The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday
The Affordable VBS Program A number of inner-city and missionary churches have spoken with us regarding the lack of VBS programs within their financial capabilities. While certainly there are many excellent programs on the market, most are beyond the reach of the under-funded churches. We set out to create a program which had a low cost but also which utilized materials which are locally available at low, or no, cost. We recognize that this program can not have the sparkling, shiny options you will find on more costly programs, and this is an accepted fact. Most materials are crested by the hosting church using plans and details in this manual. Intentionally we have “over-done” the materials in the program, this to offer options to the church. We have set the program up as a five day program plus a closing session, (to which we suggest that the parents, family, friends and community are invited). However this schedule may be reduced or expanded as desired. The set and costumes are detailed in the program, again these can be as elaborate, or basic, as desired. We trust that this program will offer you the flexibility to produce an effective, God-honoring VBS program without great cost.
DramaShare 82 St. Lawrence Cr Saskatoon, SK S7K 1G5 Canada Toll-free 1-877-363-7262 www.dramashare.org
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The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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Index Page Monday Schedule Tuesday Schedule Wednesday Schedule Thursday Schedule Friday Schedule Friday Evening Schedule Games Crafts Food Coloring Fun Announcements Forms Certificates Sets Costumes Songs
001 060 105 146 189 227 249 267 280 291 307 309 320 321 323 324
SS Zark Daily Schedule Plan Monday (Creature - Beaver) Time 1:00 – 1:35 1:40 – 2:00 2:05 – 2:25 2:30 – 2:55 3:00 – 3:20 3:25 – 3:40 3:45 – 4:00
Primary Opening Assembly SS Zark Acting Up Mime Beaver SingnGames Beaver SnacknStory The Cottage Log Book Time Matthew 10:31-32 CraftCorners Beaver Puppet Closing Assembly Island Adventure (1)
Intermediate Opening Assembly SS Zark SingnGames SS Zark Songs The Reporter SnacknStory The Cottage CraftCorners Beaver Puppet Acting Up The Birthday Party Closing Assembly Island Adventure (1)
Junior
Adult
Opening Assembly SS Zark The Reporter
Opening Assembly SS Zark Our Church
CraftCorners Prayer Wheel SnacknStory The Cottage Acting Up The Birthday Party SingnGames SS Zark Songs Closing Assembly Island Adventure (1)
Parenting
The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
Video continued Discussion Closing Assembly Island Adventure (1)
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1-1 Opening Assembly All Groups The SS Zark drama Cast:
8 speaking parts and crowd scene
Uses a great deal of miming out action in the songs and also in the words. Sound and lighting: Standard Costumes:
Standard, actors might wear a costume, a headband or decoration to show which animal they are
Script As drama opens, Zarky is miming that s/he is in the water, gently bobbing from side to side, arms outstretched. Zarky:
Mmm, ahhhh, what a lovely day to be a boat! Sun shining down, just a light breeze blowing across the water to keep me cool. Mmmmmm!
pause, looks up, then slowly down to shoulder as “bird lands on shoulder” Zarky:
Hi, Mrs. Sea Gull, looking fine today!
Zarky “notices the audience”, reacts Zarky:
Zarky, sings:
Sorry, didn’t see you there! I’m the good ship SS Zark. But all my friends just call me Zarky. You can too, if you’d like. Was just resting here at anchor, in the water. Thinking about how lovely the day is. Had a little rain shower little while ago. (takes deep breath) Mmmm, don’t you just love the smell of the fresh air after a rain! (points up in the sky) See way up there? See God’s promise up there in the sky. (pause) You don’t know about God’s promise? (points up in the sky) See, the rainbow? Way up there. All of the beautiful colors! Well, that rainbow is God’s promise. God promised there would never send a flood again, and . . . . . Hey, maybe I could sing this song and tell you all about the rainbow? Ok, listen up here! God sent a sign. It was a rainbow. He knew in time That we would understand. High in the sky His arc of promise His love for us
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Just keeps on flooding down. Go build an ark And make it sturdy It’s gonna be so Strong and so secure And make it big Just like God’s love is His love for us Just keeps on flooding down God’s love for all Be sure they know Him Be sure they know His awesome strength and care So when they need Someone to hold them They see his love Just keeps on flooding down
Zarky:
You look confused. Don’t understand? You don’t know about the flood? The ark? You don’t? Hey, well look here, why don’t I maybe tell you the story, it’s right from the Bible you know! (looks into audience, puzzled) How do I know the story, you ask? Well, it just so happens, (proudly) it was my grand, grand, grand, grand, grand, (pause), well, I’m not too sure just how many “grands’ back, but way back there, long time ago, an ancestor of mine, was the center of the story. See, long, long time ago, there was this guy named Noah. He was in the Bible, and everything. ‘Cause, see, Noah was a really good man, and he obeyed God, just the same as we need to do. Well, there was a lot of people doing very bad things, and God, he looked down and thought, I’m gonna destroy the earth and everything I’ve made, and then I’ll just start all over again. But then, God remembered about Noah and Noah’s family, and He thought, well, I can’t just go and destroy that family, they are very good people. So God talked to Noah and He explained how He was going to make the rain come and cover the whole world, and destroy everything. But God told Noah that He would protect Noah and his whole family. God told Noah to build a great big . . wait, lets let them tell their own story . .
Noah:
Dear wife, family. I have some news. I have been talking to God today.
Wife:
That’s nice, Noah. I’m so proud of you! What did God have to say?
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Noah:
God wants us to build a big boat. It is going to be made out of cypress wood, and it will be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high.
Shem:
Well, that sounds good Dad, but, have you noticed, we don’t have any lakes around here, not even good size puddles, come to think of it.
Japheth:
Shem is right, Dad. Besides, we’ve never built a boat before, and we don’t have any cypress trees within, woooohoooo, long ways from here..
Ham:
And, Dad, I wonder if this is wise, you starting to build such a large boat at your age, I mean, you’re 600 years old Pop.
Wife:
You know, dear, what your family have said actually makes sense. Think you should pass on this one?
Noah:
Nope. God said. And besides, it’s our only hope. God told me he’s sending a flood.
Wife:
A flood?
Noah:
Yep. God plans to destroy the whole world and everything that’s on it.
Wife:
You mean, like all animals?
Noah:
Yep!
Wife:
And reptiles?
Noah:
That’s what He said.
Wife:
But not people!
Noah:
People are gonna be destroyed too!
Wife:
Whatever shall we do?
Noah:
Not a problem! Like I said, God has plan.
Shem:
This wouldn’t be about the boat again would it?
Noah:
Yep, the zark.
Japheth:
“Zark”? You want to call the boat a “zark”? Wherever did you come up with that name??
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Noah:
Not me, God. God said to me, “We’ll call it ‘Noah Zark”.
Ham:
Noah Zark, huh? (thinks) Wait, dad. Sure God didn’t say, “Noah’s Ark”?
Noah:
Nope, don’t think so. Think it was “Noah Zark”.
Wife:
Remember, dear, you’re hearing’s not what it used to be.
Noah:
Give me a break, I’m 600 years old, you guys think your hearing will be 20/20 when you are 600? But, fact is, the name sticks.
Japheth:
Any other instructions from God?
Noah:
Pitch inside and out.
Shem:
That’s a sticky mess, but should keep the Zark from sinking.
Noah:
And then, there’s the three decks: lower, middle and upper.
Wife:
Seems like a lot of room just for our family.
Noah:
Actually we will be having a few others.
Wife:
Friends of ours?
Noah:
Animals actually.
Wife:
You have no right to talk about my family that way.
Noah:
No, I mean, animals. God told me to take two of every species of animals. Seven actually if they are clean. But only two if they’re unclean.
Wife:
So we’re gonna take dirty animals on our cruise?
Noah:
Just hafta make sure nothing gets left.
Aaron and Priscilla come on stage Noah:
Hi neighbor, how are you Aaron. You too Priscilla. Long time no see. How’s married life treating you?
Aaron:
Excellent, Noah, thanks for asking. Hope we aren’t disturbing anything here.
Priscilla:
Yes, I see you have your whole family here. Family conference?
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Shem:
Yes, actually Dad has been talking to God again. We are supposed to build a zark.
Aaron:
A zark? Would that be anything like the machine you made to keep track of your family finances, Noah.
Ham:
No, that was Pop’s computer. We will get that perfected soon, just a few bugs to work out.
Priscilla:
So, back to the zark. What is a zark, and why should anybody want one?
Jepheth:
Better than getting destroyed by the flood.
Aaron:
Jepheth, maybe you didn’t notice. We live in the middle of the desert. We haven’t had a flood since . . . . . well, since . . . . never, actually.
Noah:
No matter. God said He’s sending a flood. We have to build the zark, round up at least two of every kind of animal, enough food for them and us for a year.
Priscilla:
You plan to have animals on the zark with you. Don’t you think that could be a little . . . .
Ham:
God’s insisting. At least two of every animal.
Aaron:
Sure you didn’t misunderstand what God said? I mean, you aren’t getting any younger, Noah . . . . . . . .
Noah:
What’s this about my hearing all of a sudden?
Shem:
No, we figure that God’s message was very clear. (pause) We aren’t real sure of the name, zark, but that’s a minor point anyway.
Jepheth:
Figure you guys should get a zark too? We could likely go together, buy lumber and pitch, likely get them wholesale.
Aaron:
Tempting though it is to spend a year on a boat with hundreds of animals . . . . . I’ll say we will have to pass on this one.
Ham:
Change your mind, you just let us know, OK? Say, mind if we use your back yard for a while. This sucker is gonna be big. Maybe don’t plan anything in your front yard either. We need somewhere to saw the cypress trees.
Priscilla:
Listen dear, I think I hear your mother calling, ya, ya that’s it. We should get going. Hope you guys have a blast building your . . . . .
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Noah:
Zark! It’s a zark I tell you. Heard it with my own . .. . anyone see my glasses?
Aaron and Priscilla leave Noah:
OK, you guys go out and start rounding up the animals. Time you get back the zark should be finished.
Ham:
OK, Pop. We will try to be back as soon as possible, even sooner.
All actors march around singing, then all except Noah leave out through audience and out back doors: Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! I’ve got some work for you! Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! There’s so much to do! Get pitch, and get lumber! Hammer, nails and glue. Now hurry, please hurry There’s so much to do! Find ducks and find camels! Two of every kind. Find skunks and find horses! No one left behind. It’s rainin’! It’s rainin’! Whole world’s getting’ wet! It’s rainin’! It’s pourin’! And it’s gonna get worse yet. It’s raining and it’s pouring And it’s gonna get worse yet! VBS Leader: Hello boys and girls and families! We are so pleased to have all of you with us for this week. We are here to celebrate the SS Zark, and to learn and to have fun. Before we get started we want to let you know some of what will be happening this week. Each (morning/afternoon/evening) when we get together our friend Captain Noah here will be telling us about one of the animals he is bringing on the ark for the day. And we will be learning more about that animal, and learn how God has made him just right, to live in his surroundings. God’s creatures live in our “Treasure Chest” right behind me here. I am excited to see who the creature will be that Captain Noah is The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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bringing for us today. We will be having “SnacknStory”, when we get a snack to keep us happy and healthy, but also we will be hearing some awesome stories. Most of your time will be spent in small groups with others of your own age. We will be singing songs in a time we call, “SingnGames”, I think you will like that, I’m looking forward to it as well. Our CraftCorners time is when you will get to make a craft that has to do with the animal we are talking about that day. CraftCorners is fun! We will be learning Bible verses this week, and every one of you will become a MemoryMaster, and will get a certificate to prove it. And then we will be doing fun things like Mime, see our friend, Muriel the Mime is here to show us how to become a mime. Plus we will have games and stories and fun! OK, we want to get started right now, but first, a word for the adults who are here. You are invited back for the Closing Assembly at (time) on Friday when your children will show the skills and ideas they have learned during the week. Now, here is our Adult Coordinator, (name). Adult Coordinator: Hi, my name is (name) and I am looking forward to hosting the adults this week. We want this week to be an interesting and a restful time for you as well as your children during VBS. We invite you to stay when you bring your children here. We hope you will be able to come every day, but if this isn’t possible, you are welcome to come as many days as you are able. We have refreshments, videos, and discussion groups especially for you each day in Room (name or number of room and general location), I am going to lead you adults there now. So, adults, come along with me, your children are in good hands. At this point the Leader will make any relevant instructions to the children. VBS Leader: And now, I would like everyone to stand right where you are as we do some warm-ups. Do you know what warm-ups are? leave time for some children to answer
VBS Leader: Warm-ups aren’t necessarily just for getting ready to play games or do hard work. Let’s do a special kind of warm-up right now. Reach up as high as you can! Feel yourself stretching in your fingers, your shoulders, your back, and your legs. Reach as far as you can. Next, relax your fingertips, and then your fingers, letting them fall towards the floor. Now, continue the relaxation down your whole body...wrists, elbows, head, neck, upper back, middle of the back, lower back. Now bend your knees and let yourself hang there -- totally relaxed, kind of like a rag doll. Bounce a little bit and let your body flop. The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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We are warming up our bodies so they are ready to work and play. Did you know that prayer is a lot like stretching? Prayer gets us ready to work and play in life. So let’s use some prayer stretching right now! Pray with me please. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to be here today. Stretch us, help us grow today and all through this week. And also give all of us a fun time! Thank you God, Amen! Let's stretch again and reach for the stars! Feel how tense your muscles are? O.K. Just relax. Sometimes, life is hard and we are afraid, or we worry or cry. When we feel this way we should pray to God. God helps us relax. Now just as we did before, relax your fingertips, then your fingers, your wrists, elbows, head, neck, back, and finally bend your knees. Bounce around again and now stand up. There are also times in life when things are easy going. We are relaxed. At these times, we should pray to God as well. Let’s pray a relaxing prayer now. Father God, we ask that you take the next days and give us pleasure and relaxation as we learn more about you. Amen. In order to get warmed up to work and play with our bodies, we must stretch (leader leads in stretching exercise) and be loose (leader leads in Rag-Doll relaxation exercise). To be ready and warmed-up for life, we must be in prayer to God when life is tense (lead in stretching) and when life is loose (lead in Rag-Doll relaxation.) With God by our side, we are ready for whatever life has for us! Now then, don’t you feel more relaxed? Noah comes on stage VBS Leader: Do you see who is back? Captain Noah! Each day at this time Captain Noah will introduce an animal from his ark. Can you tell us who your animal friend is for today Captain Noah? Noah:
Today we have a special friend. His name is Benny. Can you help me call Benny? Benny is a little shy. You help me call him.
all children join in calling Benny.
Noah:
You wait here. I will go look in the “Treasure Chest”, maybe Benny is in there. Can you help me lift the lid of the Treasure Chest? Pretend you are holding the rope, just like I am, then pull really hard!
Noah pulls on rope while all others on stage mime pulling on ropes, strain hard. Lid slowly raises, sound effects of hinges squeaking would be useful. As lid opens a cloth with a picture of the creature’s home, (in this case the Beaver lodge), is attached to the The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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underside of the lid, so when the lid is fully open the lodge is clearly visible. Noah goes around the back, inside the Treasure Chest, it looks as though he is entering the creature’s home to find him. Have clothing and materials appear over the top of the chest wall, indicating Noah is searching for the creature. Finally Noah shouts out: Noah:
Here he is, I found Benny the Beaver! Come on out Benny!
Noah and Benny the Beaver come out from behind the Treasure Chest. Benny comes very slowly, carefully from behind the chest. Benny wears a complete or partial costume, you might just have a headpiece with large teeth and a big flat tail. If a headpiece is not possible you may just draw whiskers on the person and obtain “buckteeth” from a novelty store. Benny, tentatively: Helllloooo, oh my, there are so many people here today! I think I might be shy, or maybe even frightened! Noah:
Yes, but all these boys and girls are very friendly. I’m sure you are going to enjoy being with them today. This is Benny the Beaver, he lives in the pond out in the country. Can you help us welcome Benny please?
All:
Welcome Benny!
VBS (or music) Leader: Guess what, we even have a song all about Benny. It’s a rap song with a swing, do you guys know rap? Goes like this: 1 clap 2 clap 3 clap 4 clap 1 clap 2 clap 3 clap 4 clap OK, got it? We can do the beat by stomping foot and slapping thigh, like this: Stomp, slap, stomp, slap, stomp, slap, stomp, slap. Would you like to learn this new song? The words are here on the screen, (or chalk board), can you sing along with us please? Ben-ny is our friend He’s faithful to the end We’ve got Benny with us to-day We’re gon-na learn to sing and to pray Cause Ben-ny wants to learn about Je-sus to day. Got it? One more time, OK? Ben-ny is our friend He’s faithful to the end We’ve got Ben-ny with us to-day We’re gon-na learn to sing and to pray Cause Ben-ny wants to learn about Je-sus to day. The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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OK, now then we want to add some actions. Have you noticed Benny’s big front teeth? His teeth are used to chop down great big trees. And how about Benny’s long flat tail. Benny uses his tail to slap against the water to warn all the other beavers when danger approaches. So we are going to pretend that we have nice big front teeth and a large flat tail just like Benny. leader demonstrates teeth over lower lip, then slap hips, still in rap timing. Have fun with this, mime swimming, walk in tight circle, do as often as you want, alter beat, change words. Fuff Fuff Fuff Fuffa Fuff Fuff Fuff Fuffa Slap, slap, slap, slap Slap, slap, slap, slap VBS Leader: Wasn’t that fun? We will be having songs like that all week long. But right now it’s time to move to our separate groups. establish with all children what constitutes a grade, is it the grade they were in last year or the grade they will be going into this fall. Ensure that all are aware of the method used for identifying age groups. Also you will likely find that friends may be about the same age but in different grades. Don’t be slavish to the thought of exact grade breakdown, make a decision which will best enhance the experience for the children. VBS Leader: The leader for our Primary group, that’s all of you up to Grade 2, is (name of Primary Leader), and s/he will take you right now to your fun room. All of you up to Grade 2 go along with her/him now. Primary leader takes Primary class out VBS Leader: Now the Intermediate group are lead by (name of Intermediate leader), please all Grade 3 and 4 children follow her out right now. Intermediate leader takes Intermediate class out VBS Leader: And now our Junior group will go, (or stay here in this room – see below), to their next activity with their leader, (name of leader). Since the next activity for the Junior group is Bible study you may want to have them stay in the large activity room where the Opening Assembly was held. This room will be most likely to have projectors, chalk boards and other equipment useful for this class. It also saves moving this group about the building. You may chose to use either the “Homeroom Model”, (where groups remain in their own room or area throughout the day, and Activity leaders come to the room to conduct The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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activities), or the “Activity Center Model”, (where each room or area is designated for an activity, example Music Room, Craft Room, etc., and children come to the specified room for activities). Either is very workable however it is obviously easier to move one or two leaders from room to room than it is to move many children. Where large instruments such as pianos, or many inputs such as craft supplies are required, it will likely be more advisable to move the children. You will likely use a combination of the two models, designating a Crafts Room at least. The use of a tape for music, rather than a piano, will allow the Music Leader to travel more easily from room to room. All routes where children are moved to and from various activity rooms need to be very familiar to leaders and assistants, and should be clearly marked. Activity centers should also be well marked, (a picture will be useful for those who can’t yet read). Make it clear when the signal is given to move from one room to another that children know what is expected, and that they need to be prompt in following instructions so the timetable can be followed. Give a five minute warning prior to the end of each activity so children can start preparing to finish their project or activity It is useful and advantageous to use a color-coding for each group, and to provide name tags, buttons or armbands in the color of the group, (Red for Primary, Yellow for Intermediate, Green for Junior, or as desired). Bins or secure locations where the children can leave belongings such as backpacks should be set up. When each class is taken to their classroom the leaders must review the necessary orientation information as to bathroom location, rules that must be followed, who to go to if there are any questions or if a child is lost or sick. Check with your church re need for fire drills, security arrangements to prevent children from wandering outside the building, need for security guards and floor/area monitor personnel. There needs to be a discussion re who is authorized to pick up a child, in some areas or situations there may be need for parent ID.
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Information about beaver In order to properly answer questions or make up specific exercises, the following information may be useful. Note that for this first creature we have prepared quite a lot of information, (mainly form a search on the Internet), simply as a guide of what can be assembled. For future days we leave this up to leaders to provide the information.
Attributes: • eager • resourceful • hard-working • energetic • monogamous • lives in supportive colonies • creates ponds for ducks and other animals and birds • build their homes on the firm foundation of the lake bottom • teeth are constantly growing so if the beaver stops using them his teeth will become so large that he won’t be able to close his mouth and he will die of starvation • young are called kits Characteristics They are large rodents; the average adult beaver weighs about 16 kg (about 35 lb), but specimens as heavy as 40 kg (90 lb) have been found. The beaver is usually about 76 cm (about 30 in) long and stands less than 30 cm (12 in) high. The broad, flat, scaly tail is about 25 cm (about 10 in) long and serves as a warning signal when slapped against the water, as a support when the beaver is standing on its hind legs, and as a rudder while swimming. The body is plump, the back arched, the neck thick, the hind feet webbed, and all the digits clawed. The fur is usually reddish-brown above and lighter or grayish below. The eyes are small and the nostrils closable. The two front teeth on either jaw are like those of other rodents, wearing away more rapidly behind so as to leave a sharp, enameled chisel edge to cut down large trees. It usually selects trees 5 to 20 cm (2 to 8 in) in diameter, but it can fell trees as large as 76 cm (30 in). The animals tend to be monogamous and may live 20 years or more. The female has one litter a year, usually of two to four young.
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The Lodge The home, or beaver lodge, is a unique structure. It consists of a central chamber, with its floor a little above the level of the water, and with two entrances. One of these, the "wood entrance," is a straight incline rising from the water, opening into the floor of the hut. The other approach, the "beaver entrance," is more abrupt in its descent to the water. The lodge itself is an beehive-shaped house of sticks, grass, and moss, woven together and plastered with mud, increasing gradually in size with year after year of repair and elaboration. The room inside may measure 2.4 m (8 ft) wide and up to 1 m (3 ft) high. The floor is carpeted with bark, grass, and wood chips, sometimes with special storerooms adjoining. The Dam The dams built by beavers to widen the area and increase the depth of water around their homes are constructed either of trees, mud, brushwood, and stones. As time goes by the beaver repairs and adds to the dam. Floating material lodges there, and vegetation growing on the top adds its roots to the strength of the dam. Frequently the beaver builds a smaller dam downstream in order to back up some water against the original dam and thus decrease the pressure of water on it from the other side. The dams are about 1.5 m (about 5 ft) high, usually more than 3 m (10 ft) wide at the base, and narrow at the top. A beaver dam more than 300 m (1000 ft) long was found in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Beaver ponds attract fish, ducks, and other animals. Although the dams cause local flooding, they also help control runoff and reduce flooding downstream. The ponds eventually fill with sediment, and the animals move to a new location. The abandoned area becomes good meadowland. The beaver has difficulty dragging trees and branches it needs for building and for food so they often dig canals, often up to 1 m (3 ft) wide and deep and a few hundred meters long, from the pond to a grove of trees. This lets the beaver float the trees down the canal toward the pond. The beaver's fur is virtually waterproof, providing protection and buoyancy in the water. The beaver has well-developed senses of smell and hearing, and its nose and ears have valves which close tightly under water. There is also a valve in its mouth behind the incisor teeth, which allows the beaver to gnaw while underwater. The beaver has the capability to remain underwater for nearly 20 minutes. Despite the large front teeth of the beaver, these animals are herbivores, meaning they eat plants only. Most commonly they eat the bark of certain hardwoods such as poplar, aspen, birch, cherry, willow, maple and alder. Aspen and pond weeds are their favorite natural foods. "Domesticated" beaver that have been raised by humans have been known to eat a number of fruits such as apples. These incisors never stop growing, so the beaver has to chew or grind its teeth continually to keep them ground down to a manageable length. If a beaver breaks a tooth or otherwise distorts its bite, the incisors elongate, force open the mouth permanently and cause the animal to starve.
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Session 1-2 Primary Acting Up (Note: also look at the Acting Up outline for other age groups as there may be opportunity to make use of this material as well). In this session the class will learn some basic miming techniques using the beaver as a model, and the children will then draw, (or color), a picture of Benny. Benny the Beaver will be with this group for this session. Benny comes into class and tells the children something about beavers, (keep it simple). Explain how God has given the beaver things that make him successful and strong in his environment. Benny:
It is so good to be with you today. I want to tell you a little bit about me, and how God made me just exactly the way that would be best. Did you know what young beavers are called?
allow some children to make suggestions Well, young beavers are called “kits”. No, not “kids”. K I T S. Kind of like “kittens”, “kits”. And something else about me, see my big front teeth? Now some people might say that they are too big, and even might say they look funny, but that isn’t true at all. My teeth are very big and very sharp so I can use them to cut down trees and tree branches. Us beavers use the trees to build our houses, my house is called a lodge and my family live there, just like you live in your house with your family. Oh, and see my big flat tail? When I was little I used to think how nice it would be to have a cute little fluffy tail, like a rabbit. But my mom explained to me that my tail was perfect for what I needed to do as a beaver. My mom took me out swimming and she showed me how I can use my tail to turn and go a different direction when swimming. And I thought, if I had a fluffy, cute little bunny tail it would get all wet in the water, and besides, it wouldn’t help me swim in the right direction. God is kind of like that isn’t He? He gives us things and people to help us go in the right direction. Like he gives me my tail. And God gave you your parents and your family and even the people in this church, and here at Vacation Bible School. He also gives you the Bible so you can learn about the things you should do to keep you going in the right direction in life. One day my dad took me out on shore and showed me how I can use my teeth to cut down a tree. I was just little so dad showed me a small tree to The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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cut down, but someday when I grow up I will cut down big, big trees, just like my dad! When we were cutting down our trees dad showed me how I could stand strong on my back legs by using my tail to give me balance. Guess a cute little bunny tail wouldn’t help keep me standing straight, would it? Also, my tail is very large and flat so when I am swimming and I see danger coming I can strike my tail very hard on the water and it makes a really loud sound which all the other beaver can hear. This warns all my beaver friends to be careful. I just thought of something. Can you slap your tail and make a loud noise? Oh, sorry, you don’t have a tail do you? That’s cause you have a very loud voice and you can yell out really loud if there is danger, or see something frightening that could hurt you or someone else. God looks after you that way, just as God looks after me. Like I said, God makes all of us just exactly the way we need to be. But would you like to pretend that you were a beaver? Here, stand up and do what I do. Benny and leaders mime a beaver doing the things which beavers do: standing on hind legs, “biting” a tree while holding on to the tree with front feet; swimming around while wiggling body as animal would do while swimming. Leader:
Wasn’t that interesting and fun? Now we have a song to sing about beavers. A beaver, a beaver, I want to act like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to swim and play. A beaver, a beaver, I want to work like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to chop a tree. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for his creatures. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for me.
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Session 1-2 Intermediate SingnGames In this session the class will learn more about the beaver and sing songs, which they will be encouraged to act out. Explain to the children that singing is an excellent way of learning new ideas, and that all week we will be reviewing the songs we have learned and everyday we will be adding a new song as well. Sing:
God sent a sign. It was a rainbow. He knew in time That we would understand. High in the sky His arc of promise His love for us Just keeps on flooding down. Go build an ark And make it sturdy It’s gonna be so Strong and so secure And make it big Just like God’s love is His love for us Just keeps on flooding down God’s love for all Be sure they know Him Be sure they know His awesome strength and care So when they need Someone to hold them They see his love Just keeps on flooding down
Songs are so much more meaningful when you can not only listen but also watch what is going on in the “song-story”. Let’s sing that song again, but this time lets “mime” some actions along with the song. We need to think about the words and how we could tell the story with our bodies. Let’s try the first line of that song again. God sent a sign.
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What does that line talk about? First there is God. (ask question) What could we do to show people we are talking about God? If no answer say, well, we always say God is “up in heaven”. So if we were to look upward and point up with our right hand index finger while we sing the word, “God”. Let’s try singing that line again, this time while pointing up. God sent a sign. There are many other gestures we could make as well, but let’s just leave it at that for now, and move on to the next line, what was it again? It was a rainbow. A rainbow, tell me about a rainbow, where do we see it and how big is it? (Try to get the children to appreciate it goes all the way across the sky, from one side to the other). If I were to take my hands, fingers together, and hold them high above my head, then open my fingers to show width, and slowly move my hands down to shoulder height, this would show that the rainbow goes right from the top of the sky and down to the horizon on each side. Let’s try that, with actions. It was a rainbow. You are doing really well! The next line is: He knew in time He is God so we can point up just as we did in the first line, then when we sing the word “knew”, we can take both index fingers and point to our temples, here at the sides of our head, to show think or know. For time we can point at wrist, indicating “time”. Let’s try it with the actions now. He knew in time Excellent! Now the next line is: That we would understand. The word “we” can be mimed in many ways, this time we will mime it by holding hands palm up in front of shoulders, moving them to touch shoulders. For understand use same motion as for “knew” in line above. Now sing that line again, with actions: That we would understand. Isn’t this going well? Now the next line: The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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High in the sky Hold both hands high above your head, index fingers pointed up. Try it: High in the sky And next indicate the rainbow by taking your hands, fingers together, and hold them high above your head, then open your fingers to show width, and slowly move your hands down to shoulder height, as we did earlier, when we sing: His arc of promise Remember that “His” is indicated by looking up and by pointing up with your right index finger, love by cupping hands over your heart, and “us” by holding hands palm up in front of shoulders, moving them to touch shoulders. Try it: His love for us Now with elbows bent and palms down, rotate hands back and forth, moving hands downward, indicating a softly falling rain. Just keeps on flooding down. Very good! Did you know that what you just did was the start of something called “Human Video”, that is, miming to songs. By the end of the week we will have this whole song set to Human Video. Now let’s sing the rest of this song and you can be thinking about how you might mime some of the words in the next verses when we work at them in the next days. Go build an ark And make it sturdy It’s gonna be so Strong and so secure And make it big Just like God’s love is His love for us Just keeps on flooding down God’s love for all Be sure they know Him Be sure they know His awesome strength and care So when they need Someone to hold them They see his love The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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Just keeps on flooding down Excellent! Now let’s have some fun with, “Hey, Noah!” Let’s march around as we sing this fun song. Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! I’ve got some work for you! Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! There’s so much to do! Get pitch, and get lumber! Hammer, nails and glue. Now hurry, please hurry There’s so much to do! Find ducks and find camels! Two of every kind. Find skunks and find horses! No one left behind. It’s rainin’! It’s rainin’! Whole world’s getting’ wet! It’s rainin’! It’s pourin’! And it’s gonna get worse yet. Now then, another fun song, this one about our friend, Benny the Beaver. Leaders mime a beaver doing the things which beavers do: standing on hind legs, “biting” a tree while holding on to the tree with front feet; swimming around while wiggling body as animal would do while swimming. A beaver, a beaver, I want to act like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to swim and play. A beaver, a beaver, I want to work like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to chop a tree. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for his creatures. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for me.
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Session 1-2 Junior The Reporter (Bible Study) The Bible Times Investigative Reporter For this activity the class will, (dependant on class size), break into small groups and study a person from the Bible, based on some attribute of the creature of the day. The group will settle on an attribute and look for someone in the Bible who displays this attribute, or some happening in the Bible which best fleshes this out. The children will then make notes about this person or situation. One person will be appointed the Bible character and another will be the reporter who interviews that person. The following day another person or happening will be chosen based on some attribute of the creature of that day, and different children will be the character and reporter. In the investigation process all children will assist the reporter in what questions should be asked to best bring the attribute out. Urge the groups to use questions which require more than a “yes” or “no” answer. Also ask questions which will require the character to describe their emotions and feelings: “How did you, as a Roman soldier, feel as you watched Jesus being crucified?” Selected groups will present their interview in the Friday evening session. For the first day we have given a lot of information and several good options for the children to use. For subsequent days it will be up to the children, guided by the leaders, to search and identify their own Bible character or happening to use in their situation. In this session the class will investigate Bible passages which remind them of some of the attributes of the beaver. Leader:
(first open in prayer) What is today’s special animal?
allow someone to answer Leader:
That’s right! A beaver. Can you tell me anything about the beaver, some of his characteristics? We are going to create our “The Reporter” assignment based on one of the following characteristics.
The following are some of the attributes you might expect to surface during the conversation, and some Bible passages which could be used. Note that this being the first day, you may have to work harder to get input, and also must have lots of alternative possibilities. • eager, as in “eager beaver” Psalms 145:7 They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. Isaiah 8:17 The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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And I will wait for the LORD who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob; I will even look eagerly for Him. Acts 17:11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Romans 1:15 So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Romans 8:23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 1 Corinthians 1:7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 2:10 They only asked us to remember the poor--the very thing I also was eager to do. Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 1 Thessalonians 2:17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while--in person, not in spirit--were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. Hebrews 9:28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. •
diligent Deuteronomy 6:7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 6:17 "You should diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and His testimonies and His statutes which He has commanded you. Deuteronomy 28:1 "Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. Psalms 119:4 You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. Proverbs 8:17
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"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, •
build their homes on the firm foundation of the lake bottom Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed. Luke 6:48-49 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.
We suggest that you use as Bible verse:
Luke 6:48-49
Investigate the many pressures there are on the beaver lodge: • the wind • the water slapping up against the lodge, and the rotting which happens in wet, cool locations • varying water level may sometimes flood the lodge or leave it on dry ground, (the beaver dam is designed to ensure that the water level stays relatively constant). • in the winter time ice can damage the lodge. If the lodge is not very firmly anchored to the bottom of the pond the movement and lifting of the ice can cause the lodge to be lifted off its moorings at the bottom of the pond. Note the things mentioned above, wind, ice, natural forces, are not necessarilybad things. But these things can create problems for the beaver and their house. Invite input from the class, discussion on how our individual lives, and our homes, are very similar to the beaver lodge. Unless we are building our lives and our homes on something very solid the natural happenings of life will erode our life and our home. Do all you can to encourage input but know when to give up and answer your own question. Ask: What are some of the natural and good happenings in our lives which can cause problems? • jobs • friends • hobbies The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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As well, there are the unpleasant, bad things that impact on the beaver and his house. What are some of these? • predators such as mink, fox • humans who hunt the beaver for his pelt (fur) • disease • drought or flooding Ask: What are some of the unpleasant, bad things that happen in our lives? • disease • war • loss of employment • death • marriage/family breakdown • drug, alcohol dependency Ask: How does having a lodge firmly built and solidly moored help prevent or minimize any of the bad things that can happen to the beaver? • a solidly built lodge is very difficult for a predator to dig a hole through • a well designed lodge would have two underwater entrances allowing the beaver to escape if a predator came under water and entered the lodge • drought or flooding can be minimized by a well designed dam which the beaver build and keep maintained • hard work helps keep the beaver in good health, thus minimizing the effect of disease risks. The beaver must be constantly working, using his teeth or his teeth will grow so large that he will be able to eat at all, finally starving Ask: What about our bad things that can happen? How does a well grounded lifestyle and family help minimize these risks? • keeping fit and healthy • working hard at developing education and a career • working at maintaining good relationships with family and friends • a chemical free lifestyle • maintaining a Christian mindset and living according to Biblical directives • accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour gives us a firm foundation on which to build our lives Remember that you need to adapt terminology and themes according to the age and skills level of the group. However, avoid the tendency to talk down to the children, TV and modern lifestyles have made them incredibly able to accept significant thoughts. Bible Memorization: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. Luke 6:48-49 Have small handouts for each child with the memory verse on it. Close in prayer.
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Session 1-3 Primary SingnGames (Note: also check the “SingnGames” category in the other age groups as some of this material may be applicable for this age group as well). In this session the Primary class will learn more about the beaver and sing songs, which they will be encouraged to act out in a very basic manner. Explain to the children that singing is an excellent way of learning new ideas, and that all week we will be reviewing the songs we have learned and everyday we will be adding a new song as well. Leader:
Tape:
The first song we are going to hear is a very pretty song, all about God’s promise, His rainbow. Let’s just listen quietly as we hear this song. God sent a sign. It was a rainbow. He knew in time That we would understand. High in the sky His arc of promise His love for us Just keeps on flooding down. Go build an ark And make it sturdy It’s gonna be so Strong and so secure And make it big Just like God’s love is His love for us Just keeps on flooding down God’s love for all Be sure they know Him Be sure they know His awesome strength and care So when they need Someone to hold them They see his love Just keeps on flooding down
Leader:
Wasn’t that a nice song. Now let’s have some fun with, “Hey, Noah!” Let’s march around as we sing this fun song.
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Leader speaks the line just before it is to be sung so children will better understand the words. Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! I’ve got some work for you! Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! There’s so much to do! Get pitch, and get lumber! Hammer, nails and glue. Now hurry, please hurry There’s so much to do! Find ducks and find camels! Two of every kind. Find skunks and find horses! No one left behind. It’s rainin’! It’s rainin’! Whole world’s getting’ wet! It’s rainin’! It’s pourin’! And it’s gonna get worse yet. Leader:
Wasn’t that fun, let’s sing it again! Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! I’ve got some work for you! Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! There’s so much to do! Get pitch, and get lumber! Hammer, nails and glue. Now hurry, please hurry There’s so much to do! Find ducks and find camels! Two of every kind. Find skunks and find horses! No one left behind. It’s rainin’! It’s rainin’! Whole world’s getting’ wet! It’s rainin’! It’s pourin’! And it’s gonna get worse yet.
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Now then, another fun song, this one about our friend, Benny the Beaver. Leaders mime a beaver doing the things which beavers do: standing on hind legs, “biting” a tree while holding on to the tree with front feet; swimming around while wiggling body as animal would do while swimming, encourage children to act out this song. A beaver, a beaver, I want to act like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to swim and play. A beaver, a beaver, I want to work like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to chop a tree. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for his creatures. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for me. Leaders will take some time to discuss the songs and what they mean. If there is time you may want to sing through one or more song again. Remember that the little ones have been busy for roughly 90 minutes and will be getting tired, don’t push them.
Any suggestions for future updates to this program?
Send us a note to:
[email protected] or call us toll-free 1-877-DO-DRAMA (363-7262)
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Session 1-3 Intermediate The Reporter (Bible Study) The Bible Times Investigative Reporter For this activity the class will break into small groups and study a person from the Bible, based on some attribute of the creature of the day. The group will settle on an attribute and look for someone in the Bible who displays this attribute, or some happening in the Bible which best fleshes this out. The children will then make notes about this person or situation. One person will be appointed the Bible character and another will be the reporter who interviews that person. The following day another person or happening will be chosen based on some attribute of the creature of that day, and different children will be the character and reporter. In the investigation process all children will assist the reporter in what questions should be asked to best bring the attribute out. Urge the groups to use questions which require more than a “yes” or “no” answer. Also ask questions which will require the character to describe their emotions and feelings: “How did you, as a Roman soldier, feel as you watched Jesus being crucified?” Each group will present their interview on Friday evening, (or, depending on time available on Friday evening, only a few of these assignments may be used). For the first day we have given a lot of information and several good options for the children to use. For subsequent days it will be up to the children, guided by the leaders, to search and identify their own Bible character or happening to use in their situation. In this session the class will investigate Bible passages which remind them of some of the attributes of the beaver. Leader:
(first open in prayer) What is today’s special animal?
allow someone to answer Leader:
That’s right! A beaver. Can you tell me anything about the beaver, some of his characteristics? We are going to create our “The Reporter” assignment based on one of the following characteristics.
The following are some of the attributes you might expect to surface during the conversation, and some Bible passages which could be used. Note that this being the first day, you may have to work harder to get input, and also must have lots of alternative possibilities. Remember that the class will have somewhat less ability to reason through concepts, be careful not to overwhelm them. It is best, after a discussion, to zero in on the precise Bible verse you have in mind. •
build their homes on the firm foundation of the lake bottom Luke 6:48-49
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He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great. Suggested Bible verse:
Luke 6:48-49
Investigate the many pressures there are on the beaver lodge: • the wind • the water slapping up against the lodge, and the rotting which happens in wet, cool locations • the varying water level may sometimes flood the lodge or leave it on dry ground, (the beaver dam is designed to ensure that the water level stays relatively constant). • in the winter time ice can damage the lodge. If the lodge is not very firmly anchored to the bottom of the pond the movement and lifting of the ice can cause the lodge to be lifted off its moorings at the bottom of the pond. Note all of the things mentioned above, wind, ice, natural forces, are not necessarily bad things. But these things can create problems for the beaver and their house. Invite input from the class, discussion on how our individual lives, and our homes, are very similar to the beaver lodge. Unless we are building our lives and our homes on something very solid the natural happenings of life will erode our life and our home. Do all you can to encourage input but know when to give up and answer your own question. Ask: What are some of the natural and good happenings in our lives which can cause problems? • jobs • friends • hobbies As well, there are the unpleasant, bad things that impact on the beaver and his house. What are some of these? • predators such as mink, fox • humans who hunt the beaver for his pelt (fur) • disease • drought or flooding Ask: What are some of the unpleasant, bad things that happen in our lives? • disease • war • loss of employment • death • marriage/family breakdown • drug, alcohol dependency The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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Ask: How does having a lodge firmly built and solidly moored help prevent or minimize any of the bad things that can happen to the beaver? • a lodge moored solidly into the firm soil at the bottom of the lake will be less likely to be blown over by the wind, pushed over by ice or toppled by predators • a solidly built lodge is very difficult for a predator to dig a hole through • a well designed lodge would have two underwater entrances allowing the beaver to escape if a predator came under water and entered the lodge • drought or flooding can be minimized by a well designed dam which the beaver build and keep maintained • hard work helps keep the beaver in good health, thus minimizing the effect of disease risks. The beaver must be constantly working, using his teeth or his teeth will grow so large that he will be able to eat at all, finally starving Ask: What about our bad things that can happen? How does a well grounded lifestyle and family help minimize these risks? • keeping fit and healthy • working hard at developing education and a career • working at maintaining good relationships with family and friends • a chemical free lifestyle • maintaining a Christian mindset and living according to Biblical directives • accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour gives us something very solid on which to build our lives Remember that you need to adapt terminology and themes according to the age and skills level of the group. However, avoid the tendency to talk down to the children, TV and modern lifestyles have made them incredibly able to accept significant thoughts. Bible Memorization: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. Luke 6:48-49 Have small handouts for each child with the memory verse on it. Spend some time talking about pressure there are in school, especially for those who are Christians. Do the children know who they can go to when things go wrong? Close in prayer.
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Session 1-3 Junior CraftCorners
Prayer Wheel Give each person a white paper plate or a piece of paper cut into a circle. Have youth divide the paper plate into eight sections. In each of the sections have them write one of the following..
Praise Meditation The Word Listening Singing Confession Intercession Petition
: Psalms 52:9; 63:3 : Joshua 1:8 : Jeremiah 23:29 : Ecclesiastes 5:2 : Psalm 100:2 : Psalm 139:23 : I Timothy 2:1-2 : Matthew 7:7
You might then ask youth to name some things that could be included under each component of prayer. Have a prayer time which each youth taking a different area of prayer. You could do something similar by having a pizza or pie with eight slices and toothpicks with strips of paper attached for each component of prayer. Linking ideas 1. After making the wheel, have youth go through the passage in Daniel 9 and write verses from Daniel that go with each component of prayer. 2. Have youth go through the Lord's prayer or other common Biblical prayers and identify the various components of each prayer. 3. Write portions of various famous prayers from the Bible. Make a list of the authors of each prayer. Have youth match the prayers to their authors in addition to identifying various parts of the prayers.
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Session 1-4 All Groups SnacknStory Time Try to calm the children down during this period, encourage quiet talk and minimal movement in the area. Snack of the Day Today the snack is a “Beaver Lodge”. Start off by asking the blessing of the food. Storytime: THE COTTAGE by Carol J. Warren aka Bobo the Clown
[email protected]
The King lived in a small unassuming cottage at the foot of a large hill. At the top of the hill was a large luxurious castle with servants and soldiers but the King would not live there. Indeed he only used it for visiting dignitaries and occasional affairs of state. The King felt that if he lived in the castle high atop the hill he would be too far removed from his subjects. That he, like other kings he had seen, might forget that the people were not there to serve him and make him rich but rather he was there to serve the people and see to their needs on every level. If he lived up in the castle he would never see his subjects. How would he be able to tell what they were needing and what they were facing, or how best to meet those needs. So the King lived in the small cottage, cooking his own simple meals, doing his own few dishes. Always having refreshments ready should one of his subjects come by with a need or just wish to visit. He truly enjoyed their visits. When he wasn't helping his subjects with there problems he worked with his hands. Mainly carving in wood, a very intricate work. He believed that working with his hands taught him patience, and a good King should be patient. At night he would sit in his big over stuffed easy chair and read from the Big Book. His father had given it to him as a guide and though he knew it by heart, it was ever a comfort to him. He did not have soldiers or guards to watch the cottage while he slept at night. He didn't need to. He was loved by all. Well, by all of his subjects that is. There was one that hated the good king, the evil king that ruled the neighboring kingdom. He was nothing like the good king. He put heavy taxes on his subjects, and often put them in prison for the slightest thing. Many were tortured or put to death for no apparent reason. They were after all there for him to do with as he pleased, wretched lot that they were. He intended to be rich and powerful, not loved. He often lied to the people, promising reforms or pretending to act like the good king to win there loyalties until he could obtain their possessions, or trap them. He knew the whole ungrateful lot would leave his country for the good kings country if they knew the truth. It was a constant battle to keep them from sneaking across the boarders or running away. But the people The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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were so afraid, only a few tried and even fewer succeeded. The evil king learned early on that the good king actually cared about his subjects, a sure sign of weakness. So though the evil king could never get close enough to hurt the good king, and his subjects were too downtrodden to wage war, he could however, hurt the king deeply by deceiving his subjects. He often sent messengers from his country with lies and tricks. All too often the goods kings subjects would be seriously hurt or follow them back only to find prison and torture as their reward. One day there was a dirty ragged little girl. She was about 6 years old. She wore ragged torn clothes and smudged scarf around her head. She had big round eyes and was much to small for her age. Her mother was trying to smuggle her out of the evil kingdom in a cart of hay. Her mother told her that it was too late for her to leave, she was already dying but she would see to it that her daughter made it to the good kingdom and once there someone would take her in. Then she would have a good life. It was all for the best she said. But the little girl was frightened. She clung to her mother until the last minute and peering through the hay watched her until she could see her no more. Once inside the good kingdom she slipped off the cart and headed for town. It was all so beautiful and bright. Lovely homes, trees, and gardens. Everyone was so neat and clean, looking well fed in their beautiful clothes. She felt more out of place than ever with her shabby appearance. She remembered her mothers directions saying, someone will take you in. She was hungry and frightened but willing to try. She walked up to the first house. A large expensive house. When the lady answered the door she noticed what looked to her like a king's banquet table laden with good food. The woman looked at her with a scowl. She was too frightened to speak so she simply held out her hand, looking at the lady with those big sad eyes. The lady, looking out the edge of her door, seemed to be speaking to her neighbors and not to the little girl at all. "Oh my a poor hungry little girl. Why of course I will help you. I would never turn anyone away hungry, kind soul that I am." She fairly shouted over the girls head. And, with that she went inside. Not to the lovely table laden with food but to a cupboard where she had saved some dried bread crumbs for the birds. She brought a handful of the stale bread putting it in the girls outstretched hands. Then harshly pushed the girl down the walk as she again spoke over her to anyone that might be listening. "What a blessing it is to be able to bless others," and with that she turned and quickly shut the door. She wasn't worried about the little girl. I mean after all everyone knew that it was up to them to leave the evil kingdom and come to the good kingdom. Once they come into the good kingdom everything would be fine. It was simply a matter of time. They all had trouble adjusting at first. The little girl ate the few crumbs but was still very hungry. Not far down the street she saw a sweet little house with a little old lady working in her flower bed. She walked over to the old woman and held out her hand. The little old lady looked at the little girl much disturbed. "There was a day," said the little old lady in whinny voice, "that I would have been glad to help. But now of course now I am just too old to take someone in. I just get by myself as it is." "You just be glad your young." She said, "You just don't know how lonely it gets when your all by yourself, no one ever bothers to visit. No one has time for a old woman any more..." She was still talking as the little girl sadly walked away. She had wanted to tell her that she wouldn't eat much. She could sleep on the rug by her The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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chair. Perhaps she could keep her company and then she wouldn't be so lonely. But she was much to fearful to say anything, so she just walked away. The next house seemed to be in a turmoil. She went to the door but it opened before she could knock. The lady was in such a hurry she almost ran right over her. The woman did not seem to appreciate the interruption, so again the little girl didn't speak, she just held out her hand. The woman spoke so hurriedly she was hard to understand. "Well I would like to help but I'm just too busy. I don't know how they expect one person to do everything. But does anyone else ever volunteer. Well of course not. If I don't do it, it simply wont get done." She sighed wistfully, " I wish I had someone to help. But no use worrying about that, because that will never happen." And with that she pushed the little girl aside and rushed off. She wasn't worried about the little girl, she knew she'd be OK. As long as she's in the kingdom she'll be fine. The little girl wanted to say that she could go with her, perhaps she could even help in small ways. But the woman was gone before she could speak. So she just walked away. By now she hadn't eaten in along time and was not only weak but seemed to be getting sick. She made her way to the next house but in her heart she wished she could just go home. As bad as things were at least there was some food and her mother loved her. As pretty as things were here it wasn't home. Everyone seemed nice an polite but no one really wanted to keep her. She just didn't belong. She saw a gruff looking man building a wall. He looked strong and tall surely he would help. She walked up to him and held out her hand, tilting her head back to peek up at him shyly from under her scarf. "Humph" grunted the man, "The best thing I can do for you is to tell you how it really is around here. Stab you in the back they will." He said picking up another rock for his wall. "They pretend to be your friends, but do they care, not in the least." He said turning to glare at her. "They talk nice to your face but you should hear what they say when your not around. Try to give a little constructive criticism, but do they listen. They aren't worth the powder to blow them up, the lot of them. That's why I'm building this protective wall." He was still growling and muttering as she walked away. To the little girl it looked more like he was fencing himself in instead of fencing others out. He was so full of bitterness, and un-forgiveness he couldn't even help himself. By now she was too weak to walk farther. Finally she passed out, laying in a crumpled heap by the side of the road. The good King had been watching. He was waiting, hoping one of His servants would take her in, but no one would. It happened all too often. Some poor little one would escape the evil kingdom only to come to the good kingdom and starve to death because no one would take them in. It was generally felt that as long as they had made it to the kingdom they would be OK, but everyone needs help at first. Many returned to the evil kingdom even facing death and torture just to have a home. The king picked the little girl up and carried her to his own cottage. He put her in his own bed and cared for her himself. She had malaria. The bad thing about malaria is, that even if you beat it his time, spells of it will come back again and again. He didn't want the little girl to wake up alone so he sat by her bed day and night. He held her hand and spoke softly to her, encouraging her that things would be OK. He gave her medicine and kept cold compresses on her head to fight the raging fever. Often she would lash out at Him and try to hit him. Saying it was all His fault, Him and The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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His good Kingdom. She had not found any good. The King was never offended. He knew she was sick and didn't mean it. Finally after several days her fever broke. She looked around and saw the King and realizing she must be in His bed she sat up. "I'm so sorry sire," she sputtered. "I don't know how I got here. I will leave at once." "Nonsense," said the King. "You'll do nothing of the sort. I put you there myself and your perfectly welcome to stay." The little girl just looked at Him in disbelief. She was clean and had a clean gown on. But why should He, a King, help her when no one else thought she was worth the trouble. The King knew it would be too hard for her to comprehend that He simply loved her, so He told her that he lived here alone and needed someone to help with the cooking and the dishes. "I could do that." She said smiling at last. He knew she wasn't ready to believe the truth that He would love her no matter what. He also knew that to fit in she would need to feel apart of what was going on. Everyone needs to be needed. So they lived together in the little cottage. She learned to cook and do dishes and various chores. In the evening she would sit on His lap and listen as He read to her from the Big Book. The truth is they became best of friends and each delighted in the others company. When the evil king learned that one of his subjects not only made it to the good kingdom, but was taken in by the king himself, he sneered smiling wickedly. "So the King loves her most does He. She's special to Him is she. Isn't that just too sweet." Then he began to laugh. He would really be able to hurt the King now. He knew all of his subjects were raised in fear. The kind of fear that becomes a way of life. All he had to do was play on those fears and turn her against the King. Then she'd be his and the King. Well the poor King would just be devastated wouldn't He. Ha ha ha. The evil king wasted no time in sending a messenger that just happen by while the little girl was outside and simply as an afterthought told her what he'd heard about the King. He knew it would take more than one messenger but for this even he could be patient. He sent messengers at random saying different things. Soon she would start to doubt. Soon the fear would wheedle it's way back into her life and he would be victorious. They told her the King didn't really love her at all, He simply wanted a slave to do His bidding. I mean isn't it obvious? Why just the other day when she had been peeling potatoes for Him hadn't she cut her thumb. Think about it. If you were peeling potatoes for Him, why did He let you cut your thumb. Because He's just using you. He doesn't care if you live or die. At first the little girl dismissed these foolish ideas but after a while she began to eye the King differently. She began to grumbled about her chores and pretended she had other things to do when He asked her to sit with Him in the evenings. But worse of all the more distant she grew from the King, the more her malaria returned. Until soon she was quite ill. The King again took care of her again. Sitting by her bed all though the night. When the fever raged she tried to hit Him, calling Him names, accusing Him of not caring and not helping when she needed Him. It hurt the King but He knew she was sick and didn't mean it. He also knew that she'd been listening to evil messengers. He told her continually that He loved her but she had to make the choice if she would believe Him or the evil messengers. All He could do was wait and hope she would learn to trust Him. Finally the fever broke. She saw the King there by her bed and knew He had been there the whole time. Suddenly she knew the things that the evil messenger had said were lies. She was so ashamed. She told the King she was sorry and begged for His forgiveness. The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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But the King was too happy at seeing her well to hear of her worrying over it. She was forgiven and all would be well. I would like to tell you that she never listened to the evil messengers again. But the truth is the evil king always had a new ways of deceiving and through the years she fell again and again. Each time her malaria would return and the King would nurse her through it. Each time they would grow closer than ever. Finally she grew enough to stop listening to the evil messengers and their power over her was gone. She had grown into a fine young woman. The King's constant assistant. One day the King told her that He must go to the other side of His kingdom to live and that she could not go with Him now. He said he would build a place for them and then He would send for her. This made the young woman very sad but she knew if this was the King's decision it must be for the best, for she had learned to trust Him. "You know my subjects are a mess aren't they." Chuckled the King. "I will need someone to take care of them while I'm gone. It must be someone that has a great deal of patience. Someone that will love them just as I have. Can you think of anyone?" He asked. At first she thought she would volunteer, but then when she realized what a huge responsibility it was and how difficult the people could be, she backed off. Perhaps she was too young an inexperienced. After all she was just a young woman. The King saw her hesitate and asked, "Would you take care of them for me?" "Me," said the young woman overwhelmed that He would actually ask her. "I am just a young woman, what can I do." "Do?" asked the King. "Do everything I did for you. Do everything you've seen me do. And, if you ever feel overwhelmed or you're not sure about what to do, come here to my easy chair and rest. Read the Big Book my Father gave me." He said as He handed her the Big Book. She was amazed. "I want you to have it." He said. "And every time you read it, I will be right here with you. You'll see, you wont be alone at all." And so she did. She took the Big Book and took care of things until He returns for her. In the Bible Jesus says in that you've done it for the least of these you've done it to me. It's not always food or clothing, sometimes we just need to let people be apart of our lives until they grow enough to make it on their own. Let them share our birthdays, and go to Wal-Mart with us. You'd be surprised that often you'll make life long loyal friend that way. Parenting baby Christians is not just a nice thing to do, it's the only thing to do. It's not enough to get them into church and think they will be OK. They need love and patience. They need to go with us and do things with us. That's how they learn. They also require a lot of patience and the kind of love that comes from God. That unconditional love that says no matter if you hit me and say mean things, I'll love you enough to know your confused and hurting and it just means you need me there more than ever, whether you know it now or not. But I have a new idea, instead of waiting for them to escape the evil kingdom. Instead of waiting while the evil kings messengers rob us of the Kings loved ones. I say it's time to invade the evil kingdom and start planting seeds of light. The evil messengers were patient enough to know that you plant a seed and come again and again. So should we. Because He goes to prepare a place for us where we can be with Him. Until then He needs us to take care of His little ones. It's an awesome responsibility but He's left us this book and He's always there with us when we read it. The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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Session 1-5 Primary Log Book Time The intent in the Log Book Time for Primary group will be to show how each and every creature is incredibly important to God. Since this is true, just think how God is crazy about every person, including little children. Use the song “God Sees The Little Sparrow Fall” as part of the training all week. Leader:
(first open in prayer) What is today’s special animal?
allow someone to answer Leader:
That’s right! A beaver. Can you tell me anything about the beaver, what do you know about the beaver?
give time for children to make comments Leader:
Did you know that God loves and cares for the beaver? God gave the beaver many things to help him cope with life. What are some of the things?
bring out the many attributes of the beaver: teeth for doing his work, as well as for eating, a tail for support, steering in water and to warn of danger, the ability to spend up to 20 minutes underwater, the skill to design and build homes and to construct dams to block the water and thus make it sufficiently deep for the beaver’s needs. Remember that you need to adapt terminology and themes according to the age and skills level of the group. However, avoid the tendency to talk down to the children, TV and modern lifestyles have made them incredibly able to accept significant thoughts. Leader:
It is incredible how God looks after the smallest animal or bird. But, know what? If God loves them that much and takes such great care of them, can you just imagine how much He loves you?
Song:
God sees the little sparrow fall It meets his tender view Because He loves the little birds I know He loves me too! He loves me too, He loves me too I know He loves me too.
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Because He loves the little birds I know He loves me too! Have a discussion on God’s love and how God wants us all to accept Him as our personal Saviour. Bible Memorization: Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31-32 Rhyming Puzzle Name the bird that rhymes: • marrow sparrow • howl owl • pen hen • haven raven • regal eagle • talk hawk • pork stork • smidgen pigeon • snail quail • follow swallow • love dove • rain crane Have small handouts for each child with the memory verse on it. Close in prayer.
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Session 1-5 Intermediate CraftCorners
Beaver puppet Slit the base at perforation Glue on teeth Color
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Session 1-5 Junior ActingUp Assign reading parts to the children “The Birthday Party” This drama is about the way the world celebrates Christmas by having a holiday, giving themselves gifts, indulging themselves. Since the only reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth, (and thereby the birthday), of Jesus Christ, this drama looks at what would happen if a group of people got together on a friend's birthday and totally ignored the person whose birthday it was. Cast of Readers Jessie - the person whose birthday it is. Any number of extra actors can be used, milling around as they would at a party. All actors except Jessie have party hats, noisemakers, etc. Script: Have Jessie sitting separately in a corner, away from the rest of the party. The other people are loud and boisterous, shaking hands with each other, totally ignoring Jessie. All actors except Jessie are singing, loud and off key: Happy birthday to what's her name, Happy birthday to what's her name, It's nice that we can have a party! Happy birthday to what's her name. Bill:
By the way can someone tell me, whose birthday is it anyway?
Gloria:
I have no idea, what difference does it make?
Anna:
Yeh, that's kind of a silly question Bill! Who cares whose birthday it is!
Frank:
Absolutely! The important thing is that we get a day off school. That makes it awesome.
Gloria:
Right and we get lots of presents! And that’s awesome!
Tanya:
You know, I seem to remember not getting as many presents as you at the last birthday party. That made me a little upset.
Bill:
Was it your birthday party?
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Tanya:
No! Why would that be important?
Bill:
Well, I just don't understand why you would expect a birthday present on someone else's birthday.
Marvin:
So, if I get this straight then, what you want is to have birthday parties only for the person whose birthday it is. Is that correct?
Bill:
Yes, yes, that's exactly it.
Marvin:
I must say, very different idea! (muses) My birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. Well, I suppose it could work, would take some getting used to, though.
Judy:
But really, how is this supposed to work? So we come to someone's birthday party, and what do we do? We don't get to open any presents. All we could do is to sit around, saying Happy Birthday and stuff. Pretty boring stuff I'd say!
Bill:
But it is someone's birthday, isn't it?
Anna:
That has to be the silliest question I've ever heard, Bill! Of course it's someone's birthday. If it wasn't do you think we would be here at a birthday party? And we would have all these decorations and stuff?
Gloria:
Good grief! Do you think we would be giving birthday presents if it wasn't a birthday. Man you are strange!
Judy:
Try to be kind to Bill. He seems to be going through a rough time right now.
Marvin:
Judy's right! This is no easy thing for Bill! And, you know, that idea still has me stressed! (thinks) My birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. Hmmm, interesting indeed!
Donna:
People, think of it! If Bill's theory gets off the ground we will all have only one time during the year when each of us will get presents. Now my dad happens to own a large store. Do you think for a minute he will go along with this idea?
Judy:
Goes against all we hold dear in life, I say!
Donna:
Right on! So that means we can demonstrate at birthday parties, right?
Gloria:
Oh, not another demonstration party! I'd have to do my hair, and . . . .
Donna:
Well, I happen to like being demonstrations, OK? I mean, it is something that, well, I happen to like, OK?
Tanya:
Well, I'm just super pleased to have so many friends with birthday parties! Do you realize I haven't missed a birthday party in, I don't know, seems like, well, a long time, anyway!
Judy:
I'm so glad my friend invited me to this birthday party!
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Bill:
So you received an invitation to this party?
Judy:
What kind of a question is that? Do I look like the type who would go to a birthday party without being invited? Well, I never . . . !
Bill:
No, I didn't mean . . ., what I meant was, if you received an invitation, that means you know who it came from, so we will know whose birthday it is.
Judy:
I didn't look for that, I just saw it was a birthday invitation, and I thought, "Wow! A Birthday party! Groovy!" Actually, those were my very words, "Wow! A Birthday party! Groovy!" Very words!
Bill:
Wow? Groovy? Very, uhh, interesting! So, then you can't tell me whose birthday it is?
Judy:
Nope!
Frank:
I can tell you that. It's What's Her Name's birthday.
Bill:
What's Her Name? Who is that?
Frank:
Oh I have no idea, I've never met her but someone told me that it was What's Her Name's birthday.
Marvin:
Still thinking this through! (thinks) My birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. I believe I can see the general idea here!
Bill (looks at Marvin, shakes his head, looks back at Frank): You mean you have come to a birthday party for someone you have never met, and you don't even know her name? Frank:
Right on dude! And there are some awesome presents for me too!
Bill:
This is incredible! Surely someone must know whose birthday it is?
George:
Look, I know whose birthday it is. It's her, over there in the corner. (points at Jessie).
Bill:
Her? Do you know her?
George:
Well, I used to know her. I haven't seen her or talked to her for a long time but, oh yeh, I know her all right.
Bill:
What's her name?
George:
Whose name?
Bill:
The girl sitting in the corner. You know, the one who is having the birthday.
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George:
Oh, her. I can't remember. Jackie, I think. Or Jennie. No, that's not right! Juanita, no! Really what difference does it make what her name is anyway?
Bill:
What do you mean, what difference does it make? It's her birthday for goodness sake!
Marvin, excited:
Yes. Yes. Yes! My birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. The light has come on!
Donna:
The light has come on? Somebody bring an extra battery for him!
Tanya:
Marvin takes a very small battery! But, why is everyone so worried about her name?
Anna:
Yeh, what's the point of this? The important thing is that we can par-tee!
Bill:
I can't believe this! A birthday party for someone who nobody knows. And we totally ignore the person who is having the birthday!
George:
I just remembered! Her name is Jessie!
Anna:
And you thought no one knew whose birthday it was! Really! Now then, does anyone have some more birthday presents for me?
Bill:
For you? But it's not your birthday. Shouldn't we be giving gifts to Jessie? After all it's her birthday!
Frank:
What's the color of the sky in your world, buddy? You really have some strange ideas, don't you! Next thing we know you will expect us to sing "Happy Birthday" to her, just cause it's her birthday!
Tanya:
You need major help, man!
George:
Look guys, let's leave him by himself. He's spoiling our birthday party. (sneers) Why don't you go over and sit with Jessie, eh? Come on guys, let's go party!
Marvin:
Or we could go, my birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. I wonder if I could sell this idea?
All sing: Happy birthday to what's her name, Happy birthday to what's her name, It's nice that we can have a party! Happy birthday to what's her name. The end.
Discuss the meaning behind the drama, who should we be celebrating at Christmas? The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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Session 1-6 Primary CraftCorners
Beaver puppet Slit the base at perforation Glue on teeth Color
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Session 1-6 Intermediate ActingUp Assign reading parts to “The Birthday Party” This drama is about the way the world celebrates Christmas by having a holiday, giving themselves gifts, indulging themselves. Since the only reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth, (and thereby the birthday), of Jesus Christ, this drama looks at what would happen if a group of people got together on a friend's birthday and totally ignored the person whose birthday it was. Cast of Readers Jessie - the person whose birthday it is. Any number of extra actors can be used, milling around as they would at a party. All actors except Jessie have party hats, noisemakers, etc. Script: Have Jessie sitting separately in a corner, away from the rest of the party. The other people are loud and boisterous, shaking hands with each other, totally ignoring Jessie. All actors except Jessie are singing, loud and off key: Happy birthday to what's her name, Happy birthday to what's her name, It's nice that we can have a party! Happy birthday to what's her name. Bill:
By the way can someone tell me, whose birthday is it anyway?
Gloria:
I have no idea, what difference does it make?
Anna:
Yeh, that's kind of a silly question Bill! Who cares whose birthday it is!
Frank:
Absolutely! The important thing is that we get a day off school. That makes it awesome.
Gloria:
Right and we get lots of presents! And that’s awesome!
Tanya:
You know, I seem to remember not getting as many presents as you at the last birthday party. That made me a little upset.
Bill:
Was it your birthday party?
Tanya:
No! Why would that be important?
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Bill:
Well, I just don't understand why you would expect a birthday present on someone else's birthday.
Marvin:
So, if I get this straight then, what you want is to have birthday parties only for the person whose birthday it is. Is that correct?
Bill:
Yes, yes, that's exactly it.
Marvin:
I must say, very different idea! (muses) My birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. Well, I suppose it could work, would take some getting used to, though.
Judy:
But really, how is this supposed to work? So we come to someone's birthday party, and what do we do? We don't get to open any presents. All we could do is to sit around, saying Happy Birthday and stuff. Pretty boring stuff I'd say!
Bill:
But it is someone's birthday, isn't it?
Anna:
That has to be the silliest question I've ever heard, Bill! Of course it's someone's birthday. If it wasn't do you think we would be here at a birthday party? And we would have all these decorations and stuff?
Gloria:
Good grief! Do you think we would be giving birthday presents if it wasn't a birthday. Man you are strange!
Judy:
Try to be kind to Bill. He seems to be going through a rough time right now.
Marvin:
Judy's right! This is no easy thing for Bill! And, you know, that idea still has me stressed! (thinks) My birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. Hmmm, interesting indeed!
Donna:
People, think of it! If Bill's theory gets off the ground we will all have only one time during the year when each of us will get presents. Now my dad happens to own a large store. Do you think for a minute he will go along with this idea?
Judy:
Goes against all we hold dear in life, I say!
Donna:
Right on! So that means we can demonstrate at birthday parties, right?
Gloria:
Oh, not another demonstration party! I'd have to do my hair, and . . . .
Donna:
Well, I happen to like being demonstrations, OK? I mean, it is something that, well, I happen to like, OK?
Tanya:
Well, I'm just super pleased to have so many friends with birthday parties! Do you realize I haven't missed a birthday party in, I don't know, seems like, well, a long time, anyway!
Judy:
I'm so glad my friend invited me to this birthday party!
Bill:
So you received an invitation to this party?
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Judy:
What kind of a question is that? Do I look like the type who would go to a birthday party without being invited? Well, I never . . . !
Bill:
No, I didn't mean . . ., what I meant was, if you received an invitation, that means you know who it came from, so we will know whose birthday it is.
Judy:
I didn't look for that, I just saw it was a birthday invitation, and I thought, "Wow! A Birthday party! Groovy!" Actually, those were my very words, "Wow! A Birthday party! Groovy!" Very words!
Bill:
Wow? Groovy? Very, uhh, interesting! So, then you can't tell me whose birthday it is?
Judy:
Nope!
Frank:
I can tell you that. It's What's Her Name's birthday.
Bill:
What's Her Name? Who is that?
Frank:
Oh I have no idea, I've never met her but someone told me that it was What's Her Name's birthday.
Marvin:
Still thinking this through! (thinks) My birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. I believe I can see the general idea here!
Bill (looks at Marvin, shakes his head, looks back at Frank): You mean you have come to a birthday party for someone you have never met, and you don't even know her name? Frank:
Right on dude! And there are some awesome presents for me too!
Bill:
This is incredible! Surely someone must know whose birthday it is?
George:
Look, I know whose birthday it is. It's her, over there in the corner. (points at Jessie).
Bill:
Her? Do you know her?
George:
Well, I used to know her. I haven't seen her or talked to her for a long time but, oh yeh, I know her all right.
Bill:
What's her name?
George:
Whose name?
Bill:
The girl sitting in the corner. You know, the one who is having the birthday.
George:
Oh, her. I can't remember. Jackie, I think. Or Jennie. No, that's not right! Juanita, no! Really what difference does it make what her name is anyway?
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Bill:
What do you mean, what difference does it make? It's her birthday for goodness sake!
Marvin, excited:
Yes. Yes. Yes! My birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. The light has come on!
Donna:
The light has come on? Somebody bring an extra battery for him!
Tanya:
Marvin takes a very small battery! But, why is everyone so worried about her name?
Anna:
Yeh, what's the point of this? The important thing is that we can par-tee!
Bill:
I can't believe this! A birthday party for someone who nobody knows. And we totally ignore the person who is having the birthday!
George:
I just remembered! Her name is Jessie!
Anna:
And you thought no one knew whose birthday it was! Really! Now then, does anyone have some more birthday presents for me?
Bill:
For you? But it's not your birthday. Shouldn't we be giving gifts to Jessie? After all it's her birthday!
Frank:
What's the color of the sky in your world, buddy? You really have some strange ideas, don't you! Next thing we know you will expect us to sing "Happy Birthday" to her, just cause it's her birthday!
Tanya:
You need major help, man!
George:
Look guys, let's leave him by himself. He's spoiling our birthday party. (sneers) Why don't you go over and sit with Jessie, eh? Come on guys, let's go party!
Marvin:
Or we could go, my birthday - I get the presents. Her birthday - she gets the presents. His birthday - he gets the presents. I wonder if I could sell this idea?
All sing: Happy birthday to what's her name, Happy birthday to what's her name, It's nice that we can have a party! Happy birthday to what's her name. The end.
Discuss the meaning behind the drama, who should we be celebrating at Christmas?
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Session 1-6 Junior SingnGames In this session the class will learn more about the beaver and sing songs, which they will be encouraged to act out. Explain to the children that singing is an excellent way of learning new ideas, and that all week we will be reviewing the songs we have learned and everyday we will be adding a new song as well. Sing:
God sent a sign. It was a rainbow. He knew in time That we would understand. High in the sky His arc of promise His love for us Just keeps on flooding down. Go build an ark And make it sturdy It’s gonna be so Strong and so secure And make it big Just like God’s love is His love for us Just keeps on flooding down God’s love for all Be sure they know Him Be sure they know His awesome strength and care So when they need Someone to hold them They see his love Just keeps on flooding down
Songs are so much more meaningful when you can not only listen but also watch what is going on in the “song-story”. Let’s sing that song again, but this time lets “mime” some actions along with the song. We need to think about the words and how we could tell the story with our bodies. Let’s try the first line of that song again. God sent a sign.
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What does that line talk about? First there is God. (ask question) What could we do to show people we are talking about God? If no answer say, well, we always say God is “up in heaven”. So if we were to look upward and point up with our right hand index finger while we sing the word, “God”. Let’s try singing that line again, this time while pointing up. God sent a sign. There are many other gestures we could make as well, but let’s just leave it at that for now, and move on to the next line, what was it again? It was a rainbow. A rainbow, tell me about a rainbow, where do we see it and how big is it? (Try to get the children to appreciate it goes all the way across the sky, from one side to the other). If I were to take my hands, fingers together, and hold them high above my head, then open my fingers to show width, and slowly move my hands down to shoulder height, this would show that the rainbow goes right from the top of the sky and down to the horizon on each side. Let’s try that, with actions. It was a rainbow. You are doing really well! The next line is: He knew in time He is God so we can point up just as we did in the first line, then when we sing the word “knew”, we can take both index fingers and point to our temples, here at the sides of our head, to show think or know. Let’s try it with the actions now. He knew in time Excellent! Now the next line is: That we would understand. The word “we” can be mimed in many ways, this time we will mime it by holding hands palm up in front of shoulders, moving them to touch shoulders. For understand use same motion as for “knew” in line above. Now sing that line again, with actions: That we would understand. Isn’t this going well? Now the next line:
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High in the sky Hold both hands high above your head, index fingers pointed up. Try it: High in the sky And next indicate the rainbow by taking your hands, fingers together, and hold them high above your head, then open your fingers to show width, and slowly move your hands down to shoulder height, as we did earlier, when we sing: His arc of promise Remember that “His” is indicated by looking up and by pointing up with your right index finger, love by cupping hands over your heart, and “us” by holding hands palm up in front of shoulders, moving them to touch shoulders. Try it: His love for us Now with elbows bent and palms down, rotate hands back and forth, moving hands downward, indicating a softly falling rain. Just keeps on flooding down. Very good! Did you know that what you just did was the start of something called “Human Video”, that is, miming to songs. By the end of the week we will have this whole song set to Human Video. Now let’s sing the rest of this song and you can be thinking about how you might mime some of the words in the next verses when we work at them in the next days. Go build an ark And make it sturdy It’s gonna be so Strong and so secure And make it big Just like God’s love is His love for us Just keeps on flooding down God’s love for all Be sure they know Him Be sure they know His awesome strength and care So when they need Someone to hold them They see his love Just keeps on flooding down The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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Excellent! Now let’s have some fun with, “Hey, Noah!” Let’s march around as we sing this fun song. Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! I’ve got some work for you! Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! There’s so much to do! Get pitch, and get lumber! Hammer, nails and glue. Now hurry, please hurry There’s so much to do! Find ducks and find camels! Two of every kind. Find skunks and find horses! No one left behind. It’s rainin’! It’s rainin’! Whole world’s getting’ wet! It’s rainin’! It’s pourin’! And it’s gonna get worse yet. Now then, another fun song, this one about our friend, Benny the Beaver. Leaders mime a beaver doing the things which beavers do: standing on hind legs, “biting” a tree while holding on to the tree with front feet; swimming around while wiggling body as animal would do while swimming. A beaver, a beaver, I want to act like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to swim and play. A beaver, a beaver, I want to work like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to chop a tree. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for his creatures. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for me.
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Session 1-7 All Groups Closing Assembly An Island Adventure Copyright Lisa Strauch 1998
[email protected] Staging Information This is a continuing puppet script which will be used in Closing Assembly each day. Have puppet stage set up to look like a boat. Script Love/Joy Day 1 Bud:
Here I am sailing the ocean because of a contest. Back where I come from,in Yucksville, everyone I knew is the same: mean, through and through! I thought that was the only kind of people there were. One time I just got this new bike. It was nice. And some kid came up and pushed me off and took it. Nobody did anything about it because they are all mean. So anyway, I came across this guy, back in Yucksville, who said there actually were people in the world who were nice. (laughs) Can you believe it? I told him he had to be kidding. He said he would prove it to me, that if I found some "nice" people then he would give me one hundred dollars. So here I am. Hey, wait a minute! Why is there water in my boat? Ahhhhhhh!!!!!! I’ve sprung a leak. Help! Help! My boat is sinking! Oh no! Now what am I supposed to do? Hey, look! An island. Over there! And there’s two people. Help! Help! Save me!
(two native puppets come out) Raz:
Isn't this a beautiful day?
Spaz:
It's so good to be filled with the joy of the Lord! (shouts) Praise the Lord.
Raz:
Look Spaz, a man in need of our help.
Spaz:
Yes Raz, (shouts) Praise the Lord! Lets go help.
Bud:
Ahhhhhh!!!! Who are you guys? I suppose you are mean, just like everyone in Yucksville. What do you want? Get away, this is my boat, my stuff.
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Spaz: (shouts)
Praise the Lord! He's OK.
Raz:
Are you all right? Can we help you in anyway?
Spaz:
Yes let us help you. Just like God helps us. (shouts) Praise the Lord!
Bud:
Let me get this straight. You two want to help me? Where on earth did I land? Mars?
Raz;
I've never heard of this “Mars”, but this is the Island of Love and Joy.
Spaz: (shouts)
Praise the Lord!
Bud:
Why does he keep saying that?
Raz:
He is filled with Joy.
Bud:
OK, so then what's wrong with you?
Raz:
I am filled with Love for all.
Spaz: (shouts)
Praise the Lord!
Bud: (groans)
Oh boy. (Bud starts trying to fix his boat, sees the hole and moans loudly) Look at this hole in my boat. How am I supposed to fix that?
Raz:
Oh we can fix this for you.
Spaz:
It would be our pleasure to fix your boat so you can be on your way. (shouts) Praise the Lord!
Raz and Spaz start to patch the boat. While they are fixing the boat they are singing “Jesus Loves Me” Bud:
Excuse me! (louder, speaking above the singing) Excuse me!
Raz:
Yes my friend?
Bud:
Why are you helping me? Back where I come from nobody helps nobody.
Spaz:
We are helping you because we love you.(shouts) Praise the Lord!
Bud:
Love me? But you don't' even know me. How can you love me?
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Raz:
Our love for you and our joy inside us comes from God. He lives inside us and helps us to love others and be happy in all situations.
Bud:
This is what that guy back home meant by there being nice people. I've never had that kind of love or joy. Are there any other people like you?
Spaz:
Yes, God loves everyone and whoever comes to him can have this love and joy.(shouts) Praise the Lord!
Raz:
There, your boat is fixed. Where are you headed now?
Bud:
Well, I found "nice" people, so I won the contest but maybe I'll keep looking for more "nice" people.
Raz:
Stop by anytime.
Spaz:
Have a safe trip.(shouts) Praise the Lord!
VBS Leader: We are coming to the end of our first day of VBS. I hope you had lots of fun, and that you learned lots of things as well. You know, we want you back tomorrow, but we also want to have your friends and other kids from your neighborhood here tomorrow as well. And we have special ways you can do this. As you are leaving the church there will be SS Zark crew members handing out Zark Passports. Take a few of these passports along and give them to your friends and neighbors tonight (tomorrow morning). And we have a special treat for you and the friends you bring tomorrow! We have these special badges: ”I BROUGHT A FRIEND” is the badge you will get to wear tomorrow if you bring a friend. And for the friends you bring we have a special badge as well: ”MY FRIEND BROUGHT ME” So be sure to remember to take some Zark Passports with you tonight, and bring friends with you tomorrow! I hear that all of you have been singing awesome songs today, (name of song leader), why don’t we listen one more time to the songs we learned today? Whether all or just a few songs are sung will depend on time available, if the program has fallen behind during the day you may just want to sing the Beaver song. Song Leader: We sure did have some great singing today. And some of the children learned about Human Video, miming while singing. We are going to sing now and those who can remember the actions please join in. We will be doing more Human Video tomorrow and for the rest of the week. God sent a sign. The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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It was a rainbow. He knew in time That we would understand. High in the sky His arc of promise His love for us Just keeps on flooding down. Go build an ark And make it sturdy It’s gonna be so Strong and so secure And make it big Just like God’s love is His love for us Just keeps on flooding down God’s love for all Be sure they know Him Be sure they know His awesome strength and care So when they need Someone to hold them They see his love Just keeps on flooding down Song Leader: Excellent! Now let’s have some fun with, “Hey, Noah!” Let’s march just where we are as we sing this fun song. Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! I’ve got some work for you! Hey, Noah! Hey, Noah! There’s so much to do! Get pitch, and get lumber! Hammer, nails and glue. Now hurry, please hurry There’s so much to do! Find ducks and find camels! Two of every kind. Find skunks and find horses! No one left behind. It’s rainin’! It’s rainin’! Whole world’s getting’ wet! The SS Zark – God’s Wonderful Creatures VBS Program© Monday ©Copyright DramaShare® 2001
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It’s rainin’! It’s pourin’! And it’s gonna get worse yet. Song Leader: Now then, another fun song, this one about our friend, Benny the Beaver. Benny, you come out and join with us in this song. A beaver, a beaver, I want to act like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to swim and play. A beaver, a beaver, I want to work like a beaver. A beaver, a beaver, I want to chop a tree. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for his creatures. God’s creatures, God’s creatures, God shows His love for me. VBS Leader: That was great singing! OK now, we will see you tomorrow, don’t forget the Zark Passports, and don’t forget to bring friends with you tomorrow. Noah:
Now, it’s time to say goodbye to Benny the Beaver. Benny is tired as well, time for him to go back inside his lodge. Goodbye Benny!
Benny:
Goodbye Captain Noah! Goodbye friends! See you again real soon I hope! Benny goes around the back of the Treasure Chest, disappears
Noah:
Now it’s time to close the Treasure Chest for today. Can you help me close the lid on the Treasure Chest please? (Noah lowers the lid using the rope while all on stage and off mime lowering the lid) Tomorrow we will see which of God’s creatures comes to visit with us.
VBS Leader: Now, before you go, let’s close in prayer: Our dear heavenly Father, thank you for today. Thank you for the children who came today, bless each one, bless their families. Bring us safely here tomorrow with open hearts to learn more about Jesus. Amen! Good night children Tape of God Sent A Sign plays as children leave. After the children leave the cloth with the picture of the beaver lodge is removed from inside the Treasure Chest and hung on the wall, replaced with the cloth showing the house of tomorrow’s creature.
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