The following lesson ideas were moved here from a writing forum on the Baptism of Jesus.

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<>< Neil

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Exchange Volunteer edited topic title for clarity.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CreativeCarol,

We wanted to connect our baptism to Jesus' baptism, so in GospelMax Theatre, we showed 3 clips: a 7-minute animated version of John's
baptism of Jesus, a home video of a baptism in our own church, and a portion of a denomination-produced video that tied it all together. It was the first time we used a variety of videos, rather than one, and the students were very receptive to it.

For younger children, acting out a baptism with a baby doll has always been fun for our kids. We have someone act as the pastor, the mom and dad, and then the rest of the class is the congregation. we go through a condensed baptism, asking the parents a question, asking the congregation for their support and then actually sprinkling the baby doll with water. We rotate around so everyone has a chance to play one of the main 3 parts.
A great resource is Cokesbury's "Touch the Water, Taste the Bread". Half of the book has lesson plans for baptism, the other half for communion. There are 2 books, one for ages 3-5 and one for grades 1-3.

A few years ago, the man I work with and I were teaching a Sunday on the baptism of Jesus. I had brought in my brand new puppy to show the kids. When we got to the part about Jesus being baptised, I couldn't find a doll to use. So, Peter picked up my dog and used him! For the rest of the class, whenever we needed to show Jesus doing something, we used my dog. It was great! The kids resonded well, and I think because the dog moves it was even more interesting.

Now if I could only get Peter to do my cat...

This was our first rotation ever. We were not very organized with the way we wrote this rotation so we will need to do editing on it before posting the whole rotation but I would like to share this little filler we did.
We did a puppet show of the Baptism of Jesus starting with John preaching and baptizing and ending with the dove. After reviewing why the water is used and showing how water cleans we had some time left so we discussed who John was and as a filler in the drama classroom (but could used anywhere), we review who John was by using our 5 senses. Have the children close their eyes to do Touch, Listen, Smell. Touch – camel fur, Listen – running water, Smell – honey, Sight – picture of wilderness, Taste – grasshoppers or honey (all the children decided they only wanted to try the honey) I did not realize how the children would react and remember this experience.

In God's Sevice
Lisa

We're having the kids help make "Baptism Boxes" which we give to each infant and child when they are baptized in our church. We tell parents when they feel their child is ready, they should take out the box and explain to them the signs of baptism found in the box. It's been very well received. Kids are always present in worship during baptisms so future baptisms they'll know they helped to create a box.

The idea originally was published in a PCUSA Sunday school teachers periodical called "Ideas". I think it was in 2001 that I saw this and cut it out and have used it ever since. The author was Linda LeBron of Prston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Dallas, TX. I searched the PCUSA website but they do not have older issues posted so will share here.

Supplies:
6"x8"x1" gift box (jewelry type box)
"Gifts of Baptism" printout - glue to inside of the lid of the box (see below)
Rebirth certificate (see below)
Small cross (wood or plastic)
Washcloth (small piece 2"x2")
Robe (cut from white felt)
Dove (cut from white fun foam)
Candle (birthday cake candle)

GIFTS OF BAPTISM

REBIRTH CERTIFICATE – Romans 8:15-16
You have been adopted into God’s family, the church. Jesus is your brother.

CROSS – Romans 6:3-8
You share in the death and resurrection of Jesus. You never need to be afraid of death. Your eternal life has already begun.

WASHCLOTH – Acts 22:16
You have been washed clean of all your sins. God will always forgive you.

ROBE – Galatians 3:27-28
You have been clothed in Christ so that others will see Christ in you.

DOVE – Acts 2:38
You have received the Holy Spirit in a new way, to guide you and comfort you always.

CANDLE – Matthew 5:14-16
You have the light of Christ in you. Share it with your world.

This fall we did a 5 week rotation on John the Baptist and took a little different approach in the way we combined kids because we wanted an integrated end result. On the first week everyone was in Cinema and saw clips from "Godspell" and something else I don't remember in January and did an activity. Week Two everyone was in music and learned "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" from "Godspell." For Weeks Three through Five, K/1, 2/3 & 4/5 rotated between Art, Drama and Tent. In art they did monoprint banners -- shades of blue and purple -- that looked like paths. In tent they made stoles -- blue or purple. On one side each person wrote his or her name with puff paint and on the other side they drew symbols of ways in which we prepare the way for Jesus today. When finished they made ribbon sticks. In Drama, they spent the first 30-40 minutes in the sanctuary learning choreography to the song.

We used our November 30 -- first Sunday of Advent -- session as a run through and at the second worship service that day, the K-5 did the Call to Worship. Banners were hung in the Narthex. Kids -- wearing their stoles -- surrounded the congregation on three sides. Huge sanctuary. Someone blew a shofar. A woman played the flute in the back of church and a third grade boy walked down the long center aisle singing "Prepare Ye ..." Once he reached the front, all kids started singing and waving their ribbon banners. As they then came to the back to walk down the center aisle as pairs, they handed off their ribbon sticks to members of the congregation and motioned for them to keep waving them.

Once they reached the front they did sign language to the song, and came back down the center aisle singing until they sat in the pews.

Whew! It was amazing. Powerful. Everything they did make the same point.

Sorry, this got long -- but it's worth telling and trying.

For Baptism in our church, we give a hand decorated baptism candle. Though we do not do this as a workshop for a rotation, we make a years supply at our Holy Saturday Egg Stravaganza celebration. On Holy Saturday morning families gather and dye the eggs for our hunt the next morning, we put on the play "The Three Trees" for our noon service and the children decorate Easter bags and decorate baptism candles for the year.

We have 4 baptism Sundays every year where the majority of our baptisms are performed. I buy a dozen 3" by I believe 10 or 12 inch pillar styrene candles. Using stencils I cut out of note cards that represent symbols of baptism/Christianity (dove, cross, flowers, book, heart etc.), the younger children decorate their candles with 2-3 symbols filled in with melted crayons (note Crayolo works best). We melt them on the hot plate of a coffee maker covered with foil and paint them on with Q-tips. Older students can free hand more creative candles, my favorite this year were hands spread and the phrase "This is my son" We used this one on the Sunday for the Baptism of Jesus which was also one of the Sundays we baptize on. On the day of their baptism, I write with a sharpy marker their full name, date of their baptism and the name of our church on the candle. During the service our priest lights it on the Pascal Candle (Candle lit at Easter and always used for baptisms) and says, "I give you the Light of Christ"

We started this about 9 years ago, when I started as Director 5 years ago, I had all of the children present who were older than 9 and had not recieved a candle bring in their baptism dates and we made each of them one and had a special ceremony so they could recieve their light of Christ and now all new people who are baptized get one including adults. It is special for the children to make these candles and families love them. If you were doing a baptism rotation, this could make an excellent art project. I usually only use about 12 a year and on the occasion I run out, I have the teen classes decorate another dozen or we do more during the summer. Our Easter Vigil Service this year, we will baptize 5 so I very well may need 2 dozen this year.

SheilaB

We had the children bring in bathing suits and towels and we re-enacted Jesus' baptism in a wading pool. The ones who didn't bring in a bathing suits played the part of onlookers.

About a month before the rotation we asked the children to bring in pictures of thier baptism.
We copied the pictures and made a collage

We also have a couple rotations on this, but haven't posted anything yet! (you'd think after 4 years we would find someone who would do this for us!) Anyway, a couple of ideas that went well for us were the baptism banners: materials used were felt (royal blue for background, light blue for the water symbol we used and white for the seashell), gold cord, dowels. We also gathered the baptism dates of the kids to put on the banner. (The church secretary has that all on file!) On the top we put "I am a child of God," (Thank you St. Paul's Pres. for the phrase) and on the next line we put their baptism date, if they had one. We explained that some had been baptized already while some parents had decided to let them make that decision, etc., and they could fill in that date later! Wish I could tell more, maybe we'll be able to post lesson one day! Also talked about different symbols,etc.

Other workshop was Sand Symbols. Opening activity for this workshop was a giant puzzle where everyone had a piece and they tried to put it together one piece at a time. Puzzle was a symbol of baptism, which led into the story of Jesus being baptized by John. Talked about symbols in church. Read Bible story and talked about Jesus being baptized by John and then showed them the different water/baptism symbols. Activity for workshop: We made our own sand beforehand. Grated chalk and mixed it with white sand. (Get the good stuff!) Use tiles or wood for background. Use Black Sharpies (younger kids) or black cord (use tacky glue) to separate different colors of sand on tile/wood. "Paint" glue onto tile/wood one color at a time. Spoon sand over glue and shake off. (I do have longer instructions!)
We had discussions ?'s about Luke 3:16, 17 and then Luke 21, 22 in particular. Apply it to kid's life: Discussed the kind of king Jesus was, and who people were expecting. Talked about if they had to be tough or could they show friends to Jesus by acts of love. In Luke Jesus prayed and the heavens opened and God spoke. How could their prayer live change and be different? Places to pray, etc.

Carol

"WHAT IF" SKITS

What if John the Baptist had lived by a waterfall? Or a geyser?

What if John the Baptist used flowers instead?

What if John hadn't baptized people's heads and had to use something else from the desert?

What if John the Baptist was alive today? Where would he baptize people and how might he do it? (What are OUR symbols and props for getting clean).

Kids really enjoy thinking "differently" and the laughter makes it a memorable lesson.

These can be ACTED OUT or drawn with markers then shared.

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Some day I'll get around to posting my lesson set for this. In brief:

Art -- origami doves. There is a version that uses paper doilies that is easier for the younger classes. Older ones can do regular origami, maybe even make a mobile with them.

Bible skills and games -- a discussion leading them to the idea of TRINITY. Played Taboo: have to get others to guess a word, but they can't use certain obvious words to describe it. Example: water, but can't say baptise or wash. A water relay, moving a cupful of water at a time from one place to another, they must say the memory verse as they pour the water in the new container

Video -- Opening sequence of the Lion King, a video of a baby being baptised, DVD clip of Jesus' baptism from Visual Bible: Matthew. Discussion between compared and contrasted as appropriate.

Kitchen -- Ate locusts, yum! We made them with edible clay (honey!, peanut butter-as long as there are no allergies use soy butter if needed, and powdered milk), showed pictures of locusts so they knew how to shape them. Great description of how locusts were actually eaten Bible Encyclopedia - locust look at the bottom of the article for locusts as food. Nice "icky" thing to read to the kids.

Moved Reply:

More thoughts on Jesus' baptism, moved here to consolidate topic.

Bren Finn
posted December 06, 2004 03:58 PM

We will be doing a unit in January on John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus. Since our theme this year is covenants, we are highlighting the familial link between Jesus and John and the manner in which both are fulfillments of OT prophecy. (ie God keeps his promises.)
We want to do a genealogy workshop: talk about the genealogies of John and Jesus, and then have the children do a family tree for themselves. Does anyone have some attractive child friendly forms or any ideas for this type of a workshop?

Blessings,
Brenda

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Jan FPC Napa
posted December 06, 2004 05:18 PM

Two ideas come to mind that might be fun:

Get a small bare tree branch for each of the kids and spray in advance with a clear or colored spray paint to "set". Use colored construction paper or cardstock and cut into small pieces (could be small rectangles or any shapes really), hole punch and put a ribbon or piece of yarn through it that they can hang on their tree. Using different colors of paper can signify different generations in the family -- say for instance: yellow for themselves and siblings, red for parents, blue for grandparents, green for great-grandparents, maybe a different shade of the same color for mother's side and father's side.

OR

Use a piece of light colored fabric. Have kids cut a felt tree out and glue on. Then use fabric paint pens (they're like markers).

One thought when doing any type of family tree things: Be sensative to the kids who are in foster and/or adopted homes.

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dana
posted December 07, 2004 07:39 AM

to add to the "family" tree idea - ask the children if they can bring in photos of various family members to put on the tree. This may help families to talk about some of the relatives and for the chidlren to learn "new stories" about their family passed on through the generations - like the Bible stories were passed down.

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Lisa M.
posted December 07, 2004 09:01 AM

For the complete geneologies, one thing that I saw done in worship, which was very effective and could be modified for children was to have someone read the Matthew geneology text while two other people held up signs which we were told to respond to:
"Boo" or "Hiss" if it was a bad person
"Hooray" or "Yeah" if it was a good person
"Huh?" if it was someone we didn't know.

The reader added a phrase about the person if they were in the Bible, but not too well known, for example Tamar. When they got to Solomon they added "who had 1000 wives" and the man sign holder held up "Yeah" while the woman sign holder held up "Boo." It was memorable. I could see children getting into holding up the signs and cheering or booing.

Peace,
Lisa
 
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Jaymie Derden
posted December 10, 2004 08:48 AM

Cornerstones has a free sample on the Jesse Tree. Its main focus is on the genealogy of Jesus. YOu might find some ideas you could use or modify there. Check out www.cstones.com.
Jaymie

Moved Reply:

We also built our workshops on what was found in the WoRM Lesson exchange...
...we put a little extra emphasis on the "water" and on the "dove". We had done Noah's Ark earlier in the year and compared the "water" and the "dove" from the OT story with that of the NT story. The kids really caught on. As part of the drama or expedition, you could incorporate a "side trip" to the baptismal font (or pool) in your church and allow the children to hear about Jesus' baptism in relation to OUR baptism...letting them feel the water, etc...

I am curious about your Expedition Workshop. What is the focus there? Thanks and God bless you with your ministry.

Moved Reply:

Other ideas on Jesus' baptism moved here by Exchange Volunteer to consolidate topic......

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Cooking Ideas...

Ozone
Posted January 03, 2004 08:58 AM

We're going to be working on this one coming up soon. However, before we started rotating and I was teaching a 6th & 7th grade class, I did a class about the meaning of baptism, specifically the meaning of the Greek word baptizo. If you look it up on Crosswalk.com's NT Greek Lexicon (it's Strong's Number 907), you'll find a quote that describes pickle making, and the permanent change that occurs through baptism, as opposed to simply being dipped. I had along a fresh cuke and a dill pickle with me for comparison.

So, for our cooking rotation, we're going to make pickled carrots; there is a very easy recipe (that is, no sterilized jars, etc., total prep time under 1 hour) at epicurious.com which can also be found in the November 2003 edition of Gourmet magazine, but of course any simple pickling recipe would do.

We'll also have labels describing the word baptizo, and of course, instructions for keeping the product (must be refrigerated).

Now, when I did mention the use of this workshop to a fellow elder on Session, he asked if I wasn't telling the kids that once they're baptized they get sour. Hmmm. Any thoughts on countering this kind of thinking are welcome.

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rhondab
Posted April 05, 2006 09:33 AM
Moved Reply: October 06, 2004 10:54 PM

Shape Crescent Roll dough into "bugs"

Raisins can be used for eyes, and pretzel sticks for the antennae and legs.

After baking, brush them with honey

An edible version of locusts with honey!

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angelasullivan
posted November 11, 2002

We are doing a rotation of John the Baptist for our advent rotation and every time we read the story during planning meetings the locust and wild honey always sticks out to us. So we thought for games we would do a "fear factor" style game challenging them to challenge each other and have faith while they prepare to eat a hidden gross food. We are having some problems coming up with some of the foods and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas. So far we have ants of a log (peanut butter on celery with raisins) gummy worms, dirt (chocolate pudding with crushed oreos). We are planning on having the items covered with a description card giving the gross description. Like for ants on a log. (Part of the tree has come down and the ants are all over it).

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CreativeCarol
posted November 11, 2002

The Book Incredible Edible Bible Fun has a recipe for "Locust and Wild Honey Bites". (Group Publishing ISBN: 0764420011) You shape bugs out of a mixture of powdered milk, peanut butter, and honey. (Be careful of peanut butter if you've got peanut allergies. Substitute Soy Nut Butter instead (which has, despite it's name, no nuts in it).

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julie burton
posted November 12, 2002

One thought I had as I read this post is to be careful with this activity. It could be easy for kids to find humor in the thought of eating bugs, but I think it's important to be aware that in some parts of the world people eat bugs to try to survive. In Southern Africa 14 million people are at risk of starvation, many eating worms, dirt, grass, whatever they can find to hold on.

I'm not trying to lecture, but just a friendly caution.
Julie Burton
Director of Congregational Resources
Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery.

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Jan FPC Napa
posted November 12, 2002

Chocolate covered grasshoppers

When I was little one of my older sisters used to always make what she called "chocolate covered grasshoppers". I have no idea why she called it that! But it was simply chow mein noodles (the dry type) mixed into melted chocolate chips. Put a small plop of it on waxed paper and stick in the fridge till cooled/set.

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Lisa M.
posted November 14, 2002

eating bugs

Through the magic of the internet it is easy to order ACTUAL edible insects and I know there is a very popular lollipop that has actual bugs cooked in it. I wouldn't waste money purchasing a lot, but it might be interesting to order a few and see if anyone (kid or adult) would be willing to eat it.

This could fit very well with the discussion Julie suggested about people who really eat bugs because they need to.

If that's too gross for you have whole, unpeeled crustaceons like shrimp (also highly allergenic) which are insect-like but more palatable to Western tastes.
Good luck!
Lisa

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dana
posted November 14, 2002

check out www.daniellesplace.com they have a lesson on John the baptist that has a recipe for edible locusts

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Jan FPC Napa
posted January 06, 2004

"Crafts & More for Children's Ministry" published by Group suggests discussing right and wrong choices -- illustrated by providing toothpaste to put on celery sticks, discussing how it's not the right choice and then providing peanut butter and/or cream cheese. They suggest moving the discussion to "our story today is about a choice Jesus made ..." to be baptized even though he didn't HAVE to he knew it was the right thing to do. Matthew 3:15 NLT: "But Jesus said, 'It must be done, because we must do everything that is right.' So then John baptized him." Follow up with helping kids make decisions about how in the coming week they will do what's right in God's eyes, even if they don't feel like it.

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Lisa M.
posted January 06, 2004

One really neat image that stuck with me from a sermon years ago was the fact that the Jordan was kind of muddy and mucky. The message being that we think of baptism as being "cleaned" but Jesus, who was perfect, was baptized into our sin (i.e. the dirty water).

What about making a muddy Jordan river. Melt some milk chocolate in a microwave and pour down a cookie sheet lined with greased wax paper, or if you think you have enough time make a fudge recipe and do the same. Then put the "river" down flat and stand cookie people in the river (the ones who came to John to be baptized). It should harden relatively quickly if your room is cool, or you can put it in the freezer for a few minutes while you talk through your lesson. Break apart and serve with water or blue Kool Aid.

Another idea is pre-make Jello jigglers using blue jello (water) and have the children cut the jigglers into shapes that represent baptism (font, dove, etc.)

The second idea is probably easier and less expensive -- but the kids will love a chocolate river, and the leftovers are tastier.

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Randolph
posted December 06, 2004

My church has a well-equippied kitchen so I'd like to utilize it during the John the Baptist unit. Can anyone suggest a food that the students can make that suggests the presence of the Holy Spirit- something puffy, perhaps, that rises quickly?

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Lisa M.
posted December 07, 2004

Puff pastry.
You can buy it frozen in most larger grocery stores tucked between pie crusts and Phyllo dough, and it only takes a few minutes to bake. You can layer fillings between two sheets -- maybe wild honey and something (dates?) to represent locusts.
Peace, Lisa


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Video ideas....

<Debbie>
posted June 06, 2001

I am happy to advise that I was able to find the video, "The Baptism of Jesus" from the Jesus a Kingdom Without Frontiers (OUT OF PRINT) animated series. I ordered it from Christianbooks.com. They seem to have a quite extensive catalog of materials, and the service was excellent.

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Pastor Fred
posted October 11, 2002

NEST Entertainment has a GREAT video (30 minutes in length) on John the Baptist. It is VERY well done and could be used for both Elementary and Youth level. I would also recommend the JESUS film. It has a great John the Baptist Clip.
---PF---

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Luanne Payne adds the following info about the Nest video...

posted February 17, 2005
Covers John's Birth and Jesus Baptism, animated, 30 minutes, comes with 64 page activity book (mazes, colouring pictures, questions, etc.)

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CreativeCarol
October 11, 2002

Maybe this is the same video that Pastor Fred refers to, but I was thinking about the CBS miniseries called "Jesus" (it think it's Fox Video). This would be good for older kids. If I remember right though, the clips are interspersed - in other words there isn't all one story about John the Baptist. This is a good video to have in your collection as it can be used for other stories though some aren't appropriate for younger kids.

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joew
posted February 08, 2005

Does anyone have a good idea for a video which is well done about the baptism of Jesus? The Powerxpress suggestion is out of print, and the second option is a repeat from a previous rotation.

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Julie burton
posted February 14, 2005

I don't know what PowerExpress suggests, but "The Miracle Maker" might work for you...
Blessings,
Julie

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Lisa M.
posted February 15, 2005

Joe W,
An alternative would be expanding the lesson to talk about baptism in general, and what it represents. If you church allows videos to be taken, try finding some vidoes of people baptized in your church and showing pieces of that. I believe there were several people baptized in "Peter and Paul" (Vision Video Cat#4628D).
Peace,
Lisa

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Luanne Payne
posted February 17, 2005

Baptism of Jesus Video's

Jesus by Campus Crusade Canada (Gospel of Luke Version) (www.newliferesource.ca) drama, 120 minutes, if you get the DVD:
Event 2 - John prepares the way
Event 7 - Baptism of Jesus.

Visual Bible: Matthew drama, 240 minutes, from Crown Video or your local Christian bookstore. If you have the DVD:
Event 5 - John prepares the way
Event 6 - Baptism of Jesus

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Music ideas....

CE CONGO
posted December 01, 2003

Can anyone give me ideas for fun music to use with a baptism rotation? We use Cornerstones and the rotation ideas are great...but on the fifth week we usually do a special music Sunday with all age levels included. I am looking for upbeat songs that relate more to the kids than what's in our hymnals!

Thanks!

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Jan FPC Napa
posted December 02, 2003

Ok, it is a "hymnal" song but what about "Lord, I want to be a Christian". It's got enough repetition for the kids to catch on and can be sung "peppy". They could do actions or sign language to it or just use instruments.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/w/lwantbac.htm

A song we've done in our contemporary worship for a child's baptism is "Lord You Are (More Precious)" ... changing the word "Lord" to "child" in one of the choruses.

http://www.christianmusicweb.com/songs/All_Songs_Here/lord_you_are.txt

Just some thougths!
Jan

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Judi Leaming
posted January 08, 2004

Our next unit from PowerXpress is "Jesus is Baptized". They have an excellent Music Movement workshop that includes: Deep and Wide, Wade in the Water, Peace like a River ... also look for background cd's that focus on water sounds.


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Exchange Volunteer added more ideas.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CreativeCarol,

Moved Reply:

Ok, I know these posting are kinda old but I wanted to put my two cents in anyway for anyone that has to go through what I just went through. I write the curriculum for our Art Workshop and I'm sorry, but I'm just not satisfied with a lesson until the Art Room is trashed. Not art to me otherwise, lol. Anyway, I searched every website under the sun for a GREAT Art lesson for John the Baptist and the best I could find was an origami dove...what? No, thats not art. Thats heres the direction, figure it out. SO, I borrowed some ideas from here and there and came up with this. The story will be told by the teacher. As they tell it, they will stop and have volunteers (kids) draw a sort of story line (stick figures, no Van Gogh) on a wipe off board (gotta be interactive). Then the class will discuss how people viewed John (read scripture of his description). The point of this is that even the people WE think can never be used by God, can and will be used. Even a kid can be used. Anyway, then they will discuss what made him so strange until they get to his eating habits. I ordered chocolate covered bugs and barbeque flavored mealworms, etc from a website and the kids will be INVITED (not forced) to try one. If not thats fine. The teacher will then go into the activity - making "Chocolate Covered Bugs" out of chow mein noodles, chocolate, marshmallows etc. Not artsy/craftsy but the creative juices will flow when they get to make and decorate the bugs and its more creative than an origami dove.

Where did you get the chocolate covered locusts and other "icky" food things? Do you have a web-site that can be shared? Do you have an address?
We do a "Fear Factor" in our mid-week children's program (school year only) and it's incorporated into the Worm Rotation lesson series that we adapt to fit our needs. This would be a great addition to it! We have increased our group by using a type of "Fear Factor." Last session we had lessons on Joshua. Therefore, our "Fear Factor" was called "Joshua's Fear Factor." We incorporated some messy stuff into the game using the Bible and connecting some of the things Joshua and the Israelites did to ooey-gooey stuff. It worked very well! Even the kids who said, "I'm not doing that again" and "I cannot stand to do this--no way" participated every week. They were divided into teams and the winning team chose something from our prize tub. The second-place team (we don't have losers) also got something small like a sucker, etc.
Anyway, if you have information about ordering this stuff, let us all know! Thanks!

I really like the idea of the "fear factor". We are going to do some ROPES low element activities incorporating the fear factor idea. Our education building will be set up with a camping theme.......tents, wood, fake fire, etc. We're going to make creative bugs using marshmallows, pretzels, gum drops, etc. for our food rotation. Any ideas for art?

Messy fun craft idea - we took toilet paper rolls and covered them in glue and then rolled them in crushed Shredded Wheat cereal which represented the rough camel's hair coat that John wore. We then glued on a paper head and feet. This was a lot of fun and made a pretty good mess!!

We are almost finished with John the Baptist. We did our camping theme. We focused the lessons around the familial ties to Jesus and John preparing the way for Christ.
The rotation classes were decorated with tents, trees, firewood, etc.
We brought in a s'more machine and the kids roasted marshmallows after creating "critters" out of bananas, peanut butter or icing, licorice, red hots for eyes, grapes, graham crackers, etc.
The next week, we did our fear factor competition. One station was the wilderness maze (put beanie babies randomly in corridor while each child was blindfolded and their team gave them oral directions on how to get through maze without touching "dangerous" animals.) Station #2 was "Filled with the Holy Spirit" balloon toss where the kids had to see how long their group could keep several balloons in the air. Station #3 was the Critter Crunch. The teams chose 2 brave volunteers to eat as many chocolate covered crickets as they could in the fastest time. Everyone won assorted bug candies and plastic critters.
We did "worm art" last week. Place 3 to 4 worms on each child's white construction paper (they wrote out their bible verse on bottom first). You put drops of food coloring (it doesn't hurt the worms...paint smothers them)on each worm and as they wriggle and crawl, they create "worm tracks". We let them go in our flower beds after the activity.
Our last activity will be "Let's Talk" on the computers. The children will create characters to talk about John the Baptist and then take turns listening to each person's view of John the Baptist.
Thanks for the ideas!!!!!