the plastic cup. Campers may decide how wide the strips should be, but should make an even number of strips and space the cuts evenly. Leave at least an inch [2.5 cm] between the end of a slit and the bottom of the cup. Tie a piece of yarn around one of the slits, making a knot.Weave the string through the plastic strips, pulling it behind one strip and in front of the next. To change colors, tie a new color onto the string being used. Tie a solid knot when you’re done and have reached the top of the cup.

Dirt art!A IMaterials: Soil, paper, glue, pencils or markersDistribute paper to campers and have them make a design with glue. Once the glue design is in place, have campers take handfuls of the soil, pour it over the glue, and then set the artwork aside to dry. Once the glue is dry, gently roll over and tap off excess soil. Use the pencils and markers either before or after gluing to add to the design.

Seed pots and markerA IMaterials: Egg cartons (paper, not foam or plastic), paper cut into small squares, pencils or markers, seeds, soil, small twigs or sticks, glueGive each camper an egg carton section and a piece of paper. Have campers decorate the outside of the egg carton and the piece of paper. The paper should also have the name of what kind of seeds are being used. Once completed, place some soil and a few seeds into each section and glue the paper to the twig or stick. Once the glue is dry on the completed marker, place it into the seedpod. The seedpod can be placed in the ground and the plant will grow.

DAY 3:Ruth

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

Woven placematsP L U IMaterials: 12 x 18 inch [30.5 x 46 centimeter] construction paper, scissors, variety of ribbon designs (1 inch [2.5 centimeters] wide), contact paper or laminatorPreparation: Fold the construction paper in half, then go to the center of the fold and cut up toward the edge of the paper until you are about 1 inch [2.5 cm] away from the edge. Repeat this on both sides of the original center cut, being sure to stop about 1 inch away from the sides of the paper. Cut strips of ribbon to about 12 inches [30.5 cm] long.Distribute a cut piece of paper to each camper along with an ample supply of ribbon strips. Show campers how to weave their first strip through the construction paper by going under the first strip of paper, then over the next. For their second strip of ribbon, they will need to start by going over the first strip of construction paper. Repeat this pattern until there is no more room to add ribbon.Once the weaving is finished, cover the weaving with contact paper to seal the ends of the ribbon and make the weaving useful as a place mat.Explain to campers that just like the ribbons and paper are woven together, we are woven together with our families. Encourage campers to take their weavings home to use as a place mat at their family’s table.Note: Weaving requires some relatively advanced fine motor and sequencing skills for preschool aged children. Most three to five year olds will be able to do this craft, but may need some guidance at first. Be sure to allow enough time for this craft.

Family picture framesP L IMaterials: Poster board, tissue paper scraps, glue, paintbrushes, markers, adhesive magnetic stripsPreparation: Cut picture frames out of the poster board so they measure about 1-1½ inches [2.5-3.8 cm] wide all the way around.

Provide each camper with a picture frame and supply each with a cup of glue and a paintbrush. Assist campers in writing the word family on their picture frame. Instruct campers to use their paintbrush to put glue on their frame, then crumple up the tissue paper scraps and push them onto their glue. This will give their picture frames a three-dimensional effect. Remind campers to not cover up the word family on their frame. When the frame is covered with tissue paper, attach the adhesive magnetic strips.

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

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

Friends and family frameL U IMaterials: Various designs and patterns of Japanese washi tape, tongue depressor sticks (4 for each camper), wood glue or Tacky Glue, ribbon or yarn or twineOptional: Picture of your groupGive each camper four tongue depressor sticks. Have them decorate the sticks using washi tape. When campers have finished decorating the sticks, have them glue them together to create a square frame. If you have a picture of your cabin group, have campers tape or glue it to the back of their frame. You may also choose to leave the frame open so that campers can put in other pictures of family or friends. Give each camper a piece of ribbon or yarn about twice the length of one of the tongue depressor sticks. Have campers glue each end onto two corners of the square frame. The ribbon or yarn will create a loop that campers can use to hang their frames.

Friendship balloon braceletL U J S A IMaterials: Elastic, balloons (preferably long, twisty ones used to make balloon animals), scissorsCut the balloons into smaller pieces, about two inches [5 cm] in length. Give each camper a piece of elastic about 2 inches [10 cm] longer than the size of his or her wrist. Tape one end of the elastic onto a table. Thread a balloon piece onto the elastic and push it down until it reaches the tape. Hold the balloon in place with a finger and then secure it with a piece of tape. Continue repeating this process, threading on additional pieces of balloon. When there is about a half inch [1.25 cm] of elastic left, remove the tape and squish the balloon beads together. Then tie a double knot with the two elastic ends. Trim the elastic as needed.

Friendship pencilsU J S A IMaterials: Embroidery floss, beads, colored foam sheets, scissors, pencilsAs an alternative to friendship bracelets, give campers 1-3 strands of embroidery floss about 18 inches [46 cm] long. Tie the floss at the top of the pencil just under the eraser, leaving a tail about 5 inches [13 cm] long on one side. Wrap the long pieces of floss around the pencil, making designs, yet wrapping them flat on the pencil. Finish the string by tying a knot about halfway down the pencil, and trim off the remaining floss, making a clean edge. Add beads or a shape created from the foam for their pencil. It could be a characteristic of a friend they appreciate. Encourage them to think of a friend to give this pencil to as a reminder of their friendship.

Celtic knotsU J S AMaterials: Rope (one piece per camper, each 12 inches [30 cm] long, no more than ¼ inch [.6 cm] thick), directions on tying Celtic heart knotsPreparation: Good instructions on how to tie this knot can be found at http://www.instructables. com/id/How-to-tie-a-celtic-heart-knot/. Have your craft leader practice the basics first. Then you can get more elaborate and tie the knot with two pieces of rope or string, or make a bracelet, and so on.Give campers their rope and a set of directions. Have them work in partners to tie their knots. If they get frustrated, encourage them to just begin again. Campers who figure it out can help others to tie their knots. If the group is making necklaces or bracelets, give campers beads to complete their knot design.

Yarn-sewn heartL U J S A IMaterials: Sewing needles or hole punch, yarn, card stock, pen or pencilLightly draw a heart on each piece of card stock to use as a guide.Method 1: Punch holes in the paper along the outline. Make a knot in the yarn and thread it through the holes in order, following the outline. You may need to wrap tape around one end of the yarn so that it will fit through the holes. Once you’ve gone

around the heart once, thread the yarn through the holes in any order to make a uniquely designed heart.Method 2: Thread the yarn through a large sewing needle. Sew the yarn in and out of the card stock, following the heart outline. Once you’ve gone around the heart once, weave the yarn through the card stock in any way you’d like to make your own uniquely designed heart.

Prayer flagsA IMaterials: Fabric squares (3-4 inches [8-10 cm]), markers or paint, string, glueDistribute fabric squares to the campers. Have the campers fold over one side of the square and place a bead of glue along the edge to create a sleeve for the string to be run through. Use paints or markers to design a flag that will be hung up to reflect prayers for a friend. Hang the completed flags in a space where others can see (for example, over the entrance to a cabin or worship space).

DAY 4: Jonah

Bible textJonah 4:1-11

A fishy friendP L IMaterials: 1 adult sock for each camper, newspaper or pillow stuffing, blue chenille craft stems (1-2 inches [2.5-5 cm] long), red yarn (about 1 inch [2.5 cm] long), white yarn, craft eyes, glue, scissorsDistribute a sock to each camper, and place piles of newspaper in different areas throughout the workspace. Have campers take crumpled pieces of newspaper or handfuls of pillow stuffing, then put them inside their sock. Stuff the socks until the campers get a nice, plump looking fish. Once stuffed, campers will need assistance using the white yarn to tie the end of the sock shut. After the shape of the fishy friend has taken form, there will likely be quite a bit of extra sock at the end. Cut off whatever extra material is there so campers are left with a reasonable amount of tail. Cut two triangles from the extra sock material and glue those to the sides of the fish to serve as fins. Campers will need to poke 2-3 blue chenille craft stems through the top of their sock in a small cluster; these serve as the spout of water coming from the top of the fishy friend. Use glue to attach craft eyes and the piece of red yarn to make a mouth for the fishy friend.

Forgiveness braceletP L U IMaterials: Elastic string, pony beads, fish-shaped beads, letter beads, scissorsAssist campers in cutting a piece of string that will go around their wrist or ankle. Spell out forgive somewhere so all campers are able to see it—have them pick through the letter beads to find all the letters they need for that word. Tie a knot at one end of the string to stop the beads. Have campers string a mixture of pony beads, fish-shaped

beads, and their letter beads to spell the word forgive. When finished, explain to campers that when they look at this bracelet it is their reminder to forgive others just like God forgave Jonah and the people of Nineveh.

Scratch artP L U IMaterials: Thick construction paper or card stock, oil pastels, black acrylic paint, paintbrushes, drop clothPreparation: Cover your workspace with newspaper or a drop cloth.Give each camper a piece of paper and have him or her write his/her name on the back. Have campers draw a design on their paper with oil pastels. Remind them to cover the whole page with color. Paint over the design with black acrylic paint and let it dry. When the paint is dry, have campers use a stick or penny to scratch some paint away. The color should be able to be seen, taking something that couldn’t be seen and making it into something beautiful! Have campers scratch a cross or a Bible verse. Or campers can simply scratch a design into the paint and cut it into a cross shape afterward.

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

Washed in the waterL U J IMaterials: Kitchen sponges (2 per camper), scissors, fishing lineGive each camper two sponges. Cut each sponge into quarters (lengthwise). Stack the sponge pieces so there are four strips on the bottom and four strips on the top. Tie fishing line around the middle of the stacked sponge strips as tightly as possible. Now your sponges are ready for use. Soak the sponge with water, and then toss it to a friend as a reminder that she or he is forgiven!

Silver crossesL U J S A IMaterials: Aluminum foil, foam sheet or tray, scissors, ballpoint penHave each camper cut the shape of a cross out of a foam sheet or tray. Cover the crosses with aluminum foil (shiny side out). The foil should be smooth and flat. Then campers can use a ballpoint pen or another item with a fine tip to emboss a design into the cross. Campers could even choose to inscribe a Bible verse or phrase, such as “I’m forgiven,” onto the crosses. Encourage campers not to press too hard when they make their designs.

Jonah collagraphyU J S AMaterials: Pencils, sketch paper, cardboard, various textured materials (such as string, sandpaper, fabric, twigs, leaves, etc.), craft glue, scissors, tempera paint, white paper, fine point black markerGive campers the opportunity to sketch a scene from the Jonah story on paper. Give each camper a piece of cardboard up to the size of the white paper. Using the textured materials, have campers glue their scene to the cardboard base. Remind campers that this is a method of paper printing, so the layers will show differently based on how they layer them. After projects are complete, let them dry for as long as possible. Once dry, have campers paint their designs. Allow campers to print more than once if desired. Provide fine point markers for any details that the campers would like to add. Set them aside to dry.

Flip booksU J S AMaterials: Pencils, pens, index cards, construction paper for coverCampers should decide on a relatively simple scene from the Jonah story to draw (the plant dying, Jonah being grumpy, etc.). Start with the last page, and if using a notepad, use the last page to draw the first picture. Work your way “up” by turning to the next sheet (or adding one on top) and drawing the picture slightly different than the first. Continue drawing slightly different images until you’ve finished your flip book. Now try your book! Have campers trade the books around and view one another’s drawings.

Pencil eraser artL U J S A IMaterials: Several pencils with new erasers (or ones in good condition), ink pads or paint (various colors), paperTake a few minutes before beginning to think of someone that you have been struggling to forgive. Write that person’s name or what they said or did on your sheet of paper in pencil. Cover the name or phrase up with art! Use the pencil erasers as stamps and make a colorful picture on your paper that makes you think of forgiveness.

Finger paint artP L U A IMaterials: Finger paint, containers, paper, paint smocksPour paint into containers. Have campers roll up their sleeves and put on paint smocks as needed. Place paper out for each person in the group. Have campers dip their fingers in the paint and use their fingers as a brush. Encourage campers to create a painting that represents God’s love and forgiveness.

Crayon rubbingsA IMaterials: Paper, crayons without paper wrapping, objects with different textures, pencils

Give each person a piece of paper and some crayons. Have them look for different textures around them. When one is found, place the paper over it and rub the crayon over the paper. A pattern from the texture should appear! Use pencils and markers to add details to the picture.

DAY 5: Jeremiah

Bible textJeremiah 1:4-10

God loves you! cardsP U IMaterials: Glue, construction paper, scissors, glitter, any other card-making suppliesJust as Jeremiah was called to share the things God told him, we are called to share the things God tells us. One of the things God wants us to know is that we are loved. Lay out materials for making a card—the front of the card should have GOD LOVES YOU! printed on it. Instruct campers to think about someone at home who they want to tell about God’s love, and have them make a card for that person. As campers are decorating their cards, have an adult walk around to talk to each camper and write whom the card is for on the front, or to encourage the campers to write this on their own. Adults can work with preschool campers to decide what to write on the inside of the card.

A place for love to grow ... (flowerpots)P L U IMaterials: Small terra-cotta or plastic flowerpots, slightly diluted glue, tissue paper scraps, paintbrushes, potting soil, seeds to plantHave campers recollect the “God’s love grows!” activity from the beginning of the Preschool session. What happened as you shared God’s love (the corners) with others? It grew. Tell campers they will be making a flowerpot to share with someone to spread God’s love.Give each camper a flowerpot and a paintbrush, and station supplies of the glue solution and tissue paper scraps around the craft area. Each camper should be sitting near one of these stations. Show campers how to dip their paintbrush in the glue and put a little bit of glue on their flowerpot. From there they should stick a piece of tissue paper to the glue, then use their paintbrush to put glue over the tissue paper. Campers should work to cover their entire flowerpot. Give plenty of time for the flowerpots to dry, and then come back to them so campers can plant a seed in their flowerpots. Have campers discuss to whom they will give their flowerpots once they leave camp.

Birdseed ornamentsP L U IMaterials: ¾ cup [.2 l] flour, ½ cup [.1 l] water, 1 envelope unflavored gelatin, 3 tablespoons [45 ml] corn syrup, 4 cups [1 l] birdseed, heart cookie cutters, nonstick spray, spoons, a drinking straw, waxed paper, yarn or ribbon

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

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

ShoelacesL U IMaterials: One pair of shoelaces for each camper, fine tip permanent markersOptional: Beads and/or charmsGive each camper a pair of white shoelaces. Allow them to decorate the shoelaces using markers. You might suggest having them draw symbols or write verses that help them remember that God goes with them wherever they are sent. Some variations on this craft would be to give campers beads to include on their laces or tie-dye the laces.

Timely envelopesL U IMaterials: Old wall calendars, scissors or paper cutter, tapeOptional: mailing labelsHave campers select the calendar page they would like to use for an envelope. Tear the page from the calendar. Then have campers cut the page so it is square. Flip the picture over so the dates are face-up. The image you want on your envelope should be facing down on your work surface. Take two of the corners and fold them so they meet in the middle of the page. Then take a third corner and fold it so that it meets the other two folded corners.Then use clear tape to secure the pocket of your envelope. The remaining fourth corner will become your envelope flap. Fold the fourth corner down so it almost reaches the bottom of the envelope and easily covers your other folds. Feel free to have campers put on a mailing label and address it. Depending on the colors in the picture on the calendar page, they may be able to just use a permanent marker. Campers can then send messages of God’s love to fellow campers or staff—or put them in the mail.

Self-portraitsL U J S A IMaterials: Drawing paper, mirrors, pencils, oil pastels, examples of Amedeo Modigliani’s artHave campers look at the art of Modigliani and his style of portraiture that features strong lines and bold colors. With a mirror, have campers decide on a pose and then lightly sketch the pose of him- or herself. Encourage campers to pick a feature to emphasize, in the same way that Modigliani did. Once sketched, campers can use the oil pastels to add color, using dark lines and bold colors.

3-D hand drawingU J S AMaterials: Fine tipped black markers, colored markers, drawing paper, pencilTrace one of your hands in pencil on the sheet of paper. Using the black marker, draw horizontal and parallel lines across the paper (and across the hand), making sure to “bend” the line (make it slightly curved) when it’s inside the outline of the hand. Then color between all the black lines with different colors. This creates a 3-D effect.

Paper clip tape necklaces (or bracelets)L U J S A IMaterials: Paper clips, electrical tape (any color)Hook paper clips together until they are the desired length. Cut a strip of tape (1-1½ inches [2.5-4 cm] long) off the roll and wrap it around onepaper clip. Do this for each paper clip until your necklace or bracelet is complete.

Coffee filter sun catcher bugsA IMaterials: Coffee filters, watercolor paint, water, paper, scissors, glue or tape, pencils or markers, paper punch, string or yarnOptional: plastic eyesTake a coffee filter and drop random dots of watercolor paint on it. Take small cups of water and pour water, a little at a time, over the dots. While the coffee filter is drying, cut different shapes out of paper. These cutouts will form a frame around the filter. Color or design as campers desire. If eyes are available, glue eyes on. When all the bug parts are dry, glue or tape the filter to the paper border. Punch hole in top of paper and tie string or yarn to hang it.

“I am called” business cardsA IMaterials: Paper (cut to business card size), pencils or markersInvite campers to design and create a business card. The card should include words and art that help campers remember the gifts and talents that God calls them to use to share God’s love.

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