POST-AND-PRESENT Activity
BE A HAPPY CAMPER: Sad and Happy Decision backpacks with “choice” items
OBJECTIVE: Help the youth ponder ways they can be good examples to their friends and families as they learn that decisions make a family happy or unhappy.
TO MAKE Print and cut out the Happy Camper and Sad Camper backpacks and camping objects. Mount backpacks on two separate large posters, and laminate the entire poster (for each). Laminate camping objects. Have double-stick tape to mount images on the posters.
ACTIVITY:
1. Post the Happy Camper and Sad Camper backpacks, and ask children/youth to take turns choosing an object, reading it aloud, and taping it on the correct backpack (poster).
2. Post the Happy Camper and Sad Camper backpacks, and ask children/youth to take turns choosing an object, reading it aloud, and taping it on the correct backpack (poster).
3. Talk about each action and how it will help your family be Happy Campers or Sad Campers. For example, “You can warm up a family by saying kind words.” Place the logs for the fire visual next to the Happy Campers backpack. Or, “You are blowing it when you are mean to your brothers and sisters.” Place the blow dryer next to the Sad Campers backpack.
THOUGHT TREAT: Trail Mix or Camping Meal (wrapped in foil, e.g., potatoes, carrots, and meat; cooking it to share).
DISCUSSION POINTS (Be a Good Example, Follow Jesus)
HAPPY CAMPER CHOICES:
• God gave you a voice to only speak truth and lift others with your kind words of encouragement. That is how Jesus lived His life.
• We can lean on each other in times of need while hiking the trails of life in faith.
• Our light can show others the right way, by reminding our family to spend time together for a family night each week, to pray for each other morning and night, and to speak kindly to each other.
• Being a peacemaker means we try hard to simmer down when we are angry and think of how Jesus would respond in the same situation.
• You can be a good example for your family and friends by the movies you watch, the stories you tell, and the way you act. You could ask yourself, “If Jesus stood beside me, would I do the things I do?”
• Your secret acts of service shows God that you love His children and want to be like Jesus. Being a good listener also shows Him you love and care for others.
• The way you care for your body and your home shows gratitude to God for these gifts. Getting proper rest, eating healthy food, and keeping your room neat and tidy also help to build character.
• Always use words of kindness, such as “Thank you,” and “Please.”
Magic Words: “Thank you” and “please”
“Thank you” and “please”
I can think of no nicer
Words than these.
I like to hear them
And use them too;
It’s almost like magic
The things they can do!
For they open doors,
Bring surprises and fun,
And even help
When there’s work to be done.
“Thank you” and “please”
– “Thank you” and “please”
I can think of no nicer
Words than these.
-Author unknown
SAD CAMPER CHOICES:
• Being a grump, complaining, bugging your parents, or being angry with your brother or sister always chases the spirit of God away leaving you lonely and sad. You can ask God to help you. SERVE someone and these feelings will leave you.
• Do you ever hang out in your room hiding from your chores or when your mother needs your help with something? This only brings sad feelings. Jump up and do! You will feel great!
• Have you ever held a grudge or swept angry feelings under the rug by not forgiving others? These feelings will stay deep in your heart and only make you sad. Practice forgiving quickly so your heart can be happy and free!
DISCUSSION POINTS by Fern Law
We at Bible Busy Bee would like to thank Fern Law for the Discussion Points above. She has been a youth leader for over 20 years. Look for more coming soon. See the About Us page.
BIBLE SCRIPTURES TO UNDERLINE:
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Psalm 37:8
“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
Ephesians 5:8
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”
Luke 4:8
“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Galatians 5:13
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
Proverbs 31:26
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”