{Tropical} Vacation Bible School

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Such a fun week around our here. The girls had VBS at our church and I volunteered to help with ... Crafts!!! (Are you surprised?!) 

This year's VBS theme was very 'tropical'. "Looking for treasure, I found Jesus". 

Don't you love this arch-- made from beach balls! 

The decorations were beach balls, inflatables, all things 'Hawaiian' and 'under the sea'...

I loved the pineapple centerpieces on the snack tables and all the cute themed healthy treats. 

I didn't get a chance to take photos of all the snacks because I was busy in the craft room. But I got one of this 'banana dolphin'. Other snacks this week were a palm tree made of green apple slices, pretzel rods, and chocolate covered raisins for coconuts. There was also popcorn with jelly beans-- the kids had to 'dig' through their popcorn bowls to find the 'jelly bean treasures'. And the last day was 'cold smores'-- graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows (no fire!) . 

Along with some super teen helpers, my partner and I helped the 500 kids make 'cross' leis to remind them of 'discovering the treasure of Jesus love'. 

Let me tell you, it was kind of crazy, making the same craft for 4 days in a row, for a total of 12 hours. But I loved it! I saw kids from Kindergarten up to 4th grade. 

Some made patterns. Some didn't. 

Some used flowers. Some didn't. 

Some were messy. Some were ... slightly less messy :) 

But they were all delightful. Working with kids reminds you, everyone needs someone to show them kindness and share a smile. Every one. 

There were a total of four crafts that the kids completed this week. I only taught the 'lei' class. But I peeked in on the other craft rooms. There was 'painting a treasure chest'. It was filled with fun goodies. 

Another craft was gluing shells to a cross. 

And the last craft was decorating a hat with sharpies and then adding a few drops of alcohol to create a tie-die look. This one turned out cute, but the fumes were strong. It needs to be done outside or in a well ventilated area. (See more about this craft by clicking here) 

Beyond the crafts, the kids rotated each day through music, outdoor games, snack, missions, stories, and chapel. I can't say enough good things about Vacation Bible School. It is an amazing opportunity for kids to learn about faith and fun. For adults, it's the opportunity to be 'the hands and feet of Jesus'. 

Will you or your kids participate in VBS this summer? 


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Bigger than the boogie man

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It's Vacation Bible School week at our church. This year I volunteered to be a Guide-- so I have been doing my best to lead 18 "future first graders" through games, crafts, singing, stories and more. It is amazing how many fun activities you can fit into a mere 3 hours! I think that Veggie Tales song "God is Bigger than the boogie man" will forever be stuck in my head :)

Being with these little ones has warmed my heart (and left me exhausted!!). But they have reminded me of some simple joys...

Kids sing loud and dance silly. They are eager to hold hands, pass out hugs, and share a smile. They say what is on their minds and express what they feel in their hearts. They try so hard to 'be big'-- but only if that means they can still jump in a bounce house. They all want to be 'the helper' and a 'good friend'. They notice everything and imitate what they observe. The patience, kindness and love these children have been shown by others, is reflected through their actions.

Time spent with children is truly a humbling experience.

What are you up to this week?