VBS Children's Ministry Serengeti Trek
Dear
Parents:
We’re
so glad you’ve signed up your child for an exciting week on Serengeti Trek!
This VBS program will help your child become wild about our loving God.
You’ll
notice that things at Serengeti Trek are . . . well, a little different than you
might be used to. Kids who are not
yet old enough to enter kindergarten this August will be in their own preschool
class. Elementary kids will
be in mixed-age groups with other children who are entering kindergarten through
grade 5. These small groups,
called Safari Crews, are led by adults or teenagers who love children and love
the Lord. Safari Crews are an important part of Serengeti Trek! But you still
might have some doubts…
My
child won’t come if he can’t be with his friends.
We will work on putting your child with the friend you listed
on the registration form. However,
whether or not your child gets to be with his or her very best friend, your
child will have wonderful opportunities to make new friends and interact with a
new group of children. Most of us assume that age-graded classes are the best
way to go, simply because that has been our only experience. However, studies
indicate that children choose to play with children of other ages. Studies show
that children learn as much—or more—when they’re linked with kids of
different ages. In fact, one study observed that children naturally chose to
play with other children their age only 6 percent of the time. They played with
children who were at least one year older or younger than they were 55 percent
of the time. Encourage your child to try something different—he or she might
be surprised!
My
child won’t like being with little kids. Parents are continually surprised that, after a
few days of VBS, their older children love this newfound role! Suddenly,
they’re the “cool” big kids with younger children looking up to them. And
while your child is helping younger kids with simple tasks like reading and
writing, he or she is having the chance to serve and demonstrate Christ’s
love! It’s a meaningful way to discover—and practice—the joy of service.
My
child will get trampled by those bigger kids. Serengeti Trek is carefully designed for groups of
multi-age children. That means games are noncompetitive, team-building
activities (brilliantly disguised as wildly fun games) in which your child’s
abilities will shine. In fact, many games are designed to highlight the
importance of smaller kids. It’s more likely that your younger child will be
loved, affirmed, and doted upon by his or her older crew mates.
You’ll
have to water down the Bible lessons so everyone can learn.
Since Serengeti Trek doesn’t rely on more traditional teaching methods (like
fill-in-the-blank puzzles or word searches), kids experience Bible
stories in powerful, life-changing ways. And that’s something kids of all
ages will enjoy…and remember. Then, crew leaders gather with kids for
small-group discussion. These are questions that apply to every child but may
touch each child at a different level. For example, on Day 2 as we learn how
Daniel prayed even in difficult circumstances, a crew leader might ask, “Why
is it sometimes hard to pray?” A younger child might respond, “I don’t
know what to say,” while an older child with more experience with life’s
challenges may say, “Because my friends might think it’s weird.”
Millions of children
have experienced this multi-age approach with Group’s VBS, with surprise and
delight at the outcome. Children’s ministry experts agree that combining ages
has numerous benefits: teaching children to work together, experiencing what it
means to be a family, and serving others in love. However, the most important
factor in making this program a success is your attitude. If your child has
doubts, reassure him or her that this is a wonderful opportunity to try
something new. Your support will speak volumes to the children we’re serving.
We look forward to
ministering to your child at Serengeti Trek.
Kimberly
Andresen
Serengeti
Trek Director
438-8791
x28
P.S. Serengeti Trek will be June 12-16th (Sunday through Thursday). A light supper will start being served at around 5:20, and the opening will start at 6:00. We will conclude at 8:30, but parents are welcome to join us in the Rose Chapel for our nightly closings. Come at 8:10 if you would like to be there! Also, Pastor Chuck will be having an adult class for anyone interested. Come and get wild about God with your children!