When teaching children and developing programs in cultural mentoring, we sometimes speak of it as weaving a basket. What strands do we bring together that will hold the children well?
For Kingdom Kids Nature Day on November 11th, our theme is shelter. A shelter is like a basket covering and holding a person safely. For our program, we will incorporate these elements:
Stories and songs. At various points throughout the day, children will hear stories about Jesus. The Creator of the natural world, he is the safe refuge for our souls. The same person who calmed a storm wants us to trust him as we navigate our lives. As we travel from field to forest, we’ll sing songs that remind us of our Creator.
Skills. We learn better when our hands are busy! During Nature Day, children will practice building and testing a waterproof shelter, tending a fire, and crafting a woven mat. These skills reflect back on the stories about Jesus—his guidance, love, and safe hope for our souls.
Relationship. We learn skills better when we apply them together. The activities foster teamwork, communication, and cooperation. At Nature Day, children will be working with their peers, adults, and teen mentors.
Of course the one who is truly doing the work here, both growing the seeds, sending the sun, and holding the whole basket together is the Lord. So perhaps the most important strand is . . .
Prayer. We begin and end every program with prayer. We pray over the plans, and we pray for the children and families after they leave. We ask that you pray for them, too!
On November 16 I will also be joining the Moms In Prayer breakfast hosted at BG. Together we will fellowship over a meal and learn about prayer. We will encourage each other in practical ways to weave prayer into our daily habits, and inspire each other to practice prayer with the children in our lives. The Moms in Prayer vision is to have every school and child covered in prayer. Whether you have children at home, or in your extended circle, we invite you to join us!
RSVP Moms in Prayer breakfast:
momsinprayer.beckytay@gmail.com
Volunteer with Kingdom Kids: heidi@bg.org