Augsburg Fortress www.sparksundayschool.org

Transcription

R
O
T
C
DIRE
GUIDE
Augsburg Fortress
www.sparksundayschool.org
Director Guide
Contributors: Melanie Heuiser-Hill, Mary Lindberg, Kimberly Leetch, Venita MacGorman, Tera Michelson, Erin Moore,
Christy Olson, Cynthia Fairman Paulson, Justin Rimbo, Cheryl Stearns
Editorial Team: Erin Davis, Jill Carroll Lafferty, Julie O’Brien, Dawn Rundman, Barbara S. Wilson
Design Team: Eileen K. Engebretson, Tory Herman, Alisha Lofgren, Ivy Palmer Skrade
Illustrator: Tory Herman
Unless marked otherwise, scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the
Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights
reserved.
NOTE: Consult Christian Video Licensing International Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (1-800-462-8855 or www.
mplc.org) for its umbrella licensing program covering the use of videos/DVDs or video/DVD clips in any public gathering.
Copyright © 2012 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use provided that each copy carry
this notice.
Contents
INTRODUCING SPARK SUMMER!
5
About the Daily Stories and Themes
About the Bible
About the Daily Schedule
About Preschoolers
About the Music
About Decorating
About the Files
About the Spark Summer Community
SPARK SUMMER STORIES
7
Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6–9)
Jonah and the Big Fish (Jonah 1–4)
Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)
Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42)
Lydia (Acts 16:9-15)
BIG PICTURE OVERVIEW
8
Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6–9)
Jonah and the Big Fish (Jonah 1–4)
Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)
Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42)
Lydia (Acts 16:9-15)
ABOUT SPARK SUMMER RESOURCES
13
Leader Guides
Bibles
Coloring, Activity, and Family Pages
PowerPoint Slides
BIBLES AND SPARK SUMMER
15
Spark Story Bibles and Spark Bibles
Bible Booklets
When Bibles Are Used
Bible Tips
HOW SPARK SUMMER WORKS
16
HOW TO PLAN SPARK SUMMER
17
Planning Guide
Sample Schedules
Half-day Schedule
Full-day Schedule
Spark™ Summer © 2012 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Director Guide — 3
Contents (continued)
ABOUT SPARK SUMMER WORKSHOPS
19
Art Workshop
Games Workshop
Science Workshop
Video Workshop
FUNDRAISING IDEAS
20
Budget Money
Registration Fee
Donations
Sponsorships
Water Drops
Materials and Supplies
VOLUNTEERS
21
Shepherds
Large Group Gathering Leader
Music Leader
Storytelling Skit Performers
Snack Leaders
Preschool Leaders
Workshop Leaders
Support Staff
How to Prepare Volunteers
PUBLICITY IDEAS
23
Display
Phone-a-thon
Posters
Raffle
Go Online
Pre-Program and Post-Program Storytelling Skits
Registration
Feature the Bibles
BACKDROP IMAGES
24
GRAPHICS
36
Introducing Spark Summer!
Spark Summer is a flexible approach to planning Bible-focused summer programming for preschoolers
through upper elementary kids. You can use Spark Summer for your congregation’s five-day vacation Bible
school program, midweek events, summer Sunday school, or other creative ways that fit your congregation’s needs. Spark
Summer taps into what congregations love about Spark: easy-to-use leader material, fun activities for kids, and a focus on
the Bible. Read on for more about what Spark Summer is all about.
About the Daily Stories and Themes
Each day in Spark Summer focuses on a Bible story about water. Two stories are from the Old Testament, two are from the
Gospels, and one is from Acts. Each day also has a theme word to help kids focus on a concept from each story. Look for the
theme word to be woven into the activities for the day in all sorts of ways.
About the Bible
Spark Summer is centered around placing God’s Word into kids’ hands. Kids will explore the Bible story each day in multiple
ways as they meet in small groups with Shepherds, in the Large Group Gathering and workshops, and during snack time. They
experience the Bible directly during their small groups, as the Shepherds provide support for exploring the story for the day.
About the Daily Schedule
Spark Summer follows a schedule that is illustrated on page 16 of this Director Guide. Kids gather in small groups with their
Shepherds, then move into the Large Group Gathering where they’ll sing, watch a skit, and learn more about the story and
daily theme. Then kids rotate through the workshops of Art, Games, Science, and Video. You plan when they will enjoy an
easy-to-serve snack. Kids finish the day in small groups with their Shepherds.
About Preschoolers
Spark Summer is for preschoolers too! Each day, the Spark Preschool content provides enough activities for preschoolers to
explore the story in a safe, self-contained setting. After playing in story-related centers, they can join the big kids during the
Large Group Gathering. When they return, they gather for storytelling and then explore the story through options for art,
games, music, and snack.
About the Music
Instead of providing a CD of prerecorded music, Spark Summer offers suggestions for each day so that you can choose
music that fits your church’s traditions and interests. When planning the music for the Large Group Gatherings, you can
choose from options such as camp songs, hymns, spirituals, global songs, and other tunes that kids love to sing. These
song suggestions will include music from the Spark Songbook and Spark Song CD. Spark Summer also provides new verses
for “Spark My World,” which can be found on the Spark Song CD and in the Spark Songbook, so you can sing about each
day’s story.
About Decorating
Summer programming (especially VBS) often means decorating the church to reflect the theme and the characters. With
Spark Summer, the amount of decorating is up to you. This Director Guide provides several images for backdrops. You may
consider supplementing these with decorating supplies in the Spark colors of red, orange, and yellow. Or you could explore
the water theme in your decorating through lots of blues and greens, wading pools, droplets, and other aquatic ideas.
About the Files
All Spark Summer content for leaders is available electronically instead of print to allow for easy sharing and customization.
Each day has several files for that story. Files are available as PDFs or in Rich Text Format (rtf) to let you customize for your
setting. Look through the files you need, send files to volunteers, and download files such as the PowerPoint slides to your
laptop to create presentations.
About the Spark Summer Community
Go to the Spark Sunday School page on Facebook to connect with other congregations using Spark Summer. You can share
ideas with other leaders, post pictures of your decorations, and ask questions as you plan your Spark Summer program.
Spark Summer Stories
Take a look at the stories and themes for Splash in God’s Word.
Noah’s Ark
(Genesis 6–9)
Promise
Jonah and the Big Fish
(Jonah 1–4)
Tell
Walking on Water
(Matthew 14:22-33)
Trust
Woman at the Well
(John 4:5-42)
Ask
Lydia
(Acts 16:9-15)
Welcome
Big Picture Overview
Use this chart to see the workshop activities for Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and All Kids. You
can also check out the snack option for the day.
Noah’s Ark
(GENESIS 6–9)
Lower Elementary
Upper Elementary
All Kids
ROCKING THE ARK: Kids create
DRIP-DROP FLOOD!: Kids use
A FLOOD AND A PROMISE: Kids
ark pictures and add paint
by rocking paint-covered
marbles on their papers.
corn syrup mixed with paint
to create flood pictures.
create spin-art flood and
promise plates.
ARK ANSWERS: Kids work in
KNOWING NOAH: Kids get to
ANIMAL SAILING: Kids sail the
teams to answer questions
about the story.
know the story of Noah’s Ark
better by finding verses in
the Bible.
Bible from person to person
without letting it fall.
Art Workshop
Games Workshop
NOAH SAYS: Kids play a Simon
HAVE YOU “HERD” THE
Says-type game, letting
Noah or Mrs. Noah use a
Bible to help.
ARK ACTIVITY CENTER: Kids
move like animals around
the room and try not to run
into each other.
ANIMALS?: Kids pretend to be
WHAT “WOOD” KEEP NOAH
THE BUDDY PROMISE: Kids
REMEMBERING GOD’S PROMISE:
Noah or Mrs. Noah and herd
the other kids as animals
onto the ark.
Science Workshop
SAFE?: Kids experiment with
wood blocks to determine
the best kind of wood to
build an ark.
learn about characteristics
of different animal groups
and play a game to find their
animal match.
Kids learn tricks for
memorizing and practice
memorizing parts of the
story.
THE GODLY WORKOUT: Kids
watch excerpts from Prom or
Chicken Run and learn that
God always keeps promises,
even when people don’t.
They may watch videos of
flooding.
GOD KEEPS PROMISES WITHOUT
Video Workshop
NOAH’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE:
Kids watch excerpts from
Mars Needs Moms or Brother
Bear and learn that even
though people don’t always
keep their promises, God
does. They may watch
videos of amazing catches.
DOUBT: Kids watch excerpts
from Soul Surfer or Finding
Nemo and learn that God
keeps promises even
when others are doubtful.
wedding vows.
Snack
YO-BOWS WITH PROMISE PUNCH: Kids enjoy colorful yogurt in tubes and colorful punch as they
remember God’s promise.
Jonah and the Big Fish
(JONAH 1–4)
Lower Elementary
Upper Elementary
All Kids
FISH FRAMES: Kids create fish-
TELLING BOX: Kids decorate a
TOWN AND COUNTRY MURAL:
shaped frames and place
pictures of themselves in the
bellies of their fish frames.
box in which they can keep
things that help them tell
about God.
Kids work together to create
a mural retelling the story
of Jonah and add their own
people to tell God’s story.
STUCK IN A FISH: Kids pretend
WHALE BLABBER: Kids talk
PICTURE TAG: Kids tell the
to be Jonah in the belly of
the fish and try to figure out
the action that will let them
get out so they can go tell
God’s story.
in whale-speak and try to
guess what part of the story
is being told.
story of Jonah by working in
teams to draw pictures.
Art Workshop
Games Workshop
CATCH AND RELEASE: Kids play
SPARK BIBLE BALL BALANCING
BONANZA: Kids try to balance
MOUTH MATCHING: Kids play a
a game of link tag and work
together as a big fish to
catch Jonah.
Memory-type game to learn
more about Jonah’s story.
a table tennis ball on a Bible
and discover that opening
the Bible can help.
STOMACH SPEAK: Kids learn
GOD CAN TELL: Kids learn
TELL ME AGAIN: Kids direct
about the digestive system
and what our stomachs
tell us.
about casting lots and
experiment with probability
and chance.
each other to a special spot
to practice listening skills.
GOD’S GOT THE GOODS ON YOU:
GOD SAYS, “GO AND TELL!”:
I CAN TELL SOMETHING
Cars 2 or The Lion King and
learn that telling important
things can make a big
difference. They may watch
videos of whale “singing.”
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick
Rules or The Muppets Take
Manhattan and learn about
the importance of telling
God’s story. They may watch
videos of bare-handed
catches.
excerpts from The Secret of
Moonacre or Chicken Little
and learn about characters
who tell important things.
smart fish.
Science Workshop
Video Workshop
IMPORTANT: Kids watch
Snack
BIG FISH FUNNELS WITH JONAH JUICE BAGS: Kids look for graham cracker bear-shaped “Jonahs” in a
sugar cone filled with fish and enjoy ocean-themed juice bags together.
Walking on Water
(MATTHEW 14:22-33)
Lower Elementary
Upper Elementary
All Kids
WHERE’S JESUS? BINOCULARS:
WATER WALKING GRAPHIC
WALKING-WITH-JESUS
Kids create Jesus binoculars
to help them see lots of
places they can trust Jesus.
NOVEL: Kids work together
MAGNETS: Kids create foot-
to create a graphic novel
retelling the story of Walking
on Water.
shaped magnets to remind
them they can trust and walk
with Jesus.
WATER JUMP: Kids help
WATER WALK: Kids work in
FEAR FREEZE: Kids play a
each other jump from one
wooden block to another,
being careful not to touch
the water (floor).
teams to transfer water from
one bowl to another.
game of freeze tag in which
they get frozen by fear, but
Jesus releases them from
their fear.
Art Workshop
Games Workshop
BACK TO BACK: Kids work in
PICTURE THAT!: Kids take
clothespins onto a target.
pairs to practice trusting
each other as they stand, sit,
and crouch back-to-back.
GUESS WHAT I SEE!: Kids focus
THE FORCE OF BUOYANCY: Kids
WATER BUGS: Kids experiment
on a picture and do their
best to recreate it from
memory.
experiment with buoyancy
to learn about what makes
boats float.
with water tension and
create bugs that will float on
water.
I CAN BE TRUSTED: Kids watch
ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY:
WE CAN LEARN TO TRUST:
Paul Blart: Mall Cop or Sky
High and learn about the
importance of trusting each
other and trusting Jesus.
Rube Goldberg machines.
Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs.
Evil or Mulan and learn about
trusting even when it’s not
easy to do. They may watch
videos of extraordinary
musicians.
JUMPING PEOPLE: Kids jump
turns drawing something
that makes them afraid
while everyone else works
together to guess what it is.
Science Workshop
Video Workshop
excerpts from Rango or
Tinker Bell and learn about
the amazing things that
can happen when we trust
each other. They may watch
videos of walking on water
competitions.
Snack
WATERMELON BOATS WITH SEA SODA: Kids rock their watermelon boats in shallow water and
enjoy their boats and a sparkling blue drink together.
Woman at the Well
(JOHN 4:5-42)
Lower Elementary
Upper Elementary
All Kids
BIBLE TIMES WATER JARS: Kids
MARBLEIZED MATS: Kids use
UNEXPECTED CHANGES: Kids
create an antique-looking
water jar and remember that
the woman at the well had
to fetch all her water with a
water jar.
water and spray paint to
create place mats.
decorate a water droplet
picture with crayon shavings
and watch how their picture
changes when it’s ironed.
FUN FACTS: Kids get to know
BIBLE TRIVIA BEANBAG TOSS:
WATER FROM THE WELL: Kids
each other better by finding
out fun facts about their
classmates.
Kids work in teams to
correctly answer Bible trivia
and get the beanbag in the
hoop.
work in teams using turkey
basters to move water from
the well to their water jar.
Art Workshop
Games Workshop
SINK OR FLOAT: Kids work in
STORY CARDS: Kids work in
teams to find five items that
will float in water.
LIVING WATER RELAY: Kids
LIVING WATER CHANGES: Kids
HOW MANY DROPS?: Kids see
FROM DIRTY TO CLEAN: Kids
use colored water to dye a
white flower and learn about
how living water changes us.
how many drops of water
can fit on several different
kinds of coins before the
water crosses the boundary
of the coin.
create a water filter from a
recycled bottle and watch as
dirty water becomes clean.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED: Kids
ASK GOD: Kids watch excerpts
JUST ASK: Kids watch
watch excerpts from Veggie
Tales: Princess and the Pop
Star or The Many Adventures
of Winnie the Pooh and learn
what can happen when we
talk to God. They may watch
videos of water fountain
surprises.
from Letters to God or Happy
Feet and learn that God
answers when we ask. They
may watch videos of improv
comedy.
excerpts from Breaking the
Press or Charlotte’s Web
and learn that God hears
us when we pray. They
may watch videos of sports
victories turned messy.
work in teams to take water
from the well and fill up their
jugs.
teams to put the story cards
in order.
Science Workshop
Video Workshop
Snack
GELATIN WELLS WITH LIVING WATER DRINKS: Kids float raisins in sparkling, flavored living water
and enjoy blue gelatin cups together.
Lydia
(ACTS 16:9-15)
Lower Elementary
Upper Elementary
All Kids
BAPTISM CARDS: Kids use
BAPTISM POUCHES: Kids make
BAPTISM GIFTS: Kids dye
baptism symbols to create
cards to give to people
baptized at church.
purple fabric pouches to give
to people baptized at church.
purple fabric welcome signs
to give as baptism gifts at
church.
WELCOME TO GOD’S FAMILY:
FOLLOW THE LEADER: Kids play
PICTURE RELAY: Kids work in
a circle game and follow a
leader without disclosing
who the leader is.
teams to draw Lydia’s story
from memory.
Art Workshop
Games Workshop
Kids play a game to
welcome each other into
God’s family.
GOOD LISTENERS: Kids practice
their listening skills by
leading each other around
the room while other kids
distract them with noise.
LYDIA RELAY: Kids do a relay
YES OR NO: Kids play a trivia
game in teams to help
remember the story.
in teams and model Lydia’s
beautiful purple cloth.
Science Workshop
COLORS OF WELCOME: Kids
THE KEY TO ME: Kids learn
WELCOME AT THE RIVER: Kids
make fabric dye and use it to
create a welcome banner.
about dichotomous keys
and determine a key for
themselves.
experiment with water to
determine how much water
they use each day.
WE WELCOME: Kids watch
BE A WELCOMING LEADER!: Kids
A GOOD LEADER IS WELCOMING:
excerpts from Veggie Tales:
The Little Drummer Boy or
Thomas and Friends: Percy
Takes the Plunge and learn
about welcoming others.
families welcoming babies.
watch excerpts from The
Blind Side or Journey to the
Center of the Earth and learn
about ways to welcome
people to God’s family. They
may watch videos of people
being welcomed at airports.
Video Workshop
Kids watch excerpts from An
American Girl: Chrissa Stands
Strong or Pooh’s Heffalump
Movie and learn about
characters who are good
at welcoming. They may
watch videos of flash mob
welcomes.
Snack
PURPLE DYE-SICLES WITH WELCOME WATER: Kids enjoy purple frozen treats and a drink of water as
they welcome each other.
About Spark Summer Resources
Take a look at the resources you’ll need for Spark Summer. You’ll distribute some to volunteer leaders and
others to kids and families.
Leader Guides
Your leaders get everything they need in guides that walk them through how to be Shepherds and leaders for Large Group
Gatherings (including music and skits), the four workshops, snack time, and Preschool. Here is a description of each type of
Leader Guide.
Shepherd Guides are for each Shepherd, the leader who is with a small group of kids throughout the day. Shepherd Guides
provide specific activities for welcoming kids and exploring the day’s story in their Bibles. Shepherds also receive tips for
transition time activities and conversation starters as they travel to the workshops. Finally, Shepherds wrap things up with
kids using the Send content in their Shepherd Guides.
Large Group Gathering leaders plan the time when kids of all ages come together to hear the Bible story, sing songs, watch
the skit, and give an offering. You can choose a different offering each day or choose one offering for the entire program. One
option is to collect money to fund your denomination’s initiative to eliminate malaria. Make the connection to water by telling
kids how mosquitoes need standing water to breed. ELCA Malaria Campaign, the United Methodist Church’s Imagine No
Malaria, or PC-USA’s NetWorkers ministry are all denominational programs.
Workshop Guides are for leaders of the Art, Games, Science, and Video workshops. Each guide provides one or two
engaging activities for three age groupings: Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and All Kids.
Snack Guides for the snack planner contain everything this leader needs to plan and serve an easy, no-prep snack connected
to the story.
Preschool Guides for the leaders of young children provide lively ideas for play centers, a dynamic storytelling activity, and
several options for music, games, art, and snacks.
Bible Backgrounds help your leaders prepare by exploring each Bible story.
Bibles
You can purchase full-length Bibles for kids or opt for the booklets that contain all the content you need to Splash in God’s
Word during Spark Summer.
Spark Story Bible is a vibrant storybook for preschoolers and lower elementary kids that is packed with 150 kid-friendly
retellings of Bible stories.
Spark Bible is an NRSV translation of the Bible for upper elementary kids. Packed with feature content, maps, tips on using
the Bible, and more, this Bible is a great way for kids to enter into reading God’s Word for themselves. The colorful stickers in
the back of the Bible give kids a great way to mark their Bibles their way.
Spark Story Bible Booklet contains the five stories from Spark Summer so that kids can follow along during storytelling time
with their Shepherds.
Spark NRSV Bible Booklet gives upper elementary kids a chance to read the actual Bible texts for the Spark Summer stories.
There are also tips on using their Bibles, and each pack of five booklets comes with five sticker sheets so kids can mark their
Bible booklets.
Coloring, Activity, and Family Pages
For each story, you’ll find a number of additional pages for leaders, kids, and families. Here is a brief description of each one:
Coloring Pages feature artwork from the Spark Story Bible. Shepherds can use them with Lower Elementary kids, and they’re
used in each day’s Coloring Center in the Preschool Guide.
Activity Pages feature word games, puzzles, and other activities you can use to fill a few minutes and reinforce the story.
Three Activity Pages are available for each story: Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and All Kids.
Family Pages help kids take the story home by providing families with a quick look at the day’s story, a prayer, conversation
starters, and fun at-home activities to try together. Shepherds hand out the Family Page during the Send part of their time
together with kids.
PowerPoint Slides
Use the PowerPoint slides during the Large Group Gatherings so kids can see and sing along as they splash in God’s Word.
Spark Story Bible Slides are PowerPoint slides that show the art from the Spark Story Bible. You can choose to project the
story during your Large Group Gathering. Each story has two versions: one with the text and one with no text. Project the art
to help storytelling come to life!
Spark Lyrics are available as PowerPoint slides so that you can project lyrics from songs on the Spark Song CD to help kids
sing along. Check out the story-specific lyrics for each day when you sing “Spark My World.”
Create a PowerPoint presentation with Spark Story Bible images and information about your program to share with the
congregation before Spark Summer. Show the presentation before and after worship times. They’ll see the stories in action
and learn about registration, dates and times, and other important information.
Recruit someone to create a PowerPoint presentation with photos from the week. You can also report on numbers of kids and
volunteers, show how many Bibles were distributed, and report on the final offering amount.
Bibles and Spark Summer
Spark Summer gets God’s Word in kids’ hands! Whether you purchase a full-length Bible for each kid
or order the Bible booklets, Spark Summer will get kids splashing in God’s Word. As part of their Spark
Summer experience, kids will spend time in the Bible each day as they explore stories about Noah, Jonah,
Jesus and Peter, the woman at the well with Jesus, and Lydia.
Spark Story Bibles and Spark Bibles
One option for Spark Summer is to purchase a Spark Story Bible or Spark Bible for everyone who attends. The Spark Bibles
and Spark Story Bibles are great gifts that will last long after the summer months are over. If your congregation already uses
these Bibles in Spark Sunday School, many kids will already have them and can bring them each day. Present kids who are
guests during Spark Summer with their own Bible at the beginning of Spark Summer. Let them know the Bible is theirs to
keep when Spark Summer is over.
Bible Booklets
Bible Booklets are alternatives to the full-length Spark Story Bible and Spark Bible for kids. The 32-page Spark Story Bible
Booklet is for Preschoolers and Lower Elementary kids. Each booklet contains the vibrant Spark Story Bible content from all
five stories in Spark Summer. There is also a page at the back for kids to get autographs from their Spark Summer friends.
The 24-page Spark NRSV Bible Booklet for Upper Elementary kids includes the pages from the five stories in the Spark Bible
so kids can read the stories from the Bible. Kids will also find a few pages with tips on finding passages and marking their
Bibles. Each booklet also comes with a page of Spark Bible Stickers so kids can add stickers to the passages.
When Bibles Are Used
Kids will spend time in their Bibles during the Gather and Send parts of each day with their Shepherds. Younger kids will
explore the colorful, vibrant stories from the Spark Story Bible. Older kids will read the story from the pages of the Bible
and will mark up their Bibles. Kids also will explore the Bible story when they attend the Large Group Gathering, explore the
workshops, and enjoy their snack.
Bible Tips
If you are using the full-length Bibles, plan a place for each small group to store their Bibles when they are not in use, such
as a bookcase, shelf, or plastic bin. Make sure kids’ names are on the presentation page in their Bibles. You may also want to
place their name on a sticky note and attach it to the front of each Bible so you can see each Bible’s owner at a glance.
If you are using the booklets, have kids write their name on the cover so Shepherds can easily pass out the booklets each
day. Shepherds could carry the booklets around throughout the day in a bag or backpack or leave them in their small group
meeting spot.
If your church has a sewing group, consider asking them to make Bible covers for each child’s Bible. You can find several
patterns online by searching for “Bible cover patterns.” Plan a time when kids can customize their covers with iron-on letters
or fabric paints.
G
s
ame
Art
Kids explore the Bible story
in many workshops.
o
Vide
Large Group
Gathering
n
n
io
sit
Kids finish the day in small
groups with their Shepherds.
on
i
Transit
ps
Small Grou
Kids experience the day’s Bible
story in the Large Group Gathering.
a
Tr
ition
Tran
s
n
Transitio
nce
Scie
Snack
s
Workshop
Kids gather in small groups with
their Shepherds.
ps
Small Grou
How Spark Summer Works
Snack
Music
Preschoolers spend their
time in a self-contained
setting. They can join
older kids in the Large
Group Gathering.
Send
Art
Games
Activate Faith
Open the Bible
Gather
Preschool
How Spark Summer Works
How to Plan Spark Summer
This section makes it easy to keep track of and plan all the parts of Spark Summer.
Planning Guide
Use this chart for ideas on when to start planning Spark Summer.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Download the Spark Summer files and review the files for each day
Check out Spark Summer tips on the Spark Facebook page
Begin recruiting volunteers to be Shepherds, Workshop Leaders, Large Group Gathering Leaders, Bible
Storytelling Skit performers, and Music Leaders
Begin collecting supplies and materials
Begin advertising within your church community
Begin fundraising
Begin enrollment
1-2 months
before
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Map out your facility and where Spark Summer activities will happen
Put announcements in community resources
Finalize volunteers
Contact volunteers and provide them with necessary materials
Continue collecting supplies and materials
Create backdrops
Plan your Spark Summer schedule
Monitor enrollment
Order Spark Story Bibles or Spark Story Bible Booklets and Spark Bibles or Spark NRSV Bible Booklets
3-5 weeks
before
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assign Shepherd Groups, Shepherds, Workshop Leaders, and all other volunteers
Line up a few extra volunteers who can step in as needed
Recruit a volunteer to take pictures
Send letters of welcome
Provide all volunteers with necessary information
Finalize registration materials
Confirm all spaces and equipment for Workshops, Large Group Gatherings, Snack, and Preschool
1 week before
•
•
•
•
•
•
Finalize Shepherd Groups and make a plan for placing walk-in kids
Assign meeting locations for Shepherd Groups
Connect with all volunteers
Organize Storytelling Skit rehearsals
Answer any final questions
Set up for Spark Summer
2-3 months
before
Sample Schedules
Spark Summer is designed to be flexible for planners and fun for kids and leaders. Whether your congregation has a long
tradition of summer programming or wants to start something new, there is a Spark Summer plan for you.
Half-day Schedule
9:00-9:15
Kids arrive and meet in small groups with their Shepherd
9:15-9:30
Large Group Gathering
9:30-10:00
Workshop
10:00-10:30
Workshop
10:30-10:45
Snack
10:45-11:15
Workshop
11:15-11:30
Kids gather in small groups with their Shepherd and are sent home
Full-day Schedule
9:30-10:00
Kids arrive and meet in small groups with their Shepherd
10:00-10:30
Large Group Gathering
10:30-11:15
Workshop
11:15-12:00
Workshop
12:00-12:30
Lunch
12:30-1:15
Workshop
1:15-2:00
Workshop
2:00-2:30
Snack
2:30-3:00
Choose an All-Kids activity from one of the workshops, gather again for more singing, or have a free play time
3:00-3:30
Kids gather in small groups with their Shepherd and are sent home
About Spark Summer Workshops
As you plan for Spark Summer, choose from four different workshops that kids will participate in each
day. Use one, two, three, or all four, depending on your Spark Summer schedule. You can use the same
workshops each day, or vary them to include all your favorite activities.
Art Workshop
Kids will connect to each day’s story and characters through an art project in the Art Workshop. Projects are easy to prep
and fun to create. No two projects are alike! In Spark Summer Art, kids are invited to exercise creativity to create a unique
project connected to the day’s story and theme.
Games Workshop
Kids will connect to each day’s story and characters through one or two games in the Games Workshop. Each Games
Workshop includes two games: one high-energy game and one low-energy game. Do one or both, depending on the amount
of time and space you have. In Spark Summer Games, kids will move and play in teams or individually as they learn about the
day’s story and theme.
Science Workshop
Kids will connect to each day’s story and characters through a science lesson in the Science Workshop. Each science lesson
is unique and can include an experiment, a project, fun facts, and more. From testing the hardness of wood to learning about
the digestive system, kids will enjoy learning about science as they explore the day’s story and theme.
Video Workshop
Kids will connect to each day’s story and characters through watching videos in the Video Workshop. Two movie clips are
suggested each day. Each clip features characters that represent similar characteristics or struggles as those in the Bible
story. In a new feature for Spark, suggestions for online video content are provided. Use these suggestions if the leader can
show videos on a laptop, tablet, or smart phone. (You’ll need Wi-Fi access or a wireless hotspot to do this.)
Fundraising Ideas
Here are a few tips, tricks, and ideas for filling in where money falls short in your Spark Summer: Splash
in God’s Word program. Think about what you need most—donations of materials, time, or money—and
then try a few of these “fun-raising” ideas to meet your goals.
Budget Money
If you haven’t already, create a proposal to present to your church council or finance team. This is a good place to start.
Perhaps there is some extra money allotted for youth or children’s expenses that could help fund Spark Summer this year.
Registration Fee
Minimal registration fees can go a long way in helping you fund Spark Summer. Many churches charge $5 a kid or $15 a
family to help offset the cost of supplies and programming.
Donations
Believe it or not, people want to give money to support children’s ministry. Invite your congregation to support your Spark
Summer program. Staff a table during fellowship time each Sunday leading up to Spark Summer, or request to take a special
Spark Summer offering during the service.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are a great way for members of your congregation to take responsibility for a portion of your VBS program.
People will love the opportunity to be the Snack Sponsor, Decoration Sponsor, or other kind of sponsor. Sponsors are also a
great way to help out kids who might not be able to afford a registration fee.
Water Drops
Create a splashy Spark Summer Backdrop (from the backdrops provided on pages 25-35 of this guide) to display in a
common area of your church. Invite members of your community to purchase water drops that will be added to the
background. Sell drops for a few dollars apiece and allow purchasers to add their name to the drop and tape the drop to
the wall.
Materials and Supplies
Whether it’s science supplies or skit props for the Large Group Gathering, members of your church community will be
glad to throw something in their shopping cart and drop it off to help out with Spark Summer. Get an inventory from your
Workshop, Music, and Storytelling Skit leaders on what’s needed. Write each item on an individual tag. Make tags available
to the congregation on a small tree or other display in your common area. Invite members to take a tag with them, and then
return the item along with the tag.
Volunteers
Shepherds
Kids start each day at Spark Summer in their Shepherd Groups of five or six kids. Each Shepherd Group is led by a Shepherd.
Shepherds use the Shepherd Guide to introduce the story at the beginning of the day. They travel with their groups through
all activities from the Large Group Gatherings to the Workshops and beyond. Shepherds should be ready to be a friend to
kids, lead discussions and help answer questions, encourage team building and interaction, and help with any disciplinary
issues that arise. Each Shepherd receives a Shepherd Guide that will help them Open the Bible each day, provide transition
tips, and help start fun and meaningful conversations.
Large Group Gathering Leader
The Large Group Gathering Leader introduces the story and theme every day in the large group. This leader should be full
of enthusiasm and comfortable in front of a large group of kids. In some churches, this person will also double as the Music
Leader. The LGG Leader also coordinates the Storytelling Skit Performers, props, and costumes.
Music Leader
The Music Leader leads everyone in singing during the Large Group Gathering. The Music Leader will select from the
suggested songs in the Large Group Gathering Guide and prepare one to three songs for the group to sing together. The
Music Leader should be skilled at teaching music and enjoy working with large groups of kids.
Storytelling Skit Performers
The Storytelling Skit Performers will perform the storytelling skit each day during the Large Group Gathering at Spark
Summer, as well as the Pre-Program Skit and the Post-Program Skit before and after your Spark Summer program. Skit
Performers will work with the Large Group Gathering Leader. Skit Performers could be middle school or high school
youth, parents, or other leaders who are comfortable speaking in front of a group. Skit Performers should be energetic and
enthusiastic and enjoy performing.
Snack Leaders
Snack Leaders will prepare and serve the low-preparation snacks each day at Spark Summer. Snack Leaders should know
a lot about where to find things in your church kitchen! Snack Leaders can be put in charge of purchasing, preparing, and
serving the snack each day.
Preschool Leaders
Spark Summer provides separate activities for preschool kids each day. Preschool Leaders are in charge of leading preschool
kids through the stories and activities for each day of Spark Summer. Preschool Leaders should be comfortable leading young
kids, enthusiastic, and energetic. Preschool Leaders should love to play and sing. There should be at least one Preschool
Leader for every five preschool kids.
Workshop Leaders
At Spark Summer, kids will learn about the daily story and theme through hands-on activities at the Art Workshop, Games
Workshop, Science Workshop, and Video Workshop. Enthusiastic workshop leaders who love to work with kids are key to
making the story come to life in each of these workshops. Workshop leaders will be responsible for collecting and preparing
all materials and supplies for each day’s workshop. Workshop leaders should practice and/or preview all activities before
kids arrive to ensure that they’re ready to lead during Spark Summer. Workshop leaders should be adults or youth who are
organized, responsible, and particularly interested in leading activities that are specifically designed for their site.
Support Staff
An eye for getting things done and a willing attitude are characteristics of the best support staff members. Support staff
assist activity site leaders with the planning, preparation, implementation, and clean-up of site activities. They can also
help the Shepherds with the Shepherd Groups, especially if the number of kids in the group grows because of increased
attendance.
How to Prepare Volunteers
Your volunteers may have a range of experience leading kids, whether it’s in a large group, small group, or educational
setting. Be sure to check in with volunteers regularly to see how prepared and comfortable they feel performing their
Spark Summer role. Consider holding a Volunteer Training two or three weeks prior to Spark Summer. Training should give
volunteers a background of Spark Summer, an overview of each day’s theme and story, and an understanding of how your
Spark Summer will be set up. This is also a great time to offer some tips and tricks for working with kids and to cover all
needed boundaries and safety training.
For part of the training, try walking through Spark Summer content for one of the stories. This will help all volunteers
experience how the story is presented to kids. It also gives an idea of each day’s flow and shows how leaders can use extra
ideas to fill time or expand on the story.
Publicity Ideas
Getting the word out about Spark Summer is the best way to make it a success. Select from this
collection of ideas or create your own. Any way you do it, make sure that Spark Summer is on everyone’s
minds and calendars.
Display
Create a display using photographs of your kids from Sunday school or a summer program from a previous year. Pique
interest in the week by displaying art projects, science materials, and Bibles or Booklets that will be used during Spark
Summer. Use the display to generate interest in volunteering and registering.
Phone-a-thon
Recruit youth and adults who are willing to hold a phone-a-thon. Call members and friends of your congregation, local day
care centers, and even other churches to personally invite them to your Spark Summer program.
Posters
Have a Spark Summer poster-making session in Sunday school. Supply poster board, paints, markers, magazines, scissors,
and glue. Encourage kids to sign their names and display the finished posters around your church building.
Raffle
Hold a raffle for a few Spark Bibles and Spark Story Bibles. Every kid gets to put his or her name in the drawing one time. Kids
can add their name again when they register for Spark Summer and every time they invite new friends.
Go Online
Promote Spark Summer on your church’s Web page. Use graphics or backdrops from pages 25-38 of the Director Guide
and pictures from past summer programs. Provide a downloadable registration page. If your congregation uses Facebook
to connect and communicate with people, let people know about Spark Summer, but also ask questions about their own
summer experiences as kids. Post questions such as “What do you remember about VBS when you were growing up?” or
“What is your favorite camp song to sing in the summer?” and watch the comments that are posted.
Pre-Program and Post-Program Storytelling Skits
Generate excitement about this year’s Spark Summer program by performing the Pre-Program Storytelling Skit during
worship. Use the Post-Program Storytelling Skit to wrap up your week of Spark Summer and to make sure everyone in the
congregation knows how much fun was had.
Registration
Set up a registration area in your narthex, and staff the area before and after worship during the weeks before Spark Summer.
Advertise your registration process in the bulletin, newsletter, and web page.
Feature the Bibles
Encourage members to sponsor a Spark Summer kid by purchasing a Bible or booklet for him or her. Or create a display that
shows how many Bibles you need to purchase. For each donation, color in part of the display.
Backdrop
Images
Backdrop Images — 24
Graphics
Graphics — 36
Graphics — 37
Graphics — 38

Augsburg Fortress www.sparksundayschool.org

Transcription

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