VBS/Sports Camp

Last week was incredibly busy for me. Three churches partnered together to offer Vacation Bible School in the morning and Sports Camp in the afternoon. We had the kids for 8 hours!

The week had its challenges and its blessings!

My VBS class of Kindergartners had 5 children most of the week. J, our lone girl did a great job of keeping a good attitude and was relieved when another girl showed up on Friday. We had 4 boys, one who was almost autistic, two who have some behavioral issues, and M, whose older brother was never far enough away to keep him out of trouble.

For Sports Camp I made sure the Pre-K and Kindergarten boys all made it from rotation to rotation. Between 4 and 7 boys were at Sports Camp every day. They kept us busy, but it was a great time for them to experience basketball and soccer. Some were really good!

I have to say something about the youth volunteers who helped. They were amazing! Their focus on the kids and the tasks they were given was amazing! Teaching children who are too young even for Rec leagues can be difficult, but they did an amazing job!

I won't bore you with all my VBS stories, but I will share two. The kids watched the mission video about "Proof" a missionary dog who works in the New York City. The kids got that Proof was a dog, and that "he read to the kids who had trouble reading." In reality, the kids read to Proof. As I was talking to the kids about Proof, I mentioned that Proof had recently had surgery. The kids finally realized that missions was more than just a made up story!

Before lunch on Friday I was reviewing Bible stories and memory verses with the kids. M, who I had affectionately nicknamed in my head "M Come Back!," told me all the Bible stories. I was glad the stories got through to this boy who is very smart.

I would love to hear some of your favorite VBS stories as the summer progresses.

Why I'm Not a Fan of Physical Touch and What That has To Do With Children's Ministry

A little over a month ago I was having car problems and was really frustrated. A close person to me decided to try to make me feel better by rubbing my back. Although she meant well, it didn't help because I am not a huge fan of physical touch, and when I'm stressed I really don't want to be touched.

On the other hand, when I was in high school my mom gave me a little bear for Valentines Day. She's not a big gift giver, but I was so excited about getting something from her, that I took it to school and kept it with me all day. You would have thought I had a secret admirer, but it really made me feel special.

A few years ago I read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman and suddenly a lot of my little quirks made sense. Then I read the Five Love Languages of Children by the same author. I would suggest these book for anyone who deals closely with...well anyone.

The basic principle of the Five Love Languages is that there are only 5 ways universally that people give and receive love. Each person speaks one or two of these languages better than the others, and the love languages can really help in relating with people you love.

The first Language I mentioned was Physical Touch. Some people really thrive off a literal pat on the back or a hug, while others (like me) cringe at the thought of being touched (although I will hug back if hugged and not cringe, I promise!) This doesn't make either person more or less normal, it just speaks differently to each person.

The second Language I mentioned was Giving and Receiving Gifts. I enjoy this one. However, I also realize that some people get nothing out of being given a gift.

The third Language is Acts of Service. Basically, some people like to serve others and be served (maybe doing dishes or yard work for people) and some people get nothing out of it.

The fourth Language is Quality Time. I think this is self-explanatory.

The fifth Language is Words of Affirmation. Some people thrive on compliments, some don't.

So what does this have to do with children's ministry? Simply put, while speaking a child's love language can make them feel great, using their love language against them can really hurt a child. The child whose love language is quality time may do great with one on one time with a caring adult when they are having behavioral problems, but completely isolating them could cause major problems. Also, speak the language sincerely. Compliments just to compliment or gifts as a bribe are not speaking a love language.

If you haven't Read The Five Love Languages of Children, I would highly suggest it. This week, be thinking about those difficult children you work with and see if you can figure out their love language. Maybe it will help.

How Does Your Classroom Look To A Preschooler?

Yesterday while I was in the grocery store I was watching a very friendly preschooler wander the store with his mom. As I looked I began to observe what the world of grocery shopping must look like from his 2nd shelf viewpoint. It was an interesting vantage point as I saw tons of brightly colored boxes and all sorts of exciting looking food. I don't think the marketing is an accident.  I watched him get excited about "juice" (orange soda) and other great junk food.

Then I started thinking about our churches. From a toddlers view, how does your church add up? Does your children's area look like fun? Is it overwhelming? Big murals and too many decorations can make focus really difficult. Is it safe? Look for outlets and other safety hazards.

I hope your ministry area is safe and exciting for the preschoolers in your ministry.