VBS, Rolling River Rampage, Day 4

 

While this Bible School theme is likely being used by many churches around the country, I thought I would catalog some of the special activities I did outside (but aligning with) the curriculum that was offered. My class was rising 4th graders, but I feel like most lower & middle elementary aged kids could appreciate the activities.

 Thursday's Theme:

Thursday's Bible Verse: (The Last Supper)

¹⁴ When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. ¹⁵ And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ¹⁶ For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” ¹⁷ After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. ¹⁸ For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” ¹⁹ And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁰ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.^{[a]---Luke 22:14}

Activity: Prayer Lanterns. We had added activities in our classroom this day, but I had a super idea last night and wanted to make paper lanterns with my kids--with a twist.  I had the paper pre-cut and folded so all they had to do was to pick the color the wanted and staple together and add the handle. But, I also had them add a yarn piece handing from the handle down through the lantern on which they stapled a laminated bedtime prayer. I have noticed that kids these days are either not doing bedtime prayers at all, or are saying the same things they have said for years without really thinking about it. The prayer lanterns can hang on their bed posts and be a reminder to pray and there is at least one prayer hanging from the middle they can say or use as a guide. I allowed the kids to decorate the lanterns any way they wanted, and I was so sad that I couldn't find the glow in the dark stickers I was sure we had as left overs from VBS Cave Quest, they would have added a nice touch. The days are getting more and more hectic, so I don't have a picture of the finished product, but I will include a reminder on how to make your own paper lanterns.

Activity 2: 7th Day/Sabbath. It probably shouldn't have been as shocking as it was to learn that most of the kids did nothing different on Sundays than they did the rest of the week. One child even told me: "we are too busy on Sundays with other stuff to go to church."  We talked about the importance of "rest" and how that doesn't necessarily mean to sleep or nap.