A small group of children, huddling together, crept slowly through the woods. They
communicated only through small chirps, sneaking past a teen who ominously glowered at them
like a menacing owl. The pretended threat of danger was still thrilling, heightening their senses
as they scoured the leaf-litter for a package of hidden snacks.
Chirping alarms as another teen “owl” swooped in, the children spotted the food! Holding
formation, they returned to base with their snack, celebrating their success.
This was one game we played during the Nature Day program on October 9th , and it was
not just a game—it was a tool.
There is a growing body of education promoting “adventure education”—using
calculated risk and adrenalized states as a platform for teaching. We can also use this tool to
share the life-giving stories of Jesus.
At Nature Day, we told the parable of The Sower (Matt 13). In it, Jesus explains to his
listeners that a seed can grow, but then be choked to death by weeds. He explained this as one
who hears the Word but doesn’t understand, and it is choked by “the cares of the world.” This
concept was illustrated in our game, and the message was felt in an adrenalized state. It’s hard
to focus on the goal when you’re being chased by predators! To grow like a the seed in Jesus’s
parable, they had to understand and follow the “Word,” the instructions they were given: if they
stayed together, they would be safe.
We pray that these experiences create strong friendships between the children playing
together, and with the mentors. We pray they remember the timeless parable, that through
Jesus our lives can grow in the soil of His Truth. We can lean on each other, but our lives
ultimately must rely on Jesus.
Adventure programming is a tool that can shape minds. Let’s take full advantage and
use it to point to Christ.
If you’d like to be part of the next Nature Day adventure on Nov 10th, email Heidi at
kingdomkids@bg.org
