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The following suggestion goes beyond the actual forest day. We present here a frame story that takes place every day and that creates rather quiet, contemplative moments in the lively camp life.

Trekking encompasses a wide variety of activities. Everything from goal-oriented hikes to river trekking is included. Often, participants’ motivation can be boosted by choosing a specific type of trek. This article compiles every conceivable type of trek.

The fox stole a hen.

Who will find her on the trail ?

This season, we will look at the story of William Tyndale, who translated the Bible from Hebrew into English. Through this story, we will be able to show children the importance of the Word and that we should be thankful to have it in a language that is accessible to us. We will experience different things that are part of the story.

Inline skating offers many ways to make physical education fun and attractive.

I'll do it! I'm not doing it! Do I? I'm not doing it?

Going out, reaching out to others, takes overcoming. What will she/he think if I suddenly come and exemplify the faith or tell something about it?

I am not going to do it

This article is a Forum booklet article.

Children want to have an answer to their questions. Therefore, we adults ourselves must first become clear about what death and eternity mean. 

As far as death and dying are concerned, one can observe two contrasting developments in our time and society: On the one hand, we are constantly confronted with death, often in great detail. On the other hand, talking about death and dying seems to be taboo. 

And God said, "Let there be space between the waters to separate the waters." And so it happened, God created that space to separate the waters above and below it. And God called the space "heaven." It became evening and morning: the second day. (Genesis 1:6-8)

I have the devotion on the second day to the "dividing of the waters." We now disagree on what the water looked like in the sky. I imagine clouds. As we know them now. But my brother thinks there were no clouds before the Flood and it was a layer of water in the sky. Can you help us there? What did the water in the sky look like?

Youngstars’ activities are based on seven values: Christ-centeredness, fostering fellowship, responsiveness to needs, drawing on experience, growth, and connection with the church and society.

 Youngstars seeks to support young people on their journey of personal growth, focusing on God, creation, and people.

This is achieved through seven core values of ministry:

CHRIST-CENTEREDNESS

At the heart of Youngstars’ work is the belief that Jesus Christ alone saves us from sin and grants us new life. Young people are encouraged to live in communion with Jesus Christ.

FOSTERING FELLOWSHIP

Youngstars’ activities are based on positive interaction. Children and teenagers should feel accepted and valued. Leaders and children work as a team in which everyone complements and supports one another. 

RESPECTING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

 All activities are organized to reflect the characteristics of each age group, be relevant to their experiences, and be diverse and creative. The questions, needs, and individual characteristics of children and adolescents are taken seriously and treated with respect.

 COMPREHENSIVENESS AND EXPERIENCE-BASED APPROACH

The goal is for children and adolescents not only to gain knowledge from the Bible, but also to have their understanding of biblical truths and other relevant topics fostered through their personal experiences and activities.

GROWTH (PERSONAL MATURITY?)

Children and teenagers are encouraged to take on responsibility. The good example set by leaders, spiritual disciplines (worship, prayer), social activities, and participation in church life help young people not to shy away from responsibility. Leaders are trained through practical ministry within the team and during courses. The goal is for them to carry out their work willingly and competently.

CONNECTION TO THE CHURCH

 Every Youngstars group is part of a specific Christian community. Youngstars belongs to the universal Body of Christ and seeks to share its experiences with others. Youngstars is a tool for active church ministry (??).

RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIETY

Youngstars’ activities also enrich society. The benefits to society include meaningful and beneficial activities, integration, as well as the prevention of alcohol, drug, and violence-related issues. Children and teenagers receive support on their personal journey toward maturity and have opportunities to develop their social skills and everyday abilities.

To begin with, our day leaders welcomed the children in the usual way, then the leader, who was playing the lead investigator on the case, explained that the next crime we would be investigating was theft. During this time another head came through the door, he explained in a sober tone that they should put the theft aside because something more important had come up, namely murder. He explained that as he was walking in the field he saw a dead man on the ground. The two of them and the chief investigator then got the children ready and together they all walked to the park where the usual investigative game took place.

A quick reaction game with evaluation.

Be well prepared for emergencies in the youth group. Unfortunately, even we are not immune to accidents, illnesses, or tick bites. This document is intended to help you prepare for these scenarios.

Object lesson using a simple piece of paper.

Materials needed: a rubber or plastic chicken or any other animal (preferably not made of plush, because it can get dirty)

Participants are divided into two teams; a playing field is marked off—divided into two halves—taking into account the number of participants, and free of obstacles.

The leader throws the chicken or other mascot onto the field after giving the signal to start the game. The players in the half where the chicken lands quickly form a line behind the mascot. Once everyone is in position, the person at the front passes the chicken between their legs to the person behind them. The mascot must move as quickly as possible through the space between the participants’ legs until it reaches the last person. Each person in the line, while helping the chicken move forward, also says their name. The last person in line runs with the chicken in front of the line, shouts “STOI,” and throws the chicken into the opposing team’s half of the field.

In this phase, the opposing team’s players form a line behind the chicken, while the player who threw the chicken must run around his own team, which forms a tight circle (similar to American football), until he hears the command “STOI” from the other team. The laps run around their own team count as points.

The game continues until a predetermined score is reached.

The game is extremely dynamic and fun; it’s best played outdoors.

Balloon figures inspire children!

Here are the instructions for a swan.

There are many ways in which a quiz can be organized: 1,2 or 3, Who wants to be a millionaire, The big prize, etc. You can find another, slightly different quiz method described here.

Are you taking home 3 cans of pepper and salt again after every camp?

Do you re-buy all your spices before each camp - and then find more somewhere?

Spices have a long shelf life and can therefore be used again in the next Pfila

The idea of this EPA afternoon is to continue with a story of the Secret of the Wild Wood, having adventures with Ruth, Philip and Terry and making the connection that what we sow we shall reap.