Spirit Life

Spiritlife
Copyright notice
This outdoor ministries curriculum is protected by copyright. Ordinarily, copyrighted material
may not be adapted or reproduced without prior permission. This curriculum is unique
because it includes permission to reproduce the content.
• Camping programs based in single site may adapt and reproduce this resource as
needed provided that copies are for local use only, and that each copy carries the
copyright notice printed at the bottom of each page.
• Camping corporations or programs that own more than one program site must
purchase a separate copy for each program site in order to be in compliance with this
copyright notice.
• Individual congregations wishing to use this resource must also purchase their own
copies to be in compliance with this copyright notice.
This copyright policy is intended to protect the outdoor ministries curriculum project.
Significant funds are budgeted for this resource by the ELCA Division for Congregational
Ministries, and the viability of the resource in coming years is dependent on compliance with
the provisions of this copyright notice.
Copyright © 2002 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. All rights reserved.
Permission is granted for the purchasers to adapt and reproduce the text and/or graphics files
on the CD-ROM, provided they are reproduced for camp and congregation use only. See
pages 3-5 for additional information.
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How to Use This Resource
Introduction 3
Organizing Your Program 6
Week at a Glance: Spiritlife 8
Making Use of This Curriculum 9
Nonviolence in the Camp Community 15
Back-Home Activities 17
Spiritlife Evaluation 19
Clip Art 20
Introduction to the Theme 24
Biblical Interpretation 27
Worship
Large group worship 33
Small group worship 57
Bible Studies
Lower Elementary/Day Camp 71
Upper Elementary 97
Junior High 118
Senior High 146
Adult 170
Theme-Related Activities
Challenge Course Activities 198
Creative Activities 207
Environmental Activities 218
Games 228
Spiritlife
Outdoor Ministries Curriculum
Prepared by the Division for Congregational Ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America in cooperation with Augsburg Fortress, Publishers.
Contributing writers:
Susan J. Olstad (“Back-Home Activities”)
Terry L. Bowes (“Nonviolence in the Camp Community”)
Janet M. Corpus (“Introduction to the Theme,” “Biblical Interpretation”)
Heidi Youngquist (“Large Group Worship”)
Lisa Kaleva Swenson (“Lower Elementary/Day Camp”)
Julie Bowe (“Upper Elementary”)
Karen S. Matthias-Long (“Junior High”)
Julie B. Sevig and Jeremy Myers (“Senior High”)
Susan J. Olstad (“Adult”)
Mir Youngquist-Thurow, compiler (“Environmental Activities”)
Randy Fellers (“Challenge Course Activities”)
Editors:
Sue Hinton
Mark B. Gardner
Julie Bowe
Eileen K. Zahn
Cover design and art:
Brian Jensen
This packet contains:
• A complete camp curriculum, including Bible studies, environmental activities, worship
experiences, games, challenge course activities, and creative ideas, all of which may be
photocopied for use by individual counselors.
• A CD-ROM edition of this resource, making it easier than ever to make this resource work
in your camp setting. Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 4.05 is included on the CD-ROM.
• “Back-Home Activities” is included to aid in connecting camp and at-home experiences.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989
Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the
United States of America. Used by permission.
Materials identified as LBW are from Lutheran Book of Worship, copyright © 1978.
Quotations from Luther’s Small Catechism are from A Contemporary Translation of Luther’s
Small Catechism, tr. by Timothy J. Wengert, copyright © 1994 Augsburg Fortress.
Copyright © 2002 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. All rights reserved.

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated. This product is
not endorsed or sponsored by Adobe Systems Incorporated, publisher of Adobe® Acrobat®
Reader.
Introduction
Welcome to the excit- • “Back-Home Activities” section for
ing world of Christian parents or caregivers of campers.

camping! As the director
or program director of a sum-
• clip art.
mer camping program, you already are
engaged in ministry with children, youth,
and adults. This resource, Spiritlife, is
Spiritlife CD-ROM
This curriculum packet is duplicated on the
intended to be comprehensive in content, yet
enclosed Spiritlife CD-ROM. It has been
flexible in format. Because it comes in a
produced in Portable Document Format
loose-leaf format, the material is adaptable
(PDF). You must have Adobe Acrobat
to a variety of situations. As the person
Reader 3.0 or newer installed on your com-
responsible for programming at your camp
puter to use this product. If you do not have
or for your day camp program, you will
Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or newer
have the freedom to decide which activities
installed on your computer, install it from
from this resource are most appropriate and
this CD-ROM by following these directions:
useful for your particular camper popula-
tion, site, and staff this summer.
Take time to read “Introduction to the
Installation of
Theme” (pages 24-26) and review the other
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader
sections of this resource. The resource has 1) Locate the installation icon for your com-
been designed to include: puter platform (Windows or Macintosh)
• activities for these age-level groupings: in your CD drive folder using Windows
day camp (lower elementary), upper ele- Explorer or the Macintosh Finder.
mentary, junior high, senior high, adult, 2) For Windows, double-click on the icon
and intergenerational. titled “AR32E401.EXE.” For Macintosh,
• common themes and Bible texts for each click on the icon labeled “Acrobat Reader
of five days. 4.05 Installer.”
• a week based on a total of five days of 3) Follow the instructions on your screen.
programming in a camp or congregation. For instructions on using Acrobat Reader,
start the Acrobat Reader program after it
• one “Biblical Interpretation” section for has been installed, click on the Help
the resource.
menu, and select “Reader Online Guide.”
• daily Bible studies for day camp (lower Two features of Acrobat Reader will help
elementary), upper elementary, junior
high, senior high, and adult campers. you to maneuver through this resource with
ease: bookmarks and hyperlinks.
• environmental education activities that Bookmarks offer a “table of contents”-
relate to the theme.
like series of elements. By clicking on an
• games for different age groups. item on the bookmark list, you will be able
• initiative activities (including “Challenge to move to different parts of Spiritlife to
Course Activities”) related to the theme. view or print desired sections of material.
• separate large group and small group The bookmarks can be viewed at the same
worship experiences to assist staff and time as viewing the text on your computer
campers in planning worship. screen. From the View menu select “Book-
• creative activities for all age levels. marks and Page.” A table of contents will
appear in the left margin. Double click on a
line in the table to go to that section.
Spiritlife Outdoor Ministries, © 2002 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. May be reproduced for local use. 3
Hyperlinks provide a way to move from Windows
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within the document itself. In the Spiritlife personal computer
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sections to the related “Biblical Interpre- NT® 4.0 with Service Pack 3 or later
tation” sections, and then back again. Hyper-

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Organizing Your Program
Read through this resource in its entirety
before deciding which components and
Day camp

activities you will use. Ask other members of One of the major differences between resi-
your leadership team and the program com- dent camp and day camp is the environment
mittee of your camp board to assist you in in which the program takes place. Resident
this task. Keep in mind that this curriculum camp is, in many ways, a very controlled
should be viewed as a basic framework or and unfamiliar environment for campers.
foundation for your summer camp program. The day camp environment differs because it
You will, of course, want to supplement this occurs on the “home turf” of the camper.
material with some ideas of your own to There tend to be, therefore, more distrac-
help you meet the needs of your particular tions and less control over the program envi-
camper population. ronment. Day camp staff members have to
After reviewing this curriculum resource, work especially hard at keeping campers’
decide which pages you will need to repro- interest focused on program activities. The
duce. Then photocopy or print from the key to a successful day camp is careful plan-
CD-ROM the necessary pages, making ning. Working with a local site committee
enough copies for each staff member. will help you and your staff to identify pro-
Additional pages can always be added at a gram goals, safety and health concerns, and
later date. Finally, assemble the pages in a a plan for promoting the day camp in the
standard loose-leaf notebook for each mem- community.
ber of your program staff. The Bible studies included for day
Set aside ample time during your staff campers (K-3) are organized around the
training schedule to introduce the curriculum same five daily themes as the rest of the cur-
to staff, taking special care to cover the bib- riculum. Additional ideas for day campers
lical and theological introduction to the are included in “Large Group Worship,”
theme. You might find it helpful to use the “Small Group Worship,” “Challenge Course
adult Bible study to help with staff training. Activities,” “Creative Activities,” “Environ-
For help summarizing the daily themes and mental Activities,” and “Games.”
Bible texts, see the “Week at a Glance” chart
on page 8. Also refer to “Staff Training,”
pages 12-13, for more detailed suggestions
Age-level
about teaching the material to staff during considerations
staff training. During the course of your staff training
You also might find it helpful to use page week, help staff members to understand the
9, “Making Use of This Curriculum.” It is a differences between campers in various age
summary of suggestions to effectively use the levels and the different ways in which they
curriculum. learn and interact. There are six areas of
growth to consider: physical, emotional,
social, intellectual, moral, and faith develop-
ment. While developmental theories should
not be thought of as predictors of behavior,
they are helpful in sensitizing staff to the
needs of individual campers. The introduc-
tion to each age level’s Bible study includes
helpful age-level information.
Age-level coding
An age-level designation appears with activi-
ties in the following sections: “Small Group
Worship,” “Creative Activities,” “Environ-
mental Activities,” and “Games.” To find

out which activities are best suited to your
campers, use the following guide:
L = Lower elementary
U = Upper elementary
J = Junior high
S = Senior high
A = Adult
I = Intergenerational
Note that some activities are recommended
for use at more than one age level. Feel free
to adapt any activity for use with particular
groups of campers.
There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God
Week at a Glance: Spiritlife and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
Day Title Daily Bible text Third Article Focus points Additional Bible
and verse theme text references
1 We’re John 14:25-26 The Spirit acts on • Jesus wanted us to know we are not alone in John 1:32
Gifted (Jesus promises us our behalf. the world. Joel 2:28
that God will send the • The Spirit teaches us how to live.
Holy Spirit to be • Just as God poured the Spirit on Jesus, Jesus will
present in our world.) pour out the Spirit on those who follow him.
2 We’re Romans 8:26-27 The Spirit brings us • As human beings we are weak, but the Spirit is Genesis 3:17-19
Forgiven (Through the Spirit, us new life in Jesus here to help us. 2 Corinthians 5:2-4
we are forgiven.) Christ. • The Spirit’s work includes praying for those who Psalm 139:1-2
cannot even find words to pray for themselves.
• As we are forgiven through the Spirit, we are
called to forgive others.
3 We’re 1 John 4:12-21 The Spirit enables us • Jesus’ new commandment is for us to love Deuteronomy 6:4
Loved (The Spirit calls us to to love others. each other. Matthew 22:34-40
love as we are loved.) • The Spirit helps people to serve one another in 1 Timothy 6:16
the church and bring the good news about Jesus
to others.
• We love, because God loves us.
4 We’re Ephesians 4:1-6 The Sprit makes us • The Church is the community of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:2-4
Gathered (The Spirit gathers us all one community. • The Spirit gives us special gifts that help us to Romans 11:36
into community.) live in unity and serve the whole body of Christ. Colossians 3:14
• The Spirit creates abundant community for us.
5 We’re John 20:19-23 The Spirit is a daily • Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to the disciples just as Luke 24:36-39
Sent (The Spirit sends presence in our lives. he had promised. Matthew 16:9
forth our community • In giving the Holy Spirit, Jesus says his followers
into the world.) now share in the task of forgiveness.
• The Spirit enables us to spread the news of Jesus
to the world.
Spiritlife Outdoor Ministries, © 2002 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. May be reproduced for local use.
8
Making Use of This Curriculum
I’ve got this huge packet…now what?

1
Before summer begins
• Skim the packet, then read it thoroughly.
• Wrestle with the content and concepts. If you don't understand something, ask
for help.
• Learn the flow of the theme and Bible studies.
• Photocopy or print from the CD-ROM the program materials and mail them to
the camp staff prior to staff training.
• Decide what will be necessary to copy for the summer camp staff and camp
pastors.
• Brief other staff, program committee members, or volunteers on the theme and
goals.
• Gather additional resources and ideas.
2
During staff training
• Present an overview of the curriculum theme and goals at the start of training.
• Work through one Bible study per day as a staff.
• Brainstorm additional program ideas and activities.
• Experience and do activities from each section of the curriculum (“Large Group
Worship,” “Small Group Worship,” “Challenge Course Activities,” “Creative
Activities,” “Environmental Activities,” and “Games”).
3
During summer camp
• Work the theme into the camp day and week (meals, worship, games, challenge
course activities, songs, and crafts).
• Create banners and art to support the theme.
• Try to use a few new program activities each week.
4
After summer camp
• Send an evaluation form and a “great-to-see-you-at-camp” letter to each camper
along with a “Back-Home Activities” flyer to parents or caregivers.
• Evaluate the camp program and curriculum with the summer camp staff.
• Modify and use the curriculum for retreat and lock-in programs.
Adapting for “Back-Home
special needs Activities”
Many camping programs serve campers who The “Back-Home Activities” flyer is on
are challenged mentally or physically. In pages 17-18. It provides a way for parents

some programs, these campers are main- and caregivers to reinforce the camp experi-
streamed into regular cabin groups. In other ence when campers return home. Reproduce
programs, opportunities are provided for enough copies (photocopied back to back)
separate programs that take into account the for distribution to parents and caregivers fol-
special needs and requirements of these per- lowing each camp week, or to send with reg-
sons. In either case, with appropriate modifi- istration information.
cations, this basic curriculum resource can
be used as a guide for most daily activities.
Here are some suggestions to choose from as Confirmation camping
you plan the day camp and upper elemen- Confirmation camping brings together the
tary activities. ministry of camping and the educational
• Establish and follow a daily routine. ministry of a local congregation. Many
• Provide opportunities for campers to use camps provide weeklong experiences for
as many of their senses as possible. confirmation leaders and campers. Leaders
will need to adapt and supplement these
• Simplify the learning experience to avoid program materials for use with the particu-
too many facts or directions.
lar ages of confirmation campers.
• Teach basic concepts of the faith through Review this definition of confirmation:
drama and music.
Confirmation is a pastoral (defined as “car-
• Give frequent and positive reinforcement; ing”) and educational ministry of the church
be liberal with praise. that helps the baptized child through Word
• Base new learnings on familiar experiences. and Sacrament to identify more deeply with
• Give campers opportunities to verbalize the Christian community and participate
their faith. more fully in its mission.
• Use several short learning periods rather The camp setting is an ideal place to pro-
than one long one. vide confirmation instruction that allows for
unique learning opportunities. The activities
• Provide for repetition, but vary the man- at camp are designed to meet the needs and
ner in which it occurs.
perceptions of confirmation youth and pro-
• Encourage appropriate socializing skills. vide a powerful setting for developing
• Avoid making assumptions about Christian identity and encouraging mission.
campers’ abilities and limitations. Though there are numerous models for
Any camping program that plans to serve confirmation camp, a few important distinc-
campers who are challenged mentally or tions differentiate confirmation camping
physically must take time during staff train- from general youth camping. Camps are
ing to sensitize the staff to such special wise to carefully define confirmation camp-
needs. Consider having one or more persons ing for those congregations that want to
on the camp staff who are trained or certi- participate.
fied as special education teachers. Confirmation camping is done in coopera-
tion with the ministry of congregations.
Although many confirmation students attend
youth camps, a church is involved in the
planning and implementation of confirma-
tion camps. It is a mutual ministry.
• Confirmation camping involves the lead- campers. They do not take over the role of
ership of local congregations in active the counselor, but often make large group
teaching and counseling roles at camp. presentations, answer questions, and engage
Along with the camp counselors and other in dialogue with both campers and staff. The
camp staff, local pastors, catechists, and counselor’s role as small group leader is still
preserved. In fact, the counselor’s role is

lay leaders become an important part of
the camp community. enhanced as youth sense the cooperative
spirit between leaders and camp staff.
• Confirmation camping affirms the impor-
Confirmation leaders also participate in
tance of Word and Sacrament in the midst
of those who gather. activities throughout the day.
Other models also exist. The small group
• Confirmation camping is a process that
decentralized model is often used by pastors
continues throughout the year. Camp
and church leaders who seek a high degree
leaders become aware of congregational
of community building and trust develop-
programs and seek ways of augmenting
ment among the campers. Here a pastor, lay
and encouraging what takes place at
leader, or catechist might serve as a resource
home. It involves joint planning by camp
person on a small group adventure-based
and congregation.
trip such as a canoe trip, bike trek, or back-
pack journey. Using this model requires a
Models for defined role for both the congregation
(through its leaders) and the camp staff
confirmation camping (through its counselors). In this model, con-
A number of models for confirmation camps tact with other church groups is minimal,
have developed over the years. By far the and the informality of the event itself lends
most common model is the conference to a sense of community among participants.
model. Church leaders gather a group of The retreat model may also be used by
confirmation youth from their churches and church groups. Here the materials in this
attend camp together. At camp, counselors resource can be adapted for concentrated use
join church leaders to serve as Bible study during a weekend retreat or a series of
leaders, working in cooperation with church retreats at your camp. Effort should be made
groups. Although it is common that the to take seriously the role of camp staff when
actual Bible study groups are formed by using the retreat model. The retreat is
individual churches, campers mix together in enhanced through active camp involvement,
a wide variety of camp activities throughout enabling the confirmands to be engaged in
the day. Special events at camp may include activities and learning events that may be
both staff and church leaders. limited in the congregational setting.
The resource model is a simple variation
of the conference model. Here church lead-
ers and volunteers work together to provide
Organizing resources
Consider the following elements as you or-
a variety of workshops and learning oppor-
ganize resources for confirmation camping.
tunities at camp. Youth may attend Bible
study, discussion forums, and small group
activities with adult leaders and resource
Worship
persons from other churches. Together, pas- Developing worship themes for each day and
tors, lay leaders, and camp staff provide a planning special worship events is impor-
variety of activities centering on the basic tant. Details can be left to camp staff, but
themes presented for each day. church leaders need to know about the wor-
In both the conference and resource mod- ship life of the camp community so they can
els, pastors and catechists are actively plan learning activities that augment wor-
engaged in teaching and learning with ship. Review the ideas in this curriculum
packet with church leaders. Ask for sugges-
tions of resources, including people and Vocational imagination
activities, that can be included. The use of Camp is also a time to reflect upon one’s
the Lord’s Supper should carefully be consid- vision for life. Create opportunities for
ered by church leaders in advance of camp. campers to think about the role of disciple-
ship in society. Through discussion groups,
Bible study

guest speakers, and conversations, explore
Gather confirmation planning groups and ways in which faith makes a connection in
show them the materials in this curriculum daily life.
packet. Pastors and lay leaders will need to Confirmation camping at its best provides
supplement this curriculum with catechetical both youth and adults with an adventure in
material. For some help with this, point out a ministry of caring and education. Most of
“Catechism Connection,” part of each day’s all, it provides the opportunity for young
junior high Bible study. people to identify with a Christian commu-
nity that appears to represent their interests
Spiritual formation and hopes. It encourages them to return
Camp is a time when many young people home ready to participate more fully in the
learn the joy of daily devotion and prayer ministry of the congregation.
life. Pastors and lay leaders can play a signif-
icant role in the lives of young people if they
are in touch with this developmental theme. Staff training
Personal visits can be planned with each Ask young campers what they like best
camper to discuss the implications of daily about your outdoor ministries program and
prayer and devotion and to encourage its you will most likely get a response that men-
practice. tions making new friends, swimming, or hik-
ing. Ask parents or pastors why they send
Environmental awareness children to camp or why they attend your
Camp is an important place in which youth outdoor ministries program and you will
can consider their role as caretaker and crea- probably hear that they value the opportuni-
ture of God’s earth. Church leaders should ty for faith development and Bible study.
participate freely with campers and counselors Can these two audiences agree on what is
in learning more about the environment. best? Will campers ever say that they liked
learning about the Bible and felt they grew
Community development in understanding of God? They might! This
is the main reason why a major goal of staff
Camp and confirmation leaders will want to training should be to assist staff in being
develop numerous ways to encourage the inspiring, creative Bible study leaders.
development of Christian community togeth-
er. This is done not only in Bible study and Preparing Bible study leaders
worship, but in campfires, canoe or hiking
trips, arts and crafts, discussion groups, As you design staff training, select a format
ropes courses, and so on. that will enable staff members to grow in
their own faith lives. Daily themes and the
Skill enhancement flow of the biblical resources can be incor-
porated into staff training. Provide ample
Confirmation leaders and camp staff can time for the faith development of staff,
together teach many skills and interests that including Bible study and worship. The best
enhance the self-esteem of confirmation Bible study leaders are those with a strong
campers. Encourage confirmation leaders to personal faith and commitment that allows
bring their hobbies and interests to camp them to be mentors or facilitators of others.
and serve as helpers while teaching camp
skills. This can result in a positive relation-
ship with lasting effect.
No matter what model you choose for • Perhaps the most important aspect of
incorporating Bible study material (see the helping staff to be effective Bible study lead-
following section, “Bible Study Models”), ers is to help them capture the positive
there are some givens you should consider nature of delving into the Bible. If you sus-
when planning: pect that they have a feeling of “oh, no, it’s
• Teach the Bible study material as you

time for Bible study” during staff training,
want it to be taught. If you provide only lec- you can bet that your outdoor ministries
tures on biblical content, staff members may program will be haunted by that feeling all
grow in biblical knowledge, but they may summer! On the other hand, if Bible study is
also tend to lecture to campers. Use an expe- appealing, staff will infuse their campers
riential, hands-on approach that allows staff with a positive response to Bible study.
to use biblical themes and resources in a Leaders during staff training need to be
variety of ways. enthusiastic, and activities need to draw peo-
• Offer solid theological background and ple in with elements of excitement. The
grounding. You will most likely have staff activities presented in this curriculum packet
with a variety of theological backgrounds provide ample resources for this, including
and understanding. Help them understand opportunities for personal reflection, sharing
how to use the scriptures. Provide a theolog- with others, creative expression, and using
ical overview of each of the daily themes. An the outdoor setting.
adequate understanding of the biblical pas-
sages used in the Bible study material is Bible study models
extremely important to assist staff members
Several models for learning and teaching
in leading Bible studies with confidence.
Bible study materials are offered here. Mix
Because young adults are sometimes exposed
and match ideas that best suit your staff
to a variety of new ways of thinking and are
training schedule. Consider all of the vari-
at a stage in their own faith development
ables in your outdoor ministries program in
where they are seeking a personal under-
adapting or modifying these models: the size
standing of theology, incorporate into train-
of your staff, the age of campers you work
ing an overview of basic theology. This will
with, your program style, and your site.
strengthen their ability as staff to facilitate
Bible study and worship. Model 1
• In your staff training design, provide Use one Bible study each day during staff
opportunities for staff to be leaders so they training. Establish the pattern that Bible
gain a comfort level in using Bible study study is an element during each day of
materials. Learning to teach is different from camp. Use trained leaders to facilitate it.
simply learning content. Experience in con- Role-play how each study is to be led, using
ducting activities and discussions allows staff the staff in the role of campers. At the end
to grow in confidence. Feedback from expe- of each study ask staff members to lead one
rienced leaders and theologians can assist activity from the materials to give them
staff in successfully presenting materials. experience in leadership. If you use this
model, you may need to vary the age levels
• An important part of leading Bible studies of study each day of staff training, depend-
is understanding the participants. Offer staff
members input and insight into the campers ing on the age levels you serve.
you serve. This may include age-level differ- Model 2
ences, personal and social differences, and Form teams of three or four staff members
levels of faith development. You may cover and ask each team to choose one study and
these areas in general, but be sure to link lead it with the rest of the staff. You might
them to suggestions for teaching. A common assign different age levels to each team. This
saying in education is that we teach people, model will give all staff members an oppor-
not content, and this means taking into tunity to be in a leadership role and still
account the variety of people we serve. expose them to each of the daily studies. A
key to this model is to use a skilled theolo- As you adapt a model to your setting,
gian and a good educator (these may or may remember your goals for this portion of staff
not be the same person) to help in debriefing training. This will help you to include ade-
and reflecting on staff leadership. quate time for staff to gain confidence as
leaders, for their own faith development,
Model 3
and for solid theological and biblical

Use a mixed model where some of the train-
grounding. Allow time for staff members to
ing is led by an experienced leader and some
brainstorm and develop additional ideas,
of it is led by staff. A theologian may facili-
especially ones that make good use of your
tate activities related to biblical background.
insight and their skills.
Staff members may facilitate additional
You might consider working with a local
activities.
congregation to give staff experience in try-
Model 4 ing the Bible study materials with campers.
Use staff as specialists. Help them gain confi- This may mean traveling to a congregation
dence in certain areas of the Bible study or inviting a group of children and/or adults
materials. This will work best if your staff to camp for a trial run.
works in teams when they are conducting If your outdoor ministries program lasts
activities with campers. For example, staff more than a few weeks, revisit the Bible
teams may specialize in working with specific studies midway through the camping season.
age groups. Or they may specialize in certain Encourage creativity and new ideas through-
aspects of the study, such as environmental out the season. Fresh theological insights or
activities, games, Bible studies, or crafts. more advanced training can help staff
They can prepare their area and then facili- mature in their leadership style. When the
tate it with the rest of the staff. This model midseason doldrums hit, it is refreshing to
may be most helpful if your program is lim- have new activities and new ideas to spark
ited in staff training time. Use staff in their up the Bible study.
area of strength, such as seminarians or pas-
tors leading the Bible studies and people
with artistic skills leading creative activities.
Model 5
An intensive method of training is to spend a
solid chunk of time—one or two complete
days—immersed in the Bible study. Facilitate
theme-related biblical and theological reflec-
tion, activities, and age-group variations. Do
this early in staff training so all other activi-
ties are grounded in the biblical understand-
ings that will permeate your program. This
method establishes a tone that all of the
camp experiences flow from the biblical
themes you are using.
Nonviolence in the
Camp Community

Theologian Rita Nakashimi Brock gives one • How would you feel if that happened to
definition of sin as “that damage done to us, you?
from which we have not healed, that we do
to others.” Nowhere is that self-perpetuating
• What would you do or say?
sinfulness more clear than in situations of Controlling impulsive behavior
violence, abuse, and bullying. Nowhere do Controlling impulsive behavior is best
we have a clearer call and greater opportuni- encouraged by the good examples found in
ty to address the sin of cruelty than in the camp counselors, chaperones, and other
village that is the Christian camp communi- camp leaders. Camp leaders and campers
ty. As Christians, we know that the sin that together should establish group norms of
separates us from one another also separates behavior at the beginning of the camp expe-
us from God. rience. Games and language should be non-
In the wake of the tragedy at Columbine violent. Cruelty in any form should not be
High School and other school shootings, allowed.
there is a new awareness of the causes and One way to help control impulsive behav-
effects of bullying. A common thread in ior that is hurtful to others is to picture
recent school violence is that the shooter had Jesus standing between me and the person I
been a victim of bullying and discrimination want to hurt physically or with my words.
and shed the blood of others in a twisted In order to follow up on my impulses, I must
attempt to overcome that lack of acceptance. first hurt Jesus.
How can the Christian camp community
Articulating feelings
give everyone, especially each individual
This vital ability does not come naturally to
child and young adult, the tools to avoid
everyone, especially very young or shy peo-
becoming either a bully or a victim and
ple or people who experience language diffi-
become a constructive leader instead?
culties. Small children may have no verbal
Jane Klatch, author of Under Deadman’s
definition of the words peace or conflict res-
Skin: Discovering the Meaning of Children’s
olution, but they know that violence hurts
Violent Play (Beacon Press, 2001), says that
and that anger can be destructive. Asking the
children need to develop three abilities to
“empathy” questions (above) will help
become nonviolent leaders: empathy, the
everyone learn to articulate her or his own
ability to control impulsive behavior, and the
feelings. You may also wish to encourage
ability to articulate their feelings.
campers to create stick figure drawings of
Empathy situations and feelings or role-play situa-
Empathy, the compassion to understand tions. There are many ways to articulate
someone else’s situation and feelings, is cen- feelings besides verbal expressions. Watch
tral to Jesus’ ministry on earth. Encourage campers for body language that indicates
empathy during Bible studies by asking ques- hostility, withdrawal, or sadness.
tions about the characters in the biblical
Conflict resolution
accounts. Word the questions to fit the situa-
Even in groups committed to nonviolence
tions you are studying.
and peace, disagreements will arise.
• How do you suppose he/she/they felt The following creation of a “Peace Table”
about what happened?
is adapted from the resource Peace in the
• What makes you think that? Preschool: A Resource Manual for Directors
• What did he/she/they do or say as a result and Teachers, which is available from the
of how he/she/they were feeling?
Evangelical Lutheran Education Association Create an environment for peace
(1-800-500-7644). It is appropriate for all Make use of all five senses to experience the
ages, including adults. camp environment around you as an expres-
Create a permanent “Peace Table” at sion of God’s will for peace in God’s cre-
camp. Anything can serve as a Peace Table. ation. Become acutely aware of sights, in-
Designate a spot such as a table, a rock, or a cluding other people; smells; the sounds of

log to be the Peace Table. Use the Peace Table birds, water, voices; the feel of the air, dirt,
as a place to resolve conflict within the group. the bark of trees; the taste of food and
Establish guidelines for negotiations around water. Being nonviolent includes an aware-
the Peace Table, such as the following: ness and concern for all of God’s creation.
• Those involved in a conflict come to the Recycle.
Peace Table and tell what happened from Make use of music that encourages peace-
their points of view. making and avoid songs with militaristic
• To speak, each person, including camp images. You may wish to have available
leaders, must touch the Peace Table. recordings such as Red Grammar’s Teaching
Peace to play in the background during
• The camp leader acts as the clarifier. quiet activities.
• Anyone in the group may add to the Primarily, remember that you are the best
presentation of the problem.
role model for peace for campers. Be loving,
• After the problem has been stated from all patient, and cooperative with the campers
points of view, the group is asked to give and with other camp leaders. Hang on to
alternatives on how the problem could be your sense of humor, especially when you
solved. are tired and frustrated. Express your own
• The leader/clarifier restates the various feelings appropriately: “I am so embarrassed
alternatives but never dictates what to do that I spilled that ketchup!”
or declares which option to take. Bear in mind and remind campers that the
• The leader/clarifier never directs anyone world is a big and wonderful place full of
to say he or she is sorry or forces adult diverse people and ways of life. Pray that
solutions on him or her. God will use us all to bring peace to places
• When a decision has been reached, the in the world that we may never see but
group should celebrate being peacemakers. whose people are just as important to God
as we are.
Putting it into action
Begin the practice of unity by using the phrase “just like me.” Back-Home Activities
Each time a family member finds himself or herself making an A week at camp is often a very special week in a summer
assessment of someone else, whether critical or complementary, full of activities. This week’s Bible studies have been
add the phrase “just like me.” For example, “Nate is so stub- focusing on Spiritlife. Activities centered on understanding
born…just like me” or “My best friend always knows the right the Holy Spirit in relation to the triune God and how the
thing to say…just like me.” In this way you will build a habit of Spirit works in our daily lives.
finding what binds us together, rather than what tears us apart. This folder is designed to give you a glimpse into the
campers’ experience and to give you some activities you and
your child can do together. These activities relate to what your
Day 5: We’re Sent child has learned this week at camp. It is interactive and can be
Read together John 20:19-23. To say that we love God and not be used one on one or with the whole family.
in service to others does little to accomplish God’s plan in the
world. The Holy Spirit gives us the will and the way to make
known God’s love for all people. We are on a great journey of Day 1: We’re Gifted
faith together. Read together John 14:25-26. Jesus promises us that God will
send the Holy Spirit to be present in our world and in our lives,
Spiritual practice: Questing acting on our behalf, teaching us how to live.
What does it mean to go on a quest? It means venturing into the
unknown, confronting difficulties and dangers, and returning with Spiritual practice: Gratitude
a new understanding of ourselves in relationship to God. Daily, as Your family may say grace before a meal, thanking God for the
we follow where the Holy Spirit leads us, we are on a quest. We food and asking God to bless it. What if you challenged individual
never know what God’s plans are for us or where we will be led. members of your family to say grace at other times of the day?
To go on a quest, you need to leave the comfort of home and go Pray together or say a silent prayer thanking God for the blessing
where the Spirit of God leads you. of a soccer game or a concert, swimming and being with friends,
Putting it into action or any other not-so-special occasion. In this way we form a habit
Decide what “quest” you will take as a family. Maybe it will be to of gratitude. We tune into the Holy Spirit’s leading as we build
serve those who are homeless or volunteering at a care facility. this practice into our day. The Spirit can help us reverse our ten-
Wherever you decide to go, ask for God’s Spirit to guide you and dency to make comparisons between what others have that we do
help you in the task ahead. After you return, make a list of all the not.
new things you learned about yourself and others during your Putting it into action
“Spirit Quest.” Plan to do another one together soon. Make a “Gratitude Calendar” with your child or family. Set up a
Spiritlife Outdoor Ministries, © 2002 Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. May be repro-
schedule for thankfulness. Each week, choose something you want
duced for local use.
17
to remember to be thankful for: people we’ve known, people who our desire to love others. The Holy Spirit strengthens and enables
are in the service, our friends, our schools, and so on. Put it by the us to love and serve others by giving us all we need to live.
dinner table or a favorite gathering spot so you and family can see
it daily. Spiritual practice: Love
God speaks to us about God’s love for us in so many ways
throughout our day. The practice of love can chase away any fear
Day 2: We’re Forgiven we have and brings us not only closer to God, but to others. It is
Read together Romans 8:26-27. We are human and imperfect and through our act of loving others that we experience the love of
get drawn away from what God wants for our lives. We need for- God. God loves us without condition, just as we are. Practice lov-
giveness and others need us to forgive them. Through the life and ing others in your family, without condition.
death of Jesus, we are reconciled to God through the gift of grace.
The Holy Spirit helps us to understand our sinfulness and even Putting it into action
prays for us, when we cannot. Make a list of those you want to love and those it is hard to love.
Decide what you will do to serve those people this week. For
Spiritual practice: Forgiveness instance, for the neighbor who isn’t at all friendly, decide that you
will bake some cookies for him or her. Attach a note that says
The act of forgiveness can enhance our sense of freedom and make
something like “For you, because you are loved!” Think of similar
us less unforgiving. In the same way that God’s forgiveness assures
ideas for all those on the list.
us of our worth, so, too, can our forgiveness of others assure them
Pray together a prayer of thankfulness for God’s awesome love
of their importance to us. Moreover, the practice of forgiveness
and ask for the Spirit’s help in loving all people!
can actually strengthen our ability to forgive.
Putting it into action
To begin forming a habit of forgiveness in your home, gather and Day 4: We’re Gathered
encourage each person to choose something he or she has done Read together Ephesians 4:1-6. When we are in the family of God,
that needs forgiveness. Taking a piece of paper, fold it in half we are united by the Holy Spirit, in the love of God and in God’s
lengthwise. On the left, write “Things we are sorry for” and on desire for us to love each other.
the right, write “Things I will do differently from now on.” Spend
a week focusing on this list, talking about the progress of each. Spiritual practice: Unity
Spend prayer time thanking God for the gift of forgiveness and Christian communities are made up of people all gifted and talent-
asking for the Spirit’s help in becoming more like Jesus every day. ed in different ways, with different personalities and dreams. We
are unified by God’s love for creation and for all people. God
weaves the community of faith together. Each individual is essen-
Day 3: We’re Loved tial for a beautiful tapestry of many colors and textures.
Read together 1 John 4:12-21. God intends for us to be people
who love in every way. The Holy Spirit guides us and helps us in
18
Spiritlife Evaluation
To help in the development of new curriculum, please Mail completed evaluation to:
provide an evaluation of your experience with this Jon Skogen

resource. Photocopy this form for those in your setting DCM Outdoor Ministries
who might provide helpful suggestions. Add additional ELCA
comments and suggestions on a separate page. Thank you! 8765 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631
Check all sections used in your setting: Did you use the CD-ROM edition?
___ Biblical Interpretation/Introduction to ___ Yes ___ No
the Theme
If yes, how was it helpful to you?
___ Lower Elementary/Day Camp Bible
Studies
___ Upper Elementary Bible Studies
___ Junior High Bible Studies
___ Senior High Bible Studies What was most helpful about this
curriculum?
___ Senior High Take-along
___ Adult Bible Studies
___ Environmental Activities
___ Games
What would make this resource more
___ Challenge Course Activities
effective for use in your setting?
___ Large Group Worship
___ Small Group Worship
___ Creative Activities
___ Back-Home Activities Flyer
___ Clip Art
___ Please send me writer information. I am interested in participating as a contributing

writer for future curriculum.
Name:
Address:
E-mail:
Clip Art
Introduction
to the Theme
Breath is life to us. With taking in the world around you. When you
breath, we speak. With breath, breathe out, be aware that you are giving
we sing. By breathing, we refresh every cell part of yourself to the world. When you
of our bodies. Breathing is so essential to breathe in, be aware that you receive life
our being alive that, for the most part, we from God. When you breathe out, be aware
breathe entirely without thinking. Breathing that you share that life with others.
is so much a part of who we are that how
we breathe can communicate how we’re feel- God’s Spirit
ing. A long, deep inhale may express antici- The Spirit was present at creation. Genesis 1
pation of a great day outdoors or satisfac- tells us that “In the beginning when God
tion at the end of a job done well. Alter- created…a wind from God swept over the
nating shallow and deep breaths sometimes face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1). Behind the
accompany tears or laughter. A sharp intake word wind is the Hebrew word that also
of breath may say “I’m surprised” or “I’ve means “breath” and “spirit.” With God’s
forgotten something.” A deep sigh may say own breath, God spoke creation into being,
“I’m tired” or “I love you.” saying, “Let there be…” and there was.
Breathing is at the heart of our relation- God’s words made all creation, including
Introduction to the Theme

ship with the world around us. God inextri- human beings.
cably bound our survival as living, breathing In Genesis 2, another creation story tells
human beings with the environment in us that God formed a human being from the
which we live. When we inhale, the air dust of the ground. Only when God breathed
around us becomes a part of who we are. the breath of life into the creature’s nostrils
When we exhale, we return into the world did the human become a living being. God’s
what has been a part of us. The air we own breath brought us into being and en-
breathe and breathing itself are gifts from livens us. Our life is life in the Spirit—it is
God. Spiritlife.
God just as inextricably bound our sur- Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit
vival as living, breathing human beings with to be with his followers after his death. The
God’s own breath. God’s breath enlivens us. Holy Spirit, he said, would remind them of
It is the breath of life we have received in the who he was and would continue to teach
Holy Spirit. By the Holy Spirit, we receive them and guide them. After he died and was
gifts for the lives to which God calls us. By raised from death, Jesus came to the disci-
the Holy Spirit, we are forgiven and freed to ples, who were in fear behind locked doors.
new life. By the Holy Spirit, we are empow- In that room where he found them, Jesus
ered to love as we have been loved. By the breathed on them and said, “Receive the
Holy Spirit, God holds all creation together Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). As in the begin-
in unity, including all of us. The Holy Spirit ning God when created and enlivened the
sends us into the world—called and gifted— first human being by speaking and breath-
to love and forgive others and share in the ing, so by his breath and words, Jesus gave
unity we have with all people in Jesus new life to a humanity recreated in his resur-
Christ. rection. Day by day the Holy Spirit contin-
Before you read any further, pause. Get ues with us. Our life is in the Spirit—it is
comfortable. Sit quietly for a few minutes. Spiritlife.
Focus your attention on your breathing.
When you breathe in, be aware that you are
The Spirit was present at creation and
with Jesus’ first followers, but what about
Spiritlife
us? Those who knew Jesus during his life- We have chosen just five of many, many
time were devastated when he was executed. texts that speak of God’s Spirit. Each of the
How important it must have been for them texts explores an important aspect of the
to hear Jesus’ promise that they would not work of the Holy Spirit—the Spirit’s giving,
be alone. He said that God would send the forgiving, loving, gathering, and sending.
Holy Spirit to be with them, to comfort These dimensions of the work of the Holy
them, and to teach them. The gift of the Spirit take on special meaning outdoors,
Holy Spirit sustained their community and where we are aware of God’s good creation,
enabled them to continue the ministry to including the air we breathe. As you make
which Jesus had called them. your way through these Bible texts and enjoy
Jesus lived 2,000 years ago. Today we being outside, remember that the Holy Spirit
may wonder, as the disciples did, what it is not some abstraction and not “just spiritu-
means to be followers of Jesus Christ after al.” The Holy Spirit is alive and active—as
the ascension. At least the disciples had alive and active as our own breathing. The
known him in the flesh. They had walked Holy Spirit is a real presence among us in
with him and talked with him. They had concrete ways in time and place—as real and
learned how to live together from Jesus’ own present as the air around us.
words and deeds. We never knew him in Because the Holy Spirit is ever present,
that way. Besides, we live in a world so dif- ever active in our lives, the Holy Spirit
ferent from the world in which they lived. works in many more ways than these five
Our context is many miles and many years texts can tell. These five Bible passages sim-

away from theirs. They didn’t sit in class- ply provide an opportunity to focus and to
rooms for years on end or have summer open your hearts and minds to the work of
vacation. Jesus and his followers didn’t have the Spirit. From time to time as you use this
to think about nuclear power or cloning. resource, take a deep breath. Notice how the
They didn’t live with the possibilities of the Holy Spirit is in that moment and what the
Internet or space travel. They didn’t imagine Spirit is doing.
living hundreds or even thousands of miles
away from home. They didn’t experience Day 1: We’re Gifted
men and women sharing equally throughout We begin with Jesus’ promise of the Holy
their society nor did they witness the terrible Spirit, whom the Father will send (John
destruction we humans have made possible. 14:25-26). We are never alone. The Holy
These are precisely the reasons why the Spirit is always present. The Spirit acts on
gift of the Holy Spirit is so important. The Jesus’ behalf, being present as Jesus himself,
Spirit is Jesus’ own spirit alive and at work reminding us of Jesus and continuing to
among us. The Spirit not only taught Jesus’ teach us. The Spirit also acts on our behalf
first disciples, but continues to teach us who as our advocate and counselor, as well as
are Jesus’ disciples today. The Spirit accom- our teacher. By the continuing gift of the
panies us throughout history. God continues Holy Spirit, Jesus creates and sustains us in
to give us life in the Spirit—it is Spiritlife. intimate relationship with God—Father, Son,
As the Spirit was present at creation and and Holy Spirit. As they are one in relation-
present in Jesus’ gifting his disciples, so the ship to one another, so as Jesus’ followers
Spirit is present with us. To become more we are called into mutual relationships of
aware of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s love. The Spirit’s presence among us and
work among us is to come into closer rela- work in us equips us for the community of
tionship with Jesus himself. Today and every love into which Jesus calls us.
day the Spirit meets life’s new situations and
challenges with us, helping us to follow
Jesus even along paths that he never trod.
Day 2: We’re Forgiven Day 4: We’re Gathered
As followers of Jesus, we are called to follow Unity is part of our calling as Christians. We
his example of love. Yet who among us can were created for life together. The Holy
do that without faltering? Who is able to Spirit gathers us into community. Unity is
love and to forgive as Jesus did? Who fully not something we need to create or accom-
understands the ways in which sin gets plish—nor can we. God created us in unity.
ahold of our hearts and draws us away from Jesus reconciled us to one another. The Holy
living as faithful followers of Jesus? Romans Spirit continues to bind us together. One of
8:26-27 reminds us that the Holy Spirit the signs of our unity is the Holy Spirit’s giv-
intercedes on our behalf praying the prayers ing us gifts that bind us to one another. In
we are not able to pray and accomplishing Ephesians 4:1-6 the apostle Paul reminds us
what we cannot. We are forgiven. In our that our calling is maintained in the unity in
human weakness, we rely on God’s guidance which we are created and sustained. Our
for our lives and God’s power to reconcile us unity is a reflection of the one God—Father,
and the whole world and to bring peace and Son, and Holy Spirit—in whose image we
justice for all. Relying on God, we receive are created. Because we are created one in
new life in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit God’s image and because God continues to
enables us to share our new life with others, reconcile us and gather us together, we have
forgiving as we have been forgiven. hope. We can work together in service.
Day 3: We’re Loved Day 5: We’re Sent

Love is at heart of the good news of Jesus By the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus empow-
Christ. God loves us. God, whom we have ers us with the very same mission that was

not seen, was revealed to us in Jesus Christ. his own. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we
That’s how we know that God loves us— human beings are drawn into the divine life
because Jesus loves us and commands us to and mission. Together we share in the inti-
love. God’s love for us is fulfilled in our love macy that Jesus has with the Father. As he
for one another. The Holy Spirit enables us did with the disciples in John 20:19-23,
to love and serve others by giving us all we Jesus sends us together into the world. We
need for life together. The Spirit gathers us are partners in ministry with Jesus. The new
together in community and calls us to this life that we know in Jesus’ resurrection is
love. First John 4:12-21 reminds us that the ours to share with others. We are gifted to
Spirit empowers us for love in the church proclaim God’s forgiving love, justice, and
and in the world. Fear can get in the way of peace for all people. The Holy Spirit is with
love. But we rest assured in the comfort that us day by day as we live as followers of
“perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Jesus Christ and witnesses to the good news.
We can always rely on God’s presence in the
Holy Spirit. We can love one another
because God loves us.
Click for
HyperLink
Biblical Interpretation
Large Group
Worship Day 1: example, when an official spokesperson
speaks in the name of a world leader, that
Small Group
Worship
We’re Gifted person speaks for the leader. Since the Holy
Spirit is sent “in Jesus’ name,” the Holy
Spirit speaks and acts in Jesus’ name and
Lower
Elementary
Bible basis bears witness to Jesus.
John 14:25-26 (Jesus promises us that God John 14:26 gives us insight into the nature
Upper will send the Holy Spirit to be present in our
Elementary of the Trinity—God the Father, Son, and
lives.) Holy Spirit. The Father sends the Holy
Junior High Spirit. The Holy Spirit speaks and acts in
Key verse Jesus’ name. Jesus bore witness to the
Senior High
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father. They are bound together in relation.
Adult Father will send in my name, will teach you Because Jesus, the Father, and the Holy
everything, and remind you of all that I have Spirit are one and because the Holy Spirit
said to you. (John 14:26) comes in Jesus’ name, Jesus’ followers are
not alone but have Jesus himself. In the
broader context of Jesus’ last discourse, this
Biblical interpretation interrelationship is also the pattern of rela-
These verses are part of Jesus’ last discourse tionships among Jesus’ followers. They
in the Gospel of John. This farewell speech know and become themselves both in God
begins in chapter 13 and extends through and in one another. The Gospel of John
chapter 17. Jesus is talking to his disciples, teaches the importance to Jesus of his fol-
whom he loves, telling them of events to lowers being a community of loving disci-
come, teaching them, and reassuring them. ples. The mutuality of Father, Son, and Holy
Jesus teaches them about their relationships Spirit, among whom there is not hierarchy
to him, to one another, and to the world, but community, models this love.
and about how to live as his followers. In The Holy Spirit not only reminds Jesus’
John 13:33 Jesus told them, “I am with you followers of what Jesus said but continues to
only a little longer.” In 14:18, Jesus tells teach them. The Holy Spirit moves into the
them that he will not leave them alone. In future with Jesus’ followers. The Spirit meets
John 14:25-26, Jesus tells the disciples that and addresses situations that Jesus himself
after he is gone the Father will send the had not already met and addressed. The
Holy Spirit to continue with them. The Holy Holy Spirit reaches back in time to remind
Spirit will teach them and remind them of followers of all that Jesus said and reaches
what Jesus has already told them. forward in time teaching followers. The
Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit in Greek as Spirit’s presence is concrete and specific. The
parakletos or paraclete, which means “advo- Spirit always stands with followers and
cate” and “counselor.” Parakletos is a legal teaches them in specific times and places.
term for someone who advocates for others The Holy Spirit is a gift not only remind-
before the law. As an advocate, the Holy ing us of Jesus, but also being Jesus with us.
Spirit helps those in trouble and stands by The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus’ life,
them, speaking and acting on their behalf. death, and resurrection, stands with us, com-
As a counselor, the Holy Spirit teaches Jesus’ forts us, advocates for us, teaches us, and
followers the way of all truth. energizes us for life as Jesus’ followers.
Jesus says the Father will send the Holy
Spirit “in my name” (John 14:26). To say or Additional Bible resources
do something in someone else’s name is as if • John 1:32 (The Spirit descends as a dove)
that person were saying or doing it. For • Joel 2:28 (The outpouring of the Spirit)
Click for
HyperLink
Day 2: We’re Forgiven
Large Group
Worship Bible basis God’s will is for us to live freed by for-
Romans 8:26-27 (Through the Spirit, we are giveness. Communication is part of how
Small Group
forgiven.) God’s forgiveness works. Sin separates us
Worship from God. We are “out of touch.” The
Lower Key verse Spirit’s prayers for us communicate “with
Elementary sighs too deep for words” (Romans 8:26)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; and reconnects us to the reality that God is
Upper for we do not know how to pray as we never out of touch with us. Nothing can sep-
Elementary
ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with arate us from God’s presence, love, and for-
Junior High sighs too deep for words. (Romans 8:26) giveness. God’s forgiveness frees us to new
Senior High possibilities and to the future that God has
Adult
Biblical interpretation in mind.
The Spirit’s intercession depends on deep
The apostle Paul teaches that God has a plan
intimacy with us. Who knows your deepest
for the salvation of the whole world, includ-
thoughts and longings? Who knows the
ing all of us. Paul’s letter to the Christians at
secrets of your heart? The Spirit knows all
Rome is about God’s power to accomplish
there is to know about the world and each
what God plans. Because of God’s power we
one of us. This intimacy is why we can be
can be confident that God will be present in
confident of God’s forgiveness. There is
our lives and guide us through all that will
nothing hidden from God.
occur. In these verses, Paul reassures us of
We can spend much time and energy try-
that. The future will unfold according to
ing to figure out God. Our understanding
God’s will, not because we ourselves can
will always be limited. That’s part of our
make that happen but because the Spirit
human weakness. What is important is that
intercedes for us.
God understands us and knows all there is
Human beings are weak in many ways.
to know about us. We can also spend much
We have incomplete knowledge. We grow
time and energy trying to be perfect, trying
weary. We are afraid and fear paralyzes us.
to get everything right, and feeling miserable
We can become confused. We have feelings
when we do not. That’s part of our human
and desires that we cannot find words to
weakness too. The Holy Spirit’s prayers on
express. And we sin: in our hearts, in our
our behalf mean that God’s forgiveness
words, and in our actions. We may have a
always frees us from these exhausting and
sense of what is right, but even then we
impossible impulses.
often cannot find the words to say what we
God’s power working through the Holy
ought to say or cannot bring ourselves to act
Spirit does not take away our weakness. The
in ways that we know we should. What
Holy Spirit knows us and stays with us in

would happen if planning and providing for
our weakness, forgiving us and empowering
the future were left up to us? If it were up to
us to do God’s will, including that we for-
us alone to figure out and to carry out God’s
give others.
will, the whole world would be in trouble.
The Holy Spirit, Paul says, helps us in our
weakness—in our human frailty and in our
Additional Bible resources
sinfulness. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, • Genesis 3:17-19 (The consequence of sin)
praying the prayers we are unable to pray. • 2 Corinthians 5:2-4 (Confidence in facing
By these prayers on our behalf, the Holy death)
Spirit opens the way for God’s will to be • Psalm 139:1-2 (God knows us)
done in us. This is the power of God to do
what we cannot do.
Click for
HyperLink
Day 3: We’re Loved
Large Group
Worship Bible basis remember that loving the world means see-
1 John 4:12-21 (The Spirit calls us to love as ing the world for what it is—seeing it as
Small Group
we are loved.) God sees it. Loving the world does not mean
Worship accepting the world’s injustice and divisions
Lower Key verse among people, but rather living, as Jesus
Elementary did, for justice, peace, and reconciliation so
The commandment we have from him is God’s love is manifest in the world.
Upper this: those who love God must love their “God is love” tells us what God is like
Elementary
brothers and sisters also. (1 John 4:21) and how God acts. To abide in God is to
Junior High rest in this love and to live amid the reality
Senior High Bible interpretation of God’s love. God’s love continues to come
to us through the Holy Spirit. Not only does
The author of 1 John wrote to a congrega-
Adult the Holy Spirit give us the gift of love. God
tion in which there was false teaching. The
the Father and Jesus Christ have given us the
letter argues against these teachings. In
gift of the Spirit, who enables us to love as
4:12-21, the author’s concern is with those
we are loved. The Holy Spirit reminds us of
who say it is possible to love God and, at the
Jesus’ love for us and of Jesus’ command
same time, not love their brothers and sisters
that we love. The Holy Spirit also teaches us
of the congregation. Just as God’s love for us
love. To say that God’s love is “perfected” is
is manifest in Jesus’ love for us, our love of
to say that God’s love becomes what God
God is manifest in love for one another.
intends it to be. God’s love is perfected in us
Not only did Jesus command us to love
when God’s love for us becomes our love for
one another. Loving one another is inherent
one another.
in our living with or abiding in the reality of
Fear can get in the way of love. Our fears
God’s love for us. Not loving one another
can become barriers between us and other
not only violates Jesus’ command, but is a
people and God. It is crucial to be realistic
visible sign is that we are turned away from
in our relationships with other people,
our relationship with God. Our love of God
acknowledging dangers that may be present
is seen in our love for one another.
in some relationships. It also is important to
We cannot see God. We know God
love one another. Love replaces fear with
through the human Jesus who revealed God
forgiveness and a realistic response to all
to us. Jesus’ love revealed God’s love for the
people in the context of God’s will that the
world. Just as God’s love is revealed to us in
whole world be made whole and that all
a human being, so we love God by loving
relationships be made just and peaceful.
other human beings. Our knowledge of
God’s love unifies us and draws us into
God’s love comes from Jesus and our faith in
community. Our love for one another forms

God’s love is faith in Jesus.
a community that becomes a witness to the
Loving human beings is not the only way
world of Jesus’ love. Not only is our love for
we show our love for God. Just as Jesus
one another witness to God’s love for us, it
came to reveal God’s love for the world, so
invites others into the unity of community
also are we to love the world. The world
that God intends for us all.
includes not only human beings but all cre-
ation. The world also includes the ways in
which we live together: institutions of gov-
ernment, family, work, school, and religion; • Deuteronomy 6:4 (The Lord is our God)
languages, music, and patterns of culture; • Matthew 22:34-40 (The greatest
environment, economies, and societies. commandments)
These are the world. It’s important to • 1 Timothy 6:16 (God alone is immortal)
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HyperLink
Day 4: We’re Gathered
Large Group
Worship Bible basis whole is limited. Thank God that the unity
Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Spirit gathers us into to which we are called is not something we
Small Group
community.) need to create! Thank God for designing
Worship creation so unity is inherent in creation.
Lower Key verse Because there is one Spirit, we are one. How
Elementary is this so? The Spirit is our breath of life.
There is one body and one Spirit. (Ephesians Because there is one Spirit, we have one
Upper 4:4) breath and breathe the same life, which is
Elementary
one life. The Spirit gives the gifts we need
Junior High
Biblical interpretation for the callings to which we are called. God
so calls us and the Spirit so gifts us that in
Senior High The book of Ephesians focuses on God
these callings and gifts God’s love binds us
gathering people together into a community
Adult together.
called the church. In 4:1-6, the author
In these verses, peace is the bond through
appeals to the community to maintain the
which the Spirit works unity among mem-
unity for which God created and gifted
bers of the community. A “bond” holds
them.
something together: for example, as liga-
When the author “begs” (verse 1) the let-
ments hold body parts together, as agreed-
ter’s recipients, they are being asked, encour-
upon laws preserve a community’s unity, or
aged, and warned. The intent is to support
as loyalty maintains a team’s cohesion.
the community and to warn them against the
These verses emphasize our unity in seven
loss of the unity to which God has called
ways: one body, one Spirit, one hope of your
them and for which God has provided.
calling, one Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith,
A “calling” is a vocation. Just as God
one baptism, one God and Father of all. We
calls individuals, God calls communities to a
are one body because there is one Spirit. As
way of life and work, including particular
one body, the Spirit gifts us in ways that
ministry, and provides whatever is needed
serve the health of the body, that strengthen
for that particular calling. One of the marks
and sustain the body. Hope, like love, is not
of any Christian community and of the
a feeling or simply a psychological disposi-
whole church is the unity to which God has
tion. The hope of the calling to unity is one
called us and for which God has provided.
we can trust because the Holy Spirit gathers
Unity is maintained in love. In a commu-
us and gifts us for the unity God intends. We
nity, bearing with one another in love means
can hope because our hope is not in our-
relating to one another in the light of God’s
selves but in the one Spirit, one Lord, one
love for us. Love is not just an emotion or
God and Father of us all.
even primarily an emotion. Love is neither
The unity to which we are called exists

abstract nor is it simply an attitude. Love is
not only in our local Christian communities
a way of living and being with others. Each
but also in the whole church across time as
person is different, with a different personal-
well as space. We all are made one by the
ity, different abilities, and different quirks.
one Spirit, Lord, God and Father of us all
Love takes account of these specific differ-
who is “above all and through all and in
ences within a community and welcomes
all” (Ephesians 4:6). The unity to which we
them.
are called extends even beyond all of us to
Our ability to love each person and to
all creation. The church’s unity and cre-
love all the time is limited. Our ability to
ation’s unity are both reflections of God’s
bring a community together and to make it
own oneness.
That unity—God’s intent and a part of Additional Bible resources
God’s design in us and in all creation—may
be hard to believe. Human communities, in-
• 1 Corinthians 1:2-4 (The Spirit connects
us with the power of God)
cluding the church and individual congrega-
tions, sometimes seem anything but united. • Romans 11:36 (All things are held
together by God)
These verses call us, as they called the
Ephesians, to the unity in which God made • Colossians 3:14 (Love binds everything
us and all creation and to the love and peace together)
in which we can maintain that unity.
Click for
HyperLink
Day 5: We’re Sent
Large Group
Worship Bible basis Jesus confers on his followers the same
John 20:19-23 (The Spirit sends forth our mission that was his own, saying, “As the
Small Group
community into the world.) Father has sent me, so I send you” (John
Worship 20:21). In giving them this mission, Jesus
Lower Key verse invites his followers to share in his human
Elementary and divine work and in the partnership that
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” he has with the Father. The gift of the Holy
Upper When [Jesus] had said this, he breathed on Spirit shares with the disciples both this inti-
Elementary
them and said to them, “Receive the Holy mate relationship and the power to carry out
Junior High Spirit.” (John 20:21-22) Jesus’ mission in the world.
Senior High Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to the disciples
Adult
Bible interpretation with his own breath, saying, “Receive the
Holy Spirit” (John 20:22) and breathing on
Acts 2 tells the best known story of the day
them. Jesus’ speaking and breathing recall
of Pentecost, when Jesus’ followers received
the creator’s own speaking creation into be-
the gift of the Holy Spirit. The story in these
ing (Genesis 1) and breathing life into the
verses from John is sometimes called the
first human being (Genesis 2:7). In creation,
Johannine Pentecost. Jesus comes to the dis-
God’s own breath enlivened humanity. In
ciples and breathes on them the gift of the
Jesus’ resurrection, his divine breath enlivens
Holy Spirit. While the Pentecost stories from
a redeemed humanity. The Holy Spirit be-
Acts and John are different, they both take
comes the bond of partnership among
place after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Father, Son, and the community gathered by
They are both stories of Christ empowering
the Spirit. God in Christ Jesus and the Holy
the Christian community for mission in the
Spirit are as close to us as our own breath.
world.
With the gift of the Spirit, Jesus both
In this story, we find the disciples fearfully
gathers the Christian community and sends
locked behind closed doors. Jesus, the leader
us out into the world, just as Jesus was sent
of their movement, had been executed.
into the world for the sake of the world. We
Though some of his followers had seen and
can share with others the new life Jesus
testified to his resurrection, perhaps the dis-
breathes into the community. By his sending,
ciples didn’t believe and their confusion,
speaking, and breathing, Jesus communicates
loss, and disorientation led them to fear.
resurrection life for continuing his mission.
Even if they did believe, perhaps they feared
That mission is forgiveness, reconciliation,
that they, too, might be killed because they
and justice. As Jesus’ followers, if we hold
were Jesus’ followers.
onto one another’s sins, our communities
Jesus came to the disciples and greeted
will remain focused on sin. If we forgive,

them with a standard greeting of his day:
accepting one another and encouraging one
“Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Jesus
another in new life, our communities will
entered the room though the doors were
live in the freedom of new life in the Spirit.
locked. Yet Jesus is bodily present with
them, as his showing his hands and side
indicates. Showing these sites of his wounds
not only verifies Jesus’ physical presence, it • Luke 24:36-39 (Flesh and bones)
also testifies to the disciples and to us that it • Matthew 16:9 (Feast of loaves and fishes)
was the crucified Jesus who was risen among
them. The sight of their crucified Lord risen
among them caused them to rejoice.
Large Group Worship
Introduction heard and saw, sang and said, gave and
received in worship at camp. As you plan
Large Group Worship

We gather for worship each day, ask yourself, “How might this
because God has called us by worship experience begin, renew, deepen, or
the Holy Spirit and Christ has promised to enrich the campers’ participation in worship
be among us wherever two or three gather in at home and in a local congregation?”
his name. Worship is a part of the life of a To this end, each of the large group wor-
Christian; it is a part of Spiritlife. As we ship events includes a “Liturgy Connection.”
worship, we experience the power and pres- This is a song, gesture, response, or action
ence of the Holy Spirit. We rest in the that is part of the ecumenical liturgy of Holy
Spirit’s ability to intercede for us and recon- Communion: the sign of the cross, the Kyrie,
cile us through the grace and forgiveness of a Gospel acclamation, intercessory prayer,
Christ Jesus. With the Spirit’s help, we are sharing the peace, the Lamb of God, the
able to know the love of God firsthand and breaking of bread, a benediction, and send-
are given the courage and strength to love ing dialogue.
those around us as we have been loved. As At the same time worship at camp con-
we gather to sing our praise and thanksgiv- nects us to the worship of local congrega-
ing, the Spirit binds us together and makes tions, it also connects us to the worldwide
us one. Ultimately we are sent forth with the communion of the baptized, people of every
Spirit’s guidance and blessing to proclaim nation and language who confess with us the
and profess the good news of the Gospel. power and presence of God the Father, Son,
Worship is not a spectator sport, with the and Holy Spirit. As a reminder of our broth-
masses sitting in the stands passively watch- ers and sisters around the world, you are
ing others perform. Worship is communal encouraged to learn and teach the simple
and participatory. Each member brings gifts songs suggested here from such places as
needed by the whole body and all the mem- Ghana, El Salvador, Cameroon, Russia,
bers work together in a coordinated fashion. Argentina, the Caribbean, Finland, France,
Look for ways to include and engage the and South Africa. Most of these pieces are
campers and their variety of gifts in the easily learned, either in their original lan-
planning, leading, and work of worship. guages or in an English translation without
Outdoor ministry offers unique settings printed music. Invite campers to make and
and contexts for worship. However, worship use simple rhythm instruments to accompa-
at camp is not disconnected from worship in ny the singing.
a local parish. In fact, it is important for the Each day we celebrate one of the many
campers to experience the continuity with acts of the Spirit as reflected in the daily
and connections between worship at camp scripture and prayer. Likewise, songs, skits,
and the regular rhythms of worship in the litanies, and readings are included that cen-
home congregation. ter on each day’s particular Spiritlife theme.
Sometimes a camper encounters Christian Be sure to focus on ways in which campers
faith and worship in a meaningful way for can experience the presence of the Spirit
the first time in an outdoor ministries set- through sound, silence, and movement.
ting. When this is the case, encourage the The basic shape of worship is the same all
camper to find a faith community near five days: “Gathering,” “Proclamation of the
home. Or arrange for the camper to be invit- Word,” “Prayer Response,” and “Sending.”
ed and accompanied to church by a coun- The emphasis is placed on the gifts and com-
selor or fellow camper. There the camper munion of the spirit within the Christian’s
should be able to recognize what he or she Spiritlife. You may choose to include Holy
Communion at any or all of these worship God and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
experiences. Choosing this option will Worshiping outdoors, cooled by a summer
depend upon the setting, circumstances, and breeze, reminds us of the spirit-wind that
campers involved. This meal should not be sets all things in motion, allowing us to
shared if it would divide the community into breathe in and experience Spiritlife. Create a
those receiving and those refraining. cross out of natural materials (or use an
Large Group Worship

Pay close attention to the space in which existing cross) as the central focus in the
you gather. Ask yourself how the space itself worship space. Use a very large Bible (or an
reflects hospitality. How does it encourage oversized book created for this purpose) for
attentive listening to the Word and invite the readings, helping the campers connect
authentic prayer from the people? How does the individual stories and passages they hear
the space engage the whole person and all of with the whole witness of Scripture. By the
the senses? Consider building a visual focus end of the week the campers will be gath-
throughout the week. A bowl of water or a ered around the central symbols of the
natural body of water reminds worship par- Christian faith.
ticipants of our baptism into the family of
Large Group Worship Plan
The daily theme is present in worship LEADER: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through Scripture, song, and prayers. A wor- the love of God, and the communion of
Large Group Worship

ship plan work sheet is provided on page 38. the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Copy and use this sheet to create an outline CAMPERS: And also with you.
for each day’s large group worship, includ- Use your imagination. Involve campers in
ing the names of people who will help lead, creative ways as you invite and celebrate the
objects or materials needed, specific read- presence of God in and among the worship
ings, songs, prayers, and movements. In service.
planning, be sure that every element of your
service connects to the theme of the day. The Prayer
more carefully you plan worship in advance, This prayer focuses on the theme of the day
the more easily worshipers will be welcomed and prepares campers to hear the Word of
into the liturgy and come away connected to God.
the theme of the day.
The worship services outlined here follow
the basic shape of “Gathering,” “Proclama- Proclamation
tion of the Word,” “Prayer Response,” and
“Sending.” What follows is a general order of the Word
of worship with a description of each ele- Scripture reading
ment in the outline. Consider the tone and Choose a central theme verse to illustrate the
time of worship in your planning, and make message of the day. This scripture reading
sure that your worship flows, beginning and should be either read or presented in dra-
ending on the appropriate high or low note. matic form. Additional scripture may also be
utilized to build on the theme.
Gathering Telling the story
Songs Use this time to bring the scripture and
Choose songs to bring the community theme to life. Use skits, clowning, readings,
together and set the tone and theme for the dance, personal stories, and testimonies to
service. Begin with upbeat, enthusiastic, drive the message home. Utilizing drama or
interactive songs to allow campers to focus storytelling is a wonderful way to help
their hearts, minds, voices, and actions on campers connect the scripture and theme
worship. Use the beginning of the week to with the realities of their daily life. Be care-
introduce and teach new songs so that by ful to not restate or oversimplify the mes-
midweek, campers are able to sing them by sage, yet be sure that the point you are try-
heart. Be sure that the songs you choose ing to make is clear. Find ways to engage the
relate to the daily theme. campers, presenting the message in a memo-
rable and inspirational manner. Take each
Greeting/Invocation age group into consideration; make sure
It is good to start by inviting God to be pre- your delivery is appropriate for their level of
sent in the worship and to welcome the Holy understanding.
Spirit into our hearts. The greeting is a won-
derful way to connect campers to their con-
gregations by using the familiar liturgical
greeting.
Song Sending
Conclude the story with a song that serves Blessing
as a final illustration of the message. Choose
medium and slower paced songs to allow Offer a blessing of promise and reassurance
campers to meditate and reflect on the theme that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
will continue to be present among us, order-
Large Group Worship

you have chosen.
ing our days and lives, calling us to love and
serve one another, forgiving us and guiding
Prayer response us.
Use this time of closing prayer to respond to
the message. The prayer response may Dismissal
include a simple closing prayer given by the Remind campers that a Spiritlife is a life of
leader or may involve the entire worshiping worship, morning, noon, and night. Send
community. The offering of petitions and a campers out with a final affirmation of the
response is a great way to involve campers. daily theme, again making the Spirit’s pres-
Likewise, you may choose to write a litany, ence known to them. Use a song or a sen-
using a song refrain as a response. Consider tence or two to send campers out, filled with
using dance, visuals, kneeling, and silence the Spirit, alive with a Spiritlife.
during prayer.
Song
As a closing, choose a song appropriate for
the time of day and one that will prepare
campers for the next activity. Decide whether
you want campers to leave in silence or clap-
ping and shouting. Be sure once again, to
reinforce the theme of the day in the song
you choose. The closing song can come
before or take the place of the blessing and
dismissal.
Worship Resources
The following hymnals and songbooks • Lutheran Book of Worship Pew Edition.
are recommended for use in large group Copyright © 1978 Augsburg Fortress.
Large Group Worship

worship: (Available at www.augsburgfortress.org.)
• Borning Cry. Copyright © licensed by • Maranatha! Praise Chorus Book.
A.S.C.A.P., published by New Generation Copyright © 1993 Maranatha! Music.
Publishers, Box 321, Waverly, IA 50677. Distributed by Word, Inc., 3319 West End
(Available at www.augsburgfortress.org.) Ave., Nashville, TN 37203.
• Global Songs/Local Voices. Copyright • The New Century Hymnal. Copyright
© 1995 Bread for the Journey, P.O. Box © 1995 Pilgrim Press, 700 Prospect Ave.,
141149, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Cleveland, OH 44115.
(Available at www.augsburgfortress.org.)
• The Other Song Book. Copyright © 1989
• Gather First Edition Hymnal. Copyright World Wide Publications, Minneapolis.
© 1988 GIA Publications, Inc.
• This Far by Faith Pew Edition. Copyright
• Gather Second Edition Hymnal. © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. (Available at
Copyright © 1994 GIA Publications, Inc. www.augsburgfortress.org.)
• Global Songs 2. Copyright © 1997 Augs- • With One Voice Pew Edition. Copyright
burg Fortress. (Available at www.augs © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. (Available at
burgfortress.org.) www.augsburgfortress.org.)
• Hymnal Supplement 1991. Copyright • Worship and Praise Songbook. Copyright
© 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. (Available at
• Libro de Liturgia y Cantico Pew Edition. www.augsburgfortress.org.)
Copyright © 1998 Augsburg Fortress.
(Available at www.augsburgfortress.org.)
Worship Plan Work Sheet
Each day, provide copies of this work sheet for worship leaders. Write specific worship
Large Group Worship

plans that include names of staff and camp volunteers who will lead or carry out each part
of worship. Actively involve campers whenever possible.
Date: _______________________________________________________________________________
Worship theme: _____________________________________________________________________
Related scripture: ___________________________________________________________________
Materials/preparation: _______________________________________________________________
Gathering
Songs: ___________________________________________________________________________
Greeting/Invocation: ______________________________________________________________
Prayer: ___________________________________________________________________________
Proclamation of the Word

Scripture reading: _________________________________________________________________
Telling the story: __________________________________________________________________
Song: ____________________________________________________________________________
Prayer response
Read by leader or responsive; spoken or interactive…?
Song during petitions?
Action, movement, or visual aid?
Sending
Blessing: _________________________________________________________________________
Dismissal: ________________________________________________________________________
Song: ____________________________________________________________________________
First Night
Worship theme: Spiritlife LEADER: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Spiritlife is life from God, new life in Christ, the love of God, and the communion of
Large Group Worship

alive through the promise, presence, and the Holy Spirit be with you all.
power of the Holy Spirit, acting in and CAMPERS: And also with you.
through us, giving, forgiving, loving, gather-
ing, and sending us each and every day of Prayer
our lives. LEADER: Gracious and loving God, be with
us as we gather together to worship in your
Bible basis name. Bring the presence of your Holy Spirit
John 14:15-21, 25-27 among us so we may come to know you bet-
ter. We thank you for your word and ask
Materials/preparation that through the giving and receiving of your
love, we may be brought to fullness of life.
Recruit and prepare the characters for the In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
play. Consider using campers for the three
interviewees. You will need a Bible, news
desk, and microphone. Proclamation
of the Word
Gathering Scripture reading
Songs The scripture for the day (John 14:15-21,
Choose and teach songs that will be used 25-27) is built into the following skit.
throughout the week. Try to begin with a
simple, easy-to-learn song so campers feel Telling the story
welcome and comfortable from the start.
Leave out clapping and other nonessential Skit: “Camp TV Nightly News”
motions until campers are comfortable with Characters: Two news reporters (one as the
the tune and words of the songs. anchor and one as the correspondent), and
three interviewees to provide the “inside
Greeting/Invocation scoop” (a synopsis of the daily themes).
Teach campers what an invocation is (invit- Make sure the interviewees know in advance
ing the presence of God the Creator, Son, which theme(s) they will introduce.
and Holy Spirit into the worship). Since the Premise: The anchor is conducting an inves-
theme is Spiritlife, consider introducing a tigative report on the “Spiritlife” phenome-
visual aid that will be a permanent reminder non that is sweeping across the nation.
of the Spirit’s abiding presence throughout
ANCHOR (holding a microphone): Thank you
the week. Or consider using a physical ges-
for joining us. This is (insert name) and
ture or motion that will help prepare
you are watching Camp TV Nightly
campers’ hearts and minds for worship (such
News. In tonight’s top story, our corre-
as making the sign of the cross or lifting
spondent (insert name), will take us live to
their hands). Use a simple, familiar greeting
(insert your camp’s name) with a report
that will call the campers to attention and
on Spiritlife. For months there has been a
focus them on the presence of God, such as:
national buzz about this phenomenon,
LEADER: In the name of the Father, and of
and tonight we will give you the inside
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
story. Let us now go to (correspondent),
CAMPERS: Amen
reporting live from (camp) for the latest.
Or:
(Correspondent)?
CORRESPONDENT (holding a microphone): Yes, counseled by numerous different people
(anchor), things here at (camp) seem to be and organizations and have found love
exploding with Spiritlife and from what I and peace in a variety of ways like popu-
can tell, the phenomenon is spreading. larity, money, and the latest fashion and
ANCHOR: Have you been able to learn what technology. Why do people seem to cele-
brate Spiritlife more than these other tried
Large Group Worship

this Spiritlife is all about?
CORRESPONDENT: Well, (anchor), from the and true tricks of the trade?
people with whom I’ve visited, it seems CORRESPONDENT: Great question, (anchor).
that Spiritlife is just that: it is the life of Let me see if I can find an answer. (Ap-
the Spirit, it is a celebration of the Holy proaches PERSON 2.) Excuse me, can you
Spirit, alive, active, and affecting the lives tell me what is so special about the Holy
we lead. One person today said that Spirit and why Spiritlife is so appealing?
Spiritlife is like the wind that fills the sail PERSON 2: The Holy Spirit is a wonderful
and sets the boat in motion. Spiritlife is gift that lets us know that we are forgiven
life enlivened, sustained, and empowered and that we are loved. Even when we are
by the Holy Spirit of God. weak and sinful, the Spirit acts on our
ANCHOR: So who is this Holy Spirit? Have behalf, forgiving us and bringing us to
you been able to meet her—or him? new life in Christ. Likewise, we are given
CORRESPONDENT: No, I’m not sure if I know a call to love our neighbor as ourselves.
who he or she is. Here, let me see if I can Have you ever tried that? It’s very hard!
find out. (Walk among the “crowd” to the The Spirit is the power that gives us the
first interviewee, PERSON 1.) Hello, can strength to love when we are not able to
you tell me where to find the Holy Spirit love. Most of all, forgiven and loved,
of God? Spiritlife allows us to live in communion
with the Holy Spirit and with one another.
PERSON 1 (a little confused): You’re looking
The Spirit gathers us and creates unity in
for the Holy Spirit?
and among us. In a world that is divided
CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I have a few questions and crushed by hatred and conflict,
to ask. I’m a reporter from Camp TV Spiritlife, the life of peace and love, is like
Nightly News and we’re doing a spot on an answer to a prayer.
this Spiritlife phenomenon. I would just
CORRESPONDENT: Spiritlife definitely sounds
love to interview the big one behind this
like a wonderful thing! Back to you,
whole thing.
(anchor).
PERSON 1: Oh, I get it. Actually, the Holy
ANCHOR: For those of you just tuning in, we
Spirit isn’t a real person with a name or
are live at (camp name), conducting an
face. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God
investigative report on Spiritlife, the phe-
that we are all given, as a promise from
nomenon that is sweeping across the
Jesus that we will never be alone. Here,
nation. So far we’ve learned that the Holy
maybe this will help (reads John 14:15-
Spirit is given to us as a reminder, guide,
21, 25-27). So the Spirit is a gift, sent
teacher, and comforter, and that the Holy
from God to teach and counsel, giving
Spirit intercedes on our behalf, providing
us love and peace and bringing us to the
us with forgiveness and reconciliation.
fullness of life.
We’ve heard reports that the Holy Spirit is
CORRESPONDENT: There you have it, given to us in love and enables us to love
(anchor). one another in return and, finally, that the
ANCHOR: Thank you, (correspondent). Do Holy Spirit binds us to one another, creat-
people talk about what is so special and ing a community of unity. Let’s go back to
unique about this Spiritlife? It seems to (correspondent), who is standing by, live
me that people have been taught and from (camp name). (Correspondent), have
you been able to determine why Spiritlife
seems to be spreading—catching on at
Prayer response
schools, churches, and towns across the LEADER: Gracious God, thank you for giving
country? each of us your life-giving Spirit so we
might know firsthand the love and forgive-
CORRESPONDENT: I have someone standing by
ness granted to us through your Son, Jesus
Large Group Worship

that will help answer that question. (Turns
Christ. Send your Spirit among us as we
to PERSON 3.) Can you tell me why Spirit-
continue to learn more about one another as
life has become a national phenomenon?
we build our camp community. Fill our
PERSON 3: Spiritlife has become so popular hearts and minds with your Spirit so in all
because the Spirit is not just given so we we do, we might experience Spiritlife. In
might experience forgiveness, love, and your holy and precious name we pray. Amen
community, but so we can go out into the
world, empowered by the Spirit to pro-
claim the good news of the gospel of Sending
Christ. As Christians, we are called to Blessing
share the same mission and ministry of
Jesus with the people around us. Living a LEADER: May God bless you and keep you,
Spiritlife allows us to become partners in may God’s face shine on you and be gra-
ministry and to spread the good news. cious to you, may God look upon you
with favor and give you peace.
CORRESPONDENT: (Anchor)?
CAMPERS: Amen
ANCHOR: Thank you, (correspondent). Join
us throughout the week as we continue Dismissal
to update you on this wonderful phenom-
LEADER: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
enon. For Camp TV, this is (anchor).
CAMPERS: Thanks be to God! Amen!
Have a spirit-filled night.
Song
Song
“I’m Goin’-a Sing” (This Far by Faith 109).
“Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading” (With Feel free to add stanzas appropriate for
One Voice 687) camp, such as “swim,” “play,” “dance,”
“eat,” “camp,” “sleep,” “hike,” and “sail.”
Use creative motions to accompany each
stanza.
Day 1: We’re Gifted
Orienting to the theme Gathering
Have you even seen the wind? Chances are
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Songs recommended for theme
that without the presence of leaves that rus-
Go Back tle, or dust that swirls, or weeds that tumble, • “Come, All You People” (This Far by
wind would remain invisible to the human Faith 138)
eye. Still, wind is real. Although we can’t see • “Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading”
it or touch it per se, and we can’t tell where (This Far by Faith 103)
it stops or starts, we can feel its presence • “Holy Spirit, Truth Divine” (Lutheran
stinging our cheeks on a winter day, and we Book of Worship 257)
can learn about its power to be both gentle • “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”
and soothing and violent and destructive. (With One Voice 775)
And so it is with God, the creator, Son, and • “O Holy Spirit, Enter In” (Lutheran Book
Holy Spirit. of Worship 459)
God is unseen to many people and can
seem very mysterious. Moreover, as Chris-
• “Send Us Your Spirit” (Gather 189)
tians, we are called to follow the example • “Veni Sancte Spiritus” (With One Voice
686)
of Christ who lived and died thousands of
years ago, who none of us has ever seen
with our own eyes. Still, with the help of the Greeting/Invocation
Holy Spirit, we can see God working in and Ask campers to enter into a moment of
through all of creation and can come to silence, and encourage them to close their
know the man named Jesus who is our eyes and concentrate on their breathing.
Savior and redeemer. The Holy Spirit teaches Invite them to take three deep breaths, pay-
us how to live, provides us with comfort and ing attention to the expansion of their rib
courage, and empowers us to follow the cages, the relaxing of their muscles, the
example of Christ. Most of all, with the rec- cleansing of their lungs.
ognizable presence of the Holy Spirit, we are LEADER: God created the heavens and the
assured that we are never alone. earth. With God’s own breath, God set all
things in motion and brought all things to
Third Article connection life.
The Spirit acts on our behalf. CAMPERS: Come, Holy Spirit, come.
LEADER: On the cross, Christ died for our
Bible basis sins. As he breathed his last breath, Jesus
gave us the gift of eternal life.
John 14:25-26
CAMPERS: Come, Holy Spirit, come.
LEADER: As children of God, we have been
Materials/preparation given the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide,
Find a spot outdoors where campers can rec- comfort, teach, renew, help, and sustain
ognize the presence of God the Holy Spirit us. As we worship, may every breath we
in creation. Choose a spot in or near a take remind us of God’s goodness and
woods, where the rustling of leaves can be enable us to feel God’s presence.
heard, or near water, where waves lapping at CAMPERS: Come, Holy Spirit, come.
the shoreline can be heard. If this is not an
option, consider constructing a visual aid to
help campers connect with God’s presence
around them. You will need a chair and a
remote control for the skit.
Prayer ANNOUNCER: Yup, still me and I’m just get-
Gracious Lord, we praise you for the gift ting started, so you might as well sit back,
and promise of your Holy Spirit. Pour your relax, and listen to what I have to say.
Spirit upon us now so we may feel your Now, as I was saying, the Holy Spirit is
presence and come to know you better. designed to bring you to the fullness of
life and to show you the way of truth. As
Large Group Worship

Open our hearts to your Word, our eyes to
your creation, and our lives to your leading. an integral member of the Trinity, the
Amen Holy Spirit will speak to you on God’s
behalf and teach you about the life and
mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. The
Proclamation Holy Spirit will also guide you and help
you live according to the abundance for
of the Word which you have been created. Even more,
Scripture reading whenever you feel lost or find yourself in
John 14:25-26 trouble, the Holy Spirit will be there to
stand by you and help you out. The Holy
Telling the story Spirit is like a credit card: you don’t want
to leave home without it. But unlike a
Skit: “Holy Spirit Infomercial” credit card, you never have to fear losing
the Holy Spirit, overextending its
Characters: TV announcer, TV viewer
resources, or having it taken away. No,
VIEWER sits down on chair, grabs remote, the Holy Spirit is yours forever. No chance
and turns on TV. of loss, no limitations, no terms or condi-
ANNOUNCER (uses a “TV announcer” voice tions. Moreover, the promise of the Holy
with a wide range of voice inflection, Spirit guarantees you fellowship with God
somewhat cheesy, but very enthusiastic): the creator and redeemer, and membership
Hello, TV viewers! Are you tired of in God’s family.
searching for the truth? Have you been VIEWER: Yeah, but I bet it costs a bunch.
feeling lonely lately? Do you feel clueless ANNOUNCER: Forget clubs and organizations
about how to live your life? If you’ve that demand outrageous membership fees.
answered yes to any of these questions, Forget cliques that require you to behave
then boy do I have a message for you! in a certain manner. No more labels. No
VIEWER: UGH! Infomercials! Let’s see what’s more popularity contests. The Holy Spirit
on channel 11. (Grabs remote to change and all of its wonders is yours, just
the channel.) because you are who you are! With the
ANNOUNCER: Thought you could get rid of Spirit, you will no longer fear being left
me, huh? Well, not so fast. My name is alone. Even more, the Holy Spirit is avail-
Christian Believer and I’m here to tell able to you, live and direct from God the
you about the mighty, magnificent, all- creator and the Lord Jesus Christ. No
knowing, ever-present Holy Spirit! That’s shipping, no handling, and no need to
right! The Holy Spirit, third person of the wait four to six weeks for delivery! The
Trinity, counselor, teacher, guide, and Holy Spirit comes ready to work within
helper, sent by God to bring you to the you so you don’t need to worry about
way of truth. Sounds too good to be true, batteries, chargers, or hours of assembly
doesn’t it? time. All you have to do is let the Spirit
move you. That’s it: no order needs to be
VIEWER (again grabs the remote to change
placed, no fees need to be paid. So
the channel and says in a bored, sarcastic
breathe deep, my friend, and know that
tone of voice): Yeah, whatever.
the Spirit is with you!
VIEWER (taking a deep breath): Cool!
Song Worship resources
“Spirit of the Living God” (This Far by Theme-related songs
Faith 101). Sing this song several times and
encourage campers to extend their arms out, Gather
palms up, in a receiving posture. 189 Send Us Your Spirit”
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Hymnal Supplement 1991
Prayer response 751 “Praise the Spirit in Creation”
Loving and living God, fill us with your 788 “I Danced in the Morning”
Spirit of knowledge and truth. Help us to 839 “Sing Out Earth and Skies”
receive your gift of life and to call upon your
promise of peace and comfort. Guide us as Lutheran Book of Worship
we seek to follow Jesus’ example, and bring 403 “Lord, Speak to Us, that We May
us into fellowship with you and with one Speak”
another. As disciples of your love, stir us 459 “O Holy Spirit, Enter In”
into action as we celebrate your presence in 488 “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
and among us. Amen 523 “Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling”
The Other Song Book
Sending 39 “Day by Day”
Blessing This Far by Faith
LEADER: May the Spirit of God go before 101 “Spirit of the Living God”
you to guide you, above you to watch 103 “Gracious Spirit, Heed Our
over you, behind you to encourage you, Pleading”
beside you to befriend you, and within
105 “Oh, Let the Son of God Enfold
you to give you peace.
You”
CAMPERS: Amen
109 “I’m Goin’-a Sing”
Dismissal 138 “Come, All You People”
LEADER: Go in peace with the power and 151 “He Leadeth Me”
presence of the Holy Spirit. 157 “God Be with You till We Meet
CAMPERS: Thanks be to God! Again”
ALL: Amen!
With One Voice
683 “Loving Spirit”
Song
684 “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”
“Loving Spirit” (With One Voice 683)
686 “Veni Sancte Spiritus”
Orienting to the theme Materials/preparation
Have you ever thought about sin? I mean Recording of instrumental music and player.
Large Group Worship

really thought about it? What does it feel Props for the skit: Four large signs (“Popu-
Go Back like? What does it look like? What does it larity,” “Vanity,” “Fame,” “Possessions”)
do to your attitude and outlook on life? strung so they can be hung around the neck,
Often sin makes us feel shameful, dirty, crown, large handheld mirror, leather jacket,
afraid, guilty, sad, angry, overwhelmed, and dark sunglasses, large backpack, cross/altar,
alone. Sin is like a dark, ominous storm paper, pens.
cloud, bubbling and boiling with energy,
threatening us with potential danger and
shutting out the light of day. Sin is also like Gathering
a grass stain on a white pair of shorts, or a As campers enter, hand out a piece of paper
pimple on our nose, or a bad hair day, some- and a pen to each camper or have each bring
thing that we try to cover up and hide from his or her own. Tell campers that they will
others. Although we sometimes sin without be used later on in the service.
even knowing or caring, sin often causes us
to turn inward, burdened with the effort to Songs
keep our sin a secret or to lash outward, • “Come by Here” (This Far by Faith 43)
pushing others away with the need to keep
them safe.
• “Jesus, Remember Me” (With One Voice
740)
As Christians, we are given grace and for-
giveness through the death and resurrection • “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”
(With One Voice 775)
of Jesus Christ. Although we remain weak
and sinful, God’s Spirit is given to us so we
might be brought to new life, freed from sin Greeting/Invocation
and death. When we sin, the Spirit offers Begin with a Brief Order for Confession and
prayers on our behalf, enabling us to lay Forgiveness from one of the following:
down our burdens and open our hearts to • Lutheran Book of Worship (page 56)
the grace and love of Christ Jesus. Likewise, • This Far by Faith (Order B, page 24)
as we pray, the Spirit enters the depths of • With One Voice (right column, page 10)
our souls, giving words to our inmost joys
and sorrows, needs and desires, enabling us Prayer
to communicate when we are unable to find
Gracious God, you know all things: the
the words. The Spirit’s presence in our lives
thoughts in our minds, the wishes in our
allows us to be fully known, forgiven, and
hearts, the secrets of our past, and the
loved.
dreams of our future. You see all things: the
actions we take, the service we provide, and
Third Article connection the opportunities we ignore. You hear all
The Spirit brings us new life in Jesus Christ. things: the laughter behind our smiles, the
cries behind our tears, the anger and fear in
Bible basis our stares, and the pleading in our posture.
Romans 8:26-27 Be with us in this time of worship, open us
to your will, and remind us that despite our
sin and weakness, your grace, mercy, and
love overflow. Amen
Proclamation TEMPTATION MIME: Pulls out the “Vanity”
sign, hangs it around MAIN MIME’S neck,
of the Word and gives him or her a large, handheld
mirror.
Scripture reading
MAIN MIME: Enthusiastically holds the sign
Romans 8:26-27
Large Group Worship

so the campers can see and gazes lovingly
at his or her reflection in the mirror.
Telling the story SPIRIT MIME: Approaches MAIN MIME, points
Pantomime skit: “The Spirit Intercedes” to the cross/altar.
MAIN MIME: Looking a bit guilty and
Characters: Main mime, Temptation mime
ashamed, returns to the cross/altar to pray.
(dressed as a villain, carrying a large back-
pack), Spirit mime TEMPTATION MIME: Beckons MAIN MIME.
This is a skit without words. Consider using MAIN MIME: Looks at SPIRIT MIME, who is
instrumental music to set the tone and emo- praying with his or her head bowed, and
tion of the theme. Main mime is trying to sneakily goes to TEMPTATION MIME, look-
pray but keeps getting distracted and pulled ing back to see if SPIRIT MIME notices.
away from a life focused on Christ. SPIRIT MIME’S head is still bowed in prayer.
MAIN MIME gives TEMPTATION MIME his or
MAIN MIME is praying (kneeling or standing
her complete attention.
with hands folded and head bowed, near the
altar or a cross). SPIRIT MIME and TEMPTA- TEMPTATION MIME: Reminds MAIN MIME of
TION MIME are standing on opposite sides,
his “popularity” and “vanity” by pointing
watching. to the signs, touching his or her crown,
and putting the mirror in front of MAIN
TEMPTATION MIME: Walks by, checking out
MIME’S face. Pulls out the “Fame” sign,
MAIN MIME, waiting for the right moment
hangs it around his or her neck, and
to tempt MAIN MIME. Taps MAIN MIME on
dresses MAIN MIME in a leather jacket and
the shoulder and motions for him or her
dark sunglasses.
to check out what’s in the backpack.
MAIN MIME: Holds sign out, struts around,
MAIN MIME: Remains focused on prayer.
pretending to pose for pictures and sign
TEMPTATION MIME: Continues tempting until autographs, occasionally looking longing-
MAIN MIME is completely distracted and ly in the mirror.
approaches TEMPTATION MIME. Temptation
SPIRIT MIME: Obviously frustrated and sad,
mime pulls out the “Popularity” sign,
tries to beckon MAIN MIME back to the
hangs it around MAIN MIME’S neck, and
cross/altar.
places a crown on MAIN MIME’S head.
MAIN MIME: Continues to admire his or her
MAIN MIME: Delighted, proudly holds the
possessions, too enthralled to notice SPIRIT
sign so all the campers can see, and touch-
MIME.
es the crown.
SPIRIT MIME: Approaches MAIN MIME, pushes
SPIRIT MIME: Approaches MAIN MIME and
his or her sunglasses back so MAIN MIME
gently leads him or her back to the
can “see,” points to the cross/altar, and
cross/altar, and instructs him or her to
drags MAIN MIME back.
return to prayer.
MAIN MIME: Waits for SPIRIT MIME to fold his
MAIN MIME: Returns to prayer.
or her hands and bow his or her head,
TEMPTATION MIME: Pushes SPIRIT MIME away, then returns to TEMPTATION MIME.
again pulls MAIN MIME to the side.
TEMPTATION MIME: Pokes MAIN MIME in the
MAIN MIME: A bit reluctant, but follows ribs, points to SPIRIT MIME and “laughs,”
after a slight hesitation. tempting and teasing MAIN MIME with
what is in the backpack. Finally, TEMPTA-
TION MIME pulls out the “Possessions”
Prayer response
sign, hangs it around his or her neck, and Take a few moments for silent prayer.
puts the backpack on MAIN MIME’S back. Encourage campers to think about the sin(s)
for which they need forgiveness. Ask campers
MAIN MIME: Struggles a bit from the weight
to use their pieces of paper to write down
Large Group Worship

of the backpack, unsure about this latest
their sin(s) as they pray. When they are ready,
“gift.”
invite them to bring their pieces of paper and
TEMPTATION MIME: Prompts and primps place them on the cross/altar (if you are wor-
MAIN MIME, pulls the sunglasses back on shiping near a campfire, have them throw
MAIN MIME’S face, and encourages MAIN their pieces into the fire). Close by saying a
MIME to buck up and enjoy.
prayer of thanksgiving for the power of the
MAIN MIME: Holds out sign, but this time Holy Spirit working on our behalf, bringing
looks over to SPIRIT MIME in shame and us God’s forgiveness and love.
fear.
TEMPTATION MIME: Slinks away, flashing an
evil, victorious smile. Sending
SPIRIT MIME: Looks up from prayer and at Blessing
MAIN MIME. LEADER: May the grace of our Lord Jesus
MAIN MIME: Turns away, bows head, and Christ, the love of God, and the com-
sinks to knees. munion of the Holy Spirit grant you for-
Spirit mime: Approaches MAIN MIME. giveness and fill you with new life.
MAIN MIME: Turns away. CAMPERS: Amen!
SPIRIT MIME: With a caring touch, helps
MAIN MIME stand and encourages MAIN
Dismissal
MIME to follow him or her back to the LEADER: Go in peace to forgive as you’ve
cross/altar. been forgiven.
MAIN MIME: Refuses to follow, points to the CAMPERS: Thanks be to God!
signs around his or her neck, and appears
exhausted from all the added baggage and Song
adornment. “Lead Me, Guide Me” (This Far by Faith
SPIRIT MIME: Takes the signs, takes off the 70)
crown, jacket, sunglasses, and backpack,
and takes the mirror. SPIRIT MIME then
encourages MAIN MIME to come to the
Worship resources
cross/altar. Theme-related songs
MAIN MIME: Still refuses in shame. This Far by Faith
SPIRIT MIME: Goes to the cross/altar, pauses 43 “Come by Here”
to pray, places the signs, jacket, shades, 70 “Lead Me, Guide Me”
backpack, and mirror on the cross/altar,
104 “Holy Spirit, Light Divine”
and returns to MAIN MIME, hugs MAIN
MIME, and invites him or her to pray. 148 “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!”
MAIN MIME: Relieved and full of joy, MAIN 185 “There Is a Balm in Gilead”
MIME takes SPIRIT MIME’S hand and goes to
With One Voice
the cross/altar to pray. 738 “Healer of Our Every Ill”
740 “Jesus, Remember Me”
Song 775 “Lord, Listen to Your Children
“Healer of Our Every Ill” (With One Voice Praying”
738)
Orienting to the theme letters. Invite campers to write petitions for
Love one another: a simple thing to say, a people in their lives, schools, homes, and
Large Group Worship

hard task to accomplish. But this is the com- communities, or for people in the world who
Go Back mand we are given. As Christians, we are need their love.
called to follow the example of Christ and
love our neighbors as ourselves. We are
called to set aside our grudges, our fears,
Gathering
and our selfish desires, and love both our Songs
enemies and our friends with the same love • “Behold, What Manner of Love” (This
that God has for us. Unfortunately, this Far by Faith 218)
command is difficult in the face of reality. • “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love” (This
All too often it is easier to hold onto feelings Far by Faith 83)
of anger, resentment, jealousy, and fear than • “Open My Eyes, that I May See” (The
it is to let our love loose, freely and openly. Other Song Book 159)
We like to be in control of our actions and
emotions, and feel safer when we ourselves Greeting/Invocation
determine whom we will and will not love.
LEADER 1: May the grace of our Lord Jesus
However, as today’s lesson tells us, we are
Christ (stand with arms stretched to the
called and created to love. According to 1
sides like a cross).
John, if we claim that we love God, we need
LEADER 2: The love of God (stand with arms
to show our love by actually loving not only
crossed over her or his chest).
God, but our brothers and sisters as well.
LEADER 3: And the communion of the Holy
True love cannot be known by our words or
Spirit (kneel, armed stretched in front in a
intentions alone but must be proved by our
“giving” posture).
actions. Therefore, we are called to make
ALL LEADERS: Be with you all.
our love known through our deeds of service
CAMPERS: And also with you.
to our neighbors, the church, and the world.
We are called to love boldly and fearlessly.
Still, we all know that love, true and
Prayer
unconditional, is impossible for us as human Loving God, thank you for the many and
beings. We cannot love on our own. How- awesome ways you make your love for us
ever, God has given us the promise of the known. Open our hearts and minds to hear
Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, we are given the call you have given us through the com-
the strength, wisdom, and desire to love. mand to love one another. Fill us with your
Through the Spirit, we are able to love with Spirit so, held in your wisdom and strength,
a perfect love. we might dare to love as you have loved us.
Amen
Third Article connection
The Spirit enables us to love others. Proclamation
Bible basis of the Word
1 John 4:12-21 Scripture reading
Read 1 John 4:12-21 before the skit.
Materials/preparation
Superhero costumes for Super Spirit Girl and
Super Spirit Guy, signs with “SSG” in large
Telling the story GROUP MEMBER 2: Yeah, we even love our
moms and dads (GROUP MEMBERS look at
Skit: “Super Spirit Girl/Super Spirit Guy” GROUP MEMBER 2 and crack up, laughing,
Characters: Super Spirit Girl, Super Spirit mocking, and making fun).
Guy, Leader of the Pack, Group Member 1, SUPER SPIRIT GIRL: Good! That’s a part of
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Group Member 2, Group what Jesus meant when he commanded
A group of kids sits around talking about “You shall love your neighbor as your-
how much fun youth group was. Someone self.” But just saying you love God doesn’t
mentions the “new kid” and they all start mean you know how to show that you
making fun of what the kid was wearing, the love God.
way he or she talked, the fact that he or she SUPER SPIRIT GUY: That’s right, and while
was talking about loving his or her neigh- loving your friends and parents is part of
bor/playing house with his or her younger loving God, God wants us to love every-
sibling/praying with God. SUPER SPIRIT GIRL one, whether he or she is our friend or
and SUPER SPIRIT GUY (dressed as super- not.
heroes with tights, belts, capes, masks, and LEADER OF THE PACK: Oh, c’mon! We have a
signs with a large “SSG” on their chests). reputation to uphold. Don’t you know?
SUPER SPIRIT GIRL: Hey Super Spirit Guy, I’ve We’re the cool kids! We can’t be seen
got spirit, yes I do. I’ve got spirit, how talking to—let alone loving—just anyone.
’bout you? SUPER SPIRIT GUY: Well, no one said that lov-
SUPER SPIRIT GUY: Hey Super Spirit Girl, ing everyone was easy, but God doesn’t
You’ve got spirit, yes you do. You’ve got pick and choose whom God loves and nei-
spirit, but I do too! ther should you. God loves you and wants
SUPER SPIRIT GIRL and SUPER SPIRIT GUY do you to share that love with others.
their secret handshake and jump into the GROUP MEMBER 1: I get it—so what you’re
midst of the group of kids, landing with saying is that instead of making fun of the
their hands on their hips. GROUP MEMBERS new kid, we should try and get to know
“ooh” and “ahhh” in recognition of the (him or her), be kind to (him or her),
superheroes. invite (him or her) to hang out with us?
SUPER SPIRIT GUY: What’s going on here? SUPER SPIRIT GIRL: You’ve got it! Who
LEADER OF THE PACK: Nothing. We were just knows, you may even find a new best
laughing about the new kid at youth friend out of the deal.
group. GROUP MEMBER 2: Cool! Hey! Maybe we
SUPER SPIRIT GIRL: Does anyone remember could invite the new kid to go to the
the lesson you all talked about at youth arcade with us.
group? LEADER OF THE PACK: Not so fast. (Pauses.) I
LEADER OF THE PACK: Yeah, it was something think you’re forgetting who we are. We’re
about loving God and loving our neigh- the cool kids. What will people think if
bor, blah, blah, blah, something like that. they see us hanging out with the new kid?
SUPER SPIRIT GUY: That’s right. As Jesus’ fol- SUPER SPIRIT GUY: That’s exactly the point.
lowers, we are called to love one another When you take time to love others, God’s
as God has loved us. love for you is made known to the world.
People will recognize that your ability to
LEADER OF THE PACK (in a smooth, some-
love comes from an abundance of God’s
what sarcastic tone): Hey, man, we’re all
love working in and through you. In lov-
about the love. We love God, we love go
ing others, you become more than just the
to church, we love youth group…
cool kids, you become the super cool
GROUP MEMBER 1: Yeah, we love each other kids—because in loving others, God’s love
(nods to the others in the group for is made perfect.
approval).
GROUP MEMBERS cheer, giving one another
high-fives.
Prayer response
Take this time of prayer to let campers
LEADER OF THE PACK: Hmm…so you’re say-
offer petitions for those people in their lives,
ing that because God loves us, we ought
schools, homes, and communities, or for
to love others and that in loving others,
people in the world who need their love.
Large Group Worship

God’s love is made complete?
Encourage campers to write their petitions
SUPER SPIRIT GIRL: That’s right! ahead of time and bring them to worship.
LEADER OF THE PACK: Well, what if we don’t Between each petition, sing one of the songs
particularly like someone? Do we need to from “Worship Resources” as a response.
love him or her too? (GROUP MEMBERS Conclude with a prayer of thanksgiving for
look at the LEADER and crack up, laugh- the love God has given to us and a prayer of
ing, mocking, and making fun.) need requesting the Spirit’s continued pres-
SUPER SPIRIT GUY: Yes, God calls us to love ence and guidance as we follow Jesus’ exam-
even the people we don’t particularly like. ple in our lives.
But God also promises to send God’s
Spirit to help so you’re never left alone.
LEADER OF THE PACK: All right! Hey, what do Sending
you guys say: should we go find the new Blessing
kid? LEADER: As you go forth in love, remember
Group: Yeah! that Jesus loves you and has called you to
SUPER SPIRIT GIRL: Well, Super Spirit Guy, I love one another.
guess that takes care of that! CAMPERS: Amen! Thanks be to God!
SUPER SPIRIT GUY: Yup, just about. There’s
just one more thing. (Looks at SUPER Song
SPIRIT GIRL, smiling and nodding to the “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (Luther-
campers.) an Book of Worship 315)
SUPER SPIRIT GIRL and GUY: Hey campers,
we’ve got spirit, yes we do. We’ve got Dismissal
spirit, how ’bout you? LEADER: Go in peace to love and serve the
Campers: You’ve got spirit, yes you do. Lord.
You’ve got spirit, but we do too! CAMPERS: Thanks be to God! Amen!
Song Worship resources

• “Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil”
Theme-related songs
(With One Voice 713)
• “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” (The This Far by Faith
Other Song Book 153) 218 “Behold, What Manner of Love”
• “Pass It On” (The Other Song Book 164)
With One Voice
• “The Love Round” (The Other Song 775 “Lord, Listen to Your Children
Book 218) Praying”
Orienting to the theme Third Article connection
People love to belong, to be a part of some- The Spirit makes us all one community.
Large Group Worship

thing bigger than themselves. We yearn to be
Go Back a member of the club, to be integrated into Bible basis
the whole. We like to be liked, want to be Ephesians 4:1-6
wanted, and need to be needed. When we
belong, we are given an identity that binds Materials/preparation
us to one another. When we are a part of the
Five sheets of poster board, each with a dif-
whole, we experience the joy of community
ferent letter of UNITY printed on it; several
as a way of life. There is “power in num-
bowls of water (or have worship near a
bers,” as the saying goes—power that comes
lake); a bell and buzzers (or campers to play
from being bound to one another through
those roles). Optional: three signs, each with
both the sharing of resources and the inter-
a different word (“Applause,” “Cheer,”
weaving of diversity and through the com-
“Groan”).
munion of gifts and talents.
As children of God, we are created for
unity. We are called to celebrate our creation Gathering
in God’s own image, complete with our own
set of unique gifts and talents, dreams and
Songs
desires, quirks and habits, knowing that we • “Come, All You People” (This Far by
were created through one same Spirit. As Faith 138)
Christians, we are called to unity. We are • “Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading”
called to embrace Jesus’ mission for peace (This Far by Faith 103)
and reconciliation, spreading the good news • “I’m Goin’-a Sing” (This Far by Faith
of the Gospel and practicing forgiveness in 109)
our lives. As the community of Christ, we • “Veni Sancte Spiritus” (With One Voice
are called to be in relationship with one 686)
another, bearing with one another in love.
In a world full of division, conflict, and Greeting/Invocation
strife, unity can seem an ideal at best, some-
Lead campers through Responsive Prayer 2
thing lost forever due to our stubborn preju-
(Lutheran Book of Worship, pages 164-165).
dices, discriminating standards and expecta-
tions, and our unwillingness to be bound by
love. However, God the creator, Son, and
Prayer
Holy Spirit, gathers us into community, giv- LEADER: The Lord be with you.
ing us the spirit of love, the hope of peace, CAMPERS: And also with you.
and the unity of faith. With these gifts, we LEADER: Let us pray. Holy Spirit, through
are called to serve the community with loyal- your love you have given us life and called
ty and to strengthen and uphold it with us to be one in you. Gather us now as we
grace and forgiveness. “Above all and celebrate the community in which we are
through all and in all,” God calls us to be now a part. Help us to find peace and rec-
one (Ephesians 4:6). onciliation with those around us and
guide us in your ways of love.
ALL: Amen
Proclamation huddle together, throwing out ideas like
“togetherness,” “toughness,” “tacos,” and
of the Word “trucks,” then decide to keep playing.)
Scripture reading HOPEFUL: Question 2: People use all kinds of
things to hold things together: tape, glue,
Read Ephesians 4:1-6 before the skit.
Large Group Worship

staples, ropes. In community, what binds
us together?
Telling the story CONTESTANT 4 (buzzing in): I’ve got it—love!
Skit: “Game of Community!” We’re bound together by love!
HOPEFUL: Again correct! (CONTESTANTS cheer
Characters: Announcer, Spirit Hopeful
and give one another high-fives.) Here’s
(game host), Contestant 1, Contestant 2,
your next clue (hands CONTESTANTS a
Contestant 3, Contestant 4, Contestant 5
piece of poster board with the letter U).
Optional: Use “Applause,” “Cheer,” and You know the question. But do you
“Groan” signs to get campers involved. have the answer? (CONTESTANTS huddle,
ANNOUNCER (using his or her best throwing out ideas like “tuna,” “turf,”
“announcer” voice): Welcome to the “utopia,” and “utensils.” Deciding they
“Game of Community!” where players don’t have much to go on, they decide to
seek to solve the puzzle of the day by cor- keep playing.)
rectly answering questions and working HOPEFUL: Question 3: What is the commu-
together. Now here’s your host, Spirit nity of Christ?
Hopeful! CONTESTANT 5 (buzzing in): The community
HOPEFUL: Welcome to the “Game of of Christ. Well, they say that we are the
Community!” Today’s contestants are body of Christ and that as the body of
working to solve this puzzle: “What is the Christ, we are the church, so I’m going to
mark of a Christian community?” Let’s have to say that the community of Christ
meet our contestants… (All CONTESTANTS is the church! (CONTESTANTS chime in
take turns introducing themselves in a agreement, saying “good answer.”)
typical game-show fashion.) HOPEFUL: The Community of Christ…is the
HOPEFUL: You all know how the game goes: church. Good job! That answer gives you
I’ll ask a question and if you answer cor- another piece of the puzzle. (CONTESTANTS
rectly, you will receive a letter clue. At the cheer. HOPEFUL hands CONTESTANTS a
end of the game, it is your task to figure piece of poster board with the letter N.)
out the clues to solve the puzzle. Are you (CONTESTANTS huddle together, throwing
ready? (CONTESTANTS cheer.) Let’s play the out ideas like “nuts,” “tunes,” and
“Game of Community!” “tuna,” but decide to keep playing)
HOPEFUL: Question 1: Name four things that HOPEFUL: Question 4: Contestant 5, you
help us get along with one another. mentioned the body of Christ. Tell me, is
CONTESTANT 1 (buzzing in): Oh! I know, I the body made of one or many parts?
know! Umm…let’s see. Humility? Gentle- CONTESTANT 3 (buzzing in): I think that this
ness. Umm…patience? And…umm…love! may be a trick question. If you look at the
HOPEFUL: Correct! (CONTESTANTS cheer and body, it is a whole, bound together by tis-
jump.) Here is your first clue. (HOPEFUL sues, muscles, and ligaments, so you could
hands them a piece of poster board with say that the body is made of one part. But
the letter T.) The question is: What is the ultimately, the body is made of many
mark of a Christian community? Are you different parts that all have their own
able to solve the puzzle? (CONTESTANTS purpose—fingers, toes, eyes, ears, legs,
arms. Each part has a different function
that makes the body what it is. Since HOPEFUL: Unity is correct! Congratulations!
we’re talking about community, I know (CONTESTANTS cheer and embrace in typi-
that a community can’t be made out of cal game-show fashion.) You’ve just won
one person alone, so my final answer is the “Game of Community!” where every-
“Many.” (CONTESTANTS hold each an- one is a winner! Remember to love your
other, crossing their fingers, holding their neighbor as yourself and work for peace
Large Group Worship

breath.) and unity everywhere. This is your host,
HOPEFUL: Are you sure that’s your final Spirit Hopeful, saying see you next time
answer? (CONTESTANT 3 nods.) Well... on the “Game of Community!”
(pause) you are correct! (CONTESTANTS pat
CONTESTANT 3 on the back, cheering wild- Song
ly.) Here you go, your fourth piece of the “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” (Lutheran
puzzle (HOPEFUL hands them the letter Y. Book of Worship 370)
CONTESTANTS huddle, looking over the
letters they have: T, U, N, Y. Someone
shouts “nuty,” but the other CONTESTANTS Prayer response
correct the spelling error. They decide to Use this time as a remembrance of baptism.
keep playing.) Using several stations, invite campers to
(ANNOUNCER rings bell, signaling that time is come and receive the sign of the cross. Using
running out.) bowls of water or water from a lake,
HOPEFUL: We’re running out of time. For our instruct staff members to trace the sign of
fifth and final question, we will move to the cross on each camper’s forehead and say,
our speed round. I will give you clues. As “You are a child of God and a member of
soon as you think you know the answer, Christ’s family. May you live in peace, love,
buzz in. Are you ready? Here we go. Water and unity with your brothers and sisters.”
(pause) Word (pause) the sign of the cross You may choose to remain silent or you
(pause) death and resurrection (pause) for- may sing one or more of the songs listed in
giveness of sins (pause) promise of eternal “Worship Resources.”
life (pause) children of God (pause) broth-
ers and sisters (pause) family (pause).
CONTESTANT 2 (buzzing in): What is baptism?
Sending
HOPEFUL: That’s right! As Christians, we are
Blessing
baptized through the water and the Word, LEADER: May the Lord bless us and keep us,
marked with the sign of the cross as a may the Lord make his face shine on us
symbol of Christ’s death and resurrection, and be gracious to us, may the Lord look
given the forgiveness of sins and the upon us with favor and give us peace. In
promise of eternal life. In our baptism we the name of the Father, and of the Son,
become children of God and are gathered and of the Holy Spirit.
with our brothers and sisters in Christ CAMPERS: Amen
into the family of God. (CONTESTANTS
cheer.) Here is your final puzzle piece Dismissal
(hands them the letter I). Now with just a LEADER: Go in peace, bound by the unity of
couple of minutes left, let’s see if you can love.
solve the puzzle: What is the mark of a CAMPERS: Thanks be to God. Amen
Christian community? (CONTESTANTS hud-
dle again, looking at the letters T, U, N, Song
Y, I. After sounding out a couple of com- “We Are All One in Christ” (This Far by
binations, they hold up the letters in order Faith 221)
and shout out together, “Unity!”)
Worship resources
Theme-related songs
This Far by Faith
217 “Bind Us Together, Lord”
Large Group Worship

Lutheran Book of Worship
419 “Lord of All Nations, Grant Me
Grace”
423 “Lord, Whose Love in Humble
Service”
Day 5: We’re Sent
Orienting to the theme Materials/preparation
“Peace be with you.” When Jesus said these Cap and gown for commencement address,
Large Group Worship

words to his disciples in John 20:19, he did- certificates/diplomas, colorful 1 yard (.9 m)
Go Back n’t just say them as a silence-filler or mean streamer for each participant (made from
them to be an informal, temporary pep talk. cloth or crepe paper). Distribute a streamer
When Jesus said “Peace be with you,” he to each participant as she or he arrives.
packed the promise of the presence and Before the service begins, ask the partici-
power of peace into every consonant and pants to listen for the word spirit during
vowel. When Jesus said “Peace be with worship. Each time they hear the word they
you,” he called and commissioned the disci- should hold the streamer in their right hand
ples to live in the presence of peace, en- and move the streamer from left to right
livened by its power, encouraged by its over their head. The streamers remind us of
promise, and employed by its mission. With the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
these words come not only the comfort and
assurance of God’s peace, but also the call to
continue in the way of peace, by forgiving Gathering
sins and following Christ’s example. We, Songs
too, are called to continue the mission of • “Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises” (This
peace and forgiveness. Far by Faith 158)
In today’s lesson, Jesus breathed on the
disciples, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit”
• “Listen, God Is Calling” (This Far by
Faith 130)
(John 20:22). Just as the disciples were
gifted, forgiven, loved, gathered, and sent by
the one Spirit, we, too, are sent out to share
Greeting/Invocation
the Spirit’s gifts, forgiveness, love, and unity. LEADER: Hear the voice of Jesus saying,
By imparting God’s Spirit, Jesus called his “Peace be with you.”
followers to share in the mission of his min- CAMPERS: And also with you.
istry. Therefore, as members of the commu-
nity of Christ, we, too, become partners in Prayer
ministry through the gift of the Spirit. As Let us pray. Gracious and holy God, we
partners, we are called to proclaim the for- have so much for which to be thankful. We
giveness of sins, provide for faith, hope, and thank you for the many gifts you give: for
love, and promote community within all of your Spirit that enlivens us and brings us to
creation. the fullness of life; for your Son who, on the
cross, gave his life so we might receive your
Third Article connection grace and mercy; for your love that is
The Spirit is a daily presence in our lives. extended to us without any conditions or
limitations; for your calling that brings us
Bible basis into communion with one another and binds
us together through unity and love; and
John 20:19-23
finally, for your promised presence which
allows us to adopt your mission as our own
and go out with confidence to share your
Word. Be with us as we worship you and
learn about ways in which you have called
us to service. Amen
Proclamation Sending
of the Word Blessing
“Go, My Children, with My Blessing” (This
Scripture reading Far by Faith 161)
Read John 20:19-23 before the skit.
Large Group Worship

Dismissal
Telling the story LEADER: Go in peace, sent by the Spirit, to
Designate someone to dress up in a cap and love and serve the Lord.
gown to give a short commencement-style CAMPERS: Thanks be to God! Amen!
speech. Include favorite activities and memo-
ries from the week. Highlight the daily Song
themes and lessons learned and illustrate
Close the week’s worship by singing “Shine,
real-life opportunities for application. Talk
Jesus, Shine” (Worship & Praise Songbook
about the call campers have been given and
123). After singing the entire song as a con-
what that means as they leave camp. As they
gregation, sing the refrain over and over as
are “sent forth,” provide them with admon-
participants process from the worship area
ishment and encouragement. Conclude with
into the world of service where they will
a brief commissioning, and asking campers
share God’s Word. Remind the participants
to respond by saying “Yes, and I ask the
to wave their streamer each time they sing
Spirit of God to help and guide me.”
the word spirit.
Consider designing a diploma to hand out as
a reminder that they have been promised the
presence of the Holy Spirit. Worship resources
Song Theme-related songs
• “Lord, Speak to Us, that We May Speak” Gather
(Lutheran Book of Worship 403) 206 “This Little Light of Mine”
• “Send Me, Jesus” (This Far by Faith 244, Lutheran Book of Worship
245) 403 “Lord, Speak to Us, that We May
• “This Little Light of Mine” (Gather 206) Speak”
ThisFar by Faith
Prayer response 130 “Listen, God Is Calling”
As you gather for prayer, begin by singing 158 “Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises”
stanza 1 of “Send Me, Jesus” (This Far by 161 “Go, My Children, with My
Faith 244, 245). After repeating stanza 1 Blessing”
several times, continue the prayer with spo- 244 “Send Me, Jesus”
ken petitions on behalf of people, places we
are sent to serve, and for realities and injus-
tices we are called to forgive. Between peti-
tions, respond with stanza 2. After all peti-
tions have been offered, conclude by singing
stanza 1 several times.
Small Group Worship
Use these worship being “gifted,” so much so that children
ideas with small who don’t excel at those particular gifts may
groups of campers. feel they have none.
Go Back Choose a worship space where the wind
can be felt or heard. When they hear you list
Age-level coding a body part, ask them to touch or move it as
Each worship activity is recommended for they listen.
use with a specific age level. To find out Say, “Through our hands God helps doc-
which activities are best suited to your tors and nurses heal, artists create beautiful
group, look for the letter corresponding and interesting images, carpenters build
to the age level of your group. Some strong and useful items, electricians and
activities are recommended for use at mechanics accomplish important and dan-
more than one age level. Feel free to gerous tasks. The Spirit moves our mouths
adapt an activity for use with your group. and voices to sing praises to God! The
L = Lower elementary speeches of lawyers and teachers help others
U = Upper elementary learn. Pastors preach the good news of Jesus
J = Junior high and the prayers of the faithful keep us con-
nected to God. Our feet show gifts like the
Small Group Worship

S = Senior high
speed of athletes and the beauty of dancers
A = Adult and people who know when to walk away
I = Intergenerational from dangerous situations. The Holy Spirit
gives our minds wisdom and truth. People
with the gift of wisdom are teachers, instruc-
Day 1: tors, and inventors who help all of us to live
better lives. Our elbows can be symbols of
We’re Gifted flexibility. The Holy Spirit helps us see situa-

tions and people in unique ways with cre-
ative solutions to problems or disagreements.
Bible basis People with the gift of flexibility help to
John 14:25-26 (Jesus promises us that God keep peace in the world! When we look with
will send the Holy Spirit to be present in our our eyes we see the wonder of color and
world.) variety in the world around us. Sometimes
what we see is confusing. The Spirit shows
us what we can do to help others. Amen”
More than singing
L
God made me special
Bible basis: 1 Corinthians 12 (Gifts from LU
the Holy Spirit) Materials: Ink pads, markers, index cards.
Key verse: There are varieties of gifts, but Children are generally good at recognizing
the same Spirit; and there are varieties of and accepting the unique and special differ-
services, but the same Lord. (1 Corinthians ences between people. Usually more so than
12:4-5) adults! Ask a volunteer to read 1 Corin-
thians 12:4-5. We were created to be differ-
During today’s worship time, you will be
ent from each other and to have unique
talking about gifts of the Spirit. We often
gifts! It is a part of God’s plan.
talk about musicians, artists, and athletes as
Give an index card to each camper. Ask example: Gifted—bow or ribbon; For-
each to press her or his thumb onto an ink given—cross; Loved—friendship bracelet;
pad, then onto her or his index card. Take a Gathered—handful of stones; Sent—shoes).
few moments to compare the fingerprints. As you gather together for prayer and cabin
What makes them different? God knows devotions each day, have campers place that
every single part of us. Our bodies are all day’s symbol at the center of your worship
different, and so are our gifts! Make markers area, telling the group why they chose it.
available and direct campers to write “God
made me special!” on their index cards.
Invite campers to use their imaginations to Prayer poetry
turn their thumbprint into a symbol of an UJSAI
activity they are good at, such as a dancer, Materials: Paper, pens.
reader, athlete, friend, or cook. It has been the first full day of camp and
Pray for each child by name, thanking emotions may be on a roller coaster. Bodies
God for the Spirit’s uniqueness in each of may be tired, but minds are still busy and
them. too awake for you.
Give campers a piece of paper and have
Watermark them each write a closing prayer to their
day, using the letters of gifted or advocate.
LU For example:
Gather near water or by a baptismal font. G od,
Small Group Worship

Read the account of Jesus’ baptism from I
John 1:29-34. Ask campers to share various
F eel
experiences they’ve had with water (canoe-
ing, water parks, storms, washing pets, and T ired at the
so on). Do any of the campers remember E nd of this, my first
their baptism or have they seen a baptism? D ay.
How did water play a part in that experi- Invite campers to share their prayers with
ence? the rest of the group, but give them the
Just as the Holy Spirit was present at option to pray them silently.
Jesus’ baptism, God gives us the Holy Spirit
in the waters of our own baptism. Each time
we see water, we can remember this special Singing send-off
gift from God. JSAI
Invite campers to dip their fingers into the Materials: With One Voice.
water and mark their foreheads with a cross Consider using songs or at least the words
as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is always from songs as a closing worship for your
with them. group. If you don’t have the musical talent
or confidence to lead it, perhaps someone in
Spirit altar your group does. Or you can always just
read the words. One that could work any
UJSAI night is “Stay Here” (667). It could be sung
Ask groups of two or three to find a symbol between petitions offered by campers. Also
for today’s theme: We’re gifted. As you gath- allow time for silence and encourage
er for worship, invite the campers to place campers to be aware of their breathing—the
the objects on an altar or in the center of the Spirit alive in them.
group. Each group should explain why it Another song that is perfect for the end of
chose this particular object. Close with a the day is “Thy Holy Wings” (741).
prayer of thanksgiving. Consider adding an
additional object for each day’s theme (for
Spirit alphabet a paper plane out of their paper. When
everyone is done, say, “Jesus sends us the
UJSAI Holy Spirit, who is our advocate. We, too,
Materials: 26 pieces of paper, each with one can advocate for others when we pray for
letter of the alphabet. them.”
This activity will reinforce the concept that Tell the campers to fly their planes so
we are gifted with the Holy Spirit in many someone else can catch it. Invite them to
different ways. Assign pairs of campers each open the planes to see the prayer requests
one letter of the alphabet. If there are fewer inside. (Remind participants to not catch
than 26 pairs, pass out a selection of letters their own planes.) Request that the campers
to match the number of pairs. Challenge each pray for the person whose airplane they
pair to come up with a word, starting with received, as well as for the petitions he or
the assigned letter, that describes the Holy she wrote on the paper. Campers may keep
Spirit. Allow a few minutes for pairs to think these prayers they “caught” and find a time
of a word. Once all are ready, begin the each day to pray for this person and his or
“Spirit Alphabet” by having the large group her requests.
say together, “The Spirit is…” The A pair
will respond with “A: Advocate!” and so on
through the alphabet. Acts 2
JSA
Three-in-one praise Read part of the Pentecost story in Acts
Small Group Worship

2:1-5. Ask the campers what happened when
UJSAI Jesus’ followers were filled with the Holy
Start by dividing the whole group into three Spirit. (They spoke in other languages.) Why
sections. Each section will represent one part did the Holy Spirit cause the disciples to
of the Trinity. Explain to the group that they speak in different languages? (The Holy
will be a part of a Trinity prayer. The first Spirit was sent to speak to people in their
section will say “Praise to the Father,” the own language so they could understand the
second section will say “Praise to the Son,” message of Jesus Christ. In other words, the
the third section will say “Praise to the Holy Spirit met the people where they were
Spirit,” then all will say “The Three in One!” in terms of language.)
Ask them to repeat their parts between each Tell the campers that each has come from
prayer petition. Invite all participants to different places and situations to this place.
share prayers of thanksgiving that will be The Holy Spirit comes to all of them now to
followed by the Trinity prayer. greet them where they are. The Holy Spirit
comes to them whether they are happy or
sad, lonely or feeling crowded, or unsettled
Air prayers or content. The Holy Spirit will be with
JSA them when they return home to the situa-
Materials: Paper, pens or pencils. tions they will face upon their return. Give
Give each camper a piece of paper and thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit. You
pen or pencil. Ask the campers to write one may sing “Spirit of the Living God” (by
or several things they would like someone Daniel Iverson) or chose a song from the
else to pray for this week on their behalf. “Worship Resources” for today to draw
For example, a camper might write “my sick worship to a close.
friend back home” or “a really great time at
camp.” They can write as many things as
they want on this paper. Ask the campers to
put their name at the top of the paper. After
they have completed this, tell them to make
Day 2: pull the film out of the canister until it is all
exposed. When we are sorry for things we
have done, God forgives us and they no
We’re Forgiven longer exist!
Invite everyone to hold a piece of the
Bible basis exposed film. Pray together a prayer of
thanks and forgiveness.
Go Back Romans 8:26-27 (Through the Spirit, we are
forgiven.)
Clean as a new penny
Picture perfect LUI
L Materials: Old pennies (several for each par-
ticipant), three small bowls (one with salt,
Bible basis: Psalm 139:1-2 one with vinegar, one with salt and vinegar),
paper towels.
Key verse: O LORD, you have searched me
As you give pennies to each camper, ask
and known me. You know when I sit down
them to look at the coins closely. What do
and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts
they see? Do the coins look like they did
from far away. (Psalm 139:1-2)
when they were new? (No, they’re dirty.)
Materials: Camera and film (inexpensive, 12 When we try to hide our sinful actions and
exposure) or a pretend camera made out of thoughts, we feel separated from God. Ask a
Small Group Worship

a cardboard box with a roll of overexposed volunteer to read Psalm 139:1-2. Can we
film inside. hide from God? The Holy Spirit is always
During today’s worship, campers will take with us. But when we ask for forgiveness,
a close look at their weaknesses. Compared our hearts become clean. It is as if the sin
to Jesus’ example, it is clear that we will never existed!
never live up to the model put before us. But Invite the campers to discover which solu-
remind campers that Jesus promised we tion cleans their pennies.
would never be alone. He sent us an advo- • Place a penny in the salt bowl. Does it
cate to help us do God’s will and keep us clean the penny? (No.)
connected to God. Who is that advocate? • Place a penny in the vinegar bowl. Does it
(The Holy Spirit!) clean the penny? (No.)
When we sin, we forget that the Spirit is
with us, trying to help us do God’s will. Ask
• Place a penny in the salt and vinegar
bowl. When pennies are placed in the
campers to share times when they find it hard vinegar and salt solution, tell campers to
to do what is right. What makes them feel watch closely. Tiny bubbles will appear on
angry or jealous? While campers talk, take the surface.
out the camera and take pictures of them.
As they watch their pennies bubble, tell
How would they feel if the Spirit took pic-
them that the vinegar, salt, and copper are
tures of their sins? (Ashamed, embarrassed.)
cleaning the pennies. The campers can wipe
Pass the camera around and let each child
and rub their pennies clean with paper tow-
take a picture. Ask the campers whether
els. They look like new pennies!
there is ever a day the Spirit wouldn’t catch
Discuss with campers how salt and vine-
one of their weaknesses in a picture. (No.)
gar alone couldn’t clean the penny. It took
Why not? (We are not perfect.)
both things working together to get the
Take the finished role of film out of the
penny clean.
camera. Ask the children if they know what
would happen to the pictures on the film if
they were exposed to the light. (The pictures
would be ruined.) Open the container and
It takes us working with the Holy Spirit 1-18. Then ask campers to imagine they are
to discover the cleansing of forgiveness! Michelangelo, preparing to paint their
Holding their “new” pennies, give campers favorite image from this psalm. Ask, “What
an opportunity to thank God for the forgive- will you paint? How will you portray the
ness of our sins. psalmist? What will God be doing?”
Weakness Secret keeper

and strength SA
Writer Frederick Buechner says he has come
LUAI to believe that by and large, the human fam-
Materials: Modeling clay or playdough. ily has all has the same secrets, which are
Give each camper a lump of clay or play- both telling and important to tell. Buechner’s
dough. Ask them to create something they point is that we really do want to be known
consider weak or fragile, such as a bird, in our full humanness but it is also what we
baby, egg, or seashell. When the creations fear most. A paradox!
are finished, have the group guess what each Ask campers to be silent, close their eyes,
object is. Why do we consider these things and “go” with their mind and spirit to their
to be weak? center, aware of their breathing and of their
Next, ask campers to create something frailties and failings. Buechner says that by
they think reflects strength, such as a lion, entering that deep place inside us where our
Small Group Worship

barbells, tornado, or tree. Why do we con- secrets are kept, we come closer to the One
sider these things to be strong? who, whether we realize it or not, is of all
Conclude by creating a cross. Show it to our secrets the most telling and the most
the campers and ask them what the cross precious to tell.
reminds them of. (Jesus, the crucifixion, our When they’ve had time to center them-
sins are forgiven.) Is the cross a symbol of selves and you’ve shared Buechner’s insight
weakness? Is it a symbol of strength? Is it about secrets, invite them to spend time in
both? Invite campers’ comments, then ask silent prayer. (To learn more about
how Christians are both weak and strong. Buechner’s insights, read Listening to Your
(The Holy Spirit makes us strong amid our Life by Frederick Buechner).
weakness. The Spirit gets between us and
our weakness, lifting us up to receive God’s
love.) Lamenting the
night away
Michelangelo and me SA
UJSA Materials: Bibles, paper or journals, pens.
Materials: Michelangelo’s The Creation of A prayer of lament, often found in
Man (check the Web if you cannot locate a Psalms, is a prayer in which we speak our
print). sadness or anger to God. Using Psalms
Talk about the way the artist represents 42–43 as a guide, have campers write their
God and man in the painting. Ask campers own prayers of lament.
to look closely at the hand of God and the Hand out paper or if they have journals,
hand of man. Who is reaching out to whom? this is a good time to use them. Invite
(God is reaching toward the man. God campers to write words or phrases about
touches us with the Holy Spirit, giving us what saddens them, either in their own lives
life.) or in the world. Then have them write
With that image in their minds, ask words or phrases that express their confi-
campers to turn to Psalm 139. Take turns dence in God. Lastly, invite them to ask God
reading the psalm aloud, particularly verses for help in the midst of their sadness.
After they’ve written, allow time to shape • His only son
what they’ve written into a psalm. Invite the
campers to share the psalms as closing devo-
• Everyone who believes
tions, if they wish. • May have eternal life
This is an interactive way to teach John
3:16 both to children and adults. During
The flame of the Spirit worship, teach the verse by having the group
JSAI repeat it with you. Do this two or three
times, then begin to toss the balloons into
Materials: 3" (8 cm) square of red (or an-
the group, challenging them to keep the bal-
other color) paper for each participant, cross
loons in the air without touching the ground.
with a long nail sticking out from the center,
Emphasize that we have freedom and joy in
water in a large can placed under or by the
the gift of God’s love and forgiveness.
cross (for safety), matches. (Note: Before
using matches, check your local fire codes
and your camp’s fire policies regarding the Fist prayer
use of open flames.)
Pass out a piece of paper to each partici-
LUJSAI
pant as she or he arrives to worship. Red Ask the campers to hold their hands in front
paper is best, but any color will do. After all of them and think of someone who said
have been seated and worship has begun, something or did something to make them
ask each to reflect on something for which angry. Tell them to imagine this person in
Small Group Worship

she or he is sorry and for which she or he the palm of their left hand. Ask them to
needs forgiveness, and write it on the paper. think of another person with whom they are
Explain that all our sins were forgiven on angry and imagine this person and his or her
the cross, through Jesus, the Son of God. As actions sitting in their right hand. Tell them
each person comes forward to the cross, to curl their hands into balls. They’ve made
have him or her “nail” his or her sin on the fists. Fists can show that a person is ready to
cross by placing the paper on the nail. When fight. While their hands are in fists, ask them
all have come forward, say, “Through the to repeat after you the following words:
power of God’s Spirit and the gift of grace, “God, forgive them. Help me to forgive
all our sins are forgiven. In Jesus’ name we them.” As they say this, they should slowly
pray. Amen.” Then light several corners of open their hands and stretch them out in
paper so they burn evenly. The effect is best front in a receiving position. Tell the
when it is dark. Ask the group to be silent, campers that now they are ready to receive
or play quiet music. After the paper has God’s forgiveness.
burned out, there should be a rose shape in Close by saying together the Lord’s Prayer.
the middle of the cross. If they do not know it by heart, say it line
by line, with the group repeating it after
you.
We are free
LUJSAI Clean again with
Materials: Seven balloons, each with some-
thing different written on it in permanent water
marker: JSA
• For God Materials: Cups of water (optional).
• So loved Give each camper a cup of water or go to
• The world the water’s edge. Talk about the qualities of
• He gave water. What does water do? When is it use-
ful? When is it harmful? Ask what happens
when people are baptized. (Water is used.)
Remind campers that in baptism they are he usually does at that time of day. Brain-
made new. Water reminds us of the drown- storm ways that God can be remembered
ing of our sins. It also reminds us of being and praised throughout the day.
made clean. Briefly talk about sin and Take out the calendar and give each
explain that there are two kinds of sin: the camper a sticker. Invite them to find their
sin of commission (doing something we birthday on the calendar, place their sticker
know we shouldn’t do) and the sin of omis- on that date, and share how they feel loved
Go Back sion (not doing something we know we by God.
should do). Invite campers to think of some-
thing for which they are sorry. If they think
they have nothing to confess at the moment, A gift of heart
tell them to ask God to forgive the wrong L
things they do without knowing it. Invite Materials: Paper, markers, stickers, glue,
them to say a prayer asking God’s forgive- glitter glue.
ness. When they are done, have them take Give each camper a piece of paper to fold
the water and wash their faces in it to sym- into a card and explain that they are going
bolize the washing away of sin. When every- to make cards with the message of God’s
one is done, read Psalm 51:10. love to give away. Have them think of some-
one they love a lot. It’s easy to want to work
Day 3: hard and do your best for someone you love.

As the children are working on their cards,
Small Group Worship

discuss the following questions: Are there
We’re Loved people who are hard to love? (Yes. People
who are mean, unclean, or strangers are pos-
Bible basis sible answers.)” Would it be easy or difficult
to give the cards they’re making to these
1 John 4:12-21 (The Spirit calls us to love as
people?
we are loved.)
Instruct campers to hold their cards as
you pray together, “Thank you, God, for
Take the time flooding us with love. Help and guide us to
reach out to all people in love. Amen”
L
Bible basis: Matthew 22:34-40
Call and response
Key verse: You shall love the Lord your LUJSAI
God with all your heart, and with all your
soul, and with all your mind.…You shall Teach campers the following call and
love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew response from Deuteronomy 6:4:
22:37, 39) LEADER: Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our
God!
Materials: Index cards numbered 1-12,
CAMPERS: The Lord alone!
calendar, stickers that fit in the calendar
spaces. Discuss what it means to say that the Lord
Give an index card to each camper and is our God. What does it mean to claim that
say that you will be making a large, life-size God is our only God? Use the call and re-
clock. Ask them to stand in the spot where sponse during worship, as well as a call for
their number is found on the face of a clock. attention, for gathering, or for rallying the
Give everyone a chance to be the “hands” of group throughout the day.
the clock. Have the hands point to a time.
Then choose a camper to share what she or
Light of the world to offer petitions for the prayer, but give
them an idea by guiding the prayer with
UJSAI these categories of concern: the world, our
First Timothy 6:16 speaks of Jesus dwelling church, our country and its leaders, those
in “unapproachable light.” Reflect on that who have special needs, our families and
image as campers gather around a blazing friends, ourselves.
campfire. Compare the light from the fire For instance, pray, “We pray for our
with the way Jesus lights the darkness in the world,” and invite them to respond, “We
world. Experience the fire’s heat by carefully love because God first loved us.” Then allow
and safely moving toward it until the heat time for them to offer a word, phrase, or
becomes “unapproachable.” Then back sentence about world concerns, such as,
away and ask campers if Jesus has ever “Our sisters and brothers in Africa who are
seemed unapproachable to them. If so, HIV positive.” Close that category by saying
when? When are we most likely to back (and having them join with you), “We love
away from Jesus, standing a comfortable dis- because God first loved us.” Then move on
tance away from him? to the next category.
Conclude by assuring campers that Jesus
is never out of our reach. Jesus’ love pene-
trates our lives and lights our way. Prayer flags of love
JSAI
Love letters Materials: 81⁄2" x 11" (22 cm x 28 cm) pieces
Small Group Worship

of fabric or paper, markers or crayons, rib-
UJSA bon or yarn, paper punch, clothespins,
Materials: Paper, pens, envelopes. clothesline.
If there’s a favorite camp song that has to In Nepal, prayer flags are used as a way
do with love, sing it together to begin the to lift up prayer to God. The flags are hung
evening small group worship. If you have outside, in colorful arrays of fabric. Using
With One Voice books available, sing or this concept, make “Flags of Love for the
read together “Loving Spirit” (683) or “Jesu, World.”
Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love” (765). Involve worshipers in this activity by ask-
Give the campers paper, envelopes, and ing them to write a prayer or draw a picture
pens and say that God needs them as scribes. of their prayer for the world. It can be a
If they wrote themselves a love letter, on general prayer or a prayer for a specific
behalf of God, what would they write? country and its people. Attach ribbon or
Allow them time to think and write. yarn to the top corners of the prayer flags.
When they’ve finished, have them seal the (Do not attach the flags to the clothesline
letter in an envelope addressed to themselves now.) Have each person, after completing his
and give the envelope to you. When all have or her flag, gather in a circle—a symbol of
written their letters, hand them out again, the shape of our world. Begin a prayer for
asking the each person to use her or his let- the world: “Lord, we know that your loving
ter as a loving closure to the day. Invite all hand created this world in love. We ask your
to respond to God in silent prayer. special blessings as we pray.” Invite each
participant to pray his or her prayer. After
Litany of love each petition, the group says, “Lord, we
know that your loving hand created this
UJSAI world in love,” and the person hangs his or
Tell campers that this small group worship her flag on the clothesline that you strung
will be built on the recurring phrase from between two trees or posts and returns to
today’s scripture: “We love because [God] the circle.
first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Ask campers
A drop of love Day 4:
LAI
Materials: Large piece of poster board or
construction paper.
We’re Gathered
Today’s theme is about the love God has Bible basis
for God’s people. This is a good illustration
Go Back Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Spirit gathers us into
for the day’s theme because it combines the
community.)
concept of baptism and love. Before wor-
ship, fold the paper in half lengthwise and
draw one half of a heart on one side. This Knit us together
shape resembles a drop of water. When
unfolded the shape emerges into a heart
L
shape. Use this object to remind people of Bible basis: Colossians 3:14
their baptism into love!
Key verse: Above all, clothe yourselves with
love, which binds everything together in per-
Hugged by the fect harmony. (Colossians 3:14)
Holy Spirit Materials: Ball of yarn.

When campers are seated in a circle, ask a
UJSA volunteer to hold the ball of yarn by the
Small Group Worship

God shows love to us by sending us the loose end. Have him or her toss the ball to
Holy Spirit. Stand in a circle and ask the someone across the circle as he or she names
campers to think of one thing for which they something special about that camper. That
are thankful. After a minute or two of person holds the yarn as he or she tosses the
silence for thinking, start a prayer by pray- ball to someone else and names something
ing, “Thank you, God, for _____,” and fill special about that camper. When everyone
in the blank. Go around the circle, with each has shared, point out the yarn pattern in the
person adding her or his prayer. When the circle. Remind the campers how we all are
prayer returns to you, pray, “Thank you, connected together by the Holy Spirit. We
God, for the hug you give us through the have the power to make our connections
presence of the Holy Spirit.” Have a group stronger by building each other up with
hug and end with a joyful shout of “Amen!” encouragement and compliments. The pat-
tern would change and not be as strong if
even one member of the group dropped his
Love songs or her hold on the string.
J While “knit” together, offer a prayer of
Stand in a circle and ask campers to cross thankfulness for the Spirit who brought you
their arms in front of them and hold the together for the week.
hands of the campers on either side. As you
stand in this position, sing one or more
familiar camp songs and youth group songs Bubble gum walk
about love. For example, you could sing, LU
“Love Round” or “Love, Love, Love, that’s Materials: For each camper: piece of bubble
What it’s All About” or “They’ll Know We gum, plastic sandwich bag, and one piece
Are Christians by Our Love.” Sing as many of stiff paper. (Note: Before serving any
songs as you like. Perhaps some campers food, always check with caregivers for
will think of additional songs. campers who have food allergies. Provide an
alternative if necessary.)
Today during worship time, go on a short
walk. Pass out gum and a plastic bag to each
Right prayer
child, and invite campers to chew the gum SA
during the walk. As you walk through Sit in a circle and ask a volunteer to read
woods, park, beach, or path, point out how today’s scripture (Ephesians 4:1-6) as a way
well everything works together in creation. to begin closing worship. Ask the campers to
Birds live in the trees, bees drink from the think about the person on their right as they
flowers, and we eat the food that is grown. listen to the key words of this text: calling,
Every part of creation is important. While humility, gentleness, patience, unity, and
walking, encourage campers to pick up small peace.
items (remind them not to collect anything When the verses have been read, ask them
that is living), such as a stone, twig, flower, to offer a prayer for that person. It may be
fallen leaf, or bark, to place in their sand- as simple as “Thank you, God, for Jason’s
wich bags. At the end of the walk, invite patience” or as personal and complex as “I
campers to sit on the ground. Hand out the pray, dear God, for the problems our group
paper and instruct campers to take out their had bonding today. And I thank you that
gum and spread it onto the paper. Using the Lateesha was an example of your gentleness
gum as their “glue,” campers will put their in this world.” Close by reading the text a
nature findings into the gum. final time.
Tell campers their “Bubble Gum Collage”
will remind them of how we all are impor-
Prayer of unity
Small Group Worship

tant pieces of God’s community!
UJSAI
New rags for old Materials: Construction paper, scissors, tape,
markers.
UJSA Put the materials in front of the campers
The story “Ragman” (Ragman: And Other and tell them they are going to make a
Cries of Faith by Walter Wangerin Jr.) is a prayer chain of unity to offer God, and hang
symbolic retelling of Jesus’ life, death, and it in a central place. It may even have small-
resurrection. Share the story with the group, er chains added to it.
then reflect on Colossians 3:14: “Above all, Just like paper chains strung around
clothe yourselves with love, which binds Christmas trees, the prayer chain of unity
everything together in perfect harmony.” will be made of 6" x 2" (15 cm x 5 cm) slips
of paper made into a circle, linked to the
next circle, and taped.
Circle of blessing Invite campers to write a person’s name or
LUJSAI a concern they have on as many slips as they
Help campers affirm the members of their want to use. When all have had a chance to
group at the close of worship by gathering in add their slips to the chain, raise it up as a
a close circle with one camper in the center. silent prayer to God or have everyone say
Have everyone touch the camper as a way of her or his name or concerns at the same
blessing him or her as a leader recites 1 time. Put it in a place where more links can
Corinthians 1:4: “I give thanks to my God be added.
always for you, (name), because of the grace
of God that has been given you in Christ
Jesus.”
After everyone has received a blessing,
offer prayers of thanks to God for gathering
this group together.
Standing together Community prayer
SAI of thanks
Materials: Large piece of poster board or a
light-colored sheet, water-based paints in
UJSAI
primary colors in containers large enough Ask campers to find a partner. Invite the
for feet, large buckets of soapy water and pairs to think of something around them
towels for cleanup. Write “Our Community that would symbolize a gift their friend has.
in Christ!” on a large sheet of poster board Ask them to search for this thing and bring
or fabric sheet. (Note: Use a paint depth of it back (remind them not to destroy anything
1
⁄2" [1 cm] or less in the containers so there that is living). When all have returned with
will be less mess. Containers can be refilled their gifts, tell campers to sit in a circle next
as needed.) to their partner. Take turns going around the
This is a messy activity, so you may want circle, giving each camper an opportunity to
to find a flat, grassy area for this. Before present the symbol to his or her friend. For
beginning, introduce today’s focus. Say, example, a camper who selects an acorn may
“Today we gather together to worship in a say, “You are like an oak tree—your faith is
different way. On this day we celebrate the strong and sturdy.” Someone who selects a
gathering of God’s community who walks blade of grass might say, “You are like this
together with the Holy Spirit’s guidance to blade of grass because you blow with the
journey in our faith as God’s servants. Today wind of the Spirit.” After each person says
Small Group Worship

we will symbolize that walk by putting our his or her sentence, the whole group re-
footprints on this banner. After you have sponds by saying, “Thank you, God, for
dipped your feet in the paint and made your _____,” and names the person who is being
footprints, go to the servants (point to the described.
buckets of soapy water) and have your feet
washed, just as Jesus washed his disciples’
feet before his arrest and crucifixion. God
Litany
wants us to be his disciples in the world. We J
are gathered in Christ’s name as we celebrate To help campers remember that they are
the gathering of God’s community.” unique and important members of the whole
community of faith and that they have their
own individual gifts to share, tell them that
Called and gathered they will each offer their own petition for a
AI litany. The prayer will be made of many
Materials: Ball of yarn. petitions, but it will be one prayer lifted up
Gather the worshipers in a circle and ask by the community. The prayer can thank
them to think about what God calls us to do God, seek God’s forgiveness, or could be
in community (share, serve, forgive are pos- made on behalf of others. Give the group
sible answers). Tell them you will begin by time to work on it. (You might assign this at
naming one way God calls us to act, such as the beginning of the day and close with the
“Serve.” Throw the yarn ball across the cir- litany at the end of the day.) Sit or stand in a
cle while holding the end of the yarn. The circle. Invite the person next to you to say
next person does the same, and so on, until his or her petition. After she or he is done
all in the group are interconnected. Pray a with the petition, he or she should say,
prayer of praise for the “called and gath- “Lord, in your mercy,” and the rest of the
ered,” the community of Christ. campers should respond with, “Hear our
prayer.”
Day 5: Bubble send-off
L
We’re Sent Materials: Bubble solution, bubble wands.
During this worship, take campers to an
Bible basis open area. Tell children you will be sending
bubbles to the sky. Each time campers blow
Go Back John 20:19-23 (The Spirit sends forth our
bubbles, offer prayers for family, friends,
community into the world.)
and each other. As the group watches the
last bubbles float to the sky, remind campers
Into the unknown that they are also being sent out to share the
love of God with others. As the bubbles go
treasure hunt whichever way the wind blows them, we fol-
L low the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Bible basis: John 20:19-23

Key verse: “As the Father has sent me, so
Spirit prayers
I send you.” When [Jesus] had said this, he
UAI
breathed on them and said to them, “Re- Materials: Paper, pens or pencils.
ceive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22) Ask campers to create prayers by writing
the word SPIRIT vertically down the center
Small Group Worship

Materials: Sticker for each camper. Ahead of of a sheet of paper and using the letters of
time, place five clues outside around the the word to form other words within the
camp area. Each clue should lead the group prayer. For example:
closer to where the “treasure” is hidden. Holy S pirit,
Make the clues easy to follow.
Help us live in P eace.
When all the campers have gathered,
hand them the first clue to send them on the I n all we do
“treasure” hunt. Don’t give them any other R emind us of Jesus.
hints. Campers won’t know exactly where I nspire us to serve.
they are going or what they will find at the T each us to love. Amen
end.
Afterward, when each camper has
received her or his “treasure,” talk with Back and forth
them about their experience: Why did they UJSA
go on the hunt? (They were sent.) Did they
Help campers recall the daily themes from
know where they would end up? (No.) Why
the past week (Day 1: We’re Gifted; Day
did they listen to you? (They trust you, you
2: We’re Forgiven; Day 3: We’re Loved; Day
wouldn’t let them get hurt or into trouble.)
4: We’re Gathered; Day 5: We’re Sent). Then
When we are told that we are being sent into
have them reflect on their camp experience
the world to share God’s Word, we don’t
by completing the following statements:
know where we’re going or what we will
find, but we trust that the Holy Spirit is with • The best gift I received this week was…
us! • I felt forgiven when…
• I felt loved when…
• My favorite camp gathering was…
Then ask campers to reflect on what gifts
the Holy Spirit is sending them home to
share. Ask them to join you in prayer as
they complete the following prayer petition: scars of all—the ones Jesus received on our
“Holy Spirit, help me to _____.” When behalf. It is because of God’s great love that
everyone who wishes to has prayed, end we are healed, again and again.
with “Amen.”
Sending spiral
Forgiveness circle JSAI
SA Go to a large field and ask all worshipers to
Materials: With One Voice. stand in a circle. Ask them to think about
In today’s scripture, Jesus reminds the dis- what they have learned this week at camp
ciples—and us—that our sins are forgiven. and what they will be taking back with them
We hold too many grudges and keep track (answers will vary). Ask them to think of
of too many sins when we could give them these as you lead the group in making a
to God. human spiral. Ask them to join hands and
One at a time, have each person sit in the follow in silence or sing a favorite contem-
middle of a circle, with everyone else placing plative song. Break the circle and lead one
his or her hands on that person’s head or end to the middle of the circle. Leaving that
shoulders. As a group, say, “(Name), in line there, ask the person in the middle to
God’s mercy, Jesus died for you and for his remain there. Then, taking the other end of
sake God forgives you all your sins. Receive the line, lead the group around in a spiral
the gift of the Holy Spirit.” motion until all are wrapped in the spiral.
Small Group Worship

As a closing, sing “Listen, God Is Calling” Then offer a prayer.
(712). Pray, “Lord, we have had the gift of this
community this week. Soon we will go away
from each other, back to our homes, our
Scar-y stories jobs, our families. We know that as we have
SA journeyed in our faith together, we are
If your group is in the mood to tell stories joined together in an unbreakable bond of
on the last night, use the day’s scripture as a Christian love. As we are sent out, let us
jumping-off point. In his Gospel account, resolve to share this love with all whom God
John says that when Jesus appeared before places in our path.” Then recite part of the
the disciples he showed them the scars in his theme scripture for today, “As the Father
side and hands. has sent me, so send I you. Receive the Holy
We, too, have scars. Some of them are Spirit.” “Unwrap” the spiral as you sing a
physical, and others are emotional. Invite sending song.
group members tell stories about how they
got a scar. For instance, “I have this tiny
scar on my right hand. When I notice it, I
Benediction bracelet
remember the time my parents left me on a UJSAI
friend’s farm while they were in Europe. I Materials: Yarn or cord (all the same color)
broke a jar getting water from the well.” cut into 10"-12" (25 cm-30 cm) lengths.
Stories may be funny, but they might also Ask the group to make a circle, either sit-
be serious. They will likely be revealing. ting or standing. Lead the group in a discus-
Encourage everyone to participate, but do sion by asking the following questions or
not force anyone to do so. Just when you’ve some of your own:
spent the week together and think you’ve • What have you learned this week at
heard everything, a scar-y story comes along. camp?
Ask everyone to pray for her or his own • What will you remember the most?
scar(s) or those of a friend made in this
group. Thank God for the most important
When the group has finished discussing
and reminiscing about the week, pass the
This little light of mine
yarn or cord around, asking each person to LUJI
take one. Explain that this is a “Benediction Materials: Flashlights.
Bracelet.” It is simple because our life at Sing “This Little Light of Mine” together. As
camp this week has been about living simply, you sing, encourage campers to wave their
relaxing, and enjoying God’s creation. They flashlights around to show their “light”
are all the same color because even though shining. If the group seems interested, it can
we will leave this place and may never see make up more stanzas.
some of the people in the circle again, we are
connected in the Spirit, in the love of God.
Take your piece of yarn or cord, tie it to We’re sent
the wrist of the person to your right, and J
give her or him a blessing, such as “Go with In the style of passing of the peace (where
God” or “God be with you.” Invite that per- people greet one another), have campers do
son to do the same to the person to his or a “sending out” of each other with this
her right. Continue around the circle. End experience. Tell them to greet everybody
by leading the group in the words of the individually. They may greet someone with a
benediction: “The Lord bless you and keep hug or a handshake. After this, they should
you. The Lord make his face to shine upon take turns giving one another a blessing. The
you and be gracious unto you. In the name first person makes the sign of the cross on
Small Group Worship

of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy the other person’s forehead. As the person
Spirit. Go in peace and serve the Lord.” The makes the sign of the cross, he or she says,
group responds, “Thanks be to God!” “Go in peace to serve the Lord, in the name
of the Father and the Son and the Holy
Spirit. Amen.” The other person responds,
“Thanks be to God.” They reverse roles
before going onto another person. Give the
campers plenty of time to greet everyone.
Introduction to Lower
Elementary/Day Camp
Welcome to Spiritlife! You • Your campers will likely go home each
and the campers will be studying afternoon. This means you will need to
the unique and rewarding relationship we “reorient” them each morning. Consider
have with the Holy Spirit. Through this giving them theme-related activities to do
theme, you will have the opportunity to dis- together with their families each night.
cover how closely the Holy Spirit keeps us
connected to our Lord. Campers will learn
that they are never alone because of the The setting
Holy Spirit’s constant presence in their lives. Whether in a camp or congregational set-
They are intimately known and loved. They ting, take advantage of the outdoor spaces
have been gathered into a community of available to you. It is so much easier to
faith, filled with gifts to share. They are sent relate the Spiritlife activities and stories to
by the Spirit to go into the world and spread God’s creation when you are surrounded by
the good news of God’s love. it! Consider using parks, playgrounds,
Spiritlife Bible studies are designed for beaches, or gardens as settings for your Bible
kindergarten through third grade campers. studies. Be outside! Even a rainy day can
The activities are designed for use in either a become special if you are prepared.
camp setting or a congregational day camp
program.
Objectives
Day camp These Bible study sessions will help lower
elementary campers and their leaders:
Day camp offers exciting camp activities to
children who may not yet be old enough to
• discover the Holy Spirit as a real and
active being present in their lives every
attend a summer Bible camp. Day camp is day, loving, helping and caring for them.
an important opportunity to reach out and
minister to the youngest members of our • recognize the Holy Spirit as a member of
the triune God.
church family. Lower elementary campers
will likely approach each activity and chal- • see themselves as important members of
lenge with enthusiasm. Giving your time the community of Christ, filled with the
and effort shows campers that you care for gifts of the Holy Spirit.
them—and God does too!
• Most of your campers may already know About lower
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
each other; however, there will likely be

some participants from other congrega-
tions, as well as those from the wider
elementary campers
Familiarizing yourself with the abilities and
community.
interests of lower elementary campers will
• You may have multiage camper groups. make the time you spend together much
This can be a great asset, as the older more rewarding. Most lower elementary
campers can be called upon to help and children are full of energy and curiosity.
encourage the younger campers. You can Expect a lot of questions! They also love to
facilitate each age group’s unique abilities share stories about their own experiences. Be
by giving campers special “jobs” each day, sure to leave time for sharing during every
such as snack servers, readers, actors, and session. In this multiage group, there will be
worship leaders.
readers and nonreaders. Some campers will Each Spiritlife session contains many ideas
be beginning their school experience, and and activities to fill your time together in
others will have several years behind them. faith-enriching ways, but your presence will
Their social, communication, and motor likely be the most memorable part of the
skills will also be diverse. Try to not feel children’s camp experience. Your excitement,
intimidated by such diversity, but appreciate love for God, and interest in the campers’
the uniqueness each child brings to your lives will make a powerful impact on your
group. The following suggestions may help group. Expect that the Holy Spirit will touch
you channel your campers’ abilities in posi- their lives through you. And don’t be sur-
tive ways: prised when the Spirit touches you with the
• Lower elementary children like to be faith and wonder of your campers.
active most of the time; however, they tire
easily and appreciate short periods of rest Special hints
between activities. The stories and verses explored in Spiritlife
• Planning a variety of 10- to 20-minute are filled with wonderful images and promis-
activities will nurture their limited atten- es of the richness the Spirit brings to our
tion spans. Occasionally changing your lives. Depending on the reading and writing
location or position may also increase level of your group, the activities may need
their level of interest. to be modified. Remember to be flexible and
• Lower elementary children often have dif- work with the strengths of the campers.
ficulty grasping concepts that are abstract Each Bible study includes a “Faith
or unfamiliar. This may make the reality Booster” that can be used to answer ques-
of the Holy Spirit difficult for many of tions campers may have about the Trinity
them to understand. Connecting vague and the Spirit’s relationship with God the
concepts to concrete images and real-life Father and Jesus. Several of the key Bible
experiences will help when discussing the verses use words that may be unfamiliar to
presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. your campers. Be prepared to explain their
• Most young children love to make-believe meaning. Share personal faith stories with
and pretend play. Build on this interest your campers. Express your joy in knowing
whenever it fits into your session. Most that the Spirit is with you, helping you bring
lower elementary children love stories and to life the message of these studies.
are just beginning to grow more aware of Materials needed for the activities are list-
the needs and feelings of others. ed at the beginning of each session. Group
games, projects, and activities are included
• Although some of the children you work to help the group explore the daily theme.
with may readily affirm God’s love, others
may raise questions or concerns about Children of all ages benefit from discovering
God’s love for them and others. Listen to solutions to problems. Be sure to allow time
your campers’ concerns carefully. Express for sharing and discussion at the end of each
activity or project.
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
genuine interest in their questions. Don’t

be afraid to say that you don’t have all Each Bible study includes a “Bible
the answers to troubling questions. Lov- Exploration.” To signify a change in activi-
ingly reassure campers using simple, easily ties and provide consistency, consider using a
understood language. “Explorer’s Backpack.” Your backpack
could include an “exploring hat,” binocu-
Be prepared to be flexible! Take your lead
lars, magnifying glasses for the campers,
from the campers in your group. Anything
map, compass, and other appropriate gear.
from an unplanned restroom break to a
skinned knee may change your plans. Ap-
proach each session with a target goal in
mind, and choose more than enough activi-
ties to help you reach that goal.
Whenever you pull out the explorer’s back- Finally, as you prepare for each day’s ses-
pack and put on your hat, the campers will sion, begin with prayer. Pray for each of
know it’s time to dig in and explore the your campers. Imagine the Spirit descending
Bible! They will soon begin to anticipate like a dove into their lives, blowing through
your dramatics each day, creating excitement your meeting area with winds of inspiration,
within the group. and filling each of you to overflowing with
love and joy as you build a community in
Christ.
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
Orientation Event
The first time you gather together with your • Bring a large bag of M&Ms or other col-
campers is important. You will set the stage ored candies. Pour several candies into
for the rest of your time together. Greet your each camper’s hand. Don’t eat them yet!
campers enthusiastically and treat them like The colors of the candies will help them
long-awaited guests! Plan an orientation share a few things about themselves with
event for the day or evening before camp the rest of the group. If they have the fol-
begins. This will be a great way to prepare lowing color, invite them to share some-
campers and their families for what’s ahead! thing about the corresponding subject:
blue family
The event red hobbies
orange pets
• Gather everyone together and teach a few brown friends
camp songs that will be sung during the yellow interests
week. purple game/toy
• Share the Spiritlife theme through a camp Whoever has the fewest candies starts the
staff skit. sharing. Remember that your participation is
• Introduce camp leaders and share a important too! (Note: Before serving any
general daily schedule. food, always check with caregivers for
Before the event, set up several activity campers who have food allergies. Provide an
stations that offer a glimpse of the week alternative if necessary.)
ahead: • A name game is helpful, especially for
• “Make It and Take It”: choose an easy, you! Gather the group in a circle and give
theme-related craft for campers to make campers a few minutes to think of an
and take home. action they can do as they say their name
• “Game Station”: play a fun, low-risk, (such as clap hands, thumbs-up gesture,
high-energy game that involves campers as jumping jack, and so on). Everyone in the
well as adults. group will repeat each camper’s name and
action before moving on.
• “Snack Station”: Offer a “campy” snack
(such as trail mix) and a drink. • Give campers an opportunity to learn
more about you. Share several things
• Name tags: Help campers make and deco- about yourself—some that are real and
rate name tags using stickers, stamps, gel
pens, and markers. Then encourage them some that are make-believe. Try to think
to wear their name tag to the first day of of things that the children will think are
camp. funny or unusually interesting. See who
can guess which things are make-believe.
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
Group building Introduce the Spiritlife theme to the

campers and tell them that every day they
The first time you meet with your camper
will be learning more about the Holy Spirit.
group will provide an important opportunity
End with a prayer, asking for a great week
to set the tone for the rest of the week. Even
together and thanking God for each of your
if your campers know each other, plan a few
campers.
icebreakers to help them learn more about
each other:
Daily Stories
Day 1: A voice called from downstairs. “Are you
ready to go to the park?”
Teddy bear blues Danny jumped off the bed. “Ready,
Grandpa!” (To be continued tomorrow.)
“Danny! Do you want to go outside and
play catch?” Grandpa called up the stairs.
“No, thanks,” Danny said, sprawled on
Discussion questions
his bed with his head in his hands. • Why was Danny feeling sad and lonely,
“How about baking some cookies, then?” even though he was with his sister and
Grandma suggested. “We could make choco- grandparents?
late chip!” Danny wished they would just • Even though Danny wasn’t with his par-
leave him alone. He loved his grandparents a ents, how did they make him feel safe and
lot and always liked staying at their house, loved?
but this time was different. It would be a • What gift has God given us so that we are
whole week without Mom and Dad. The never alone? (The Holy Spirit.)
longest he’d ever been away from them be-
fore was for a weekend. This would be seven
whole nights! Danny’s stomach did a flip Day 2: A good deal
when he thought about spending the night, Maddie walked down the block to her new
in the dark, without his parents nearby. friend Sadie’s house. Her backpack was
Danny heard someone running up the filled with her stuffed animal collection.
stairs. His big sister, Maddie, raced into the Sadie had a collection, too, and they planned
room. “Get up, lazy bones! Grandpa’s tak- to spend the morning playing with them.
ing us to the park!” But Danny just sniffled Maddie waved to Sadie as she walked up
and sighed. the drive. But before the girls had gone into
“What’s the matter?” Maddie asked. Sadie’s house, Sadie’s brother, Ryan, came
“Aren’t you lonely for Mom and Dad?” around the corner.
Danny asked. “How would you two like to earn some
“Sure, I miss them,” said Maddie. “But money this morning?” Ryan asked. “Mom
remember the present they gave us before told me to weed the garden, but Jake just
they left?” asked me to go fishing with him. If you
Maddie reached inside Danny’s suitcase weed the garden for me, I’ll pay you!”
and pulled out a teddy bear with a watch Maddie and Sadie looked at each other
around its furry wrist. She handed it to and smiled. With the money Ryan paid
Danny and he buried his face in the bear’s them, they could buy new animals for their
fur. It smelled just like Mom. Before leaving collections!
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
on their trip, Mom had spritzed the bear “Okay!” they said together. “We’ll weed
with her perfume and Dad had fastened his the garden!”
watch around the bear’s wrist. “Great,” said Ryan. “I’ll leave the money
Maddie put her arm around Danny. on the kitchen counter. You can get it when
“Whenever we’re scared or lonely, we can you’re done.”
hug the bear. And no matter what time it is, An hour later, Maddie and Sadie were hot
we can look at the watch and know that and tired, but they had done a good job and
Mom and Dad are thinking about us. Re- were eager to collect their pay. Tired as they
member?” Danny nodded and hugged the were, the girls raced into the kitchen, talking
bear as tight as he could. He felt a lot better. about the animals they wanted to buy. But
when they saw the money on the counter, “He’s wearing a real pilot’s jacket! It
they stopped in their tracks. Ryan had left belonged to my Grandpa,” Maddie said
them only two pennies! (To be continued angrily.
tomorrow.) But Danny wished she would stop talking
to the boys. He felt embarrassed and
Discussion questions thought people were staring at him. The
• How do you think Maddie and Sadie felt boys kept laughing as they walked away.
when they discovered the pennies? How Danny sighed with relief when they had
do you think they felt about Ryan? gone.
“Anything wrong, Sport?” Grandpa asked
• When has someone treated you unfairly?
as he walked up to Danny.
How did you feel?
“Those boys said I look silly in your old
• Is it hard or easy to forgive someone who
jacket, Grandpa,” Danny said.
has hurt you? Who can help you?
“Listen to me, Danny. Dreams are good
things to have. They’re not silly. If those
Day 3: Parade day! boys laugh at you again, remember that I
love you.”
Danny’s eyes popped open at the sound of Danny smiled and gave Grandpa a big
birds singing outside the window. He slipped hug. (To be continued tomorrow.)
out of bed and jumped onto Maddie. “Get
up! Get up! We have to get ready for the Discussion questions
parade!”
Last night, Grandma had told them about • How might Danny have felt about the
a kids’ parade being held this morning. parade if Grandpa hadn’t said he loved
Children could dress up and march with him? (Disappointed, might not have
their favorite toy. marched.)
Maddie was excited to wear a dress • Who loves you? How does knowing you
Grandma had made for Mom’s tenth birth- are loved make you feel? (Good, happy,
day. She planned to carry her favorite doll, safe.)
whose outfit matched the birthday dress. • Remember, no matter how you are feel-
“What are you going to wear, Danny?” ing, God always loves you!
Maddie asked.
“Grandpa’s pilot jacket!” Danny replied
and slipped on an old leather coat his grand- Day 4: Family time
father had worn many years ago when he “Good morning!” Grandma sang as she
had been a pilot. Danny loved the way the opened Maddie and Danny’s bedroom door.
heavy jacket felt on his shoulders and he “It’s time to get ready for church!”
dreamed about piloting his own airplane Maddie rolled over and hid her head
someday. Then he grabbed his favorite toy under her pillow.
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
airplane and zoomed all the way downstairs. Danny jumped out of bed. “Race you to
“Hurry up, Maddie! We don’t want to be breakfast!” he shouted as he ran down the
late!” hall in his bare feet. Maddie just groaned.
Later, as Danny and Maddie lined up for “What’s the matter, Maddie?” Grandma
the parade with the other children, they asked.
heard snickering behind them. Two boys “Can’t I just praise God here today?”
were pointing and laughing. Maddie mumbled. “I’m tired and I won’t
“What are you laughing at?” Maddie know anyone at your church.”
asked. “We can praise God no matter how we
“Your brother,” one of the boys said. “He feel, Maddie, and no matter where we are,”
looks silly wearing that big, old coat!” Grandma replied. “But church is about gath-
ering together, sharing, and helping each Danny wasn’t sure how he felt about leav-
other. I would miss you if you weren’t ing. He was excited to see his parents again,
there.” but this week had been a lot of fun and the
Maddie thought about what Grandma time had gone by quickly!
had said as she got ready. She was quiet as “We’re sure going to miss your smiling
they drove to church. During the service, faces around here,” Grandpa said, as
Maddie looked around. Everyone was Maddie and Danny sat down at the break-
singing and praying together. Grandma was fast table. “But I bet your Mom and Dad
right. It was pretty neat that they were all miss your smiles too.”
part of God’s same family. Maddie grinned at Grandpa from across
Just then Danny poked Maddie excitedly. the table. “You and Grandma will come visit
“Hey, Maddie! We know this song from us soon, won’t you, Grandpa?”
Sunday school!” It was one of their favor- “If you twist our arms we might be talked
ites. As she sang along, Maddie reached over into it,” Grandpa said, smiling.
to hold her grandmother’s hand. She smiled Maddie and Danny were waiting on the
when Grandma gave it a squeeze. (To be front porch when Mom and Dad drove up.
continued tomorrow.) It had stopped raining and the sun was just
beginning to peek through the clouds.
Discussion questions Grandma and Grandpa hugged them both
• Why didn’t Maddie want to go to her good-bye. “God bless you both! We love
grandmother’s church? (She was tired. She you!” From behind her back Grandma
wouldn’t know anyone there.) pulled out a surprise. A new Bible picture
book for each of them!
• Who is welcomed into God’s church?
“Thank you!” Danny and Maddie said,
(Everyone!)
looking at the colorful books.
• How can church members help each
“Thanks for sharing this week with us!”
other? (Share gifts such as talents, money,
Grandma said. “You have a lot to share with
and time; be together during hard times.)
God’s family too.”
Day 5: Going home Discussion questions

Thunder and rain greeted the children when • How did Maddie and Danny feel about
they woke up. The steady downpour made going home? (Excited, sad to leave.)
the world outside the window seem blurry. • How can we share Jesus’ love with people
“Will Mom and Dad be able to pick us up at home? (Care for them, tell them about
today?” Danny asked, his forehead creased Jesus, invite them to church.)
with worry. • Who helps us share Jesus’ love with every-
“Of course!” Maddie replied. “A little one? (The Holy Spirit!)
rain isn’t going to keep them from coming to
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
get us. They haven’t seen us for a whole

week!” Maddie started to pick up her things
and put them inside her suitcase.
Focus question When everyone has arrived, introduce
Who is the Holy Spirit? yourself and other staff. Help orientate
campers to their “camp” for the week.
Go Back Theme statement Explain where things are, what the schedule
will be like, and especially safety rules. Tell
God sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. We them how excited you are to have them in
are never alone. your group! This would be a great time for a
“name game” that will help you learn and
Objectives remember the names of all the campers in
This Bible study will help campers and their your group. Check out “Orientation Event”
leaders: (page 74) for more ideas.
• learn who the Holy Spirit is.
• discover that the Holy Spirit is always Introduction
with them.
• feel God’s presence in their lives. Gather campers in a circle and place a large
sheet of poster board in the middle of the
Bible basis circle. Ask campers to help you think of
words or images that come to mind when
John 14:25-26 (Jesus promises us that God they hear the words “Holy Spirit.” (Give an
will send the Holy Spirit to be present in our older camper a marker and ask him or her
world.) to write the ideas on the poster board, offer-
ing guidance as needed.) The list of words
Key verse the campers create should help you discern
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the their understanding of the Holy Spirit. You
Father will send in my name, will teach you may have some campers who are unsure of
everything, and remind you of all that I have what to say or write. Assure them that every
said to you. (John 14:26) idea is good. After the list is complete, tell
the group that they will come back to it later
Materials in the session.
Poster board, markers, Bibles, drinking
straw and balloon for each camper, 4' Feeling lonely
(1.2 m) string per small group, transparent Introduce a discussion about loneliness.
tape, apple, paring knife, “Explorer’s Back- Designate a tree or another stationary object
pack,” gear, hat (see “Introduction to Lower near your meeting area as the “yes” spot.
Elementary/Day Camp, pages 72-73). Another object at the opposite side is the
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
“no” spot. Ask campers to answer the fol-

Counselor notes lowing questions by standing at the “yes”
“Hello, campers! I’ve been waiting for you!” spot, “no” spot, or somewhere in between
Start your week off right and welcome your for “maybe.” After campers are standing in
campers enthusiastically. This may be their their chosen spot, ask volunteers to tell why
first camp experience. Your excitement will they chose to stand there:
be contagious! • Have you ever felt lonely? When? (At
Start each day with activities the campers nighttime, during storms, when family or
will enjoy as they wait for others to arrive. friends are away.)
Such activities may include decorating name • Do you sometimes like to be alone? Why
tags, singing songs, or playing a game. or why not?
Gather the group back together. Then ask, John 14:25-26
“Which do you like better, being alone or Read John 14:25-26 to the campers. Then
being with friends?” Take a vote! Those who relate the text to the previous activity:
like being alone better should put their
hands on their shoulders. Those who like
• What is an advocate? (Someone who
speaks for, gives support to, and encour-
being with friends better should put their ages another person.)
hands on their head.
Tell campers that there are many stories in • How were you an advocate for your
object? (Gave it a voice, spoke up for it.)
the Bible about people who have felt lonely
and prayed that God would be with them. If • How is the Holy Spirit our advocate?
time permits, read one or two Bible stories (Teaches us, reminds us of everything
to the campers before continuing. Suggested Jesus told us about God.)
texts include: Genesis 2:15-23 and Matthew • When you think of your family and
26:36-46. Afterward, ask, “Who was lonely friends, who are your advocates? (Parents,
in this story? What did the person do? What caregivers, teachers, neighbors.) How do
did God do?” these people make you feel? (Loved, safe,
happy.)
Next, direct the group’s attention to the
Bible exploration Holy Spirit poster you began creating earlier.
Talking twigs Based on what they’ve discovered about
Pull out your “Explorer’s Backpack” and advocates, what new words might they add
hat. Tell the group to be on the look out for to the poster describing the Holy Spirit?
your explorer’s gear each day. Suggest that (Teacher, helper, loves me, friend.) Ask older
when they see it, they shout “Spiritlife!” as campers to add the new words to the poster.
quickly and loudly as they can. Then, as you invite older campers to find
Now it’s exploring time! Ask campers to and read the following verses from their
form groups of two or three. Hand out Bibles, invite others to draw images, based
magnifying glasses or binoculars. Send the on each text, of the Holy Spirit on the
groups on a hunt around your meeting area. poster. Give hints as needed:
They are to search for something that cannot • “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven
speak for itself. (Items may include a rock, like a dove, and it remained on him.”
ant, leaf, and so on. Caution campers to not (John 1:32)
harm living things as they explore.) • will pour out my spirit on all flesh.”
“I
After each group finds an object, explain (Joel 2:28)
to the campers that they are to be an advo- • “When the day of Pentecost had come…
cate for their object. An advocate is someone suddenly from heaven there came a sound
who speaks for, gives support to, and en- like the rush of a violent wind, and it
courages another person. Ask them to think filled the entire house where they were sit-
of what their object might say or ask if it ting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
could speak, then have them say a few among them, and a tongue rested on each
things on behalf of their object. Encourage of them. All of them were filled with the
them to use their imaginations! Holy Spirit and began to speak in other
When everyone is ready, invite each group languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.”
to stand in front of the other campers and (Acts 2:1-4)
introduce its new “friend.” Have the group After all the images have been added to
tell everyone what the friend would say if it the Holy Spirit poster, display it where
could speak. Thank and applaud each campers will be able to see it each time they
group. meet. Then tell the campers it’s time to learn
more about who the Holy Spirit is for us
today!
Let’s do it! Faith booster
Do the campers remember what Jesus This activity may be used at any time during
promised the disciples when they heard he today’s Bible study or at another time during
would be leaving them? (He would send the the day.
Holy Spirit.) We can’t see the Holy Spirit, You may have campers in your group
but the Holy Spirit is always with us. who have had limited or no exposure to the
Sometimes it’s hard to understand some- concept of the Trinity. Even children who
thing we can’t see. Tell the campers they will have heard about the Trinity may be unclear
make balloon rockets to help them better about God’s ability to be three persons, yet
understand that we can believe the Holy one God. It’s a hard concept for adults to
Spirit is with us even if we can’t see the Holy grasp too!
Spirit. Ask campers to try to figure out To help the campers gain a clearer under-
where the rocket’s invisible power comes standing of what the Trinity is about, show
from. them a washed apple. (Also have a paring
Form groups of three. Give each group a knife, but do not let the campers handle it.
length of string and strips of transparent Caution them that it is only for your use.)
tape. Give each camper a balloon and a Compare the apple to the Trinity. Ask, “Is
straw. Have one camper in each group this one apple? (Yes.)” Remove the peel from
thread the string through his or her straw. the apple and give a piece to each camper.
The camper then inflates his or her balloon, Ask, “What is that? (Peel.) Is it still apple?
but does not tie it off. (Pinch the end closed.) (Yes.)” Next, core the apple. (Carefully core
The other campers in the group hold the with the paring knife.) Give each camper a
string taut as the balloon is taped to the piece of the core. Ask, “Is it still apple?
straw and held near one end of the taut (Yes.)” Finally, give each camper a piece of
string. (Younger campers will need help with the flesh of the apple. Again, ask if it is still
these steps.) apple. (Yes.)
Explain that God is like the apple. The
core of the apple is like God the creator,
who made everything and is at the center of
all life. The skin of the apple is like the Holy
On the count of three, the camper holding Spirit, who protects and guides us. The flesh
the balloon lets it go. The balloon “rocket” of the apple is like Jesus, who came to earth
should ride the string from one end to the as a real person, in the flesh, to save us from
other. Repeat the activity until all campers sin. Invite campers to eat the apple pieces,
have made their rockets zoom! composting the seeds and core.
Afterward, gather together and talk about
the activity:
• What was the source of power for your Let’s pray!
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Lower Elementary/
rocket? (Air.) Praying out loud can be challenging and

• Could you see the source of your rocket’s even scary for younger children. The
power? (No.) campers are still getting acquainted with
each other and may be feeling too shy to
• How do you know the power was there? offer a prayer out loud. A great way to help
(It moved the rocket. I felt the air blowing.)
them express their feelings through spoken
Make a connection between the activity
prayer is to involve them in a “one-word
and the Holy Spirit. Even though we can’t
prayer.”
see the Holy Spirit, we know the Holy Spirit
Invite campers to form a circle, facing
is always with us, “powering” us along each
outward. Ask everyone to join hands and
day. How does it feel to know that God
look up into the sky. Ask each camper to
gives us such a special gift? (Good, special,
comforting.)
think of one word to offer as a prayer of Begin the prayer by thanking God for
thankfulness to God for the gift of the Holy each camper in your group, and for this
Spirit. It could be a word from the Holy opportunity to gather together in the pres-
Spirit poster (such as wind, Jesus, guide) or ence of the Spirit. Then, on the count of
another word that comes to mind. Any word three, invite everyone to say her or his word
they think of is fine. of thanks three times: first as a whisper, then
using a louder voice, and finally shouting the
word to the sky! Conclude the prayer with a
big “Amen!”
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Lower Elementary/
Focus question have received forgiveness or have forgiven
What does it mean to be forgiven? others who have hurt them in some way
(lies, broken promises, unkind actions). Be
Go Back Theme statement sure to offer examples from your own life as
well.
Through the Spirit, God knows us, loves us, Encourage campers to express how they
and forgives us. feel when they fall short of someone’s expec-
tations. How do they feel when someone
Objectives hurts them in some way? Campers will likely
This Bible study will help campers and their express strong feelings when speaking about
leaders: hurt feelings. But the power of forgiveness is
• know that the Holy Spirit intercedes for strong too! Make it your goal to lead the
them. campers to the realization that it is wonder-
• discover that God loves them always, ful to both give and receive forgiveness. The
including when they are weak. Holy Spirit helps us do both even when it
• offer prayers to God. seems impossible.
Bible basis Introduction

Romans 8:26-27 (Through the Spirit, we are Before your group arrives, use colorful ban-
forgiven.) danas or cones to designate two boundaries
on opposite ends of your play area.
Key verse When everyone has arrived, ask campers
O LORD, you have searched me and known if they know what the word intercede
me. You know when I sit down and when I means, but do not provide a definition at
rise up; you discern my thoughts from far this time. Send anyone who offers a defini-
away. (Psalm 139:1-2) tion to the furthest boundary, even if the def-
inition is incorrect. Have the remaining
Materials campers stand at the other boundary. Then
Colorful bandanas or cones, slips of paper, tell both groups that you have a great joke
explorer’s backpack, Bibles, fine-tipped to share. Whisper the joke to the group that
washable markers, paper lunch bag for each is closest to you: “Knock, knock! Who’s
camper, blanket or towel. there? Boo! Boo who? Don’t cry, God loves
you!”
Counselor notes Next, challenge this group to tell the joke
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Lower Elementary/
Welcome your campers back to camp! This to the other group by whispering it. Can
is their second day and they will likely be- they do it? (No, the other group is too far
come more of a group as they get to know away to hear them.) Suggest that group
each other better. They may feel more com- members take turns “interceding” by run-
fortable sharing, playing, and praying with ning back and forth across the play area,
each other today. sharing each portion of the joke. For exam-
Today’s theme of forgiveness will likely be ple, a camper from the first group will run
of interest to your campers. Take time to to the second group and say, “Knock,
talk about ways they have experienced for- knock!” Then a camper from the second
giveness in their own lives: times when they group will run to the first group and say,
“Who’s there?” The game continues this
way, with campers sharing the joke by inter-
ceding. After the joke is complete, gather the After each pantomime, ask what might help
group together and talk about what hap- the camper accomplish the task. (Adult,
pened during the game: machine, boat.)
• Why didn’t the first attempt to tell the Now invite partners to “hunt” for
joke work? (We were too far apart. We Romans 8:26 in their Bibles. Ask a volunteer
couldn’t yell.) to read the text aloud, or read it yourself.
• Based on the game, what do you think it Say that sometimes things happen in our
means to “intercede”? (To go between. To lives that make us feel weak. Maybe we tell
share information.) a lie, or have an argument with our brother
or sister, or take something that doesn’t
• When have you tried to get a message to belong to us. Invite campers to share other
someone, but the other person couldn’t
understand you? (Allow time for sharing.) examples of this kind of weakness. Write all
Do such times make you feel frustrated? If the ideas on slips of paper. Then invite vol-
so, stand up. Angry? Raise a hand. unteers to hide them somewhere on their
Helpless? Touch your shoulder. (It’s okay bodies/clothing, such as in a pocket, tucked
if campers do all three actions.) in a belt loop, or folded in a sock. If you are
meeting in an enclosed area or an outdoor
• Sometimes we can feel frustrated when we space with boundaries, the volunteers may
try to get a message to God through
hide themselves somewhere in the area. Then
prayer. Sometimes we may feel our mes-
invite the other campers to guess where the
sage isn’t getting through. Who intercedes
papers (or the campers) are hidden.
by helping us pray to God, even when we
After the game, ask campers if we can
feel frustrated or angry or helpless? (The
hide any of our weaknesses from God. (No,
Holy Spirit.)
God knows everything about us.) Reaffirm
Remind campers that the Holy Spirit is that God knows everything about us and
our advocate who is always with us, sup- wants us to share all our feelings with God.
porting us and teaching us about Jesus. God wants to us pray even when we don’t
Explain that the Holy Spirit also intercedes know what to say. The Holy Spirit is here to
for us by helping us pray to God even when help us do that. Through the Spirit, God
we aren’t sure what we should say. Because knows all our secrets, dreams, fears, and
of the Holy Spirit, we can be sure that our regrets. God loves us and forgives us no
messages to God always get through. matter what. Yea!
Bible exploration Let’s do it!

Grab your explorer’s hat and backpack. It’s Engage campers in two memory games that
time to go exploring! Your consistent use of will help them remember that God knows
these props will excite the campers and help everything about us.
them focus on what’s coming next.
Day Camp
Lower Elementary/
Hand out magnifying glasses and invite Observation game

campers to explore your meeting area, look-
ing for natural objects they are not strong Ask partners to study each other for about
enough to lift, climb, or cross by themselves. 30 seconds. Tell them to look closely at each
(Items could include boulders, trees, lake or other, memorizing as many details about
river.) Ask campers to keep their discoveries their partner’s appearance as they can. When
a secret for now. time is up, have partners turn away from
After a few minutes, gather everyone back each other and change three things about
together. Ask each camper to pantomime their appearance. (Remove glasses, unzip
what he or she is too weak to accomplish jacket, put shoes on wrong feet, and so on.)
alone (pretend to lift a heavy boulder, climb When they are ready, have partners face
a tall tree, and so on). Invite the group to each other again. Can they recognize all the
guess what each camper is pretending to do. changes? Is it easy or difficult to do?
Memory game Faith booster
Give each camper a paper lunch bag. Ask This faith booster will help campers create
each to place three natural, nonliving objects another visual image of the Holy Spirit.
in her or his bag (such as a rock, fallen leaf, Remind campers that one of the Spirit’s
and feather). “jobs” is to keep us connected to God. Read
When everyone is ready, gather the group John 15:4-8 to the group. Ask a volunteer to
in a circle and have them arrange their ob- be the “vine.” Ask several other campers to
jects on the ground in the middle of the cir- be the “branches” by connecting themselves
cle. Then cover the objects with a blanket or to the vine in some way. The remaining
towel. Challenge campers to name all the campers hold onto one of the branches as
hidden objects. (Accept several guesses.) fruit!
Next, uncover the objects for a few sec- When everyone is in position, ask the
onds as the campers study them. Then cover branches to let go of the vine. What will
the objects again and see if they can name happen to the fruit? (Shrivel, die.) Why? (No
them all. Uncover the objects. Did they guess water, no food.) Then ask the branches to
correctly? reconnect with the vine. Now what will hap-
Afterward, relate the challenge of remem- pen to the fruit? (It will grow!) If Jesus is
bering the hidden objects to the challenge we like the vine, and we are like the fruit, what
face in remembering to do what God wants is the Holy Spirit like? (The branches.) Why?
us to do. Even when we try to follow Jesus’ (The Holy Spirit keeps us connected to Jesus
example, we often forget to listen to the by teaching us and helping us remember
Holy Spirit’s guidance. Does God expect us everything Jesus does for us.)
to be perfect? No, God knows our human
weaknesses. But thanks to the Holy Spirit,
we can ask for forgiveness and continue to Let’s pray!
remember that God loves us no matter what. Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words
As you ask the following questions, have to say when we pray, but God knows us
campers stand if they agree, sit if they dis- inside and out! The Spirit helps us stay con-
agree, and crouch if they aren’t sure: nected to God through prayer. This activity
• Does God know everything about us will help campers use their hands and fingers
(Yes!) to help them remember the important people
• Does God know that we are not perfect? and issues for which they want to pray.
(Yes, but God perfects us through Jesus.) Hand out fine-tipped washable markers.
• Can we earn God’s love by being good all Invite campers to write words or draw pic-
the time? (No, God loves us no matter tures on their fingers that note people, places,
what!) and happenings they want to pray about.
• Can we pray to God about anything? (Items will vary, but could include parents,
(Yes!) caregivers, other family members, friends,
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Lower Elementary/
church, camp, school, pets, and world

• Will God ever forget to forgive us? (No.) issues.) Encourage campers to note someone
• Does the Holy Spirit help us pray every or something on each of their fingers.
day? (Yes.)
When everyone is ready, invite the group
Forgiveness is wonderful! Because of for- to fold hands in prayer, fingers interlocked.
giveness, we stay connected to God, heal Instruct them to watch as you lift up each of
broken relationships, and start anew each your fingers, leaving them raised. As you do,
day. Cool! they should also raise each of their fingers
and silently pray for the person, place, or
happening noted there. After lifting all fin-
gers, fold your hands together. Invite the
group to shout a big “Amen!”
Focus question In today’s session, campers will have an
How can we love everyone? opportunity to learn more about the uncon-
ditional love of God that was made known
Go Back Theme statement to us through Jesus. The activities will rein-
force the truth that God’s love is manifested
God loves us. The Spirit helps us love others. through our loving relationships. Campers
will learn that the Holy Spirit helps us with
Objectives the often difficult task of loving our neigh-
This Bible study will help campers and their bors and caring for our world. Ultimately,
leaders: the campers will see that they are not alone
• hear of God’s unconditional love. as they reach for the goal of sharing God’s
• sense the Spirit calling them to love others. love as the Spirit draws us together into the
• make plans to invite others into the community of Christ.
community of God.
Bible basis
Introduction
1 John 4:12-21
God loves me!
Gather your campers together and ask them
Key verse to name camp or Sunday school songs they
have learned that speak of God’s love. (An-
The commandment we have from him is
swers may include “Jesus Loves Me,” “He’s
this: those who love God must love their
Got the Whole World,” “Awesome God,”
brothers and sisters also. (1 John 4:21)
and so on.) After naming several songs,
chose one to sing together. Each time they
Materials sing the word love, ask them to do a partic-
Small mirror, explorer’s backpack, Bibles, ular action, such as jump up, clap, or wiggle.
three beanbags or other small objects, one After the song, ask:
heart-shaped sticker per camper, flying disks, • Is there anything we can do to make God
signs numbered 1-9 (fewer for younger love us? (No, God’s love is a gift.)
campers or if time is limited), tape, thumb
tacks, pitcher of water, drinking cups, small
• How can we thank God for loving us?
(Sing songs, pray, love others.)
bowl.
• When is it hard to love others? (When we
don’t agree, when we don’t know each
Counselor notes
other.)
It is common to hear the word love almost
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Lower Elementary/
every day. Songs on the radio, words in

greeting cards, and advertisements on TV
Moody Mikayla
often speak of love. Children use the word Gather the campers in a close circle and tell
often when describing their affection for a them that you want to introduce them to
particular pet, movie, or food. someone new. Show them a mirror and
But that kind of love is only a small introduce it as “Moody Mikayla.” As you
glimpse of the true love that comes from tell the following story about Mikayla, pass
God. In fact, the Bible tells us that God is the mirror around the circle. Each time you
love! We are called to be a reflection of this name an emotion, the camper who is hold-
love in all we say and do. ing the mirror will make the appropriate
facial expression in the mirror.
Moody Mikayla’s story • Why is it sometimes hard to share God’s
Once upon a time, there was a camper love with others? (Fear of being rejected
named Mikayla. (Hold up the mirror, or hurt, afraid we might be laughed at,
then pass it to a camper.) She was going teased.)
to spend a week at camp and was very • Why do you think God wants us to love
excited. (The camper makes an excited everyone, even people who are hard to
facial expression in the mirror. He or she love? (When we love others, we are shar-
passes the mirror to the next camper. ing God’s love with the world; others can
Continue in this way for each bold word learn about God’s love through us.)
in the story.) • How might Mikayla, Jordan, and Tomas
On Mikayla’s first day of camp, she share God’s love with each other? (Play
didn’t know anyone. She felt scared. The together, talk to one another.)
counselors welcomed Mikayla to camp. • Who helps us love others every day? (The
But Mikayla didn’t say anything. She felt Holy Spirit!)
too shy. But the other campers thought Remind campers that when we love those
she was just bored. who are hard to love, we may not always
No one talked to Mikayla during snack feel their love in return. We may feel rejected
time. She thought they were mean. This or ignored. But Jesus asks us to love others
made Mikayla feel grumpy. in whatever way we can. God will take care
After the snack it was time for a game. of the rest!
Everyone began choosing partners.
Mikayla felt hopeful. She was good at
games, especially running games. But no Bible exploration
one asked her to be a partner. Mikayla Before this activity, hide three small objects
felt sad. She walked to the drinking foun- (such as beanbags) in your meeting area.
tain and overheard two campers talking. Have heart-shaped stickers available.
“I’m worried about Mikayla,” Jordan Grab your backpack and put on your
said. “She seems sad. We should ask her exploring hat! Have campers form four or
to play.” more teams. Hand out magnifying glasses or
“Why?” Tomas asked. “She’s too binoculars. Each team will search for the
moody. Her name should be Moody three hidden objects. Alert them that not
Mikayla!” every team will find an object.
“Tomas!” Jordan exclaimed. “That’s a As soon as an object is found, the team
mean thing to say. God wants us to love brings it to you and each team member
everyone!” receives a heart sticker. Then continue to
Tomas looked surprised. “Even some- give heart stickers to every camper in the
one like Mikayla? How can I do that?” group. When everyone is gathered together,
talk about the activity:
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Lower Elementary/
• What does the heart shape remind you of?

Let’s talk about it! (Love.)
Invite campers to hold the mirror as they • Who received a heart sticker? (Everyone.)
share their thoughts about the story. After
answering a question, the camper passes the
• Why did everyone receive a heart sticker
even though only some campers found the
mirror to someone else, and says, “God hidden objects? (Accept a variety of
loves you and so do we!” answers.)
• What did the campers think about Say that everyone received a heart sticker
Mikayla? (They thought she was bored,
“just because.” No one earned a sticker by
they didn’t know her.) Was Mikayla really
reaching the goal of finding a hidden object.
bored? (No, she was just quiet.)
In the same way, no one can earn God’s ing the disk until they successfully hit the
love. God loves us no matter what, “just first goal. Then they move on to the sec-
because!” ond goal in the same way.
3. Older campers may want to keep track of
First John 4:21 the number of throws per goal, seeing
Ask a volunteer to read aloud 1 John 4:21 which team can achieve the best final
from a Bible, or read the verse yourself. Tell score.
the campers that this verse comes from a let-
ter written to a Bible times church that was Let’s talk about it!
having problems. People were arguing with After the game, discuss the following
each other, but they said they loved God. questions:
The writer of the letter told them that they
cannot truly love God and still go on argu-
• What was it like to aim for each goal?
Were you able to hit the target on your
ing with each other. first try?
Read the verse again: “The commandment
we have from him is this: those who love • According to 1 John 4:21, what should
our greatest goal be? (To love God and
God must love their brothers and sisters
therefore love our brothers and sisters.)
also.” Ask those campers who have brothers
or sisters to stand up. Do they love their • How does the Holy Spirit help us reach
brothers and sisters? (Usually!) Explain that this goal? (Teaches us how to love, helps
this Bible verse refers to everyone around us us serve others, encourages us to love even
as our “brothers and sisters,” not just the when it’s hard to do.)
people in our immediate family.
Ask campers what they think the word
commandment means. (Instruction, rule.) If
Faith booster
we forget to follow God’s commandment to Overflowing love
love others, do we lose God’s love? (No. Do your campers know how deeply God
Remind campers of their heart stickers.) The loves them? Fill a pitcher with water and
Holy Spirit works among us to remind us of give a drinking cup to each camper. Place a
God’s commandment to love others. But small empty bowl on the ground in the mid-
even when we fail, God still loves us! dle of the circle. (This is an outdoor activity.)
As you go around the circle and fill each
cup, ask campers what happens to water
Let’s do it! when it gets really cold. (It freezes.) What
Flying disk golf game happens when water gets really hot? (It
This game is played like miniature golf. boils, changes to steam.) Water can be liq-
Gather in an area with several permanent uid, solid, or steam. Is it still water? (Yes.)
“goals” (such as a tree, boulder, picnic table, Likewise, we can talk about God the Father,
Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and still be talking
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Lower Elementary/
fence post, and so on). Have campers help

select the goals and tape or tack a numbered about the same one God, who loves us all.
sign to each one. Organize campers into When all the cups are filled, read aloud 1
small groups at a starting line. Give each John 4:7-8: “Beloved, let us love one anoth-
group a flying disk. Share the following er, because love is from God; everyone who
instructions: loves is born of God and knows God. Who-
1. Each team begins by having a teammate ever does not love does not know God, for
throw a flying disk toward the first goal. God is love.” Read the verses again and
2. If the disk doesn’t hit the goal, the entire invite campers to take turns pouring water
team goes to where it landed and a differ- into the bowl each time they hear the word
ent teammate throws it toward the goal. love. Reread the verses if necessary so every
Teammates continue taking turns throw- camper has an opportunity to pour out his
or her cup of water.
What happened to the water in the bowl? Practice saying the phrases together. When
(It overflowed!) Tell campers to imagine the campers feel comfortable with the languages,
Holy Spirit pouring into their lives, filling lead them in a closing prayer.
them with God’s never ending love! God Form a circle, facing one another and
gives us so much love there is plenty to holding hands. At the end of each prayer
share. How can we share God’s love today? petition, prompt the campers to repeat the
“I love you” phrase. Pray, “God of all,
thank you for the Holy Spirit who is here
Let’s pray! with us, helping us share your love with one
Children love language and are curious another. We turn to each other and say ‘Te
about other cultures. Take time to teach amo.’ (Campers repeat ‘Te amo.’)
your campers several ways to say “I love “Jesus, you know how it feels to be mis-
you,” using various actions and languages as understood. Help us understand each other.
you prepare for your closing time of prayer. Forgive us when we fail. We turn to each
Pantomime several ways we can share other and say ‘Je t’aime.’ (Campers repeat
love with others without using spoken words ‘Je t’aime.’)
(wave, shake hands, hug). Ask the campers “Holy Spirit, your love fills our lives. Our
to guess what your actions are saying. What hearts are overflowing with praises to you!
are some other things we can do to share Help us to share your love with others, even
God’s love with others? (Be friendly, help when it’s hard to do. In everything we say
out, give hugs.) Does anyone in the group and do, help us say ‘I love you’ in American
know how to say “I love you” in another Sign Language. (Campers repeat after you.)
language? If so, have her or him share what “To you, God, we shout, ‘I love you!’
she or he knows. Then go on to share the (Campers repeat after you.) Amen!”
following languages with the campers:
• Spanish: Te amo (tay-ahmo)
• French: Je t’aime (zhe-tem)
• American Sign Language: I (right hand
makes a fist on chest with thumb on chest
and pinkie straight up), love (cross arms
across chest, hands in fists, in front of
shoulders), you (point to someone else).
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Lower Elementary/
Focus question gathers us into community, calls our gifts
How does the Spirit make us one? forward, and maintains the togetherness we
have through Jesus Christ.
Go Back Theme statement The campers in your group will likely
have had a variety of experiences with com-
The Spirit gathers us into community. munity: family time, day care, schools, clubs,
and sports teams are just a few communities
Objectives in which they have likely gained experience
This Bible study will help campers and their with teamwork and friendship. Sharing
leaders: meals, celebrating holidays, and having fun
• recognize the church as the community of together all are ways people bond with each
Christ. other. The Spirit uses such activities to create
• see themselves as special, gifted members unity within the community of Christ.
of the church. Focus on the imagery of “one body, many
• talk about ways the Spirit gathers them parts” as you lead today’s Bible study. Most
together. lower elementary campers will be able to
grasp the idea that their separate body parts
Bible basis are important to their whole body. Connect
that imagery with our individual importance
Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Spirit gathers us into
within the body of Christ.
community.)
Key verse Introduction

There is one body and one Spirit. (Ephesians Different but the same
4:4)
As the campers arrive, prepare them for a
short hike. During the hike, ask each of
Materials them to collect one rock that is no bigger
Blindfolds, jar of peanut butter, box of than the palm of their hand. As you hike
crackers, butter knife, paper, poster board, along, sing some of your favorite Spiritlife
markers, masking tape. (Note: Before serving songs!
any food, always check with caregivers for When everyone has a rock, gather in a cir-
campers who have food allergies. Provide an cle. Invite the campers to study their rocks
alternative if necessary.) closely. What is unique about each one?
After a minute, pile the rocks in the center of
Counselor notes your circle. Ask younger campers to close
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Lower Elementary/
By now your group has likely shared meals, their eyes as you mix the rocks together.
laughed, played, learned, and worshiped Blindfold older campers. (To avoid disagree-
together. The Spirit has been at work. They ments over which rock belongs to which
are a community! camper, you may want to write the campers’
The book of Ephesians envisions the gath- initials on the bottom of their rocks before
ering of God’s people into one community. collecting them.)
With all the different languages, cultures, Invite younger campers to open their eyes
backgrounds, interests, gifts, and opinions and retrieve their own rock from the pile.
that make up the people of the world, it Have older campers attempt to find their
seems like an overwhelming idea. To attempt rock by touch alone. After everyone has suc-
unity on our own would never be possible. cessfully located his or her own rock, talk
But God gives us the Holy Spirit. The Spirit about the activity:
• How were you able to locate your own use my hands; I couldn’t see you.) What
rock? (By the way it looked, felt.) would have made the game easier? (Being
able to use my whole body.)
• What makes your rock unique? (Answers Conclude by saying that just as each part
will vary.)
of our body is important, each of us is
• What are some things that make people important in God’s community, the church!
unique? (Their likes and dislikes, the way
The church is sometimes called the “body of
they look, their interests.)
Christ.” Why do you think that is? (Each of
Emphasize that everyone is unique. That’s us is different, like the parts of a body, but
one of the reasons each of us is such an together we are one in Christ.) We are Jesus’
important part of God’s community! God hands and feet on earth. Wow!
wants lots of different people, with different
talents and abilities, working together to
share God’s love. Although each of us is Bible exploration
unique, we all are God’s children. Put on your exploring hat and grab your
Invite the campers to use their rocks to backpack! It’s time to go exploring!
create a cross on the ground. As they work
together, tell them that the cross reminds us Peanut butter promise
of Jesus’ great love for us. When we see a
(Note: Before serving any food, always
cross, we can remember that we are part of
check with caregivers for campers who have
God’s community because of Jesus.
food allergies. Provide an alternative if nec-
Look at the cross together. Then remove
essary.) From your backpack, pull out a jar
one of the rocks from it. Is the cross com-
of peanut butter, a box of crackers, and a
plete without it? (No.) Replace the rock and
butter knife. Form three groups and give one
say that each rock is an important part of
item to each group. Tell them to enjoy their
this cross. If one rock is missing, the cross is
snack!
not complete. Likewise, each of us is an
If the groups share the items right away,
important part of God’s community. If one
praise them for working together! If they do
of us is missing, the community isn’t com-
not think of sharing the items, ask how they
plete!
might work together so everyone can enjoy a
snack. (Teamwork!)
Many parts, one body Compare peanut butter to the Holy Spirit
Ask if any of the campers have ever had a by saying that both help things or people
broken arm, a sprained ankle, an injured eye “stick” together! Then read aloud Ephesians
requiring a patch, and so on. What was it 4:1-6 while the campers eat their snack. Ask
like to not be able to use one part of your them to listen for the word one as you read.
body? (Allow time for campers to tell about The writer uses that word a lot to help us
their experiences.) understand how the Holy Spirit helps us
After everyone has had an opportunity to stick together. After the reading, ask campers
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share, invite the group to play a game of to tell how the Spirit helps us “stick togeth-
Simon Says. Before the game begins, assign er.” (Through our one body/church, hope,
each camper one of following challenges: Lord, faith, baptism, God.)
cover your eyes, plug your ears, stand on
one foot, keep one hand in your pocket. Gathered together
Call out commands such as, “Simon says
Tell campers that one of the ways the Spirit
clap your hands; do five jumping jacks; give
gathers us together in community is through
me a high-five.” After several rounds, ask
special holiday meals. What are some of the
campers which command was most difficult
campers’ favorite holiday meals? (Answers
to do. (Accept all answers.) Why? (I couldn’t
may include thanksgiving turkey, birthday
breakfast, Easter eggs.) Besides food, what Afterward, tell campers that the Holy
else makes these holidays special? (Being Spirit is welcoming and gathering everyone
with family and friends.) around the world into God’s family! They
The Spirit also gathers us for special meals can help by making and decorating welcome
within the church. What are some special signs in all these different languages.
meals we share together at church? (Holy Hand out poster board and markers.
Communion, special dinners and gathering Younger campers may need help copying the
meals.) Emphasize how such meals draw us words onto their posters. Encourage
closer into community. campers to think of welcoming images to
Ask an older camper to read Ephesians add to their posters, such as flowers, smiles,
4:1-6 again. As he or she reads, have the sunshine, a home, or a meal. When the
other campers jump up every time they hear posters are complete, provide masking tape
the word one. Can anyone guess how many and send the campers out to display their
times they jumped up? (Eight.) Wow! Eight welcome signs around the meeting area, such
times! Being “one body” must be very as on doors, benches, windows, fences, and
important to God! so on. (Seek permission from church or
camp leaders first.)
When the group gathers back together,
Let’s do it! challenge each camper to name one way he
Ahead of time, write the following words for or she can welcome others into God’s com-
welcome on separate pieces of paper. There munity. (Answers may include invite a friend
should be one word for every two campers. to church or Sunday school, help a neighbor,
Do not include the country of origin on the tell someone “God loves you!”)
papers. The campers will try to guess each
country later on. Make sure you print clear-
ly because campers will be copying the Faith booster
words to make their own welcome signs. Give a 5" (13 cm) piece of masking tape to
• German: Willkommen each camper. Form pairs. Ask partners to
• Spanish: Bienvenidos press the sticky sides of their tape together.
Then have them try to pull the pieces of tape
• Finnish: Tervetuloia apart. It’s hard! The tape usually rips.
• South African: Welkom All week the campers have been exploring
• Swahili: Karibu how the Trinity is one God. God the Father,
• Vietnamese: Hin Hanh Don Tiep Son, and Holy Spirit are so closely connect-
• English: Welcome ed they cannot be pulled apart. They are
One way to gather people together is to three parts of the same God.
make them feel welcomed and wanted. Likewise, the Holy Spirit gathers us
Sometimes that can be hard to do, especially together to be “one body.” But unlike the
if people don’t know each other or don’t Trinity, we sometimes have trouble sticking
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speak the same language. together. Give each camper another piece of
Ask campers to form pairs. (Pair younger masking tape. Have them press the sticky
campers with older campers.) Hand out the side of the tape to a variety of surfaces: dirt,
welcome words to the pairs. Give pairs a tree bark, sidewalk, and so on. After a few
few moments to sound out their word as minutes, call the group back together. Again,
best they can and guess what language it ask partners to stick their tape together.
might be. Then tell them each country of Does the tape stick together like it did
origin. Encourage pairs to mingle together, before? (No.) Why not? (Dirt and debris
greeting each other in the various languages. have made the tape less sticky.)
Make a connection between the activity
and our struggles within God’s community.
What are some things that keep us from
staying “stuck” together in friendship and gathering may have taken place when they
love? (Arguments, lies, angry words.) What were babies. Can anyone guess what it is?
helps us “stick together” again? (Forgive- (Holy Baptism!) In baptism, the Holy Spirit
ness, saying we’re sorry.) Tell campers that comes to us, becomes part of our lives, and
the Holy Spirit helps us forgive each other so welcomes us into God’s community.
we can be “one” again! Gather near a lakeshore or stream, or
have a bowl of water available. Invite
campers to dip a finger into the water and
Let’s pray! make the sign of the cross on each other’s
Ask an older camper to read aloud 1 forehead, saying, “(Name), remember you
Corinthians 1:2-4. Take time to talk about are a child of God.” (Note: Be sensitive to
the meaning of the word sanctified (to make those campers who may not be baptized.
holy, pure). Explain that we all are made Assure them that God’s love is for all people.
holy or pure by God’s love. Tell campers Baptism is a sign of that great love.) Join
there is a special way God gathers us togeth- hands and lead campers in saying the Lord’s
er as God’s sanctified people. This special Prayer together. Amen!
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Day 5: We’re Sent
Focus question • Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to us. We are
What does the Spirit help our community never alone.
Go Back
do? • The Holy Spirit helps us seek forgiveness
and forgive others.
Theme statement • God loves us beyond words!
The Spirit sends forth our community into • The Holy Spirit gathers us into a commu-
the world. nity and prepares us to share our gifts
with the world.
Objectives It can feel a little scary to be sent into
This Bible study will help campers and their unfamiliar surroundings. Within a communi-
leaders: ty of Christian friends, life can feel safe and
• know the Holy Spirit is with them comfortable. But to truly embrace God’s
wherever they go. love, we need to listen to the Spirit’s call.
• feel affirmed as members of the commu- The Holy Spirit sends us into new situations
nity of Christ. and relationships, helping us spread the
good news of Jesus’ love!
• anticipate sharing the good news of Jesus As a camp leader, you were sent by the
with others.
Spirit into this new place. Thank you for
heeding the Spirit’s call. Your campers have
Bible basis
heard God’s good news through you. You
John 20:19-23 (The Spirit sends forth our have helped them become more aware of the
community into the world.) Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives. They are
now “packed” for the journey and ready to
Key verse go. Strive to end your time together with a
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” memorable send-off!
When [Jesus] had said this, he breathed on
them and said to them, “Receive the Holy
Spirit.” (John 20:21-22) Introduction
As campers gather today, greet them with
Materials smiles, hugs, and high-fives! This will be
Two individually wrapped, ring-shaped can- your last time together as a camper group.
dies per camper, dish soap, bucket of water, Ask campers to tell what they liked best
twine or string, scissors, plastic drinking about camp. What is their most memorable
straws, pitcher of drinking water, small cups, moment? Remember to share your favorite
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masking tape, poster board, washable mark- moments too!

ers. (Note: Before serving any food, always Give two wrapped candies to each camper.
check with caregivers for campers who have (Note: Before serving any food, always check
food allergies. Provide an alternative if nec- with caregivers for campers who have food
essary.) allergies. Provide an alternative if necessary.)
Tell the campers that along with their fun
Counselor notes memories, you hope they also remember that
God gives us a daily “lifesaver,” someone
It’s the last day of camp and time for your
who is with us wherever we go. Who is our
campers to celebrate the community they
lifesaver? (The Holy Spirit!)
have been a part of this week. Take time to
reflect on the past week:
Invite campers to eat one candy and • Jesus is our greatest leader. How do we
notice how the flavor floods into every part follow him? (Try to do the things he
of their mouth. Remind them of how Jesus wants us to do, read the Bible to learn
gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to the first more about him.)
disciples. The Spirit is our gift also, flooding Have partners try the activity again. This
every part of our lives with encouragement time, have them think of being Jesus’ reflec-
and love. tion as they move. Then ask volunteers to
When we are given something good, like read aloud John 20:19-23. Ask how the dis-
candy, we often want to share it with others. ciples recognized Jesus when he appeared to
God’s promises of love and forgiveness are them. (He spoke to them. He showed them
for everyone! The Spirit is sending us into his hands and feet.) Ask campers to hold
the world to share this good news! their hands out in front of them. Blow into
Encourage campers to take their remain- their outstretched hands. Why did Jesus
ing candy home with them and share it with breathe on the disciples? (In this way he
a family member or friend. Encourage them gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit.)
to say “God loves you!” as they share their With the help of the Holy Spirit we can be
candy. “mirror images” of Jesus in our daily lives.
Even though we cannot be exactly like Jesus,
Bible exploration we can follow his example by praying and
caring for people in his name. When we do
Make a big show of bringing out your
that, we are reflecting Jesus’ love. We are the
exploring hat and backpack today. This will
body of Christ!
be the last time the campers go “exploring!”
As you begin today’s Bible study, send
campers in search of two natural, nonliving Let’s do it!
objects that look the same, such as two Today campers will be making bubble solu-
leaves, two rocks, or two sticks. When the tion and large bubble blowers to send
campers return, have them share their find- bubbles into the sky with prayers of thank-
ings. Did they succeed in finding two things fulness and praise.
that are exactly alike? (No, even though
some may have found nearly identical ob-
• In a large bucket, mix 1 part dishwashing
soap to 15 parts water. (Less humid days
jects.) If they could search all over the may require more water.) To make more
world, would they find anyone who looks resilient bubbles add one of the following:
exactly the same as them—a mirror image? glycerin, sugar, corn syrup, or gelatin
(No. Not even identical twins are alike in (1 tablespoon [15 ml] per cup [.24 l] of
every way. God makes each of us unique.) water).
Ask campers to form pairs and face each
other. One camper will be the “leader” and • Make bubble blowers by cutting a piece
of twine or string approximately 3' (.9 m)
the other camper will be the “mirror.” The
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long.
“mirror” must follow the “leader’s” move-
ments as closely as possible, like a reflection. • Thread the string through two drinking
After one minute, have leaders and mirrors straws and tie the ends of the string to-
switch roles. gether. Hold onto the straws for a handle.
Afterward, discuss the activity: • Dip the bubble maker into the bubble
• What was it like to be the leader? The solution. Move the bubble maker through
mirror? Which role was more difficult? the air to make bubbles. It may take some
Why? practice. Give campers plenty of time to
experiment and play before asking them
• Even after practice, could you follow the to share “Bubble Message” prayers.
leader exactly?
Try this! Blow bubbles with your bare Continue playing until everyone has had a
hands! Dip your hands into the bucket so turn as the volunteer. End the game by
they are completely wet. (Dry hands can reminding campers that God pours blessings
make bubbles pop.) Make a circle with your upon us every day. Their lives are overflow-
forefinger and thumb, or use both hands to ing with God’s love!
create a larger circle. Dip into the bucket
again. Gently blow on the soapy film within
the ring formed by your fingers, creating a Let’s pray!
bubble. Affirming send-off
As campers blow bubbles, have them Tape a piece of poster board to the back of
imagine what it may have felt like when each camper and hand out washable mark-
Jesus breathed on his disciples. How is the ers. As you prepare to send campers home,
Holy Spirit like the bubbles they blow? remind them that the Holy Spirit sends them
Invite campers to offer words of thanks and into the world. As they tell their family
praise to God as their bubbles float through members and friends about their week at
the air, such as “God is good!” “Thank you, camp, they will be sharing the love of Jesus.
Spirit!” “Jesus loves me!” See how many Have campers end their time together as
words or phrases they can say before their they began it: by being advocates for each
bubbles pop! other!
Remind campers that an advocate sup-
Faith booster ports and encourages other people. Today
they will be advocates by writing affirming
Today’s faith booster game is a wet and words or drawing pictures on each other’s
wacky send-off that reinforces the image of poster board. Ask the group to mingle.
the Holy Spirit pouring into our lives. Be Suggest that older campers affirm each
sure campers are dressed for water play, or other’s gifts, share fun memories, or name
have clothes to change into after the game. qualities they admire in the other camper.
Begin by gathering campers in a close cir- Younger campers can be encouraged to draw
cle. Set a pitcher of water in the center of the friendly pictures, trace their handprints, or
circle. create symbols that remind them of God’s
• Invite a volunteer to stand outside the cir- love (such as a cross, dove, heart, rainbow,
cle with a small cup of water. and so on). Make sure you affirm each
• Name a category, such as “animals,” “col- camper by writing a special note to each
ors,” or “camp songs.” The volunteer one.
then whispers to you a specific example When everyone is finished, help campers
from the named category, such as “dog” if remove their posters. Give them time to read
the category is “animals.” the messages and look at the pictures. Tell
• The volunteer holds the cup of water over them that affirming each other helps us feel
a camper’s head. The camper names an excited and ready for the Holy Spirit to send
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example from the category. If it matches us into the world!

the volunteer’s example, the volunteer
pours the water over the camper’s head. If Popcorn prayers
it does not match, the volunteer moves on Popcorn prayers are one-word prayers of
to the next camper and the game contin- thanks and praise. Gather in a circle, hold-
ues. Have campers imagine the Holy ing hands. Begin by thanking God for your
Spirit is pouring down on them! (If some time together at camp. Then invite campers
campers do not wish to get wet, allow to “pop in” with their own prayers of
them to guess without pouring out the thanks for camp, friends, family members,
water.) and so on. Younger campers may also enjoy
“popping up” as they pray.
After everyone has had an opportunity to
participate, end the prayer with words of
thanks for the Holy Spirit, asking for God’s
blessing on each camper in your group. As
you say “Amen,” squeeze the hand of the
camper on your right. He or she then says
“Amen,” and squeezes the next camper’s
hand, and so on, all the way around the cir-
cle. When the squeeze reaches you again,
invite everyone to shout a final “Amen!”
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Introduction to
Upper Elementary
Upper Elementary
Summer camp is a jour- • On Day 3 we explore Jesus’ new com-
ney through a multitude of mandment that we love others as Jesus
experiences and challenges, moments to loves us. Although loving others is not
remember, and a few you may want to for- always easy, the Holy Spirit is here to help
get! Your task and your call this summer is us shed God’s light on a world that is
to live with, sweat with, grumble and laugh often shadowed by darkness.
with, campers from all walks of life, each
dealing with unique struggles, joys, faith
• One way God’s love is manifested in the
world is through our unity in the Spirit.
questions, and unspoken concerns. On Day 4 we will see that, though we are
This resource is designed to provide you unique individuals, the Spirit gathers us
with a basic map from which you can begin together in one community. Together we
to explore new ways of creating and experi- are called to share our gifts with the
encing sacred moments with your group. whole body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:4 reminds us of the great
truth that there is “one body and one • And finally, on Day 5, we are blessed with
the assurance that the Holy Spirit goes
Spirit.” As members of that one body, we
with us wherever God’s love leads us.
are gifted, forgiven, loved, gathered, and
Through the Spirit’s presence we are
sent into the world by our one God. As you
enabled to follow Jesus into the world.
begin to explore that life-affirming truth
with your campers this week, keep the fol-
lowing objectives in mind:
These Bible study sessions will help upper
About upper
elementary campers and their leaders: elementary campers
• know that the Holy Spirit is always with Many upper elementary campers are ready
them. and eager for the challenges and opportuni-
• reflect on how the Holy Spirit is guiding ties a week at camp brings. However, amid
their lives. their growing desire to “spread their wings
• discover their ability to live in harmony and fly,” there lingers a need for tender
with one another. grounding. Help your campers experience all
During the week, campers will explore the wonderful opportunities camp offers,
how their lives are guided and united by the while setting sensible limits for them.
Holy Spirit. As with any group, upper elementary
• Day 1 reminds us that Jesus promises to campers will come from a variety of faith
be with us always. God gives us the Holy and family backgrounds. They will likely be
Spirit as our advocate who reminds us of at different levels of maturity—physically
Jesus’ love and teaches us how to share and emotionally, as well as spiritually. Avoid
that love with others. generalizations while affirming each
• Day 2 reassures us that, even though we camper’s individuality. Engage the campers
are weakened by sin, the Holy Spirit in cooperative activities and tasks to help
strengthens us through forgiveness, teach- them bond as a group.
ing us to pray and seek God’s presence
and guidance for our lives.
Other suggestions each week. Adjust games and activities to
match the unique abilities and interests of
Take time for yourself each day. Spend time each new camper group. Encourage, but
alone with God, reflecting on how your day, never force, campers to step outside of their
your week, your summer is going. comfort zone when sharing personal infor-
Remember that every week of camp is a mation or ideas, or when learning new skills.
Upper Elementary
brand new experience for the incoming Above all, make it your top priority to
campers, as well as for you. Prepare anew affirm each of your campers every day.
First Night
One of the foremost questions most campers Finally, consider this opening activity as
bring to camp is likely to be, “Can I trust you plan for the first night with your group.
Upper Elementary
this place?” The first night at camp can be
filled with moments of uncertainty for upper
elementary campers, many of whom may be Best gift ever
experiencing camp for the first time. Most Gather the group together in a comfortable
are on the lookout for someone to trust, outdoor area. Bring along a variety of unin-
someone to help them, and someone to flated balloons in a hat. You should have
make them feel good about being here. one balloon for each camper, plus one for
As a group leader, building trust with yourself, if needed, to make an even number.
your campers begins from the moment they Make sure the balloons are paired by color
arrive. Here are a few suggestions: or shape. (Two reds, two blues, and so on.)
• Help campers find their cabin, move in, Ask campers to take one balloon from the
and meet the rest of the group. Touring hat and find the other camper who has the
the camp together will also help ease feel- same colored or shaped balloon. When
ings of uncertainty about a new place with everyone is paired up, ask partners to tell
new customs and expectations. Using their each other about the best gift they have
names often will not only help you learn ever received. Was it a birthday present?
the names quickly, it will help campers feel A Christmas gift? A special family heirloom?
accepted and important to you. A gift for no reason at all?
• Play easy, noncompetitive games with After a few minutes, call everyone back
your group. It’s a good way to help together and ask each camper to name the
campers get better acquainted. Choose a best gift his or her partner has received.
few low risk, foolproof name games and After everyone has shared, tell the group
icebreakers for starters. Save more physi- that they will be learning about a gift of
cally challenging and higher risk sharing another kind this week. That gift is the Holy
games for later in the week. Spirit.
Invite campers to tell what they know or
• Talk about the week ahead. Share a daily have heard about the Holy Spirit. Where
schedule with the group. Go over expecta-
tions and guidelines, particularly as they have they heard that name mentioned
pertain to the campers’ safety. Work before? What images come to mind when
together to create a group covenant with they think of the Holy Spirit?
guidelines and expectations the campers Tell campers that the Holy Spirit is often
want to establish for the week ahead. mentioned when we talk about the Trinity:
God the creator, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
• Become familiar with Spiritlife. Introduce Together, these three persons make up our
the theme and briefly talk about the Bible
one God. We can’t see the Holy Spirit, but the
study topics. Involve the campers in plan-
Holy Spirit is with us always, helping us be-
ning and participating in a first-night
lieve in Jesus and share his love with others.
campfire or cabin devotional time that
Ask campers to inflate their balloons and
reflects the theme.
tie them off. Comment that we can’t see the
• The first night is a time to celebrate your air inside the balloons, yet we know it is
new Spiritlife family. Serve a fun, familiar there because the balloons have changed and
meal. Bright banners, lively music, and grown. Likewise, we can’t see the Holy
colorful parachutes or kites all could add Spirit, yet we know the Spirit is with us
to the celebrative spirit. because of the way the Spirit helps us change
and grow.
Ask campers to write their names on their Close your time together by gathering in a
balloons with a marker and tie all the bal- close circle for prayer. Although physical
loons together with a string. Hang the bal- contact (holding hands, huddles) is an
loons in your cabin as a reminder that the appropriate group prayer posture, upper ele-
Holy Spirit is present, filling each of your mentary campers may find it intimidating on
lives with faith and love. this first night. Instead, consider offering a
Upper Elementary
prayer on behalf of the group as they fold
their hands and listen. Thank God for the
Closing gift of this new day, this new week, and this
Prayer is one of the ways the Holy Spirit new group. If possible, mention each camper
draws us into relationship with God. Make by name as you offer thanks for his or her
prayer a top priority with your campers this presence. Invite campers to close the prayer
week. Help them see that prayer is not just with a spirited “Amen!”
for church or bedtime, but provides unlimit-
ed access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Engage campers in a variety of praise and
prayer styles throughout each day. Encour-
age them to pray together and alone, lifting
up personal needs as well as the needs of
others.
Daily Watch
Day 1: Today we will talk about a gift we’ve all
received—the gift of the Holy Spirit. God
Upper Elementary
Unexpected gift gave us this gift to assure us that God is
always with us, and to help us let our love
Eric waved good-bye to his parents as they
really “shine!”
drove away. He was excited about spending
a whole week at Bible camp with his best
friend, Dylan, but he was feeling a little
Prayer
uneasy too. He had never been away from Jesus, thank you for always being with us.
home for so long before. Let your love shine through us today. Amen
“You can have the top bunk,” said Dylan
as Eric walked back into the cabin.
“Thanks!” Eric replied, tossing his sleep-
Day 2: Deep water
ing bag on top and climbing up after it. As “Good try, Megan,” said Kyle, the lifeguard
he unrolled the bag, something fell out. It at the city pool. “But I think you need to get
was a small flashlight with a note attached. stronger before you can swim in the deep
water. Keep practicing!”
Megan nodded, hiding her disappoint-
Hi, Eric! ment, and climbed out of the pool. This was
the third time she’d taken the deep-water
I hope this light helps you really test. She wondered if she would ever be
“shine” this week. Have a super strong enough to pass.
time! Remember, we love you! Questions for reflection

Mom • Tell about a time when you worked
toward a goal. What did you need to do
in order to reach it?
Eric smiled and stuffed the note into his Read Isaiah 40:28-29.
pocket. He turned the flashlight on. It • According to these verses, does God ever
worked great! grow weak? (No.)
• What does God share with us? (God gives
Questions for reflection us power and strength when we need it.)
• How did Eric feel when his parents drove Today we’ll learn that the Holy Spirit
away? (Both excited and uneasy.) helps us grow strong in faith. The Holy
• How do you think he felt after finding the Spirit does this by guiding us through life, by
gift from Mom? (Happy, reassured that forgiving us, and by encouraging us to keep
she loves him even when she’s not with trying!
him.)
Read Matthew 28:19-20. Prayer
• What does Jesus tell the disciples to Awesome God, strengthen us each day
remember? (That he is with them always.) through prayer, through your Word, and
• How does it make you feel, knowing that through each other. Amen
Jesus is always with you?
Day 3: Copycat Questions for reflection
Jordan’s little brother, Alex, is driving him • How does your camp experience compare
crazy. Every time he turns around, Alex is with Eric’s? In what ways does this place
there. If he goes to the park, Alex tags along. feel like a family to you?
If he sits down to watch TV, Alex sits next Read 2 Thessalonians 1:3.
Upper Elementary
to him. If he laughs at a joke, Alex laughs • How has your faith grown this week?
too, even if he doesn’t get it. • How has your love for each other been
“Dad, Alex keeps copying me,” Jordan challenged? How has it increased?
complained. Today we’ll learn that God loves variety.
Dad smiled and said, “Try to be patient The Holy Spirit gathers a variety of people
with him, Jordan. He only wants to be like together to be part of God’s family—the
you.” church. We may not always get along, but
we are all in this together!
Questions for reflection
• Do you know someone who tries to be Prayer
just like you? How does that make you Holy Spirit, bless our camp family. Help us
feel? (Answers will vary.) find ways to grow even closer today. Amen
Read Ephesians 5:1-2.
• Who are we to imitate? (God.) Day 5: Send me!
• How do we imitate God? (By loving oth-
ers as Christ loves us.) “We still need one more person to help
deliver food to the food pantry on Satur-
• How can we “live in love” today? (Be day,” Pastor Joe announced at the youth
helpful, say nice things, look out for each
other.) group meeting. “Any volunteers?”
Jarrett started to raise his hand, but his
Today we’ll hear that the Spirit is with us,
friend, Thomas, pulled it back down. “You
helping us love others as God loves us.
can’t go!” Thomas said. “We have a soccer
That’s not always easy to do, but it’s what
game on Saturday.”
we are called to do.
Questions for reflection
Prayer
Jesus, make us imitators of your love today. • Tell about a time you had to choose be-
tween helping someone and doing some-
Help us step out of our comfort zone and
thing else. What did you decide to do?
love others even when it’s hard to do. Amen
Read Isaiah 6:8.
• When is it hard to do what God calls us
Day 4: We’re family to do?
Eric can’t believe it’s already Thursday. Just a • What helps you say “Here am I! Send
few days ago he wasn’t sure he wanted to me!”
spend a whole week at Bible camp, but now This is our last day of camp, but it’s not
he doesn’t want to leave! Oh sure, it hasn’t the end of our camp experience. Today we’ll
all been great: it rained during their campout, learn that the Holy Spirit sends us out into
he and Dylan had a big fight over a canoe the world to continue doing and telling
paddle, and the bugs are eating him alive. about the things we’ve learned here.
But then again, he’s made some great friends
and he’s learned that Jesus is his greatest Prayer
friend of all. Eric misses his family, but this Spirit of life, guide us through this last day
place is starting to feel like a family too. of camp. Help us accept your call to go out
and serve others in whatever way we can.
Amen
Focus question Draw a triangle in the sand or on a piece
What gifts does God give us? of paper. Ask campers to think back to last
Upper Elementary
night’s activity and try to remember the
Go Back Theme statement three members of the Trinity. Help them as
needed and then write each name at the
Jesus promises us that God will send the points of the triangle. (Creator, Son, Holy
Holy Spirit to be present in our world. Spirit.) Draw a circle around “Holy Spirit.”
Tell campers that another name Jesus uses
Objectives to describe the Holy Spirit is Advocate.
This Bible study will help campers and their Explain that an advocate is someone who
leaders: stands up for us and cheers us on. He or she
• know that the Holy Spirit is their advo- is someone we trust to give us good advice
cate, standing up for them and cheering and to support us as we make decisions in
them on. our lives. Ask campers to name people they
• consider the gifts the Holy Spirit brings to consider to be advocates in their lives.
their lives. (Coaches, teachers, counselors, and so on.)
• share ways they can use their gifts this Add that they will hear Jesus refer to the
week. Holy Spirit as our advocate later, in today’s
Bible text. Challenge the group to stand up
Bible basis and cheer when they hear “Advocate” read
from the Bible later on.
John 14:25-26 (Jesus promises us that God
will send the Holy Spirit to be present in our
world.)
Presenting…
Invite campers to find a partner. Ask the
Materials pairs to take turns being advocates for one
another. Give them a few minutes to talk
Paper, marker, Bibles, ball or beanbag, sym-
together, sharing a few details from their
bols of God’s presence in our lives (cross,
lives, such as family members’ names, hob-
fire, wind, dove, bread, water), container of
bies, school interests, and so on. Then call
water, cups (one per person).
the group back together and have campers
take turns “advocating” their partner before
Gather in the Spirit the group, sharing positive information
about him or her. End each introduction
Gather the group together in an outdoor set-
with a round of applause.
ting, near water if possible. Take time to
share names again, if necessary. Spend a few
minutes reviewing some basic group courte-
sies (taking turns when speaking, no put-
Word and Spirit
downs, and so on). Gauge the campers’
Gifts
familiarity with the Bible by asking them to Ask campers to take a short walk around
locate several books that will be referred to your meeting area. Have them look carefully
this week, including John, Romans, 1 John, at what God has given us in creation. Ask
and Ephesians. Don’t spend a lot of time them to note not only the big gifts (such as
with this and make it fun by having the sky, water, trees) but the small gifts as well
group cheer each camper as he or she locates (such as butterfly wings, pebbles, flower
a book. petals). Of all the gifts they discover, which
one do they find particularly amazing?
After a few minutes, call the group back After everyone has had an opportunity to
together and form a circle. Toss a ball or share, show the campers symbols of God’s
beanbag to a camper. Ask him or her to presence in our lives (cross, fire, wind, dove,
name one amazing gift from God’s creation bread, water) and ask them what these sym-
and why he or she chose it. Then ask the bols remind them of (Jesus, the crucifixion,
camper to toss the ball to someone else and church, Holy Communion, Holy Baptism,
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continue the process until everyone has God forgives my sins). Encourage a variety
shared a gift. If time allows, play again, this of answers, allowing time for campers to
time naming another camper’s chosen gift form thoughtful and creative replies.
before tossing the ball to him or her. After the sharing is complete, tell campers
that it is the Holy Spirit who helps us
The gift of the Spirit remember all these things about Jesus. And
Make a connection between the game and it is the Holy Spirit who will teach us so
God’s gift of the Holy Spirit. Not only does much more about Jesus, this week and
God give us an amazing world in which to beyond.
live, God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us
in how we live here. Pour out my spirit
Ask campers to locate John 14:25-26 in Have a volunteer read Joel 2:28 or read the
their Bibles. Tell them that this text comes text to the group from your Bible. Then ask
near the end of a long talk Jesus had with the campers to close their eyes and extend
his disciples before he died. Jesus wanted to their hands toward the center of the circle.
be sure his disciples felt safe in the knowl- Pour water from a container over the
edge that Jesus was not leaving them alone. campers’ hands as you repeat the text again
After he was gone, God would send some- and again until everyone has felt the water
one to remind them of how much Jesus loves pouring. Then have campers open their eyes
them, and help them live as his followers. and discuss the following questions:
Ask a volunteer to read the text aloud (be • What images came to mind when you
sure to acknowledge those who stand up heard the text and felt the water?
and cheer!). Discuss the text using the fol- • Where or when do you feel especially
lowing questions: “filled up” by the Holy Spirit? (At church,
• Who is speaking here? (Jesus.) at camp, when I pray, places in my daily
• What is an advocate? (Someone who life.)
stands up for us and cheers us on.) • According to this text, what gifts does the
• Who is the advocate Jesus speaks of? (The Holy Spirit give to some people? (Proph-
Holy Spirit.) esy, dreams, visions.) How about you?
• Who sends the Holy Spirit? (God the What gifts does the Holy Spirit give to
Father.) you? Offer examples from your own life,
then give campers time to think about the
• What two things will the Holy Spirit do? question before moving on to the next
(Teach us and remind us of everything
Jesus said.) activity.
That reminds me! I’m gifted too

Ask campers to think about the amazing gifts To prophesy, to dream, and to see visions
from creation they mentioned earlier. Ask are some amazing gifts! It seems that God
them to name their gift again and tell about really likes to amaze us—through creation,
something the gift reminds them of. (For ex- through Jesus, and through the gifts of the
ample, “Flowers remind me of my grand- Holy Spirit.
mother’s garden” or “The lake reminds me of Give each camper an empty cup. Pour
visiting the ocean last summer” and so on.) water into your own cup. Remind campers
that the Holy Spirit is our advocate who
stands up for us and cheers us on. The Holy Gather near a tree or garden. Ask each
Spirit helps us realize and celebrate the gifts camper to name a gift he or she can share
we have been given. this week and pour the water from his or
Ask campers to think of one personal gift. her cup onto the tree roots or garden as a
It might be a talent, a special possession, or way of expressing his or her desire to share
a person who means a lot to them. personal gifts this week at camp. Afterward,
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Begin by naming a personal gift of your encourage campers to anticipate the Holy
own. Then pour the water from your cup Spirit leading them into new friendships and
into another camper’s cup. Ask the camper experiences in the days ahead.
to name a personal gift, then pour the water
into someone else’s cup. Continue until the
water has traveled from camper to camper Closing
and back to you. Collect the cups and set them aside. Invite
Tell campers that the Holy Spirit not only the campers to form a huddle as you close
gives us many gifts, but helps us share our with prayer. If possible, mention each
gifts with one another. Remind them of the camper’s name in the prayer, thanking God
prophet Joel’s message they heard earlier: for her or his presence in the group. Ask the
God continues to pour the Holy Spirit into Holy Spirit to guide each of you, to remind
our lives, filling us again and again with the you of Jesus’ constant love, and to teach you
Spirit’s presence. something new about God’s amazing world
Pour water into each camper’s cup. As and your place in it.
you do, ask the campers to think about the
week ahead. What gifts can they share here
at camp? The gift of friendship? Song?
Humor? Honesty? Athletic ability?
Focus question Ask campers to compare the stones you
How can I reach out to God when sin gave them. What are the unique characteris-
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weighs me down? tics of each one: color, texture, size? Ask the
Go Back campers to close their eyes and spend a
Theme statement minute examining their stone, feeling for
things that make it unique: ridges, cracks,
Alone, we are no match for the weight of bumps?
sin, but with the Holy Spirit’s help, we stay After all are confident they know their
connected to God despite our weakness. stone by heart, collect the stones. Randomly
distribute them again. With eyes still closed,
Objectives ask campers to pass the stones around the
This Bible study will help campers and their circle, keeping the one they believe to be
leaders: their own. When all the stones are claimed,
• realize that God knows every detail of ask campers to open their eyes. Did every-
their lives. one choose correctly? It’s likely that most or
• compare the weight of a stone to the all did.
weight of sin.
• talk about how the Spirit keeps them con- Known by heart
nected to God through forgiveness and Ask campers to find Psalm 139 in their
fellowship. Bibles. In this psalm we hear the good news
that God knows us by heart.
Bible basis Ask campers to take turns reading verses
Romans 8:26-27 (Through the Spirit, we are 1-6. Then ask:
forgiven.) • In what ways does God know us by
heart? (God knows our every move, our
Materials every thought. God is constantly search-
ing us out and watching over us.)
Bibles, small stone for each camper, long
piece of string (optional). Assign one or more of the verses to pairs
or trios. Ask them to quickly come up with
hand/body movements that express their
Gather in the Spirit assigned verse(s). After a few minutes, have
Gather together outside. Give a small stone the group stand in a circle. As you read the
to each camper. Have one for yourself too. psalm aloud, ask partners to act out their
In fact, consider keeping the same stone verse(s).
throughout the summer, using it as a tool for Afterward, thank the campers for their
reflection during difficult times and as a participation. Then read verse 4 again:
reminder of the Spirit’s constant presence in “Even before a word is on my tongue, O
your life. LORD, you know it completely.” Ask
Remind campers of yesterday’s Bible study campers to think of a time when they felt
in which they shared personal gifts. God speechless. Were they totally surprised by
blesses us with the gift of the Holy Spirit something? Really sad? Really scared? Really
and with personal abilities that reflect God’s amazed? Go around the circle and ask vol-
love for each of us. Each of us is special. unteers to complete this sentence: “I felt
Each of us is unique. speechless when…”
Afterward, say that even when we can’t
put our feelings into words, God knows
what is in our heart.
Good stuff, bad stuff After returning to your meeting area, have
Reaffirm that God knows all our spoken campers remove the stones from their shoes
and unspoken thoughts—every little detail of and talk about the experience.
our lives—the good stuff as well as the bad • How did the stone change the way you
stuff. usually walk? (It made me limp. I couldn’t
think about anything else.)
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Ask campers to think of examples of
“good stuff” in their lives. (Being part of a • Was it hard to walk in silence during this
loving family, achieving a goal, having a activity? (Some may say that they would
good friend.) How about “bad stuff”? What have liked to express their pain by com-
does that include? (Doing things we know plaining, grumbling, and blaming.)
are wrong, cheating on a test, telling a lie, Thank the campers for sharing their
fighting with a sibling.) thoughts. Add that it can be easy to thank
Make it clear that everyone experiences and praise God when things are going well,
both good stuff and bad stuff in life. No- but when things go bad we sometimes can’t
body’s perfect because the world is not per- even find words to express our feelings. Or
fect. Sin is a reality; it is the temptation to we might just grumble silently to ourselves,
do what we know is wrong. not really expressing our pain to anyone.
Draw a dinner-plate-sized circle in the dirt Often when we need to talk with God the
or sand, or use a piece of string. Gather the most, we remain silent, bearing the pain on
group about 20 steps away from the circle. our own.
Ask campers to take turns tossing their
stones at the circle. If their stone lands inside Tent bodies
the circle, ask them to share an example of Ask campers to think about a time they have
“good stuff” from their life. If it lands out- camped in a tent, either at Bible camp or
side the circle, ask them to share an example elsewhere, or to imagine what that may be
of “bad stuff.” If time permits, give each like. Then say that a tent provides good pro-
camper a couple of chances to toss his or her tection for campers, but it’s not perfect. In
stone and name an example. what ways is a tent less than perfect? (Bugs
can get inside, rain can seep through, a
strong wind can knock it down.)
Word and Spirit Go on to say that the apostle Paul com-
Ask the campers to retrieve their stones. pares our physical bodies to a tent. Ask
Comment that one stone in your hand campers to find 2 Corinthians 5:2-4 and
doesn’t weigh much. But pile up a lot of read what Paul has to say about our “tent
stones and before long, you have a heavy bodies.” Then ask:
load to bear. Sin is like that too. It weighs us • In verse 2, what does Paul say we do in
down. The more it piles up, the weaker we our “tent bodies”? (Groan!)
become.
To illustrate your point, ask campers to
• What are some things you have groaned
about since arriving at camp? (Hard
place their stones inside one of their shoes. bunk, mosquitoes, long hikes, food.)
Ask them to imagine that the stone repre-
sents sin. • In terms of your life away from camp,
what are some things that make you
Invite them to take a short, silent walk
groan? (Parents or caregivers, school-
with you. As they walk, ask them to think
work, chores.)
about the burden the stone is creating.
(Make sure that the stones only cause mild • According to Paul, what do we all long
discomfort as the campers walk. The point is for? (A new, heavenly body.)
not to make the activity drudgery, but to • If you could design the perfect heavenly
bring to light the unique burden each stone body, what would it be like? (No pain, no
presents.) worries, never needs sleep, breaks all the
world records, and so on.)
Remind campers of the psalm they read • How does God’s forgiveness free us? (I
earlier. God knows every detail about us— don’t have to hide behind a lie or secret
the good stuff and the bad stuff. Apostle anymore. I don’t have to deal with the
Paul tells us that one day all that bad stuff bad stuff alone. I can be myself.)
will be gone and we will live perfect, heaven-
ly lives. Until that day, how does God help
• Knowing that God forgives us, how might
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we respond? (Praise God; seek to follow
us deal with the bad stuff? (God gives us the Jesus in thought, word, and deed; forgive
Holy Spirit to help us along the way. God others.)
accepts us and loves us no matter what. God
forgives us and frees us to start anew each
day.) Closing
Gather the group in a close circle. Ask them
Energize me! to hold their stones as you pray together:
Ask campers to find Romans 8:26-27 in “Holy Spirit, we know you are always with
their Bibles. Have a volunteer read the text us, sifting through the details of our lives;
aloud. Then ask: hemming us in when we wander off. Thank
• Who helps us when we are feeling weak you for never turning away from us, even
because of sin? (The Holy Spirit.) when we turn away from you. Keep speak-
• If people were lamps and God was a ing to our hearts, even when we remain
power outlet, what would the Holy Spirit silent. Teach us to share our burdens with
be? (The cord that connects the lamp to one another. Amen”
the source of energy.) After the prayer, suggest that the campers
• The text tells us that the Holy Spirit keep their stones with them for the remain-
“intercedes with sighs too deep for der of the day. Let the stones remind them
words,” helping us stay connected even that the Holy Spirit is with them, sharing the
when sin wears us down. Prayer is one weight of their burdens and helping them to
way the Holy Spirit helps us stay connect- be strong in faith.
ed to God. Can you think of any other
ways? (Through caring people, our
church, Bible camp, Christian friends.)
Focus question If you walked through your meeting area
What does it mean to love others? last night, compare the way it looks today
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with the way it looked last night. How have
Go Back Theme statement your feelings about this place changed
because of the light?
The Holy Spirit helps us show compassion
for all people, even those we find unlovable. Hide and seek
Objectives Say that it’s common to feel afraid or lost
when we can’t see clearly. Even when we’re
This Bible study will help campers and their in a crowd, we may feel alone if we aren’t
leaders: sure which direction to take. To illustrate
• realize that God calls them to love all this point, ask campers to find a partner. Tell
people. them they will play a game in which they
• reflect on their ability to love those who will receive a prize for locating a hidden
are hard to love. object.
• share love by affirming each other. Have one of the partners put on a blind-
fold. Scatter objects in a designated area.
Bible basis Have the sighted partners stand around the
1 John 4:12-21 (The Spirit calls us to love as boundaries of the area.
we are loved.) Assign each of the blindfolded campers a
specific object to find. Each one crawls
Materials around the area, searching for the object,
determining by touch alone whether he or
Bibles, blindfolds, variety of miscellaneous
she has found it. The sighted campers may
objects (book, bandana, pencil, marker,
not coach their partners. They may only
shoe, hat), edible prizes, paper cups, chart
steer wandering campers back inbounds.
paper, marker, candle and matches (or flores-
Set a three minute time limit. Applaud
cent glow stick or small flashlight). (Note:
those campers who were able to find their
Before serving any food, always check with
objects. Then talk about the experience:
caregivers for campers who have food aller-
gies. Provide an alternative if necessary. Be- • What did it feel like to search in dark-
ness? (Frustrating, hard.)
fore lighting candles, check your local fire
codes and your camp’s fire policies regarding • What was it like to have your sight and
the use of open flames.) not be able to offer your partner guid-
ance? (I felt frustrated. I wanted to shout
“It’s right in front of you!”)
Gather in the Spirit • What would have made this activity a lot
If possible, take your group on a “night easier? (No blindfolds. Have people tell
hike” the night before this session. you which way to go.)
Ask campers what it was like hiking Now ask partners to exchange places.
through darkness. Were there moments Have the new searchers put on blindfolds.
when they felt afraid? Lost? Alone? Allow Rearrange the objects in the area and assign
time for campers to share their thoughts one to each searcher. Tell the sighted part-
about the night hike, as well as other experi- ners that they may shout directions to their
ences they’ve had with darkness (bedtime partner.
fears, camp outs, cave tours, and so on), Afterward, emphasize that helping each
other was the best way to achieve the task.
Helping others is what Jesus tells us to do
when he says “Love your neighbor as your- about darkness that exists in its assigned
self” (Matthew 22:39). It is one reason Jesus area. Offer suggestions as needed to get them
sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. The Holy started. For example:
Spirit helps us “shout directions” to each • Home: arguments, miscommunication,
other, thereby helping us find our way the “silent treatment.”
through life. • Community/School: homelessness,
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Invite campers to think more about loving gangs, bullies.
their neighbors as you explore the letter of
1 John.
• World: war, terrorism, hunger, poverty.
After a few minutes call the campers back
together and have each group name some of
Word and Spirit the examples it discussed. List their ideas on
chart paper under the headings “Home,”
Have campers find 1 John 4:12-21 in their
“Community/School,” and “World.”
Bibles. Ask volunteers to take turns reading
Ask two campers to hold the chart paper
the text aloud, then have someone sum up
up while a third camper closes his or her
the text in his or her own words. Invite the
eyes, spins around a few times, then points
group to expand on the camper’s summary.
to one of the words on the chart paper. Read
(God loves us. God wants us to love others.
it aloud. How can the Holy Spirit help us
If we don’t love others, then we don’t really
bring “light” into that situation? Share ideas
love God.)
and have a few more campers point to
words and discuss them before moving on.
God of love, God of light
Now ask campers to turn back in their Tough love
Bibles and follow along as someone reads
Ask a camper to read aloud 1 John 2:10a:
aloud 1 John 1:5: “This is the message we
“Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in
have heard from [Jesus] and proclaim to
the light.” According to this verse, how do
you, that God is light and in him there is no
we live in God’s light? (By loving others.)
darkness at all.”
But what about people we don’t like,
Give each camper a paper cup. Ask all
much less love? Ask campers to close their
to look around the area for a small, living
eyes and think about someone whom they
plant, such as a wildflower or dandelion. (If
find particularly hard to love. It might be
no flowering plants are growing in your
someone they know personally, such as a
area, grass will do.) Have them gently, care-
neighbor or classmate. It might be a person
fully place their cup over the plant so it is
or group of people they have never met.
hidden in darkness.
After a few moments of silent reflection,
Gather the group back together and ask if
read aloud 1 John 4:19-21.
the plants they covered can continue to live.
Ask the campers to open their eyes.
(No, they can’t live without light.) Em-
According to this text, we can’t say we love
phasize that even though there is still light
God and still go on hating someone. If we
all around the plant, it can’t live in its little
love God, we must find ways to love those
cup of darkness. Likewise, as 1 John tells us,
who are hardest to love. But how?
God’s love shines everywhere, but cups of
Ask campers to reflect on that question as
“darkness” still exist in the world.
they uncover the plant they covered earlier.
Then ask them to name one way they can
Overcoming darkness uncover their dark feelings about other peo-
Quickly form three groups. Assign one group ple. (Pray for him; treat her fairly even if she
“Home,” another group “Community/ treats me unfairly; learn more about them;
School,” and the third group “World.” Ask offer them help in whatever way I can.)
each group to spend a few minutes talking
Say that God is the God of love and light. Begin by naming a positive quality you’ve
When we enter fully into God’s love there is noticed in the camper on your right, then
no darkness: we are no longer afraid, lost, or pass the light to that camper. Continue in
alone. God gives us the Holy Spirit to help this way around the circle. Afterward, join
us reveal this love to others. Encourage the together in prayer: “Spirit of love, when we
campers to allow the Spirit to work through are feeling afraid, lost, or alone, light our
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their lives, loving even those who may seem lives with your constant presence. Remind us
unlovable. that we are chosen to be children of light.
Help us reflect your love in all we do and
say each day. In the name of Jesus, the Light
Closing of the world. Amen”
Gather campers in a circle. Light a candle or
have a fluorescent glow stick or a small
flashlight available. As a way of sharing
God’s love with others, ask campers to think
of one positive quality they have noticed in
the camper who is seated on their right. It
may be a particular talent (good singer, great
pitcher) or a special quality (nice laugh,
good listener, fun to be with).
Focus question When you reach your meeting place, ask
If everyone is different, can we still get partners to share with the group what they
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along? discovered along the way. As they do,
Go Back emphasize that all the things mentioned
Theme statement depend on each other. Harmony is essential
in the natural world and is essential in our
The Spirit welcomes us into community human world, as well.
despite our differences.
Human harmony
Objectives
Now ask campers to complete a scavenger
This Bible study will help campers and their hunt of another kind by searching for signs
leaders: of harmony in each other.
• acknowledge God’s passion for variety. Give each camper a list of things to find
• reflect on how they’ve grown as a out about each other. For example, find
community. someone who:
• bless each other with symbols of the • is part of a blended family
Spirit’s unity. • is or knows someone who is adopted
• made a new friend this week
Bible basis
• is a member of a church
community.)
• has forgiven someone
• prayed for someone today
Materials • complimented someone today
Bibles, pencils, scavenger hunt lists, ball of • received a compliment today
yarn, scissors. Create 10-12 statements for your particular
group.
Ask campers to mingle together, initialing
Gather in the Spirit those statements that apply to them on each
As you walk to today’s meeting place, have other’s lists. After a few minutes, gather
partners work together to complete a together again. Does anyone have every
“Harmony Hunt.” Create a list of things to statement initialed? What surprising or inter-
find in nature that reflect harmony. For esting details did they learn about each
example, ask partners to find something other? How does this activity affirm our
that: ability to live in harmony?
• plants depend on
• a squirrel eats Word and Spirit
• was changed by a storm When we look carefully at the world around
• likes sunlight us, or at our own lives, we can see that God
• is growing on something else loves variety. Invite campers to make “binoc-
• warns other creatures of danger ulars” with their hands in front of their eyes
• is just beginning life and look at only a small area of the natural
world for a few moments. What signs of
• is older than you variety do they see? How many different
Provide lists and pencils for the campers.
forms of life? How many colors? How many
Have them write or draw what they observe,
textures? Then choose a different area to
rather than collect anything.
observe and note the variety within it. Each Affirm the campers’ ability to grow as
creature or plant or element is different, yet individuals, as well as a group, this week.
everything thrives in harmony. However, amid the growing unity, there were
Now have campers turn their “binocu- likely times when it was broken by hurtful
lars” on themselves for a moment. What words or actions. Ask campers to name, or
variety do they see? In what ways do they to silently reflect on, times when the group’s
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look different? Act differently? React differ- unity was bruised or broken. As they do, cut
ently? As in the natural world, when we the yarn between each camper, leaving a
look carefully at each other, we see that strand in each camper’s hand. Comment that
God’s love for variety shines through. Yet all the whole group experiences brokenness—
people, regardless of skills, personalities, even if only one member has been hurt—
likes, and dislikes, are welcomed into this because we all are made one by the Spirit.
Spiritlife. Together we thrive in a creative Next, read aloud Colossians 3:14: “Above
balance. all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds
everything together in perfect harmony.”
Together in the Spirit How can we repair our brokenness by
Ask campers to find Ephesians 4:1-6 in their “clothing each other with love”? (Forgive
Bibles. Have volunteers read the text aloud. each other, change our ways, try to be more
Then ask: accepting of everyone.)
• What do verses 1-2 say about the way God knows that brokenness is a reality in
God wants us to live? (God wants us to this world. That is why God sent Jesus into
live in humility, gentleness, and patience, it, to teach us that we can live in harmony
and to bear with each other in love.) despite our differences. The Holy Spirit is
with us every day, celebrating our diversity
• What does verse 3 say we maintain when and cheering us on in unity.
we live as God wants? (The unity of the
Spirit.) Have campers quickly pair up. Ask them
to “clothe each other in love” by helping
• The word one appears seven times in each other tie a knot in the yarn around
these six verses. Why do you think the
their wrist, creating a simple bracelet. As
writer repeats that word so many times?
they do, ask them to bless each other with
(To emphasize that we are one in God,
the words, “There is one body and one
joined together by God’s love.)
Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4a).
• In terms of our camper group, what expe- Encourage campers to wear their bracelets
riences this week have made us “one”? as a reminder that, although we are individ-
uals, we are bound together as one body,
Clothed with love united by God’s forgiveness, and sustained
As campers share their answers to the previ- by the Spirit’s love.
ous question, take out a ball of yarn and
have each camper hold the yarn, joining the The community factory
group together with a single strand. Say that Ask campers to stand in a circle. Welcome
the Spirit has indeed called us together as a them to “The Community Factory.” Tell
group this week. There have likely been them that in this place, each of them is part
moments of humility, gentleness, and of a machine that produces community. In
patience, as well as times when you have order for all parts of the machine to work
had to “bear with” each other in love. together properly, each of them must con-
Ask volunteers to complete each of the tribute a spoken word and an action. The
following statements: word needs to reflect a personal gift—some-
• I felt humble when… thing special that the Spirit enables each
• I saw gentleness when… camper to share with the world (such as
• I learned patience when…
• I’ve learned to bear with…
song, laughter, friendship, caring, peace-
maker). The action can be anything—jump-
Closing
ing jack, wiggle, wink—just for fun. Stand together in a close circle for prayer.
When everyone is ready, have each Ask each camper to offer a brief prayer of
camper share his or her word and action thanks for the special gifts she or he men-
with the group. Then begin again with each tioned earlier. As each does, ask her or him
Upper Elementary
camper repeating his or her word and action to place her or his arms around the shoul-
over and over again until the whole group is ders of the campers next to her or him.
working in harmony. When the whole group is in a huddle, offer a
End by congratulating the campers on prayer in closing: “Humble Spirit, teach us
successfully creating community in this activ- to accept others, regardless of our differ-
ity, as well as during the week. Encourage ences. Gentle Jesus, help us be more like
them to continue to share their gifts with you. Patient God, forgive us when we fail to
others, to seek out ways to live in harmony be the people you know we can be. Clothe
beyond camp, and to thank God daily for us in your love. Amen”
binding us together in the Spirit.
Day 5: We’re Sent
Focus question Ask campers to take turns sharing one
What does the Spirit send me to do? way they have changed this week. How
Upper Elementary
might the change affect the camper’s future?
Go Back Theme statement (I’m going to save money to buy my own
kayak; I won’t be so afraid of spiders any-
The Spirit enables me to live in ways that more; I will be a better friend.)
reflect God’s love. Thank campers for their comments. Say
that changes come in all shapes and sizes.
Objectives Some changes we can see, and some we can-
This Bible study will help campers and their not. In today’s Bible story, Jesus’ disciples
leaders: experienced some incredible changes. Invite
• recognize ways that the Spirit has changed campers to be on the lookout for these
their lives this week. changes as you explore the story together.
• reflect on the way God is molding their
future.
• create a reminder of the Holy Spirit’s
Word and Spirit
presence. Ask campers to find John 20:19-23 in their
Bibles. Tell them that this Bible story occurs
Bible basis shortly after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The risen Jesus had already appeared to
John 20:19-23 (The Spirit sends forth our Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18). Now he
community into the world.) is about to appear again.
Materials Behind locked doors
Bibles, air-drying modeling clay, small sticks. Set the stage for today’s story by telling
campers that the disciples were hiding from
Gather in the Spirit the leaders who had put Jesus to death. Why
might the disciples have been hiding from
As you walk to your meeting place today,
the leaders? (They likely feared that they
ask campers to look for signs of change
would also be put to death.)
within the natural world. Ask them to look
As a group, ask campers to quickly and
for gradual changes over time (such as a
quietly move to a “hiding place.” This may
decaying log or erosion along a shoreline)
be a secluded area behind a cabin, among a
and more recent or emerging changes (move-
grove of trees, or in a field of tall grass.
ment of clouds, a flowering bud, ants mov-
When everyone is hidden, invite volun-
ing debris).
teers to read the text aloud as everyone fol-
When you reach your meeting place, have
lows along. Then choose parts (narrator,
campers share what they observed. Which of
Jesus, the disciples) and have campers act
the changes began years ago? Just this sum-
out the story as it is read aloud again.
mer? Just today? Which of the changes may
Afterward, talk together:
affect future campers in some way? (The size
of the beach will be different; the fallen tree • What time of day was it when Jesus
appeared to his disciples? (Evening.) What
will block their hiking path.)
were the disciples doing? (Hiding from the
Next, have campers take a few minutes to
people who had crucified Jesus; locking
reflect on their experiences of the past week.
themselves inside.)
In what ways have they changed? Have they
learned a new skill? Overcome a fear? Made
a new friend?
• Why do you think Jesus appeared to them Quickly move from your “hiding place”
in darkness, behind locked doors? (To to an area where a breeze is blowing. Invite
show that even darkness can’t hide him; campers to close their eyes and crouch
to give them hope when they were feeling down. Move from camper to camper and
the most afraid and alone.) “mold” each one into a human form by
standing him or her upright, “forming” arms
Upper Elementary
• How did the disciples’ feelings change dur-
and legs, hands and feet.
ing the story? (At first they were afraid,
then they were happy and rejoicing.) Ask them to imagine themselves standing
before Jesus, and hearing him say, “Peace be
• What did Jesus do to change the way they
with you. As the Father has sent me, so I
felt? (He spoke to them and showed them
send you” (John 20:21). As they feel the
that he had really risen from the dead.)
breeze against their skin, have them imagine
• How did their lives change that night? Jesus’ breath blowing on them, sending them
(Jesus gave them the gift of the Holy back home.
Spirit; he sent them into the world as God Who do they see when they arrive? Family
had sent him into the world; he told them members? Friends they have missed this
to forgive others.) week? Neighbors? How might their relation-
ships with these people change, now that
Luke’s story they have been “remolded” by Jesus’ word
Read aloud Luke’s account of this appear- and Spirit?
ance (Luke 24:36-39). Then ask campers to
think about their own fears and doubts. Home again
What are they most afraid of? When is it Ask campers to open their eyes and form
hardest for them to believe Jesus cares? pairs or trios. Ask each group to plan a
Begin by offering your own reflection, short skit based on a situation you give
then invite volunteers to complete the fol- them. Tell them that the skits should in some
lowing statements: way reflect their new Spiritlife:
• I feel most afraid when… • Your sister tells you she just lost your
• It’s hard for me to believe Jesus cares favorite CD.
when… • You find out your friend has been telling
Afterward, acknowledge that everyone lies about you.
has fears and doubts. The world we live in is • A neighbor asks you what you did while
not perfect. Yet, it is because of the imper- you were at camp.
fection that God gives us the gift of the Holy
Spirit. Through us, God puts “flesh” on the
• Your parents or caregivers still don’t
know that you cheated on your math test.
Holy Spirit. We become Jesus’ hands and
After each skit, talk about the things that
feet in a world of fear and doubt.
affected the outcome of each situation. What
role did forgiveness play? How did the Holy
The breath of life Spirit challenge you? How did the Holy
The book of Genesis tells us that God mold- Spirit change you?
ed the first human in God’s likeness and Encourage campers to continue to look
then breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7). for the Holy Spirit’s active presence in their
Likewise, in today’s story, the disciples, real-life relationships. Expect that the Spirit
molded by Jesus’ earthly ministry, received a will challenge them and change them from
new breath of life. No longer were they sim- this moment on.
ply a group of mismatched individuals called
together by a wayward preacher. On that
day they became a new creation—a new
community—commissioned by Jesus’ words
and sent out with the strength of the Spirit.
Closing “Jesus,” “Spirit,” and so on. Encourage
them to take their cups home and, as they
Give each camper a small lump of modeling harden over time, to remember that the Holy
clay. Ask all to mold the clay into the shape Spirit strengthens them daily through God’s
of a cup. Invite them to think of that cup as forgiveness and constant love. Then gather
a symbol of their life, continually needing to together for a closing prayer: “Spirit of life,
Upper Elementary
be filled with the presence of the Spirit. fill us with your presence. Pour your love
Encourage them to use small sticks to etch into us. Refresh us with the cooling breeze
words or symbols in the clay that remind of your forgiveness. Help us to stand firmly
them of their time at camp, such as a cross, in your love. Amen”
Introduction to
Junior High
The Bible study material
focuses on the Holy Spirit.
About junior high
For your junior high campers, the Holy
Spirit may seem a bit of a mystery. It may be
campers
Junior high youth are a fascinating bunch—
the least understood aspect of the Trinity.
perhaps the most misunderstood of all age
We can picture a loving God creating us and
groups. Scientists have learned that the most
acting as our parent. Jesus is God made flesh.
traumatic growth in the brain occurs at two
We know stories of the historical Jesus. But
different times in our lives: birth and adoles-
the Holy Spirit is not so well understood.
cence. No wonder they feel misunderstood!
This study will provide an opportunity for
Their hormones are raging through their
the campers to explore the Holy Spirit in
bodies which makes them experience mood
depth. Hopefully, they will come away with
swings from time to time. One minute you
a clearer understanding of the Spirit.
may find that a camper is smiling and feeling
This material provides a variety of options
great and a minute later, the camper may
and activities that you can adapt to the time
distance himself or herself from you and the
and setting available to you. It is written
Junior High
group. Be sensitive to all of the changes
specifically for a five-day camp, but could be
going on within them: mentally, emotionally,
adapted for a weekend retreat. First night
physically, and spiritually. This makes for
activities could be done on a Friday evening,
some interesting and exciting challenges!
Days 1-4 on Saturday, and Day 5 on Sunday
Perhaps the most important thing to
in connection with morning worship.
junior high young persons is the need to
belong. They are concerned with relation-
Objectives ships and how they fit in. Sometimes they
feel very awkward about themselves, and
These Bible study sessions will help junior
their self-doubt may lead to behavior that
high campers and their leaders:
puts down others in order to build them-
• know that the Holy Spirit is present and selves up. It is your challenge to help them
active in their daily lives.
see themselves as having special gifts to offer
• explore what it personally means that the others. Therefore, there is no reason to put
Holy Spirit is their advocate, their inter- others down. Everyone is important, includ-
cessor, the one through whom they know ing them. You can help them feel a sense of
God’s love, the bond that brings them to- belonging by making special efforts to know
gether in community, and the one who is their names and making time to share with
with them as they share the good news them. Affirm them. Help them feel included
with others. in discussions and activities.
• share with others the gifts the Holy Spirit While they may feel inadequate at times,
has given them to use in community. they can also be full of surprises. If you can
In addition to the daily Bible study plans, hone in on their energy in a creative way,
this section also includes: they will respond with gusto! Be observant.
• an introduction to the overall theme. The best way to be with junior high youth is
• “First Night” activities for introducing to be flexible and willing to change direction
campers to each other and to the theme. at a moment’s notice. You may find that
• “Daily Watch” devotions to help focus on teaching an activity using one particular
the theme. method doesn’t work at all, while another
method grabs their attention. This could
vary from group to group. These Bible stud-
Bible study
ies are meant to be adapted. Change them
around a little to match the teaching talents
components
The Bible study material features the follow-
and gifts you have, if necessary.
ing components:
Junior high youth are just beginning to
expand their learning from concrete facts to • Focus question: Each lesson begins with
a question to guide the discussion and
abstract thought. This makes the activities of
introduce the overall theme for the day.
the Holy Spirit a good theme for them to
explore. While there may be some concrete • Theme statement: This statement gives
facts about the Holy Spirit, there certainly is you the insight into the direction and
some abstractness to the Spirit as well. This expected focus of each session.
may seem mysterious to us at times. Be • Objectives: These provide direction and
patient and understanding of the campers create continuity between the activities in
who aren’t quite able to use abstract each session.
thought. As you ask questions, make sure • Bible basis: This provides the biblical
there is a balance between questions that can text for the day.
be answered with facts and questions that • Daily briefing: Each session begins with
can be answered more abstractly. In terms of some brief background information for
learning, be sensitive to the fact that they you.
will have varying biblical knowledge. • Getting started: This is an introduction
Junior High
You will find that the campers come from to the Bible study. The Bible text may be
a variety of church, community, and family introduced here.
backgrounds and settings. They have had
different life experiences. Help make camp a
• Delving deeper: This moves the campers
to a more personal understanding of the
stable place within a changing world. Help day’s theme. The Bible text is introduced
them find comfort in the fact that through here if not in the “Getting Started” sec-
the Holy Spirit, God is present with us in tion.
every time and every place. When everything
else is in upheaval in our lives, the one con- • Take it with you: Experiences provide
opportunities for campers to apply their
stant is God’s abiding presence.
learnings.
• Catechism connection: This activity
explores part of Luther’s Small Catechism
as it relates to the daily biblical theme.
• Closing prayer: Although prayer is used
throughout the Bible study, this particular
prayer brings the Bible study to closure.
First Night
When campers arrive on this first day of
camp, they will be experiencing all kinds of
Spiritlife
feelings. For some, this may be their first Introduce the theme of the week by inviting
camping experience. For others, it is an a camper to read John 20:19-23. Share with
opportunity to reconnect with friends met in the campers that they will be spending the
previous years. Use this time together to get week learning about the Holy Spirit and
acquainted and learn one another’s names. how the Holy Spirit is active and ever-
Make a special effort to talk with each present in our lives. Find out what they
camper and welcome him or her. Share the already know about the Holy Spirit. Tell
camp routine with the campers so they know them to shout out words that describe what
what to expect during the week. Take time they already know about the Holy Spirit.
to answer questions they may have. Make this exercise fun to encourage their
participation. Hopefully what they share will
be helpful to you as you prepare to lead
Getting to know you them in Bible study about the Holy Spirit.
Play a get-acquainted game. Have the group Tell them that the Holy Spirit brings us
sit in a circle. Supply a ball or balloon to together, connects us with each other, teach-
throw around the group. Tell the campers es us about God, and gives us gifts to do
Junior High
that when they catch the ball they should God’s work in the world. Let them know
say their name and give a fact about them- that during the week they will be learning
selves. If they catch the ball a second time, different things about the Holy Spirit. Tell
they should repeat their name, but give a dif- them that the Holy Spirit is present with
ferent fact about themselves. If the ball is them now, in this place.
tossed to you, make sure you pass the ball to
someone who hasn’t yet said her or his
name. Play this game until everyone has had
Closing prayer
a chance to share at least one fact about Close with this prayer or one of your own:
himself or herself. After you’ve played this “Thank you, God, for the gift of your Holy
game for a little while, tell the campers that Spirit. We thank you for the gift of this week
you want to see how well they know each to make new friends and to try new things.
other from this game. Ask them to take Send your Holy Spirit so we may learn more
turns identifying the person sitting to the left about you and grow more fully in you.
by name and one fact they learned about Guide us on this new journey together. In
this person. Jesus’ name we pray. Amen”
Daily Watch
The daily watch is a great way to start the Tell the campers to find a partner, some-
day. It is especially important on this first one they don’t know and hope to get to
day as campers prepare to enjoy the week know better this week. Tell them to share
together. You may choose to use part of the with their partners a story of a time when
daily watch time to review the schedule with they had a tough decision to make. How did
the campers. You may decide to use this they finally make the decision? Did they
resource at the end of the day. If you choose make the right decision? When the campers
that option, begin the daily watch with a are done sharing, ask each pair to share
review of the day, giving campers time to what it learned about making decisions.
discuss their highs and lows of the day. Turn to Psalm 16:7-9, 11. Read the psalm
Whether you begin or end the day with in unison. Point out that the Holy Spirit is
“Daily Watch,” open with a prayer, giving with us always. The Holy Spirit directs us
thanks for this time together. and, as it says in verse 11, shows us “the
path of life.” Address the fact that the Holy
Spirit is always with them and will be with
Day 1: We’re Gifted them this week. The Holy Spirit is their
The path of life advocate—the one to whom they may turn
for help, counsel, and support. Pray that the
Junior High
Sit with your campers by an entrance to a
hiking trail. Talk about the trail. What helps Holy Spirit will show them the way to live
people find their way along the trail? (Often their lives.
there are markings on the tree. Sometimes a
path is obvious because the brush has been
cleared.) How do they know which way to
go when there is a fork in the path? (Accept Forgive the unforgivable
any answers.) Begin with a prayer thanking God for a new
Sometimes we get on the wrong path or day and for new chances.
we get lost. That’s like life, too, where some- Tell the campers to shout out different
times we make wrong decisions or do wrong words to describe God. Tell them during this
things. Sometimes we do wrong things with- day they have learned or will be learning
out even knowing it. Today’s lesson focuses about God as a forgiving God. This is a
on the Holy Spirit and how the Spirit is pre- completely awesome gift! There are some
sent with us. The Holy Spirit is like the incredible stories of forgiveness in our own
markings on the tree. The Holy Spirit shows lives. Share some of these with the campers
us the way to go, teaching us how to live. or come up with your own. For example,
Ask the campers what guides them in there is the story of the pastor named Walter
their faith. (Some responses may include Everett. His son, Scott, was shot and killed
family members, the pastor, the Bible, spe- in 1987. At first Pastor Everett was angry
cial prayers.) Point out that it is through the and confused. How could anyone take his
Holy Spirit that our faith in God is possible. son’s life? How could anyone take a person’s
Those times we wander down the wrong life? Eventually Pastor Everett felt he wanted
paths are the times when we don’t depend to forgive the man who killed his son. He
on the Holy Spirit for guidance. We’re wrote letters to this man, Mike, who killed
depending on our own motivations. But the his son. He offered his forgiveness. Mike
Holy Spirit is there with us through thick wept when he heard this. Pastor Everett
and thin, eager to guide us and show us the began to visit Mike in jail. He could see
right way, God’s way. Mike—a former drug addict—making posi-
tive changes in his life. Eventually the pastor
made the incredible decision to testify before Mirrors
the parole board on behalf of Mike. Mike Introduce the next segment by telling the
was soon freed from jail. And in 1994 campers that you will be reading from 1
Pastor Everett even officiated at his wedding. Corinthians 13:1-13, where the writer talks
There are other stories like his. They may about and describes love. After they listen to
seem few and far between, but sometimes this reading, ask the campers if there were
people do an incredible thing: they find it in any new definitions or words for describing
themselves to forgive what seems to be love that they didn’t share earlier. If so, what
unforgivable. God gives us the Holy Spirit, words were different? Ask them to think
who intercedes on our behalf. When we are about what society tells people about love.
unable or unwilling to ask forgiveness, the How do these societal definitions of love dif-
Spirit intercedes for us and God forgives us. fer from what the Bible describes? Is the
That is an awesome gift. Bible talking about romantic love in this
Give the campers time to reflect on Pastor passage or something else?
Everett’s story. Ask them to find a partner Ask the campers to think of a person in
and think about these questions: their lives who they feel lives out this view of
• Is any sin totally unforgivable? love described in Corinthians. Maybe this
• Is it possible to forgive someone who person is a friend, family member, acquain-
doesn’t ask for forgiveness? tance, or someone they just met at camp.
• God tells us to forgive others as we are Ask campers to find a partner. Give partners
forgiven by God. What does it say about the opportunity to describe this person to
Junior High
us, if anything, if we cannot find it in our- each other. Draw the campers back into the
selves to forgive? group after some sharing time. Ask the
• What physical things do you notice about campers to share with the rest of the group a
your body when you are angry or hurt by bit about the person they described to their
someone? What physical things do you partner.
notice about your body after you’ve for- Instruct the campers to find a new partner
given someone? for this next part. Each pair should select
• Is it possible that the event or behavior one person to be the leader. The other per-
that hurts us is one pain that we feel, but son is the leader’s mirror. Have the campers
that our reaction to it—anger—causes us face their partners. Instruct the leader in
to feel a second pain? If so, what can for- each pair to do slow movements of his or
giveness do for our pain? her choice. For example, he or she could
Invite campers to share their reflections raise his or her hand above his head or
about the whole idea of forgiveness after touch an eye or the mouth or raise a leg or
they have had the opportunity to share with wave a hand. The other partner should
their partners for a few minutes. watch closely and mirror his or her partner’s
To close your time together, read Mark actions. This activity should be done in
11:24-26 and say a brief prayer asking for silence. After a few minutes, instruct part-
God’s help in teaching us how to forgive as ners to switch roles and do the activity
we are forgiven. again.
Process this activity by asking the follow-
ing questions:
Day 3: We’re Loved • Was it easy or hard to mirror the other
When you gather, play a free association person?
exercise with the campers. When you say the • What did you enjoy most: mirroring or
word love, what words immediately come to leading?
their minds? Encourage them to share these
words.
• When you were the mirror, was it hard or • When I look at a painting, I notice all the
easy to focus on what the other person details of color and the brush strokes
was doing? What did you have to do to (move toward the tree). When I look at a
follow the movements of your partner painting, I look at and admire the whole
correctly? (Answers may include concen- picture (move toward the pole).
trate, focus, block everything else out.) • When I make decisions, I make them from
The Holy Spirit helps us to know that we the heart (move toward the tree). When I
are loved by God and calls us to love others. make decisions, I make them from the
We are called to mirror the Holy Spirit’s love head (move toward the pole).
for us by loving others. How can you be like • I always come to a quick decision (move
a mirror of the Holy Spirit here at camp? At toward the tree). I always consider all the
home? possibilities before making a decision
Gather the campers and pray for the Holy (move toward the pole).
Spirit to fill them so they may overflow with In this next section, have the campers
love toward others. think about the word with which they most
identify. Have them move to the appropriate
Day 4: We’re Gathered marker.
Taking a stand • mercy (tree) or justice (pole)

• objective (tree) or subjective (pole)
Gather in a place where you can find two
objects that are about 30 paces from each
• details (tree) or dreams (pole)
Junior High
other. It could be two opposite walls or two • open (tree) or closed (pole)
trees or a tree and a pole. Stand between the • quiet (tree) or loud (pole)
two things. (For ease in describing this activ- Gather the campers. What did they notice
ity, pretend that the two items are tree and a about this activity? Did everyone agree
pole.) Tell the campers that you will read a where to stand or did people stand in differ-
series of statements. They should respond by ent places? (They probably stood in different
moving to the place that more closely relates places.) Ask what the group would be like if
to how they feel. Tell them that there is an everyone stood at the same point all the
imaginary line between the pole and the tree time. (It probably would be boring!) And
and they may stand anywhere along this line you probably would be limited as to what
to show how they best feel about the state- you could do as a group. Tell the campers to
ment. Use the statements below. give this some thought as they listen to 1
• When I work on projects, I like to work Corinthians 12:12-31. Ask several volunteers
alone. (If campers agree with this state- to split up the reading.
ment, tell them to stand somewhere along Close with a prayer celebrating the differ-
the imaginary line toward the tree.) When ent gifts that everyone has. Think of a spe-
I work on projects, I like to work in a cific gift or talent each camper has and lift
group. (If campers agree with this state- that up in prayer as a way to affirm the
ment, tell them to stand somewhere along campers.
the imaginary line toward the pole. If they
are unsure, they should stand in the mid-
dle. Do this for the remaining statements.
Day 5: We’re Sent
Tell them which direction to move if they Going places
agree and which direction to move if they The word send and its derivatives appears in
disagree.) the Bible at least 955 times. There is a lot of
• At parties, I seek out one or two people to “sending” going on! Before you lead this
be with (move toward the tree). At par- daily watch, trace a footprint on 10 pieces of
ties, I hang out with the crowd (move paper. Cut them out. On the back of each
toward the pole). footprint, write one of the Bible verses below.
Give each camper a footprint. Campers Encourage everyone to share his or her
can work with a partner if they wish. Tell response. Then read Bible passages about
them to read the Bible passage and deter- two different reactions to being sent by God
mine three things. to do God’s work. First, read the story of
• Who is being sent? God’s calling of Moses in Exodus 4:1-13.
• Where or to whom is the person being Then read the story of Isaiah’s calling in
sent? Isaiah 6:8. What is different about these two
passages? (Moses asks that God send some-
• Why is this person being sent? one else; he’s a reluctant messenger. Isaiah
Give them a few minutes to read the pas-
readily accepts. When God asks, “Whom
sage and answer the three questions. (The
shall I send?” Isaiah responds, “Here am I;
answers are in parentheses.)
send me!”)
• Ezekiel 2:1-4 (Ezekiel is sent to Israel to Tell the campers that God sends them into
tell the Israelites what God has to say.)
their day-to-day lives to share their faith
• Mark 1:1-5 (John is sent to the Jews to through word and deed with those around
prepare the way for Jesus’ coming.) them. Ask them to consider whom they are
• Luke 10:1-9 (Seventy followers of Jesus most like. Are most like Moses, who doesn’t
are sent to places where Jesus was plan- want the job? Or are most like Isaiah, who
ning to go to proclaim that “the kingdom eagerly responds to God’s call? Let them
of God has come near you.”) reflect on this. While they do, share with
• Mark 6:7, 12-13 (Disciples are sent every- them that even though Moses was reluctant,
Junior High
where to command authority over unclean he came through with flying colors. Ask
spirits, proclaim that all should repent, what they can do to gain more confidence in
cast out demons, and anoint those who sharing their faith. Hopefully, someone will
were sick.) mention prayer as a way to do this.
• John 3:17 (Jesus is sent to the world to Close with a word of prayer, thanking
save it.) God for the gift of Christian community,
• John 14:26 (Holy Spirit is sent to the dis- which can strengthen them to do the min-
ciples to teach and remind.) istry to which they are called.
• John 20:21 (Disciples are sent into the
world to do God’s work.)
• Luke 1:26-33 (Angel Gabriel is sent to
Mary to tell her she would bear the
Savior, Jesus.)
• 2 Samuel 12:1-14 (Nathan is sent to
David to tell David he sinned against God
and the consequences of that behavior.)
• 1 Samuel 15:1 (Samuel is sent to Saul to
anoint Saul as king over Israel.)
Focus question Getting started
How does the Holy Spirit affect our lives Begin your Bible study with a hike to a near-
and how we live with others? by lake or river. Sit by the edge of the water
Go Back
as you work through the study with the
Theme statement campers.
Jesus promises us that God will send the Ask each camper to consider what he or
Holy Spirit to be present in our world. she brought to camp. Let them know that
although they have packed a lot of things to
Objectives bring to camp, there are things they brought
This Bible study will help campers and their to camp that don’t fit in a suitcase: their tal-
leaders: ents, skills, and unique personality. Instruct
• learn what it means to have the Holy them to think of and be ready to describe
Spirit as an advocate. the gifts and talents that they brought to
camp. (For example, they may think of
• consider ways that the Holy Spirit will be things such as patience, outdoor skills, or
present in their lives in the coming week.
sense of humor.) Give them a few minutes to
• respond to the gift of the Holy Spirit by think of these gifts and talents.
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choosing a way to advocate for others.
Have the campers pair off to share their
list of gifts. After a few minutes, gather the
Bible basis group together and encourage the partners
John 14:25-26 (Jesus promises us that God to introduce each other and identify their
will send the Holy Spirit to be present in our partner’s gifts. Affirm the personal gifts each
world.) camper has. Point out that even though each
camper may have brought different gifts,
Materials there is one gift they all brought. Ask them if
Bible, paper, pencils, dictionary, index cards they can name the one gift that everyone
(one for each camper), pebbles (one for each brought to camp. (Accept answers such as
camper plus two additional ones), Luther’s faith, God, and the Holy Spirit.) Point out
Small Catechism. that during this week together they will look
at how the Holy Spirit is present in their
lives. If no one mentioned the Holy Spirit as
Daily briefing the one thing they all brought with them, tell
“We’re Gifted” is an appropriate topic for them this before you go on with this lesson.
the first Bible study. The focus is on God Take a minute to have the campers quick-
sending the Holy Spirit to be present with ly shout out things they want to do this
us. We are not alone; in fact, the Holy Spirit week. Do this quickly to get as many ideas
connects us with others in every time and out as possible in a short amount of time.
place. If you have some first-time campers, Then point out that not only has the Holy
they may find comfort in the fact that Spirit come with them to camp, but the Holy
because of the Holy Spirit, they are not Spirit will be present in all they do while
alone. they are at camp. The Holy Spirit will be
present when they hike together, swim, sit
around a campfire, solve conflicts, and
more. The Holy Spirit is present with them
now and always. Tell the campers to think
of one word that describes how they feel
knowing that the Holy Spirit is present with • What are the two things that the Holy
them. Then quickly go around the group so Spirit will do?
each person can shout out his or her Ask a volunteer to read the passages.
response. Then discuss the questions.
Close this portion of the Bible study with
a prayer. Offer a prayer of thanks to God The text in context
for bringing the group together. Give thanks
to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Ask On the days that “The Text in Context”
for help and guidance as you prepare to appears, challenge the campers to move
learn more about the Holy Spirit. from an understanding of the biblical text to
how that text addresses them in their daily
lives. To do this, divide the group into teams
Delving deeper of three or four. Assign each group one or
Review the aspects of the Trinity with the more of the following topics (or invite each
campers. Ask them the following questions: group to decide which topic it will explore).
Each topic will have three questions de-
• What is the Trinity? (The Trinity is the signed to help campers make the following
way we know God, as the great Three in
One. God is known to us as the Father/ connections:
creator, the Son/redeemer/Savior, and the • Text-to-text: connections campers make
Holy Spirit/sanctifier/advocate.) between the text they are reading and
another text, including other biblical
• What do we know about God as Father texts, books, poems, scripts, songs,
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and creator? (Accept answers such as God
movies, music videos, television programs,
made us, made creation, continues to
media ads, or anything that is written.
create.)
• What do we know about God as Jesus • Text-to-self: connections campers make
between the text and personal experiences
and our Savior? (Accept answers such as
or background knowledge.
God as Savior is Jesus who lived with us,
died for us on the cross, and rose from the • Text-to-world: connections campers make
dead. Jesus healed people, performed mir- between the text and the bigger issues,
acles, taught, and preached.) events, or concerns of society and the
world at large.
• What do we know about God as the Holy Provide each team with the background
Spirit and advocate? (Accept any answers,
pointing out at the end of the answer information about the topic and the ques-
sharing time that the Holy Spirit will be tions, and be available to guide the discus-
the focus of the Bible studies this week.) sion. Each team should bring a presentation
back to the large group. This presentation
You will learn how much they already
can be a song, skit, game, personal stories/
know about the Holy Spirit by what they
examples, or any other creative presentation.
share with you. This will be helpful as you
prepare your activities for the coming week. Topic 1: Advocate
Write their responses on a piece of paper to Ask if anyone knows what the word advo-
see at the week’s end how their understand- cate means. Help them list meanings for the
ing of the Holy Spirit has grown or changed. word. (Meanings include supporter, helper,
counselor, one who pleads another person’s
The Bible text cause, comforter.)
Tell the campers to turn to John 14:25-26. • What other Bible stories, movies, songs,
Before you read this together, instruct the television shows, or television commer-
campers to think about the following ques- cials deal with advocacy or being an
tions as this passage is read: advocate?
• What words does Jesus use to describe
who is coming?
• What do your clothing, your hairstyle, giving others.) Another thing the Holy Spirit
your appearance, the music you listen to, teaches us is how to advocate for others.
or the friends you hang out with say Stress that just as the Holy Spirit advocates
about who you are and what is valuable for us, the Holy Spirit teaches us how to
to you? advocate for others as a way of life.
Ask the campers to pair up and discuss
• Who are the people, animals, or things in
the following questions:
the world that need an advocate—some-
one to speak for them? • Share a time when someone was an advo-
cate for you. What did it feel like to have
Topic 2: Baptism someone advocate for you?
Tell the campers that Jesus himself had his • Share a time when you were an advocate
own experience with the Holy Spirit. In John for someone else. What did it feel like to
1:29-34 we read the story of Jesus’ baptism, advocate for someone else?
when the Spirit of God descended on him. After the campers have had some time to
Read this together. Point out that just as share their responses with one another, invite
God poured the Spirit on Jesus, Jesus pours volunteers to share their personal stories
out the Spirit on those who follow him. with the whole group. After everyone who
Jesus pours out the Spirit on the campers. wishes to has shared, move on to the next
Instruct the campers to consider the words activity.
supporter, helper, counselor, defender, and
comforter. Share that although the Holy Speaking out
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Spirit is with us always, there may be times
Instruct the campers to find Joel 2:28 in
in our lives when we are particularly aware
their Bibles. Ask a volunteer to read the pas-
of God’s presence in the Holy Spirit.
sage aloud. This passage tells us that the
• What movies have you seen where some- Holy Spirit will work through us. We can be
one is in need of a supporter, helper, coun-
advocates for others.
selor, defender, and comforter?
What issues and concerns do the youth in
• When have you needed help from some- your group have? Make a list of things that
one? Who helped you? How did the situa- concern them. (The list might include things
tion work out? such as global warming, racism, terrorism,
• Think of recent events in the news. What poverty, and inequitable distribution of
troubles have people or nations faced? wealth and resources.) Once your list is
What kind of help did they need? Who made, ask the campers how they might
was there to help them? respond to these concerns. For example,
how can they advocate for people who are
poor? How can they advocate for the health
Take it with you of the earth? Make a list of things they can
Learning how to live do (and perhaps some have already done).
One way the Holy Spirit helps us is by Impress upon them the importance of
teaching us how to live. It is through the advocacy. You may choose to discuss the
Holy Spirit that we have faith. It is through famous quote by Pastor Martin Niemoller.
the Holy Spirit that we have come to know He makes a point about the importance of
Jesus. In John 14:26, Jesus says that the advocacy. This pastor was taken to a con-
Holy Spirit will teach us everything and centration camp during the Holocaust. You
remind us of all that Jesus has said. can find the quote at either of these two
Invite the campers to share what they Web sites (there are more—use your favorite
have learned about Jesus because of the search engine!): www.hoboes.com/html
Holy Spirit. How has Jesus taught them to /FireBlade/Politics/niemoller.shtml (this site
live? (They may say that Jesus has taught also shares a bit about Niemoller’s life) and
them to live through caring, loving, and for-
http://serendipity.magnet.ch/cda/niemoll.html so the campers can take one to give to the
(this site posts several versions of the quote camper on his or her right. The last pebble
by Niemoller). will be taken by the last camper to give to
Give each camper an index card. Tell all you. This camper should recite the same
to think of something for which they would words to you.
like to speak out. Instruct them to write Close with a group cheer, lifting the peb-
their name on the card and one advocacy bles high above your heads, and saying, “Let
project (“speak out” project) they want to our lives so shine before others!”
do when they return home. Give them some
ideas to get them thinking about the idea of
advocacy. For example, they could write a Catechism connection
letter to a government representative regard- Throughout this week there will be some
ing a concern they have or they could work suggestions for using Luther’s Small Cate-
on a neighborhood cleanup project. Tell chism as part of a confirmation camp experi-
them also to write the date by which they ence. The main focus of the week will be the
hope to have this advocacy work started and Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Today’s
completed. It is possible that some choices theme focuses on how the Spirit acts on our
will not have an ending date. If that is the behalf.
case, campers need not write an end date on
the card. All by myself
Distribute Luther’s Small Catechism to each
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Ripple effect camper. Ask everyone to find the section on
To conclude this portion of the Bible study, the Apostles’ Creed. Ask a volunteer to read
instruct the campers to stand by the side of a the Third Article of the creed. Discuss as a
lake or river. Ask them what will happen as group what this creed says about the Holy
a result of their advocacy work. (Accept all Spirit.
answers.) Show them the pebble you hold in Superhero
your hand. Tell them that for the moment, Ask campers to form groups of two or three
the pebble is meant to represent the Holy and think of as many superheroes as they
Spirit. Toss the pebble into the lake, close to can (answers may include Superman,
the shore, so they can see the ripples ema- Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Power Puff
nating out from where the pebble was Girls, and so on). What special powers do
tossed. Ask them to describe what they see. these heroes possess? How did they come by
Make sure they notice the ripple effect. Tell these powers?
them that this is the effect of the Holy Spirit Then ask campers to consider what
in our lives. Our Spirit-filled actions work “super power” they would like to possess.
the same way. When we touch the lives of What would they do with this power? How
others, it causes a ripple effect. would their use of this power benefit the
Invite the group to stand in a circle. Hand world? What would be dangerous about
the person to your right a pebble. Press the having this power? Gather in the large group
pebble firmly into his or her hand. Say, for a time of sharing about the powers the
“(Name), let your light so shine before oth- campers would like to have.
ers that they may see your good works and Challenge the campers to identify some-
glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Hold thing that they accomplished entirely on
the rest of the pebbles in your hand. Ask this their own. If anyone has a response, ask the
person to take another pebble from your rest of the group to identify how the respon-
hand, press that pebble into the hand of the dent relied on someone or something in cre-
person standing to her or his right, and ation to accomplish the feat. (A mountain
repeat the words you told her or him to this climber depends on the maker of the equip-
second camper. Continue like this all the ment necessary for survival; the hitter of a
way around the circle. You carry the pebbles
game-winning home run depends on team-
mates, coaches, and the athletic gifts inherit-
Advocacy prayer
ed from his or her parents.) Discuss how Tell the campers that one way they can
even solitary accomplishments depend on advocate for others is through prayer. Give
our own gifts and the gifts of others. Then them time to think of a one-sentence prayer
move to Luther’s first line in the meaning of they could say for the concern or issue they
the Third Article: it is by the power of the shared earlier. Then take turns, going around
gift of the Holy Spirit that we have the the circle, saying a sentence prayer. Conclude
knowledge and strength to believe. Allow by giving thanks for the gift of the Holy
time for discussion, questions, and reaction. Spirit and asking for God’s guidance as you
continue to learn more about the Holy Spirit
this week.
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Focus question have been split open, or an area that has
How does the Holy Spirit bring us new life been damaged by water, wind, or fire. Take
in Jesus Christ? time to look closely at the trees or the dam-
Go Back aged area. Can the campers guess what hap-
Theme statement pened? Was there a fire? Was something
struck by lightning? What might have caused
Through the Spirit, we are forgiven. the tree to fall? Instruct the campers to look
closely at the tree or the damaged area. Can
Objectives they see anything? Trees that fall eventually
This Bible study will help campers and their decay and cause all kinds of life to spring
leaders: forth. Sometimes new seedlings sprout out of
• look for examples of brokenness in nature dead trees. Sometimes the tree becomes a
and in their own lives and understand home for a critter. Soil becomes richer after
forgiveness as a way of giving them and a fire, making it a good place for plants and
others a second chance. trees to grow. What other signs of life can
• remember a time when they were forgiven they find in the brokenness?
by someone and when they forgave some- On your hike, sit down in an area close to
one and how those experiences changed a bridge (if this is not possible, build the
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them. bridge described in “A Bridge Prayer” at the
• pray for forgiveness and pray for someone end of this session). Help the campers to
they need to forgive. draw some analogies between sin and for-
giveness and the things they witnessed on
Bible basis the hike so far. You may have to help them
get started. Broken trees can remind us of
Romans 8:26-27 (Through the Spirit, we are
our own brokenness because of sin. Ask the
forgiven.)
campers what kinds of things topple them
over into sin. (They may list things such as
Materials jealousy, peer pressure, love of money, and
Bibles, Luther’s Small Catechism. feelings of rage or hate.) How do the
campers’ bodies feel physically when they
Daily briefing experience these emotions?
Point out the bridge by which you are sit-
It is inevitable that in a small group camping ting. Discuss how bridges connect us from
situation conflicts will pop up from time to one side of a body of water to the other side.
time. Chalk it up to “human nature.” Part Sometimes these gaps are large, but a bridge
of that “human nature” is our sinfulness, can help us get across without much difficul-
that which separates us from God and oth- ty. Point out that the sense of brokenness is
ers. Teaching the campers about the gift of sin, such as times we feel like our relation-
forgiveness we receive from God and can ships to God or others are not doing well.
also give and receive from others will be Also share that sin can be defined as that
important for your life together. which separates us from God and others.
The body of water can represent that sin.
Getting started What is the bridge in the campers’ lives that
helps them to be connected with God again?
Take a short hike with your campers. To (Responses might include Jesus’ death and
help you illustrate the effects of forgiveness, resurrection, forgiveness, God’s grace, the
ask them to look for fallen trees, trees that Holy Spirit.)
Remind the campers of the fallen trees or Topic 1: Mediation
the damaged area that they observed. Help Some schools involve students as peer medi-
them to remember the signs of life coming ators. You may want to take this opportuni-
back to those things. Tell them that when we ty to see if any of your campers have served
receive God’s forgiveness, we are made new. as mediators in their schools. Perhaps you
In a way, the fallen tree and the damaged have a camper who helped mediate between
area can demonstrate how new life can two friends who were about to fight. Ask
sprout from the death of sin. Forgiveness questions to help campers focus on the task
renews our relationship with God and others. of mediating and what that involved.
Say a prayer as you move deeper into the • What Bible stories, movies, songs, or tele-
Bible study. Give thanks for the forgiveness vision shows help us see how to mediate
that we receive in God through Christ Jesus. conflict?
Give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit • Share a story about a time you helped
and the gift of forgiveness that we continu- resolve a conflict or someone helped
ously receive from God. mediate a conflict between you and some-
one else. What was it like to mediate
between people who were in conflict?
Delving deeper What did you do to help bring peace to
The Bible text the situation? How did you feel as a medi-
Move to a comfortable place where you can ator? If you were in a conflict with some-
sit and study the Bible together. Instruct the one and someone acted as a mediator in
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campers to turn to Romans 8:26-27. Ask a that conflict, how did that help resolve
volunteer to read this passage aloud to the your conflict?
group. After the reading, ask the campers if • What are some of the most threatening
they have any questions about it. Some may conflicts in our society? How would you
not know what the word intercede means. A mediate these conflicts?
good explanation of the word is “to mediate
or to intervene between parties for the pur- Topic 2: At a loss for words
pose of reconciling differences.” Share the Instruct the campers to look at the phrase
good news with them that even during the “For we do not know how to pray as we
times when we can’t express our thoughts to ought” (Romans 8:26). There are, indeed,
God, the Holy Spirit is there for us. The times when we can’t express what we’re feel-
Holy Spirit intercedes for us so God is ing. Sometimes we aren’t fully aware of
always aware of what is going on inside what we’re thinking at a given time.
each of us. There is nothing hidden from • What is your favorite love song? Why
God. The Holy Spirit is our connection to does this song speak to you? How does it
God—like a bridge. speak to you?
• Have you had a time in your life when
The text in context you didn’t have the words to express how
Divide the group into teams of three or four. you felt? How did you resolve the situa-
Assign each team one of the following topics tion? What makes is easy for you to talk
(or invite the each team to select a topic). to God? What makes it hard?
Each team will bring a presentation back to • In what community and world situations
the large group, such as a song, skit, game, does the inability to communicate clearly
personal story, or other creative presenta- cause hatred and violence?
tion. Note that the group working on topic Topic 3: Forgiveness
three will act out the story from Genesis. Ask this team to consider forgiveness as it
explores the story in Genesis 3:9-19. Remind
the team that it will share the story with the
group as part of its presentation. Ask volun-
teers to read the parts of God, the man, and
the woman, and ask someone to read the
Catechism connection
narration. Distribute Luther’s Small Catechism to each
camper. Together, read aloud the Third
• Think of movies that deal with the themes Article of the creed. Then invite the campers
of separation and alienation. What sepa-
rates the characters? What is the bridge to return to the place where nature has been
that brings them back together? How damaged, but where there are signs of new
does forgiveness play a role? life. Ask each camper to find a place where
he or she can reflect on forgiveness and new
• What separates you from your family? life. Ask each camper to read the meaning of
From your friends? From other people in
the Third Article and to be on the lookout
your school? How does the need for for-
for what it says about the Spirit’s role in for-
giveness enter into the situation?
giveness.
• Consider news stories that report inci- After a few minutes for reflection, gather
dents of cruelty, violence, and terrorism. the group back together. Ask:
How is human separation from God evi-
dent in these events? What do you think is
• How often does the Holy Spirit do this?
Do the campers ask God every day and
the common denominator of our sinful- every moment for forgiveness? (Probably
ness? How does forgiveness set us right not!) Point out that because of the Holy
with God and with each other? Spirit’s interceding on our behalf, we are
constantly being blessed with God’s for-
Take it with you giveness.
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The gift of forgiveness • How does this make them feel? Does this
make them feel as though they can do
To help campers personalize the gift of for- whatever they please? Share with them
giveness, tell them a story about a time you that God’s forgiveness is a gift.
experienced forgiveness. Describe what that
was like and how you felt. How did that
• How do they treat gifts they receive? Do
they take care of them or trash them?
make things different between you and the Help them to brainstorm a list of ways
other person? Also share a time when you they could respond to this gift of forgive-
forgave someone. Describe this experience as ness. Perhaps they could pray every day in
well. thanksgiving for this gift. Or maybe they
Invite the campers to remember an could try to remember this gift of forgive-
instance in their own lives when someone ness as they meet friends during the day
told them they were forgiven. What was that with whom they may have a conflict.
like? How did they feel? Also tell them to
remember a time when they forgave some- • If God forgives them, how might they
respond to those who do things that are
one else. What was that like? How did they
unkind to them?
feel? Tell them to find a partner and share
these experiences with the partner. After a
few minutes of sharing, call the group back
together. Ask if anyone wants to share a
A bridge prayer
Close this study first by reading the words of
story or something that they learned as a
the Fifth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer: “For-
result of their experiences.
give us our sins as we forgive those who sin
To conclude this portion of the Bible
against us.” Tell them that we are forgiven.
study, ask a volunteer to read Psalm 139:1-2.
If we have experienced God’s forgiveness, it
Remind them once again that even during
makes sense that we would forgive others.
the times we are unsure about our thoughts
This might be hard, especially when some-
and feelings, God, through the Holy Spirit,
one has done something that seems unforgiv-
is very aware of our needs. Read in unison
able. If your campers enjoy a good discus-
the two verses of this psalm.
sion, consider inviting them to discuss this working to complete the bridge using the
issue. Is everything forgivable? What does it resources they have gathered. Every time a
mean to forgive someone who has done person adds something to the bridge, that
great harm to another person? person should say a prayer. For example,
When you are ready to move on, tell the “Forgive me, Lord, when I don’t listen to
campers that they are going to work togeth- others.” Encourage everyone to add to the
er to make a bridge. You will need only the bridge and say a prayer asking for forgive-
resources that are available to you outdoors: ness. When the bridge is complete (it doesn’t
twigs, leaves, and branches (remind them to have to be perfect), stand in a circle, holding
not destroy anything that is living). Find a hands and making a human bridge. Pray a
small area over which the group will make a brief prayer of thanks to God for the Holy
bridge. For example, they could build a Spirit who knows our every need and who
bridge between two rocks or over a puddle grants us the forgiveness we need. Be sure to
or a narrow stream. Tell them to collect include a request that God help us to forgive
items they could use to make a temporary others. Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer. If
bridge over the designated area. As they col- there are any campers who don’t know this
lect these items, they should think of some- prayer, say a line of the prayer and have the
thing for which they are sorry and are in campers repeat it after you.
need of forgiveness. These could be general
things related to global concerns or may be
something specific to their lives. After they
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have gathered the materials, take turns
Focus question However, God is calling us to something
How does the Holy Spirit enable us to live radically different. God calls us to love one
out Jesus’ new commandment to love one another. As you share in this study together,
Go Back another? help the campers recognize the power and
benefits of love. Be mindful that there are
Theme statement circumstances where it is difficult to love
someone. This is particularly true for some-
The Spirit calls us to love as we are loved. one who has been in an abusive situation. Be
sensitive to campers who may not want to
Objectives share stories about their experiences. Is it
This Bible study will help campers and their possible to love someone who has harmed
leaders: us? If so, how is it possible? Are there differ-
• learn that the Holy Spirit helps them to ent kinds or degrees of love? These are ques-
know they are loved by God, and calls tions worth exploring together as you study
them to love others. 1 John 4:12-21 today.
• role-play ways they can respond in love to In God’s call to love others, God gives us
life situations they face. the gift of the Holy Spirit. Even in the diffi-
• discover times when they can see God’s cult circumstances of loving another, the
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love in others and give thanks for those Holy Spirit can help us and guide us in our
times. love for that person. Help the campers to
understand that their faith calls them to love
Bible basis others.
we are loved.) Getting started
Begin this study by asking campers to put
Materials themselves into groups of three or four peo-
Bibles, index cards (optional), Luther’s Small ple (the groups need not be equal in size).
Catechism, pencils, two cross necklaces (tie Once they are in their small groups, tell
two small twigs together and tie a piece of them to read today’s Bible text, 1 John
yarn around the cross to hang around some- 4:12-21, together in their groups. As they
one’s neck). read, they should look for the key message
of this passage. In their small group, they
should agree on the message they feel is the
Daily briefing most important. Give them a few minutes to
The character Yoda, in Star Wars: Episode do this exercise.
I—The Phantom Menace, said, “Fear leads When they’ve completed their task, say
to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to that they will be teaching one another dur-
suffering.” You only have to look around at ing today’s Bible study. In their small groups,
what’s happening in our world to see that have them use the key passage they’ve select-
most people live out of fear. We live in a cul- ed as the basis for their “lesson plan.” It is
ture of fear. Teens certainly can relate to the their job to determine a creative way to
whole idea of fear. Some are afraid of what share this message with the rest of the
others might think of them. Some are afraid campers.
of being rejected. Fear is a part of their lives; Encourage their creativity. Some ideas
it’s a part of all our lives. could be creating a rap or cheer, doing a
news report or television talk show, or act-
ing it out. Give them 20 minutes to come up web are closer.) Point out to the campers
with a lesson plan. If they need more time, that the closer they get to others, the closer
add another five or ten minutes. Check on they get to God. Love is what brings us clos-
each group as it plans. Assist where neces- er together and closer to God.
sary, but encourage them to use their own Close this portion of the Bible study by
resources, skills, and creativity to do this thanking God for the gift of love. Ask for
activity. God’s help in loving others, even those who
Gather together after the groups are fin- seem unlovable.
ished with this assignment. Give each group
the opportunity to share with the other
campers. When all have shared, ask them Delving deeper
how they liked the experience. Did they The following role plays will provide an
learn anything as they prepared to teach? opportunity for campers to put the com-
Did the other groups teach them something mand to love others to the test. How can
new? Congratulate them on their coopera- they show love to others in difficult situa-
tive efforts to teach one another. Use the fol- tions? How is love shown? Use as many of
lowing questions to help them process this the following role plays (or come up with
Bible text even more. your own) as possible. Another idea is to use
• Are we able to see God? (Yes.) If so, how? the campers’ experiences. To do this, have
(When we love others, we are able to them write, on an index card, a time they
“see” God.) found it hard to love someone. Collect the
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• Verse 18 says, “There is no fear in love, cards and use them as the basis for the role
but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has plays.
to do with punishment, and whoever fears Role play 1: Janet
has not reached perfection in love.” Do Janet hangs out with a popular group of
you believe this? If so, why? If not, why girls at school. A rumor is circulating in the
not? group about another girl, Leena, who is not
• Who is it hard to love? What does it mean a “member” of their group. Additionally,
to love even our enemies? Is that possible these popular girls—Kelly, Jennifer, and
to do? Crystal—make fun of Leena on almost a
• What does this passage have to say about daily basis. Janet wants to remain a part of
the Holy Spirit? (The Holy Spirit helps us this group, but she knows that what these
know that God lives in us when we love girls are saying to and about Leena is wrong.
others.) One day, Leena walks by the girls in the
• We cannot love unlovable people on our hallway and Kelly, Jennifer, and Crystal call
own. How are we helped to love others, her names. Janet knows she has to do some-
even unlovable people? (The Holy Spirit.) thing. What should she do?
• What is the key instruction in this pas- Role play 2: Peter
sage? (Love God and love others.) As Peter changes the channel on his radio
• Is it possible to love God and not love one day, he finds a talk show station where
other people? (No.) a caller, Misha, is ranting and raving and
If it’s possible to find a spider web nearby, making all kinds of racist remarks. This
have the campers inspect it closely. Tell them upsets Peter and he tells his parents about it.
to let the center of the web represent God. Peter seeks their advice about what he could
Each of them is like the pieces of web that do about racism and Misha. What kinds of
come out from the center. How do the pieces things might Peter’s parents suggest as a way
of web at the outer edge of the circle com- of showing love in fighting racism and in
pare to the pieces of web toward the center dealing with Misha?
of the circle? (The pieces at the center of the
Role play 3: Tania and Mariah Tell the campers that for the rest of the
Tania and Mariah are friends who are con- week you want them to look for signs of
cerned about what is happening to the envi- God’s love shining through others in the
ronment. As they talk, what kind of solu- group. Say that the greatest sign of God’s
tions can they think of together that address love for us is Jesus and Jesus’ willingness to
some of their concerns for the environment? die for us. The cross is a powerful symbol of
How can they show care and concern for the this love. Tell the campers that you will be
environment? choosing a camper (Camper A) who has
shown God’s love in some way this week.
Role play 4: Ian
Camper A will wear the cross. When
After a terrorist attack in which the perpe-
Camper A sees another camper or his or her
trators were from somewhere in the Middle
counselor (Camper B) showing God’s love,
East, the people in Ian’s community are
Camper A will pass the cross to Camper B
angry and distrustful of those who appear to
to wear. Camper B will then be on the look-
be from the Middle East. Living next to Ian
out for someone who shows God’s love. This
is a Christian family who emigrated from
way, the cross gets circulated among all the
Palestine and are now citizens of Ian’s coun-
campers. Some may receive the cross to wear
try. Neighbors, reacting out of fear and
more than once. Should the cross come back
anger, are hostile toward them. Ian talks
to you, be sure to give it to someone who
with his pastor about how to resolve this
hasn’t worn it yet. When the cross is passed
injustice. What kinds of ideas can Ian and
on, it is up to the person passing it on to
his pastor think of to possibly resolve this
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explain to the person who receives it how
situation? What can the pastor do in wor-
the receiver demonstrated God’s love.
ship? What can Ian do in his community?
Begin this activity by sharing an example
What can the pastor and Ian do together?
of when a camper let God’s love shine
At the conclusion, talk about what hap-
through. Then give the cross to this camper
pened in the role plays. Did the characters
to wear. If you are working with another
exhibit or show signs of love? What was dif-
counselor, that counselor, too, should pick a
ficult to do? Would they be able to demon-
camper to receive the cross to wear.
strate love in similar situations back home?
Point out that sometimes the only thing we
can do for someone who is difficult to love
is to pray for that person. Prayer can be an
Read in unison the Third Article of the creed
act of love. Service is also an act of love.
and its meaning. Focus on the phrase,
Help them brainstorm a list of things they
“Daily in this Christian church the Holy
can do to serve others.
Spirit abundantly forgives all sins.” Ask the
campers what forgiveness is (a sign of God’s
Take it with you love for them). Remind them that our ability
to forgive is also a sign of love for others.
This activity will provide campers the oppor-
Help the campers think of analogies or
tunity to be acutely aware of how others
metaphors for God’s love. Choose from one
relate to them in love and how they relate to
of the following ways.
others in love. Before you introduce this
activity to the campers, ask volunteers to • Ask the campers to complete the follow-
ing statement: “God’s love is like _____
read Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Matthew
because _____.” Invite campers to fill in
22:34-40 aloud. Ask the campers what the
the blanks. An example might be: “God’s
call of God is to us in both of these passages
love is like oxygen because we can’t live
(to love God and to love others). Remind
without it.”
them that when we love others, we are
showing love to God.
• A second way is to invite the campers to
take a short walk and find a symbol in
Praying with
nature to bring back to the group that your hands
describes (in one way) God’s love for Praying for others is a way of serving.
them. Tell them to be prepared to describe Serving is a sign of our love for others and
how the object is like God’s love. For for God. Tell the campers to hold one hand
example, a camper might bring back a in front of them. Say that the fingers on their
rock and share with the group that God’s hands will help them to remember to pray
love is like a rock because God’s love is for others, then describe what each finger
strong. Some campers may find things represents. After each finger, pause so the
they can’t bring back to the group. That’s campers can say a prayer for the people that
okay. They can share with the group what are connected to that particular finger. Keep
they saw that reminds them of God’s love. all fingers up. Point to each finger as you
For example, God’s love is like the sky describe what it represents. Start with the
because it’s always there. thumb. The thumb is closest to our bodies.
When we look at our thumbs, remember to
pray for those closest to us, including family
and friends. The next finger, the pointer fin-
ger, can remind us of our teachers and pas-
tors, who often try to make a point. The
middle finger is the tallest and can remind us
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of our country’s leaders (political, religious,
social, and so on). The next finger, the ring
finger, is the weakest on our hand. It repre-
sents those who are weak in some way. It
could be people who are dealing with devas-
tating illnesses or people who are poor. It
represents the powerless. The last finger, the
pinkie finger, can remind us to pray for our-
selves.
Focus question would be a good day to use it. Working
What gifts has the Holy Spirit given me to together in these activities requires them to
share in community? draw on each others’ strengths. After the
Go Back campers have completed the course, debrief
Theme statement the experience. How did people assist one
another? What gifts did each camper con-
The Spirit gathers us into community. tribute in order to accomplish the task?
If a challenge course is not available at
Objectives camp, do another exercise to help the
This Bible study will help campers and their campers work together. Do a lap sit as a
leaders: group. To do this, campers should stand
• learn that the Holy Spirit creates commu- shoulder to shoulder in a circle. After they
nity for them. are in this circle, have them turn to the right.
• celebrate the gifts the Holy Spirit gives to Instruct them to take tiny steps toward the
help them live in unity and serve the center of the circle until they are touching
whole body of Christ. the person in front of them. Tell the group
• use a gift in church, at school, and other that they will sit together as a group on one
another’s laps. Let them know that you will
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communities.
count slowly to three and by the time you
Bible basis get to three, they should be sitting on the lap
of the person behind them. Assure them that
the weight gets evenly distributed in this
community.)
exercise. When the group is ready, slowly
count to three. As you count, they should be
Materials slowly moving to a sitting position. If your
Bibles, Luther’s Small Catechism, paper, pen- group is unable to do this on the first try, do
cils, yarn, scissors. it again. See if the group can work together
to succeed.
Daily briefing If the campers are able to sit on one
another’s laps, tell them to stay in that posi-
Your week together with the campers is tion for a minute. Tell them that they will
almost over. In this short time, perhaps your now attempt to walk in a seated position.
campers feel a sense of connectedness with When you yell “Right,” everyone should
one another, a kind of unity. This study will move his or her right foot forward. When
highlight the importance of community and you yell “Left,” everyone should move his or
the campers’ contributions to it. However, if her left foot forward. Shout out the words
your campers are not feeling connected with slowly, as in a slow march. See how many
one another, this study can call on them to steps the campers can take together before
examine what God hopes and wants for they fall down. Debrief the experience with
them—to live in unity. the following questions.
• Was it difficult or easy to work together?
Getting started • How did it feel to accomplish your goal?
Introduce this Bible study with an activity to • What did this exercise require for it to be
help the campers look at the importance of a success? (Cooperation of everyone in the
community and their gifts in that community. group.)
If your camp has a challenge course, today
Delving deeper different part of creation. When everyone
has something different written on his or her
The Bible text paper, you are ready for the next part of this
Take time to read today’s text, Ephesians activity.
4:1-6. Ask a volunteer to read this passage Ask the campers to place the paper in
aloud while the others follow along in their front of them with the writing side facing up
Bibles. Every time they see the word one as and away from them (so others in the circle
the passage is read, the campers should can read the word on the paper). Select one
stand up and shout “One!” in unison. At the person in the circle to read what is on his or
conclusion of the reading, ask the campers her piece of paper. For example, this person
what bonded them together in the challenge may have written “deer.” Tell this person to
course or lap sit. (Having a common pur- look at the words on the other pieces of
pose or goal is probably what bonded them. paper in the circle. This person should
Perhaps having to work together to reach describe how these other things are connect-
this goal caused them to bond together.) Ask ed to the deer. Do any of the other items,
what binds them together in community things, or animals help the deer to live? Are
with one another—such as times at camp. there things from nature in the circle that
(Accept all answers, but refer to the Bible need deer in order to live? Take turns, mov-
passage, after they are done responding, to ing quickly around the circle. Encourage
point out that the Holy Spirit binds us each camper to find some connections
together. The Spirit gathers us into commu- between his or her part of creation and
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nity.) another part of creation.
Help the campers discover into what kind After the exercise, ask the campers what
of communities the Spirit gathers them. they have learned from this activity about
(Their responses may include school, church, God’s gift of community. Point out that God
sports teams, youth group, and camping has made a beautiful web of life where all
group.) If no one has said so, point out that the strands are connected to one another.
they are also part of some larger communi- Everything that lives depends on other things
ties, including the community of the human in creation. They cannot exist by themselves.
family, the community of faith, and the com- After you have completed this exercise,
munity of God’s creation. In all these com- ask campers to write a skill or talent they
munities, we are connected to others have on the back of this piece of paper.
through the Holy Spirit. Again, they should write this in large letters
As you prepare to move deeper into the for all to see. They may write things such as
Bible study, share a prayer with the campers. sense of humor, dancer, or likes to grow
Give thanks for the gift of community. Also things. When everyone has written down his
give thanks for the different gifts we have to or her word or phrase, go quickly around
offer the communities in which we live. the circle and have each person name the
skill or talent aloud.
Creation connection When all have done this, tell the campers
Sit in a circle, and give each camper a piece to place their piece of paper in front of them
of paper and a pencil. Instruct them to write as before, this time with the talent/skill side
something that is part of God’s creation up and facing away from them so others can
using only one word. Instruct them to write read it. Grab a ball of yarn. Say that this
this word in large letters so others can see it. ball of yarn will be thrown around the circle
Share a couple of examples, such as air, from one person to another. When they
apple, or cat. Ask everyone to reveal what catch the ball, they should hold onto a piece
she or he has written. If there are duplicates, of the yarn tightly and not let go. Then they
see if someone is willing to come up with a can toss the ball while holding onto the
yarn.
Instruct them to toss the ball of yarn to
someone whose gift may be helpful to the
Take it with you
person who threw the ball. The person who Use the yarn from the previous activity. Cut
threw the ball of yarn to this person should the yarn into pieces that will easily fit
explain how this gift could be useful to him around a camper’s wrist. Give each camper
or her. For example, a camper may throw three pieces of yarn to braid. If they do not
the ball to someone who lists “good listen- know how to braid, show them. First, tie the
er” on her paper. The person who threw the three pieces in a knot at one end of the yarn.
yarn might say, “Sometimes I can use the Separate the strands. Take the left strand
gifts of a good listener to help me sort out and put it between the other two strands.
my problems.” The person who has “good Take the right strand and put it between the
listener” on her paper might throw the ball other two strands. Alternate left and right
to someone who has “writer” on his paper. until all the yarn is braided. Instruct the
She might say to him, “I like to read books campers to think of three gifts they have that
so it is important to have good writers.” can be shared in community with others. Say
Continue like this until everyone has had an that each strand represents one of their gifts.
opportunity to share. It is okay to throw the While they weave the strands, have them
yarn to someone who already received it. think of ways they might be able to use these
The person who receives the yarn should gifts in their church community, school com-
repeat the process, choosing someone differ- munity, and neighborhood community.
ent from the previous time. For example, if When the strands are woven, tell the
campers to find a friend and tie the braided
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the “good listener” receives the ball of yarn
a second time, she should throw the ball to bracelet around his or her wrist. As the
someone other than the “writer.” Also, it is bracelets are tied around wrists, read aloud
okay for the campers to have some similar 1 Corinthians 1:2-4. Repeat the last sentence
gifts and talents. Play as long as it takes for of this passage: “I give thanks to my God
everyone to be connected by the yarn. always for you because of the grace of God
When everyone has had an opportunity to that has been given you in Christ Jesus.”
share at least once, process this activity Ask the campers to look at their partner and
together. What has happened to the yarn? (It repeat this verse to each other. Read it slow-
has connected them.) Have them pull gently ly so they can repeat your words. Invite the
on their strands of yarn. Point out how liv- campers to wear this bracelet to remind
ing in community is like this web they have them that the Holy Spirit has given them
created. Working together and sharing each gifts—talents and skills—to share with oth-
other’s gifts makes the community strong. ers, and that they should seek out ways to
Let go of a strand of yarn you are holding. use their gifts to the glory of God.
Ask them what has happened to the web
now. (It has gotten a little weaker.) Ask what
happens when someone doesn’t share her or
his talents with the community. (The com- Share today’s theme with the campers: “The
munity gets weak.) Emphasize that each of Spirit gathers us into community.” Ask them
them is important to the whole group. They what the two sacraments are. (Holy Baptism
each have special gifts and talents that God and Holy Communion.)
has given them. They can give thanks to Distribute Luther’s Small Catechism to
God for the gift of the Holy Spirit who has each camper. Ask the campers to work in
given them gifts to share with one another pairs to explore what Luther said about
and who has given them the gift of commu- Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Have
nity. Close this part of the session by reading each pair consider what the two sacraments
together aloud Romans 11:36. have to do with community. (Holy Baptism
makes us part of God’s family, so we be-
come part of the faith community. Commu-
nion comes from the same root word as
community. In the sacrament of Holy
Seed prayer
Communion, we are united with believers of Go on a brief scavenger hunt with the
every time and every place.) After a few min- campers to find seeds, one seed for each
utes, gather in the large group and share camper. Tell the campers to hold the seed in
responses and insights: their hands and think of the seed as their
gift. This seed will grow someday into a
• What does Luther say? What do you magnificent tree or a beautiful flower. No
think?
one is sure what it will look like, but it will
Our faith community includes more than
grow with the right care. Their gifts, given
those who are living now. It includes those
to them by the Holy Spirit, will also grow as
who have gone before us and those who
they grow. With the right care, their gift can
aren’t even born yet.
become an awesome blessing for others.
Take this time to invite campers to think
Perhaps it already has been a blessing for
of people in their lives who are an important
others. What has helped them to nurture
part of their lives as members of the faith
their gift? Other people? God?
community. These could be people who are
As they hold the seed, ask them to say a
living or dead. Invite them to share why
silent prayer, asking God to bless the seeds,
these people are so special. Ask what con-
gifts, talents, and skills that are growing
nects us to people of every time and every
within themselves. Return the seeds to the
place. (The Holy Spirit.) Even though we are
earth so they may grow. Thank the campers
separated from people we love—by distance
for sharing their gifts with one another so
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or death—we are still connected through the
far this week.
gift of the Holy Spirit.
Day 5: We’re Sent
Focus question connected. They know they can remain con-
What can help me stay in touch with the nected through letters, e-mail, or phone
Holy Spirit in my day-to-day activities? calls. Help remind them that they can
Go Back remain connected through prayer as well.
Theme statement
The Spirit sends forth our community into Getting started
the world. For this Bible study, find a room in the camp
that is small and close. Instruct the campers
Objectives to sit close together. Tell them to imagine
This Bible study will help campers and their that they have gotten to know one another
leaders: over the past three years. They have worked
• learn that the Holy Spirit is with them as together, played together, eaten together,
they go into the world. cried together, and laughed together. But
• pay attention to their breathing as a way now something horrible has happened to
of remembering that the Holy Spirit is someone in the group. That person is no
with them. longer with them. He’s been taken away
• practice ways they can spread the news of from the group and executed. The enemy is
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Jesus. all around them. They don’t know whom to
trust. Ask them how they feel at this
Bible basis moment. What do they do? What do they
talk about? What kinds of plans do they
John 20:19-23 (The Spirit sends forth our make?
community into the world.) While you are seated in this small space,
tell them that this is how the disciples felt
Materials when Jesus was killed. Jesus had recruited
Bibles, Luther’s Small Catechism, paper, them and they gave up everything to follow
pencils. him. For three years, they stayed with Jesus
and witnessed all that he had done and said.
Now he was gone. Killed.
Daily briefing Ask them to close their eyes and listen to
Today is the last day of camp. For many the story from John 20:19-23 as you read it
campers, it will be a sad day as they think of aloud to them. With their eyes closed, tell
leaving their friends. Help them to remember them to picture the events in the story. When
the one thing that connects them to their you finish reading, ask a few questions.
friends as they go their separate ways: the • How do they think the disciples first felt
Holy Spirit. Even though they will be leaving when Jesus appeared to them suddenly?
one another soon, they can experience the
sense of joy that comes from knowing they
• How do they think the disciples felt after
Jesus showed them his hands and side
are still connected to one another—through (where he had been wounded when he
the Holy Spirit—for the common purpose of was crucified)?
sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. One
goal of today’s study is to help them see that • Jesus tells the disciples, “As the Father has
sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21).
they are a community because of the Spirit
What does this mean for the disciples?
and, because of the community, are always
What does it mean for us?
Point out that Jesus wasn’t going to physi- to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (John
cally stay with the disciples. Soon he would 20:22). Say that the Hebrew word for breath
ascend to heaven. Not only that, but the dis- and Holy Spirit are the same: ruach.
ciples would leave the house in which they What can remind us that the Holy Spirit
locked themselves and scatter into different is with us always? Listen to their ideas, then
parts of the world to share the gospel to oth- offer the suggestion that taking time to pay
ers. What gave them confidence to face the attention to their breathing every now and
unknown? (The Holy Spirit.) What helped then or noticing a breeze might be two good
them overcome their fear? (The Holy Spirit.) ways to remember that the Holy Spirit is
What would be the “glue” that would hold with them.
them together? (The Holy Spirit.) As they sit in the circle, close by having
In a similar fashion, the campers will soon them concentrate on their breathing once
be parting company. They have shared some again. Tell them to relax, close their eyes,
things in common over the course of a few and breathe in deeply and slowly. Then tell
days. What is the “glue” that has held them them to exhale slowly. Repeat this several
together while they were at camp? (Answers times. Ask them to continue this pattern of
will vary, including their memories, their breathing while you pray with them:
faith, a common purpose, their friendship, As they inhale, say, “Spirit of God, fill us
the Holy Spirit.) What will keep them con- with your love.”
nected when they are separated? (The Holy As they exhale, say, “Spirit of God, help us
Spirit.) Remind them that the Holy Spirit share your love with others.”
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can help them overcome their fears and give As they inhale, say, “Spirit of God, fill us
them confidence. While there are fearful with courage.”
things in the world, they are only temporary As they exhale, say, “So we may serve others
and we are always connected to the Holy with joy.”
Spirit. Nothing can separate us from God As they inhale, say, “Spirit of God, you for-
and God’s love. give us.”
At this point in your study together, say a As they exhale, say, “Send us to forgive
prayer giving thanks for the gift of the Holy others.”
Spirit, the one who remains with us no mat- As they inhale, say, “Spirit of God, you give
ter where we go and who gives us the cour- us gifts.”
age to share the good news of Jesus Christ As they exhale, say, “So we may share with
with others. others.”
Close this portion of the Bible study by
asking the campers to take a few more deep
Delving deeper breaths and open their eyes.
Take a hike with your campers. Depending
on the other activities you have planned for
the day and weather conditions, choose Take it with you
between a short hike or a long hike. As you This week has been an attempt for the
hike, ask the campers to pay attention to campers to get a better idea of who the Holy
their breathing. Also ask them to be aware Spirit is and how the Holy Spirit is alive
of the air around them. When you have fin- within us. Remind them that it is in baptism
ished your hike, sit together in a circle. Did that God pours out the gift of the Holy
anyone notice a breeze on the hike? How Spirit. Review the week and what they
did it feel? When they hiked, when did their learned about the Holy Spirit. Encourage the
breathing get fast? When was it labored? campers to share one thing they learned
When was it relaxed? about the Holy Spirit. You may want to
Remind the campers of one of the Bible compare what they share today about the
passages you read to them earlier: “When he Holy Spirit with what they shared in the first
had said this, he breathed on them and said
Bible study. Are there any new thoughts At the end of two minutes, call the groups
about the Spirit? Remind them about these together and listen to the items they listed.
aspects of the Spirit if they aren’t mentioned: Tell the campers to silently choose one thing
• The Holy Spirit comes to us as a gift. each can do this week on his or her own
• The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf back home to tell someone about Jesus. Tell
and in this way God hears our prayers the campers to find a partner, then share
and our need for forgiveness. with each other what they plan to do. After
one camper has shared his or her plan, the
• The Holy Spirit reveals God’s love to us other camper should say a prayer of encour-
and calls and enables us to love others.
agement and support for the camper that
• The Holy Spirit gathers us into community shared. For example, if camper Ami says she
and gives us gifts (talents, skills) to help
hopes to share the good news of Jesus with
the community grow together.
others by joining the choir, camper Lukas
• The Holy Spirit sends us as a Christian can pray, “God, send your Holy Spirit with
community to spread the news of Jesus Ami. Give her courage to join the choir and
Christ. give her joy in her singing.”
At this point, ask the campers to think When all have finished sharing and pray-
about (but not respond to yet) the following ing for one another, say that you would like
questions: How can they spread the news of to conclude with a prayer that is used in the
Jesus? What kinds of things do they want Affirmation of Baptism (Lutheran Book of
others to know about Jesus? Say that they Worship, p. 201). It is said to those people
will be working in small groups of their own
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who want to confirm their faith. You may
choosing to teach the rest of the campers have campers who have been confirmed and
something about Jesus. They can teach you may have those who will soon be con-
something about Jesus in the form of a rap, firmed. It doesn’t matter. The prayer really
song, play, cheer, or another creative way. speaks about the Holy Spirit’s presence in
Encourage them to be as creative as they their lives. Tell them that you will be putting
want to be. Give them 20-30 minutes to your hand on their heads as you say the
work on their project. Remind them to first prayer. Instruct the campers to sit quietly
answer for themselves what they feel is the and respectfully. Pray, “Father in heaven, for
most important thing to know about Jesus. Jesus’ sake, stir up in (name all campers) the
Reassure the groups that each group may gift of your Holy Spirit; confirm his/her
have a different idea of what is most impor- faith, guide his/her life, empower him/her in
tant. his/her serving, give him/her patience in suf-
After the groups have had time to work fering, and bring him/her to everlasting life.
on their projects, call the groups together. Amen”
Invite each small group to share its message Conclude by reminding campers that the
with the rest of the group. At the conclusion Holy Spirit is present with them in this place
of this activity, affirm each group for its and wherever they go.
efforts.
Tell the campers that they were able to tell
the other campers something about Jesus in Catechism connection
a creative way. When they go home, how The text in context
will they tell others about Jesus? It will
Distribute the Small Catechisms. Have
probably be in a different way. Give paper
campers work in pairs as they consider
and pencils to the same small groups, and
groups and communities to which they
ask them to list (in two minutes) all the dif-
belong. Find a comfortable outdoor setting
ferent kind of ways they can share the good
where the pairs can gather close enough to
news of Jesus with people back home, both
hear you as you ask the following questions.
friends and strangers.
• What communities or groups are you
involved in? (Answers may include music
Whisper prayer
Stand in a circle. Tell the campers you will
groups, sports teams, clubs, Scouting,
pray a whisper prayer so each can feel the
church groups, groups of friends, and so
breath of the partner beside her or him and
on.)
remember that the Holy Spirit is present
• Pick one of these groups and share the among them all. Remind them to speak
following information with your partner: slowly and clearly so the person next to
Who invited you into the group? Why them can hear the prayer. Make sure that
were you invited? Who organizes the when you “pass a prayer,” you make each
group meetings? Who teaches you what is petition short. If you want to say a few peti-
expected of one who is a part of the tions, begin by saying a brief prayer, such as
group? What is the purpose of the group? “Thank you, God, for sending the Holy
Who keeps you focused on the purpose of Spirit” to the person to your right. He or she
the group? Are there written guidelines or will pass that prayer, in a whisper, to the
rules? next person. By the time you see this prayer
• Open your catechism to the meaning of getting to the third or fourth camper, begin
the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. another petition, such as, “Breathe new life
Focus on the Christian community. Ask in us.” Say as many petitions as you like. As
the same questions from the previous you close the last petition, say “Amen” at
section. the end of it so the campers will know this is
Call the pairs back into the large group. the end of the prayer.
Junior High
Ask for comments on the work of the Spirit
as defined by Luther. What does it mean to
say the Spirit:
• Calls?
• Gathers?
• Enlightens?
• Makes us holy?
• Keeps us in the one true faith?
Introduction to
Senior High
These Bible study The high school years are ones many of us
sessions will help senior would not want to relive. But when we think
high campers and their leaders: back to our own teenage struggles and joys,
• be reminded that God comes to them in we know we survived because of the rela-
many and various ways, including though tionships we had—the family and friends,
the Holy Spirit. teachers and coaches, pastors and leaders,
• realize that it is not by their own under- neighbors and those who may have blown
standing that they believe in Jesus Christ, through our life ever so briefly. Maybe even
but that it is the Spirit working in them. a camp counselor.
In the first Bible study session, we’ll be
• learn new ways of being open to the Holy reminded that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to
Spirit through prayer.
be our advocate. Hopefully, you’ve had plen-
• see God at work in their lives and the ty of advocates along the way. Some may
lives of others through the Holy Spirit.
even be praying for you this day, week, or
• celebrate the Spirit blowing new life into summer. Only a God with a Spirit that
them, giving them a new way to live lives blows where it wills could bring about such
full of love and service to others. relationships—such a Spiritlife!
In addition to daily Bible studies, this sec- You have the privilege to walk with these
tion also includes: campers on a small, but significant, portion
• “First Night” activities for introducing of their faith life. Let young people lead.
campers to one another and the theme to Let the Spirit guide. Love them as close to
the group. unconditionally as you can. It doesn’t take
• “Daily Watch” devotionals to help much to transport yourself back to those
campers individually focus on the theme. years of teenage angst and then you’ll re-
• A “Senior High Take-along” flyer of member that a life-giving relationship—no
abbreviated information. matter how brief—can make all the differ-
ence in the world.
About senior high Category help

campers Each Bible study session is divided into sec-
tions. Being aware of what each section is
Spiritlife. Indeed, this is what today’s senior about will help you lead.
high folks hunger for. In a life of busyness
• The gathering. Begin your Bible study
Senior High
and body-consciousness, slogans and stress, with a group ritual that will make a
young people on the brink of adulthood smooth transition into the appropriate
yearn for authenticity. tone for Bible study. This also includes a
In this search for the authentic, first they check-in time and a chance for you to
want to learn who they really are as they introduce the daily session.
make their way in the world. Second, they
want to make a difference in this often con- • The swimming. The small group process
is like swimming; you have to ease into it.
fusing, hurting world. Not surprisingly, they
Take your time, read your group, be
want to know how to live and work among
patient, and remember that it is a process.
God’s faithful people in a culture that is
People in the group will grow more com-
more diverse than ever before.
fortable with each other as the week pro-
gresses. This section includes a different
type of prayer each day. It is important to Also remember this time together is also
be familiar with how each prayer exercise about you. Despite the difficult camp sched-
works so you can guide the group through ule, find time for yourself. It’s imperative to
it. your own well-being. Pray for those in your
• The sending. It’s important for the charge, confident that the Spirit will lead
campers to learn to not compartmentalize and guide you and the group.
their lives into “spiritual” and “real.” Keep yourself healthy and focused. If any
This section will give them “homework” issues or campers are too much to bear
(but you probably won’t want to call it alone, ask for help. If you haven’t done so
that!) that will encourage them to take already, find a prayer partner to travel
this session into the rest of their day and though the week with you. Just knowing
beyond. A summary in this section ties another staff member or a friend back home
together each previous session’s learning. is praying for you each day can make all the
Be sure to end your time together in difference in the world. If you’re able to be
prayer. Resist the temptation to offer the in regular contact, don’t be afraid to give
pray on behalf of the group every time, but that person specific prayer concerns, such as
allow and challenge campers to openly pray “Please pray for my relationship with Amy; I
as the week unfolds. just don’t like her” or “Pray for Nate and
me; he doesn’t want to be here and I really
want him to have a good week.”
Other suggestions Be on the lookout for ways to connect
If your life together has you on the go, use Bible studies with your life together each
the “Senior High Take-along” flyer with week. Ask open-ended questions and model
abbreviated study for going off-site. See good listening skills. Engage young people in
pages 168-169. meaningful discussion. It’s part of their
Remember that each week brings new authentic search. Use your experiences of the
joys and challenges. Group dynamics will week, no matter how silly, to drive home the
change with each new set of faces and names gospel.
to attach to them. Adjust your game plan as And speaking of the gospel, don’t forget
needed, repeating what works and not being your purpose: communicating the gracious
afraid to discard what fails. Through it all, and grounding love of God for us in Christ
know that the Spirit is still at work. As diffi- Jesus. Blow, Spirit, blow.
cult as it might be, treat each group of
campers as though they’re your first and
favorite—no matter how tired you may be
or how trying the situation.
As obvious as it sounds, remember that
your time together isn’t just about you.
Involve campers in planning and leading. Be
Senior High
aware of both extroverts and introverts,

making hospitality and comfort foremost.
Call forth the gifts of all, and make sure all
are honored for their contributions. Take
every opportunity to discuss how campers
might let the Spirit shape their lives for ser-
vice to a hurting world.
First Night
Gourmet cooks will tell you: presentation is Tell the group the theme of the week is
everything. Make sure you’re ready for Spiritlife, which together you’ll discover is
senior high campers. They can be tough crit- both complex and simple. Ask them what
ics. And they can be as sensitive and vulner- they think of when they hear the word spirit.
able as an elementary-age child coming to If outside, feel the summer evening breeze,
camp for the first time. or, if inside, open a window to let a breeze
No matter our age, we need and want to in. To many, the Spirit is like the wind.
be welcomed and made to feel comfortable, Honor all their answers.
especially in new surroundings. We need to Then invite volunteers to tell any “spirit”
know we have made the right decision to stories they can think of. They can be ghost
come to this place. Most of us have uneasi- stories or stories about something that hap-
ness about new experiences and new people. pened that couldn’t be explained. The expe-
It’s normal. But we can do several simple riences may have been spooky or profound,
things to help campers make the transition maybe even funny—perfect for a first night.
to feeling at ease. Tell them that although spirit means dif-
Be prepared. Study and plan how you’ll ferent things to different people, to Chris-
introduce and use Spiritlife, leaving room for tians it reminds us of God who is with us,
the ideas and leadership of your campers. but who we cannot see. The Holy Spirit
If a gourmet cook tells you presentation is comes to us in baptism and is with us all life
everything, a real estate agent will tell you long.
location is imperative. Pay attention and Tell campers that throughout the week
carefully choose your location, both literally together you’ll look at how the Spirit directs
and figuratively. our life—often without us even realizing it.
Greet the campers and introduce yourself. The Spirit blows life into us, and gives us a
Ask about them, and show them important rhythm of life: gifts for service, forgiveness
camp locations so they’ll become familiar of sins and the ability to forgive others, a
with their “home away from home” as soon gathering together and a sending out.
as possible. Some campers may be returning Mostly, we are created in love and called to
and think they know it all. Help new love others.
campers feel as acclimated as possible.
Objectives Closing
Three main objectives of the first night are: When the stories have been told, invite the
group to sit in silence before closing in
• setting the tone. prayer. Ask them to listen to the wind and
• introducing the week’s theme.
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nature, and also to their own breath—the

• getting to know each other. Spirit in them.
Read the week’s theme verse: Ephesians
Spirit stories 4:4-6 and close with prayer. Thank God for
sending God’s Spirit to breathe life into
Gather your campers into a circle, or small those gathered. Thank God for the campers,
circles if your group is larger than 10. Ask remembering each by name, and for safe
everyone to say his or her name and where travel and all the opportunities that lie
he or she is from (if from different congrega- ahead.
tions or towns). Invite each to share one
hope or dream he or she has for the week.
Daily Watch
“Daily Watch” is for you, the camper, to use
on your own in a place far away from oth-
ers, or at least in a place where you can be Focus text
alone and not be interrupted or distracted. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Each and every day God is working on our
hearts to teach us God’s ways and show us Center (Psalm 42:1-2)
all the beautiful things we have been given. As you begin this time of devotion, allow
We are often too busy and too easily dis- yourself to sit and center on God. Look
tracted to even begin to notice what God is around you and notice the beauty of God’s
doing or giving us. “Daily Watch” will give creation. Allow all distractions to fall away
you time each day to reflect on God’s Word so you can focus on this time of devotion
and activity in your life. with your creator. Be in a place where you
Each “Daily Watch” is designed in a for- will not be easily distracted.
mat that you can use at camp but also at
home. It is an easy format to remember Heart (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
because we use the word CHRIST as an
Pray, thanking God for the day and asking
acronym to help remind us of each part:
God to open your heart, mind, soul, and
“Center,” “Heart,” “Read,” “Interpret,”
strength—your whole being. Open your
“Sit,” and “Thank.” A Bible verse is listed
whole being to God’s Word and will for
for each section. Read these verses on the
your life today.
first day because they help explain why this
part of the devotion is important.
Remember that devotional time and Bible
Read (Psalm 119:105)
study time are gifts from God. We receive a Read the focus text (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
holy invitation to meet with God during thoroughly and carefully. Read it again,
these times, but they are not meant to be imagining yourself in the story as a character
requirements. If you take this time seriously or bystander. Let it unfold in front of your
each day you will begin to notice some eyes as you read it.
amazing things happening in your life. God
won’t create amazing things in your life Interpret (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
because you are now doing daily devotions. Ask yourself these questions about the verses
God is already doing amazing things in your you’ve just read. Take time to write what
life. Daily devotions are a way to stop and you are thinking.
notice them. • What do I learn about God in these verses
Camp is a wonderful place to be reminded that makes me thankful?
Senior High
of God’s awesomeness. The best part is that • What do these verses lead me to confess?
we have a whole book that reminds us of • What do I need to ask God for after read-
God’s amazing love for us. Notice God in ing these verses?
the natural world around you, in the
campers and staff you meet, in your coun-
• How will I let these verses impact my life
now and in the future?
selors, and in the Word. Have fun exploring
God’s world and word!
Sit (Psalm 46:10)
Just sit, letting the focus text and your
answers from the last section fill your mind
and heart. What do these things mean for
you today? What might God be trying to
show you?
Thank (Psalm 150) Sit
Thank God for this time and for this lesson. Just sit, letting the focus text and your
Lift up any other prayer concerns you might answers from the last section fill your mind
have at this time. Remember, be honest with and heart. What do these things mean for
God. Prayer is nothing of which to be afraid: you today? What might God be trying to
it should be like talking to a good friend, show you?
with no special words needed.
Thank
Day 2: We’re Forgiven Thank God for this time and for this lesson.
Lift up any other prayer concerns you might
Focus text have at this time. Remember, be honest with
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 God. Prayer is nothing of which to be afraid:
it should be like talking to a good friend,
Center with no special words needed.
As you begin this time of devotion, allow
yourself to sit and center on God. Look
around you and notice the beauty of God’s
creation. Allow all distractions to fall away Focus text
so you can focus on this time of devotion Psalm 139
with your creator. Be in a place where you
will not be easily distracted. Center
Heart yourself to sit and center on God. Look
Pray, thanking God for the day and asking around you and notice the beauty of God’s
God to open your heart, mind, soul, and creation. Allow all distractions to fall away
strength—your whole being. Open your so you can focus on this time of devotion
whole being to God’s Word and will for with your creator. Be in a place where you
your life today. will not be easily distracted.
Read Heart
Read the focus text (2 Corinthians 5:16-17) Pray, thanking God for the day and asking
thoroughly and carefully. Read it again, God to open your heart, mind, soul, and
imagining yourself in the story as a character strength—your whole being. Open your
or bystander. Let it unfold in front of your whole being to God’s Word and will for
eyes as you read it. your life today.
Interpret Read
Senior High
Ask yourself these questions about the verses Read the focus text text (Psalm 139) thor-
you’ve just read. Take time to write what oughly and carefully. Read it again, imagin-
you are thinking. ing yourself in the story as a character or
• What do I learn about God in these verses bystander. Let it unfold in front of your eyes
that makes me thankful? as you read it.
• What do these verses lead me to confess?
• What do I need to ask God for after read- Interpret
ing these verses? Ask yourself these questions about the verses
• How will I let these verses impact my life you’ve just read. Take time to write what
now and in the future? you are thinking.
• What do I learn about God in these verses
that makes me thankful?
• What do these verses lead me to confess? Interpret
• What do I need to ask God for after read- Ask yourself these questions about the verses
ing these verses? you’ve just read. Take time to write what
• How will I let these verses impact my life you are thinking.
now and in the future? • What do I learn about God in these verses
that makes me thankful?
Sit • What do these verses lead me to confess?
Just sit, letting the focus text and your • What do I need to ask God for after read-
answers from the last section fill your mind ing these verses?
and heart. What do these things mean for • How will I let these verses impact my life
you today? What might God be trying to now and in the future?
show you?
Sit
Thank Just sit, letting the focus text and your
Thank God for this time and for this lesson. answers from the last section fill your mind
Lift up any other prayer concerns you might and heart. What do these things mean for
have at this time. Remember, be honest with you today? What might God be trying to
God. Prayer is nothing of which to be afraid: show you?
it should be like talking to a good friend,
with no special words needed. Thank
Thank God for this time and for this lesson.
Day 4: We’re Gathered Lift up any other prayer concerns you might
have at this time. Remember, be honest with
Focus text God. Prayer is nothing of which to be afraid:
Ezekiel 37:1-14 it should be like talking to a good friend,
with no special words needed.
Center
Day 5: We’re Sent
around you and notice the beauty of God’s Focus text
creation. Allow all distractions to fall away 1 Timothy 4:6-16
so you can focus on this time of devotion
with your creator. Be in a place where you Center
will not be easily distracted. As you begin this time of devotion, allow
Heart around you and notice the beauty of God’s
Pray, thanking God for the day and asking creation. Allow all distractions to fall away
Senior High
God to open your heart, mind, soul, and so you can focus on this time of devotion
strength—your whole being. Open your with your creator. Be in a place where you
whole being to God’s Word and will for will not be easily distracted.
your life today.
Heart
Read Pray, thanking God for the day and asking
Read the focus text (Ezekiel 37:1-14) thor- God to open your heart, mind, soul, and
oughly and carefully. Read it again, imagin- strength—your whole being. Open your
ing yourself in the story as a character or whole being to God’s Word and will for
bystander. Let it unfold in front of your eyes your life today.
as you read it.
Read Sit
Read the focus text (Timothy 4:6-16) thor- Just sit, letting the focus text and your
oughly and carefully. Read it again, imagin- answers from the last section fill your mind
ing yourself in the story as a character or and heart. What do these things mean for
bystander. Let it unfold in front of your eyes you today? What might God be trying to
as you read it. show you?
Interpret Thank
Ask yourself these questions about the verses Thank God for this time and for this lesson.
you’ve just read. Take time to write what Lift up any other prayer concerns you might
you are thinking. have at this time. Remember, be honest with
• What do I learn about God in these verses God. Prayer is nothing of which to be afraid:
that makes me thankful? it should be like talking to a good friend,
• What do these verses lead me to confess? with no special words needed.
• What do I need to ask God for after read-
ing these verses?
• How will I let these verses impact my life
now and in the future?
Senior High
Focus question If your group travels off-site, choose a
How does Jesus teach us to live today? daily location that allows for a close, com-
fortable gathering, reflecting the text or
Go Back Theme statement theme in some way if possible.
Whether you stay at camp or go off-site,
Jesus taught us a way of life while he was on choose a pre-gathering place from which to
earth, but we easily forget this way of life. walk to your Bible study location together.
Jesus knew we would forget and therefore Use this walking time as an opportunity for
promised to send the Holy Spirit as a group members to get to know more about
reminder and teacher of this way of living. each other.
Before leaving for your Bible study loca-
Objectives tion, explain to the group that the Christian
This Bible study will help campers and their life is like a journey or a hike. There are
leaders: things to take in and things to avoid along
• identify the life Christ wants them to live. the way, but whatever is encountered, it is
• discuss the difficulties of knowing how to important to remember that the journey is
live as people of God. the destination, that the Christian life is
• reflect on how the Holy Spirit reminds about living your faith each step along the
them of Christ’s way of living. way.
Today, ask campers to walk in pairs, look-
Bible basis ing for and, if possible, gathering something
from nature that symbolizes a personal gift,
talent, or ability (“Tree bark reminds me
that I’m thick-skinned” or “I chose a shell
world.)
because I love to swim”). Remind campers
to avoid harming living things as they make
Materials their selections.
Bibles, candle and matches or flashlight, When you arrive at your Bible study site,
paper with discussion questions written on ask the group to add an item such as a can-
them in advance (see “Wading,” page 154), dle to the location that will make it their
one set of questions for every four campers. own. Give them time and permission to cre-
(Note: Before lighting candles, check your ate their own sacred space.
local fire codes and your camp’s fire policies You also may invite them to add whatever
regarding the use of open flames.) they found along the way to the sacred
space. But first, gather in a circle and ask
Senior High
The gathering them to use the item to tell about them-

selves. If you haven’t done so already, take
It is important for each camper to bring a time for campers to share where they’re
Bible when she or he comes to Bible study. from, what year in school they are, and why
Try to remind them of this each day. Before they came to camp.
you begin, select a location where your
group will have its Bible study. If you are Opening ritual
staying in camp, consider meeting in the
Develop a ritual for your group to use at the
same location each day. This will help the
beginning of the time together. The ritual
group focus when it arrives, and help trans-
should emphasize that they are about to
form the location into a sacred space.
begin something important. (Some examples
include: passing the peace, lighting a candle Ask campers to name someone who has
[if allowed], singing a song, taking off shoes been an advocate for them (mentor, teacher,
to honor the sacred space.) coach, and so on). Encourage them to go
If you choose to light a candle at the cen- into more detail about why they chose a par-
ter of your circle (or a flashlight, if open ticular person. Be careful to not let any one
flames are not allowed), you might say, “As camper monopolize the sharing time. This is
we light this candle, we remember that an important time to model acceptable dis-
Christ is present and that the Holy Spirit cussion etiquette.
surrounds us.” • Why are these types of people so impor-
tant in life?
Check-in • What do they do to help you succeed?
Allow time to share high points and low • How might your life be different if they
points from the campers’ experiences so far. were not part of it?
What is the best thing they’ve experienced at
camp? The worst? Wading
Even if everyone in the group already
Ask the previous partners to join with
knows each other, ask them to introduce the
another pair. Give each foursome a piece of
partner they walked with on the way to the
paper with the following questions written
site. Ask them to tell about something new
on it:
they may have learned about each other
along the way. • Share some examples of things Jesus said,
did, or taught while he was physically pre-
sent on earth before his crucifixion.
Introduction to theme and text
Jesus taught us a way of life, but sometimes
• Which of these examples do you think are
hardest for people to live by today? Why?
we forget the things he taught us and begin
to live a different way of life. God gives us • What do you think Jesus’ main message is
for us today?
the Holy Spirit to continue to teach us Jesus’
way of life and to remind us of the example
Christ set for us. Splashing around
Gather together as a large group and discuss
John 14:25-26 these questions:
Ask each camper to find a partner by pairing • What were some of the teachings you
with someone closest to his or her own identified?
height. Have partners sit together and read • How hard or easy is it for you to live
John 14:25-26, each partner reading both according to these teachings? Why?
verses aloud to the other. • Name someone you know who sets a
good example by living according to these
teachings. What is this person like? What
The swimming
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does he or she do that reflects a “Jesus

Testing the waters lifestyle”? What seems to make it possible
Gather the group back in a circle. During for him or her to readily remember Jesus’
this “testing the waters,” your goal is to help teachings?
the campers feel comfortable enough to • Why is it often easy to forget the lessons
share some simple, common stories. Jesus taught us and to live as though we
Begin by asking them what Christ promis- can do without them?
es in John 14:25-26. Hopefully, they heard • In these verses Jesus promises that we will
Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit as an be taught everything and be reminded of
advocate. Tell about a time someone was an the things he taught. How does he
advocate for you. promise to do this?
• Think back to the people you named as Afterward, if they wish, invite them to tell
advocates. Have any of these people told about the moments that God revealed to
you about Jesus and reminded you of the them. Use these questions as a guide:
life that Christ desires of you? • Why do you think you felt close to God at
a particular moment?
• How do you think the Holy Spirit works
in our world? • Why do you think you felt so far from
God at other times?
Take the plunge: Ignatius • What might the Holy Spirit have been try-
Awareness Examen ing to teach you during the moments you
felt close to, or far away from, God?
One way the Holy Spirit reminds us of how
to live is by shaping our hearts through • How did the Holy Spirit speak to you
prayer. The Ignatius Awareness Examen during your silence just now?
form of prayer gets its name from St. • What did you learn during this experi-
Ignatius. The word awareness means that it ence?
is meant to increase our awareness of God in
our everyday lives. The word examen can
simply mean “examine.” Call it “awareness The sending
examine prayer” if it’s easier for you. Summary
This prayer is used as a way of reviewing After you’ve led the group through the
your day, looking for times when you felt Ignatius Awareness Examen, try to summa-
you were living the life God intends for you, rize this session with a statement similar to
as well as acknowledging those times when this one: “Jesus has taught us the best way
you wandered away from or ignored God’s to live, but, if you’re like me, you often for-
intentions. The key to this prayer is silence, get this way. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is
stillness, focus, and a true desire for God to active in our world and lives, reminding us
reveal these times to you. of the example Christ set for us. It’s impor-
As you engage campers in this form of tant for us to become more aware of how
prayer, have them sit in a comfortable posi- the Holy Spirit is leading us.”
tion, one that won’t require them to move or
shift around a lot. Ask them to close their Post-swim stretch
eyes, relax, and notice their breathing. If any Tell the group you have homework for them.
feel self-conscious, remind them that every- (Don’t be surprised if you hear a few
one has her or his eyes closed and is doing groans!) Urge them to occasionally examine
the same thing. what’s going on within them and around
Next, have them each place their hands them. Suggest that they ask the Holy Spirit
on their hearts. Have them silently ask God to reveal what Christ wants them to know
to bring to their hearts a recent time when and how Christ wants them to live.
they felt particularly close to, or excited
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about, God. Let them sit with this for a few Prayer
minutes. It might be an uncomfortable
silence at first. Gather in a circle holding hands, having
After a few minutes of sitting with that each camper pray for the person on his or
awareness, invite them to silently ask God to her left, asking God to help this person see
bring to their hearts a recent moment when that the Holy Spirit is alive in his or her life
they felt particularly far from, or angry with, this week, reminding him or her of God’s
God. Let them sit with this for a few min- great love.
utes as well.
Focus question ferent camper or campers to initiate it. Or
How can we pray so everything that needs you may add something to the ritual or ritu-
to be prayed for and confessed is remem- al site each day. For example, if you lit a
Go Back bered and lifted up to God? candle yesterday and had campers place
their nature items around it, today you may
Theme statement want to add a cross made from sticks or
place the items from yesterday (or new ones,
God knows the depths of our heart. The if those are no longer there) on the ground
Holy Spirit searches us and brings to light in the shape of a cross.
the things for which we need to pray but of
which we are unaware. Check-in
Objectives Remind campers of yesterday’s “post-swim
stretch”: taking time throughout the day to
This Bible study will help campers and their reflect on how the Holy Spirit is working
leaders: through their lives. Did they do it? Did they
• realize that they do not know how to pray notice anything new? If they didn’t do the
the way they ought to. post-swim stretch, why do they think that is?
• discover that the Holy Spirit helps them Conclude by asking each camper to say
pray even when they do not know what one word that describes his or her experi-
to say. ence with the “wordless conversation” on
• seek God’s presence and direction through the way to this site.
personal prayer.
Introduction to theme and text
Bible basis Talking with God, specifically in prayer, can
Romans 8:26-27 (Through the Spirit, we are sometimes feel like a wordless conversation.
forgiven.) We often don’t know how to express our
feelings in words, and sometimes prayer just
Materials plain intimidates us. We don’t know what to
Bibles, “Testing the Waters” questions writ- say, or for what or for whom to pray. We
ten on slips of paper (see page 157). have a hard time understanding what God is
saying because we don’t hear any words.
But never fear. The Holy Spirit, who helps
The gathering us remember the life to which Christ has
As your campers prepare to leave for the called us, also helps us pray. Our depths—
hearts and souls—are searched by God’s
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Bible study location, have them walk with

someone with whom they have not yet been Spirit, who finds the hidden prayers and
paired. Ask pairs to tell each other one thing unspoken words we are to offer God. In a
they think they’re good at and one thing sense it is like searching the Internet or
they wish they could do, but aren’t so good doing a virus scan on a computer. On one’s
at. The trick is that they have to communi- own it would be impossible to find what you
cate their thoughts without saying a word. are looking for or to even understand the
computer language to be able to gather
Opening ritual information. But the computer is pro-
grammed to find exactly what you are
When you arrive at the Bible study site,
unable to find on your own. It’s the same
begin with the ritual you chose yesterday.
with the Holy Spirit, only better!
Depending on what it is, you may ask a dif-
Romans 8:26-27 Wading
Have the group break into three small Place two objects (such a rock and a fallen
groups according to birthdays: January- tree branch) about 15 steps apart. Have one
April, May-August, September-December. object represent 0 and the other represent 5
(Adjust the groups as needed to make them on a continuum. Ask campers to stand at a
fairly even.) Give one of the following ques- location between the two objects that repre-
tions to each group. Then have them read sents how meaningful they think their con-
Romans 8:26-27: versations/prayers with God are: 0 being not
• What do these verses say about us? meaningful at all and 5 being very meaning-
• What do they say about God? ful. Then ask:
• What do they say about the Holy Spirit? • For those of you who think your prayers
with God are not meaningful, why is that?
Afterward, ask each group to share what
it learned with the whole group. Encourage • For those of you who think your prayers
the groups to be creative in their telling, with God are very meaningful, why is
using something from nature, a skit or role that?
play, or a human sculpture or pantomime. • What do you think gets in the way of hav-
To make things interesting, have the other ing meaningful conversations with God?
two groups guess what they’re trying to tell. • What is it about prayer that sometimes
makes us feel afraid or uncomfortable?
The swimming Splashing around

Testing the waters Ask campers to think about a secret they
The campers may have had success in their don’t want anyone to know. Perhaps it is
wordless conversations, but often it is diffi- something about which they’re ashamed or
cult to communicate without the use of embarrassed. Without asking them to reveal
words. Refer to their wordless experiences to the secret, discuss the generalities of such
talk more about prayer: secrets:
• What would have helped you in your • In general, what things do you think most
wordless conversations? people avoid praying about or for?
• How is prayer similar to a wordless • Why do you think people try to hide
conversation? things from God when they pray?
• What does the writer of the book of • Romans 8:27 tells us that God searches
Romans tell us about how we are helped our heart. What does Psalm 139:1-2 say
in our wordless conversations with God? about God’s searching? Is it comforting or
Have the previous small groups regroup scary to discover that God knows every-
and give a copy of the following questions to thing in your heart?
each one. Allow time for more discussion: On the count of three, ask campers to
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• What makes prayer easy or difficult for strike a pose or make a facial expression
you? that represents how they would react if
• Are there things for which you have diffi- someone discovered their deepest secret.
culty praying? (Examples could include • Read Romans 8:31-39. What do these
people you don’t like, sacrifices you verses tell us about God’s love for us?
should make, confessing things for which • How do you think God reacts when God
you don’t want to accept blame.) searches our hearts? Are we punished or
• What makes it hard to pray for these forgiven?
things? • How might we pray differently if we
allowed the Spirit to intercede for us? If
we prayed, recognizing the grace—the
undeserved forgiveness, mercy, and • What did you experience?
peace—offered to us from God through
Christ?
• What, if anything, was weird?
• If you can put it into words, what did
God seem like or feel like to you?
Take the plunge: Centering prayer
(or the Jesus prayer) • If you don’t mind sharing, what word or
phrase did you choose to repeat? Why is
This prayer is similar to the Ignatius it significant to you?
Awareness Examen in that silence, stillness,
focus, and desire are key components. This
• What do you think the Holy Spirit was
finding and making known to God?
is not meant to be a time to pray a verbal
prayer to God, but to sit in God’s presence, • Do you feel as though you experienced
God’s forgiveness and peace during this
allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart,
prayer? If so, how? If not, why not?
and be aware of what happens as a result of
that searching. • What other insights do you have about
Begin by choosing a word or phrase that what just happened?
is holy to you, one that represents God for
you, such as grace, mercy, shalom, alleluia,
or water. The phrase most often used, and
The sending
gives this prayer its name, is “Jesus Christ, Summary
Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus teaches us how to live and God sends
Ask campers to sit in a comfortable posi- the Holy Spirit to us as a reminder and
tion, one that they can stay in for about 10 teacher of this Christian life. We easily forget
minutes without having to move. It is usual- how we are to live and how we are to pray.
ly best to sit with the spine as straight as God sends the Holy Spirit to search our lives
possible. so God might know all that is in our hearts.
Ask them to close their eyes, take a few God knows our pain, forgives our sins, and
deep breaths, and focus on their breathing. loves us fully. We have the opportunity and
Tell them to use the word or phrase they responsibility to make time in our lives for
chose as an instrument to bring them back God by clearing our minds and schedules,
to their prayer when they become distracted. allowing ourselves to be open to what the
Have them begin this prayer time by soft- Spirit is revealing within us.
ly or silently repeating their phrase or word.
Ask them to focus on the reality and close- Post-swim stretch
ness of God, sensing and experiencing God’s During the rest of the week, set aside 10 or
peaceful presence. In time they likely won’t more minutes each day when you can be
need to repeat the word or phrase unless alone, sitting in silence, giving attention to
they become distracted by thoughts or noise. what the Spirit is bringing to your heart and
Invite them to remain in this prayer pos- what the Spirit is bringing from your heart
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ture for at least 10 minutes, striving to to God.

remain in full attention of God’s peaceful
presence. Encourage them to set aside any Prayer
thought that enters their mind, just as they
Gather in a circle. Ask group members to
would set aside a book. They are not to pray
place their right hand on their own heart
using words during this time, but are to
and their left hand on their neighbor’s shoul-
strive to focus on what God is like in the
der. Ask God to search their hearts, forgive
moment, trusting that the Holy Spirit is
their sins, and help them to love and forgive
searching their heart and making their
others. Invite campers to offer spoken
prayers known to God.
prayers as well.
After 10 minutes or so, ask them to slow-
ly open their eyes and return their attention
to the group. Ask:
Focus question Check-in
If we forget how God wants us to live and if Ask campers to share where they have seen
we don’t really know how to pray, how can God’s activity since yesterday’s Bible study.
Go Back we even begin to show others the love we Then ask them how it felt to affirm and
have for God? receive affirmation on the walk to the site.
Theme statement Introduction to theme and text

Because the Holy Spirit searches us and Ask campers if they know what the greatest
dwells in us, we can be assured that God is commandment is. Some may say the golden
also in our neighbor. When we love our rule (“Do to others as you would have them
neighbors, we manifest our love for God. do to you” [Luke 6:31]), but someone may
recall Jesus’ declaration that the greatest
Objectives commandment is twofold: love God and
This Bible study will help campers and their love our neighbor (Matthew 22:36-39). For
leaders: Jesus, these are not two separate acts, but
• hear the good news that the Holy Spirit are one and the same. We love God when we
enables them to love as they are loved. love our neighbor.
As humans, we are skeptical. Many peo-
• create and share visual images of God. ple demand proof and signs that God is real.
• give and receive affirmation. Some will not believe in God unless they see
God. But Jesus reminds us that we “see”
Bible basis God in our neighbor. It is there that God
1 John 4:12-21 (The Spirit calls us to love as dwells. Even so, it can be difficult to love
we are loved.) everyone as God intends. We are only able
to show love to our neighbor, and therefore
Materials to God, because God has placed the gift of
Bibles, paper, markers. love in our hearts by first loving us. God
loves us, God loves our neighbor; therefore
it is natural that we should love each other
The gathering through this commonality.
Tell campers that during today’s walk to the
Bible study site their task is to honestly and First John 4:12-21
positively affirm everyone in the group at Have the group form a circle as you (or a
least once. volunteer) read 1 John 4:12-21. Each time
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there is a reference to God, the campers

Opening ritual should lift their hands in the air. Each time
When you arrive at your site, choose some- there is a reference to humankind, the
one to initiate the ritual you’ve chosen. If the campers should place their hands on the
group wants to add something to the site, shoulders of the people next to them. Be
ask them to consider having it reflect today’s sure to read slowly, emphasizing all the ref-
theme: We’re loved. For example, they may erences to God and humankind.
want to place rocks in the shape of a heart.
The swimming and set up a tent—set up camp—and stay
with them. This was a sign that God desired
Testing the waters to be with them.
Distribute paper and markers. Ask each Form two groups. Give each group one of
camper to draw a picture of what she or he the following verses and questions:
thinks God looks like. Encourage them to • First John 4:12. Where does God live?
not be swayed by the typical image of an old (Within us.)
man with a long beard. After all, Scripture • First John 4:13. How do we know that
gives us wonderful images of God as both God lives within us? (Through the gift of
male and female (see Psalm 89:26; 131:2; the Holy Spirit.)
Isaiah 42:14; 66:13; Luke 2:49). They may Ask each group to share its answers with
also want to draw symbols or write words. the whole group. Then remind them that
If drawing materials are inconvenient or they have learned that the Holy Spirit enables
unavailable, get creative! Ask campers to us to remember Jesus’ teachings. They’ve
draw pictures or symbols in the dirt or sand. also learned that the Holy Spirit enables us
Or tell them they can gather sticks, leaves, to pray deeply.
and so on, to use in creating a “collage” of Have someone read aloud 1 John 4:19.
their image of God. Ask someone else to tell what this verse says
Afterward, have them get together with a God’s love enables us to do. (Love others.)
partner and explain their image. Then have Ask each camper to share one way he or she
partners join with another pair to form has learned to love others. It may be some-
groups of four. Ask each foursome to com- thing she or he was taught to do when
bine all its images of God into one. young or something learned on a mission
Discuss these questions as a large group: trip or during worship.
• Was this activity easy? Why? Difficult? • What are other ways you show love?
Why?
• What are some ways you show love
• What does it teach us about how much toward God?
we know or understand about God?
• According to 1 John 4:12-21, where can Take the plunge: Walking prayer
we expect to see God and learn about
The Christian life is, of course, not all about
God? (In our neighbor.)
sitting in silence. We have been gifted and
entrusted with a beautiful, alive, and some-
Wading times noisy creation! Invite campers to expe-
Ask the group if it thinks God can really be rience a walking prayer. This prayer is begun
seen. If so, how? Have each person find a by asking God to go with you on a solitary
different partner and take a short walk walk. As you walk, watch for things that
together around the immediate area. Ask God will show you. Allow yourself to be in
partners to point out those things in nature awe of the simplest and most profound
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that remind them of God: for example, a things: a drop of dew on a blade of grass, a
tree, shade, how a bird flies, a certain scent, robin getting a worm, a friend sitting in
other campers in the group, and so on. After prayer or Bible study, the sun shimmering on
a few minutes, call everyone back together. the lake, storm clouds gathering. Notice
God’s handiwork in all these things; see
Splashing around them as gifts to you, and yourself as a gift to
We learn in the Old Testament that as the them.
Israelites wandered in the wilderness they As you walk, ask God to be revealed in
used a particular term to explain God’s pres- your surroundings. Have campers take men-
ence. They would say that God had come to tal notes of things they see that make them
“tabernacle” among them. This meant that think of God and feel God’s love for them.
God had chosen to come into their midst
Tell them to collect something from their Post-swim stretch
walk that represents God’s love for them and God longs to be with you and to help you
God’s desire for them to love others, if possi- see God in others. Keep your eyes and hearts
ble. open for God to be revealed to you this
After 10 minutes of the walking prayer, week. The Spirit is actively trying to make
gather the group together. Share the items you aware of God—in yourself and in
you collected (or tell about the things you others. Take note of the times that you “see”
observed), explaining how they reminded God and let others know when you have
you of God’s love and of God’s desire for seen God in them.
you to love others.
• What else did you experience? Prayer
• In what ways did you see God? Begin your closing prayer by having the
• What things made you think of God’s love campers stand in a circle with their arms at
for you? their sides. As a group, recite 1 John 4:19:
“We love because [God] first loved us.”
When the group says “We love,” have them
The Sending put their arms around each other. When they
Summary say “because [God] first loved,” have them
Jesus is life. We easily forget how we are to raise their arms to heaven. When they say
live and how we are to pray. God sends us “us,” have them place their arms around
the Holy Spirit to search our lives so God each other’s shoulders again. Do this slowly
might know all that is in our hearts. In this at first, then see how fast the group can do it
way, God knows our pain, forgives our sins, in unison.
and loves us fully. Because the Holy Spirit After you or a camper has offered prayer,
dwells in us, God teaches us how to love one make the sign of the cross on each person’s
another. By loving each other, we show our forehead, saying, “(Name), I see the image
love for God as well. of God in you.” Or say the words and make
the sign of the cross on the camper who is
on your left. He or she then does the same
to the next camper in the circle and so on,
until the benediction is shared around the
circle.
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Focus question Opening ritual
How can we, who are so different from each Have someone initiate your group’s opening
other, be united into one family of God? ritual. Look for ways to add to it, especially
Go Back emphasizing the theme “We’re Gathered.”
Theme statement For example, you might think of creative
It is the same Spirit who unites us and gath- ways to gather and sit. Or you may desig-
ers us into one Christian community. There- nate official gatherers or hosts who go ahead
fore, though we are different, we are the of the group to prepare the site and welcome
same. We find the ultimate unity (not unifor- the others.
mity) in God.
Check-in
Objectives Ask each group member to share how some-
This Bible study will help campers and their one has shown him or her God’s love since
leaders: yesterday’s Bible study. Then have each set
• learn that God calls all people into unity, of partners share one thing they discovered
not uniformity. they have in common with their partner and
one thing that makes them different from
• recognize the unity into which the Spirit their partner.
calls them.
• engage in activities that emphasize unity. Introduction to theme and text
We often run into two problems when it
Bible basis comes to unity. First, many of us want it
Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Spirit gathers us into only selectively. We would rather do our
community.) own thing with people who are just like us.
We may even be afraid of those who are dif-
Materials ferent from us. However, this “selective
Paper and pencils, Bibles, cup or bowl of unity” prevents us from really knowing and
water, any materials needed for the challenge loving others in the way God calls us to do.
exercise in “Take the Plunge: Action Prayer” Second, if we are willing to work for
(pages 163-164). unity, we often end up working for unifor-
mity. That is, we’re willing to work with
others who are different from us if they
The gathering agree to change to become more like us. But
As you walk to the Bible study site today, the Bible teaches us that God does not care
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have campers choose a partner with whom about our differences. God does not prefer
to walk. Ask partners to discover three one country over another, one race over
things they have in common and three things another, one gender over another, one
that make them different from each other. denomination over another. The Holy Spirit
Encourage them to look beyond obvious lives in the hearts of all believers. At our
things (such as gender, hair color, home- baptism we are adopted as children of God.
town) and focus on interests, talents, and The Holy Spirit works within us to motivate
dreams. us as we gather together with all of God’s
children. The Holy Spirit calls us and gath-
ers us into a community of believers.
Ephesians 4:1-6 Splashing around
Invite the campers to close their eyes and lis- Ask campers to find a partner and tell about
ten closely as you read Ephesians 4:1-6 a time they encountered diversity, being with
aloud. Ask them to listen for a word or people who were not like themselves. Then
phrase that especially captures their atten- discuss the following question as a large
tion today, something that stands out. group:
Read the verses slowly and clearly two or • In the situations you discussed with your
three times, allowing a for moment of silence partner, were you able to find unity amid
between each reading. Ask the campers to diversity or did the diversity affect your
share the word or phrase that stood out in ability to establish unity? Why?
their mind. No explanations are needed. Next, have partners read Ephesians 4:4-6
together, looking for examples of unity (one
body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism,
The swimming God). Ask them to discuss how each exam-
Testing the waters ple works to unite us.
Ask each camper to share three or more
things that make him or her unique from the Take the plunge: Action prayer
other members of the group. As a group, The Christian life is often about action:
develop a list of things that all group mem- teamwork, community, hard work. The fol-
bers have in common with each other. lowing activity is actually a group building
Read Ephesians 4:1-3. exercise but it is appropriate to use as a
• Which are more important to focus on, group prayer.
differences or similarities? Why? When we work together, struggle with an
• What would it be like if we had to shed issue or task, listen to one another, and sup-
our differences and become exactly alike port one another, we are communicating to
to be united with each other? God our desire to be united with each other
• How has camp made the group more and, therefore, to be united with God. Let
united despite our differences? every activity you do with your campers be
done in a prayerful way that communicates
• What would this week be like if we were glory and praise to God.
only focused on our differences?
If your camp has a high or low ropes
• What do you think most people usually course or any other type of team-building
focus on: differences or similarities? Why?
exercise area, now would be the time to use
it. If not, try the trusty “Lap Sit.”
Wading Have the group stand in a close circle
Form three groups of equal number. Assign shoulder to shoulder. Each camper should
each group one of the following settings: now make a quarter turn to the right so
• high school youth in the hallway at school every camper in the circle is facing the back
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between classes. of another camper. On the count of three,

• a family in the car on a trip. have everyone slowly begin sitting on the lap
• youth sitting together in a service at of the camper behind him or her. If the
church. group moves slowly and carefully, everyone
Ask each group to develop two skits will be sitting in a circle. After a few tries,
based on its assigned setting. The first skit talk about the activity:
should represent what might happen in their • Was the group successful? Did we achieve
setting if we focus on uniformity. The second our goal? Why or why not?
skit should represent what might happen if • What role did unity play in this exercise?
we focus on unity instead. When everyone is • How did unity aid or hamper our attempt
ready, have each group perform its skits for to achieve our goal?
the larger group.
• What would it have been like to do this Post-swim stretch
exercise if we were not willing to work Think of someone at camp or in your
together? group who seems very different from you.
• What does this exercise teach us about What have you learned from this person?
God’s desire for us to live in unity? How can you continue to learn more about
God’s diverse community from this person?
Find a way to thank this person for what
The sending she or he has taught you and tell her or him
Summary what you have learned.
God sends the Holy Spirit into our lives as a
reminder and teacher of the way Jesus wants Prayer
us to live. We forget how we are to live and Fill a bowl or cup with water or gather near
pray. God sends the Holy Spirit to search a natural source of water. While in a circle,
our lives so God might know all that is in have each camper dip his or her finger in the
our hearts. God knows our pains, forgives water, then make the sign of a cross on
our sins, and loves us fully. Because God another camper’s forehead, saying, “(Name),
dwells in us, we learn how to love one you are a child of God, part of God’s holy
another. family. Remember your baptism.” Then pray
By loving each other we’re able to show for unity in God’s world and in God’s
our love for God. God’s love unites us. The church. (Be sure campers understand that
Holy Spirit invites us to see God in our this is not an actual baptism or a re-baptism.
neighbor and calls us to work for unity It is simply a remembrance of their baptism.
regardless of the differences that exist. God’s Be sensitive to those campers who may not
love is universal and calls us into a commu- be baptized. They can still be reminded that
nity of unity, not uniformity. they are children of God.)
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Day 5: We’re Sent
Focus question Opening ritual
What does God call us to do in this world During this final Bible study time, make sure
and how does God enable us to answer our someone who hasn’t had an opportunity to
Go Back call? begin the ritual leads it if he or she wishes.
After you’ve had check-in time, invite the
Theme statement group to add the items they’ve brought to
Christ was sent into the world to forgive sins your ritual space.
and teach us a new way of life. With the
help of the Holy Spirit, we are called to con- Check-in
tinue this mission of forgiveness and new Have each camper share one thing she or he
life. has learned from someone who is different
from her or him since yesterday’s Bible
Objectives study. Ask them to share what they found on
This Bible study will help campers and their their mission as they walked to your Bible
leaders: study site. What is needed to successfully
• understand that the Spirit is given to them complete a special project or mission?
as a gift who helps them realize their call
and fulfill God’s mission. Introduction to theme and text
• recognize that Christ, through the Holy After Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples likely
Spirit, is present in times of fear and feared that everything they had believed in
confusion. during the past several years was not true
and that the people who killed Jesus would
• offer prayers for one another as they now come for them. They must have won-
prepare to return home.
dered what they were supposed to do next.
This fear and confusion paralyzed them.
Bible basis As a result, they locked themselves away.
John 20:19-23 (The Spirit sends forth our But Jesus appears in the midst of their fear,
community into the world.) gives them peace, and then does two more
things.
Materials First, he takes care of their confusion
Bibles, paper, markers, “Testing the Waters” about who he is by showing them his
questions written out ahead of time (page wounds. It’s a reminder of his physical death
166). and physical resurrection, and they now
know that what they had hoped for is cer-
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tainly true. Second, Jesus takes care of their

The gathering future. He breathes the Holy Spirit on them
On the way to the Bible study site today, and gives them a mission. They have a pur-
send campers out in pairs or trios on specific pose. They know Christ is risen and are sent
missions. Have them report to the site within to share that good news with everyone.
a few minutes. Ask each pair or trio to find Christ’s presence during their time of fear
a specific item, such as a fallen leaf, an gave them answers, courage, hope, and a
acorn, a worm, a cup of drinking water, a mission.
Y-shaped stick.
John 20:19-23 Wading
Assign the following roles to your campers: Have campers share personal stories about
• doors (two campers) times they were entrusted with a special job,
• Jesus task, or mission. Then discuss the following
questions with the group:
• Holy Spirit
• disciples (all other campers) • In what ways did your mission scare you
or make you nervous?
Read John 20:19-23 aloud and have the
campers act out their parts as they appear in • Did anyone help you along the way?
the story. Encourage them to be dramatic, • Were you successful?
exaggerating their parts.
Splashing around
As a group, brainstorm a list of responses to
The swimming the following questions:
Testing the waters • What is our mission as God’s people on
Have campers gather according to their roles this planet?
in the skit: doors in one group, disciples in • How does God prepare us for our
another group, and Jesus and the Holy Spirit mission?
in the last group. Have each group reread Give each camper time to think of one
the scripture verses and answer the following issue concerning his or her school, family,
questions: community, church, or world about which
Questions for the disciples: he or she has an opinion and would like to
address. Then have each think about these
• What was it like in the room before Jesus questions:
appears?
• What were people feeling, saying, and • What issue concerns you most?
doing? Why? • In what ways might God be calling you to
address this issue?
Questions for the doors: • What gifts has the Holy Spirit given you
• How does fear sometimes keep you from to enable you to address this issue?
doing the things you know you should
do?
• Whose help will you need?
• How will you know if you succeed or
• How might Christ be present during times fail?
of fear, giving you encouragement and
If they are willing, ask campers to tell
hope?
about their chosen issue, then share their
Questions for Jesus and the Holy Spirit: thoughts about the role God is calling them
• How did Jesus respond to the disciples’ to regarding the issue.
fear?
• How did Jesus give them hope? Take the plunge: Affirmation
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• On what mission does Jesus send his prayer

disciples? Understanding our calling can be tricky, but
• How does Jesus prepare them for this mis- we are promised that the Holy Spirit gives
sion, according to these verses? each of us all we need to accept our call.
After the groups have had time to work Therefore, we can discover gifts in everyone
through these questions, have them share if we look for them through the guidance of
their questions and answers with the whole the Holy Spirit.
group. Give campers paper and markers. Ask
them to write their names at the top of the
paper, then decorate it, leaving room for
other campers to add notes on it.
Tell the group that this will be a silent God’s love is universal and calls us into a
prayer time of affirmation. Through Jesus, community of unity, not uniformity. God,
God has gifted each of us, breathing the Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are active in our
Holy Spirit into our lives. This has resulted lives, forgiving us and giving us all we need
in gifts we are to use to God’s glory. We to tell others about new life in Christ and to
have been called to spread Christ’s message perform deeds of mercy. We have been given
of forgiveness, hope, and new life. all we need. Let’s go and serve God’s people!
Gather in a circle and pass the papers
around in one direction. In this way, all will Post-swim stretch
receive each camper’s paper in turn. Ask the campers the following questions:
As each paper is received, encourage the • How has God gifted you? Think about
campers to silently thank God for the person your specific gifts.
named on the paper and to pray for his or
her needs. After the prayer, have them write
• To whom is God sending you? Think of
specific people who can be served by your
an affirming note about the gifts they see in gifts.
this person.
After everyone has written on all of the • What is God asking of you? Think of spe-
cific ways God wants you to share your
papers, allow everyone time to read his or
gifts with others.
her own affirmations. If appropriate, talk
about how the affirming words make each Set three mission goals for yourself as you
camper feel; whether or not they were aware prepare to return home. Continue to hope
of the identified gifts; and how they might and pray that the Holy Spirit will help you
call upon the Holy Spirit to help them use meet your goals and remain open to other
their gifts as they return home. ways God calls you to share your gifts with
the world.
The sending Prayer

Summary Gather in a close circle. Invite each camper
Jesus teaches us how to live and God sends to step into the center of the circle for a few
the Holy Spirit as a reminder and teacher in moments as the rest of the group prays for
this life. We forget how we are to live and the camper, either verbally or silently. Tell
how we are to pray. God sends the Holy the group about this prayer opportunity
Spirit to search our lives so God might know ahead of time so they have time to gather
all that is in our hearts. God knows our their thoughts.
pains, forgives our sins, and loves us fully.
Because God’s Spirit dwells in us, we are
able to love one another. By loving each
other, we show our love for God.
The love God gives us unites us. If we
Senior High
allow ourselves to be aware of the presence

of the Holy Spirit in our neighbor, we will
be better able to work for unity with our
neighbor regardless of any differences that
exist.
Senior High Take-along
Day 1: We’re Gifted Bible basis
Focus question forgiven.)
How does Jesus teach us to live today?
The gathering: Wordless
Theme statement conversations
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit as a
reminder and teacher. Without speaking, have partners share one
thing they’re good at and one thing they
Bible basis wish they could do. What word best
John 14:25-26 (Jesus promises us that God describes this “wordless conversation”?
world.) Introduction to theme and text:
Romans 8:26-27
The gathering: Sharing gifts What do these verses say about us? God?
The Holy Spirit? Have small groups creative-
Tell about something from nature that sym- ly share ideas using something from nature,
bolizes a personal gift, talent, or ability. a human sculpture, or pantomime.
Introduction to theme and text:
John 14:25-26 The swimming: Centering prayer
Take turns naming and describing people Choose a word or phrase that represents
who have been advocates. How did they God for you, such as grace, mercy, or
reflect a “Jesus lifestyle”? alleluia. Quietly or silently repeat the word
while focusing fully on God’s presence for at
The swimming: Ignatius Awareness least 10 minutes. What might the Holy Spirit
Examen prayer have been finding and making known to
Invite the group to sit comfortably, eyes God?
closed, hands on heart. Have campers silent-
ly ask God to reveal a time when they felt The sending: Closing
close to God. After a few minutes, ask God Set aside time each day to give full attention
to reveal a time they felt far away. What to what the Spirit is bringing to your heart,
might the Holy Spirit be teaching them at from God, and from your heart, to God.
such times?
The sending: Closing Day 3: We’re Loved

During the day, have campers continue ask- Focus question
Senior High
ing the Holy Spirit to reveal what Christ How can we even begin to show others the
wants them to know and how to live. love we have for God?
Theme statement
Day 2: We’re Forgiven When we love our neighbors, we manifest
our love for God.
Focus question
Bible basis
How can we lift up everything to God in
prayer?
we are loved.)
Theme statement
The Holy Spirit brings to light the things for
which we need to pray.
The gathering: Sharing The swimming: Action prayer
affirmations Engage campers in a group building activity
Ask campers to honestly, positively affirm (such as a “lap sit”) as an expression of
everyone in the group. Then ask them how it group prayer. What does the activity teach
felt to affirm and receive affirmation. us about God’s desire that we live in unity?
Introduction to theme and text:
1 John 4:12-21
The sending: Closing
Read the text together. Ask campers to draw Pray for unity in God’s world and in God’s
pictures or symbols (or gather sticks and church.
leaves to use in creating a “collage”) of their
image of God. Where can we expect to see
and learn about God? (In our neighbor.)
Day 5: We’re Sent
Focus question
The swimming: Walking prayer How does God enable us to answer our call?
Walk alone and ask God to go with you. Theme statement
Watch for things God shows you along the With the help of the Holy Spirit, we continue
way. In what ways do you see God? What Christ’s mission.
things remind you of God’s love for you?
Bible basis
The sending: Closing John 20:19-23 (The Spirit sends forth our
Make the sign of the cross on each camper’s
forehead, saying, “(Name), I see the image
of God in you.”
The gathering: Shared missions
Send pairs or trios on a mission to find a
specific item, such as a leaf, acorn, Y-shaped
Day 4: We’re Gathered stick. What is needed to successfully com-
plete a mission?
Focus question
How can we be united in God’s family? Introduction to theme and text:
John 20:19-23
Theme statement Read and dramatize the text. How does
The Spirit unites us in one Christian Jesus prepare the disciple’s for their mission?
community. Share personal mission stories. How does
Bible basis God prepare us?
community.) The swimming: Affirmation prayer
Have campers write their names on paper
The gathering: New discoveries and pass them around. As each paper is
Senior High
Focusing on interests, talents, and dreams, received, silently thank God for the named
ask partners to discover three things they person, then write an affirming note about
have in common and three things that make that person.
them different from each other. Share discov-
eries with the whole group. The sending: Closing
Introduction to theme and text: Invite each camper into the center of your
Ephesians 4:1-6 circle as the rest of the group prays aloud or
Read the text aloud. Are differences or simi- silently for the camper.
larities more important to focus on? Why?
How has camp made our group more united
despite our differences?
Introduction to Adult
The world is a busy In addition to the daily Bible study, this
and noisy place. Com- section also includes:
Adult
puters, television, cell • an introduction to the overall theme.
phones…it can seem over- • “First Night” activities.
whelming and chaotic. It is difficult, at
times, to make time to break free from the
• “Daily Watch” devotions.
pandemonium. This week at camp gives
adult campers an opportunity to “come About adult campers
away” to the out-of-doors, to slow down, to When asked what is the most important
relax, and to be renewed. Camp is a unique aspect to living a fulfilling life, an increasing
place for adults to enjoy a simpler pace and number of adults are saying “spirituality.” It
discover gifts that have been untapped or is challenging in the world, though, for
dormant. It is an opportunity to examine the adults to make time for spiritual nurture.
relationship between God and self in daily There is turmoil in our world and our daily
life, to ask the question, “What is it that lives stretch the limits of our energy at times.
God wants me to do in my life?” Many adults need space and time to center
This week’s theme, Spiritlife, encourages their lives and to reestablish balance. To
adult campers to immerse themselves in the know this about adults helps us to appreci-
faith community as they explore the daily ate and understand the reason many adults
activity of the Holy Spirit. Adult campers have come to camp. Leaders need to be
will be challenged to tap into the power of respectful of their need to “come away”
the Spirit, to more fully understand forgive- from all the responsibilities and stress of
ness, to explore the perfect love of God, and daily life. Many adults reflect that life has
to draw support and encouragement from been their best teacher. Don’t miss the
the community formed by the Spirit. Dis- opportunity to use the many life experiences
covering life in the Spirit gives direction to of your group members to help explore con-
our aimlessness and joy in our emptiness, cepts throughout the week. Bible study that
that we might know life in all its fullness. emphasizes application to daily life is para-
God has sent us the Holy Spirit so we will mount when leading an adult group. Many
be in continual relationship with God. We of the activities in this Bible study section
are called by God to go within our very help create that bridge to daily life.
souls and encounter the Holy Spirit. Different faith traditions and practices are
inherently present in adult groups. Adults
Objectives reflect both positively and negatively on
those experiences. Honoring and acknowl-
These Bible study sessions will help adult
edging those traditions and practices will not
campers and their leaders:
only validate individuals, but also enhance
• explore their understanding of the Holy the learning experience of the group as a
Spirit.
whole. Be sure that this acceptance is both
• discover ways the Spirit is at work in their modeled and practiced in the group. The
lives and in the world. acceptance of people’s belief systems helps to
• encounter the Spirit’s presence through bridge your group’s experience to the world
prayer and reflection. as you reinforce the basic teachings and
• recognize the daily transformation of their truth of the Christian faith.
lives as they are sent to live and work in Adults have many different learning styles
the world to live a Spiritlife. and abilities. All have come to camp for a
different reason: to be close to children in
attendance, to deepen their faith experience, as the facilitator will help you gain confi-
to relax. It is important for a leader to be dence and set the group’s expectations of
respectful of how and when adults will wish you. To recap:
to participate throughout the week. Adults • Be well prepared.
are accustomed to having choices. Never • Be open and aware of the unique charac-
force an adult to read aloud, for instance.
Adult
teristics of each member of the group.
Instead, give participants a choice and ask
for volunteers from the group. Provide a
• Model acceptance and tolerance of differ-
ent ideas and beliefs.
variety of activities and encourage adult
campers to participate according to their • Allow adults to have a lot of freedom to
choose their experience in Bible study.
particular abilities and comfort level.
Differences in personality will become • Make a safe place for all personality
more apparent as the group begins to work styles.
and discuss together. Be respectful of each • Have fun, laugh often.
person. You may need to occasionally draw Don’t be afraid of quiet moments. Some-
out a quieter person and quiet the person times leaders think that the group needs to
who tends to dominate the group discussion. be doing something all the time. Plan to
Finding ways to lift up and celebrate the dif- build in time for quiet reflection.
ferences of the individuals in the group will
ensure that all are being heard and it will
build internal tolerance as it is practiced in Retreat suggestions
your group. Spiritlife can be adapted into a retreat setting
Participation, like personality styles, will and time frame by taking the daily themes
vary greatly. Working with adult groups and plugging them into session times within
means providing a lot of freedom for partici- the context of a weekend. Retreat leaders
pation. It is always good to build trust in the may want to plan one- to two-hour sessions
group before asking people to do an activity for each Bible study. Depending on the
where trust of the other group members is length of your retreat it is likely that you
important. Provide for the safety of all in could use all five Bible studies.
your group to be exactly who God intended A weekend retreat outline might look like
them to be. this:
As you prepare to teach, always have a • Friday evening: Use “First Night” activi-
“Plan B.” There are so many variables in the ties and selected activities from “Day 1:
execution of a Bible study—weather, the size We’re Gifted.”
of the group, and so on—that what worked • Saturday morning: Begin with a selec-
with one group may not work with another tion from “Daily Watch.” Then cover the
group. You will have more confidence as a study material from “Day 2: We’re For-
leader if you always have another option if given” and “Day 3: We’re Loved” (with a
the chosen activity or discussion is not break for food and conversation between
working. study sessions).
A leader does not always need to have all • Saturday afternoon: Cover material
the answers. Being honest about your own from “Day 4: We’re Gathered,” followed by
questions will enhance your credibility as the a time for recreation.
group’s facilitator and encourage others in • Saturday evening: Cover material from
the group to express their own questions “Day 5: We’re Sent,” followed by singing
and doubts. around a campfire and/or a closing worship.
Finally, your role as group leader is to • Sunday morning: End with worship and
facilitate, rather than to be an expert. You a closing activity that looks at returning
are there to facilitate your group’s explo- home and living by the power of the Spirit.
ration of Spiritlife. Acknowledging your role
Bible study • Bible basis: This provides the biblical
text for the day.
components • Getting Spirit ready: This is an active,
The Bible study material features the follow- hands-on activity to get the group
ing components: warmed up for the day’s study.
Adult
• Focus question: Each lesson begins with • Exploring the text: This section helps
a question to guide the discussion and connect the biblical text with experiences
introduce the overall theme for the day. in daily life.
• Theme statement: This statement gives • Praying the Spirit: This section focuses
insight into the direction and expected on both praying together and teaching
focus of each session. about prayer. It will offer varied opportu-
• Objectives: These provide direction and nities for your group to both experience
create continuity between the activities in and learn about prayer and will conclude
each section. the study time for each day.
First Night
The first night of camp is important because • same number of people in your main
it will set the tone for the entire week. Take family
Adult
time to help the group get acquainted and
begin to become comfortable with each
• same animals in the herd (pets)
other. The activities below will help the • same color of eyes
group begin to build a sense of community. • same brand of shoes
Some of the group members may be unfamil- • same favorite frozen provisions (ice
iar with their surroundings, so take time to cream)
give them a tour of the camp. Be sure to • same favorite song (music group or genre)
point out places where the group will gather Each time smaller groups gather around a
for Bible study, worship, and other activities. similar custom, allow time for introductions
Be sensitive in planning the first night to and brief conversations. Be sure to join in
include activities that involve minimal risk the fun!
and self-disclosure. This will encourage a
nonthreatening atmosphere for the building
of new relationships within the group. It Introducing the
may help to provide name tags. An activity
has been provided below if you wish to have Bible study
the group be involved in making them. Introduce the group to this week’s theme of
Spiritlife, where we will be exploring the gift
of the Holy Spirit and how the Spirit helps
More alike than us to live as Christians. Pentecost is the sea-
son in the church where we turn our atten-
different tion to gift of the Holy Spirit. To start off
Have participants stand together in a circle. the week, help the group focus its attention
This is a fun, relaxed activity that will help on the work of the Holy Spirit in the world
participants discover what they hold in com- and in the lives of people. Start by introduc-
mon. Have them picture themselves as paring a short exercise to help the group’s
ticipants in the reality television show focus.
Survivor. Tell them that they have all just
arrived from different locations and that no Real-life contrast
one in the group has met anyone else. The Materials: Chart paper, black marker, red
activity will be one of finding customs that marker, candle for each participant and
are alike. Explain that you will call out a leader, matches. (Note: Before lighting can-
custom and the campers will find other sur- dles, check your local fire codes and your
vivors with the same custom. Add that there camp’s fire policies regarding the use of open
may be more than one in the group with the flames.)
same custom, so campers will need to find a Draw a vertical line down the center of
way to communicate the custom to attract the paper. Ask the group to call out some
the attention of others who have the same horrible things that have happened or are
custom. Begin the activity by saying, “All happening in the world today. Write those in
participants with ______ as a custom, gather the left column with the black marker. Using
together!” Fill in the blank with the ideas a red marker (to symbolize the Holy Spirit),
below and add some of your own. ask them to reflect on what they can observe
• same color of attire in each situation where, in the midst of the
• same way of writing (right or left hand) struggle and pain, good is happening. (For
• same favorite food instance, we see news reports of terrorist
activity, and there is a visible change in some Pentecost
people. There is more compassion; people Materials: Bible, matches.
are reaching out to help those in need of Gather in a circle and ask a volunteer to
help. There is a renewed sense of unity and read Acts 2:1-4. Here we have the account
pride in community.) of Jesus’ disciples being filled with the Holy
The group will undoubtedly come up with
Adult
Spirit. End “First Night” by lighting each
a variety of world events. Spend a few min- other’s flames and saying the following each
utes discussing each, then ask if the group time a flame is lit: “You are the temple of
thinks that tragedies of this kind can be a God and the Holy Spirit dwells within you.”
wake-up call of sorts. (Note: before lighting candles, check your
Even in the midst of terrible tragedy and local fire codes and your camp’s fire policies
terror, the Holy Spirit is evident. And so it is regarding the use of open flames.)
with our lives. In our highs and lows, God is Close with prayer. “Lord, we thank you
with us through the presence of the Holy for bringing us together for this week. We
Spirit. We must be alert or we risk missing know we are here by the guidance of the
some critical elements of the Spirit’s work in Holy Spirit, to learn, to struggle, and to
our lives: moments of grace, opportunities laugh together in community. We know, too,
for gratitude, evidence of our connection to that your Spirit is always at work in our
others, signs of the presence of the Holy lives, opening new doors, confounding our
Spirit. expectations, and bringing us freedom and
This week we will practice a sixth sense of joy in our journey of faith. We want to be
sorts: wonder. We will explore the wonder lead by your Spirit. Help us to be attentive
that arises out of our capacity to be amazed to the work of the Holy Spirit so we can
by things, to be awestruck. At camp we are experience a renewed sense of wonder of all
reconnected with the wonder of God’s cre- that you have created. Fill us with the breath
ation. Ask the group to begin the practice of of your Holy Spirit, and give us new hearts
wonder by paying attention this week to the full of freedom and joy in you. Amen”
work of the Holy Spirit.
Close your first night together by holding
a Pentecost celebration. Have a candle for
each member of your group and pass them
out as the group forms a circle.
Daily Watch
“Daily Watch” is a time for the adult • What “fruits” are you bearing in your
campers in your group to reflect, individually life?
Adult
and quietly, on the theme for the day. There
is a variety of times a leader may utilize
• What other kinds of “fruit” would you
like to bear?
these devotions for the group. Some use
After time for individual reflection, call
them for a devotion at the beginning of the
the group back together. Conclude with a
day, while others use them for an evening
prayer, asking for help in bearing only good
devotion as a way of introducing the theme
fruit and thanking God for the gift of the
for the next day’s study. It is especially
Spirit, which guides us and helps us as we
important to emphasize the “quiet” and
live our daily lives.
“individual” aspect of “Daily Watch,” as we
model skills that campers may use at home
in their personal reflection time.
Select an outdoor location at the camp
Begin today by asking a volunteer to read
that is conducive for quiet reflection. (Have
Psalm 139:1-18. The psalmist David writes
an alternate place in case of inclement
beautifully of the inescapable presence of
weather.) Encourage participants to keep a
God in our lives. God knows every part of
journal of their thoughts during these times.
us and has been there from the very begin-
Emphasize that they will not be required to
ning. God knows us and loves us and wants
share anything out of their journal, but their
to be in relationship with us. We all, at
thoughts and questions can be used in the
times, try to hide from God when our
larger group setting during the Bible study.
human nature gets the best of us. But there
is no place and—more importantly—no need
Day 1: We’re Gifted to hide from God. So much did God desire a
relationship with us that God sent Jesus to
Materials: Bibles, journals, pens or pencils.
die on the cross so all of the sins of our
Gather in the large group and ask a vol-
humanity would be forgiven. This is God’s
unteer to read John 15:5. Explain that Jesus
gift of grace.
is talking about our connection with each
We, then, live daily in a state of grace.
other through the image of the vine (Jesus)
Through the work of the Holy Spirit in our
and branches (his people). The work of the
lives, we understand more each day about
Holy Spirit in our lives is to express through
how much God loves us as we move ever
us the character of Jesus. This is pictured
closer to being the people God desires us to
many times in the Bible as the “fruit of the
be.
plant,” and Jesus uses this image of the vine
Invite the campers to find a place of soli-
plant to illustrate this principle. The “fruit”
tude and reflect on this psalm. Ask them to
of the Spirit grows out of our relationship
reflect on the following questions:
with God.
As you send individuals off, invite them to • What are the places in your heart that
need forgiveness?
find a comfortable spot and focus on the
plants and trees. Ask them to notice the • Do you need to forgive yourself for some-
vines, stems, and trunks, and then the thing or is there someone you need to for-
branches. They are a reflection of our give?
Christian life: without the attachment to the After time for individual reflection, call
vine, we cannot bear fruit. It is the connec- the group back together. Offer a prayer ask-
tion to that vine that gives us life. Invite ing for the Spirit’s guidance in understanding
them to reflect on the following questions:
the tremendous gift of God’s forgiveness as giveness, love, harmony, and peace. These
you try to extend forgiveness to yourself and marks are what make a church or a Chris-
others. tian community different. These things unify
us by the Holy Spirit so all will know of the
love of God by how we live. We are a gifted
Day 3: We’re Loved community, so we can support each other in
Adult
Today we will focus on love. Ask a volunteer times of struggle, learn from each other, and
to read Galatians 5:22-23. Again, we see the rejoice together in the Holy Spirit. The old
image of “good fruit.” All of the fruits camp song “We Are One in the Spirit” re-
described in this text are not merely prod- minds us that “they’ll know we are Chris-
ucts of natural circumstances around us. We tians by our love.” This is the embodiment
know that it takes work and commitment to of the community centered in the Spirit of
experience love, joy, peace, patience, kind- God, that all would know us by how we
ness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and love each other.
self-control. These are expressions through Invite the campers to go out and reflect
the Holy Spirit of God’s own nature as evi- on the marks of Christian community. Ask
denced in us and in the way we live our them to reflect on the following questions:
lives. Perfect love, joy, peace, patience, kind- • Are these things evident in your church or
ness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and Christian community? In what way are
self-control can come only from God and they evident?
can come alive in us only more perfectly • How could you, as a part of that commu-
each day through the work of the Holy nity, help in all or some of the marks of
Spirit. We know that God’s love for us is community?
powerfully evident in the sending of Jesus. After time for individual reflection, call
Only through God’s love and the work of the group back together. Close with a prayer
the Spirit can we feel the joy that comes asking God to unify us in the marks of
from love, the peace that comes from Christian community and thanking God for
patience, the generosity that is reflected in the Spirit’s presence in your church or com-
our kindness, and that our faithfulness will munity.
bring us gentleness and self-control.
Send the campers out for a time of reflec-
tion and journaling. Invite them to reflect on Day 5: We’re Sent
the following questions: Today’s study will focus on being sent out
• How is love most evident in your life? through the power of the Spirit to serve oth-
• How can you begin to show love to ers in the love of God. Ask a volunteer to
others? read Romans 12:9-18. Day 4’s “Daily
After time for individual reflection, call Watch” focused on the marks of Christian
the group back together. End your reflection community. What are the marks of Christian
time by thanking God for the overwhelming service? In Paul’s letter to the Romans we
love that has been provided for all and ask- read that we are to love genuinely, and to be
ing the Spirit to help you to love others in “ardent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans
the image of God. 12:11). We are not to lose heart, but take
our energy from the Holy Spirit so we may
serve others wholeheartedly. Through the
Day 4: We’re Gathered power of the Holy Spirit, we can rejoice in
Ask a volunteer to read Colossians 3:12-16. hope, be patient in our sufferings, and perse-
In this text, Paul writes about the communi- vere in prayer. Without plugging into the
ty. As Christians we are called by our bap- power of the Holy Spirit, we can do little to
tism into Christian community. The marks change the world. But in and through the
of the community of Christ are compassion, Spirit, we are sent out into the world with
kindness, humility, meekness, patience, for- the full power of God’s Spirit.
It can be overwhelming to think about the Invite the campers to find a quiet place
world’s problems. Where would we begin? and consider the following questions:
What could we do? The answer is simple, • How will you begin to walk in the Spirit
yet complex. We begin here and go where differently today?
the Holy Spirit leads us. We serve where we • What will you do to serve others in your
are, in our homes and communities. Indi-
Adult
daily life?
vidually we can begin to do something by Ask each camper to be prepared to offer a
loving others as God loves us. “Let love be brief petition for the closing prayer. After
genuine” and “live peaceably with all” individual time for reflection, call the group
(Romans 12:9, 18); we are the power to back together. Ask each camper to share his
change the world through the power of the or her petition for the closing prayer.
Holy Spirit. We can make the world a peace-
ful one, as we are guided to do so by the
Spirit. It is much less about the destination
than the journey. It is the journey of a life-
time and a pilgrimage of the heart. It takes
letting go and trusting God to guide us,
where God wishes us to go.
Focus question Getting Spirit ready
Examining our understanding of the Holy
Adult
Who, what, when, where, and why? Those
Spirit, how does this presence touch our are the questions a journalist tries to answer
Go Back daily lives as we journey in our faith? when covering a story. Today we will begin
to develop our understanding of the Spirit
Theme statement and get to the real story of what the Holy
The gift of the presence of Holy Spirit teach- Spirit is up to in our daily lives. To begin,
es us how to live more fully in our faith, have the group start by doing an interactive
helping us understand more completely activity.
God’s guidance and presence in our lives.
Spirit symbols
Objectives Divide the group into teams of two or three.
This Bible study will help campers and their Give each team markers and a large piece of
leaders: chart paper. Each team will be given the
• consider the definitions and symbolism of challenge of coming up with as many sym-
the Holy Spirit. bols or images for the Holy Spirit in the time
• recognize that the Holy Spirit acts on their allowed. Instruct each team to choose an
behalf and teaches them how to live faith- artist. Give the signal to begin, and time
ful lives. them for two to three minutes. Have each
• examine the presence of the Holy Spirit in group present its artwork and explain the
their daily lives and in the lives of others. symbols it chose.
After the groups have presented, ask:
Bible basis • Which symbols were most familiar?
Which were not?
will send the Holy Spirit to be present in our • Where can we commonly find these sym-
bols? If they say at church, where?
world.)
• How do these images give us clues to
Materials understanding the Holy Spirit?
Bibles, chart paper, markers, slips of paper • What is most confusing when trying to
with verses written for “Spirit Action” (page understand the meaning of the Holy
179), paper, pencils. Spirit?
Prayer Exploring the text

Living Lord, help us as we come together to Go together to a very quiet location at camp
be aware, through the work of the Holy and have the group sit together in a circle.
Spirit, of what you are trying to teach us in Read together the text from John 14:25-26.
this day so we can more fully walk in the Ask for the group’s input on what the verse
light of your love and grace. Help all that says. (First, it gives us a base understanding
are gathered here at camp to be faithful of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
seekers of a greater understanding of your The Father sends the Holy Spirit to teach
love and grace in the world. In your gracious and remind us of Jesus’ teachings and
name we pray. Amen words.)
Point out the central word: Advocate. Ask: • Galatians 5:16-17, 22-25 (The Holy Spirit
• What does an advocate do? (Acts on be- helps us live a life pleasing to God.)
half of others, takes up their cause, helps
others to understand, helps in times of
• Romans 8:26-27 (The Holy Spirit helps us
in prayer.)
struggle and need.)
• Romans 8:11 (The Holy Spirit gives life.)
• Invite the campers to share examples of
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advocates in their lives. • John 3:5-6 (The Holy Spirit gives life to
our spirit.)
Discuss what the word advocate means in
conjunction with the Holy Spirit. The broad- • 2 Corinthians 3:18 (The Holy Spirit gives
life to our soul, mind, emotions, and
er context of the Holy Spirit as Advocate is
character.)
that the Holy Spirit is sent in Jesus’ name to
advocate: to teach and to remind us of what • Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Holy Spirit gives
Jesus has said. With the Spirit as our advo- us dynamic power for living life.)
cate, we are never really alone in the world. After 10 minutes, call the group back
together. Ask each pair to read its Bible pas-
Spirit action sage, then reflect on what it reveals about
The full title of Holy Spirit is used in the the work of the Holy Spirit and share how
Bible more than 90 times. Our image of the Spirit is working in our lives and the
Jesus is easier to understand because he world today.
came in human form and with a human After everyone has shared, ask the large
nature. Our image of God can be under- group to draw some commonalities that
stood through what we understand about relate to each description of the Spirit. Help
parents. The Spirit, on the other hand, has the group to understand that each describes
no physicality. However, the Spirit is a very a way in which the Holy Spirit works to
real presence, for very real times. It is a gift help us be in relationship with God. When
that touches our lives in many different we acknowledge Jesus in our lives, the Holy
ways. Ask the group to divide up in pairs Spirit resides in our hearts as a guest who is
(for larger groups divide into nine small with us forever to help guide us through the
groups). challenges of life. Without the gift of the
Explain that each pair (or small group) Spirit working in our lives, we could not
will receive a Bible verse that describes an come to understand God’s presence in our
action of Holy Spirit. They will describe the lives. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand
text with one or two words that define how God’s Word and will for our lives and testi-
the Holy Spirit helps us. Challenge the fies to God’s desire to be in relationship with
campers to take those words and think of an us. The concept of the Trinity helps us to
example in their own life, or in the lives of understand that:
others, where the Spirit’s work as described • God is one and personal.
in the text has been evident. • the Spirit is the Spirit of God and is there-
Give one of the following texts to each fore personal.
pair or group. (The statement in italics is a • the Spirit and Christ are fully divine.
summary for you as you lead the discussion • the Spirit, Christ, and the Father are
following the exercise.) Explain that they distinct.
will have 10 minutes to complete the task
before they return to the group. Our “Spirit-sense”
• 1 John 3:19-20, 24 (The Spirit testifies to In the previous activities, we explored the
our relationship with God.)
many ways the Spirit is alive in our everyday
• John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:13 (The Holy lives. Often there are too many distractions
Spirit teaches.) or too little time to find a quiet place to
• Romans 8:14; Isaiah 30:19, 21 (The Holy pray, to listen, and to be aware of the Spirit’s
Spirit guides.) presence. A part of each Bible study session
this week will be designated for some quiet
The trees are talking
reflection, using the one of the five senses.
A young woman was diagnosed with can-
“Coming away” is unique opportunity at
cer for the second time in her life. She
camp this week. We come to camp, away
lived a good, but busy, life. With her work
from everyday distractions, to renew our
and family responsibilities, she rarely had
inner spirit. There are many ways to help
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time for herself. Her prayer life consisted
people slow down, breathe in, and let God
of bedtime prayers with her children. She
speak. Before the Bible study, find a quiet
had survived the first challenge of cancer
place in camp where there are a number of
with courage and determination, sure she
trees. (If there are no trees, find a place
would climb this mountain successfully.
where campers can sit in various locations
Because it happened to many people, she
and listen to birds, water sources, grasses
thought of it as bad luck: a life experience
and reeds, anything that is similar in form,
to endure and overcome.
but creates different sound.)
It had been nearly four years and the
Instruct the group to follow you without
experience was all but forgotten. Then it
talking, and take them to the designated
happened. In a routine visit to her doctor,
place. Ask each to choose a place to sit
she found out that the cancer was back.
under one of the trees. After all are seated,
She was not prepared for another battle
ask them to close their eyes for a few min-
with cancer and began to think of her life
utes and listen to the sounds of the tree by
as cursed. Had she done something
which they are sitting. Then ask them to
wrong for God to punish her in this way?
open their eyes, move to a different tree, and
Hadn’t she already passed God’s test? Her
repeat the same exercise. Do this a couple of
life began to whirl in self-pity, anger, and
times, as your site determines. Bring the
fear. She stopped going to work or doing
group together and ask for reflections from
things with her family. Nothing brought
the group. Ask them to describe the way the
her joy.
trees (and whatever was in them) sounded.
One beautiful day, something com-
Were they different or the same? Talk about
pelled her to go for a walk. She needed to
that. Now switch gears with the group and
think and a walk might help clear her
begin to link this exercise in with the con-
head. The sun was bright and warm as
cept of Spiritlife. What might this activity
she headed to a nearby park.
teach us about living a spirit-filled life? Help
Sitting in the warm sun, she began to
them reflect by sharing “The Trees Are
cry. After a few moments, a breeze came
Talking” story at right.
up, rustling the leaves in the tree above
Afterward, discuss with the group its reac-
her. The leaves moved together in what
tions to the story.
sounded like clapping. As she listened,
she felt as if the tree was there to encour-
age her and give her strength. She began
to pray for the first time in a very long
time. It was a short but urgent: “God
help me!” As she listened under the tree,
she knew without a doubt that God was
present. God’s Spirit was in the wind.
She went back to that park, over and
over again, sitting under different trees,
praying and listening and healing. She
still goes to that park every day to listen.
Only now, she takes her granddaughter
with her. “Grandma, listen! I can hear the
trees talking!”
A spirit covenant Praying the Spirit
This activity will bring each member of the Breath prayer
group into a deeper personal reflection on
how he or she will work this week toward a Breath prayer is a traditional meditation
greater understanding of the Spirit’s move- prayer used by Catholic priests and nuns for
centuries. In recent years has it been taught
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ment in his or her life. Give some sugges-
tions, such as creating intentional prayer to lay people. Explain that the group will do
time daily, reading the Bible, or just listen- a simple, modified version of this prayer.
ing. Hand out paper and pencils to each Instruct the group to breathe in while pray-
camper, with instructions that each create ing “Holy and loving Spirit,” and out while
her or his own “Spirit Covenant.” Assure praying “hear my prayer.” Repeat this three
the campers that the covenants will remain times.
private. Explain that the word covenant Once the group has mastered this part of
means a promise. Using what they have the prayer, say that you will now add peti-
heard and experienced today, ask them to tions between the breath prayer. Explain that
create their own covenant, a contract with you will begin and invite the campers to add
themselves, to begin to experience the pres- their own prayers between the breath prayer.
ence of the Spirit in their lives. The prayer may begin with something like,
“Creator God, we thank you for the gift of
Reflections the Holy Spirit, who teaches us as we jour-
ney in our faith.”
Close this section of today’s Bible study with “Holy and loving Spirit, hear my prayer”
a moment for the group to process some of (repeat three times).
the concepts brought forward in the study Wait for individual prayers from the
today. Ask if there are any questions or com- group, followed each time by the breath
ments about today. Share with them a little prayer.
about Day 2’s Spiritlife theme of “We’re Close with: “Thank you, Lord, for the gift
Forgiven.” Invite them to think about ques- of this time together, to ‘come away’ and
tions or concepts about the Holy Spirit they experience the Holy Spirit alive in our daily
would like to discuss this week, write them lives, helping us to journey in the light of
down, and bring them for use in subsequent your love.”
reflection times. “Holy and loving Spirit, hear my prayer
(repeat three times). Amen”
Focus question even and often hold a grudge toward those
How does the Holy Spirit bring us to a new who would hurt us. When we want to for-
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understanding of ourselves in relationship give, we often fall short. We cover our anger
Go Back with God? with a surface response of “Oh, that’s all
right. No big deal.” But in our hearts we
Theme statement hold on to our true feelings of anger and
hurt that prevent us from fully experiencing
The Spirit brings understanding and forgive- the full gift of grace—God’s unconditional
ness through intercession as we experience forgiveness for our sins, through the life,
God’s grace daily. death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In
today’s study we will explore the gift of
Objectives being forgiven and how we can learn to for-
This Bible study will help campers and their give more often so we can more fully experi-
leaders: ence the joy and freedom that comes from
• understand their human frailties through being forgiven and extending forgiveness to
the gift of grace. others.
• recognize the Spirit’s presence as they live
and pray. How forgiving are you?
• celebrate the gift of forgiveness and their Take the group to a space that is fairly open.
call to forgive. Using a rope or several long sticks, make a
line long enough for the whole group to
Bible basis stand shoulder to shoulder. At one end of
Romans 8:26-27 (Through the Spirit, we are the line, mark A. At the middle of the line,
forgiven.) mark B. At the other end of the line, mark
C. (You may also use three trees and desig-
Materials nate them accordingly.)
Start with an introduction to the activity
Bibles, rope or sticks continuum for the
by saying, “We would all like to think we’re
labyrinth, “How Forgiving Are You?”ques-
the type that doesn’t hold a grudge. But
tions (page 186).
when push comes to shove and the person
being shoved is you, can you forgive and
Prayer forget?” Ask the campers to place them-
selves anywhere on the line, based on their
Forgiving and loving Lord, we gather in
response to the questions found on “How
your name to explore more about your gift
Forgiving Are You?” Questions (page 186).
of forgiveness. Let our hearts be open to the
Allow time for the campers to discuss their
Spirit’s teaching as we learn more about the
choice after each question.
gift of grace, through the death and resurrec-
Close the activity by pointing out that for-
tion of Jesus. In your gracious name we
giveness is a daily spiritual practice that
pray. Amen
involves every aspect of our lives in ways we
may not have considered.
Getting Spirit ready
An old saying is “Forgive and forget.” While We’re forgiven
it is a simple saying, it is a hard task to Start by sharing a real-life example of an act
accomplish. At times our human nature of forgiveness. Many times forgiveness is
compels us to respond in vengefulness and viewed as a personal moral obligation, but
anger when we are wronged. We want to get how could it affect the world as a whole?
Desmond Tutu, former Anglican Archbishop Invite discussion of the following state-
of Capetown and Nobel Peace Prize winner, ments. Encourage the campers to share sto-
formed South Africa’s Truth and Recon- ries and examples from their own lives.
ciliation Commission. Tutu grounds his poli- • The Spirit helps us, in our weakness, to
tics of reconciliation in Christian principles. realize the need for forgiveness.
The purpose of the commission was to allow • The Spirit’s work extends to praying for
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victims of political violence under Apartheid us when we do not know how to pray for
to tell their stories and to encourage the per- ourselves.
petrators to reveal their crimes in exchange
for amnesty. Tutu believes that harsher war
• We are forgiven through the Spirit and are
called to forgive others in response to the
crime type of trials would have divided his gift of being forgiven.
country and done nothing to heal the
The book of Romans is full of Paul’s
wounds of Apartheid. The commission has
teaching on God’s presence in our lives. We
the sole purpose of uncovering and healing
are reassured in the text that because of the
the wounds of Apartheid, and recommends
power of the Spirit, our sins will be forgiven.
the approach for other places recovering
We can regard this as being in a state of
from civil conflict, such as the Balkans and
grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit,
Northern Ireland.
we are forgiven. No strings attached, the
Ask the group to reflect on how this
debt has already been paid for all of our
might apply to God’s forgiveness of our sins.
sins. God loved us so much that God sent
Use a portion of the Brief Order for Con-
Jesus to die for our sins. Grace is a gift, a
fession and Forgiveness: “But if we confess
gift of a life free from the weight of sin.
our sins, God who is faithful and just will
Through the power of the Spirit, as we
forgive our sins” (LBW, p. 56). The act of
respond to this gift, asking for forgiveness
forgiveness brings us back into relationship
and forgiving others, we are challenged to
with God through the Spirit’s work in our
live that gift of grace every minute of every
realization and confession of sins. God’s for-
day. We can do that only through the power
giveness has the purpose of healing us and
of the Holy Spirit.
helping us to grow, not punishing us.
Ask the group to apply this to their every-
day lives. Ask, “If we could accomplish this
The labyrinth walk
kind of forgiveness, how would it affect us? We are all on a spiritual journey. The spiritu-
(God forgave us, and wants us to forgive al path we walk takes us to the very center
others. Forgiving others helps us to grow in of our being and back out into the world.
our relationship with them. Further, it sets The labyrinth is a model of that path.
us free from anger, hurt, and vengefulness.)” A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates
to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the
circle and the spiral into a meandering but
Exploring the text purposeful path. The labyrinth represents a
A forgiving spirit journey to our own center and back again
into the world. The labyrinth has long been
Ask groups of two or three to find a quiet
used as a meditation and prayer tool. It can
spot to read and discuss Romans 8:26-27.
be made from stones, straw, drawn in the
Invite the small groups to consider words,
sand, or mowed into a field. For a more
phrases, concepts, and insights from the text.
portable version, the design can be drawn or
What is the role of the Spirit in this text?
painted onto canvas drop cloths or sheets
What insights do the campers gain for their
sewn together. For this theme day, the group
lives?
will walk the labyrinth as a symbol of our
After about 10 minutes, call the entire
journey of faith in light of the gift of grace—
group back together. Take a few minutes for
God’s love and forgiveness.
questions of clarification and sharing of
insights.
Building a classical seven-circuit shown in the corresponding illustrations.
labyrinth “Seven” refers to the curved paths created
Find an open area in the woods, in a field, by the pattern, starting from the top and
or on the shore. The illustrations will help counting down to the center. You are now
you create this simple labyrinth pattern. All ready to begin the journey through the
labyrinths begin with a “seed pattern.” To labyrinth. The uniqueness of the labyrinth
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better visualize the simplicity of the pattern, design is that where you begin, you will also
first draw your own from the illustrations end. To emphasize that we all journey in for-
onto a piece of blank paper. giveness at the foot of the cross, you may
Begin by laying out the seed pat- wish to have a cross symbol at the entrance/
tern in the dimensions illustrated, exit of the labyrinth.
making sure to leave at least 30" (76
cm) between each line to create a comfort- A spiritual path
able walking path between those lines. Each As you prepare your group for the journey
piece of the center cross should be 10' (3 m) into the labyrinth, remind them of today’s
long. Connecting the various points of the focus by sharing the following quote from
seed pattern with lines creates the walking Martin Luther King Jr.: “Forgiveness is not
path. These paths are called “circuits.” an occasional act; it is a permanent atti-
Stones or other objects can be used to mark tude.” Forgiveness is a letting go. It frees us
the “dots” in the seed pattern and can be from anger and pain. If this is true, why is
removed once the pattern is complete. forgiveness so difficult?
Step 1: After the seed pattern has It is difficult because it can seem like giv-
been created, start at the top middle ing in or being weak. We don’t want to be
of the center cross, and connect to weak, so we don’t forgive. It can seem like
the next line clockwise as shown. All con- an approval of what happened. Not forgiv-
nected lines move from left to right from the ing can give us a sense of power and control
lines and dots of the seed pattern. The first through the holding of a grudge. Not forgiv-
line is connected clockwise to the top of the ing and holding resentment is like checking a
‘L’ in the upper right-hand corner, left to wound every day to see if it is healing.
right. Forgiveness frees us. It recaptures the
Step 2: From the top of the seed energy that we were giving away in sadness,
pattern again, go to the top of the anger, and revenge. Forgiveness can also
backwards “L.” Connect the top of empower us. Ask yourself, “Do you want to
that line to the dot in the upper right corner be bitter or better?” Hold onto the pain and
of the seed pattern. you will be bitter. Learn to let go. Learn to
Step 3: From the top of the seed be a forgiving person. As you journey in the
pattern again, go to the dot at the labyrinth, think about for what you need to
top left, and connect that to the next forgive yourself or another.
open line at the “L” at the right. Draw the After all who want to walk the labyrinth
next line from the end of the lower left line are done, sit with the group and ask for
of the top backwards “L” to the right side their feedback on the experience.
of the horizontal cross piece. • What did the experience of walking the
Steps 4-7: path feel like?
Continue
connecting
• Did it feel like the Holy Spirit was present
in your experience?
from left to
right all the • What insight did you gain?
open ends of
lines or dots,
until all have
been connected to form the seven circuits, as
After this time of debriefing, leave the GROUP: Our Father, who art in heaven,
labyrinth open for the day and invite group hallowed be thy name.
members to come back if they wish. L: Lord, your greatness is vast; we are hum-
bled in your loving presence. Help us to
pray humbly.
Praying the Spirit GROUP: Thy kingdom come, thy will be
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The Lord’s Prayer done, on earth as it is in heaven.
End your Bible study time together with the L: Lord, we want to do and be all you want
Lord’s Prayer. This prayer will be familiar to us to be. Help us to pray that your will
most in the group, except this prayer will would be reflected in our lives.
have some additions. The Lord’s Prayer is GROUP: Give us this day our daily bread.
not just a common shared prayer for com- L: Lord, you take care of all we need. Help
munity worship. The prayer is a blueprint us to be generous to others with all you
for all prayer. After each petition the leader provide.
or group member can add these phrases to GROUP: And forgive us our trespasses, as we
teach this concept. forgive those who trespass against us.
L: Lord, today we have been learning more
about your gift of forgiveness through the
Holy Spirit. Help us to pray a prayer of a
forgiving heart.
GROUP: And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil.
L: Lord, you sent your Spirit into the world
to guide us, protect us, and to help bring
understanding into our lives. Help us to
be aware daily of the Holy Spirit’s pres-
ence. Help us to pray for guidance.
GROUP: For thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory, forever and ever.
L: We praise you, Lord, for your creation,
your grace, and for this moment together.
Help us prayer of thanksgiving. In your
name we pray.
ALL: Amen
“How Forgiving Are You?”
Questions
Adult
Question 1 Question 5
When someone cuts you off in traffic, you: A friendly neighbor hits your pet with his
A. Tsk, but don’t do anything. car. The pet will be okay, but is in pain for
several weeks.
B. Tap your horn and mutter darkly to
yourself. A. You cut off all contact with the neighbor.
C. Lean on the horn, roll down your B. You treat him as before.
window, and shout. C. You stop chatting over the fence with
him, but you still pick up his mail for
Question 2 him when he’s on vacation.
You run into someone from high school who
wasn’t very nice to you. Question 6
A basically decent person who seriously
A. You greet him or her, but are reserved
wronged you at a previous job has an inter-
and end the conversation soon.
view at your new company. The boss asks
B. You ignore him or her. for your opinion.
C. You greet him or her and smile. It’s
A. You know the person would do a good
water under the bridge.
job, and say so.
Question 3 B. You say the person would do a good job,
You and a friend make weekend plans. The but mention that you had a few personal
friend cancels at the last minute. issues with him.
A. You express your annoyance and tell the C. You know he would do a good job, but
friend you’ll be on your guard next time. tell the boss not to hire him.
B. You tell the friend it’s fine, and look for-
ward to rescheduling.
C. You say it’s fine, but don’t call the friend
for a while.
Question 4
Two people cut in front of you at an ice-
cream shop. Later, you notice police about
to ticket their car for a meter violation.
A. You have plenty of quarters, but walk
away from the car, whistling a jaunty
tune.
B. You have plenty of quarters and drop
one in the meter. They get 15 minutes,
no more.
C. You put two or three quarters in the
meter. A ticket is a big deal, even for
inconsiderate people.
Focus question recalling classic music hits from the 1960s
What does it mean to love others perfectly in and 1970s that focus on love. Today’s study
Adult
the Spirit, as Christ loved us? will explore a deeper understanding of the
Go Back both the words and actions of love.
Theme statement
Defining love
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we
can understand how to love others in the Ask the group:
image of Christ. • What is the definition of “true love”?
• Is this love common or rare?
Objectives • Where can it be experienced?
This Bible study will help campers and their Most of us can find examples of true love
leaders: in our lives, as evidenced in our love for our
• explore the meaning of perfect love. parents, our spouse, our children, and others.
We understand true love through the experi-
• consider how loving others is inextricably ence of loving and being loved by those in
linked to love of self.
our lives.
• examine ways they can show God’s love Now ask the group:
in the world.
• What is the definition of “perfect love”?
• practice loving by serving in response to • Do you experience perfect love in your
God’s love.
life?
Bible basis • Can it be found in the world?
The truth is that no human love could
ever be perfect. What about the way God
we are loved.)
loves us? Yes, this is where perfect love is
found. God created us, and loves us for who
Materials we are, just as we are. Today we will learn
Bibles, blindfolds. how God’s love for us is perfected in the
presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Prayer A quest for love
Loving Lord, we gather in your name today
Move to a place at camp where a variety of
to learn about God’s love for us and how we
natural objects can be found. Ask each
can, in turn, love others in this way. Let our
camper to search the surrounding area for
hearts be open to the Spirit’s teaching as we
something that symbolizes love to her or him
learn more about the gift of grace, through
or reflects the love in her or his life. Allow
the death and resurrection of Jesus. In your
five minutes to complete the task. While the
gracious name we pray. Amen
group is searching, take time to create a
“loving center” by constructing or drawing a
Getting Spirit ready large heart on the ground. As group mem-
The word love is one of the most overused bers return, ask them to sit in a circle
and abused words in the English language. around the heart and keep their object.
We often say “I love it!” when asked about When all have returned, ask each camper to
someone’s new object or outfit. In the 1960s share something about the object he or she
a generation of young people celebrated has chosen. After the camper has shared,
“free love.” The adult campers may enjoy invite him or her to put the object in the
heart.
After everyone has shared, invite the • What do these verses tell us about how
group to talk about how differently we see we should love others? (We love because
love, as evidenced in the many different God first loved us. This love does not
objects selected. Reflect together by asking mean loving only those who love us, but
these questions: all people, because all are created and per-
• Was any one person’s object or how he
Adult
fected by the creator. If we have no physi-
or she thought of love wrong? (No, God cal presence of God in our lives and love
has made us each differently so we can him, so, too, can we love all, even those
see things through other people’s eyes. we view as unworthy of our love.)
Through this process, we grow.)
• How does this verse address us as we
• How do people show love? Think of relate to the world at large?
yourself, your family, and your friends.
(People have different ways of showing
• The world is full of people who purposely
hurt and terrorize others. Does God really
love. Some are very demonstrative, while want us to love and forgive them? (It is
others prefer to do things for others.) hard to love those who would seek to
Love is like a diamond: each time you harm others. The message in the scripture
look at a diamond, you see a different color text is clear. We are to love all our broth-
and shape. No one color is better or shape ers and sisters and seek, in that love, to
more perfect because it is all the diamond. In understand and forgive. This is the daily
the same way, the way we reflect love to spiritual practice of living in and extend-
others is unique to us. ing the grace of God in the world.)
Finally, ask:
• Consider the discussion of fear in today’s
• Does God love us all the same way? (Yes, text. What do we fear?
God’s love is perfect and unconditional. It
would be a mistake to believe that God • How does fear keep us from loving every-
one and extending the grace of God?
must love your neighbor more because he
or she has prospered more than you. • How does forgiveness relate to our fears?
God’s love is unfailing, unmoving, and (By seeking to forgive, our hearts are soft-
unchangeable. Nothing can separate us ened and, as the scripture says, we are no
from the love of God.) longer filled with fear. Love casts away
fear: fear of terror, fear of loneliness, fear
of any kind. Love takes fear away and
Exploring the text frees us to live our lives in Christ. If we
harbor hate and resentment, our hearts
The power of love
are filled with everything but love. God
Ask a volunteer to read 1 John 4:12, a sec- does not promise that this will be easy.
ond volunteer to read 1 John 4:13-16, and a That is why God sent the Spirit to help us
third volunteer to read 1 John 4:17-21. in our daily challenge to love as God
Pause after each reading for a moment of loves us.)
silent reflection and then entertain questions
and discussion.
Now ask a fourth volunteer to read the
Trusting love
entire passage. Ask: This activity involves a fair amount of indi-
vidual trust in the other group members. It
• What do these verses say about perfect can be done anywhere and helps the group
love? (The verses tell us that although we
have never seen God, God is in us, and to work on trust and communication skills.
God’s love is perfected in us through the The activity works well with both small and
Holy Spirit. We also learn that the perfect large groups.
love of God loves and forgives us in grace Object of the activity:
and casts out any fear we have of God’s To get the blindfolded group from the start-
punishment.) ing point to the end point safely.
Scenario: Note: Before you begin, make sure to dis-
While flying over a remote part of the cuss blindfold safety with the entire group.
world, your plane suddenly loses power and Ask those who are blindfolded to extend
spirals down to earth. Miraculously, none of their arms and more slowly. Falling or hit-
you is killed in the crash, but as you crawl ting their head is sure to destroy any positive
away from the wreckage all of you look feelings of trust the group trying to generate
Adult
back at the plane just as it explodes in a with this activity! As the facilitator, act as a
blinding flash of light. Everyone is blinded, spotter and step in to protect participants if
but you must reach help. As you were flying, they look like they might hurt themselves.
you spotted a small mission in the area. If Encourage campers to take part, but respect
you can reach it, you’ll be okay. As luck the wishes of those who do not wish to par-
would have it, two representatives of a local ticipate.
tribe saw your plane crash and have rushed Afterward, discuss the activity with the
to the site to help you. The only problem is group. Wrap the activity into today’s lesson
that this tribe doesn’t speak any known lan- by pointing out that the primary job of the
guage; instead, they use a series of clucks, guides was to guide those who could not see,
whistles, chirps, and claps to communicate. to protect them from being hurt, and to lead
them to their destination. Like those guides,
Rules:
the Spirit guides us and teaches us how to
1. Select an area for the walk that is relative-
care for others in love. The amount of fear
ly smooth and free from obstacles. Be sure
those who walked the trail had was directly
there are no stumps, broken branches, or
related to the amount of trust they had in
other dangers that could cause injury.
the guides to guide them in getting them
2. The length of the walk should be 50'- through their journey. Ask the group this
100' (15 m - 30 m) or longer. Once you final question you would like them to think
reach the site where you have planned the about today:
walk, present the group with the scenario.
• If you believe that God loves you and that
3. Everyone must be wear a blindfold. God sent the Spirit to help us love others,
4. Select one or two people to be the native what is the Spirit guiding you in your life
guides and have them take off their blind- to do?
folds.
5. Pick people who are likely to play the role Love of the earth
well and safely. Much of the symbolism attributed to the
6. Have the rest of the group sit for a Holy Spirit is found in nature: water, wind,
moment while you show the guides the fire. It is no accident that this is so. God sent
route and discuss safety. You can have a the Spirit to live among us. We all are inter-
few rope barricades for the blindfolded connected with all that is in our world. Ask
participants to pass under, logs to step the group to reflect on how God’s love
over, trees to go around, and so on. Show teaches us how to love creation. God created
the guides quickly because the rest are all, and because we love God we are respon-
waiting. sible to care for what God has blessed us
7. The guides are now ready to guide the with. Have the group discuss and then
blinded crash victims to the mission. decide what they could do together at camp
8. No physical contact is allowed between to care for God’s creation. This activity may
the guides and those who are blindfolded. involve giving up some of their afternoon
9. There is no conversation between the free time to work. It can be a clean-up
guides and those who are blindfolded. project or creating a new habitat for birds
The guides can only make their sounds to by building birdhouses.
try and guide.
Praying the Spirit Ask them to join together and pray the
prayer of their heart. Welcome all to pray
Close this study time by inviting your group either silently or aloud. Ask the group to say
to form the shape of a cross and to join “Christ Jesus, with the help of the Spirit, let
hands. The cross is a reminder of the great- me welcome your love. May I find joy” after
est example of love for us from God; the each petition.
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sending of Jesus to die for our sins and rec- Begin the prayer by praying, “God buries
oncile us to God. Teach the campers this our past in the heart of Christ and will take
prayer: “Christ Jesus, with the help of the care of our future. Let us open our hearts in
Spirit, let me welcome your love. May I find the Holy Spirit and remember the love of
joy.” God.”
People pray in many ways. Some pray Close the prayer with, “Holy Spirit, Spirit
using many words, others use few words. of the risen Christ, you fill our lives with
Many people find short prayers centering as your constant presence; come and quench
they go through their day, to relieve stress or our thirst for trust, peace, forgiveness, and
to simply take time out of their day to pray. love so we may be filled with your joy for
our journey. And so, come Lord Jesus, touch
us with your love this day. Amen”
How does living in the gift of the Spirit call
Adult
On this day, we will take up the subject of
us into and help us to live in community? being gathered in Christian community. We
Go Back
will explore the meaning of community, our
Theme statement roles in that community, and how living in
The gift of community sustains us and helps Christian community is an essential part of
us to grow in our faith as we work together living our faith day to day. Take a moment
to be Christlike in the world. with the group to discuss the definition of
community. Ask what their best community
Objectives experience has been and why. Now ask them
This Bible study will help campers and their to reflect on the meaning of Christian com-
leaders: munity. Today’s theme is a culmination of
• examine the meaning of Christian the last three day’s themes. We, as Chris-
community. tians, are gathered in community to use our
gifts and to discover gifts in each other. We
• discover unique spiritual gifts and how are called by the Spirit to gather in love and
those gifts are connected to living in com-
munity. forgiveness, in response to God’s gift of
grace. This is what defines the church and
• follow their calling to serve, gifted and makes it different from all other communi-
gathered in faith.
ties. We are connected by our gifts and in
love and forgiveness to accomplish God’s
Bible basis will in the world. Today, we will explore the
Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Spirit gathers us into theme of “gathered” as we look at the gift of
community.) community and the Holy Spirit’s place in our
church communities.
Materials
Bibles, 12" x 12" (30 cm x 30 cm) platform Gathered together
(or larger for larger groups), string, wood, As a starting activity, have a raised 12" x
sticks, markers, bowl of water. 12" (30 cm x 30 cm) platform prepared
beforehand. This platform will work for a
group of 10-12 people. If your group is larg-
Prayer er, add 6" (15 cm) to the platform for each
Lord, help us as we search for a greater additional five members of your group. The
understanding of community and how the platform needs to be raised 2"-10" (5 cm –
work of the Holy Spirit is alive as we gather 25 cm) from the ground. It can be a stump,
in unity together. Help us to have open a flat raised rock, or a constructed platform
hearts to what you are trying to teach us this made from wood. Bring the participants to
day so we can more fully walk in the light of the platform and tell them they will be asked
your love and grace. Help all who are gath- to complete a group challenge. Their chal-
ered here to be faithful members of the fami- lenge will be to place the whole group onto
ly of God as we experience gifts in ourselves the platform for 15 seconds, with no part of
and gifts in others. In your gracious name any group member’s body touching the
we pray. Amen ground. Let them know that the campers
need to work together and that the leader is minute or two, invite the campers to shout
there only to time the group when it is ready out the variety of callings they have identi-
on the platform. If there are no questions, fied. (This should be an expanding discus-
ask them to begin. sion. Make sure campers think not only of
Once the group has accomplished the vocations, but also of callings such as
assigned task or after they have tried several spouse, parent, friend, volunteer, and so on.)
Adult
times without success, ask them to gather in Continue until there are no more ideas.
a circle as you begin to debrief their experi- Invite the campers to open their Bibles to
ence. Ask: Ephesians 4:1-6. Ask a volunteer to read the
• Did the task seem impossible? passage. The author suggests we should live
• How did the group begin to approach the lives worthy of our call into Christ’s commu-
challenge? nity, the church, through humility, gentle-
ness, patience, and bearing with one other in
• Could this task have been done if every- love and peace. This will honor the unity of
one worked independently? Did everyone
work together? the Spirit and lead to peace.
Ask each camper to decide which is his or
• What roles did different group members her strongest out of the four abilities identi-
play? Were some leading, others support-
fied (humility, gentleness, patience, bearing
ing?
with one other in love and peace). Then ask
• Did the group experience frustration? campers to gather with those who identified
Laughter? Anger? the same ability. Allow a few minutes for
• How might this activity teach us about observation and discussion in each small
how we gather as a community? group and with the entire group. Now have
To be sure, it is challenging to gather in the campers gather in groups according to
community. The community of Christ is no which ability is most challenging.
different. The church has many challenges. Let’s look at each of these separately. Ask
From mission to outreach, we need to work the group to reflect on these marks of a
together to accomplish good work. As in the community in Christ by defining what each
activity, we play different roles at different of them might mean in the church.
times. We are individually gifted: some to Humility. What does it mean to be hum-
lead, some to plan, and some to do the ble? (We are invited into Christian commu-
work. To meet the challenge, God sends the nity through grace. This means that al-
Spirit to guide, support, and lead the church. though we are unworthy, through our bap-
We are strengthened and unified by the tism we are made clean of all our sins and
Spirit, who enables us to appreciate each shortcomings. We are a part of God’s king-
other’s gifts, to extend love and forgiveness dom, only because God loves us. It is hum-
to each other, so we can reach out to those bling to realize that God loves us, as unlov-
in need. Together, we can accomplish much able as we can be. Moreover, God wants us
more than we can as individuals. to be in relationship with God and with
each other so much that God sent Jesus to
join us in our humanity and die for all our
Exploring the text sins; past, present, and future.)
We are the church Gentleness. What does it mean to be
Explore the notion of calling by inviting gentle? (This world can be anything but gen-
each camper to consider privately all that he tle. It is rough going sometimes in life. God
or she is called to do and be. Encourage par- wants us to take it easy on each other, to be
ticipants to think of the activities they do gentle with each other’s hopes, dreams, frail-
and the roles they fill as they use the gifts ties, and failures. We should have empathy
and abilities God has given them. After a for each other so we can support each other
in our struggles.)
Patience. What does it mean to be When all are done, ask each small group
patient? (The world moves at a fast rate. We to present its church to the large group and
can easily get caught up in that pace as we the reason it was designed that way. Some
live our lives. We expect everything to come groups will make a beautiful building, while
quickly: fast food, fast cars, and the fast others will use the concepts brought forward
lane. Information is readily accessible in the scripture discussion.
Adult
through the Internet and the media. Every- Ask the campers to reflect on what would
thing in the world teaches us that faster is happen if their church building burned down
better. Patience, then, is counter to the world today. Some would say that they would
in many ways. In God’s church, we need to rebuild. Others would say that it makes no
both experience and practice patience: with difference where we meet; the church is not
others and with ourselves. In Christian com- the building, but the people who make up
munity we are called to trust God’s time line the church. The Spirit does not live in the
for all things.) wood and bricks, but in the hearts and
Bearing with one another in love and minds of people—God’s people. The Spirit
peace. What does it mean to bear with one makes us one in community.
another in love and peace? (Love and peace
are the unifying gifts of Christian communi- Joined together in baptism
ty, as we seek to live, walk, and extend the Go to a lake, a river, or someplace where
gift of grace to others. We are to love and you have a bowl of water. Explain to the
forgive unconditionally, as God has extend- group that water is an important symbol of
ed us the same.) our unity in the community of faith. Water is
Finally, consider verses 4-6. Ask a volun- the common element combined with the
teer to reread these verses to the group. Ask: Word of God in baptism. Read the Prayer of
• How do we understand the diversity of Thanksgiving (LBW, page 122), inviting the
gifts and callings in light of the oneness campers to notice the relationship between
identified here? the Spirit and water in Holy Baptism.
• As we deal with uniquely gifted individu- • What is the role of God’s gift of water?
als in the oneness of the church, how do • What significance does Jesus’ death and
humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing resurrection bestow to water? (It becomes
one another in love and peace contribute a sign of the kingdom, of cleansing and
to the church? rebirth.)
• The Holy Spirit is poured out to those
Building up the church who are baptized. What does this mean
Divide the group into smaller groups of two for those who are baptized? (They are
to four people. Spread the groups out so given new life, cleansed from sin, and
they have room to be creative. Have a bag of become heirs of the kingdom.)
props for each group (string, wood, sticks, Following the discussion, invite the group
markers, and anything else you wish them to to gather in a circle around the bowl of
have). Tell the groups to use these materials water. Invite those who wish to participate
to design and build their “perfect church.” to come forward, one at a time, to remem-
Working together and using whatever is in ber their baptism. (Be sensitive to those in
the bag and whatever they can find naturally the group who may not be baptized. Make
around them, they will build one church sure everyone understands that it’s okay to
together, in whatever way they wish. Give not participate.) Encourage the group to sing
them 10-15 minutes to complete their a couple of favorite camp songs during the
churches. time of remembrance.
As each person comes forward, dip your
finger in the bowl of water, make the sign of
the cross on his or her forehead, and say,
“(Name), you are a child of God, a member us into your kingdom, with the Spirit to
of God’s kingdom. You are loved and forgiv- guide us in our lives, so we may be all that
en in Jesus’ name. Amen” we can be through you. Today, we gather in
Close with the following prayer. community to praise you. Hear your people
as they pray. (Group may add petitions.) We
know you sent your Son to live among us
Adult
Praying the Spirit and die for our sins so we may become clean
Pray, “Lord, we thank you for the gift of each day as we remember our baptism. Help
your Spirit that comes to us in our baptism, us to remember each day to extend grace
to help us understand your will for our lives wholly and fully to each other as we extend
and blesses us in community. Help us to our love and forgiveness to others. Thank
come together in love and forgiveness, cele- you for the blessing of this group gathered
brating the gifts of all your people. Lord, here in community this week. Send your
today we remember the gift of Holy Bap- Spirit to us and guide us. In your holy and
tism, which seals us in your love and brings precious name we pray. Amen”
Day 5: We’re Sent
How does the Spirit call us forth into the
Adult
On this the final day, the group begins the
world? process of being sent out. Talk with the par-
Go Back
ticipants about some of the things they have
Theme statement learned and experienced this week. Maybe
In community, we are sent into the world something happened that they didn’t expect.
each uniquely gifted in God’s plan, to serve, Let the group process the week by reviewing
love, and forgive in the image of Christ. the week’s themes and activities.
• Day 1: We’re Gifted. The group
Objectives explored what the Holy Spirit is and how
This Bible study will help campers and their the Spirit works in our daily lives. Each
leaders: person wrote a Spirit covenant that helped
• understand how the community of faith is him or her focus on the Holy Spirit’s
a gift from God to the world. work.
• work together according to God’s plan. • Day 2: We’re Forgiven. The group took
a “forgiveness test” and explored walking
• recognize that the Christian community is the labyrinth as a way of letting go of past
called and sent to share peace, love, and
forgiveness in the world. hurts and pain.
• extend God’s grace and love in the world • Day 3: We’re Loved. Together the group
through being sent by the Spirit. explored true love and perfect love and
the difference between them. A trust activ-
ity challenged us to let others lead and
Bible basis
care for us.
John 20:19-23 (The Spirit sends forth our
community into the world.) • Day 4: We’re Gathered. This day’s
activities started with the impossible task
of the group standing together on a small
Materials platform. We designed and built our
Bibles, arts and crafts materials, paper, pens “dream churches” and remembered our
or pencils. baptisms.
Today we will explore the theme of
Prayer “We’re Sent.” But what are we sent to do?
The world’s problems are so enormous, how
Lord, our time together will soon end and
can we make a difference? God gifts us by
we will leave this place to go back to our
the Spirit with people who surround us in
homes, our families, and our work. Help us
love. These people—friends, family mem-
this day to build a bridge from this place to
bers, coworkers, and children—encourage,
there, so we may return renewed and trans-
support, and challenge us in our journey of
formed to do your work in the world. We
faith. God blesses us with this community of
have learned, laughed, and struggled togeth-
people so we are not alone in the world. We
er in Christian community this week. We
are called to live and be in community to
thank you for bringing this group together
accomplish God’s plan in the world. God
for this moment, in this place. We ask your
calls us to bring forgiveness, love, and peace
blessing on us as we reveal more about your
to a broken world so all may see God’s love
plan for our lives. In your Spirit we pray.
for the world alive in us. We are, by our
Amen
words and actions, challenged to extend
God’s grace in the world each day. This, as
we know, is no easy task in a world full of same cheer, only louder…and on it would
war and terror, where innocent people are go. Divide the group in half and invite the
hurt, and weapons are leveled against the group to shout this cheer back and forth a
enemy. Where do we start? What impact couple of times.
could we make? God has placed us right Stay in the same two groups to read John
where God wants us. The Spirit guides us as 20:19-23. Have one group read the narra-
Adult
we walk each day in the light of our faith. tion and the other read the words of Jesus.
To be sent out is less about physical location After the text is read, say that you are going
and more about where the heart is. If your to read one of the verses again. Explain that
heart is anchored in the love of God and are as you finish reading, the narrators should
daily open to where the Spirit will lead, it is begin the cheer, with the Jesus group
the journey, not the destination, that matters responding. Remind them that the cheer
to God. Following God in this way will lead should get louder and more enthusiastic each
you to places you never dreamed of. It is a time it is repeated. Now read verse 22 again.
walk of grace, trusting that God’s love and • What does this text say to us about how
forgiveness are more than we could hope for. we receive the Spirit? (Through Jesus,
We are sent and guided by the Holy Spirit to God gave the Spirit to the disciples, just
extend that love and forgiveness to others. as was promised. It is interesting that
Jesus breathed on each disciple and said,
Sign of the Spirit “Receive the Holy Spirit.”)
Challenge the participants to come up with • If we say that the Spirit is in us, what are
an item they will make for each person in we called to do? (In the text, after the dis-
the group. The object should symbolize ciples have received the Holy Spirit, Jesus
something about what they have learned and says that we are to forgive others. We
experienced together as a group. It can be a share in the task of forgiveness.)
cross, a dove, or a rock with something writ- • Jesus says “Peace be with you” twice in
ten on it. Let the group be creative in its the text. It is no accident that this is said
design. Give some ideas if the group is strug- twice. Where does true peace come from?
gling, but encourage creativity. Arrange for How do peace and forgiveness relate?
access to arts and crafts supplies. Remind • What does Jesus mean when he says to
them that they will create the same object the disciples in verse 21, “As the Father
for every member of the group. If the group has sent me, so send I you”? (The Spirit
is large, it may be necessary to divide the makes it possible for us to share the love
group into smaller groups, although they and forgiveness of Christ with others. It is
should find some way to decide as a whole Jesus’ call to us to continue his mission
group what they will make, so the objects here on earth, and God sends the Spirit to
are similar. Have a 15- to 20-minute time help us accomplish that mission. The
line for this project. Holy Spirit is the connection of God’s
After all objects are complete, collect them people to God.)
and set them aside for now. The objects will
be used later in the study. You are a gift of the Spirit
Before the activity, make an affirmation page
Exploring the text for each member of the group. At the top of
We’ve got the Spirit! a piece of paper, write, “(Name), you are a
gift of the Spirit.”
Remember in high school, cheerleaders
would yell out to the crowd, “We’ve got
spirit, yes, we do. We’ve got spirit, how
’bout you?” The opposing team would yell
from the other side of the gym, repeating the
Gather in a circle. Hand each camper the are thankful that your Spirit goes with us
affirmation page with his or her name on it. wherever we go, so we can more fully realize
Distribute pens or pencils. Instruct campers your wish and will for our lives. Thank you,
to pass the pages one person to the right. too, for the gift of grace that unfolds before
Ask the campers to write a personal affirma- us more fully each day as we live and extend
tion on their neighbor’s page. Keep passing that gift to others. Lord, we are grateful that
Adult
the pages until all have written on each you chose to bring together this group to
other’s sheets. Campers can sign their name learn from and with each other. Loving God,
to the message or leave it anonymous. we know you will never guide us where your
After the pages are filled, collect all the grace cannot carry us. Bless us now as we
pages for the next activity. They will be read are sent out to serve a Spiritlife. Amen”
and given to each member of the group in Begin the sending ceremony by calling a
the ceremony below. camper to the center of the circle. Read his
or her affirmation page from “You Are a
Gift of the Spirit.” After it has been read,
Praying the Spirit have the group say, “As the Father has sent
Spiritlife sending ceremony me, so I send you.” Turn the circle so all are
For the sending ceremony, use the labyrinth facing out as the member is sent to the path.
from Day 2 (pages 183-184), create a When the individual returns, present him or
“bridge” from logs set side by side, or draw her one of the objects created in “Sign of the
lines in the sand or dirt. Whatever you Spirit.” Repeat the process for each member
choose, it should be wide enough for one of the group.
person to walk through. The objects the After each camper has been “sent,” allow
group made in the “Sign of the Spirit” activ- a few minutes for personal reflection. Then
ity and the pages filled out in the “You Are a offer the following prayer: “Lord, you sent
Gift of the Spirit” activity will be given to your Holy Spirit to walk beside us this week.
the group members during the ceremony. We have experienced the Holy Spirit at work
Gather in a circle. Explain that the group in this group and as individuals. Help us
will have a sending ceremony for each mem- now to live a Spiritlife. Help us to love oth-
ber of the group, symbolizing her or his ers unconditionally, as you love us. Help us
“going out” from this place. The labyrinth to be forgiving of others and forgiving of
(or bridge or lines) represents the journey we ourselves. May the way we love and forgive
have taken both together and as individuals in the world light the path of peace for the
this week. whole world. We know that true joy comes
Each member will be called into the center from the gift of your grace. Send your Spirit,
of the circle, where the affirmation page Lord, so we can fully walk and live in the
written for him or her will be read. Then he light of that grace as we are transformed
or she will walk the path, taking whatever daily in our relationship with you. Send us,
time he or she needs to reflect on this week. Lord, from this place, knowing that we are
Explain that as each individual begins his or not alone. You have blessed us with a com-
her journey, the group will recite together, munity of believers, each gifted in her or his
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” own way, so we can serve and learn from
Start the ceremony with a prayer: “Lord, each other. Guide our journey in the Spirit.
you sent your Holy Spirit to walk beside us Connect us with your love. Hear our prayer,
this week, as we explored your Word and gracious and loving Lord. Amen”
will. We ask your blessing on each of these Close by sharing the peace in whatever
people gathered here as they are now sent way is comfortable for the group.
out to their families and communities. We
Challenge Course
Activities
Activities in this sec- Using blindfolds
tion create experiences that Several of the activities this week include the
require both effort and cooperation from use of blindfolds. Jesus asks us to live in a
group members. Some participants will expe- manner that requires our complete trust in
rience strong emotions during the activities. the Holy Spirit. A person wearing a blind-
Those who have done such activities before fold must be able to trust completely in his
may not have the same depth of emotional or her environment. Remember that any
response. Understand that sometimes con- time you have a group use blindfolds you
nections leading to learning or growth are are asking them to trust that their emotional
made by campers weeks, months, or years and physical safety will be protected by you
later. Always strive for the best experience and the others around them. Make sure they
possible for each camper, but do not be dis- know that while they are blindfolded, their
appointed if you do not see instant results safety is your number one priority. Guard
during the camp week. against anyone taking advantage of a sight-
Throughout the week, follow a progres- less person during an activity.
sion from less challenging to more challeng-
Challenge Course Activities

ing activities as you get acquainted with the Spotting and participation
campers. More challenging activities work
best when trust has been established. This During your challenge activities be sure
often happens by midweek. proper spotting is observed and you are
A good facilitator will help a camper find observing how the group attempts to reach
ways to modify her or his participation in an its goal. Encourage, but do not force, partic-
activity and continue to have some influence ipation by all members of the group, remind-
over the outcome. Always leave campers ing them that their differences can make the
with an open invitation to make attempts. group stronger. (Actually, let them tell you
Trust-building happens when you allow that.)
campers challenge by choice.
The purpose of this section is to name
activities for each day, then relate those
Low and high
activities to the day’s themes. Several chal- challenge course
lenge activities are noted for each day. The
activities themselves are described in detail development criteria
in resource books named with each activity. It is important to note that low and high
If you do not have the books available at challenge course development brings with it
your site, consider purchasing them. a long-term commitment both programmati-
Each day’s plan includes the following: cally and financially. These long-term com-
• Bible text mitments should be thoroughly examined
• focus points and understood prior to the development of
• challenge activities with additional notes a challenge course. Consider carefully these
to help relate the activity to the theme categories, as well as others relating specifi-
cally to your site:
• process conversation questions
• budget
• construction
• specialized training of staff
• maintenance of elements
• inspection • full-time professional in the industry
• equipment • financial viability
• care and maintenance Upon request, ACCT will provide a list of
• equipment replacement all Level 3 and Level 4 PVMs.
ACCT Membership Office
P.O. Box 255
Specific course design Martin, MI 49070-0255
Challenge course design should take into U.S.A.
account the program needs in your setting, phone: 616-685-0670
financial requirements, and site location. fax: 616-685-6350
Because there are many styles of courses Web site: www.acctinfo.org
from which to choose, research the options e-mail address: acct@net-link.net
available to select one that is best suited for
your setting. Course construction
A Level 3 or Level 4 PVM should be con-
National standard requirements tracted to assist in the design and execution
The Association for Challenge Course of the construction of low and high chal-
Technology (ACCT) is the international lenge course facilities. In addition, ACCT
association that sets the standards for the requires all challenge courses to be inspected
challenge course industry. These standards yearly by a qualified professional.

are very specific and deal both with installa-
tion and training practices. Training
Professional third-party training and certifi-
Choosing a challenge course cation should be in place for all challenge
construction or training company course programs. The number of staff who
ACCT provides vendor endorsement/accredi- are third-party trained, however, as well as
tation through a review process. Vendor the role they play in the supervision of the
companies that receive either a Level 3 or course, can vary on a site-specific basis.
Level 4 Professional Vendor Member (PVM) Note that if there is in-house staff training,
classification should be used for the special- the camp is responsible for all liability asso-
ized services they offer. Standard services ciated with the actions of those in-house
that require professional contracting typically trained staff. This is true even if the staff
include: member doing the training is third-party
trained and certified.
• course design A comprehensive training typically covers
• construction the following:
• training and certification • technical instruction for general course
• inspection (required every 12 months) operations
• retrofitting • skill teaching and testing
A typical profile of a Level 3 or Level 4 • development of an outline for policy and
PVM includes: procedure manual
• significant number of years of experience • activity sequencing
in the field
• liability considerations
• outstanding references • national standard (ACCT) interpretation
• full specialized insurance (challenge course • course maintenance
specific) with coverage for product liabili-
ty, worker’s compensation, completed • equipment care
operations, general liability
An existing challenge course
Camps with an existing challenge course
Bibliography
must have it technically inspected. Prior to Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to
contracting a builder for an inspection, ask Games, Initiatives, Ropes Courses, and
these questions: Adventure Curriculum (Karl E. Rohnke).
• Will you help get this course up to stan- Funn Stuff (Karl E. Rohnke).
dard over time?
• What is the process for repairing this Quicksilver: Adventure Games, Initiative
course if it needs to be done? Problems, Trust Activities, and a Guide to
Effective Leadership (Karl E. Rohnke).
• What is the time frame in which you can
get this course fixed, if necessary? Silver Bullets: A Guide to Initiative
• Can you fix the course at the time of Problems, Adventure Games, Stunts, and
inspection? Trust Activities (Karl E. Rohnke).
• What is your fee schedule for retrofitting The Bottomless Bag (Karl E. Rohnke).
existing courses?
Bible basis Dangle duo
John 14:25-26 (Jesus promises us that God From Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to
will send the Holy Spirit to be present in our Games, Initiatives, Ropes Courses, and
world.) Adventure Curriculum (Karl E. Rohnke).
Key verse
I have said these things to you while I am
Processing
still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy After each activity
Spirit, whom the Father will send in my Invite the group to describe what just hap-
name, will teach you everything, and remind pened. Who did what? What worked? Why?
you of all that I have said to you. (John What didn’t work? Why? How was everyone
14:25-26) involved in the activity?
Focus points After all of today’s activities

• Jesus wants us to know that we are not Ask participants to tell you how many ways
alone in the world. they helped each other as they attempted to
• The Spirit teaches us how to live. reach their goals. How would they have

accomplished any of the goals alone? What
• Just as God poured the Spirit on Jesus,
difference did it make to be part of a group?
Jesus pours out the Spirit on those who
follow him. Read John 14:25-26. Discuss the focus
points. Why do you think it is important to
Jesus that we not feel alone in the world? In
Ropes course activities what ways does the Holy Spirit keep you
from feeling alone?
Keystone
Funn Stuff (Karl E. Rohnke).
Wrap-up
I trust you, but… Jesus brings us together in the Holy Spirit
From The Bottomless Bag (Karl E. Rohnke). and strengthens us to share the Holy Spirit
when we help, support, and encourage each
Group juggle with water other in daily life. What are some simple
Pass a glass of water around the circle, as ways we can pass the Holy Spirit to others
fast as possible, spilling as little as possible, every day?
while juggling. Original group juggle from
Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to
Games, Initiatives, Ropes Courses, and
Adventure Curriculum (Karl E. Rohnke).
Nitro crossing
From Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to
Bible basis Yurt rope
Romans 8:26-27 (Through the Spirit, we are From Quicksilver: Adventure Games, Initia-
forgiven.) tive Problems, Trust Activities, and a Guide
to Effective Leadership (Karl E. Rohnke).
Key verse
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; Zip wire
for we do not know how to pray as we From Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to
ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with Games, Initiatives, Ropes Courses, and
sighs too deep for words. And God, who Adventure Curriculum (Karl E. Rohnke).
searches the heart, knows what is the mind
of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for
the saints according to the will of God. Processing
(Romans 8:26-27) After each activity
Invite the group to describe what just hap-
Focus points pened. Who did what? What worked? Why?
• As human beings we are weak, but the What didn’t work? Why? How was everyone
Spirit is here to help us. involved in the activity?

• The Spirit’s work includes praying for
those who cannot even find words to pray After all of today’s activities
for themselves. Have participants focus on ways they helped
• As we are forgiven through the Spirit, we each other today. Ask them to tell you about
are called to forgive others. attempting to work alone in the group and
the impact that working together had on the
group. Have them explore their feelings
Ropes course activities about supporting others, not only at camp,
Ready, aim… but anywhere they may be—even when they
don’t really think they can or should.
(See the note on page 198 about using blind-
What kinds of weaknesses do we see in
folds.) From Quicksilver: Adventure Games,
others and in ourselves that are obstacles to
Initiative Problems, Trust Activities, and a
living the life Jesus would have us live? How
Guide to Effective Leadership (Karl E.
do (did) they handle situations that require
Rohnke).
them to be willing to overlook (forgive) the
weaknesses of others to live as Jesus teaches?
Moonball variations or Islands Read Romans 8:26-27. Discuss the focus
moonball points. How do we connect the ideas in
Original moonball from The Bottomless Bag today’s focus points with our daily lives?
(Karl E. Rohnke). Moonball variations and
Islands moonball from Quicksilver: Adven-
ture Games, Initiative Problems, Trust Activ- Wrap-up
ities, and a Guide to Effective Leadership With the help of the Holy Spirit we can deal
(Karl E. Rohnke). with the pressures of trying to live as Jesus
did, in an imperfect world as imperfect
Wild woosey humans. How can we help each other re-
From Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to member that the Holy Spirit is always with
Games, Initiatives, Ropes Courses, and us, guiding and forgiving? How can we
Adventure Curriculum (Karl E. Rohnke). share forgiveness with others?
Bible basis Processing
1 John 4:12-21 (The Spirit calls us to love as After each activity
we are loved.)
Key verse pened. Who did what? What worked? Why?
What didn’t work? Why? How was everyone
The commandment we have from him is involved in the activity?
this: those who love God must love their
brothers and sisters also. (1 John 4:21) After all of today’s activities
Focus points Have campers tell about times they helped
others because they knew it was the right
• Jesus’ new commandment is for us to love thing to do. How did they feel at the time
one another. they were helping? How did they feel after-
• The Spirit helps people serve one another ward? Connect their actions and reactions
and bring the good news about Jesus to with today’s activities.
others. In terms of today’s activities, ask them to
• The Spirit creates abundant community describe the ways they were being caretakers

for us. for each other. What connections are there
between those behaviors and the way they
are called to love others in daily life?
Ropes course activities Read 1 John 4:12-21 and discuss the
Circle-the-circle focus points. How do these points fit into
From The Bottomless Bag (Karl E. Rohnke). our lives?
Trust sequences Wrap-up

From Silver Bullets: A Guide to Initiative Jesus commands us to love our brothers and
Problems, Adventure Games, Stunts, and sisters. We often struggle to do this and ask,
Trust Activities (Karl E. Rohnke). “Who is my brother and my sister?” How
does the Holy Spirit help us know others as
Nuclear fence our brothers and sisters?
From Quicksilver: Adventure Games, Initia-
tive Problems, Trust Activities, and a Guide
Catwalk
Offer a blindfold. The group can guide and
support the participant. (See the note on
page 198 about using blindfolds.) From
Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to
Bible basis Team tension traverse
Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Spirit gathers us into Each camper’s travel distance is measured
community.) and represented to scale (1' [30 cm] equals
1" [2.5 cm]) on chart paper. Each camper’s
Key verse contribution makes the line longer. Original
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you tension traverse from Cowstails and Cobras
to lead a life worthy of the calling to which II: A Guide to Games, Initiatives, Ropes
you have been called, with all humility and Courses, and Adventure Curriculum (Karl E.
gentleness, with patience, bearing with one Rohnke).
another in love, making every effort to main-
tain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Mohawk walk
peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3) Original Mohawk walk from Cowstails and
Cobras II: A Guide to Games, Initiatives,
Focus points Ropes Courses, and Adventure Curriculum
• The church is the community of Christ. (Karl E. Rohnke). Mohawk walk variations
from Quicksilver: Adventure Games, Initia-
• The Spirit gives us what we need to live
together in the community of Christ.

• The things that make us different come
together to make us one in the community
of Christ.
Pamper pole
Offer a blindfold, group gives guidance and
support. (See the note on page 198 about
Ropes course activities using blindfolds.) From Cowstails and
Cobras II: A Guide to Games, Initiatives,
New leaf Ropes Courses, and Adventure Curriculum
All stand on a tarp just big enough for all. (Karl E. Rohnke).
Brainstorm ways we use our differences to
hurt others and ourselves (put-downs,
cliques, racism, and so on). Tape these ideas Processing
to the side of the tarp where you are stand- After each activity
ing. Next, brainstorm ways our differences
can strengthen us as a group. (Try new
pened. Who did what? What worked? Why?
approaches to problems, share strengths,
support each other, lift up individual tal-
involved in the activity?
ents.) Tape these ideas to the underside of
the tarp.
Challenge the group to turn the tarp over
After all of today’s activities
without stepping off or touching the ground. Explore ways the participants used their
Suggest that as the group turns the tarp over individual differences to solve the initiatives
they are turning over “a new leaf.” Get it? you presented. You may have spent time
before today’s activities having the campers
Balloon trolleys list what they can contribute to the group. If
so, this would be a great time to revisit their
comments and make connections between
them and what they just did.
Read Ephesians 4:1-6 and discuss the
focus points. Invite the campers to share
Wrap-up
how they feel about the gifts they have and The Holy Spirit gives us what we need to
the ways they do and can use them to serve live together in the community of Christ.
others. The things that make us different come
together to make us one. How does the Holy
Spirit work through your gifts? How can
you use your Spirit-given gifts today and
every day?
Day 5: We’re Sent
Bible basis Climbing (rock or tower)
John 20:19-23 (The Spirit sends forth our Ask the group to briefly summarize the ways
community into the world.) the Holy Spirit supports us in our lives. Help
them remember some of the key ideas from
Key verse the week. Use the climbing activity as a
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with metaphor for the challenges we face when
you. As the Father has sent me, so I send we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.
you.” When he had said this, he breathed on Connect the physical support of the belay,
them and said to them, “Receive the Holy the emotional support of others in the
Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are group, the use of handholds, and so on, with
forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, the help we are given through the Holy
they are retained.” (John 20:21-23) Spirit. Offer a blindfold and allow the group
to give directions and support. (See the note
Focus points on page 198 about using blindfolds.)
• Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to the disciples
just as he had promised. Processing
• In giving the Holy Spirit, Jesus says his

After each activity
followers now share in the task of forgive-
ness. Invite the group to describe what just hap-
pened. Who did what? What worked? Why?
• The Spirit enables us to spread the news
of Jesus to the world.
involved in the activity?
Ropes course activities After all of today’s activities

Help the campers summarize ways they have
Maze lived in a Spiritlife community this week.
(See the note on page 198 about using blind- Where have they experienced each day’s
folds.) From Quicksilver: Adventure Games, theme (gifted, forgiven, loved, gathered,
Initiative Problems, Trust Activities, and a sent) as their group has worked and grown
Guide to Effective Leadership (Karl E. together?
Rohnke). Read John 20:19-23 and discuss the focus
points. In what ways can we go out into the
Stepping stones world and share the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
to Effective Leadership (Karl E. Rohnke). Wrap-up
We come together as different people in the
Sherpa walk body of Christ. We receive the gifts of the
(See the note on page 198 about using blind- Holy Spirit because of Jesus’ deep love for
folds.) From The Bottomless Bag (Karl E. us. We go with confidence and share the
Rohnke). Holy Spirit as Jesus commanded us to do,
despite the obstacles that stand in our way.
Wall How does remembering that the Holy Spirit
is ever present in our lives help us along the
From Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to
way?
Creative Activities
The creative activi-
ties found in this sec-
tion include visual, lan-
Day 1:
guage, and performing
arts. As with the other sections of this cur-
We’re Gifted
riculum, the activities are organized around Bible basis
the five daily Bible study themes. They are
intended to reinforce and supplement what
campers have learned in Bible study.
world.)
As you select and carry out the activities,
make allowances for the variety of expres-
sive skills and aptitudes of the campers in
your group. Focus on the desired learning
Fruits of the Spirit
outcome with campers, rather than the qual- swag
ity of the creation. Some campers will be LI
reluctant to demonstrate or display their
Materials: One apple and orange per camper,
products to peers. Respect their sensitivities.
lemon juice, paintbrushes, twine, ribbon or
The process is what counts.
fabric strips, plastic sewing needles.
Before the activity, slice each apple and
Age-level coding orange into four to six discs. Cut twine into
Each creative activity is recommended for 1 yard (.9 m) lengths (one per camper). Cut
use with a specific age level. To find out ribbon or fabric into 12" (30 cm) lengths
which activities are best suited to your (eight to ten per camper). Invite campers to
group, look for the letter corresponding “paint” apple discs with lemon juice to pre-
to the age level of your group. Some vent them from turning brown. Knot one
activities are recommended for use at end of the twine. Thread the twine through
more than one age level. Feel free to a needle and push it through a fruit slice,
adapt an activity for use with your group. slightly off center. Do this for each fruit
L = Lower elementary slice, creating a pattern of apple and orange
U = Upper elementary slices. When all the fruit pieces have been
strung, remove the needle and tie a loop at
J = Junior high
the end of the twine for hanging. Help
S = Senior high campers space the fruit slices evenly on their
A = Adult swags. Tie ribbon or fabric strips between
I = Intergenerational the fruit.
Creative Activities
Ask campers what happens to fruit that

stays connected to the vine. (It grows big
and sweet!) Tell them their spiritual “fruits”
will grow strong when they stay connected
to Christ and they will be blessings to the
world! Encourage campers to have an adult
family member help them hang their fruit
swags on a tree branch or outdoor post as a
special treat for the birds.
Sign of the Spirit Spirit wind
LUJ JSAI
Materials: Simple dove shape cut from con- Materials: White drawing paper, craft sticks
struction paper (see page 216), masking or thin tree sticks, glue, transparent tape,
tape. scissors.
Read John 1:32 with your campers, then Find an open area, such as a field. Divide
show them a small paper dove. Tell them the group into teams of four to six campers
that we can’t see the Holy Spirit in the same and adults. Give each team six to eight
way that John did in this Bible story, but as pieces of paper, several craft sticks or tree
a reminder that the Spirit is always with us, sticks, glue, transparent tape, and a scissors.
they will circulate the dove among the group Challenge each group to design a dove, one
for the rest of the day. of the symbols for the Holy Spirit. Explain
Begin by taping the dove on a camper’s that they will have 15 minutes in which to
clothing when he or she is not aware you are create a dove that can fly, using only the
doing it. When the camper discovers the materials provided. Let each group decide
dove, he or she waits for an opportune time what design it will use. Encourage children’s
to secretly tape it on another camper’s cloth- participation and creative input.
ing. The activity continues throughout the After 15 minutes, have each group choose
day or until each camper has received the a “pilot” to launch the team’s dove. See
sign of the Spirit. which dove flies the farthest, the fastest, the
wackiest, and so forth, applauding and
affirming each group’s contribution.
Spiritlife journals
UJSAI
Materials: Inexpensive notebooks or writing
Native American
paper and cardboard/poster board, craft rattle craft
supplies.
If your Bible study or other daily activities
LUAI
call for journaling, take time the first day to Materials: Y-shaped twig, yarn, scissors,
make journals. Either give each camper an tape, feathers, beads, buttons, washers,
inexpensive spiral notebook to decorate or spools, shells with holes in them (optional).
provide paper to cut into pages and card- You can make a simple yet beautiful
board or poster board to use as a cover. Native American rattle from a twig, yarn,
Locate a variety of craft supplies, including and beads. When you shake it, it makes a
stamps and stamp pads, stickers, foam rattling sound. Such a rattle is used by some
shapes, sequins, gel pens, fabric, glitter glue, Native Americans in ceremonial dances to
old magazine pictures, and so on. celebrate the Great Spirit.
Encourage campers’ creativity as they Wind yarn around a Y-shaped twig, cov-
Creative Activities
design the cover for their journal. Suggest ering it entirely. Start and end the winding
that they use symbols and drawings that say with a knot (or tape the ends securely to the
something about their lives (interests, friend- twig). Along the way, wind in a few decora-
ships, dreams) as well as symbols of their tive objects, such as feathers or beads.
faith and the Spiritlife theme. Make sure Tie a short piece of yarn to one arm of the
they include their name somewhere on the Y. Thread a few beads, washers, spools, or
cover. other small objects onto the yarn. Tie the
other end of the yarn onto the other arm of
the twig. Use the completed rattles during
worship events, songs, and prayers.
Dream weaving How it works: The dishwashing liquid is
heavier than the water. It breaks through the
JSA surface tension of the water, creating a barri-
Read Joel 2:28. Have campers repeat each er in the center of the bowl. The pepper is
phrase after you. Give campers the opportu- chased to the edge.
nity to share their dreams for the future. Ask the campers to name some things that
They may think about personal dreams and can cloud and “stain” our lives. (Sin, doing
goals, or they may think more broadly in what we know is wrong, distractions.)
terms of their hopes for the world. Encour- Through forgiveness, the Holy Spirit helps
age campers to pantomime their dreams for us “chase away” the distractions in our
the group. Have the group guess what each lives, clearing a pathway through sin to help
camper’s dream is. Another idea is to make a us follow God’s plan.
collage using words and/or pictures from
magazines.
Filled with the Spirit
L
Day 2: Materials: Recycled clean plastic bottles
without labels (one bottle per camper), large
We’re Forgiven sequins, glitter, pony beads, food coloring,
permanent markers, vegetable oil, paper
Bible basis towels, clear packaging tape (optional).
Invite campers to decorate the outside of
their bottles with markers. Help them write
forgiven.)
“(Name) is filled with the Holy Spirit!”
somewhere on their bottle. Have campers
Soap and water choose sequin, glitter, and beads to place
inside their bottle. (You may want to limit
experiment the amount per camper.)
LU Fill bottles 3⁄4 full with water. Add 1⁄4 cup
(60 ml) oil to each bottle. Have the campers
Materials: Small plastic bowls (one bowl for
observe what is happening inside their bot-
every two campers), pitcher of water, black
tles. Where’s the oil? (Floating on top.)
ground pepper, liquid dishwashing soap,
Where are the decorations? (Most of them
paper towels. (Option: If you have a small
are probably floating in the oil.)
group, use one large bowl that campers may
Place several drops of food coloring in the
gather around to watch the experiment.)
bottles. Let campers choose the color they
Ask the campers what we usually use to
want. Help campers put the bottle lids on
clean clothes or surfaces that are dirty. (Soap
tightly. (You may want to secure the lids
and water.) Do they know how or why soap
with clear packaging tape.) Now shake the
Creative Activities
works? (It breaks apart particles of dirt to

bottles! They will see the water change color
make them easier to remove.) What else can
inside!
it do? (Kills germs.) Invite campers to watch
Remind the campers that one of the sym-
soap in action!
bols of the Holy Spirit is water. Just like the
Fill each bowl half full with water.
oil separates from the water in their bottles,
Sprinkle pepper over the surface of the
we sometimes let our own desires get in the
water. Place a drop of dishwashing liquid in
way of our completely “mixing” with God’s
the center of each bowl. Watch what hap-
constant love. But the Holy Spirit is always
pens to the pepper! Ask a volunteer to
with us and touches every part of our lives,
describe what he or she saw. (The pepper
moved from the center of the bowl to the
edge.) Does anyone know why?
like the food coloring touches and changes
the contents of the bottles. We are filled with
Sincerely yours
the Holy Spirit. UJ
Materials: Writing paper, gel pens, stickers,
letter rate postage stamps, envelopes.
New again Remind campers that the Holy Spirit is
UJ our advocate, standing up for us and cheer-
Materials: Option 1: Variety of clean plastic ing us on. Ask them to write a letter to
lids, string or fishing line, permanent mark- themselves as if the Holy Spirit were writing
ers, buttons or jingle bells, paper punch, it to them. What might the Spirit say? Have
sticks or dowels. Option 2: Several clean, them include words of encouragement, for-
recyclable objects in a grocery bag (one for giveness, and concern and to decorate the
every three to four campers), paper, pencil. letter with stickers. Then have campers write
Talk about the new life we receive their home address on an envelope and seal
through Jesus, then challenge campers to their letter inside. Collect all the envelopes,
create something new from something old. add correct postage, and mail them. When
the campers return home at the end of the
Option 1 week the letter may serve as a reminder that
Provide a variety of clean plastic lids, string the Holy Spirit is their advocate wherever
or fishing line, markers, buttons or jingle they go.
bells, paper punch, and sticks or dowels.
Suggest campers create wind chimes from
the materials, cutting the plastic lids into Rap with me
interesting shapes and decorating them with JSAI
permanent markers before stringing them
Using the words from Romans 8:26-27,
along a stick. Attach buttons or bells for
invite campers to write songs or raps. This is
added weight to each plastic shape by
the perfect activity for working alone, with a
punching a hole at the bottom of the shape
partner, or in small groups. Plus, writing a
and tying a button or bell to it with fishing
song or rap helps musical and poetic artists
line.
emerge within the group.
Option 2 Suggest that campers begin with a familiar
Give each small group paper and a pencil. tune, such as “Mary Had a Little Lamb,”
Ask one camper to be the recorder for the “Happy Birthday,” or a favorite camp song.
group. On your mark, have each group ran- A popular song by a favorite artist is another
domly choose an object from its bag. Tell possibility.
groups they have one minute to list ways the Present the songs or raps as part of a
object could be used again. Encourage cre- Bible study closing, an impromptu group tal-
ative, but realistic, ideas. When time is up, ent show, or during a worship experience.
have the group choose a new object and
Creative Activities
begin another list. Continue until all objects

have been discussed. Then have campers Acrostic prayers
share their ideas with the whole group. JSAI
Materials: Paper, pencils.
Romans 8:27 tells us that God searches
our heart. We spend a good amount of time
in our lives searching. Depending on our
age, we may search for a toy or CD, for a
job that fulfills us, for a mate to spend a life-
time with, and for our place in God’s plan.
At the same time, God is ever searching out stage during which the caterpillar makes a
new opportunities to fill our lives with the protective case around itself and turns into a
Spirit’s presence and peace. butterfly).
Using the letters from the word search, To make butterfly wings, fold a small
invite each camper to write a poem that piece of paper in half, and draw one wing
expresses her or his own faith experience, along the fold side of the paper. Cut out the
such as: shape and open the paper. Then make a but-
S ighs, sometimes I know only sighs, but terfly body using dark paper (a long oval
E mmanual, you are God with us. shape with a circular head). Glue the body
to the wings and decorate your butterfly.
A t my darkest moments, and in my Staple or tape the stages in the butterfly’s
greatest joys
life cycle to string, then to the paper spiral.
R each into the depths of my heart. Attach a loop of string to the top of the spi-
C arry me through the deep waters. ral for a hanger.
H elp me when I have sighs, only sighs.
Parable of forgiveness
Butterfly life cycle UJSAI
mobile Ask volunteers to read aloud Luke 15:11-32,
the parable of the prodigal son. Invite the
LI group to create a modern remake of this
Materials: Many colors of construction story using people and situations from today.
paper or gift wrap, pencils, scissors, yarn or Make sure that everyone has a role to play.
string, glue stick, sturdy paper plate; markers, Afterward, talk about the parable. What
crayons, or paint; stapler or tape. Optional: new insights came to mind when telling this
pictures of each stage of a butterfly’s meta- parable using current situations? What is
morphosis. Jesus’ message for us today?
Butterflies are often used to symbolize our Consider presenting the drama as part of
new life in Christ. We are made new through a worship experience.
the forgiveness of our sins. Make a mobile
that shows the complete metamorphosis of a
butterfly: from egg to larva (caterpillar) to
pupa to adult (butterfly). If possible, begin
Day 3:
the activity by looking for examples of eggs,
cocoons, and butterflies in nature or provide
We’re Loved
pictures of each stage.
Draw a spiral on a paper plate. Cut along
Bible basis
the line. Decorate the spiral using markers, 1 John 4:12-21 (The Spirit calls us to love as
crayons, or paint. Set aside. Trace around a we are loved.)
Creative Activities
fallen leaf, or draw a leaf shape on green

construction paper, then cut it out. Use a
paper punch to make circles from white, yel-
Fly high kites
low, or light green construction paper. Glue LI
the circles to the leaf for butterfly eggs. (A Materials: Paper grocery bags, craft paints,
cluster of circular or oval butterfly eggs are string cut into 2' (61 cm) lengths (four per
usually laid on the underside of a leaf. The camper), paintbrushes, twigs (use sticks if
eggs are white, yellow, or greenish in color.) twigs aren’t available), ribbon cut into 2'
Draw, decorate, and cut out a caterpillar. (61 cm) lengths, paper punch.
(The egg hatches into a caterpillar, which Give each camper a bag, twig, and four
spends its entire time eating leaves.) Draw, lengths of string. Using the paper punch,
decorate, and cut out a pupa (cocoon; the make four holes at the open end of the bag,
one on each side. Thread each string group offer the opening prayer at your next
through a hole and knot. Tie all four strings worship event. Whatever they decide to do,
together about 12" (30 cm) away from the encourage them to do it with boldness and
bag. Tie the ends of the strings to the center love!
of the twig and wrap the excess string
around it.
Now decorate! Punch more holes in the Spiritual
bag and tie on ribbon. Colorful scribbles
and meaningful symbols (such as crosses,
autobiography
hearts, doves) can be painted on. JSAI
When we feel encouraged and supported Materials: Paper, pens.
by others and our gifts are recognized and Use these questions to help people do a
appreciated, we feel loved. The Holy Spirit spiritual autobiography. When they’ve
reminds us of how much God loves us! As answered the questions, ask them what they
campers watch their kites fly in the breeze, learned about themselves and their walk
remind them how high they can fly with the with God.
Holy Spirit supporting their dreams! • My earliest memory or awareness of God.
• The major religious events or experiences
in my life (family, church, youth group,
Friendship laces camp).
LU • My spiritual high point (time when I felt
Materials: One pair of white shoelaces per closest to God).
camper, fabric markers, bag or box. • My spiritual low point (time when I felt
Have campers decorate a pair of shoelaces most distant from God).
using fabric markers. Then have each
camper keep one of his or her decorated
• Special people who have played a role in
my faith journey.
laces and put the other one into a bag or
box. Have campers take turns drawing out a • Where I am right now in my relationship
with God.
lace, making sure they don’t get their own.
When everyone has a new lace to go with • Where I would like to be in my relation-
the one they made, have them lace up their ship with God.
shoes as a reminder that the Spirit gives us • What’s missing in my relationship with
friends to walk with through life. God.
• To what is God calling me?
Be bold! • What is my deepest desire, my strongest
yearning, right now?
UJ
Read together 1 John 4:17: “Love has been
Nature art
Creative Activities
perfected among us in this: that we may

have boldness on the day of judgment, LUI
because as he is, so are we in this world.”
As a group, talk about something you Materials: Craft paints in various colors,
could do that would serve the camp commu- leaves, crayons (with labels removed), draw-
nity and require boldness. Do your campers ing paper, paper plates.
have stage fright? Challenge them to be bold This activity celebrates the variety we dis-
by presenting a skit at the evening campfire. cover in God’s creation. It is designed to
Do they think garbage is gross? Challenge help campers appreciate God’s love for
them to boldly offer the camp manager help diversity.
with garbage duty. Do they shudder at the Find different shapes, sizes, and types of
thought of praying aloud? Suggest that the leaves. (Warn the group about plants that
could irritate the skin.) Pour different colors
of craft paint onto small plates and dip the Give campers time to thoughtfully com-
items one at a time into paint, then press plete the activity. Then invite them to share
onto paper, creating an interesting collage of their “love letters” with a partner.
colors and shapes.
Variation: Have campers hike around the
area in search of various raised textures,
such as tree bark, leaves, grasses, and peb-
Day 4:
bles. Have them place their paper over the
objects they find and rub over the object
We’re Gathered
with the crayon. Be sure to instruct the
group to use the side of the crayon to get the
Bible basis
best results. Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Spirit gathers us into
community.)
Secret spirits Connected by the

UJSA
Materials: Slips of paper, pencils. Spirit
Have each camper write his or her name LUJI
on a slip of paper. Then exchange them,
Materials: Foam packing peanuts, toothpicks.
making sure no one gets his or her own
Give each camper 10 foam packing
name. Remind the campers of Jesus’ com-
peanuts and 10 toothpicks. Challenge them
mand that we love one another. Today they
to build the tallest “tower” they can using
will have the opportunity to secretly share
only their own materials. Look at all the
acts of kindness and love with the person
towers as a group, then challenge them to
whose name they drew.
work together, building one tower with
Offer suggestions as needed, such as: leav-
everyone’s materials.
ing the person an affirming note, offering
When the group tower is complete, gather
help as he or she attempts a difficult task,
everyone around it. Say that through the
praying for this person, inviting him or her
Holy Spirit, God has given each of us many
to join an activity, and so on.
gifts. The Spirit helps us to “build” each
At the end of the day, have campers try to
other up by encouraging and supporting
guess who their “Secret Spirit” was. What
each other’s gifts. When we are all connect-
did the activity teach the campers about
ed, we can accomplish great things!
sharing love with others every day?
Love letters Puzzle frames

UJS LU
Materials: Puzzle pieces, 16" x 18" (40 cm x
Creative Activities
Materials: Writing paper, pencils.

46 cm) cardboard (two per camper), craft
Ask campers to write their first name ver-
glue, puffy craft paints.
tically on the left side of a piece of paper.
Ahead of time, cut an 8" x 12" (20 cm x
Using each letter of their name, have each
30 cm) opening in half of the cardboard
camper write a word or phrase that
pieces, creating frames. Glue each frame to
describes a way she or can can show love to
another piece of uncut cardboard, leaving
another person. For example, Tim may
the top edge unglued so a photograph can be
write:
inserted later.
T each someone a new skill. Have campers glue puzzle pieces along the
I nvite someone to join my team. edge of the frame, stacking them or making
M ake peace with some I’ve argued with. interesting patterns. When the glue has
dried, campers may add further decoration
using puffy paints. Help campers write, “We When both partners have completed the
Are the Family of God,” “One Body—One activity, have them exchange sketches. Make
Spirit,” or another appropriate phrase on sure they sign them first!
their frames.
Have campers look closely at the puzzle
pieces. Each one is unique and has a special Praying the news
purpose in completing a puzzle. No other UJSA
piece can replace it! Each of us is important Materials: Newspapers, highlighters, chart
in the community of Christ. The Spirit gath- paper, marker.
ers us together and creates the family of Distribute recent newspapers to the
God! campers and have them page through the
various sections, finding information about
Woven together people with whom they have something in
common, as well as those whose lives seem
LUJSAI very different.
Materials: Lightweight rope or plastic flag- As they search, have them highlight the
ging tape (available at hardware stores). people’s names and bits and pieces of their
Have the group sit together in a close cir- stories. Then ask them to report back to
cle. Tie the group together by weaving rope you.
or flagging tape between the campers all the Write some of the names on chart paper.
way around the circle several times. Ask campers to explain what they have in
When complete, read aloud 1 Corinthians common with the person or in what ways
12:27. Then challenge campers to work they are different. Ask what they think they
together as they move to a designated goal could learn from that person, even if he or
or complete a task. Afterward, unwrap the she seems very different.
group and talk about the experience: What Close by inviting campers to spend some
was it like to work together in this way? quiet time in prayer, looking through their
What made it hard? What made it easier? newspaper again and using the pictures and
What do you think Paul meant when he information as inspiration for their prayer.
wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ and
individually members of it” (1 Corinthians
12:27)? The light of the Spirit
JSAI
Here’s to YOU! Materials needed for each boat: Tree bark
(test it to be sure it can float upright in
UJSAI water), materials to decorate the boat (use
Materials: Sketch pads or sheets of drawing natural and/or biodegradable materials such
paper, pencils. as moss, pebbles, leaves, and so on), clay,
Creative Activities
Celebrate one another by having partners one small candle. Do not peel bark off a liv-
create portraits of each other. Give each ing tree. Use bark that is found on the forest
camper a sketch pad or drawing paper and a floor. If bark is not available, cardboard can
pencil. Have pairs go off a short distance be used instead. (Note: Before lighting can-
from the group meeting area. Have them dles, check your local fire codes and your
face each other and begin to sketch each camp’s fire policies regarding the use of open
other’s portrait. The catch is that they must flames.)
always leave the tip of the pencil on the This activity involves making candle boats
paper (they may not lift it off the paper to during the day, and then using them at night
move it). Also they may not look at their near a source of water. Have the campers
paper while they are drawing. use clay to mount a candle at the center of
their tree bark or cardboard. Decorate
around the candle using natural materials.
Caution the group to use only a few light-
weight objects so their boats will not cap-
Day 5:
size.
At night, after lighting the candles, launch
We’re Sent
the boats on a lake, stream, or river. Sing a Bible basis
camp song that speaks of our unity in the
Spirit, read today’s Bible text (Ephesians
4:1-6), and pray that the Holy Spirit would
continue to light the way of this group each
day. I believe
LUJSAI
Hands around the Materials: Plain bed sheet, craft paint.
world Remind campers that Jesus showed the
disciples the marks of crucifixion on his
LI hands and side, signs that he had truly died
Materials: Cardboard, aluminum foil, beads, and rose again (John 20:19-23). How did
glitter, stones, moss, yarn, and so on. the disciples respond when they saw these
Khamsa means “five” in Arabic. Khamsa signs? (They rejoiced, realizing that this was
is the name given to a symbol of good for- their risen Lord.)
tune in Morocco. This “good luck hand” Invite campers to leave behind a sign at
has been used as an amulet in northern camp, showing others that they, too, rejoice
Africa for centuries. It is often made from a in the presence of the risen Lord.
precious metal, such as silver. Create a large banner using a bed sheet.
Invite campers to make a simple version Outline the shape of a cross on the banner.
of a khamsa using cardboard and aluminum Have campers use craft paint to press their
foil. Suggest that their khamsa symbolizes handprints within the cross outline, creating
our Spiritlife: people of God, gathered by the a colorful collage. Display the banner
Spirit to receive God’s blessings of peace and throughout the summer, adding campers’
happiness. handprints each week. The banner can
Begin by instructing the campers to trace become a permanent reminder that we are
their hand on cardboard and cut out the all one in the Spirit.
shape. Cover and wrap the hand shape com-
pletely with aluminum foil. Invite each
camper to decorate his or her khamsa with Spiritlife awards
symbols and designs that express our unity UJSA
in the Spirit. Materials: Construction paper, gel pens,
Creative Activities
stickers, markers, scissors.

Form two groups. Each group will create
awards for the campers in the other group.
The awards should reflect positive gifts each
camper shared with the group this week,
such as “Best Friend to Everyone,” “Most
Patient,” “Best Artist,” and so on. After
each group chooses an award for each
camper in the other group, have them create
certificates for each person in the other
group.
When the two groups are ready, call the
groups together for an “awards ceremony.”
Spirit bracelets
Be sure to include a round of applause for LUJI
each camper as he or she receives an award. Materials: String or strands of embroidery
Encourage campers to continue sharing their floss, scissors, pony beads in various shades
gifts with others as they return home. of red, dove-shaped beads (optional).
Invite campers to make “Spirit bracelets”
to keep or exchange on this last day of
Sent in the Spirit camp. Give each camper a length of string
LI long enough to go around his or her wrist or
Materials: White construction paper cut into ankle (approximately 12" [30 cm] so it can
4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) squares (one per be easily tied). Have beads available, in
camper), white construction paper cut into shades of red, if possible. Red is the liturgi-
9" x 9" (23 cm x 23 cm) squares (one per cal color for the season of Pentecost, a time
camper), scissors, paper punch, yarn or when we especially remember the Spirit’s
string, dove stencils. calling. Suggest that campers choose the
same number of beads as there are members
in your group. In addition, try to locate
dove-shaped beads (one per camper) to place
in the center of the bracelet.
Have the campers string the beads and
help each other tie them on when finished.
Then join together for a blessing or prayer
to celebrate the unity we share with each
other in the Spirit.
Puzzle of gifts
This activity emphasizes the core Bible UJSA
verse for this day (John 20:19-23). It can be Materials: Chart paper, markers.
made and worn by each camper as he or she Ahead of time, draw the outline of a
leaves camp. human body on chart paper or trace around
Have the campers trace a dove on their the body of another staff member. Using a
smaller paper square. Cut out the shape and marker, divide the body into puzzle-shaped
make a 1" (2.5 cm) slit in the center. pieces. Place an X on each piece. There
(Younger campers will need help with this should be one puzzle piece for each camper
step.) Have campers write “Peace be with and leader in your group. Cut the pieces
you. As the Father has sent me, so I send apart.
you” on the larger paper square. Help Gather the group in a circle and give each
Creative Activities
campers as needed. camper and leader one of the puzzle pieces.

Fold the paper accordion style and slip it Ask each to write his or her name on the
through the slit in the dove shape, forming blank side of his or her puzzle piece. Then
the dove’s wings. Punch a hole near the top pass the pieces around the circle, asking
of the dove and add a length of yarn for a everyone to write a word or phrase on each
necklace. person’s puzzle piece that describes one of
Invite campers to wear their doves home his or her personal gifts. It should be a gift
as a reminder that they are sent and guided he or she believes the person can share with
by the Holy Spirit. others back home.
When everyone has had an opportunity to
write on all the puzzle pieces, return the
pieces to their owners. Ask the group to put
the puzzle back together.
When the puzzle is complete, read the var-
ious gifts represented there. Remind the
campers that they are still in community
with one another even as they return home.
The Holy Spirit connects us wherever we
are. We are called to share our gifts with
others and tell the story of Jesus Christ
along the way. Conclude the activity by hav-
ing each camper retrieve her or his puzzle
piece to take home.
Creative Activities
Environmental Activities
The environmental
activities section will Day 1:
help campers:
• explore the wonderful world of God’s cre-

We’re Gifted
ation.
• examine attitudes toward creation, under-
Bible basis
standing how their roles as environmental John 14:25-26 (Jesus promises us that God
stewards relate to the daily Bible study will send the Holy Spirit to be present in our
themes. world.)
• engage in activities that restore or care
for the campsite and surrounding environ-
ment.
Menu march
LUJ
• raise awareness of their part in the envi-
ronment that is God’s gift of creation that Materials: Paper, pencils. You can print and
will stay with them after leaving camp. copy the following list or save time and have
each camper make his or her own list.
There are no right or wrong answers to
• three sources of food for an insect
questions asked in the activities. Encourage
camper discussion. Due to the variety of • three sources of food for a reptile
habitats available for use in different out- • three sources of food for a bird
door ministry sites, these activities will need • three sources of food for a mammal
to be adapted specifically for use at your • three sources of food for a human
site. Set clear boundaries and establish a signal
for returning. Send the campers out in search
Age-level coding of a menu for the animals. (Again, tell them
Each environmental activity is recom- to not collect anything. They should just
mended for use with a specific age level. write things down or draw pictures.)
To find out which activities are best suited After everyone has returned, share find-
to your group, look for the letter corre- ings with the group. Do any items appear on
sponding to the age level of your group. more than one list? Which creatures eat low-
Some activities are recommended for use est on the food chain? (Insects.) Which eat
at more than one age level. Feel free to plants? Which eat meat? Which eat both?
adapt an activity for use with your group. Which were the hardest or easiest to find?
L = Lower elementary Pause to take note of the way in which
U = Upper elementary God provides for all creatures. Say a prayer
of thanks to God for the gift of food, as well
J = Junior high
as for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
S = Senior high If time permits, form small groups and
A = Adult ask each one to design a tantalizing menu
I = Intergenerational for some of the animals in your area. Have
them choose a restaurant name, entrée
names, and a catchy advertising phrase, such
as “Try our after-dark special—barbecued
bat wings. Made fresh nightly!”
Survival scenario • Topographical map: It could provide
directional help. Do you know how to use
JSA it? Is it of any value if you don’t know
Materials: Paper, pencils, first-aid kit, whis- where you are?
tle, compass, knife, matches, topographical • Rope: It could construct a shelter or be
map, rope, water bottle, mirror, flashlight.
unwound for kindling.
As you begin your week together, ask • Water bottle: Water is a necessity for
campers to consider the value of various life. Name three necessities for survival.
camping gear based on the following sce- (Air, water, food.) The average person
nario: needs air before two minutes, water by
Ask each camper to imagine that she or two days, and food before thirty days.)
he is stranded alone in the woods or desert
• Mirror: It could start a fire or signal for
(or whatever place is appropriate to your
help. (You need the sun for both.)
site). Lay out the items from the list below
and give the campers paper and pencils. • Flashlight: It could be a signal, but fire is
Have them list the items in order of their better light and has more uses.
importance for survival, with 1 being the There is no correct list, but some items
most important item and 10 being the least are of more value than others. (Matches and
important item. water should be near the top; flashlight
first-aid kit whistle should not.) Also mention that if any camper
compass knife finds himself or herself lost, he or she should
matches topographical map stay in one place and wait to be found.
rope water bottle
mirror flashlight
Ask which items were listed first (most
Sensory stroll
important). After one camper names his or LUI
her most important item, ask how many oth- Materials: Magnifying glasses.
ers had it listed among their top three. Dis- Take your campers on a nature walk.
cuss which items they listed as the bottom Invite them to name some of the gifts from
three, as well. God they see as they walk. Use magnifying
Following are some potential values of glasses so the campers can see the intricacy
items and also potential questions to ask: of God’s creation. Then have them use their
• First-aid kit: It has useful items including other senses. What do they smell? Try
scissors or needles. Gauze might be a smelling different trees and plants. Do they
potential fire starter. It would enable remind you of anything?
campers to treat minor injuries or medical Stop along the way. Have the group sit
problems. silently for one minute and count the num-
• Whistle: It could signal or scare off ani- ber of different natural sounds they hear. If
mals. Would anyone hear it? campers wish, they may close their eyes. Try
• Compass: It could provide directional to identify the sounds as a group.
help. Do you know how to use it? Is it of Notice a variety of textures. Encourage
any value if you don’t know where you campers to feel the difference between sticky
are? leaves, soft leaves, and sharp leaves. (Be cer-
tain you know what you are touching is not
• Knife: It could cut wood chips for kin-
poisonous!) Think of reasons for the differ-
dling. Could you really kill anything with
ences in the leaves.
a pocket knife?
After the hike, remind campers that the
• Matches: What are the uses of fire? Holy Spirit is here to teach us how to live
(Source of heat for cooking or keeping and to help us remember Jesus. What do our
warm, means of signaling for help.) senses teach us? What do they help us
remember?
Silent observation Day 2:
JSA
Materials: Paper, pencils.
To learn more about how the Holy Spirit
We’re Forgiven
calls to us through the natural world, we
Bible basis
need to observe carefully. By recording our
observations along with feelings that are
forgiven.)
experienced, we can heighten our awareness.
Bring campers to an area where they can
find a comfortable spot to sit for at least 10 Rock talk
minutes. Ask campers to record both nega-
tive and positive feelings during the observa-
JSA
tion time and what seems to be causing Materials: Stones.
those feelings. Why might they be feeling If an animal’s environment changes, the
that way? Invite each to record her or his animal must adapt, move, or die. Give
thoughts. examples of the unique features animals
Gather the campers in a group following have that allow them to adapt to their envi-
the silent observation time. Ask those who ronment. Some animals change color to dis-
wish to share to tell about their observa- guise themselves. Make a list of ways
tions. What do you think the Holy Spirit humans have changed their environment to
communicates through nature? suit their needs.
What changes at camp or home would
make those places healthier environments?
Revealed objects Ask campers to share their ideas with each
LUI other and symbolically place a stone on a
specified space as they describe their ideas.
Materials: Blindfolds (optional), four or five
As the stones are stacked higher and higher,
different objects (such as pencil, twig, rock,
explain that the pile appears formidable at
feather, and so on), bag large enough to hold
first, just as making changes can be, but that
items.
even one change can bring on a series of
Invite campers to sit in a circle. Give each
changes. Demonstrate this by inviting some-
camper a blindfold to wear or ask everyone
one to remove a stone from the bottom of
to close his or her eyes. Pass different objects
the pile. Notice how all the rest are
around the circle such as a pencil, twig,
rearranged.
rock, feather, and so on. Tell campers to
Make a connection between change and
touch each object, but to not say what they
forgiveness. How does forgiveness change
think the object is.
us? What burdens does it “topple”? How
After everyone has had an opportunity to
can it rearrange our lives?
touch one of the objects, hide it in a bag.
Ask the campers to describe the object, then
name it. Pull the object out of the bag and All things great
show it to the group. Repeat the process
with a new object. Try four or five different and small
objects. UJI
After the activity, ask, “Who did God
Materials: Magnifying glasses.
send to reveal Jesus’ love for us? (The Holy
Read together Psalm 139:1-2, noting that
Spirit.) How can we reveal Jesus’ love to
God knows every detail of our lives, the big
others?”
stuff and the small stuff. God’s presence and
creative power is evident in the large and
small features of nature as well; it is in the
mountains, waterfalls, dunes, and tall pine weeds and dandelions acts like a parachute.
trees. Likewise, God’s creative genius is seen Burrs and similar seeds can become attached
in the small and delicate features, such as a to clothing or animal fur and be carried
spider web, the veins of a leaf, a tiny wild- great distances.
flower, or the wing of an insect. After the hunt, talk together about the
Armed with magnifying glasses, walk the seeds they saw or collected:
site or a surrounding area, naming large fea- • Where were the seeds found?
tures that can be seen. Then direct campers • How might they have gotten there?
to look immediately around their feet at the
same site with the magnifying glasses to dis-
• Would they grow in that location?
cover the small wonders of creation. Empha- • What new life might their seeds produce?
size God’s presence in all of creation.
New life logs
Spirit circle LUJSAI
LU Have the group find a rotten log somewhere
Take a walk and encourage the campers to in or near your camp. Explain to them that
be on the lookout for unique things along this log is “home” to other plants, animals,
the trail, such as animal tracks, wildflowers, and insects. Search for life forms living there.
and unusual mushrooms. If they find some- How many different forms of life are visible?
thing, they call out “Spirit circle!” The group Can you guess what kind of tree it was? Can
then circles the object and talks about it: you still see the rings and count its age?
What do you think caused this tree to die?
• What do you know about this object? Does this log serve a purpose?
• What does it need to live? The log is an example of the life cycle.
• What would make it difficult for it to Out of death and decay, new life begins.
survive? Look around for other examples of new life
• What are its special features? in nature. Then talk about ways that for-
• What are some hidden features someone giveness gives us “new life.”
in the group knows about?
After the hike, talk about how prayer is
like the circle: as we keep on with prayer we
Personal growth rings
will discover more and more about the gifts JSA
the Holy Spirit gives us, and more about Materials: Paper, colored pencils or markers.
God’s love for us. Most of us know that trees have rings
marking their years of growth. These can be
observed in the crosscutting of a tree. If
Seed search there is a tree stump on the property, hike to
LUI it and have your group observe it. Try to
Tell campers that the Holy Spirit brings us count the rings. Also notice the variety of
new life in Jesus. “New life” in nature often ring widths and colors, as well as any irregu-
takes shape in a seed. larities.
Direct your campers to go on a hunt for Tree rings vary in width according to
seeds, searching for the greatest variety pos- weather conditions from each ring’s year of
sible. Remind them that seeds come in many growth, or because of disease. A dry year
forms. Seeds from elm, ash, and maple trees provides little growth. Wet years may
all have wings that keep them aloft for some account for wider rings. Discolorations may
distance in the wind. The tufted tip of milk- be from disease, fire, or poor nutrition.
Have campers draw a stump-top on paper
that represents the length and experiences of
their lives. Ask them to fill in the appropri-
ate number of rings, remembering to repre- Bugs
sent years of significant growth, illness, and What bugs are your campers afraid of?
other events by drawing width and color dif- Make a list, then ask campers why these
ferentials. bugs are scary. Look for some of the bugs on
In large or small groups have campers your list. Are they ugly or pretty? Would
share their drawings. Pray for each camper they hurt you? Are you afraid?
after he or she shares. Ladybugs, which are actually beetles, are
a good example of the importance of our
insects in creation. Scientists have said they
Day 3: are the most helpful insects in the world.
They eat many other insects that damage or
We’re Loved destroy crops and plants.
How might other bugs be beneficial to
our world? How might we begin to appreci-
Bible basis ate them?
we are loved.) Snakes
Make a list of snakes found in your area.
Discuss the size, color, and traits of the dif-
Home on the range ferent species. Then go out with your
LUI campers and try to find them (if it is safe to
do so). Snakes are not always easy to find.
What are some different types of homes in
Look for snake tracks: squiggly lines in the
which people can live? (Affirm all respons-
dirt or sand. Look for snake scat. Use a field
es.) Then ask, “How about animal homes?”
guide for assistance.
Take the group on a hike, looking for all
Using clay or paper, have the campers
types of animal homes. Some will be natural
make their own models of snakes.
homes. Others may be made by humans,
such as birdhouses. (Possible homes include Bats
a hole in the ground, tree cavity, curled leaf, Sit outside at dusk and watch for bats. You
fallen log, nest, under rocks, water, sand, will be most successful if you are near build-
and so on.) It is incredible how many crea- ings, streetlights, or trees where plenty of
tures a given area in nature can support. insects are flying around.
Ask the group to consider whether there Bats are the only mammal that truly fly.
can ever be too many animals in one area. They are nocturnal, mostly eating insects
(Yes, there can.) How about too many peo- they catch as they fly. They have poor vision,
ple? (Yes.) But no matter how many people but a unique sonar system makes up for
and animals are on this earth, does it affect their lack of sight.
how much God loves and cares about each Ask the campers if they fear bats. Talk
part of creation? (No, God loves and values about those fears. How does learning about
each living thing.) bats help us appreciate them more?
After the activities, talk about how every
living thing has gifts to offer. That includes
Yuck—bugs, snakes, all of God’s people as well. Sometimes peo-
ple that we like the least may be most in
and bats! need of our love.
LUJ
Materials: Clay or paper.
Help campers gain a new appreciation for
the less lovable of God’s creatures through
the following activities:
Who’s next? • To help poor people, would you rather
give 50 percent of your salary to charity
UJSAI or work for an organization such as the
Materials: Index cards, pencils. Peace Corps?
Make up a number of simple food chains
on index cards. (Sun-grasshopper-toad-
• Would you rather be wealthy and lonely
or poor and have many friends?
snake-skunk-owl, for example.) For each
link in the food chain, make a separate card. • Would you rather see billboards and
directional signs or see only wilderness
Try to think of enough links so there will be
scenery?
one card for each camper in your group.
Ask, “What is a food chain? (It is a model • Would you rather eat fruit sprayed with
of what happens in nature when one animal pesticides or eat blemished fruit that is
eats a plant and is then eaten by something pesticide-free?
else, and so on.)” Distribute a set of food • Would you rather vote for a needed water
chain cards to the campers. Have them treatment plant or maintain low property
arrange the cards (or themselves as they hold taxes?
up their cards) in the correct order. There Discuss why we make the choices we do.
may be more than one way of arranging the How do the choices we make affect God’s
food chain. gift of creation, the environment, and our
For older campers, provide two different neighbors?
sets of food chain cards at the same time and
see if they can arrange them correctly. Was
this easy to do? Were there moments of con- Camouflage capers
fusion? Were there interconnections? Do all LUJ
things in nature support one another? Look for examples of disguise in your natur-
Our own lives are part of a larger chain. al setting, such as walkingstick insects,
When we experience times of confusion or grasshoppers, toads, rabbits, deer, and so on.
wonder how we fit in, it is important to Then experience the important role camou-
remember that the Holy Spirit is always flage plays in a predator/prey relationship.
here, supporting and loving us. Choose an area with a variety of camou-
flage possibilities, such as the area where a
It’s your choice meadow meets the woodlands. Choose one
camper to act as predator. This person cov-
JSA ers his or her eyes while the other campers
This week we’ve been reminded that God (the prey) attempt to camouflage themselves
chooses to love us, blessing us with the gift in a designated area. The prey must be able
of the Holy Spirit. to see the predator at all times as they
Offer campers series of questions. Each attempt to blend in with their surroundings.
question requires a choice. Campers move to When everyone is ready, have the predator
designated locations (such as two trees at open his or her eyes and try to locate the
opposite sides of the meeting area) depend- prey without moving from his or her posi-
ing on their choice. Some possible questions tion.
include: After the activity, discuss how our weak-
• Would you live near a nuclear power nesses can sometimes hide our strengths.
plant if it significantly decreased your How is God’s steadfast love revealed to us in
taxes or move to a safer location where our daily lives?
taxes are higher?
Day 4: By role-playing a part of a tree, campers
may begin to appreciate the important role
trees and all plants play in an ecosystem.
We’re Gathered How does this experience relate to a com-
munity of Christians? Is one part of a tree
more important than another part? What
Bible basis
can we do to care for trees and nature? For
each other as the Holy Spirit would have us
community.)
do?
Sonar detectives Web sites

UJSA LUJSI
Materials: Item each camper brings, pie tin
Materials: Name tags, ball of string.
(optional).
The natural world thrives on a system of
Experiment with group communication by
interdependence. Help the campers experi-
asking everyone to bring something to this
ence this connection by creating a nature
activity that will not break if it is dropped
web.
into a pie tin or on the sidewalk. Have them
Begin by standing in a circle. Give each
keep their objects hidden so no one else sees
camper a name tag with the name of an ani-
what it is. Have the group form a circle on a
mal, insect, plant, or energy source (such as
hard surface (or place a pie tin in the center
the sun, water, or soil) written on it.
of the circle). Ask all to close their eyes.
Give one camper a ball of string. Ask him
Then choose one camper to drop his or her
or her to hold onto the end of the string and
object in the center of the circle. Each person
toss the ball to another camper, while stating
in the circle has one opportunity to guess
how he or she is dependent on the natural
what the object is. If someone guesses cor-
resource the other camper represents. (For
rectly, that person may drop his or her item
example, camper “owl” might throw the
next. If no one guesses correctly, that camper
ball of string to camper “mouse” and say, “I
puts his or her object away and rejoins the
depend on the mouse for food.” “Mouse”
circle to try again later. By the end of the
might throw the ball of string to “grass” and
game, everyone should realize the diversity
say, “I depend on grass for shelter.” “Grass”
of sound vibrations made by different
might throw the ball of string to “soil,” and
objects.
say, “I depend on soil for nourishment,” and
so on.) Continue in this way, considering a
Create a tree variety of ways the natural world is inter-
connected.
LUJSAI After a web has been created with the
Explain to campers that they are going to string, ask the campers:
create a tree by acting as the different parts • How might those connections become
of the tree. Give each camper a role to play: broken?
• heartwood • What role might humans play in the bro-
• sapwood kenness?
• bark • How are families like webs? (Answers will
• leaves vary but may include: family members are
• roots connected in a web when they depend on
Each camper should have something to do each other.)
or say that relates to her or his role. For
example, the bark might say, “I protect, I
protect!”
This conversation might flow into what Gently lay the screen under the water, try-
happens when family webs “break.” (Note: ing not to disturb the area. Let the net sit for
Be sensitive to negative experiences campers a few moments, then carefully lift. What do
may have had. It may be necessary to listen you find?
with care and ask for help if deeper prob- Look at the small organisms with your
lems surface.) magnifying lens. Place living creatures in
your containers. What might these creatures
need to survive? How many different types
Boulder dash of life are there? Together they are a commu-
UJS nity!
Rock badgers, or marmots, live in mountain-
ous areas and hide from their predators
behind boulders and in holes in the ground. Day 5:
To warn of danger (such as the presence of a
cougar), they sing out a high whistle or
scream.
We’re Sent
Divide your group into cougars, marmots, Bible basis
and boulders. (There should be only one or
two cougars and about half as many boul-
ders as marmots.) In order for a marmot to
be safe, it must let out a high whistle or
scream and hide behind a boulder. If a mar- Creation scavenger
mot runs and crouches behind a boulder, the
boulder gets up and becomes a marmot. The hunt
marmot becomes a boulder. If a marmot gets UJI
tagged by a cougar, the marmot has become
Materials: Lists of scavenger items to find,
food energy for the cougar and sits out until
pencils.
the next round.
In John 20:19-23, Jesus invites the disci-
At the close of the game, discuss what
ples to hear his voice, to look at the marks
would happen if there were no cougars to
of his crucifixion, to feel his breath upon
eat marmots. What would it be like for the
them, receiving the Holy Spirit into their
marmots if they could not whistle and hide
lives.
behind boulders? Explain that God creates
Invite campers to hear, look, and feel as
many balanced food chains and that this is
they participate in a nature scavenger hunt.
one of them.
Ahead of time, create a list of things to find,
such as:
Water house • Two different bird songs you hear.
LUI • The difference you see between a living
tree and a decaying log.
Materials: Magnifying glasses, small cups or
buckets, fine mesh net or screen with han- • A rock that looks like an animal.
dles that will lie flat on the bottom of the • Two smells, good and bad.
camp’s body of water (pond, lake, pool, • The faintest sound you hear.
creek, river). • Something soft, something rough, some-
Take the above materials to a body of thing smooth, something prickly.
water. When you arrive, discuss the exam- Send the campers out in pairs or small
ples of life you observe in or around the groups. Give each group a list and a pencil
water, such as plants, animals, fish, frogs, to write about their discoveries. Allow
and insects. Can you see them? Can you see
signs of them?
approximately 20 minutes for the search, the end of the river? Are we careless because
then call everyone back together. When the we take things for granted or because we
group has gathered, have them share what choose to be careless? How does education
they experienced. help?
Look away, you rolling Bee dances, wolf
river howls, and friends
JSA LUJSAI
Materials: Role cards (snowmelt from Rocky Materials: Four cards on which you have
Mountain National Park; highway runoff written the following information:
from Interstate 70; rainstorm over Glen- • Ants: The worker ants guard and tend the
wood Springs, Colorado; Green River flow eggs and larvae, build nests (sometimes by
into Colorado River; pollution from gasoline chewing leaves and mixing it with saliva),
spilled by careless boaters in Utah; Utah and search for food.
farmer irrigating fields, fertilizer-laden run- • Wolves: All members of the group careful-
off; evaporation from reservoir behind Glen ly take care of the young.
Canyon Dam; homeowner watering lawns in
Arizona desert country; waste from Las
• Musk ox: Mature oxen will form a circle
around the young oxen when danger is
Vegas, Nevada; irrigation of crops in Cali- near.
fornia; water for Los Angeles; Imperial Dam
at Yuma storing water to make energy), • Bees: Worker bees feed the brood, clean
the hive, guard against intruders, construct
bucket of water.
combs, and collect pollen and nectar.
The Colorado River is a conduit of life
across North America. To demonstrate the Also prepare four cards with human prob-
many uses of the Colorado River, assign lems written on them. An example might be,
each camper a role card. “A little girl’s kite is stuck in a tree.”
Ask people to line up in geographic order. Form four small groups. Give each group
Instruct one person to walk with a bucket one of the wildlife cards you have prepared.
half full of water from Colorado to Mexico. Without making any sound, each group
As the bucket passes each person, give each should demonstrate how its type of wildlife
the opportunity to take or give back water, works together. Ask the observers to guess
or add sediments and pollution, according to what kind of wildlife is being represented.
the action on her or his role card. Invite Next, distribute the human problem
everyone to look at the water at the end of cards. Ask each group to think of a way to
the line. Repeat the activity a second time, work together to solve the problem. When
but allow each person to offer an alternative everyone is ready, have the groups pan-
to the action. Was the group able to make tomime their problem and the solution
the river into a conduit—rather than a they’ve devised. Have others guess what
cul-de-sac—by choosing alternatives? each group is portraying.
The waters of the Colorado River are life- Discuss the activity. What can people
giving and given freely to all by the creator. learn from watching wildlife work together?
What does it mean to honor the earth and What difference does it make if people work
honor the spirit of people by protecting the together? How is the task easier if everyone
Colorado River and other water resources? gives a little?
Can we show hospitality to all people by our
actions? Does it make a difference whether
our actions take place at the beginning or
Stand up Wildlife emissaries
UJSA LUJSAI
In pairs, ask campers to stand back to back Through the Holy Spirit, we can be emis-
and lock elbows. Then they should sit down saries of goodness and mercy. Have campers
together and stand back up by supporting spend 10-30 minutes as emissaries for the
each other. If the partners are not working environment. Choose one of the following
together, will they be able to stand up? tasks:
Try the activity again without locking • picking up litter
arms. Is it more difficult? Help campers real- • planting trees
ize that with the proper support from their
partner, the task is more easily accomplished.
• working in a garden
Many things in nature support each other: • taking out compost
algae and fungus form lichens, insects polli- • making temporary habitats by piling up
nate plants, birds pick insects off bigger ani- brush
mals, and so on. Just as animals help and Afterward, ask, “How can we be emis-
support one another, so we can support one saries for goodness and mercy with each
another and accomplish many difficult tasks other at camp? With people at home?”
with the Spirit’s help.
Games
Games are enjoyed Set up a goal line 20' (6 m) from the
by people of all ages. teams. Players must blow through their
The games in this sec- straw to move their cotton ball forward
tion relate specifically to the along the ground toward the goal line and
daily themes in some way. Remember, it is back again as quickly as possible.
always a good idea to stop a game when it is When all campers have finished the race,
at its peak, rather than after everyone is get- ask how strong they think their “wind” is.
ting tired of it. Also, it is advisable to proac- Does it have a lot of power? Enough to
tively meet any safety measures appropriate move something bigger, like a baseball or
for each game. basketball? Ask campers to share their
thoughts about the Holy Spirit being able to
Age-level coding make a wave on a lake or push a storm
Each game is recommended for use with a cloud back. The Holy Spirit gets the power
specific age level. To find out which from God. Our God is an awesome God!
games are best suited to your group, look
for the letter corresponding to the age
level of your group. Some games are rec-
You are not alone
L
Games
ommended for use at more than one age
level. Feel free to adapt an activity for use Materials: Blindfold or bandana for each
with your group. camper, large playing area.
L = Lower elementary When all campers are blindfolded, lead
U = Upper elementary each to stand next to a partner. After
J = Junior high instructing the children to not speak, chal-
lenge them to guess the identity of their part-
S = Senior high
ner without using words (height, length of
A = Adult hair, glasses, and so on).
I = Intergenerational After the partner’s identities are discov-
ered, lead campers to spots around the play-
ing area. Instruct them not to move or speak
Day 1: until you give the signal. Challenge campers
to locate their partner by calling their name.
We’re Gifted Watch campers carefully and help steer them
out of harm’s way or toward their partner if
they are having difficulty.
Bible basis When all campers are with their partners,
John 14:25-26 (Jesus promises us that God ask them to take off their blindfolds and join
will send the Holy Spirit to be present in our you in a circle. What did it feel like to be
world.) blindfolded? (Alone, unsteady, unsure.) How
did it feel to find their partner? (Relieved,
Blow, Spirit, blow good.) God knows us. Because of the Holy
Spirit we are never alone. When we feel
L scared or unsure, the Spirit is there to help.
Materials: Cotton balls, straws.
Form two teams for a relay race using
camper’s own “wind power.”
Sharing cubes The team that fills its bucket first has
the honor of pouring the water over its
UJSA counselor/leader while shouting the verse
Materials: Heavy paper or cardboard, tape, together!
marker.
Use this activity to help campers learn
more about each other and begin to feel In the spirit of
comfortable sharing information with the
group.
truthfulness
Create cubes from heavy paper or card- UJSAI
board (one per small group). Write a ques- Materials: Slips of paper, pencils.
tion or statement on each side of the cube, The Holy Spirit teaches Jesus’ followers
such as: “What animal would you like to be the way of truth. Use some little known
and why?” “What will be hardest to live truths to get to know each other better.
without this week?” “What are the best and Give each camper a slip of paper and pen-
worst things that happened today?” “What cil. Ask them to put an obscure truth about
are you looking forward to doing tomor- themselves on it, but not to sign their name.
row?” “Share a compliment with someone.” Give them an example, such as “I have a
“Name three things you like to do.” dozen pairs of orange socks” or “The first
Have campers take turns rolling the dice day I drove the car alone after getting my
and responding to the question or statement driver’s license I got in an accident.” If the
Games
that is on top. Play until everyone has had at group doesn’t know each other at all (if
least one turn. they’re not from the same congregation or
town) they can use less obscure truths about
themselves, such as “I am a first chair in our
Pour out my spirit school band” or “I’ve lived in five cities.”
relay Collect them and read them aloud, invit-
ing the group to guess which truth belongs
UJSA to whom.
Materials: Cups for each player, empty buck-
et, bucket full of water.
Try playing this game after a discussion of Stand with me
Joel 2:28: “I will pour out my spirit on all LUJSAI
flesh.” Form relay teams, ideally with 10 Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Advocate,
members each. Give each player a cup. Place one who stands with or speaks for another.
a full bucket of water at one end of each Tell campers this is an activity that enables
team and an empty bucket at the other end. us to stand with another.
Assign each team member one or more Ask each participant to pair up with
words (depending on the number of players) someone who is about his or her height.
from Joel 2:28, including the Bible reference. Then tell them to sit back to back on the
Begin with the first player on each team ground with their knees bent and their arms
scooping a cup of water from the team’s hooked. Then tell them to stand up, using
bucket. He or she says the first word from one another as resistance.
the verse (“I”) while pouring the water into If this becomes too easy, have them
the next player’s cup. This player says “will” change partners or invite some friendly com-
while pouring the water into the next play- petition, discovering which pair is the fastest
er’s cup, and so on until the last player says at standing.
“Joel 2:28” while pouring the water into the
empty bucket. Continue in this way until all
the water has been transferred to the empty
bucket.
Spirit action to find other people with the given charac-
teristic. Some more examples of “Touch
SA blue” include touching somebody who:
Materials: Variety of materials (such as • you don’t know
paper towel tubes, toilet tissue tubes, balls, • has sung in front of a group of people
string, tape, craft sticks, plastic spoons,
paper clips, pencils, fabric scraps, plastic
• plays an instrument
wrap, sand, buckets, marbles, straws, cups, • is older than you
small toy cars, tin foil, and so on). • can knit or crochet
Divide the group into two or more teams • can speak a different language
of at least two people each. Provide the • can bake great chocolate chip cookies
group with the pile of materials you have Give the groups time to share names with
gathered. Each group tries to make a each other before moving on to the next gift
“machine” that, once set into motion, will characteristic.
set other things into motion and so on down
the line till the end. The challenge is to make
the machine that stays in motion for the Ugga bugga
longest amount of time (without any human JSA
intervention) once it is started. For example, This silly game can be used to remind
a marble rolls and hits the spoon, which tips campers that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to
the cup, which dumps the sand, which teach us everything. Select one person
Games
moves the straw, and so on. (camper A) to get out of visual/audio range.
Divide the supplies among the groups or While that person is absent, the rest of the
allow teams to take turns selecting items to group selects another person (camper B) to
use. mime a particular activity determined by the
After the activity, ask: group. The group decides four things: what
• Did everyone contribute to your team’s the person is doing, with what, where, and
project? How did you feel about this? what the person is wearing. For example,
• What was the process your team went the group may decide that the person is fish-
through when creating your machine? ing with a blanket on the moon wearing a
• What processes do successful teams go bikini. Call back camper A. Once this person
through when working on building some- arrives, no one is permitted to talk. The only
thing together? words anyone can use are “ugga bugga,”
“ug,” “bug,” or any derivation thereof.
Camper B proceeds to help camper A under-
In touch with each stand what he or she is doing. Nonverbally
(or with “ugga bugga” silly speech), camper
other A can let the other camper know when he or
LUJSAI she understands what is going on or indicate
Begin with everyone standing in a circle. confusion or uncertainty. When camper A
Explain to the group that this game will help believes he or she knows what the person is
the group discover the gifts the other team doing, with what, where, and what the per-
members have which make them unique. To son is wearing, he or she says the answer
warm up, a single caller says something like aloud. If camper A has some of it right,
“Touch blue” and everyone runs to touch affirm the correct answers. Play continues
someone wearing blue. Then the caller until the camper can guess it all correctly.
chooses something else and the people have Play several rounds.
Mechanical doll race Wash away my sins
UJSA LUJ
The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, our helper. Materials: Small paper drinking cups with
In this race, campers must help one another holes poked in the bottom, pitchers of water,
to win. Divide the group into two teams. buckets.
Everyone must find a partner on his or her Form two relay teams. Each team has a
team. Designate a starting and turnaround pitcher full of water and one small paper
point. One partner stands still, rigid as if he cup with several holes. At your signal, the
or she were a mechanical doll. The other teams begin to fill the cup with water. Each
partner’s role is to move the “doll” by lifting camper takes a turn running to the bucket at
the doll’s foot and placing it forward, walk- the far end of the playing area and dumping
ing him or her to the turnaround spot, one her or his water before running back to the
foot at a time. When they have reached the team. When the relay is completed, compare
turnaround spot, campers change roles. the water level in each bucket.
When they return to “start,” they tag the It isn’t easy for us to always do what God
next pair to continue the relay. The game wants us to, but the Holy Spirit was sent to
ends when everyone has had a chance to be be our helper. Our sins are washed away!
a mechanical doll and helper. With odd
numbers of people on teams, someone else
can go again. Tentmakers
Games
UJSA
Day 2: In 2 Corinthians 5:2-4, Paul refers to our
earthly bodies as “tents” that bear the bur-
dens of our present life. Although weak, the
We’re Forgiven Holy Spirit balances our tents with the
strength of God’s love.
Bible basis To illustrate Paul’s message, tell campers
about a kind of tent called a yurt. In Mon-
golia, nomadic people live in uniquely bal-
forgiven.)
anced yurts that are designed to withstand
harsh winds.
Walking the line Help campers experience the balance of a
yurt by forming an even numbered circle.
LU Have everyone face the center, hold hands,
Materials: Masking tape or rope. and stand close together. Begin with one
Mark a straight line on the ground with camper saying “Holy” and the next camper
masking tape or a rope. It should be 10' saying “Spirit” and so on around the circle,
(3 m) long. alternating the words.
Ask campers if they think it would be On your signal, all the players assigned
easy to walk along the straight line without the word “Holy” shout it in unison and lean
stepping off of it. As they confidently tell toward the center of the circle, while all the
you (or show you!) how easy it is, suddenly other players shout “Spirit” and lean out.
remember to tell them the trick: they have to Then have them try switching positions by
be spun around 10 times first! After each shouting their words and leaning in the
camper has had a turn, gather back together. opposite direction. With practice, the group
It wasn’t as easy as they thought! should be able to lean farther and farther
Sometimes we think we can earn God’s while still maintaining its balance.
forgiveness by trying to be perfect. But with
the Holy Spirit’s help, we know how to pray
for forgiveness!
Prayer ball Pray plays
UJSAI JSA
Materials: Ball for each pair of campers. Materials: Paper, pencils.
Give pairs of campers a ball. It’s okay if Divide your group into smaller groups of
the balls vary in size and shape. Ask them to three or more. Say that you’d like each
offer a brief prayer together and then imag- group to think of a prayer dilemma for
ine that the ball represents their prayer. Have another group to act out.
partners stand back to back with elbows If they have any trouble thinking of some
linked. Place the ball between their backs. prayer predicaments, offer examples such as
Challenge them to move as quickly as they these:
can to a designated goal without dropping • a parent teaching a child to pray for the
the prayer ball. If the ball is dropped they first time.
must try to retrieve it without letting go of • a teenager trying to talk her parents into
each other. If time permits, have partners saying grace before meals.
switch balls and try again, or consider using
water balloons instead.
• someone praying for help on a test or
with athletic competition.
After the game, read Romans 8:26-27.
When is it hardest to pray? When does it • a person with a deep need or desire, but
who doesn’t think God is listening.
seem like your prayers are not reaching
God? How can friends help each other with • a friend who is angry with God.
Games
prayer? How does the Holy Spirit help us? When the groups have had time to think
of a situation, have them write it on a piece
of paper. Collect the papers and have some-
Search me one from each team draw one. Depending
LUJSAI on how many characters it calls for, have
each team act it out for other others. En-
God searches and knows us. You don’t need
courage them to use everyone from their
much to have a scavenger hunt. In fact, to
team, even if they have to be props.
play “Search Me,” you don’t need anything.
Divide into teams of three or more people.
Ask each team to appoint a runner. Call out
items for them to find among themselves or
Ring around the circle
in their surrounds and bring to you. Award
LUJSAI
1,000 points (they’re only points, not dol- Materials: 6' (1.8 m) length of rope tied in a
lars, so you might as well be generous!) to loop or a large plastic hoop.
each team that brings each specific item to Have the group stand in a circle. Pick one
you first. Start with some easy, predictable person to place her or his arm through the
ones (such as a wallet, sandals, glasses, ear- rope loop. Now have everyone join hands in
rings), then tap into your creativity and let it the circle. Without breaking hands, have the
flow: all shoes from the team tied together, team move the loop around the human cir-
someone with freckles, two people holding cle. If anyone breaks hands the whole group
hands who ages total 34 (provided you have starts over again. When the team gets the
those ages among you). loop back to where it began, the goal has
After you’ve led a round of 10 items, let been reached. When your group gets really
someone else lead while you join one of the good at this game, place two or three loops
teams. in the circle and challenge them to get them
all around the circle.
This game illustrates the connection we
have with each other to meet the challenge
of walking our faith day by day. Just as life
will challenge us and sometimes we will sin getting tagged, camper B must join camper
and fall short, God’s forgiveness encircles us A’s team. However, if camper B tags camper
and connects us. A, both return to camper B’s team.
Eventually one line will fade away and
everyone will be on the same team. God
The Trinity wheel wants everyone to be on God’s team, and we
LUJSAI are given that opportunity through God’s
Materials: Balls, beanbags, or bells. forgiveness.
Divide your campers into teams of three.
Arrange the teams into a circle, with the
members of each team standing in a line.
Fast lemon relay
The final formation looks like the spokes of UJSA
a wheel. Materials: Two lemons, two sticks, string or
Team member 1 on each team is the per- yarn.
son nearest the center of the circle, team Put the campers into two teams for this
member 2 is in the middle, and team mem- relay. The goal of this game is to roll the
ber 3 is the nearest to the outside of the cir- lemon with the stick along the line to the
cle. Name all 1s “Creator,” 2s “Son,” and 3s goal. Make a line as long as desired on the
“Holy Spirit.” ground from the start point of the relay to
Place a ball, beanbag, or bell in the center the end point of the relay. You may use
of the circle. The leader then calls: “Creator,” string or yarn to make the line or draw a
Games
“Son,” or “Holy Spirit.” For example, line in the sand or dirt for each team. The
“Creator” is called. All the “Creators” must first person on each team uses the stick to
run all the way around the outside of the push the lemon along the line toward the
circle and back to their own team. Mean- end point and back. If the lemon gets too far
while, the “Sons” and “Holy Spirits” make off the line, the camper must push the lemon
a bridge with their arms. When each back to the line with the stick. Then he or
“Creator” reaches his or her own team, he she tags the next person in line. At the end
or she runs under the bridge and dives for of the game, ask the campers how sin is like
the ball/beanbag/bell in the center of the cir- the lemon and how the Holy Spirit is like
cle. The team who gets the object first gets a the stick (like the lemon, we get off track but
point! the Holy Spirit tries to push us back on the
Repeat the game a number of times, mak- right path).
ing sure to call each name.
Capture the scarf Day 3:

LUJAI
Materials: Scarf.
We’re Loved
Form two lines of campers, equal in num- Bible basis
ber, and instruct the campers to face one
another about 20 paces apart. Tell the
we are loved.)
campers that you will throw a scarf in the
air and call out two names (one person from
each line). The first person to get the scarf Love tag
(camper A) must run back to his or her
team’s line. The person who misses the scarf
LUJSAI
(camper B) must try to tag camper A before This is a version of regular tag. The person
he or she gets back to the team line. If who is It represents “love.” When a player is
camper A returns to his or her line without caught by It, It and the tagged person join
hands. Together they chase after the rest of
the players, continuing to add on to their removing the blindfold, have the camper
“love clump.” When the clump has four guess what was drawn. Then have partners
members, it can split off into teams of two, switch roles and play again. (Variation:
continuing to add to their “clumps.” When Form trios. Have one camper wear the
everyone is part of a “love clump,” the game blindfold and another camper guide his or
is over. God’s love continues to spread her finger as he or she draws a secret picture
throughout the world. The Holy Spirit joins on the third camper’s back. Have both
us together with love! campers guess what was drawn.)
After the game, talk about the importance
of helping one another. Even when it’s diffi-
Special delivery cult to do, and we aren’t sure what the out-
UJSA come of our actions will be, the Spirit gives
Materials: Large beach towels rolled up the us the ability to love and serve each other.
long way and secured with tape, simple
obstacle course (benches, stumps, boards).
Form teams of three to five campers. Give
Connected by luv
each team a rolled towel and tell them it is a JSAI
special package they must deliver to the Using the structure of television’s The
other end of the obstacle course. Demon- Dating Game, have some fun, and possibly
strate the correct route through the course, fodder for discussion, playing “Connected
adjusting the difficulty to match the ability by Luv.”
Games
of your campers. Invite one person to be God, and ask him
Each team stands in a single file line, or her (make sure you have both females
straddling its beach towel. They pick it up and males play God) to think of six ques-
together so they are holding it between their tions to ask three human beings, also select-
legs as they move forward. Tell the team ed from your group. Steer God away from
they must complete the course as quickly as moralism or guilt trips by discouraging ques-
they can without dropping their special tions such as “You say you love me, but you
package. don’t really show it, do you?” or “What’s
After each team successfully completes the one thing you’ve done both you and I know
course, relate the game to real life. Imagine about but about which you are ashamed?”
that the special package represents love. Instead, focus on upbeat and insightful
What gets in the way of sharing love with questions, such as “Human being number
others? Who is it hardest to “deliver” love two, if you could ask me one question, what
to? How can working together help? would it be?” or “Human being number
one, where do you see me in everyday life?”
If the group enjoys the game and it goes
Helping hand well, let people take turns playing God and
UJSA humans, or have one human and God, Jesus,
Materials: Blindfolds, paper, markers. and the Holy Spirit answering questions.
Ask campers to pair off. Have one partner
wear a blindfold. Give the other partner the
name of an object written on a piece of
Neighbor safety
paper (cross, balloon, sun, flower, and so UJSAI
on). Do not say the name of the object. Place We are only able to love our neighbor be-
a piece of paper in front of the camper who cause God first loved us. In this game, it
cannot see. Give him or her a marker to pays to be the neighbor of the one who is It.
hold. Have the sighted partner hold the part- Have everyone line up at one end of a field
ner’s hand and marker, guiding it as he or or grassy area and ask a a volunteer to be It.
she draws a picture of the object. Before
It stands in the center, halfway between for it. They will get lots of encouragement
where everyone is lined up and a goal toward and cheering from their team! The relay con-
which they will run. tinues until the first “Cloud” is the “Ocean”
Those lined up yell “Who’s your neigh- and waves her or his way back to the bucket.
bor?” Whatever It replies enables those who
meet that specification to cross safely to the
other side. The rest, however, must make it You are loved! Splash!
past It without being caught. Anyone caught LUJSAI
joins It in the center. Material: Water-filled balloons, one towel
Some neighbor characteristics might be for every two people (have campers bring
“Everyone wearing tennis shoes” or “All their own).
those in Emmaus Cabin.” This water game reminds us of the water
of our baptism. This, however, will be a bap-
Water cycle game tism of a very different kind. Ask the mem-
bers of the group to choose a partner. Child-
LUJSAI ren can be paired with adults or with each
Materials: Self-sealing sandwich bags with other. Explain that they are potentially going
holes punched in the bag or a small plastic to be “reminded of their baptisms” again in
containers with holes; bucket of water for this game! Have pairs hold the towel
each team of four. between them at the corners and stand
This game will teach both children and across from each other in a line about 4'
Games
adults about the water cycle. Water is an (1.2 m) apart to begin. Starting at one end,
important symbol of our faith. Through the lay the balloon on the first pair’s towel.
waters of Holy Baptism, we are brought into Challenge the pairs to carefully pass the bal-
the family of God and given the Holy Spirit. loon across to each other, being careful to
Divide the group into teams of four in a not drop the balloon. When—and if—the
line widely spaced. You will need a bucket of balloon reaches the other side, have the
water at the start and a sandwich bag with group move one step apart from each other
holes in it or a plastic container with holes to create more of a challenge and start the
in the bottom for each team. balloon from the other end. If a balloon is
Group members within the line are also dropped, everyone yells, “Splash!” Start
spread far apart. To start, the first in line another balloon from the opposite end and
takes and fills the self-sealing sandwich bag begin again.
(he or she is the “Cloud”) and twirls while
moving toward the next person, then passes
the bag. The second person is the “Rain” Sardines
and runs to the next person and passes on JSA
the bag. The third person is the “Stream/ God’s love is so great that God seeks us out
River” and winds his or her way to the next even when we might want to hide from God.
person and passes on the bag. The fourth That’s the essence of this game. In this game,
person is the “Ocean” and takes the bag and one camper hides. The rest of the campers
waves all the way back to the bucket (at the must seek him or her out. When the camper
beginning of the line). is found, the campers hide with him or her
That person fills up the bag and is now until eventually all have found the hidden
the “Cloud” and the previous first person is camper. Make sure to establish boundaries
now the “Rain.” Team members need to lis- for this game.
ten to the directions because they will have
to remember what they are and the action
All tied up relay Show campers the circle. Tell them that
their challenge is to fit everyone in the entire
JSA group inside the circle, leaving no one out
Materials: Balls of yarn (or string) equal in and not stepping outside the boundary. They
size for each team. might think it’s impossible! Encourage them
God’s love binds us together when we to think creatively and support any idea they
reach out and love others in return! Form have. Discuss these questions: Was everyone
teams of four or more players each. Line up included in the problem-solving process?
the teams. The first player on each team gets Would you have been able to accomplish the
the ball of yarn. When you shout “Go,” the goal without working together? The Holy
first player holds the end of the yarn and Spirit gathers us together, using our unique
passes the ball to the next player. This player gifts to work together and serve God!
holds the yarn and passes it to the next play-
er in that line. The ball of yarn unwinds as it
is passed from person to person. When the Parachute power
ball of yarn reaches the person at the end of LUI
the line, this player hands the ball behind his Materials: Parachute or old sheet, beach
or her back to the player it just came from. balls (optional).
This player passes it back behind his or her Gather children around the parachute or
back, holding this piece of yarn as it is sheet, instructing the campers to hold the
passed to the next person. Campers will edge. Tell the campers that by listening to
Games
have one hand in front holding the yarn as it your instructions and doing the actions
comes down the line and will have the other together, the group can make the parachute
hand in back holding the yarn as it is do fun things. Here are some ideas:
returned up the line. Continue passing the • Make mountains, valleys, and waves by
yarn until the entire ball is used. The team waving the parachute at different heights.
that uses up its yarn first wins. They’ll all be
strung together so to end the game, teams
• Make a “mushroom” by bringing the
parachute down behind your backs and
should rewind the yarn as quickly as possi- sitting down inside!
ble, rolling it into a ball of yarn. See which
team is fastest. • Invite several volunteers to sit under the
parachute while the rest of the group
quickly “waves” the parachute up and
Day 4: down. The volunteers will feel the wind
and electricity that’s generated!
We’re Gathered • Sing “He’s Got the Whole World in His

Hands” while bouncing beach balls on the
parachute and trying to keep them from
Bible basis falling off.
Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Spirit gathers us into • End with campers raising the parachute
community.) high over their heads and letting it float to
the ground!
All aboard
L
Materials: Chalk or tape.
Mark a small circle on the ground, using
chalk or tape. The area should be large
enough for half your group to be able to
stand inside comfortably.
Know your neighbor Afterward, make a connection between
the game and the importance God places on
UJSA gathering people together in community.
Materials: Questions written on slips of
paper, placed in a hat.
Gather the group in a circle. Ask a volun- The same game
teer to begin by choosing a question from LUJSAI
the hat and answering it as he or she thinks Materials: Instant-developing camera and
the camper on his or her right would answer. film (both optional).
After hearing the answer, the camper on the Celebrate the similarities and differences
right may confirm or correct it. of group members by calling out different
Continue around the circle in this way traits and having campers find someone with
until everyone has had an opportunity to that same or different trait. Be careful to not
answer at least one question. Questions may use anything that embarrasses or singles
include: someone out negatively (such as “Find some-
• What is my favorite sport? one else who has a 56" [1.4 m] waist”).
• Where would I like to travel someday? Think of similarities or differences of your
• Who do I admire most? own, but these may get you started:
• What’s my least favorite food? • someone who lives in the same town
• What will I be when I grow up? • someone who has a different number of
people in her or his family
• What makes me laugh?
Games
• What scares me? • someone who has a birthday in the same
month
Afterward, talk about the game. Was it
easy or hard to answer questions for another • someone who reads different books from
person? Which answers surprised you the what you would read
most? Think about a group you belong to at • someone who plays the same sport or
home. How well do you know the other instrument
group members? Why do you think God • someone who likes a different ice cream
gathers us together in community? flavor.
If you have an instant-developing camera
available, ask someone to provide “press
Community shuffle coverage” by taking photos of various two-
UJSA somes when they find each other. Consider
Materials: Plastic hoops or ropes tied in asking groups of three or four to get togeth-
circles. er: “Find two other people who use the same
Create teams of equal size. Have half of toothpaste” or “Get together with three oth-
each team stand at one end of the play area ers from different towns (or congregations).”
and the other half stand at the opposite end. This works best with large groups.
On your signal, one member from each team
steps inside a plastic hoop and races to the
other end of the play area. Another team
Unity in trust
member gets inside the hoop with him or her JSAI
and together they race back across the play If your camp has a ropes course, this is a
area. Then a third player joins them inside good day to use it. Using today’s scripture,
the hoop and together they race across the emphasize that despite our differences, we
area again. Continue in this way until the need one another. If the camp doesn’t have
whole team is inside the hoop and races such a course, create your own teamwork
across the play area a final time. course.
Divide into threes for trust falls (two peo- gather at church in Christian community, it
ple clasp hands and someone crosses his or is not the building that is the church, it is the
her arms in front of him or her and falls people of God. Each group will be given the
back into their arms). Have two people same materials with which to build a struc-
stand several yards (meters) apart and hold a ture together.
string several feet (meters) off the ground. This activity can be done with one or
Ask the entire group or small groups to fig- more teams, depending on the group size.
ure out how to get everyone over the string Teams should have two to eight players
without touching it. Walk around the camp each. Give each team modeling clay or play-
in pairs, one person blindfolded and the dough and one package of toothpicks.
other leading him or her. Challenge each team to build a church out
Spend time debriefing the unifying aspects of the materials they were given. The object
of the experience, as well as the fears and is to build the tallest church, but a cross
trust involved. must be at the top of each building. Set a
time limit of 15 minutes and let groups cre-
atively build. After time is up, measure the
The lost sheep structures to find out who has the tallest
LUJSAI building. You may want to consider giving
Materials: Two noisemakers (jingle bells, prizes for the messiest, the most creative, the
film container filled with rocks, two sticks— shortest, and so on.
anything that is not too loud); two blind-
Games
folds.
This is a game of lost and found. Like the
Cooperation
parable of the lost sheep, Jesus is always pre- UJSAI
sent when we lose our way. Even when we Have the campers stand in a circle. Ask
don’t want to be found, the Holy Spirit someone to leave the area (camper A). While
guides us into the arms of the Father. camper A is absent from the group, the
Have the group stand in a circle. Two are group selects someone to be the group
chosen: one to be the Sheep and one to be leader. The group leader will lead the rest of
the Shepherd. Both are given blindfolds and the group in a series of actions (such as run-
a noisemaker. The two noisemakers should ning in place or blinking eyes). Any action is
be different. possible, but subtlety is the key. The goal of
The Shepherd shakes the noisemaker, then the game is to prevent camper A from dis-
the Sheep shakes his or hers in response. The covering the identity of the leader. Before
Shepherd tries to catch the Sheep and the camper A returns to the group, ask the
Sheep tries to avoid the Shepherd. The group leader to begin an action. The campers fol-
members in the circle keep them contained lowing the leader should avoid staring at the
and safe, but should try to keep quiet. When leader. That’s a giveaway! As camper A
the Sheep is caught, two more people are observes the group, the leader may try to
chosen. change his or her motions at any time (it
makes the game more interesting). Camper
A has three chances to guess the leader. If
Building the kingdom the camper guesses the correct leader, the
together leader leaves the group and becomes the new
guesser. If camper A makes three incorrect
JSAI guesses, the leader is revealed and still
Materials: Modeling clay or playdough, becomes the guesser in the next game.
packages of toothpicks, tape measure.
This game challenges the group to build a
church with some unconventional materials.
It is a fun way to point out that when we
Volleyball down stairs, under tables, up hills, over logs
or rocks. (A smaller or older group may like
JSA to try this challenge blindfolded.)
Materials: Volleyball net or court, volleyball. Afterward, encourage campers to talk
Play noncompetitive volleyball. Play with about their experience. Sometimes it is hard
the usual volleyball rules except that after a to go out into the world and spread the
player’s serve is over, that player goes to the news of God. We need to follow the lead of
front line of the other side’s team. Team the Spirit, who will always be with us!
members will switch side to side so no one is
on the same team. This is a great way to
demonstrate that we are all part of God’s Living sculptures
team and partners in ministry. UJSA
Emphasize the importance of working
Day 5: together as you engage campers in the fol-

lowing game. Form two teams. Designate
one member of each team as the “sculptor.”
We’re Sent All other team members are lumps of clay.
Decide which team will begin. Give the team
Bible basis a secret item the sculptor must create out of
the lumps of clay (such as house, pot of
flowers, elephant, and so on). Have the
Games
sculptor quickly get the team into position.
When ready, have the other team guess what
Scavenger hunt the sculpture represents. Then give the other
team something to sculpt and continue in the
LUJSAI same way. Play a few rounds.
Materials: Garbage bags, gloves for each Afterward, compare the game to the
participant. campers’ ability to “sculpt” their lives in
Send the campers out on a garbage scav- ways that reflect the Holy Spirit’s presence.
enger hunt! Around the camp or at a park, How do your words reflect the Spirit? Your
the children will search for garbage to pick actions? The choices you make each day?
up to make their surroundings a better How can prayer and Christian friends help
place. Have children work with a partner. Be you mold your life in affirming ways?
clear about the boundaries the campers
should stay within, and send them off! Give
them a time limit and a signal to let them Sent to serve
know when their time is up! We are called to LUJSAI
take care of the earth as well as the people
Have the group stand behind a start line.
around us.
Mark a finish line at the other end of the
play area. Ask each player to think of one
Follow the leader thing the Spirit sends him or her to do in the
world (care for others, tell the good news, be
LUJSAI helpful, forgive others, and so on).
Materials: Blindfolds (optional). Have the first camper state his or her
Ask campers to line up in a straight line idea, then jump as far as possible toward the
and place their hands on the shoulders of the finish line (no running jumps). All other
person in front of them. Connected like a campers move to where he or she landed.
train, the campers will attempt to follow Then another camper states a way the Spirit
your lead without breaking their connection. sends us to serve, jumps ahead, and is joined
Walk slowly to allow children to carefully by the rest of the group. Continue in this
follow. Give them a lot of variety: up and
way until the whole group crosses the finish Make sure everyone has a chance to both
line, sharing ideas along the way. End the identify gifts in others and receive words of
activity with a prayer of thanks to the Holy affirmation. Give credit for awe-inspiring
Spirit for going with us wherever we are adjectives and other extra words!
sent.
What can you do?

Role play of fear UJSAI
SA Materials: A list that includes things like:
Materials: Slips of paper on which you’ve • Find a person who will sing one stanza of
written fear situations (asking someone out his or her favorite hymn.
on a date, giving a speech, waiting for a doc- • Find a person who has a pet other than a
tor’s report, being the victim of a crime, get- dog.
ting caught doing something you shouldn’t
have, moving to a new town, starting at a
• Find a person who will teach one of your
group members how to waltz.
new school, interviewing for a job, getting
married, and so on). On different slips of • Find a person who can recite John 3:16
from memory.
paper write varieties of movie styles (horror,
romantic comedy, science fiction, musical, • Find a person who has camped in at least
adventure, foreign film [with subtitles], silent 10 different states or provinces.
movie, and so on). • Find a person who has traveled in another
Games
Divide into small groups and have each country.
group draw a situation and a movie style. • Find a person who has never used an
Give five minutes to assign roles and talk outhouse.
out the situation. Have them role-play these • Find a person who has fallen into an
fearful situations for the rest. outhouse.
• Find someone who lives more than 500
Your name starts with miles (800 km) away.
• Find a camper for whom this is his or her
an X? first trip to camp.
UJSAI • Find the oldest person at camp.
Part of the fun of Day 5 is celebrating the • Find the youngest person at camp.
familiarity of having lived together in com- • Add some of your own ideas!
munity. The sadness of the day, of course, is This is a “last day of camp” idea to rein-
saying good-bye. This quiet game can be force the theme of being sent. Divide the
both fun and life-giving. campers into groups of two to four people,
Sit in a circle, and either go around the or send a cabin out together. The objective is
circle in order or let campers call on differ- to get a signature of a person for each cate-
ent people for whom they have an idea. You gory. Each group gets an identical list and a
start. Using the first letter of someone’s first time limit of 30 to 45 minutes.
name, challenge the group to find a word
that describes a gift they’ve witnessed in that
camper and a way they might use that gift Dress me up to go
back home. SAI
For instance, “I have found Jenna to be Materials: Stacks of newspapers or old mag-
jovial and expect that she will jump back azines, masking tape.
into school to share that joy.” Or “Adam This game is a great activity to reinforce
has been so articulate in discussions and will that we are sent to do God’s work, in very
no doubt return home arranging ways to tell different ways. Invite the campers to form
about this awesome experience.”
teams of five to six. Challenge each team to
create the best dressed couple in newspaper
Straw relay
by having the team cover two people from UJSA
their group in newspaper. You may want to Materials: One straw per person and a small
use the counselors for this activity. Give the piece of facial tissue.
teams the same or different “jobs” to make Divide the group into as many teams as
a uniform for: nurse, firefighter, pastor, wait- you like. Give each camper a straw. The first
ress, and and so on. Give the groups about person in each team gets a small piece of
10 minutes to finish. After all are done, have facial tissue. This person inhales through the
a fashion show, featuring these people who straw to hold the tissue and keep it from
are sent to serve. Be sure to recycle the paper falling and passes it to the next teammate,
when you are through. who passes it down the line in similar fash-
ion. If the tissue falls, the player that
dropped it must pick it up using the straw
Breathing contests and inhaling. The team that manages to pass
UJSAI the tissue to the end of the line wins.
Materials: Blade of grass, acorn cap, bal-
loon, feather, soap bubbles (all optional).
Make up a variety of contests or relays
that require breathing and/or air. Some ideas
follow.
Games
• See who can make the loudest whistle
using a cap of an acorn, a blade of grass,
or just one’s hands.
• Discover how long two campers can keep
a balloon or feather aloft by using only
their breath.
• Who can blow the biggest bubble gum
bubble?
• Who can make the biggest soap bubble?
• Who can hold his or her breath the
longest?
See what other breath and air games the
campers can make up and play them.

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Introduction to the Theme

Introduction to the Theme

Day 3: We’re Loved Day 5: We’re Sent

Introduction to the Theme

Holy Spirit knows us and stays with us in

community. Our love for one another forms

The unity to which we are called exists

will remain focused on sin. If we forgive,

Large Group Worship

Large Group Worship

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Large Group Worship

Worship theme: _____________________________________________________________________

Related scripture: ___________________________________________________________________

Proclamation of the Word

Telling the story: __________________________________________________________________

Song during petitions?

Action, movement, or visual aid?

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Large Group Worship

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Song Worship resources

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Large Group Worship

Small Group Worship

We’re Gifted flexibility. The Holy Spirit helps us see situa-

Small Group Worship

Small Group Worship

Small Group Worship