Teaching and Learning From the Perspectives of Self, Community, and the World

Many VBS programs are designed using the rotation model—kids gather in a large group and then break into smaller groups and rotate between different activity sites—like crafts, games, storytelling, etc… This model is popular because it allows kids to approach the Bible story and daily theme in a variety of ways, appealing to the many different ways kids learn.

ReNew also uses the rotation model, but changes it up a bit. Instead of rotating to sites designated by activity type, ReNew kids will rotate to the Self, Community & World activity sites—where they will learn about Jesus’ Parable of the Sower and how they can go green!

Why?
At ReNew, kids dive deep into Jesus’ Parable of the Sower. Approaching the Bible from different perspectives and participating in engaging activities through these lenses creates a more meaningful experience for kids. Let’s take a closer look.

Exploring the Self Activity Site:
Each day kids will discover what each person can do to grow in faith and care for creation. With the help of their leaders, kids will participate in activities that explore ecological and spiritual questions.

Activity Examples:

Growth Detectives:
Kids head outside to discover many signs of growth, some in unexpected places. Why is this activity important? We often miss the growing beauty of God’s world. We nurture our body, mind, and spirit when we take intentional time to see and remember the growing wonder of God’s creation.

Grow A New Game:
Kids create a new game out of various components of old board games, using seeds as the new game pieces. Why is this activity important? Seeds are the starting point from which something bigger grows. The seeds of God’s love are in all of us. We share that love when we care for God’s creation.

Growing Together:
Kids discover the basic ingredients for growing people, plants, and faith. Why is this activity important? While we all depend on others to help us grow, each person is responsible for accepting that help. When we recognize what we need, it’s easier to see the needs of other people.

Move to Act!
At the end of the activity leaders and kids reflect on what they just learned and plan on sharing their experience with their friends and families.

Example:
You saw that growth comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors. God created a world filled with beauty and with everything needed to grow. Some people and plants have lots of what they need to grow and thrive (give examples from kids’ findings). Some people and plants have barely enough, but keep trying to grow (more kid examples like weeds growing in the sidewalk). Jesus told about the plants that grew in the rocky ground. Maybe he wanted people to think about what they needed to be healthy and strong. Maybe we can care for God’s creation by paying attention to how we can help plants and people grow healthy and strong bodies, minds, and spirits.

To be featured next on the ReNew blog: Who are the people in your neighborhood? Caring for God's creation in our communities.