OVERVIEW
Hi Grown-ups! You’re probably looking at this because you’re responsible for a kid or 2...or 3 or 4! If you can’t get away, a staycay is the next best thing! We wanted to make it a little easier for you to be intentional, so pick a destination and go for it! If it flops, don’t worry. Have fun, and try something else! Just don’t forget to take pics and make memories!-Hopefully they’ll last a lifetime! Oh, one more thing (and really the most important.) God is awesome, and we try to use everything we do to point kids to Jesus. He is the most important thing you can ever talk about, and any efforts you make toward Him are absolutely worth it!
"KNOWN FOR" SECTION: This section is meant to spark CONNECTION & CURIOSITY. (Here you’ll find music, food, people, landmarks, etc.) What is God known for?
“...And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
"FUN FACT" SECTION: This section is meant to spark WONDER & EXCITEMENT.
What’s a fun fact about God?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:16-17
"MOVIES/GAMES" SECTION: Pick a movie to watch together or a game to play, then pick a question or 2 to talk about. (Most movies found on Disney+)
Basic principal: Point your kids to Jesus. Everything points to God (& Jesus).
Here’s what God says about it: “Fix these words of Mine in your hearts and minds … Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19
A quick easy way is the Daily 3—When we read the Bible we ask 3 questions...ask them after you watch movies too, or on the road for anything!
- What does it say about GOD? (For movies you can also ask “What does God say about it?” if it helps. We find what God says in the Bible.) The point: Talk about God. He is first.
- What does it say about ME?
- What am I going to DO about it?
Movie Disclaimer: For any movie, it’s absolutely your decision if it’s appropriate for your kids or not, because you are ultimately responsible for the kids God has put in your care. If you have concerns, check it out first. Do your research. Check out pluggedin.com. Watch it ahead of time without your kids. Pray about it, hunt in God's Word to see what He has to say about it, and absolutely do what you feel is right before the Lord. Whatever movies you choose to watch with your kids, watch them together, and ask questions after. Any conversation that points to Jesus is a great one!
"DO IT" SECTION
Here you’ll find a few different activity ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Pick one that seams like your family, or even let your child choose. Sure, you can go for it and do them all, but don’t wear yourself out so much that you can’t enjoy them! Don’t forget the purpose is to have fun together that points to Jesus! Let me give you an example:
Fun Activity: You obviously can’t do all of the activities on this side of the card, but grab one that sparks your interest. (One that makes you say, “That would be fun,” or “We could do that,” or “Oh, we have that.”) Here’s the example:
Will It Float?: Collect random supplies (i.e. paper scraps, tape, items from the recycle bin) and let your child assemble them into the best floating contraption they can think of. Test it out in some water (Bathtub, sink, bin outside), or have a race outside with the garden hose.
Talk about it: (Connection to God & Jesus) Don’t leave this part out! God’s worth it! We’ll totally have fun with our kids and make memories, but the most important thing we can do is point them to Jesus! Here’s the example:
ASK: Did you know Jesus walked on water?! Check it out for yourself! Read Matthew 14:22-33
SAY: He also calmed the wind and waves.Read Matthew 8:24-27 “The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!’” Matthew 8:27
ASK: What do you think of these stories?
You can also ask the Daily 3 Questions:
What does it say about GOD?
What does it say about ME?
What am I going to DO about it?
KNOWN FOR: Great Wall of China, Pandas, Food, Martial Arts
FUN FACT: The Great Wall of China is the largest man-made structure in the world (5,500 miles) China goes from ocean to the Himalayas (the world’s highest mountain range) and is 20% desert too! China has the largest population in the world. A whole lot of people! 1.4 billion! Almost 1 in 5 people on earth live in China.“...so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other.” 1 Kings 8:60
MOVIES: Mulan, Born in China (Disney Nature), Bao (Pixar Short),
MULAN QUESTIONS:
- Who should you honor? “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3
What does it mean to honor? (show great respect)
Was Mulan honoring her parents by leaving? Why or why not? - Was Mulan beautiful when she was dressed up or fighting? What makes a person beautiful? “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and...gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
- Mulan asked her ancestors for help. Who should we ask for help? “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Ps. 121:2
- Mulan was brave. Should we be brave? Why? “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10a “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
(See also Matthew 28:20, Psalm 23, Romans 8:38-39, 2 Timothy 1:7, John 14, 1 Peter 5:6-7)
DO IT!
CHECK IT OUT—There were some pretty brave, amazing women in the Bible. Pick one and read what the Bible says about them.
Aksah (Joshua 15:18-19) She was brave and was given extra land
Deborah (Judges 4-5) A judge and prophet over Israel
Jael (Judges 4:16-24) God used her to kill the army commander
Abigail ( 1 Samuel 25:1–42) Wise women who saved many lives
MAKE CHINESE FOOD—There are a lot of easy recipes out there. Here is one for fried rice.
Add 2 tbs sesame oil to the bottom of the pan, cook veggies (1 small onion, peas & carrots). Put to the side of the pan.
Add 1-2 eggs & cook on the empty side of the pan with salt and pepper.
Add cold, leftover rice, soy sauce or oyster sauce.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Ps. 34:8a
FIREWORK ART—China invented fireworks. Use black paper and chalk, paint, or glitter and glue to create fireworks in the night sky. Try using toilet paper rolls. Cut down the end about halfway several times all around. Dip in paint and use like a stamp. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1 Even though fireworks are manmade, can you imagine what it was like when God made the sky and the moon and stars and planets in Genesis 1:14-16?!
MAKE A PAPER FAN OR LANTERN—Decorate and accordion fold construction paper into a fan. For a paper lantern, fold in half long ways (hotdog). Cut slits on the folded edge up to an inch from the edge. Unfold and attach the long edge make a cylinder “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said,‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” -John 8:12 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matt. 5:16
CHECK OUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS: CHINA or NATGEOKIDS: 30 COOL FACTS ABOUT CHINA
KUNG FU CHALLENGE—Kung Fu means “hard work”. See if you can hold 5 Kung Fu positions for 30 seconds each! “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
STAYCATION DESTINATION: MEXICO
KNOWN FOR: Food (tacos, tortillas, burritos) Mariachi Bands, Beaches, Chocolate, Mayan Temples, Day of the Dead
FUN FACT: The first cacao plants (used for chocolate) were found in Mexico 4,000 years ago. They even used the beans as money! “Whoever loves money never has enough…” Ecc. 5:10
MOVIES: Coco, The Three Caballeros
COCO QUESTIONS:
- At the beginning of the movie, Miguel’s family doesn’t allow music. What does the Bible say about music? Lots! There’s a whole book of songs (Psalms) Read some of them! Especially Psalm 150. “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises to our God on the lyre,” Psalm 147:7
- Miguel feels like he was made to play music. What were you made to do? “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” Eph. 2:10 (Isaiah 43:7,21; John 4:23)
- What really happens when you die? Hebrews 9:27; John 5:24; Rom. 6:23; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 2:6-8; 1 Thess. 4:13-18
- What does God say about how to treat your parents? Eph. 6:1-3
- How do you get into heaven after you die? John 14:6; John 11:25
- “Remember me” is a big theme. What is important to remember? What Jesus did. 1 Cor.15:3-4; (Read Luke 22:19) “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,” Isaiah 46:9 “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” Ps. 77:11, (Psalm 143:5)
DO IT!
CHECK IT OUT: DESTINATION DIVERSITY
Mexico is one of the most bio-diverse countries on earth. Diverse means different, and bio means life. (That means there are a whole lot of different plants and animals that live there!) Mexico has the most reptile species in the world (over 700), and the second most mammal species (over 430) in the world! In Mexico, there are jaguars, pumas and huge iguanas. Whales, manta rays, and manatees roam the oceans. In the jungles of southern Mexico, there are all kinds of lizards, monkeys, and colorful birds, like parrots. Look around you house and see if you can find pictures or stuffed animals of any of the creatures found in Mexico. Look online and see what you find! Check out the axolotl and tons more on NatGeo Kids Mexico! God is sure creative! Did you know that God designed us and made us all beautifully different for a reason?
“For You [God] created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
HAVE A FOODIE FIESTA!: Burritos, Flan, Enchiladas, Mole, Pan Dulce, Tacos, Whatever you eat, make sure you TACO ‘bout Jesus! “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”1 Cor. 10:31
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Find out more about our VBC Missionaries to the Mexico City area, Rod & Mayra Fry, at valleybible.org/missions. “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” Mark 16:15
HAVE A MEXICAN DANCE PARTY!: Look for all the Summer Night Camp songs you love to sing at LifeTree Kids on YouTube. Sing to the Spanish versions!
Never Let Go of Me
God is for Me
Million Reasons
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6
MEXICAN ART PROJECTS:
Search Yarn Paintings (yarn, paper, glue) Did you know there were artisans in the Bible? Check out this verse about women who made yarn and fabrics for the temple! “Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen.” Exodus 35:25
Make Aztec Sundials (paper plate, crayons or markers, popsicle stick or straight object) Sundials were used to tell time. Did you know they used sundials in the Bible too? Read this story about when the time was turned back and the sundial when back 10 steps! Find out why. Isaiah 38:1-7
Make Maracas (Easter egg, plastic spoons, beans, tape, markers) Psalm 150
Find links to yummy recipes, fun art projects, and cool videos that point to Jesus at valleybible.org/cincodemayo