tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84318831217336426952024-03-19T07:46:12.153-04:00Laurie's Little MonkeysBeing a Christian in your everyday lifeLaurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-20399714912098957172022-09-02T18:39:00.003-04:002023-03-26T14:29:03.948-04:00How do you welcome new families to your church?<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyfIlB15xCjeDiabXu7FusvhmjfsqCl9-ZtPAdopLplJguQMPQVmcLIxYWuLcCzYtCFCWEkquQd8ycV0VowGYsgkveE_5UUEsZx7IVTIDdB2AG62LvZ_sUCFX61zdOtGTT4eWp8AY9Z2YjiJlTulaHH1wVGSGKIAf_pvdCtC-8T0SC69aLYyoXfD3/s1280/IMG_2909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1280" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyfIlB15xCjeDiabXu7FusvhmjfsqCl9-ZtPAdopLplJguQMPQVmcLIxYWuLcCzYtCFCWEkquQd8ycV0VowGYsgkveE_5UUEsZx7IVTIDdB2AG62LvZ_sUCFX61zdOtGTT4eWp8AY9Z2YjiJlTulaHH1wVGSGKIAf_pvdCtC-8T0SC69aLYyoXfD3/s320/IMG_2909.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><span style="font-size: large;">A new family walks into your church on Sunday morning for the first time. What do you do? Who approaches them? Where are they sent? How are they greeted? I asked churches 2 questions...</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>1. If you hand out a welcome bag to your first time families, what is in them?</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>2. Besides giving them a welcome bag, what else do you do? Do you follow up in any way? </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Here are the answers I received...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course everyone needs to include a newsletter and a card with the times of the service along with all contact info. If it is a family with young kids or youth, then you need to give them info on what is offered for children/youth as well as upcoming events. One nice thing one of my churches did was to include something special from that area - we were in PA near Lititz where they make Wilbur chocolate. So they included a few of those :) Maybe your area is known for something that you could include? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But apart from mugs and water bottles or color changing cups, what cool swag items do you have in your welcome bag? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Personalized sunglass visor clips</b></u>. I'd never heard of these or seen them...so you may need to include this pic with them so others know what they are for :) But they do look very handy! And with your church name and website on the outside, they'd see it almost everyday! <a href="https://www.4allpromos.com/product/eye-glass-visor-clip">Here is one</a> I found that you can personalize.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi939JpCX5Oaw4wKor2R4jJJatsb8734CiSTEMrccFspzn0f7ZaSXuhREq857t740x0FNHFXYTCjv3NCfyCDaK-3xadgt6-pC_qIu2T6MIkcsncNKsaCieGSlPYnPWAnhQM2hVXSYBUJcSS71fLa3q4Xzr13mGXZjQxRud35s9zmfzW4rMevyMMdXiz/s600/visor%20clip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi939JpCX5Oaw4wKor2R4jJJatsb8734CiSTEMrccFspzn0f7ZaSXuhREq857t740x0FNHFXYTCjv3NCfyCDaK-3xadgt6-pC_qIu2T6MIkcsncNKsaCieGSlPYnPWAnhQM2hVXSYBUJcSS71fLa3q4Xzr13mGXZjQxRud35s9zmfzW4rMevyMMdXiz/s320/visor%20clip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Personalized boxes of crayons for the kiddos</b></u> - I know it's tempting to put candy in the bags, but as a parent, I ask that you don't. I have a daughter that has a severe food allergy and a niece that has an extremely strict diet, and having candy pushed at our kids <i>everywhere</i> is very tiresome and stressful. There are so many other cool things you can give them! If you buy boxes of crayons during the back-to-school sales, you can get the smaller Crayola ones for as cheap as 25 cents each! Create your own personalized sticker using labels and stick them on the box! Easy peasy and very useful :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You could do the same thing with small <b><u>play doh containers, mini notepads, sticky pads, etc.</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It looks like this teacher printed off labels to tape around the entire box. Also a fun idea!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuN2Dd6fiyL79Ne7y3J6K8WUWrydOiTkS-F1RRWPxE99nR6OhZaI4jYsA9fUo8WMlK9OzH1ETXvUarHg1AOTrT8S6rUuZY0eLGhFB748TWVORg6W_TM3HjXqdZbGYFmEnz3uR02rsOorSzDWMvm5ENdlm3KQXZVkgVDvgc5RhHutCGLivo81v6OU_L" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="808" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuN2Dd6fiyL79Ne7y3J6K8WUWrydOiTkS-F1RRWPxE99nR6OhZaI4jYsA9fUo8WMlK9OzH1ETXvUarHg1AOTrT8S6rUuZY0eLGhFB748TWVORg6W_TM3HjXqdZbGYFmEnz3uR02rsOorSzDWMvm5ENdlm3KQXZVkgVDvgc5RhHutCGLivo81v6OU_L" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Customized Calendars and magnets</u> - There are many varieties of this. For calendars, you can do a one page deal with a photo of the church (and all its info) at the top, you could do a small flip desk calendar that has pics from throughout the year, or a small one you can carry around with you. Personally, I think most people use their phones now for calendars, but you could combine the <b><u>fridge magnet and calendar idea</u></b> and do something like this:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaBYhXa2Jh3V8yA7TLyWFhV0FuPn28O0sdyxMZkcFaRlypr7T9TViEiPCHDtFAZIZfQni2oPQYtT4tgvKfQ1a2J24McX7hoCdwQgPxY6ER5gKwDCCf2HlCzaAsoZqN9-XSLNXYapJK81ZaC40oSz1D2MkUtiVmb0kPvez5HtjVQm40jcqVKK0WaGO/s736/mini%20fridege%20calendar.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaBYhXa2Jh3V8yA7TLyWFhV0FuPn28O0sdyxMZkcFaRlypr7T9TViEiPCHDtFAZIZfQni2oPQYtT4tgvKfQ1a2J24McX7hoCdwQgPxY6ER5gKwDCCf2HlCzaAsoZqN9-XSLNXYapJK81ZaC40oSz1D2MkUtiVmb0kPvez5HtjVQm40jcqVKK0WaGO/s320/mini%20fridege%20calendar.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a mini calendar magnet to put on your fridge. Useful and also informative - put a pic of your church, their address, social media, email, phone number, etc.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And just a little marketing advice to go along with the magnets - the average person visits their fridge 22 times a day...that means they have 8,030 opportunities a year to see your info ;) lol</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>Personalized journal and pen </u></b>- Personally, I would market this is a different way. A lot of companies hand out little journals and pens, but we are a church. Instead of calling it a journal, put the church's name, info, etc on the front and then call it a "<a href="https://www.4allpromos.com/product/eco-inspired-spiral-notebook-pen">Sermon journal</a>" or "notes from the Sermon" or "Sermon take-aways", etc. That would encourage them to use it during the service :) Along the same lines, you could include a customized candle with a sticker encouraging quiet reflection and the Scripture, "Jesus is the light of the World".</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarW4K9rA-vJl87Osm7NBBYjpJkw1iaGyu-ZTS8bWfIIRbFzV9FJUTKswfpwOBmzcziFMEmvV_tvWWPtCSg6acMq7VKHTxV44G0G23YWrQxsUeSbF7p1R4I3pWFNtjFE_n9EBj0DaNDiMyuXpOk0NYRfxVEodCElI84hpWwJPwybILkX-YtgMprcVT/s420/pen%20and%20journal.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarW4K9rA-vJl87Osm7NBBYjpJkw1iaGyu-ZTS8bWfIIRbFzV9FJUTKswfpwOBmzcziFMEmvV_tvWWPtCSg6acMq7VKHTxV44G0G23YWrQxsUeSbF7p1R4I3pWFNtjFE_n9EBj0DaNDiMyuXpOk0NYRfxVEodCElI84hpWwJPwybILkX-YtgMprcVT/s320/pen%20and%20journal.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I had never thought of this idea and LOVE it :) Super creative. I am not a fan of wasteful spending or living. I don't like the idea of handing out tons of info or crafts or whatever, that will end up in the trash later. But this is ingenious! <a href="https://www.4allpromos.com/product/printed-seed-paper-postcards-4-x-5"> <b>Create your welcome card on "seed paper</b>"</a> so that when the family is done reading the card, instead of putting it in the trash, they plant it! And they're cute! You could also make this a bookmark instead of a card.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mg0925-JXhjNY_78WeOiFhwf_8rYFTYhe5BdxVt2NhTUicOLjCgDhzRSYwbEc92KcU39n1IQuK5r9v9HBsnHIjHtv2tMA4-1CVedUOFVnnryZ2A6ZwyeHV3y-0VXUHmx0QmdPuQ865TAlVf7srlRcrkmBmuAgHYe0ndxRUgY9JKEdMRPjzJD-pOT/s420/seed%20paper%20card.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mg0925-JXhjNY_78WeOiFhwf_8rYFTYhe5BdxVt2NhTUicOLjCgDhzRSYwbEc92KcU39n1IQuK5r9v9HBsnHIjHtv2tMA4-1CVedUOFVnnryZ2A6ZwyeHV3y-0VXUHmx0QmdPuQ865TAlVf7srlRcrkmBmuAgHYe0ndxRUgY9JKEdMRPjzJD-pOT/s320/seed%20paper%20card.webp" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Books</u> - Perhaps your church has a connection with an author or publishing company and can get discounted books? Or maybe someone has donated some children's books or adult devotionals? One church I worked at had 50 religious prek children's books donated by the author. Something like that with a personalized sticker inside would be a great addition!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>Croc swag</u></b> :) - you can decorate your crocs with charms and one church had some <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1122058249/custom-pvc-shoe-charm-rubber-shoe-charm?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pvc+croc+jibbitz&ref=sr_gallery-1-17&frs=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1&fbclid=IwAR0s_o6--qlEzMcfgW1DZywp3AvAA9cYaiozuiRF6lsj7bAOCh2tdx75l90&load_webview=1&bid=pa57h-Uxpuoa9NGpLsZDR3f6blHl">custom made</a> with their church name! Very creative!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGBOuFmzDcD6u5pI3p9fGgUHsiAW2NNdd9MM7PrXsUY5pmMPhCtPQHHnWFTJfeHfwee53dMX_kYlSF9MeXsLmhIBuLmtlwsv4vlSV19jNKj6srA6RAe7OMeR5M-5uBJPxOBOrgINhNj_64l62DJacPZhzfbFJePgot5Vs5BoibNckzZ2IuWB93gCX5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGBOuFmzDcD6u5pI3p9fGgUHsiAW2NNdd9MM7PrXsUY5pmMPhCtPQHHnWFTJfeHfwee53dMX_kYlSF9MeXsLmhIBuLmtlwsv4vlSV19jNKj6srA6RAe7OMeR5M-5uBJPxOBOrgINhNj_64l62DJacPZhzfbFJePgot5Vs5BoibNckzZ2IuWB93gCX5" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><u style="font-weight: bold;">Customized Lip balm balls or chapstick</u> - This would be especially appropriate to give out in colder, drier climates :) Add your logo and there ya go!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTmCTFY_DblMFVg1CFjfcxOsYv-3SdvhlUfnns8oA73Fu-KC_ETy8oBGoHjEA12XV5ldv90UanVjjEQwqM9EuxbA9sF73wMEkjZV0_zDLW3v6X2kNhfx70CDl4R3HX2bg39Igd-1DB04dPp5HFIjdbX-r2Y9iyyZ2yDoPdduwwmhDmTgBMBQSoeIyO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTmCTFY_DblMFVg1CFjfcxOsYv-3SdvhlUfnns8oA73Fu-KC_ETy8oBGoHjEA12XV5ldv90UanVjjEQwqM9EuxbA9sF73wMEkjZV0_zDLW3v6X2kNhfx70CDl4R3HX2bg39Igd-1DB04dPp5HFIjdbX-r2Y9iyyZ2yDoPdduwwmhDmTgBMBQSoeIyO" width="240" /></a></div><br /><u style="font-weight: bold;">Personalized hand sanitizer bottles</u> - this is certainly a useful thing to provide nowadays! Buy a lot of bottles in bulk, create your own sticker to put on them, and you have a wonderful promo! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsLvOICTe7Rm256Z6_oTiIuzH3fDwm3QW24dQdTn2a3a-YHk-Q7a1C32GFqMxN0rLC5-9yMHocJaQGJSCsQLJMpffdHhvTA1WcdxiUczJQsDJB1C8QUeqtUjCeet0k3uBNgeqzpxnUA8gnfWd9jOT0ArzBWKrrAIXUX4cCbL8P-8yq7COtTsHIcAwX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="703" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsLvOICTe7Rm256Z6_oTiIuzH3fDwm3QW24dQdTn2a3a-YHk-Q7a1C32GFqMxN0rLC5-9yMHocJaQGJSCsQLJMpffdHhvTA1WcdxiUczJQsDJB1C8QUeqtUjCeet0k3uBNgeqzpxnUA8gnfWd9jOT0ArzBWKrrAIXUX4cCbL8P-8yq7COtTsHIcAwX" width="112" /></a></div><br /><u style="font-weight: bold;">Customized chargers</u> - this is more costly, but definitely a useful tool to handout. It would also get a LOT of "views" :) There are bricks, power banks, and cable sets. Lots to choose from! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpLjjZV4cAHxsJhzZSgscFBNOLwjvfqOUQsoDD6Ml5M0TpcvrartRVZRURZjv7DAI__AGKGiFJEOvhUiqHIyg-OzP23A6vRdlbDX_0fW3iv7ACR1htXMEqQdJHE_2nnPZqqxo4SowCYQnW1c4e60f9421vO6BeMUE-aSPEU-NyOiOm0psGXfkplE-/s500/bricks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="350" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpLjjZV4cAHxsJhzZSgscFBNOLwjvfqOUQsoDD6Ml5M0TpcvrartRVZRURZjv7DAI__AGKGiFJEOvhUiqHIyg-OzP23A6vRdlbDX_0fW3iv7ACR1htXMEqQdJHE_2nnPZqqxo4SowCYQnW1c4e60f9421vO6BeMUE-aSPEU-NyOiOm0psGXfkplE-/w133-h190/bricks.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CALBWDnzfuvGv239Ok-05xMf9_uOGuaXcgljvjRc9MDykKHYIygpOpjduHBNTJ6y00qoMTiOExD6MdKBO7qLA4d5iR4E6QpJT-4DlZho2bbandf6VsLV0qotr_pDreuMAHuZICsQRSLLBIyYpGxufDsT3Bw3UfYGFYRO-15ldf5lEVqlKXScLdV1/s420/charging%20cables.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CALBWDnzfuvGv239Ok-05xMf9_uOGuaXcgljvjRc9MDykKHYIygpOpjduHBNTJ6y00qoMTiOExD6MdKBO7qLA4d5iR4E6QpJT-4DlZho2bbandf6VsLV0qotr_pDreuMAHuZICsQRSLLBIyYpGxufDsT3Bw3UfYGFYRO-15ldf5lEVqlKXScLdV1/w219-h219/charging%20cables.webp" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For your tweens and teens, consider buying some <b><u>religious vinyl stickers</u></b> that can be placed on water bottles, devices, notebooks, etc. You could even personalize these with your youth group or children's ministry logo. I found a good deal on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FT525WS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08FT525WS&pd_rd_w=jZnX4&content-id=amzn1.sym.3481f441-61ac-4028-9c1a-7f9ce8ec50c5&pf_rd_p=3481f441-61ac-4028-9c1a-7f9ce8ec50c5&pf_rd_r=9MCNWFFZXCEMPJ51YHCB&pd_rd_wg=ApoS2&pd_rd_r=0165efc9-3ea8-45fc-81ea-61a36cb830a8&s=arts-crafts&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFLUEhHMEdEODVFMFAmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxNDM1MzZCRDM3M1hKRThCQVcmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDA3NzAyNkQ2VVlaSExZSkczQSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=">generic religious ones</a> on amazon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Beanies! :)</u> If these are popular where you live, they would also be a fun addition for your tweens and teens. Put your youth logo on the front!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zj4Oh0hZ-E3L6sH9BpYZdFI44uTJf2eQ7Y7FDCoHqkOiHyFQoWVaHy1ydYwaqDTzawpMnEAKOFXgO9pTzYhMgB8c_FMThx1b4gVxJ_lPZYYBhB02Ax1iCT41akJkfMVQL-Q4eCKbMeYehEgdLYeKWu1LUuM4QK13iI0rhHYJ4dlJEPvRoPhlDJt7/s234/beanie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="216" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zj4Oh0hZ-E3L6sH9BpYZdFI44uTJf2eQ7Y7FDCoHqkOiHyFQoWVaHy1ydYwaqDTzawpMnEAKOFXgO9pTzYhMgB8c_FMThx1b4gVxJ_lPZYYBhB02Ax1iCT41akJkfMVQL-Q4eCKbMeYehEgdLYeKWu1LUuM4QK13iI0rhHYJ4dlJEPvRoPhlDJt7/s1600/beanie.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I looked into getting these when I was putting together a children's welcome bag, but it just wasn't in the budget. But there are more options now than there were 5 years ago! Fidgets are very popular and getting <b><u>customized fidgets</u></b> would be awesome - for any age! I know your kids and youth would enjoy them, but as an adult with ADD, I LOVE having something to do with my hands when I'm listening to the service :) Take a look at fidget pens, fidget bendeez, fidget pops, fidget cubes, and more!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIv_1D-TFSHmYzHylDMEePWHeXukoyP1WKsaBPwG-0-RbOyEsaVTGh7wP8378iMJ9Cvn-ez-4XT4xzmGYZ6W8BZMQtn1PAORL_9cP-2zNL9oNjSOzfaZRIP8c_i8XziNc8_GUmuoi5zPPQlpVpLfFwzQOUDcspQf5QzwSaW5AEVkgxBdywr-d2Wik/s420/fidget%20bendeez.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIv_1D-TFSHmYzHylDMEePWHeXukoyP1WKsaBPwG-0-RbOyEsaVTGh7wP8378iMJ9Cvn-ez-4XT4xzmGYZ6W8BZMQtn1PAORL_9cP-2zNL9oNjSOzfaZRIP8c_i8XziNc8_GUmuoi5zPPQlpVpLfFwzQOUDcspQf5QzwSaW5AEVkgxBdywr-d2Wik/w110-h110/fidget%20bendeez.webp" width="110" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWezStPW0CQfmSxlGcglk9wXkxKaodYwMo1Bl5HVMVW0VKMAJ6ZJxbe6d_MByuwfU_CDFSr4F3BLvpKVixSw3KUpn4x_TyW928eAdiqrUkt5LeK6DX9_h9miA916UrKngxj1HDdAZp2te8rAB2Dsqe_LQgH0tBGTpSmHotxlCfN1JsP-RqCNnaOvX1/s900/fidget%20cube.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWezStPW0CQfmSxlGcglk9wXkxKaodYwMo1Bl5HVMVW0VKMAJ6ZJxbe6d_MByuwfU_CDFSr4F3BLvpKVixSw3KUpn4x_TyW928eAdiqrUkt5LeK6DX9_h9miA916UrKngxj1HDdAZp2te8rAB2Dsqe_LQgH0tBGTpSmHotxlCfN1JsP-RqCNnaOvX1/w119-h119/fidget%20cube.webp" width="119" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYue4M4Gf0-1Ii16oAv_fQyauu42hcMWrLn73F4uc59nKXOvo1EDHe4spNem5Pa-5B7RdSNQmGvftKUJEhKwJEVJM324mGzCAsrz8MKPpR-uBrdKlEezjlTILJ92Mi6PSGWoCSWsVlHdGk4YLzPZ9WajrtoePOzGuHkYJTqk3jUImkWO36DIabPifx/s300/fidget%20keychain%20popit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYue4M4Gf0-1Ii16oAv_fQyauu42hcMWrLn73F4uc59nKXOvo1EDHe4spNem5Pa-5B7RdSNQmGvftKUJEhKwJEVJM324mGzCAsrz8MKPpR-uBrdKlEezjlTILJ92Mi6PSGWoCSWsVlHdGk4YLzPZ9WajrtoePOzGuHkYJTqk3jUImkWO36DIabPifx/w113-h113/fidget%20keychain%20popit.jpg" width="113" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13RLbcfpw65DxFIuT4movB-RqyTr7n_sH0OcInikgcUXNbpaCEP8u0U2NpNRdE2fNPAk-nHJhGkfu-h7OpPKIWuOS2YQKTV02M_L8KsN1lltZhCAyL1VVVnOD31rr5hnw7wyDeE5qXRGtq-YpPefH2lB_KGCoyZ1gu0mzsYOkHVqbf0pa3F77U0p2/s800/fidget%20pen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13RLbcfpw65DxFIuT4movB-RqyTr7n_sH0OcInikgcUXNbpaCEP8u0U2NpNRdE2fNPAk-nHJhGkfu-h7OpPKIWuOS2YQKTV02M_L8KsN1lltZhCAyL1VVVnOD31rr5hnw7wyDeE5qXRGtq-YpPefH2lB_KGCoyZ1gu0mzsYOkHVqbf0pa3F77U0p2/w137-h137/fidget%20pen.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another great customizable object that would be attractive to tweens, tweens, or adults, are <b><u>fun pens</u></b>! I don't mean your normal ball point pens :) Think outside the box and do something memorable! (Click the pic to take you to the website where I found them) Bendy pens, color changing pens, fun topper with stylus, floating sand timer, and squeezy top pens!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.executiveadvertising.com/customized-original-bend-a-pen-310318/?decoration=sample&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20Campaign%20L3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw08aYBhDlARIsAA_gb0fPZZrMMi-KtVICPoasbvlMwlUfQjpnmkMav9R2G1A7Qa5arQrjuhUaAszAEALw_wcB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6ilVEOcInSYZS-UGxcaBTVB7tDa8VprQnKAQge1INXF0F6dBXEuHhankUIn8CLYPcHSxG6wA6d1OHshQatsZjGYbGzHdGki2doYC7-cYFbnzQT6tEpGupPDuHaqzeOfzNfgdrn3SABmE5GSfZ20HB_zPLejh6H2oI1oScv1tUHw06tUhwBHR6hlw/w95-h95/pen%20bendy.jpg" width="95" /></a><a href="https://www.executiveadvertising.com/customized-mood-color-changing-fun-guy-pen-362203?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20Campaign%20L3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw08aYBhDlARIsAA_gb0daDiKJSeMzLkS16nl9B67l1G6toj54LX_M0R4KfAaboUR8wRO74-4aAhoGEALw_wcB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzDRcsG97arVEDlUJKeungCCA844uQwoOm475rdxmS_xiyj2K5lPcnfi-sZMr6Xxrb0LOMWNcyi7sCVBAmPXGgSMPv5Ig4Wh1HzsPKrWzh-jPWc_bJaa3NORxhMpW_l4lTrzJ5snKhIdpG2T9GywqvU2uRXsFWX2ZdllPkNYIpnJTsUF88C-JrA4F/w81-h81/pen%20color%20change.jpg" width="81" /></a> <a href="https://www.discountmugs.com/product/pl1723-custom-printed-moptopper-screen-cleaner-with-stylus-pens/?quantity=1&print_method=screen_print&color=White&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BADL%5D+%5BPLA%5D+%5BShopping%5D+-+Custom&utm_term=PL1723-Pers-1&utm_content=svHg6BBSu|pcrid|94593173421|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|slid||product|PL1723-Pers-1|pgrid|22587784941|ptaid|aud-774820549664:pla-313527912363|&mkwid=svHg6BBSu|pcrid|94593173421|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|slid||product|PL1723-Pers-1|pgrid|22587784941|ptaid|aud-774820549664:pla-313527912363|&pgrid=22587784941&ptaid=aud-774820549664:pla-313527912363&i=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw08aYBhDlARIsAA_gb0fiV-iL3Q5RBEzz2iAK-VoSUuRbJaO7yk3tHdp1GRBuiyelUGvGDyEaAtEjEALw_wcB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="300" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgwBHWoJmL7N8DWUrc97SMDh_fYe0nSQIoTD1DaSrPoh0hap-InwkMWpDhhdW501EYMux3Rwjx9hyLQrtCAwmGrHNj2rbsI4f79RyD79KVelcYlhUyNbr5WN3ucxDj2ReMgRF6VNV_Fqq1PY1_XXFI2II9BGOCnrSxPQuZ0YdHPeeW7EtoSLzy6gP/w65-h108/pen%20mop%20topper%20stylus.jpg" width="65" /></a><a href="https://www.4allpromos.com/product/floating-sand-timer-pen?default-tier=sample&default-qty=1&mkwid=sTyTxvRCJ|pcrid|322811728040|pmt||pkw||pdv|c|product|137-32002-SAMPLE|slid||&pgrid=63991977789&cpgnid=1668315094&adext=&ptaid=aud-317859155701:pla-294682000766&st-t=ppc&vt-k=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQjw08aYBhDlARIsAA_gb0dIKXADNCTl-xeWKA3-Ox-iHwByGvmFmyxR9WKwUpmWklb1G0gtNLIaAocyEALw_wcB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7_Bz7qaI9xf0HnCfOQKywUbshhu5FKJS126ZlZFBklDysRJATzwswqit1xE6NFhqpDrifuzMNa-OCYviMZfIH8t0TcoZ-ySKblKWp3hZmCHEppwWhpa9cG6PbwPxRVRAJFb5lvgEbGrqYWxdjuo9CrIA6qEqzQ_2NRPEHQekdzAF0BpVh7hyBR4L/w93-h93/pen%20sand%20timer.webp" width="93" /></a><a href="https://www.executiveadvertising.com/customized-smiley-squeezie-top-pen-310951?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20Campaign%20L3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw08aYBhDlARIsAA_gb0dvPd4rdNmAdOWpGHOp-Zy_-kQuZQRrecW-CVudW3ojKtJ4KTNoeOYaAiptEALw_wcB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhle5zpotGW4BOJW_YPdE0yc3Cgj03wSQXzNfItu72s0N1KKh2F8U45GSuKF7TVRSTzrF-tXIm-DRHWh7aradmRuD0XrHof36rRy2WpuEuzWj4IXsIWQeOctzZ37599l-jzABoS_-gJQFBh3MO7839zfBOQr79AgpUGwQmomihvbgHGMnQXMHTO2D/w81-h81/pen%20squeezey.jpg" width="81" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>Other</u></b> customizable ideas for kids/youth that were mentioned - frisbee, ball, church logo tattoo, cloth pencil pouches, and popsockets. For preschoolers - Bubbles with a homemade sticker saying, "Thanks for popping in!" and a reusable snack bag. If you live in a warm climate, consider sunglasses and a beach ball!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One last fun idea for your kids, tweens, and youth is a <b><u>customized puzzle</u></b>! You could order small jigsaws or mind puzzles. Here is one that is <a href="https://www.anypromo.com/games-toys/toys/wood-hexagon-puzzle-p770609?utm_source=google&utm_medium=PLA&s=1&calltrk=plas&gl=1&glppc=2&utm_term=&calltrk=1&glppc=2&utm_term=&utm_campaign=samples&utm_source=google_ads&utm_medium=pla&hsa_acc=8163908175&hsa_cam=2067274732&hsa_grp=74599405885&hsa_ad=367437923948&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-543220135604:pla-296850849246&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw08aYBhDlARIsAA_gb0eHFEPRBaU35AcsOhLigBW-hIFKj_SaXwoFI3j1J2hBSMtf0vTNx-UaAvSqEALw_wcB">both</a>! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl79pXp4c4CYjn7_qbinExdPsZI9UTbH7ny3rENLDxnSl5Eb22M1rnqLkUr_Ul5iTb-wtRa429yYepdL54Azy5dkP6spsk1JCzUGAE9l8m5zPS3Y7ZXaxHkVFCJ67nizXycEWMenWVb5kMbj2cs0tb6f1MM_HNsLE2FG05hPSmAa721KCCeL0R7rf/s600/puzzle.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl79pXp4c4CYjn7_qbinExdPsZI9UTbH7ny3rENLDxnSl5Eb22M1rnqLkUr_Ul5iTb-wtRa429yYepdL54Azy5dkP6spsk1JCzUGAE9l8m5zPS3Y7ZXaxHkVFCJ67nizXycEWMenWVb5kMbj2cs0tb6f1MM_HNsLE2FG05hPSmAa721KCCeL0R7rf/s320/puzzle.webp" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course, whatever you give out, has to go IN something. You could give out customized bags, print stickers to go on paper gift bags or boxes, or go to the Dollar Tree and get their small cloth bags (3 for $1 last I checked). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Apart from info and swag, do you include anything else in your bag? </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many churches have started giving out "2nd visit" coupons, which is a fun idea. Inside your goodie bag, is a coupon that explains that when they come back for a second visit, they can turn in their coupon for a "prize". If you have a cafe, it could be for a hot chocolate or cookie. Or, it could be one of the above trinkets. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Another church mentioned giving out special "first time" bracelets to the new children. If you have a larger church with lots of children, this would be very helpful for volunteers and teachers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So now that your visitors are in the door and have their goodie bag...now what?</b></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Some ideas that I received:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*One church said that for every visitor that fills out an information card in the pew, the church donates $5 to the local food shelter! They announce it every Sunday when they welcome the visitors. What a great idea! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*Drop off cookies/bread sometime the week after, if they left their address.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*Send a personalized postcard to the kids/youth and thank them for visiting. One church said that while the kids wait for their parents to pick them up on Sunday mornings from Sunday school, they color postcards that are then sent out to children who visit! Neat idea!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*Send a follow up email or text (or phone call) the next week thanking them for attending and inviting them back.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*If you get a regular amount of visitors consistently, one church said they host a meal every month or so for all new visitors to get to know one another.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p>Do you have any more ideas to add? If so, comment below so others can benefit from your creativity! Thanks!</p><p><br /></p><p>In Christ,</p><p>Laurie j</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-85988871228235090712022-08-31T13:44:00.008-04:002024-02-23T22:08:45.426-05:00God saved us from pro-lifers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2nqOLALnMjz_DnyBEVWUqO7hR0wtpq6KCChs4CU8LtR0KkifZSxhYk4O_5VlodiduPr8leNPS9T2BNnawEZVjc1zPbL9RjU5Xx1H7F7QPNfmUexPgTMvTGcOjNLRc6iBNwZyrGHf35tdW_nUDP1stYzeioaK6RL7nhgpoYudSIBfK1h5sLhvWiW5/s1152/newborn%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2nqOLALnMjz_DnyBEVWUqO7hR0wtpq6KCChs4CU8LtR0KkifZSxhYk4O_5VlodiduPr8leNPS9T2BNnawEZVjc1zPbL9RjU5Xx1H7F7QPNfmUexPgTMvTGcOjNLRc6iBNwZyrGHf35tdW_nUDP1stYzeioaK6RL7nhgpoYudSIBfK1h5sLhvWiW5/s320/newborn%20004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Almost 16 years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy after having an extremely difficult and stressful pregnancy. I wrote a <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-peace-of-christ-on-911-and-happy.html">blogpost</a> about the experience as I knew God's hands were all over it. I wanted to share my beautiful experience with everyone. I wrote the blogpost while reliving the miraculous moments leading up to it. To fully understand my story, I invite you to go read it and then come back to this one. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">God was with me before, during, and after. It was (and is) such a wonderful story that I love sharing again and again. But I learned a few years after publishing it that the story would have had a different ending had we lived in a state with restrictive laws for women. This year, my beautiful baby boy is turning 16. And to think back and relive that story in this current time of suppression honestly breaks my heart, but it also scares me. It hurts me to think that this God moment in my life wouldn't happen now in many states - including my own. It is heartbreaking to think that women going through what I went through, may not survive and could lose their baby. I want my story to be theirs.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And why? Why could this scenario have a totally different outcome? I'll do my best to explain. In a nutshell, it's because "pro-lifers" believe that women and their doctors aren't capable of decisions that concern their own bodies. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In many abortion banned states (for years), there has been an exception included in abortion laws that say women can have abortions if their lives are at stake. Well, that's not exactly true. It's not true, because these laws were not written by doctors and OBGYNs. They were written by lawmakers. It never dawned on me that my situation had <i>anything</i> to do with abortion. These lawmakers include "ifs" and "buts" to the above statement. Women can have life saving surgery while pregnant <b>IF</b> ... </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For example, in Texas, it reads, "<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "pt serif", Georgia, serif;">unless the pregnant patient is facing “a life-threatening physical condition aggravated by, caused by, or arising from a pregnancy."</span> In addition, "A physician who performs or induces an abortion under circumstances described by Subsection (a) shall make written notations in the pregnant woman’s medical record of: (1) the physician ’s belief that a medical emergency necessitated the abortion; and (2) the medical condition of the pregnant woman that prevented compliance with this subchapter." In other words, name the issue. Name the cause. Prove it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In my case, the doctor couldn't do that. She walked into my room while I was in pain and said, "We can't see what's wrong unless we cut you open." We both knew surgery was the only option at that point. We both knew I needed it, but she could not have "named" my condition that warranted surgery. Basically, my surgery was an "exploratory surgery". There was a very strong possibility that my baby could've died during the surgery - and my OBGYN was very clear with me on that. If the fetus died, if something happened to me and the doctor had to decide who to save, IF...(and on and on). No doctor in their right mind would risk such a thing right now in these states (Texas just passed a trigger law stating life imprisonment for doctors performing abortions), as they would be facing a decade or more in prison, losing their license, or crazily enough, death (yes, some states are seeking the death penalty). </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Another "exception to the rule" is this one - like in Oklahoma: A woman may have an abortion when pregnant IF the doctor shows the woman's life is at stake by suffering "irreversible impairment of a major
bodily function". Again, my doctor could not have done this. We had no idea what exactly was wrong <b>until</b> she cut me open and fixed everything. After she performed the surgery she came to see me. It was just she and I in the room. I had just woken up from sedation and she explained to me that the cyst had rotated itself around the ovary and tube two times. Had it rotated one more time, she said, all my reproductive organs on the right side would've exploded - killing my baby instantly, and depending on how quickly I received surgery, me as well. She said I had probably 1 maybe 2 weeks left before that happened. I had 1-2 weeks left before my baby died, and most likely me. She didn't know this before the surgery. She had to DO the surgery first to find out what was causing the pain. There is no way she would take that chance now in my state because of our 12 week ban. What would have happened? She would have walked into that room while I was curled up in the fetal position moaning in pain and said, "We can't seen what is wrong on the ultrasound so we need to run a few more tests. We need to see if your fetus' life or your life is in danger." And that would've have been the end. No discussion. No asking of my opinion. No offering of choices. How do I know this would have happened? Because it is what is happening now. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In almost every abortion banned state, doctors must get unanimous permission from their hospital board. They must submit their claim in writing to the board and everyone (or at least 2 in some states), have to agree that the woman's life is at stake.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">(**see links below to read articles and listen to doctors talking about the terrible positions they're being put in)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Learning this didn't upset me at the time. It didn't upset me because I knew God's hand was in this whole story. I knew it was a story I would retell over and over to show people how God's peace overflows in our lives when we most need it. God was with me and no matter if my baby survived or not, I was at peace. What upset me was learning later that there are people in our country that think they have the right to play God in my life and my baby's life. They think that <i>their</i> vote matters more than God's. These people could have changed my story of hope and peace into a story of trauma, or tragedy, or even worse - death. Had they had their way, my baby would've died and more than likely, me. But God saved me from them. I was in a state where surgery was allowed with NO exceptions. Where a doctor can make an informed decision withOUT the rules and regulations from the government. Where politicians aren't in your hospital room with you and your doctors. Ultimately, God saved me from pro-lifers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I need you to understand how upsetting this is. And I need you to see how wrong this is. Every "pro life" person I meet argues with me on this point. No, you're wrong, women can have surgeries if their life is at stake. No, they can't. Not anymore. These pro lifers don't understand the laws they are voting for. They don't understand that the lawmakers they vote for <i>always</i> include a "but". That's the scariest part. So I wanted to share my story to educate them. So they would know. But please understand that this isn't just MY story. It's yours. It's your mother's, your sister's, your friend's, your daughter's. It could happen to anyone you know...and it is.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm not a leftist. I don't "vote blue" down the ballot. And this isn't a left vs right issue. I've voted for every party out there at some time or another based on the candidate. I'm also a Christian. But I will NEVER, ever again in my lifetime, vote for a candidate that doesn't support my right to choose and my right to live. I don't care what party they are in, they will <i>never</i> get my vote. NO ONE can tell me that I don't have the right to a surgery that I need. And when people argue this point with me, it's a slap in the face. It shows they don't care about me. They don't care about my situation. They don't care about my baby. Yet they claim to love God...the same God that saved me and my baby <i>from them</i>. Recently, someone that I know who is a Christian was arguing abortion with me. After I told them my story, they said, "I knew something must have happened to you personally for you to have that strong of an opinion." Yes it did. But that's not why I have a strong opinion. If this story had happened to you, and not me, I would still be outraged. And if my personal story doesn't upset you just as much, it's hard for me to see you as my friend, much less a Christian. My story IS YOUR story. We are all children of God. That is what being Christ-like is all about. If my life, and the lives of every other woman out there in this situation, means so little to you, how do you claim to live a Godly life? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you're thinking my situation is rare...well, I have two responses. One, who cares? I don't care if it only happens every ten years to one woman, that woman has the right to live along with her child. Period. Two, you'd be mistaken. There are 70,000 women every YEAR in the US that require some kind of surgery when pregnant - from appendectomies, to ectopic pregnancies, to cancer, to broken bones, to fetal anomalies. Every single one of those women who live in a red state, now has to understand that their surgery may not be allowed. If the doctor can't name it or prove they'll die from it, there is no way the doctor would risk their life and livelihood to perform it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It pains me to think how beautiful my story was and how it was such a powerful God moment in my life. It pains me because if it happened now, there would be a different ending. I know many, many republican voters. I used to be one. Not ONE of them thinks abortion should be illegal. Not one. They know it's needed. They understand there are exceptions. So friends, why are you voting against what you believe? Why have you <b>been</b> voting against what you believe? You have put me and every other woman in a very dangerous, life-threatening position. STOP. STOP voting for politicians who are a threat to women's lives and their baby's. STOP voting against what you believe. <i>Everyone</i> is pro life and <i>everyone</i> wants to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Banning abortion is NOT the answer and you know this. So STOP. STOP letting politics get in the way of your faith and what you know is right. For the love of God, women, and babies everywhere, please start voting as a Christian and not a Republican. The lives of my daughter, your daughters, our granddaughters, and great-granddaughters depend on it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In Christ,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Laurie</span></p><p><br /></p><p>**read these (centered) articles and watch these videos to see the terrible decisions doctors and families are having to make</p><p><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/delayed-denied-women-pushed-deaths-door-abortion-care/story?id=105563255&fbclid=IwAR2dmvOJmGs3Sf75Rf9taPCqJQbMvQIMCLJGxUdDH1cdbjCo3Rc0cBS3f0k">18 survivors tell their stories</a></p><p>OBGYNs are having to make very difficult life and death decisions with one hand tied behind their backs. <a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/capital/23-maternity-units-shuttering-in-2023.html?fbclid=IwAR3vdSnqDZXXEKlNVKhXJDGkpNyq6EvbWuKa7o1VnkVUJeaDjvZx8BBYdLU">They aren't standing for it and they're fleeing their abortion banned states</a>. Every abortion banned state now has as least half of its counties as "<a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/maternity-care-deserts-report?fbclid=IwAR2BewBwP1gLvjY_T6akoHUoYDYVwlB1MRRzC2RiEpxmmwxzNiA90MZCntI">maternal healthcare deserts</a>". What does this mean? It means not one OBGYN or birthing center in their county.</p><p>Sadly, the top 10 states with the highest <a href="https://usafacts.org/articles/which-states-have-the-highest-maternal-mortality-rates/?fbclid=IwAR0VyuC4WzSbrv06qb6DZ40L8A5fDCbzZLaw-fGP5W5TKKODdaulFCs5xWI">maternal mortality rates</a> are almost all abortion banned states. This is not a coincidence. These states ranked higher than countries like <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">El Salvador, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia, Mexico, and Iraq.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/01/12/abortion-ban-suit-against-tennessee-law/72198436007/?gnt-cfr=1">Women in TN tell their story</a>.</span></span></p><p>Now currently <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/14/texas-abortion-laws-lawsuit/?fbclid=IwAR3vdSnqDZXXEKlNVKhXJDGkpNyq6EvbWuKa7o1VnkVUJeaDjvZx8BBYdLU">22 women in TX</a> suing their state because they almost died.</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_P5tX3WxkM</p><p>(very good explanation of what I referred to but this was posted in 2021 and things have gotten stricter/worse since then) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjB5Jakytyc</p><p>shortage of doctors article:</p><p>https://fortune.com/2022/06/24/roe-v-wade-supreme-court-ruling-obgyn-doctor-shortage/</p><p><i>left leaning</i> article but data doesn't lie: </p><p>https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/22/doctors-abortion-state-capitals-00052946</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;">Data show the country has </span><a aria-label="the worst maternal mortality rate (opens in a new window)" class="js-tealium-tracking" data-tracking="mpos=&mid=&lindex=&lcol=" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/19/why-louisianas-maternal-mortality-rates-are-so-high-00033832" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007bc7; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition: all 0.25s ease 0s;" target="_blank">the worst maternal mortality rate</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"> in the developed world, in part due to a severe shortage of OB-GYNs. Half of U.S. counties </span><a aria-label="have no OB-GYN (opens in a new window)" class="js-tealium-tracking" data-tracking="mpos=&mid=&lindex=&lcol=" href="https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/labor-pains-ob-gyn-shortage" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007bc7; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition: all 0.25s ease 0s;" target="_blank">have no OB-GYN</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;">, forcing patients to travel tens — or sometimes hundreds — of miles to receive care."</span></span></p><p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>other Sources:</p><p>https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/HouseAdHocDobbsVsJackson/5399%20Ad%20Hoc%20Recommendations%20-%20Finalized.pdf</p><p>https://intermountainhealthcare.org/ckr-ext/Dcmnt?ncid=520782026#:~:text=Is%20surgery%20during%20pregnancy%20safe%3F&text=or%20preterm%20labor%20is%20less%20than%20at%20other%20times%20in%20your%20pregnancy.&text=year%2C%20approximately%2075%2C000%20women%20in,have%20surgery%20during%20their%20pregnancies.</p><p>https://www.texastribune.org/2022/08/25/texas-trigger-law-abortion/</p><p>https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/pdf/SB00008H.pdf</p><p>https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/health/health2/aem-documents/data-and-statistics/center-for-health-statistics/induces-termination-of-pregnancy/oklahoma-abortion-statutes.pdf</p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-1097604441268431062022-06-09T11:12:00.002-04:002022-08-03T21:09:57.487-04:00Religious Family Devotional of Thanksgiving<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBB7JSk2aIlKZJglshfH_q5WveQoNtH7oQC1woFUMpH0kjmqP8s8uEUEo8uHsOopMGOIHnnaG0YuYFbvu3PIke9smEOTp7kCAi0X0c0tWRVcfVucq7HCZbrtucOvllIl5o9kdT2sH1DRirx2A7LCJGcLoJT0pLWmuLqNVMWMbK4qeF-UkqTXcRn5s/s1551/thxgiving%20devo%20main%20pic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1551" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBB7JSk2aIlKZJglshfH_q5WveQoNtH7oQC1woFUMpH0kjmqP8s8uEUEo8uHsOopMGOIHnnaG0YuYFbvu3PIke9smEOTp7kCAi0X0c0tWRVcfVucq7HCZbrtucOvllIl5o9kdT2sH1DRirx2A7LCJGcLoJT0pLWmuLqNVMWMbK4qeF-UkqTXcRn5s/s320/thxgiving%20devo%20main%20pic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I've been wanting to write this for 5 years or more, but just didn't have the time when I was working in a church. Here in Peru I have had more time, so I've worked the last 3 months on making this a reality :) There are tons of advent and lenten devotionals out there, but I haven't seen many religious ones available that concentrate solely on being thankful. So, that was my goal! A <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Family-Devotional-for-church-or-family-use-8154883">family-friendly, religious month long devotional on giving thanks</a> 💛 (you can find it on teachers pay teachers - linked above - or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1233876300/family-devotional-of-thanksgiving?ref=listing_published_alert">Etsy</a>)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When I first thought of the idea, I wanted to make it so that there would be enough devos to get you from Nov 1 to Thanksgiving. However, as I wrote it, I realized that ONE, some people/countries don't celebrate Thanksgiving and people buy my products from all over the world, and TWO, this could be a Devotional of thanksgiving instead of a Thanksgiving Devotional. So, you can use this <i>any </i>time of the year. I do think that if you live in a country that celebrates a form of Thanksgiving (from scouring the internet, I believe Japan, Canada, and Germany do!) that this would compliment it nicely. In addition, here in the US, November is not only Thanksgiving, but the PCUSA usually labels November as "Stewardship" month - which also fits nicely with the theme of the devotional. So, however and whenever you want to use the 28 day devotional is totally up to you and/or your church. I do mention the holiday of "Thanksgiving" in a couple of the devotionals, but it is certainly not a requirement.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you and/or your church want to use this as a lead-in to Thanksgiving, here are a couple of suggestions. Thanksgiving can fall anywhere from the 22nd-28th of November in the US, so I included 28 devos. If you want to conclude the devotional ON Thanksgiving, take a look at the themes and feel free to swap some out that may be more/less relevant to your families. Some may resonate more than others. The devotionals are geared towards ages prek-elementary.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So what does each devotional include?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Each <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Family-Devotional-for-church-or-family-use-8154883">devotional</a> has 6 parts. Theme, Scripture, short child-friendly devo, call to action, "leaf activity", and a prayer.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX-DAmNDk3YvPnC8_y9iaAlFhm620ddonO9pQ_QcU4gCWvdA6vallo1BTKn12nLrOAjVrus9katAq_TVLjg3Z3b6Gb2LHSiTjNdoBHq85mVKo0n31syKoKDakFo6Zl23wB24pBucdW3vpnGw7OA3Azf_vVHsJ2YvADuTfTtnXTuHA7vTgC6U59JZr/s1488/thxgiving%20devo%20pic4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1488" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX-DAmNDk3YvPnC8_y9iaAlFhm620ddonO9pQ_QcU4gCWvdA6vallo1BTKn12nLrOAjVrus9katAq_TVLjg3Z3b6Gb2LHSiTjNdoBHq85mVKo0n31syKoKDakFo6Zl23wB24pBucdW3vpnGw7OA3Azf_vVHsJ2YvADuTfTtnXTuHA7vTgC6U59JZr/s320/thxgiving%20devo%20pic4.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>1. <span style="font-size: medium;">As seen in the picture above, each devotional has a <b><u>theme</u></b> as it's heading. Each day is something new that you can be thankful for. Along with the ones above, you can also find technology, sports, music, books, water, God's creation, food, family, etc. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Also as you can see above, each devotional begins with a <b><u>Scripture</u></b> that goes along with the theme for the day. Unless indicated, the Scripture comes from the NRSV.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-WMHP7Cr5VzrsCx3E1CMq-DIrXa5uo8q9IOGPI7DrqE2E8dpdXbdEGrx6HeJTUfUwRFBafcNsAj37mzF8JNEIWYj5ZNy7utynQOVyN5SaRiztev9su4rPMEcG3bGwVFCFIdTKtCpBl3j9HXkcoe0_qEfgcxnuSd9r94fuWmVxN8pOfxq4laXyUVw/s693/thxgiving%20devo%20pic3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="693" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-WMHP7Cr5VzrsCx3E1CMq-DIrXa5uo8q9IOGPI7DrqE2E8dpdXbdEGrx6HeJTUfUwRFBafcNsAj37mzF8JNEIWYj5ZNy7utynQOVyN5SaRiztev9su4rPMEcG3bGwVFCFIdTKtCpBl3j9HXkcoe0_qEfgcxnuSd9r94fuWmVxN8pOfxq4laXyUVw/s320/thxgiving%20devo%20pic3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. <span style="font-size: medium;">Next comes the actual <u><b>devotional</b></u>. As you can see above, a few of the days have activities to go along with the devotional. I also included a few games, video links, book suggestions, and I also included two of my other products - an ABC wordsearch to use with the theme "shelter" and a Car Bingo game that goes along with "Creation" - that you can use and play as a family. </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Rne8dgIBb0vOhxwZyf3XKyJG-oRrX7N55nOPkteWwwyPwPxHP0mN48DpE_YJkDwFE2ZDG7-vcCC90jDBWHro7iNjKNKJWT8z2sl_FLXBRiBQtwHZ1p1y56HCiczNxpu3QFdUNcguLAc81ICnqlN3ogoe0BckQ3c42WN0RrRjlUp_vXK149je_D8-/s1522/ABC%20wordsearch%20shelter%20main%20pic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1522" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Rne8dgIBb0vOhxwZyf3XKyJG-oRrX7N55nOPkteWwwyPwPxHP0mN48DpE_YJkDwFE2ZDG7-vcCC90jDBWHro7iNjKNKJWT8z2sl_FLXBRiBQtwHZ1p1y56HCiczNxpu3QFdUNcguLAc81ICnqlN3ogoe0BckQ3c42WN0RrRjlUp_vXK149je_D8-/s320/ABC%20wordsearch%20shelter%20main%20pic.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1FXM57yxM-rKSkWTzv5BK_hhnvtexhpedk7Gsr95Omiccl3qydxiv_1epf6qaJbxkL8jXJ2nmjCqHKMq-LapJFshUMNrpWMJxl13miyVK_iWI9_ziClHJQStumm64l5cAzCwj_2TZG2eoYycupHhO8K8TWLGMbwuuiRFeEZVFcFfeI2UrTFmHVu7/s856/abc%20wordsearch%20shelter%20pic3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="856" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1FXM57yxM-rKSkWTzv5BK_hhnvtexhpedk7Gsr95Omiccl3qydxiv_1epf6qaJbxkL8jXJ2nmjCqHKMq-LapJFshUMNrpWMJxl13miyVK_iWI9_ziClHJQStumm64l5cAzCwj_2TZG2eoYycupHhO8K8TWLGMbwuuiRFeEZVFcFfeI2UrTFmHVu7/s320/abc%20wordsearch%20shelter%20pic3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-3f6E_ZEjnInseE3OL8v2FPKIZHKYUn6v6UhhJcZ9JL9tSFc3GFyzg29oxOO8nPGvNBQn5wFmr3Fu8hpzUyfjoPcBOPBxgYaZeMUms5x5C7J8DmaclYT2Ku3C3mCex09qmrMLzkG_-kIxbPTKgXKt05YGySwwbe2_3b_H2U9QXs8NTaGteUkRBnr/s690/car%20trip%20creation%20bingo%20main%20pic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-3f6E_ZEjnInseE3OL8v2FPKIZHKYUn6v6UhhJcZ9JL9tSFc3GFyzg29oxOO8nPGvNBQn5wFmr3Fu8hpzUyfjoPcBOPBxgYaZeMUms5x5C7J8DmaclYT2Ku3C3mCex09qmrMLzkG_-kIxbPTKgXKt05YGySwwbe2_3b_H2U9QXs8NTaGteUkRBnr/s320/car%20trip%20creation%20bingo%20main%20pic.png" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. <span style="font-size: medium;">After the devotional is a "<b><u>call to action</u></b>". It's simply something the family can do together that day or sometime during the month. It's not required, it's not something to stress families out, they are just ideas of ways they can <i>respond</i> to the devotional. Some can be done sitting around the table, other times they can reach out to someone in the community, and other times they can go somewhere. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsmRq7OLnh_IcpibnIPIv1y-BSv5sexehE00Mk1oNXjzutkKm6eOI491-DbOW73wasiB_Nt9Plm3iXXFDWWIuDGZfjUxr_kY93qWs0V75y-0DidKp-cYHnTukKKE4-sxnF50IDXJ2Qc3YhFlNBduHjCuIQwhYafUBApSZW3NpMYh2lll8rZdGxXJ6/s692/thxgiving%20devo%20pic2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="581" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsmRq7OLnh_IcpibnIPIv1y-BSv5sexehE00Mk1oNXjzutkKm6eOI491-DbOW73wasiB_Nt9Plm3iXXFDWWIuDGZfjUxr_kY93qWs0V75y-0DidKp-cYHnTukKKE4-sxnF50IDXJ2Qc3YhFlNBduHjCuIQwhYafUBApSZW3NpMYh2lll8rZdGxXJ6/s320/thxgiving%20devo%20pic2.png" width="269" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3zotGhm4RBVx1lZwHxDh77qk06uoCFmxJPNQDwWT0uoCdp3nnxeUitjCot82tdedwB1JDsPll8zcxMU2k_9lkswhTutls7x4z8XI3JLVGnq-X7J_lpIvqp-VLHZHSX7fmeTkWqM3lt8Op30a2FCvcbezkUmITXP2jS4-cV1_RwIpIVVn2xtIeb7wC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="232" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3zotGhm4RBVx1lZwHxDh77qk06uoCFmxJPNQDwWT0uoCdp3nnxeUitjCot82tdedwB1JDsPll8zcxMU2k_9lkswhTutls7x4z8XI3JLVGnq-X7J_lpIvqp-VLHZHSX7fmeTkWqM3lt8Op30a2FCvcbezkUmITXP2jS4-cV1_RwIpIVVn2xtIeb7wC" width="160" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoj5FVdvMm-6dMUOZdWiuE84ymQIsO79MOGI745e-qSnefeUoYvgiLCZc2Gx6lsSyzcVIHdooQGIHgmoHYHBuC0QAaEz5B67BNGvIhH-2PykPaZ8uW0c1crrkscErqVr8xdds6QCjMQel5ihXrhUISlG3XhhX0s0MeL-UWoYy-Gez9eszJm1g-ziRL" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="580" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoj5FVdvMm-6dMUOZdWiuE84ymQIsO79MOGI745e-qSnefeUoYvgiLCZc2Gx6lsSyzcVIHdooQGIHgmoHYHBuC0QAaEz5B67BNGvIhH-2PykPaZ8uW0c1crrkscErqVr8xdds6QCjMQel5ihXrhUISlG3XhhX0s0MeL-UWoYy-Gez9eszJm1g-ziRL" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpFcDT_uBuSelee7s8Wh6UgaaL4KVv5z9emS77fU76QhVk3Fv1iS4Zb6QS9hcAPN_Zj95qxiaAM_GHPpaAsN4IEBNW5Ln9_rBjypacWzqb8R45VuoYDVwpSgnOxCOThTu_TyeJ7Jn5I8MFWEuVjPXN0gF2EXW0-gMWA1s5WlHAex6dA6sJ3q1-sfVB" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="279" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpFcDT_uBuSelee7s8Wh6UgaaL4KVv5z9emS77fU76QhVk3Fv1iS4Zb6QS9hcAPN_Zj95qxiaAM_GHPpaAsN4IEBNW5Ln9_rBjypacWzqb8R45VuoYDVwpSgnOxCOThTu_TyeJ7Jn5I8MFWEuVjPXN0gF2EXW0-gMWA1s5WlHAex6dA6sJ3q1-sfVB" width="139" /></a><br /><br /></div><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5. <b><u>"Leaf"</u></b> - this is an interactive and visual activity that will give each family a wonderful fall decoration to leave up and remind them of everything they are thankful for! There are ideas included in the booklet (a few are above). This is something each family can create at home...or, you can meet together at church for an intergenerational activity and create the trees together - as well as cutting out the leaves! They can take their tree home and start their devotionals together! I give them a suggestion/idea of what to write on their leaf for each day that goes along with the theme.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6. Lastly, is the <b><u>prayer</u></b>. Each devotional ends in a simple child-friendly prayer. I did try and "mix it up" every now and then and make the prayer something different than just reading :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So there you go! I hope you're as excited to use this with your families as I was to write it! The <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Family-Devotional-for-church-or-family-use-8154883">devotional</a> is $8 (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1233876300/family-devotional-of-thanksgiving?ref=listing_published_alert">link to etsy</a>). You will have to print out the 39+ pages yourself and put it together - which is why it's only $8. If you provide the leaves as well as meet together to make the trees, then you would not need to include pages 36-37 or 40-42. If you purchase this for your family, it is $8. If you plan on getting it for your entire church or school, it is still $8. If you are purchasing this for multiple churches, please buy one per church. Also, if you purchase this for multiple families, I encourage you to make a donation of any size to Puriyninchik, which is an organization here in Peru that my husband and I helped with. It is mentioned on day 27 - books and libraries. Thank you :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One last idea to throw out there - Assuming your church is on social media, it would be fun to incorporate your devotionals on Facebook or Instagram so that families can share what they are doing! Create a hashtag for your church (thxdevo or something similar) so that you can see what each other is doing (and maybe share on your church's social media page!). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God bless you and your church and all the work you put in for your children and families!</span> 💚💛🧡</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-10637861148584670952022-04-23T21:58:00.005-04:002022-04-23T21:58:57.487-04:00Church summer "Take out" box<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWbAZRffBRta5yVbzKxlLS7jzXNBB5OhunC2ZCPW4f3ScSa4JhoMvU0x2carhMvVJtIZCszysXGMjbCdcMNdfsdHHae-zG_fYT1XmXeCvSn1wqj1ca9HM4ZszzYHvI-2mvgycSYbPnH4KUJZxWfU1JOwg6gsB6cdacetoxoi_QJ4i6r0NE9utX9ks/s804/take%20out%20box%20main%20pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="804" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWbAZRffBRta5yVbzKxlLS7jzXNBB5OhunC2ZCPW4f3ScSa4JhoMvU0x2carhMvVJtIZCszysXGMjbCdcMNdfsdHHae-zG_fYT1XmXeCvSn1wqj1ca9HM4ZszzYHvI-2mvgycSYbPnH4KUJZxWfU1JOwg6gsB6cdacetoxoi_QJ4i6r0NE9utX9ks/s320/take%20out%20box%20main%20pic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This has been around for a couple of years, but I still think it's a neat idea :) I did it one year at my last church. Basically, it's a pizza box filled with fun activities that your kids can do over the summer. It is especially meant for road trips! When your church families are traveling (or when your own family is traveling), it's great to still give them a connection to their home church! Let them know they are being thought of, even if they are hundreds of miles away. Since most church services can now be found online, this can also be an enhancement to those services - if they are being watched while at the beach, on road trips, etc. While parents are watching the online service, the children can be there with them, using these materials :) Win-win for everyone!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Assuming you're on a budget and you don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on these, here are some ideas to help you cut the cost, but still provide fun and meaningful materials!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">----------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">First off, the box. You can buy them in bulk online, or you can ask around at different pizza places and ask for donations. I got small ones for us thinking we wouldn't need anything large...but if you don't get ones big enough for 8 1/2 by 11 papers, you're going to be doing a lot of folding. Since most restaurants have their names on the box, many will be more than happy to donate 10-15 for the cause. You may need to hit 2-3 restaurants if you have a lot of families. I gave out one per child, but you could also do one per family.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You also want to include any summer bulletins/newsletters, etc that you have for your specific church. Include a piece of paper (or glue it to the inside of the lid) with the website and social media info so they can watch online. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">-----------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now for the Fun stuff </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">- </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I went to oriental trading and bought 3 things that I knew my kids <i>loved</i>. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjeRmJ3P4rS30n-YJy7mtrw533qp8nam-DfBNGFYGXDa9ijIta5l2YsSXtHEjOaPLSsThoxEXNSKqhJuV7_NNh6hfSJ4wlHlbMAXb6exXlb1gZBn78BZRan5mWkuQQcKw5CWPWzfGJzK2qXzjH77Ea2otunHFGifDvT0bFgJHdzrQLSSDQk4ab-Tjz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjeRmJ3P4rS30n-YJy7mtrw533qp8nam-DfBNGFYGXDa9ijIta5l2YsSXtHEjOaPLSsThoxEXNSKqhJuV7_NNh6hfSJ4wlHlbMAXb6exXlb1gZBn78BZRan5mWkuQQcKw5CWPWzfGJzK2qXzjH77Ea2otunHFGifDvT0bFgJHdzrQLSSDQk4ab-Tjz" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Scratch offs! My kids love these, and I loved the idea of giving them a <a href="https://www.orientaltrading.com/magic-color-scratch-postcards-makes-50-a2-57_6269.fltr?keyword=summer+scratch+off">postcard</a> that they could create and write on while they were on a trip somewhere! You could even write the church address on it and put the stamp on it to encourage them to send it while they're gone! You could display them somewhere in your church :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sticker scenes to do on long car rides...OR, you could get religious ones to do during their at-home worship services! There are tons to choose from. If you'd like to get a religious one that goes along with the lessons that I am including in my bundle, there is a good one for the story of <a href="https://www.orientaltrading.com/stories-of-joseph-mini-sticker-scenes-48-pc--a2-13707006.fltr?keyword=sticker+scene+religious">Joseph</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, you can get fidgets or little logic puzzles that would fit nicely in the box. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Other items...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You could also put deflated beach balls in the box and write conversation starters on the ball so they could play a game together as a family :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Other things to include - glow sticks, crayons, colored pencils, and stickers to decorate their box :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I also found a finger labyrinth printable online that I included. I've discovered that tracing them can be calming for kids.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Jokes are also fun! Search "free printable jokes for kids" and include some of those :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">--------------------------------------------------</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have also created some fun things that you can include in your box! There are 7 things total and you can get them all for $4 - and make enough copies for all your kids! This is what I'm offering in the bundle (some are free and you can get them all separately or together). </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1. 5 Bible Story lessons to do at home. I actually have ten available for free in my store (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Bible-activities-for-preschool-and-elementary-to-do-at-home-Old-Testament-5332229">5 OT</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Five-New-Testament-stories-activities-and-crafts-to-do-at-home-5359104">5 NT</a>), but that is too much to include in your pizza box. So, I picked out 5 that are well suited for trips away from home or at home. Those five are a "bonus" item in the bundle.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOMl7uJtoArvxYQvJNoGNGjYzbAHz4-LwWZ2G33KuGWd9frLMtZ17ux5bwIAol0WciOkcUhuGqUcfTWnY6thFt39nQ5mO4HV4QvpRmjr3mTGV5TI2-XoS7uYJnHY_2s8hdrDc4Lann2yqaYzjNUkwVzRZFVtsqW03Eh1i65SB2KM1BRdmVZy78Czn/s690/car%20trip%20creation%20bingo%20main%20pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOMl7uJtoArvxYQvJNoGNGjYzbAHz4-LwWZ2G33KuGWd9frLMtZ17ux5bwIAol0WciOkcUhuGqUcfTWnY6thFt39nQ5mO4HV4QvpRmjr3mTGV5TI2-XoS7uYJnHY_2s8hdrDc4Lann2yqaYzjNUkwVzRZFVtsqW03Eh1i65SB2KM1BRdmVZy78Czn/s320/car%20trip%20creation%20bingo%20main%20pic.png" width="256" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Religious-Car-Trip-Bingo-Gods-Creation-8013025">Religious Car Trip Bingo - God's Creation.</a> - (.50) this is a little printable you can print out on cardstock or laminate and include in the pizza box. There are 48 things on there for them to find on a car trip and they are all God's creations! :) </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsehc50fmmdubfb0U8ogXDVm8HPgipSYPWqz4w5ug4yIe9U_XjLiCnZbhS3gw_s0sVXCI7IW25opNWqfLZ7boIK6wYt9fwdaUw3oR__8gCgLW5pn5WhqLcjwSukCvB5iv9KkNIp_8PfhMcRuT3oaKrS11lUjhqrSuAY7MrgHN49ggLXFblpfGC59e/s1259/would%20you%20rather%20main%20pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1259" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsehc50fmmdubfb0U8ogXDVm8HPgipSYPWqz4w5ug4yIe9U_XjLiCnZbhS3gw_s0sVXCI7IW25opNWqfLZ7boIK6wYt9fwdaUw3oR__8gCgLW5pn5WhqLcjwSukCvB5iv9KkNIp_8PfhMcRuT3oaKrS11lUjhqrSuAY7MrgHN49ggLXFblpfGC59e/s320/would%20you%20rather%20main%20pic.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">3. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Would-you-Rather-Bible-version-7755286">Would you Rather questions</a>! ($2) This is a fun game you can play at the dinner table, in the car, wherever! Play this with any age. You can print them in color or black and white. You can let them cut them up, or you can do it for them. Rubber band them together and there ya go!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM25uoo12sMtGIYkOAE33ZKDFbWi9AT6V00TAoQkggJPUjL-eeLvoKg23LCa5GaJh63rdFIKeWJvIkpHE_TvoFvcKKIRSQFdJaI2FsorArOVI--MQvKNtpOqfEgz1aK0C9ZEB8fbAEkj1tvwO25XkmWvjrF0q1fTkVNVU9RysDtDf9mp28GGvLdyy/s1888/lego%20stem%20card%20graphic2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1888" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM25uoo12sMtGIYkOAE33ZKDFbWi9AT6V00TAoQkggJPUjL-eeLvoKg23LCa5GaJh63rdFIKeWJvIkpHE_TvoFvcKKIRSQFdJaI2FsorArOVI--MQvKNtpOqfEgz1aK0C9ZEB8fbAEkj1tvwO25XkmWvjrF0q1fTkVNVU9RysDtDf9mp28GGvLdyy/s320/lego%20stem%20card%20graphic2.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">4. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/21-Religious-Bible-Lego-Stem-cards-for-children-or-youth-7394693">Lego stem tasks</a> ($1) - Any age can play this. most families have either small or large legos at home and they could play this game. However, if you want to make sure they have some, Target sometimes has the knock off brands in their dollar bins! They actually work pretty well - I've used them! Include them in their boxes. This set has 21 cards. If you don't want to give all 21 to each child, you can print out a few sets and give each child 5 cards. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">5. ABC Wordsearches (.50 each) - This is just for readers. These wordsearches are special :) I give them the starting letter of the word (A-Z) and how many letters are in the word - and they have to figure out the words in the puzzle. Click this link to see a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holy-Week-Easter-and-Holy-Week-Religious-ABC-Wordsearch-freebie-7836238">free sample for Holy Week</a>. In this bundle, I'm including the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ABC-Wordsearch-Josephs-Coat-of-Many-Colors-7901914">Joseph wordsearch</a> (because that story is in the Bible lessons) and a generic "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ABC-Wordsearch-Bible-Characters-7979713">Bible character</a>" wordsearch. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">6. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Dice-Game-Josephs-Coat-7252402">Joseph dice game</a> (.50) - Preschoolers - elementary can play this. I have around 5 dice games, but I'm including Joseph since he's in the Bible lesson :) They only need one die for this. You can provide it or just let them get one at home. (Dollar Tree has a pack of dice for $1). </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlxn7tvaLe9GD8WDxYfQ8eKHbUsI4JWlpCjoQ_5ciPQC0AbuTd5AKH1bbzxKJfQli5TBzE2-mvR5BPmkfTBif2Mb0r5xw0T_5tfeCeVU7IFDmY-bTg0GXuaEh_npD-CE3SHymjYvC7TRV9lnGwqDu0RBbFlVBiphNF_d1xtwav6YVfWdyaSl4MLv1/s689/summer%20religious%20bucket%20list%20main%20pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlxn7tvaLe9GD8WDxYfQ8eKHbUsI4JWlpCjoQ_5ciPQC0AbuTd5AKH1bbzxKJfQli5TBzE2-mvR5BPmkfTBif2Mb0r5xw0T_5tfeCeVU7IFDmY-bTg0GXuaEh_npD-CE3SHymjYvC7TRV9lnGwqDu0RBbFlVBiphNF_d1xtwav6YVfWdyaSl4MLv1/s320/summer%20religious%20bucket%20list%20main%20pic.png" width="303" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">7. Lastly, I created a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Religious-Bucket-List-for-families-FREEBIE-7975731">religious summer bucket list</a> that you can print out and give to your families. This is free, but I've included it in the bundle as well so you don't have to download twice :) This comes in a one page printout like you see above, or you can print it in black and white, cute up the ideas, and then draw them out of a hat one at a time :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Total cost of all the materials is $5 but the bundle is only $4 :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you decide to make a box, let us know below what you put in it that is different from what I've suggested! We would love to get more ideas!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks and God bless you and your ministry and family :) 🧡</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-38409389632213814592022-04-22T22:13:00.003-04:002022-09-09T08:39:33.834-04:00Black light glow parties!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkgPooa8uvrk9j6CMFah3LVBB7sqTCkf8Nxsrisr41qVuSO7BhvuOtRNQBPFy7kYgA6iDCEfjoBDYL2AkD0zxGYQg2-m2-wowDkyFJQtHVjK_jelyZA8sfOMO-xr5Hi9aRMiNcYmJOOAclPtoHmjLotB4OPrs2bBP5oUl2rKyB01oHdMkyvWsu6Qh/s948/black%20light%20main%20pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="948" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkgPooa8uvrk9j6CMFah3LVBB7sqTCkf8Nxsrisr41qVuSO7BhvuOtRNQBPFy7kYgA6iDCEfjoBDYL2AkD0zxGYQg2-m2-wowDkyFJQtHVjK_jelyZA8sfOMO-xr5Hi9aRMiNcYmJOOAclPtoHmjLotB4OPrs2bBP5oUl2rKyB01oHdMkyvWsu6Qh/s320/black%20light%20main%20pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Who doesn't love a good black light party?? Elementary groups, youth groups, even adults - every age loves glow parties! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The problem is, you can get stuck on one idea that eventually gets a little stale. You get in a rut, right? So, I went on a search for lots of fun black light glow party ideas - and my facebook groups didn't disappoint! People have really thought outside the box and gotten creative with this! So, here are some ideas for games, activities, and even a few suggestions on supplies. Maybe you'll find something new that you hadn't thought of before! If you've done something awesome and it's not on this list - please comment below! Your idea may just be what someone else is looking for :)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Before you get started - here are some fun ideas from other educators on things you can do or tell your group to do to get ready! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> - wear white or neon clothes that glow...if you make youth group or children's ministry shirts, kill two birds with one stone and make sure it glows in black lights!</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> - when they arrive make sure they are adorned with glow sticks!</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> - when they arrive, if they are okay with it, you can do face paint/body art with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Neon-Face-Body-Paint-Bottles/dp/B01K8UGGVI/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3PSCW9DY2W6OI&keywords=body+glow+paint&qid=1650677283&sprefix=body+glow+pa%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-8">glow body paint</a>!<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUy7is3LCH4QgOeyStrEDIeu_HJmfwbohoOOerne7j34RtIajcKs3QaQTI6GPSs9cxlMDpqua5kOPRSTNI6kIPaotY_jwFne-IEDpdEFTnwXpmNaUMch3Kl-rGPglht_Mg9c9iCnAqotvVdvDlFan3IIQBrHrSxbIqegmkyq53dmlYzeRSgVjKLQUc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="1360" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUy7is3LCH4QgOeyStrEDIeu_HJmfwbohoOOerne7j34RtIajcKs3QaQTI6GPSs9cxlMDpqua5kOPRSTNI6kIPaotY_jwFne-IEDpdEFTnwXpmNaUMch3Kl-rGPglht_Mg9c9iCnAqotvVdvDlFan3IIQBrHrSxbIqegmkyq53dmlYzeRSgVjKLQUc" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Black light pickleball</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Black light gaga ball</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The ever popular black light dodge ball</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDPbOcuKfHy3KvyQHfXE0eUVHAhxt8hmyExFnsgnLEcWspOrWnTgd4f6dpNiaEX9tfCYD29i1YB5CbambXKUZ8ETXXR2p_sH4Q2Mp5ABvjKHUZXb0nNjOwbW7OCEFl7rttm6l5srJWBKPEn68SDZc4JZvtRgkNPu6NOWBgyncTNm1XeLOwwzEzD48/s550/black%20light%20dodge%20ball.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="495" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDPbOcuKfHy3KvyQHfXE0eUVHAhxt8hmyExFnsgnLEcWspOrWnTgd4f6dpNiaEX9tfCYD29i1YB5CbambXKUZ8ETXXR2p_sH4Q2Mp5ABvjKHUZXb0nNjOwbW7OCEFl7rttm6l5srJWBKPEn68SDZc4JZvtRgkNPu6NOWBgyncTNm1XeLOwwzEzD48/s320/black%20light%20dodge%20ball.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Black light nerf gun and darts competition - could also put up glow in the dark targets to have target practice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Black light volleyball - with younger kids, light up balloons make this easier and fun!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Black light 9 square in the air</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMfhH7bH710UtfxQ7uIWQBRiMDff9T-DhGuQ0FDmzTGHocK0oinudRPs4-9RgtfrAfFHLLPYdjSgpwk4a8wejYLKxU3d-0t0WReVoII4Sos52idCHnYLcbDYXIgj6P8deyWxjUQR-4OtSyr2rRAw-tbOUx3w9Q1Mz4c9SojL0N0TlJBZ1UT6LlHlp/s960/black%20light%209%20square2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMfhH7bH710UtfxQ7uIWQBRiMDff9T-DhGuQ0FDmzTGHocK0oinudRPs4-9RgtfrAfFHLLPYdjSgpwk4a8wejYLKxU3d-0t0WReVoII4Sos52idCHnYLcbDYXIgj6P8deyWxjUQR-4OtSyr2rRAw-tbOUx3w9Q1Mz4c9SojL0N0TlJBZ1UT6LlHlp/s320/black%20light%209%20square2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpYeJotpPhNoVJ_I_Lk3G7HXC0NPlu1O890m-Mcn4JP3Up6s88RFFnSzJBkQl8WgypSvHyWRdau0fRZYGTWmBExNWf0jdEeqU26SwNJTrlSesgMwHGhQ80Fy4vOc0U5ix0VnynNHD8pQSg603koaVsQ2UMCvyDNWcv4wtPB6rZgfk_7VHx5kjHKrr/s960/black%20light%209%20square.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpYeJotpPhNoVJ_I_Lk3G7HXC0NPlu1O890m-Mcn4JP3Up6s88RFFnSzJBkQl8WgypSvHyWRdau0fRZYGTWmBExNWf0jdEeqU26SwNJTrlSesgMwHGhQ80Fy4vOc0U5ix0VnynNHD8pQSg603koaVsQ2UMCvyDNWcv4wtPB6rZgfk_7VHx5kjHKrr/s320/black%20light%209%20square.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Simple but fun game idea for younger children - blow up tons of light up glow balloons and put them all over your room. Divide the group up into two teams and put down glow tape in the middle of the room to partition it into two sections. When you say "go", everyone on one side tries to put all the balloons on to the other side. When you call "time", the team with the most balloons loses :) </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Airplane toss! Have them make paper airplanes and put up glow in the dark targets. Divide them into teams and see which team hits the most targets.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Paint over the Twister circles and play glow Twister!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-YKSan0DiWPHHRog7wczzFVULxC38Qk4mMs1XtQWE_kiwGIHBUMtSekJnOB1kcv5DGOeelQIDLiqB-LuFt0zxK3JYfeCVQeP3Q6YZhdNzYgcgMKmEsi_fPCg51TNABnFPrAc7rZp2QtBetMioYOeOF7945cJpaDIXw6i6LC3YM1hW0WlJENk0H2P/s1500/black%20light%20twister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-YKSan0DiWPHHRog7wczzFVULxC38Qk4mMs1XtQWE_kiwGIHBUMtSekJnOB1kcv5DGOeelQIDLiqB-LuFt0zxK3JYfeCVQeP3Q6YZhdNzYgcgMKmEsi_fPCg51TNABnFPrAc7rZp2QtBetMioYOeOF7945cJpaDIXw6i6LC3YM1hW0WlJENk0H2P/s320/black%20light%20twister.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Glow in the Dark Wiffle ball - paint the bat, put glow sticks inside the wiffle balls, tape off the bases with neon glow tape, and make sure everyone is wearing shirts that glow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI8_Rvtrks8s4KpSFJ6FBzL30vbXlVUpqfOKUWnYpNL-UZA2ZPvi6V9BaU4GZDCAVMmQuzF5Nnu4kkNa14xEoGMLHxv-3BtvLUzW6cQqfi3dBNO2BltNgRF1zsLypsfetRaFz261WppZWykOrQGmyRo6k1nUafGYBClRgIH7HYqzAG3NSd0eBPIQOO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="1501" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI8_Rvtrks8s4KpSFJ6FBzL30vbXlVUpqfOKUWnYpNL-UZA2ZPvi6V9BaU4GZDCAVMmQuzF5Nnu4kkNa14xEoGMLHxv-3BtvLUzW6cQqfi3dBNO2BltNgRF1zsLypsfetRaFz261WppZWykOrQGmyRo6k1nUafGYBClRgIH7HYqzAG3NSd0eBPIQOO" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Black light 4 square (use black light/neon tape on the floor to mark off your court)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Ring Toss and mini golf!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukFK8aVTq_XggPqGpYnCyoDkPPwnq-V90xoK5m5aF4yaEZr6galLNxhNyp7LWSyaVKmJftPue5e9P1u9TEW93pOio4QXwLQI_clSxYDw3yn6WnHLfiPTKlTv66niceO_lfu7lkswib9_bOGZsk6oywY3yh4RgVq3ibPhQFE4Owk72_DWXVvrn8Sfm/s800/black%20light%20four%20games.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukFK8aVTq_XggPqGpYnCyoDkPPwnq-V90xoK5m5aF4yaEZr6galLNxhNyp7LWSyaVKmJftPue5e9P1u9TEW93pOio4QXwLQI_clSxYDw3yn6WnHLfiPTKlTv66niceO_lfu7lkswib9_bOGZsk6oywY3yh4RgVq3ibPhQFE4Owk72_DWXVvrn8Sfm/s320/black%20light%20four%20games.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Also, pictured above - Glow Jenga :) Paint the blocks different colors!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Paint ping pong balls different glow colors and play this game: toss into neon buckets, or into neon cups. As a twist, make them earn the ping pong balls somehow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Spray paint bean bags and a cornhole game to play glow cornhole!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Glow bowling! There are different ways to light up the water...here are 3 suggestions: use tonic water (says it glows on it's own!), put a glow stick in a bottle of water (someone else said you can break open the stick as well), or squeezing highlighter liquid into water bottles.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Glow hopscotch - you can use your spray painted bean bags from cornhole :) </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV3JO-Vmw1bIbNDr5FbT5_hCY2Xn59FQjiDjstKQDj5E1vILJHAsRL_RmAE8jPJ3k4cM2LLHkCyGC_ybk4PLB-r9o4KNb7kuVGaaT-Yum6rl0totxZJFd8RFP9G8OqU2WADUXYkJjGwb12e3LI-FMH3-0fUIiBgcNHx4HqJfoQZTPLTBZ3fCXcr2Q/s640/black%20light%20hopscotch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV3JO-Vmw1bIbNDr5FbT5_hCY2Xn59FQjiDjstKQDj5E1vILJHAsRL_RmAE8jPJ3k4cM2LLHkCyGC_ybk4PLB-r9o4KNb7kuVGaaT-Yum6rl0totxZJFd8RFP9G8OqU2WADUXYkJjGwb12e3LI-FMH3-0fUIiBgcNHx4HqJfoQZTPLTBZ3fCXcr2Q/s320/black%20light%20hopscotch.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">With the water bottles from bowling, you can empty them out so only 1/3 of the water is inside, and do a bottle flipping contest!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Neon Cup stacking contests.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Take the legs down on a table, prop it up on one side, and make a sort of Skeet ball game using glow buckets and glow wiffle balls (or glow balls from the dollar tree).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqlFiVG-RJrxX-hpQN17DiPpAq00Hor7wXJV6BfDzro0XUJ47Vwpk6HOREFiHggc0J8SmpkKifFYMNClLIcq_zN4W6g5VoDSv0Iz3G8gPR7WDA5HFqw9x-sMNXlFQ63yqhzo2nLykRz-RgrGzxKFgRlvoUgSU8yH0qwkr19mvqpVse42IOycqzlJud" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="323" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqlFiVG-RJrxX-hpQN17DiPpAq00Hor7wXJV6BfDzro0XUJ47Vwpk6HOREFiHggc0J8SmpkKifFYMNClLIcq_zN4W6g5VoDSv0Iz3G8gPR7WDA5HFqw9x-sMNXlFQ63yqhzo2nLykRz-RgrGzxKFgRlvoUgSU8yH0qwkr19mvqpVse42IOycqzlJud" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />Make circles with glow sticks, hang them from the ceiling and have football toss contests.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Glow in the dark tic-tac-toe</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPw7kYnjR3YwaAEJ_BPC7gYvm3vbGjkBoobQMvpkvlB5bqpfa5Uopgv4bXDuZpbF8bWgfjJL4SIWyr9-OafxvXU2aRwxhdHQL1-RvL2XSiQ9OpgpoJ9wu40O-26SC6FkjiQx_A65QDMLuL3jpiTR3NuQjnQR7KKZdhxZey4Jl-Q0_1VhSOCWwQervC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="1393" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPw7kYnjR3YwaAEJ_BPC7gYvm3vbGjkBoobQMvpkvlB5bqpfa5Uopgv4bXDuZpbF8bWgfjJL4SIWyr9-OafxvXU2aRwxhdHQL1-RvL2XSiQ9OpgpoJ9wu40O-26SC6FkjiQx_A65QDMLuL3jpiTR3NuQjnQR7KKZdhxZey4Jl-Q0_1VhSOCWwQervC" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dance party - tape glow sticks on their arms and legs so it looks like stick figures dancing :) Add in Toby Mac's Light Shine bright and do a freeze dance!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpsabtovQ8-WZTyRHlIQmDyLS3SYz31KmlzKp_nKf1m3-R02dcy9UVmPqsN_TmHL2bXzoigvkCIKv4plLTVVEeSSTPyz51QDHz7FYjDDwX0VdmH-DEeehprVJSRIlLt0Ik5-kuTYsRs8-5rKJFztJxaN5nzCB66AN1D69r_KiumbtNb0UfR3Ld1Eg/s1280/black%20light%20glow%20stick%20dance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpsabtovQ8-WZTyRHlIQmDyLS3SYz31KmlzKp_nKf1m3-R02dcy9UVmPqsN_TmHL2bXzoigvkCIKv4plLTVVEeSSTPyz51QDHz7FYjDDwX0VdmH-DEeehprVJSRIlLt0Ik5-kuTYsRs8-5rKJFztJxaN5nzCB66AN1D69r_KiumbtNb0UfR3Ld1Eg/s320/black%20light%20glow%20stick%20dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Do a stem activity - spray paint legos and do some <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/21-Religious-Bible-Lego-Stem-cards-for-children-or-youth-7394693">lego stem card activities</a> or build a volcano and let them add in their own cups of baking soda (mix highlighter liquid with the vinegar). </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Many churches have sponsored black light egg hunts, but you can also do regular prize hunts at your event. Fill up a small space (gaga pit would work well) with lots of glowing balloons and hide lots of little prizes under the balloons. Let in a small group of kids at a time and give them 10-15 seconds to grab as many prizes as they can (keeping the balloons in the space ;). </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8092rgQFjP5t_fnoS1PkGa0Jh5fGr3OjpPLDGXP72-t4I3kp79SO_ck5SaAdDVfRIEoyKsfpJiH7hTWDo7Ogcgk323EkUfM32a_Ha1fUcxiQNjuiBovbsnTud3aQmkzAmQCyel2jJCV5E4vnDFLFd8Uv-qxzcCrCE1n4DhJpK8Gb1YwMOf8aRmtsq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="720" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8092rgQFjP5t_fnoS1PkGa0Jh5fGr3OjpPLDGXP72-t4I3kp79SO_ck5SaAdDVfRIEoyKsfpJiH7hTWDo7Ogcgk323EkUfM32a_Ha1fUcxiQNjuiBovbsnTud3aQmkzAmQCyel2jJCV5E4vnDFLFd8Uv-qxzcCrCE1n4DhJpK8Gb1YwMOf8aRmtsq" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />Neon Glow painting - there were a number of ideas with this. One, was to put up BLACK paper along the walls and let them paint. Another was to lay out WHITE paper on the floor and let them draw/paint. Both would work and they would create different effects - the paper would glow if it's white, only the drawings would show if it's black. Either could be used for a fun photo back drop or decoration for future parties! According to other educators, there is glow paint available, glow chalk (you can also make your own), or someone else suggested painting with detergent! If you're using white paper - you can just draw with highlighters! <a href="https://www.orientaltrading.com/the-pencil-grip-kwik-stix-solid-tempera-paint-stick-neon-colors-36-count-a2-13945780.fltr?fbclid=IwAR1YNcQRDljHfJIFIoiw_iWUaXRyZdSDvhCJLbijuGy_Lzx0Xdp79B7-fE4">These</a> were also suggested from oriental trading.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETyevwAcOuiln8ohDFz1mihdcYxBMbKWGbBfaNJ6vYRy6oqwX9dWWtifUePlvzm87LmEjSUafgp-j_9djCMVgeApNy2AL6id9tfttJDd8uQDJL3b1ImnWW3xcbn7Vis9OjSqdKBQnzk1aod7M-MiOE6SwJIIO0WGUDq_izGOiV47SUpcuBKHxrlf1/s600/black%20light%20paint%20party.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETyevwAcOuiln8ohDFz1mihdcYxBMbKWGbBfaNJ6vYRy6oqwX9dWWtifUePlvzm87LmEjSUafgp-j_9djCMVgeApNy2AL6id9tfttJDd8uQDJL3b1ImnWW3xcbn7Vis9OjSqdKBQnzk1aod7M-MiOE6SwJIIO0WGUDq_izGOiV47SUpcuBKHxrlf1/s320/black%20light%20paint%20party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Make glow playdoh.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Make glow bubbles (someone suggested just emptying the glow stick liquid into the bubbles - 1/2 stick for small bottle of bubbles)!</span></p>Ask them to bring a white tshirt or provide them - they can decorate their own shirts with glow paint to use for future events.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyG-MOCGPMtzb7eXTYSos0yClkjUDqy9xqwqKxiJYT67XHQDtdTB6Lix2UU-0JPN1ubD_z6hhA7cp-zoqmK_2t5LzJaqJwv6_ZKfRNhpx-OTCRW64aC1Sxwa9-Du9Hu1xLYMRYXSozssxHQ8YvBqQ5QAmgGtERHETyCYbPuUW05fif40bPC7Bz_5k6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="977" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyG-MOCGPMtzb7eXTYSos0yClkjUDqy9xqwqKxiJYT67XHQDtdTB6Lix2UU-0JPN1ubD_z6hhA7cp-zoqmK_2t5LzJaqJwv6_ZKfRNhpx-OTCRW64aC1Sxwa9-Du9Hu1xLYMRYXSozssxHQ8YvBqQ5QAmgGtERHETyCYbPuUW05fif40bPC7Bz_5k6" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />1. </span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">To illustrate that there is more going on around than
we can see, and that God is always with us even though we can’t see Him, we had
the kids write their fears on a poster board. What they didn’t know is that
during the week we had written truths about God with invisible black light pens
on the same posters. So, when we hit the lights and turned on the black lights,
their fears disappeared and the truth of God shined brightly! </span></span><p></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKlrq_7d0OXkW4Fbm5wzH8nbp6ZPVuXXyndXe420RGpqkiJYFHMOjRxMF8vgBFZN9luUgv8isuXMoOz_1GTygRD5e0gwInnQSPqMfEnrrEPU7jDxkkpB61Zn9C2bVzHueTo9YeviWocv22eVWKW0xewEOTYzcBLSjTeOnum-KEFZn7ck7wjzp_clqO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="405" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKlrq_7d0OXkW4Fbm5wzH8nbp6ZPVuXXyndXe420RGpqkiJYFHMOjRxMF8vgBFZN9luUgv8isuXMoOz_1GTygRD5e0gwInnQSPqMfEnrrEPU7jDxkkpB61Zn9C2bVzHueTo9YeviWocv22eVWKW0xewEOTYzcBLSjTeOnum-KEFZn7ck7wjzp_clqO" width="245" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEYQ7W-MauxHv2MoO6vkfnJGoMC6jLVSKI5neNUKRZoE-P-Qvrwa_xwudRmBc_a1NTYk22OYhKPERUSNjTvIxu3GOaLVPulaudIlodvzAVTzebZiBuLSktCiLVmahfJwWWrWrEsRMjfO1abcFpHnnNJ_8jL7PS8-PR6YNe3LYamiZCt2aDJBoIg3B5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="570" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEYQ7W-MauxHv2MoO6vkfnJGoMC6jLVSKI5neNUKRZoE-P-Qvrwa_xwudRmBc_a1NTYk22OYhKPERUSNjTvIxu3GOaLVPulaudIlodvzAVTzebZiBuLSktCiLVmahfJwWWrWrEsRMjfO1abcFpHnnNJ_8jL7PS8-PR6YNe3LYamiZCt2aDJBoIg3B5" width="319" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. One educator </span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">did a version of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wordless-Book-Merle-Barlow/dp/151271173X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VQ1QJ1UUJUOD&keywords=the+wordless+book&qid=1650679123&sprefix=the+wordless+book%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1">Wordless book</a> (but this idea could be used with other lessons that involve different colors). Every kid/participant was given a different color glow-stick. As I told the story, I asked those that had the corresponding color to wave it in the air as I related the color to the story. It was cool to see the room filled with blue, then red, then white, then green, then purple, then orange.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0ocaS-LohYLeY0N1rEBEQ8qeNundDMtotvrUZyCmc66juUjR4vmiWjMQ08WXNbEJkvq5gfrdk5eGdx6a_bvtFD4LPBwaqDj4Po65MHqHiyNJ8PSmgzikWvrXeY8rOMgAyfAjaF91gYN91QXo5eIc1jl2OVnyQBzNEMnamCc6FBqC4QAaydrYjl5bo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="1291" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0ocaS-LohYLeY0N1rEBEQ8qeNundDMtotvrUZyCmc66juUjR4vmiWjMQ08WXNbEJkvq5gfrdk5eGdx6a_bvtFD4LPBwaqDj4Po65MHqHiyNJ8PSmgzikWvrXeY8rOMgAyfAjaF91gYN91QXo5eIc1jl2OVnyQBzNEMnamCc6FBqC4QAaydrYjl5bo" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />Neon Duct tape - on any and everything :) Including pool noodles!<p></p><p>Floor neon tape</p><p>LED lights with floor neon tape</p><p>neon paint and chalk</p><p>Did you know these little guys glow? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPQiQSrisdRWyN2WwCuYd2aEyQBU2CAPZ1tN3-a_b8h8men7mwTUAJdXsmPukBQJQcdFHhoQ6MOZdL8TzmA-e9FZBwrX1Xqmi4-RSsbPXNPwdhCH4tD2rRqCOf3k9yJA8bxo-6HNNVuULquZ4zvEdkrVrGOjB2SOjQshSpY0HOP7u7JaJbFvp-vxMp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPQiQSrisdRWyN2WwCuYd2aEyQBU2CAPZ1tN3-a_b8h8men7mwTUAJdXsmPukBQJQcdFHhoQ6MOZdL8TzmA-e9FZBwrX1Xqmi4-RSsbPXNPwdhCH4tD2rRqCOf3k9yJA8bxo-6HNNVuULquZ4zvEdkrVrGOjB2SOjQshSpY0HOP7u7JaJbFvp-vxMp" width="135" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Neon cups from Amazon or Party City</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This is a <a href="https://www.ehayes.com/products?search=glo&fbclid=IwAR35Ftn2fupQQfc0zui8zf7L1iYvp2ZsQb5H5KAGYAyPEgZzu3pv60MPdrQ">vendor</a> that was suggested for glow products.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Beach balls (evidently they glow?)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SHGPODA-385nm-400nm-Flexible-Blacklight-Fixtures/dp/B09L7WGDWP/ref=sr_1_39?crid=226ZSTERZLW9H&keywords=black+light+strip+lights+shpoda&qid=1650679597&sprefix=black+light+strip+lights+sh%2Caps%2C514&sr=8-39">light strip</a> was recommended.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH65fwleZOijRygb2I4kQFiXUO91rbR8FO9Kg1_IgtxmJJcGhft9U9rFHwZgESAAbU5jFFgzx8PL578X1bBkkj_mE-QLkpBgq_mgg7A7z8r-2DtSHUC5eDwCfbTUAMKddHpQjEm1DljoMFDkq6GKLzjFUcvpKNMEhf0NAOgzjLOi_qodxFZ5rEEhKM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1444" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH65fwleZOijRygb2I4kQFiXUO91rbR8FO9Kg1_IgtxmJJcGhft9U9rFHwZgESAAbU5jFFgzx8PL578X1bBkkj_mE-QLkpBgq_mgg7A7z8r-2DtSHUC5eDwCfbTUAMKddHpQjEm1DljoMFDkq6GKLzjFUcvpKNMEhf0NAOgzjLOi_qodxFZ5rEEhKM" width="251" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Well, that's all I have for now! Any other suggestions, comment below so we can all see your ideas! Thanks!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know I create <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2021/07/religious-games-to-play-with-kidsyouth.html">religious games</a> for elementary and youth as well as <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2019/10/scripture-basedreligious-escape-rooms.html">religious Escape rooms</a>!? Check them out! :) Small group, Large group, active, screen games, you name it! All are $3 or under!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for all you do in your ministry!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In Christ,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Laurie J</span></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-38155375206223348472022-04-12T10:31:00.005-04:002022-04-12T10:37:24.169-04:00Religious Summer Bucket List<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWC8MeDNblgOg5KyrIPpGDD9kaoBW2nBprlY6IB7Bi7p95CiYzHWsBh9pmFm0rwX1ahlPne_kYBWDy3bb4YNtp6YZA5vC0J-OAJ4BORBbHUqnNIMBwP-EUIs09d5rnoDQzJpUjSi1E1PnJ4e52GLsQIz3of4znmVOPJNRB9kFxCVkAF1EbhtbZiW5/s1064/summer%20religious%20bucket%20list%20pic3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWC8MeDNblgOg5KyrIPpGDD9kaoBW2nBprlY6IB7Bi7p95CiYzHWsBh9pmFm0rwX1ahlPne_kYBWDy3bb4YNtp6YZA5vC0J-OAJ4BORBbHUqnNIMBwP-EUIs09d5rnoDQzJpUjSi1E1PnJ4e52GLsQIz3of4znmVOPJNRB9kFxCVkAF1EbhtbZiW5/s1064/summer%20religious%20bucket%20list%20pic3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Religious-Bucket-List-for-families-FREEBIE-7975731#show-price-update" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1lzysqD4FTnwpKbEtyCDYgknq2bcE2g00iMTpFv0K5Xvz2JFAQI5XMrYLjtv2KRu1rR2fyhywgHJ4m7YzrWrhNm2XHdobvD0DX_8xmdKGM3nzE1p1D7E-_vtzQ7XPuYG9CBk9oai4DAl1PMJIQZS5uaRDSRhWx4e_YiMAvGkQLnO0COu5zvC3YIs/s320/summer%20religious%20bucket%20list%20main%20pic.png" width="303" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are you looking for some fun and <i>meaningful</i> things that you and your kids can do over the summer? Would you like to integrate Scripture into your adventures? Use this "Religious Summer Bucket List" to give you some ideas! </span></p><p><br /> <img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="1064" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWC8MeDNblgOg5KyrIPpGDD9kaoBW2nBprlY6IB7Bi7p95CiYzHWsBh9pmFm0rwX1ahlPne_kYBWDy3bb4YNtp6YZA5vC0J-OAJ4BORBbHUqnNIMBwP-EUIs09d5rnoDQzJpUjSi1E1PnJ4e52GLsQIz3of4znmVOPJNRB9kFxCVkAF1EbhtbZiW5/s320/summer%20religious%20bucket%20list%20pic3.png" width="320" /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You can print out the entire sheet and check them off one by one or you can print out the strips of paper, fold them up, then pick them out randomly! There are 15 ideas on the list - hopefully enough to get you through the summer!</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Religious-Bucket-List-for-families-FREEBIE-7975731#show-price-update" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="819" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJIE4t1hGWX4S_qwPxvUYQXQtkxTsVIa-VXVx0HY4Q0aIhjSJn04KucRvvCVmUy-7GHlgy8cYr13flmSNejLH0tSZtcj3hgs38Zal3uKWG7sxSHLt1NLuMAsEzK2YyaXh6pNLEqxTpKPp0IaUkU5VLblv6ArqptjJUhKoE_fMyQ8Cif-bfMMtgJjz/s320/summer%20religious%20bucket%20list%20pic2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click to download for free!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mentioned in one of the ideas is to do a RAK around your community. If you'd like some ideas for that, check out an old <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2013/10/low-cost-raks-and-raks-for-around-your.html">blogpost </a>I wrote!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Have fun this summer!</span></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-43609951784634146602022-04-11T17:34:00.001-04:002022-04-11T17:34:16.525-04:00Alternative ideas to VBS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimN-6bc216nLiytAmRYu9T8KGchi6BdGHwKrVjMq6tcQREZDmH5DIa_F8f99ogtwnFL2hE7VGVQQYT2wbmyA2CH-kdEnJFbx35J4v5d35cEdYvcsmGJfgqxExx6KiW2QCmTTCsJ-46lwLBZ4fFht5JANZ6LXa-pMvNdD66e6892ScZ-i7os9sdq0DV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1189" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimN-6bc216nLiytAmRYu9T8KGchi6BdGHwKrVjMq6tcQREZDmH5DIa_F8f99ogtwnFL2hE7VGVQQYT2wbmyA2CH-kdEnJFbx35J4v5d35cEdYvcsmGJfgqxExx6KiW2QCmTTCsJ-46lwLBZ4fFht5JANZ6LXa-pMvNdD66e6892ScZ-i7os9sdq0DV" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Many churches still find success with doing summer
Vacation Bible School (VBS), but others have seen a decline in volunteers and
attendance and are searching for different ways to engage their community and
church members over the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went
on a hunt to try and find ways churches have <i>successfully</i> done this, so
that we can share these ideas with each other!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was not disappointed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are some wonderfully, creative people out there!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">First, I’ll share with you all the ideas that I found
that fall under “alternatives” to VBS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although, some churches said they did these events <i>along with</i>
VBS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it’s honestly up to where you
are located, your facilities, your resources, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do what works for your church and
community!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, I LOVE VBS and
it was one of my favorite things to plan all year…but, after reading some of
these ideas – I may be revamping some things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Summer is a <i>great</i> time to reach unchurched families (and, of
course, your own families) and I would love to implement a few of these
ideas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After sharing with you the alternatives to VBS, I’ve
included at the end different names people have used for VBS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some wanted to get away from the “old school”
name and promote it in a different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Others wanted to reach out to unchurched families who may not know what
“VBS” is all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And still others
said that they simply wanted to market themselves as something different
because they were in an area where there were VBS’s on every street
corner!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you’ve had success with any of these suggestions,
or you have one to add, please feel free to comment at the end and share it
with us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never know - your idea
might be <i>exactly</i> what another church needs!</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Alternatives
to VBS<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">First off, let me preface all these ideas with
this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you need to figure out what
schedule works best for your church and community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reading through about 100 different
ideas, I realized that not only is every church and community unique, but the
families that make them up are unique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, think about your community – do they travel a lot during the
summer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they hop between one VBS to
another all summer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are they very sports
oriented?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about your own church families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they travel a lot over the summer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you they need full-day care?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are most of the families working
families?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lastly, look at your immediate community
around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are their needs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there something missing you can
provide?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put all of this together and it
will help you decide if you want something one day a week for a month, or a
weeklong camp, or something in the evening, or in the morning, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you have THAT decided, then you can move
on to what you want to provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of
the suggestions below can be tweaked to be done over one week, 3 days, every
Wednesday for 6 weeks, all day Saturday, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuXDuTa5s5XxMbWC8YrMug_P5Pwal_OM8OV9J35Uv3TKKiFR-xtcSvlh1O-NAae8SgJ13YsLNNUPqS4GBr6BP4em-gHvmErT3MMlZMGbZj9t8PM-pAq4OcUuLjN-kj7ZOd9vi_tzRFU062coDqEeBlpAcKoB5VE6fNqroDM5NDoC67bFYprCVeLALt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="207" data-original-width="499" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuXDuTa5s5XxMbWC8YrMug_P5Pwal_OM8OV9J35Uv3TKKiFR-xtcSvlh1O-NAae8SgJ13YsLNNUPqS4GBr6BP4em-gHvmErT3MMlZMGbZj9t8PM-pAq4OcUuLjN-kj7ZOd9vi_tzRFU062coDqEeBlpAcKoB5VE6fNqroDM5NDoC67bFYprCVeLALt" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LARGE COMMUNITY FAMILY DAY:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There were a lot of these
ideas floating around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like a
retreat – but just one day…and at your church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many churches created a theme around the day and based all their
activities around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others used an
actual VBS curriculum and had stations for the families to participate in – but
you could use the talents and gifts in your church and offer stations in that
(think knitting, wood carving, storytelling, archery…whatever!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be a one day event that would take
place sometime over the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
church suggested live music and meals as well.</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">FAMILY FUN NIGHTS:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This was a very popular idea
that had lots of variations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
churches picked an evening and did it for a month, others for 6 weeks, and some
ambitious churches did it the whole summer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Depending on the time, you could provide dinner or dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, treat the evening like it’s own
VBS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have an opening and closing large
group time, then break out into different age groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some churches provided activities from birth
to adult, others just for prek/elementary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each evening, although it could fit an over-arching theme for the
summer, was it’s own stand-alone event…so if you missed one it wasn’t a big
deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most churches seemed to split up
the families and have each age do their own thing – but I could see this being
an intergenerational event as well!<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">FAM JAM: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(love the
name!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One church turned their evening
VBS into a family 3-night event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
had meals, worship, family time break out groups and then games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I mentioned above, this idea could be done a variety of ways –</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">every
night for a week, once a week for a month, etc.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">Change your VBS to a Family style VBS – </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Thinking back to a couple of churches where I worked, this wouldn’t work well. But other churches say that their families LOVE the opportunity to do something together. So, think about your specific population and if this is something you could do (it would eliminate the need for a lot of volunteers!). You could have a break out time where the kids, youth, and adults separate for a bit to do their “own thing” and then gather back together.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvrev4gjiLcMneF8AocTwuf8WqqbMefl7BUin9Tfg7WQ0Twczu95aAK3Q93Fpyk73TcBxkOxsN2r9hiYovIgM29V9xApC1VW2Xm8X5Vut1Xe9cgkfmkXVKQAr1CL9JxZ8UphxvTUP8mCgYNrT2B9RLGKMgkYKOnrxD-pcEAkfbFp_u-xQ45bPPjeY8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="640" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvrev4gjiLcMneF8AocTwuf8WqqbMefl7BUin9Tfg7WQ0Twczu95aAK3Q93Fpyk73TcBxkOxsN2r9hiYovIgM29V9xApC1VW2Xm8X5Vut1Xe9cgkfmkXVKQAr1CL9JxZ8UphxvTUP8mCgYNrT2B9RLGKMgkYKOnrxD-pcEAkfbFp_u-xQ45bPPjeY8" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Bible Adventure Park: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(think
carnival meets VBS!) This sounds more like a family event then just for
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The event is organized like a
theme park where every event area is focused on a different Bible Story (you
could almost use a VBS curriculum).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There could be storytelling, games, crafts, music, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a closing time where the entire group
gets together and you can do a short message and sending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could also add in other games and
stations that are carnival-ish – photo booth, balloon animals, face painting,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could also put out games like 9
square in the air, bounce houses, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lastly, you could tie in a mission element by telling people the
entrance fee is a donation to a clothing or food bank.</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Backyard Bible Camp – </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This
is a very popular model that I saw a LOT of churches doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also saw mentioned that LifeWay has a
curriculum for this – “On the road VBS”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some churches called it “Pop Up VBS”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ask 3-5 of your parents to host a “backyard VBS” at their house (or use
various parks).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do all the work –
provide supplies, volunteers, etc – they just provide the location (and
kids!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea is to think
strategically and plan your “pop ups” in neighborhoods that have a lot of
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You limit the amount of “outside”
kids that can attend and concentrate on that neighborhood.</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ8BLLLwV5rOr4M_3aC39jzVFGb85zGKfoA0HL_A71JGWw_5LhHx93aZ8MdZG4FduIykCl6bJgWeecgWjOFvLuuHRsgddH2R4kpHiS5VWR6pVYV3UJQ_14jSEkoC_Jn-BpFu2ltwA_i1V9JKhQnVC1Z0ChwfIexea9f3OkgiCe-ucr_WhHJVD_7w49" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1024" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ8BLLLwV5rOr4M_3aC39jzVFGb85zGKfoA0HL_A71JGWw_5LhHx93aZ8MdZG4FduIykCl6bJgWeecgWjOFvLuuHRsgddH2R4kpHiS5VWR6pVYV3UJQ_14jSEkoC_Jn-BpFu2ltwA_i1V9JKhQnVC1Z0ChwfIexea9f3OkgiCe-ucr_WhHJVD_7w49" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Service Week/Serve and Sun– </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I
LOVE this idea, but transportation would be a real pain with younger kids (car
seats).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, some of these places
might be too much for younger kids to handle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can see this working well for older kids (maybe 2<sup>nd</sup>/3<sup>rd</sup>
grade and up).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These churches take their
kids out into a different place in the community every day for a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nursing home, animal rescue, homeless
shelter, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another option, is to look
for places that are in an area where you could “chill” after serving (a park,
pool, restaurant, mall, etc).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
churches made this an all day event and served in the morning, and then did
something “fun” in the afternoon (movie, zoo, swim/lake/beach, etc).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They picked one day a week for a month for
their “serve and sun” days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, others
picked 3 times during the summer (with the hope that the kids would be able to
go 1-2 times).</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8MkOTmBWcQWFJ_ppgEx0tbp2XYJ0PTOCDawApSxte7fctj2WNa80jXQMnXKqgYs0ORhs0eOT8EYBR67Ma85w91C_W91hm1unNBs_a0uZ9ZDLsVTVjyQ5agEeA9yyKPIZPo-cGS9-sYXuAmxRptgA_0h-lL9EmzLqqL1FDU220BfusK4FTf0IqYwQk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1280" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8MkOTmBWcQWFJ_ppgEx0tbp2XYJ0PTOCDawApSxte7fctj2WNa80jXQMnXKqgYs0ORhs0eOT8EYBR67Ma85w91C_W91hm1unNBs_a0uZ9ZDLsVTVjyQ5agEeA9yyKPIZPo-cGS9-sYXuAmxRptgA_0h-lL9EmzLqqL1FDU220BfusK4FTf0IqYwQk" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SUMMER PLAYGROUND DROPOFF – </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
schools in our area set up this “drop off” service every weekday at different
parks around the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an
all day thing (which I think, in the middle of summer, is way too hot for), but
this could easily be adapted for a half day event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really like the idea of this one as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To avoid the hottest part of the
day, I would do it 8-11am, and serve a light breakfast when they arrive (so
parents don’t have to worry about it), and then a snack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents would pick them up before lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Treat it like an outdoor VBS and have songs,
games, crafts, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could pick
various parks throughout your city so you can get your message out to every
child…or, pick the park closest to your church so you can reach the kids in
your neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The logistics would
be the hardest part to this I think – you would need all of the safety
information for each child, every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you stayed at the same park, this might eliminate some of that as you
would have repeat kids each week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
what a <i>wonderful </i>outreach to the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(And if some families are at the park and
want to join in with their kids – they could!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One church said they had a great facility/play area on their grounds, so
they set up a “snack and craft in the park” a couple times a week.</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Entire families would stay and
do crafts, have a snack, and play games </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
Another church called this “Popsicles in the Park” and would bring popsicles to
share while they read a Bible story, did a craft, and then played together on
the playground!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easy and fun!</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Skills Camp – </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MANY
churches were doing some kind of variation on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of planning a curriculum and finding
volunteers, do the opposite and find the gifts in your church and create a
curriculum around THAT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can offer
this for a full week, throughout the summer, in the evenings – whatever!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read about so many different skills that
could be taught – sports, music, knitting, woodworking, leatherworking,
cooking, nature activities, drawing, magic, etc!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can offer a lot of classes, it keeps
the class sizes small (which helps the teacher) and helps build
relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can combine this with
a light meal afterwards and/or an opening/closing time when you’re
altogether.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do a meal afterwards,
kids can get up and share what they’ve learned!</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> SPORTS CAMP/ART CAMP – </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">This
is a very popular alternative out there for VBS. And, evidently there is a popular curriculum
out there that helps you with it! You
pick whichever sports you would like, and then follow their curriculum. Many churches balance this out with an Arts
Camp (which I think is a good idea – many kids aren’t into sports). One church decided that so many kids in their
area loved to skateboard (or wanted to learn), that they held a skateboarding
camp! Way to meet the needs of your
community! They learned to skate, had a
snack, learned about Jesus, skated some more, and then shared lunch
together. There is a curriculum that
many churches use called </span><a href="https://megasportscamp.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mega
Sports Camp</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – I read mixed reviews. I love what one church offered – in addition
to the “sports” choices, they offered cheerleading and flag core and had the
local high school kids help out! The
also made their own flags </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">😊</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI Emoji, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MUSICAL/THEATER CAMP – </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">This
is also a fun idea – especially if you know you have kids that would be
interested in it! You spend an entire
week learning and rehearsing a musical and then present it on the final
night! Once church stepped this up by inviting
their local High School theater department to help out! The kids can sign up to be in the musical,
help with lighting, sound, costumes, or sets!
I love it!</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SUNDAY CAMPS – </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">This
is an interesting idea – and I can see how it would fit well with certain
churches (maybe smaller churches/growing churches/etc). If you’re very short on volunteers, you could
couple your Sunday morning (or afternoon) activities with a VBS. A few churches actually held theirs during
their Sunday school hour. They ramped it
up, had special activities, guests, tshirts, etc. and then after the church
service was over, you could serve lunch for the families in attendance. Another church held theirs right after
church. Every church that tried this
said it was very successful for them and they’d be doing it again!</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Alternative Names for “VBS”</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summer Break out<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kids Week<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summer Blast<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">VBX (VB Xperience) or (VB Xtreme)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kids Jam<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summer escape<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Adventure week<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summer Kids’ fest<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Camp (name of Church)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summer Bible Blast<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summer Family Fun Nights<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Simply Summer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summer Spectacular<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summer Sizzle<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Backyard Bash<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">VBC – VBCamp<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ZIP Camp (reaching kids in your zip code)<o:p></o:p></span></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-68243499164437689322022-03-27T13:56:00.001-04:002022-03-27T13:56:46.798-04:00Easter "Egging" Fundraiser/Outreach<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqIxJ4Wo5_bz3yD9j7d36hpjdkCA-qaj84xx3dQvtFu_FoCCfVRatXa0P1oJKfWYDi2akKSbB-7kk9JKzewSGOaIsmb0hrWQispRhNreENGg6dBP4zQbDjcPTLVxBqRlLLVfXsawYAjjjkYsBZujPc3yZ8431F98FZgz7PDDiTVTUQgdSr78fn-oEY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1105" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqIxJ4Wo5_bz3yD9j7d36hpjdkCA-qaj84xx3dQvtFu_FoCCfVRatXa0P1oJKfWYDi2akKSbB-7kk9JKzewSGOaIsmb0hrWQispRhNreENGg6dBP4zQbDjcPTLVxBqRlLLVfXsawYAjjjkYsBZujPc3yZ8431F98FZgz7PDDiTVTUQgdSr78fn-oEY" width="238" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">During the Pandemic, there was a non-profit
in our town that decided to offer something called “You’ve been egged” to the
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the idea and made a
note to do it the next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, for
2021, our church turned it into an outreach/fundraiser…and it was a huge
success!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we made around $500 with
hardly any advertising, but that’s <b>not</b> why I loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any activity that we’re able to plan that
brings the members of the church closer together, that brings the community
together, and that brings the community to the church, is a HUGE success in my
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what exactly is “You’ve been
egged”? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How is it run?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I’m not sure how other churches or
organizations ran their program, but I created a signup where you could
purchase 1-3 dozen eggs ($10, $20, and $30 respectively) and have them
delivered to anyone in the city (within 15-20 minutes of the church).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “buyer” could choose from a variety of options: how many eggs, if
they wanted candy/prizes or both, and if they wanted them hidden or left in a
basket at the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike the other organization,
we offered our “egging” sometime during the week before Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not want to get bogged down the night
before Easter – especially if the weather was bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did have a few slots available for “Easter
Eve” for an extra $5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of families took us up
on that offer, but not many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hid the
eggs during the day so as not to scare anyone as we were “lurking” around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wore bunny ears as well so they knew what
we were up to (if the bag of eggs wasn’t enough).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the recipient was a child, we “egged” the
house during the day while they were at school.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">Why did I end up <i>loving</i> this
outreach so much?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Because of the
beautiful response I got. I had a young
family buy an egging for everyone on their block. I had a senior buy baskets of eggs for
everyone in their cul-de-sac in their retirement neighborhood. I had grandparents buying for grandkids,
grandkids buying for grandparents, and neighbors buying for neighbors. It was incredible! I got to deliver two special baskets of eggs
(special candy was requested because of health issues) to a nursing
facility. So many people were blessed
through this – and the church was able to raise money for our children’s
mission trip! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">A few details I learned along the way in
case you’re interested in doing this. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Buy or print out a map of your
city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As orders come in, mark them on
the map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made up a code so I’d know
how many, if they needed to be hidden, and if it was for Easter Eve.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Ask for some volunteers to help
you deliver – I had older youth volunteer, seniors, and in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They loved being able to be the Easter bunny
and bless someone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also ask for candy
and prize donations to cut back on cost, and get volunteers to help you stuff
the eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure and honor the orders
from your peeps – some people had special diets and just got prizes, some only
got candy, and some got both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there
were allergies, that was also noted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Once your orders are in and
you’ve marked them on your map, divide up the neighborhoods and divvy them out
to your volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the eggs are to
be hidden, they go in a bag…if they are to be left at the door, they’re in a
basket!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make it easy for them!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Lastly, and most importantly, leave this
beautiful note that the <a href="https://happyhomefairy.com/youve-been-egged-he-is-risen-style-free-printable/">Happy Home Fairy</a> has for free on her website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We personalized it with our church name at
the bottom and changed the number of eggs at the top depending on how many they
bought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also gave the option to the
“buyers” if they’d like to be anonymous or leave their name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left the note on their door and rang the
bell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the note says, we also hid one
extra egg that was EMPTY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To represent the empty tomb and
resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could actually leave a
little note in that egg inviting them to church on Easter Sunday!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2GTDCyhufyHcKXaZMk5So7ZOiASyRqeQNaOOFPDRZ5aSULPC5gAKfq3ri4y-UhFAhy-2IU8-al-nNN9VlQ00dmGaVShr26YNKpi3pW7zOrAkhGMUCni2t_hTB5vFpyoHuzxt5SbnHeNUD36S7olZMyPFGdzM_4treFg-ZI0Ziw_q9EjQAg6UVYxSM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="975" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2GTDCyhufyHcKXaZMk5So7ZOiASyRqeQNaOOFPDRZ5aSULPC5gAKfq3ri4y-UhFAhy-2IU8-al-nNN9VlQ00dmGaVShr26YNKpi3pW7zOrAkhGMUCni2t_hTB5vFpyoHuzxt5SbnHeNUD36S7olZMyPFGdzM_4treFg-ZI0Ziw_q9EjQAg6UVYxSM" width="193" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-7356025711451748712022-02-28T13:48:00.004-05:002022-02-28T15:02:17.398-05:00Iquitos, Isla de los Monos, y el Rio Amazonas!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXDGnLrbwEXNQKmdNDe9EC96Jpk0v4LW28VaZ_s19qu71IalaA1FOr64bSrIErXyOvEKtyPUvfpLqmesHw05MMW3qn_CwPfhrcxr53aKWVo23cu_59cO-HSQQlRZde4BWcFPpyqcpR911iq0mtgvYmr3aAS3uVM1Or3v8DgsWxi7eAjMRv8wLtB0pf=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1280" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXDGnLrbwEXNQKmdNDe9EC96Jpk0v4LW28VaZ_s19qu71IalaA1FOr64bSrIErXyOvEKtyPUvfpLqmesHw05MMW3qn_CwPfhrcxr53aKWVo23cu_59cO-HSQQlRZde4BWcFPpyqcpR911iq0mtgvYmr3aAS3uVM1Or3v8DgsWxi7eAjMRv8wLtB0pf=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Wow! What an awesome trip! So glad we decided to go with a tour company and not go on our own. Loved having a guide telling us about everything we were seeing and doing. And he (and the company), did a great job. If you're ever wanting to go to do something like this - I highly recommend the Amazon Experience and our guide Antoni!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIZ3tLp4qm6624Sjw4i3JSHVL6IRn5B-F4Se9MkqwHHMS2JtrGwjGDDxH2DErUy_ihnPeRbQwpkIrz_3acBXBu8LU19MQRmwGP6Rx3ocX4bkFCrCTLNAWaYG8ogJ7TilX5MReNhF_dj50Vx6E--80BY9htNkw8rc6mvnmGEjV8eeevo7C4_L0uK5cY=s1544" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIZ3tLp4qm6624Sjw4i3JSHVL6IRn5B-F4Se9MkqwHHMS2JtrGwjGDDxH2DErUy_ihnPeRbQwpkIrz_3acBXBu8LU19MQRmwGP6Rx3ocX4bkFCrCTLNAWaYG8ogJ7TilX5MReNhF_dj50Vx6E--80BY9htNkw8rc6mvnmGEjV8eeevo7C4_L0uK5cY=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">selfie with Antoni as we were leaving...Noe snuck in there too :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br />We didn't get a lot of time in Iquitos, but that ended up being ok. If you haven't been to Peru and this is your one experience in seeing the country, definitely take the time to spend 3-4 days in Iquitos as well as out on the Amazon. There are some other cool things to do and see in Iquitos that we didn't get to - but we crossed off another "must-see" on our bucket list! The Amazon River and rainforest! (and monkeys!)<div><br /></div><div>We unfortunately arrived 5 hours later than we wanted to because the airline overbooked our flight. But it all worked out. The kids rested in the hotel when we got there and Noe and I went out for some local cuisine. Iquitos (did you know, Iquitos is the largest city in the world that you HAVE to get to by airplane? you can't drive!), has some different and unique foods that other regions of Peru don't have. So, we took advantage of being there to eat juanes, tacacho con cecina, and some local fruits. All of it was <i>delicious</i>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitAkWg1U1ASuwSIfoBHLxvDTQrh5zdh9Do7bfESXDPgiCQlOO9fT26j2lnj7YMZ2m7xx-xQ4N1Gx2Yq_kPXOTfTKXVAei6NyKP6j7ogAAzF-dz4cz5YfgRtUAGYMM6wPkUFBxC12zcNLRmudIjKtrIOkbVIGuTjvuM9ioNM5HlNGd2LcRIa7fWDURt=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="959" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitAkWg1U1ASuwSIfoBHLxvDTQrh5zdh9Do7bfESXDPgiCQlOO9fT26j2lnj7YMZ2m7xx-xQ4N1Gx2Yq_kPXOTfTKXVAei6NyKP6j7ogAAzF-dz4cz5YfgRtUAGYMM6wPkUFBxC12zcNLRmudIjKtrIOkbVIGuTjvuM9ioNM5HlNGd2LcRIa7fWDURt=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This juice comes from this fruit - very yummy! Looks similar to a grape, but I think the waiter said you need to peel them...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL8sGvMz286CrJxAbb15N_GQAppJPCIgiOsXzP-dZX2YI2AACVHeT54jIO-3mzPm1UVSsNzbnnxYkSrhw0ABdhsgmsXBu07AGob9SkJtOPnSJ48lFd0vtfWGpFQLJA00ILrPYNhagyEIyp38C3sAIMEh42h9HjUctqOkOf3XrMwzfhmj4bm0lYZsyh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="493" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL8sGvMz286CrJxAbb15N_GQAppJPCIgiOsXzP-dZX2YI2AACVHeT54jIO-3mzPm1UVSsNzbnnxYkSrhw0ABdhsgmsXBu07AGob9SkJtOPnSJ48lFd0vtfWGpFQLJA00ILrPYNhagyEIyp38C3sAIMEh42h9HjUctqOkOf3XrMwzfhmj4bm0lYZsyh" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmi2w6WHhNlHraFtNNrSEJTC1wHjSYZ_EfcLzxsLj1_2kz9WI1JEGuO4cXfCN_57lA6NEgOOwgoHsNnBC_zC4bg9yeY-pxcszZdkFCpwF2gPino78jcknlXjisAWxDUSwMdRxQEvpadNLhOfUKly1PIkPC9h_XPa10gKojnInvhtMcvyBXGd1qhbJK=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmi2w6WHhNlHraFtNNrSEJTC1wHjSYZ_EfcLzxsLj1_2kz9WI1JEGuO4cXfCN_57lA6NEgOOwgoHsNnBC_zC4bg9yeY-pxcszZdkFCpwF2gPino78jcknlXjisAWxDUSwMdRxQEvpadNLhOfUKly1PIkPC9h_XPa10gKojnInvhtMcvyBXGd1qhbJK=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is juane...it's cooked in a leaf found in this area of Peru and has chicken inside the rice. We ate it a lot in Moyobamba as well. The leaf gives it a delicious flavor! The folklore is, it's named after John the Baptist (this is his head...as he was beheaded). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_iMS9PT2Z7a-NEn1H7wTmdBsjrGXAmzgRxZH0sfaCDIbKkEpKfqy7ZqdoFKoRrkc5C1pQAowG8d_MC30S0Ek_TlvbASgZQGI5BVCOdS2ZNXWGx5A7QAeOxMJAxTgXNow-bhQloQowgSAUKLvven9BUa8Rl4L5VpESoA_pekNTHBImdIqokuizHDON" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_iMS9PT2Z7a-NEn1H7wTmdBsjrGXAmzgRxZH0sfaCDIbKkEpKfqy7ZqdoFKoRrkc5C1pQAowG8d_MC30S0Ek_TlvbASgZQGI5BVCOdS2ZNXWGx5A7QAeOxMJAxTgXNow-bhQloQowgSAUKLvven9BUa8Rl4L5VpESoA_pekNTHBImdIqokuizHDON" width="177" /></a></div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYFxmSNYkcCiagVnj_Ew5y0lH6ALcabInDKiBr-rw0CBFfxoELYhH-SM18XH3XSdNjLJGVEo6kt2odP3b-19vw2HFMSehAKlONd-53RwevNiGyT8eDdZWkJDPDexduPuycYPujOfvugc1q91d3xKSiVUYU_OEhy1suzxJnmU1-jRvr05IWNGOvkHcI=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYFxmSNYkcCiagVnj_Ew5y0lH6ALcabInDKiBr-rw0CBFfxoELYhH-SM18XH3XSdNjLJGVEo6kt2odP3b-19vw2HFMSehAKlONd-53RwevNiGyT8eDdZWkJDPDexduPuycYPujOfvugc1q91d3xKSiVUYU_OEhy1suzxJnmU1-jRvr05IWNGOvkHcI=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tacacho (ball of fried green plantains) with cecina - a type of pork/bacon mix</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After our yummy dinner, we headed back to the hotel to rest before our early start the next day. Our hotel was on the water and had a little pool - which we indulged in when we got back. It's quite hot in Iquitos! They also had a continental breakfast which included some fresh squeezed papaya juice 😋 The guide picked us up at 9am and gave us the rundown of our trip. We got to see the map where we'd be going, we picked up our hiking boots, and then headed to our boat! </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzj79MLiXIzJrIwtVpFIy3kC_XyO7VBXf7oOcPLJ8C3Wu0wjkT4aLcg5uH7sr0FCAnw3YSoB8RBt2nqgFJVRXfxH6t8hoZt9yfLMh6QAlIx3iCa5GnFDSSPYXWIK-iryziECqdaNFjvn0C4RyEn9VfKLwnnuiDztQhesU3o8G3gvwHqUmSs_BNTxi6=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzj79MLiXIzJrIwtVpFIy3kC_XyO7VBXf7oOcPLJ8C3Wu0wjkT4aLcg5uH7sr0FCAnw3YSoB8RBt2nqgFJVRXfxH6t8hoZt9yfLMh6QAlIx3iCa5GnFDSSPYXWIK-iryziECqdaNFjvn0C4RyEn9VfKLwnnuiDztQhesU3o8G3gvwHqUmSs_BNTxi6=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red line is where we traveled</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Temi_GHadO1Canfwpg__fNtzISi31GtgllQ7SuCXNJhvNDx72PPstYKPZHKxzXxpKX1wCQrb6_U5JjdvFttbyef9i1bjDGiblT16I4aVeMRito8MP092T_6q904TLjmSt3AxSx46vsvCofuzTM8DmNFAeQ3o5Dvu8GF5PyAv8yqA51MUCRIcdQm5=s1585" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Temi_GHadO1Canfwpg__fNtzISi31GtgllQ7SuCXNJhvNDx72PPstYKPZHKxzXxpKX1wCQrb6_U5JjdvFttbyef9i1bjDGiblT16I4aVeMRito8MP092T_6q904TLjmSt3AxSx46vsvCofuzTM8DmNFAeQ3o5Dvu8GF5PyAv8yqA51MUCRIcdQm5=s320" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our boat!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On our way to the boat, we walked through a local market. The guide was pointing out different foods that are "typical" for this region. One such food is called "Suri". You can see what it is in the video :) Worms! They also eat them in Moyobamba but I was never able to try them there. So, we bought one and gave it a shot! Well, except Ella. She had no desire to say she ate worms 😂<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzBNeFR1wpkuCrKNmpA2kSMlQ86FV0ve6LVrjfc3z-0VgGygc0MNu16d3NHMsluFExIpRTeEW7VBlCJKx2V-A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7dzasvp41xR-ZNi0LjJRy4716-kSAcB4Ty4Ma-scrsFas0hBoUNaBT4ASK4Dzh5yeRx9APAsGtFZNqR_pIk6YfcMPoNSARAnJSqFIkXCDgxbkikWFLyTrBIn93lh4LBWfN33B1SOyEZEPWCSU5acrFSKsq20wX_1ArZ3-dlTZZYtjgQL9iPU5GLLU=s1369" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="849" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7dzasvp41xR-ZNi0LjJRy4716-kSAcB4Ty4Ma-scrsFas0hBoUNaBT4ASK4Dzh5yeRx9APAsGtFZNqR_pIk6YfcMPoNSARAnJSqFIkXCDgxbkikWFLyTrBIn93lh4LBWfN33B1SOyEZEPWCSU5acrFSKsq20wX_1ArZ3-dlTZZYtjgQL9iPU5GLLU=s320" width="198" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxRmxfLpyLu18fOzzfNvISyPJfxpkPIiQA-Dgdj9QCQGgmXAAB-b7Q2s9gEWxdgwdY25wqEA0EmY2WgOM2EvIAUhRerpZ2ey4sRTTSMibeSG_b4KkGEgjjtXF17bleXPMRHKPXpw-UHFZw7YAwxjkb7js7PcQ22naPT2bUOYUUNX2RDexpayrSaqrY=s1760" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="990" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxRmxfLpyLu18fOzzfNvISyPJfxpkPIiQA-Dgdj9QCQGgmXAAB-b7Q2s9gEWxdgwdY25wqEA0EmY2WgOM2EvIAUhRerpZ2ey4sRTTSMibeSG_b4KkGEgjjtXF17bleXPMRHKPXpw-UHFZw7YAwxjkb7js7PcQ22naPT2bUOYUUNX2RDexpayrSaqrY=s320" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div>In all honesty, the flavor was good! The texture? yuck lol</div><div><br /></div><div>The initial boat ride was to take us to our lodge. Traveling with the current, it took us about an hour and a half. It didn't seem that long though as it was our first time on the Amazon and we had a lot of questions. It was a lot to take in! I made a<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id-PVHN6ceg&t=17s"> short video of the initial boat ride</a> (the pink dolphins we saw on a separate ride, but I added them in). Yes! The Amazon River has pink river dolphins! Very cool! If you can't see the embedded video, click on the link above.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Id-PVHN6ceg" width="320" youtube-src-id="Id-PVHN6ceg"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><div>When we got to the lodge, we had some time to kill before lunch, so the guide took us for a walk around the property. I love the sounds of the rainforest :) We did get lucky and spot some monkeys playing up in the tops of the trees. We also stopped and looked at some flora/fauna and Antoni told us about some of the native plants and fruits. We even stopped and tried one :) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_Nr5bdA029ijHHwkwmaVH9U744_9U4WY0QqmwfgHk6Fm392nAh1XQsoyn6Xq9iumVSXMyzrlZQNoSp_iN8tYaOKYBoR3xwMXGK0FO0TLmN-jqZ2WeGFU-bI-jiKI60ztVqoOYtImyS8Fv3xenOWqdxN3kzKIa1Y9XLoNH9yquaoJzIOWhQBitkrTi=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_Nr5bdA029ijHHwkwmaVH9U744_9U4WY0QqmwfgHk6Fm392nAh1XQsoyn6Xq9iumVSXMyzrlZQNoSp_iN8tYaOKYBoR3xwMXGK0FO0TLmN-jqZ2WeGFU-bI-jiKI60ztVqoOYtImyS8Fv3xenOWqdxN3kzKIa1Y9XLoNH9yquaoJzIOWhQBitkrTi=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwVKOfATA2A60KdflF4Ul_VwGWk0ga7Fl5goCd6jD_OXq8cDkX6rfDca_uWS6318vIeRp6tKAVOVbbuWwOFEAB9WyL42eemRnpBwJFAkrQPMPY-aqXKUlxY8D8nO14Eha7STvB7zvVikQ-8YaH0ypgtE1jUd8pvTEJPWpu3pvcjlRfCfcdMWzY8KNS=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1057" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwVKOfATA2A60KdflF4Ul_VwGWk0ga7Fl5goCd6jD_OXq8cDkX6rfDca_uWS6318vIeRp6tKAVOVbbuWwOFEAB9WyL42eemRnpBwJFAkrQPMPY-aqXKUlxY8D8nO14Eha7STvB7zvVikQ-8YaH0ypgtE1jUd8pvTEJPWpu3pvcjlRfCfcdMWzY8KNS=s320" width="168" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You've got to be careful where you walk and what you touch in these forests! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5bm0agP7QvR2OavHTWHQIXW5FGHgtgtF_2saEiFmpXG-MEB2sdNoo4lWasNDyWQGSuFhAqtM9odk6APyy7rU9064Fgcbv36yKBWxBzT04FZMyRAP0jvWC2ASCAKzzuFafT7d8SJkzj63XwsE6kZB8GWx7KRjxNIoMd_Hadp_2sYPb3w3Q1tEZXVAH=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5bm0agP7QvR2OavHTWHQIXW5FGHgtgtF_2saEiFmpXG-MEB2sdNoo4lWasNDyWQGSuFhAqtM9odk6APyy7rU9064Fgcbv36yKBWxBzT04FZMyRAP0jvWC2ASCAKzzuFafT7d8SJkzj63XwsE6kZB8GWx7KRjxNIoMd_Hadp_2sYPb3w3Q1tEZXVAH=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">termite nest. The guide explained to us that termites provide natural mosquito repellent because they smell like wood and the mosquitos don't like it. He proceeded to break open the nest with the palm of his hand and let them run all over his hand and arm. Then, he "washed" his hands in the termites so that he smelled like them! Good to know if you're ever stuck in the rainforest without repellent :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYTZdt9CYMLfN4O0uCkf6zf4jQeRUjS8QNRCJJ7dLmbItuGPepjyfo6Px-ygKnBTYABwA7ZYLJ0TxolEMVD33NT3fa6pDOl_-qbNI5Iih5ypI63dZJoNYLh68QAA6F3WYx-eCzpm9JrjZfTgctgWDTMHzehU61exI17hIS9Xx85i2xoNYJvkivDUo6=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYTZdt9CYMLfN4O0uCkf6zf4jQeRUjS8QNRCJJ7dLmbItuGPepjyfo6Px-ygKnBTYABwA7ZYLJ0TxolEMVD33NT3fa6pDOl_-qbNI5Iih5ypI63dZJoNYLh68QAA6F3WYx-eCzpm9JrjZfTgctgWDTMHzehU61exI17hIS9Xx85i2xoNYJvkivDUo6=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea what this fruit was called. We learned so many and I didn't write them down :) But we didn't like it. It had a bitter taste to it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizlGLHYlJhpUC3ZfN-u47PqrVhPjl0tHgoK1ziB_Mk-lpsZKdHwvRLPUo_N_ra77X0Wdp8ckS6xQsq0kdBNJlcv6_Gg-swCix2a8UNmIchUrUrKIL3n2zE0xCQ2uWfL5nQp9vYmBXoPLehFfAvyGbDij1WAhTxK0iBgpJwKGeICU-uuUt9SLFnAVU2=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizlGLHYlJhpUC3ZfN-u47PqrVhPjl0tHgoK1ziB_Mk-lpsZKdHwvRLPUo_N_ra77X0Wdp8ckS6xQsq0kdBNJlcv6_Gg-swCix2a8UNmIchUrUrKIL3n2zE0xCQ2uWfL5nQp9vYmBXoPLehFfAvyGbDij1WAhTxK0iBgpJwKGeICU-uuUt9SLFnAVU2=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7aQvquD-K-k3w_h7Z3R_RZpPaTjxdeZvc_9iOxXJLsbwxW7b0vUonJAbCjhWVLiyQvZ0Qn1c7xceIggJUWXeNVRRScHPdV4scjnm7oJv1qkLKRJocr5E9iC2tAtguimfBb01RRjoFs4oLfk3PMA0Bb073vDKajWFM_ymWRGJLhTLGjfzluBYadUOO=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7aQvquD-K-k3w_h7Z3R_RZpPaTjxdeZvc_9iOxXJLsbwxW7b0vUonJAbCjhWVLiyQvZ0Qn1c7xceIggJUWXeNVRRScHPdV4scjnm7oJv1qkLKRJocr5E9iC2tAtguimfBb01RRjoFs4oLfk3PMA0Bb073vDKajWFM_ymWRGJLhTLGjfzluBYadUOO=s320" width="240" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide called this tree, the "Father of the forest". You can see how huge it is with us standing by it. The roots themselves are enormous. It has tons of seeds and food for insects and birds. Then, when the forest floods every year (for 3-4 months I think), the seeds and fruits drop to the water and feed the fish. The tree itself provides a balance to the ecosystem. Very cool<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHGI67VfwqFW-8xcrYTIX1QYQ-BsS0yhtgJNoVCk1QWIvzfFCdH7QUIqtxhSR_t0osEkmFeKEwY_R5fZq3WtJ8wERYb2wD_M9_iEl6r82VF4dpCmEtWVhMYbusYR1SHt_dlhoRegmTiWlLgoivhhJBXue2qMWcfXAiQB3ARvNgYXA1uS_hSQguAKoc=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHGI67VfwqFW-8xcrYTIX1QYQ-BsS0yhtgJNoVCk1QWIvzfFCdH7QUIqtxhSR_t0osEkmFeKEwY_R5fZq3WtJ8wERYb2wD_M9_iEl6r82VF4dpCmEtWVhMYbusYR1SHt_dlhoRegmTiWlLgoivhhJBXue2qMWcfXAiQB3ARvNgYXA1uS_hSQguAKoc=s320" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGwN3200zPPQpapkjL4oyFoX403sburAumgTtNRbwo1MTtUly2LugB4qD7q2jdTMUFR20nzYkcOI3Ls098TYmqWSedUjbZ22DAy80CIbXO9j6eytnB5Srl46yURNYfgpEQ1X_T5gqzvriZZIpOPFmOx_Ld8EmfhVC3REBTh703fITO21UkhbsCdYZT=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGwN3200zPPQpapkjL4oyFoX403sburAumgTtNRbwo1MTtUly2LugB4qD7q2jdTMUFR20nzYkcOI3Ls098TYmqWSedUjbZ22DAy80CIbXO9j6eytnB5Srl46yURNYfgpEQ1X_T5gqzvriZZIpOPFmOx_Ld8EmfhVC3REBTh703fITO21UkhbsCdYZT=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that's a big root!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFBd-ELHCu36ulfv6zwrHG2YG_7gzi8UhlrU0XdrrVMe_GjdiOGD_NHdNpvXJW3oEUoraH8uzB-OLIhIiWopIiKpNLYtzwiviOBCVjF3CUbY1NpZT7-Eg6Z5J5RDCZQKRfuR_mbDfZyp7FC8YDjQ1YEeXKv7coC6oHampyXYkIsfDjB9At14aRJoOF=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFBd-ELHCu36ulfv6zwrHG2YG_7gzi8UhlrU0XdrrVMe_GjdiOGD_NHdNpvXJW3oEUoraH8uzB-OLIhIiWopIiKpNLYtzwiviOBCVjF3CUbY1NpZT7-Eg6Z5J5RDCZQKRfuR_mbDfZyp7FC8YDjQ1YEeXKv7coC6oHampyXYkIsfDjB9At14aRJoOF=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another dangerous, spiky tree! Don't lean against it!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBhGpMIta9NAj7uIVDaSoHGQpFKnExLjRv7FlsjBskPD_rd6VQXQgbLRF3OvCT47DcnbL5hTmEf9rJVx7daBdZg2i2EJvI_G6hCy1r_8jbvuhN3-5TMjoL8K6c6YFNFm711zEEsMU1gjbZEFx3GkUirRfMn-YiUSKNz3sRvTbn9j9UVzGj7lMNTAlY=s1871" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1871" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBhGpMIta9NAj7uIVDaSoHGQpFKnExLjRv7FlsjBskPD_rd6VQXQgbLRF3OvCT47DcnbL5hTmEf9rJVx7daBdZg2i2EJvI_G6hCy1r_8jbvuhN3-5TMjoL8K6c6YFNFm711zEEsMU1gjbZEFx3GkUirRfMn-YiUSKNz3sRvTbn9j9UVzGj7lMNTAlY=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This space you saw in the video is a good 8 feet off the ground. The waters, when they rise (as they do every year), will reach this. It's pretty amazing to think about. The walkways we used to get to the boat will be gone - completely submerged. The waters rise a tremendous amount each year and the communities have to build things accordingly. The guide said we missed the rise in the water by about 6 weeks. It's already started, but the peak will happen in April.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>For lunch we ate catfish - none of us are huge fish fans except Noe - but it was good! We got to rest a bit after lunch, then we went to visit <a href="https://www.peru.travel/en/masperu/isla-de-los-monos-a-natural-paradise-on-the-amazon-river">La Isla de los Monos</a> - which we were very excited about. And it did NOT disappoint. Here is a 5 minute video of our time there. We took so many videos and pics, it was easier to share them in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YAa66F4uIM">full video</a> :) (go to the link if you can't see it)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9YAa66F4uIM" width="320" youtube-src-id="9YAa66F4uIM"></iframe></div><br /><div>As you can see, it was fantastic. What an incredible place! I asked them where they rescue the monkeys from, and they said that they are not legally able to bring monkeys to their site. Instead, the police and locals know that they are there, and they bring them the monkeys - when they're orphaned or hurt. They spend weeks or months (depending on their age) in quarantine when they arrive (you probably saw some cages in the video), and little by little they acclimate them to the new surroundings and people. They have a vet that visits weekly to help heal the ones that are hurt. When the center feels the monkeys are able to find food on their own, they release them back into the wild. However, some do come back as they feel that the center is their home :) I'm sorry I don't remember all the species :) . There were quite a few. I do remember howler monkeys, titi monkeys, and I think spider monkeys. They also had some teeny tiny species (squirrel monkeys?) that look more like rodents than monkeys! They were in quarantine so I didn't get a good pic. But they were VERY small - and adorable! I love that they rehabilitate them and send them back into the wild. All of our payments to visit went towards funding their center. And we were happy to buy a few souvenirs as a donation. If you want to learn more about them and what they do (and donate towards their cause), they have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laisladelosmonosperu/">facebook page</a> where they post updates! </div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, this was a highlight of our trip :) When we got back to the lodge (about 20 minutes in boat), we rested a little before dinner. After dinner they took us on a night hike on the property. We went a little farther in than we did during the day. I have to say, the enormity of the trees, branches, leaves and foliage cover is even more overwhelming at night. Looking up and not being able to see the sky at all is a little creepy :) lol. There was some cloud coverage as well, so when we turned off our flashlights in the middle of the hike, we saw nothing. Even after a couple of minutes we still couldn't see our hand in front of our face! We didn't see any new animals on the hike...which may have been disappointing to the others, but I was fine with it lol.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpdpDrnT7-anfnHjEtb42JtgkSDIisA-9TtNmVCJKK9lXqeI13g3vKDcBNyBMnlxlFS5KiyfLR-OFAHWY6DdX3RwpuzKK4wq1eiywn0Q2IC9C3Mh48pDfr2LW5tfwqRKy2qKG7a7goOH8fR1a8nzkbjdBsAdImS4zl71XFcLdaCP7dDld2_NoZrCkp=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpdpDrnT7-anfnHjEtb42JtgkSDIisA-9TtNmVCJKK9lXqeI13g3vKDcBNyBMnlxlFS5KiyfLR-OFAHWY6DdX3RwpuzKK4wq1eiywn0Q2IC9C3Mh48pDfr2LW5tfwqRKy2qKG7a7goOH8fR1a8nzkbjdBsAdImS4zl71XFcLdaCP7dDld2_NoZrCkp=s320" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning, to the dismay of the kids lol, we left at 6:30am to see the sunrise and look at birds. Needless to say, since there was still cloud coverage and the sunrise was a bust, neither of them was very interested lol. We did see the pink dolphins on this trip though, so that was cool. We were literally surrounded by them on all sides :) We saw some cool birds as well. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdPMzewzxJM8-TDC64KIZla5rNtLphEjW0ez_xKrgCYdA2GWOMoBbixl1e9tb-9Hall9rJJ-8_Ja70l6cgdmjMSsYMiB_qeXCguhy9JSbmwyviMasU_jhgz6YKBm9qnvt1MXsL2whhMm0B8xn595KrFwY4p-c4-t5jpsg8EThj9hAGVCqW4F4wdrCb=s1760" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1760" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdPMzewzxJM8-TDC64KIZla5rNtLphEjW0ez_xKrgCYdA2GWOMoBbixl1e9tb-9Hall9rJJ-8_Ja70l6cgdmjMSsYMiB_qeXCguhy9JSbmwyviMasU_jhgz6YKBm9qnvt1MXsL2whhMm0B8xn595KrFwY4p-c4-t5jpsg8EThj9hAGVCqW4F4wdrCb=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_6z_txb53Mh5rj2gFGLUz3XQoDnUuDCCfgfVWDmLxNL3KiInM2PzHaj_paZcsWSbYnbQZwv3--vXdFBz0SQcm9zqiySC-1xRSqY5_cgWtaqWflyjz13MJh0X1bIuXm2kvfBJAsLZ1wF_GzjUwNT2eZ7QW_luVahUUI0MedDmh6WRR_5o-hIBWeD3W=s1908" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1908" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_6z_txb53Mh5rj2gFGLUz3XQoDnUuDCCfgfVWDmLxNL3KiInM2PzHaj_paZcsWSbYnbQZwv3--vXdFBz0SQcm9zqiySC-1xRSqY5_cgWtaqWflyjz13MJh0X1bIuXm2kvfBJAsLZ1wF_GzjUwNT2eZ7QW_luVahUUI0MedDmh6WRR_5o-hIBWeD3W=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looks of herons as well as some cute birds called tuki tukis...which I wasn't able to get a pic of :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB1WJhTn0XYgZJIH4lbpyBEDaUwR4fGHV002Jow4eKwwlZ6eiJvzC4-cn63FiwH9AP2no78PRVCrmaD9icuJrodSQNQiDoiNY4rAWSsE1WIg04SGf6iukDjmu206FYf7TE-sdeV63QTxbtafXNMKxfyGAypLBh33275CB6mtsEZHXOQje9w4NKyb6y=s1529" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1529" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB1WJhTn0XYgZJIH4lbpyBEDaUwR4fGHV002Jow4eKwwlZ6eiJvzC4-cn63FiwH9AP2no78PRVCrmaD9icuJrodSQNQiDoiNY4rAWSsE1WIg04SGf6iukDjmu206FYf7TE-sdeV63QTxbtafXNMKxfyGAypLBh33275CB6mtsEZHXOQje9w4NKyb6y=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuJwRUMOmL-1CRxVXVG9v7t6re4qiMOoXPQ7utWQrEjeysHi0BSuNfkppV95Z4oBxJRj1hc8ZpbcV7BVGOjWYnIPjZE4ECLpv3MWX_2VU-rpF_e71cOID8AZWCri2YmIRkxeXsGXYkSpXMfCoVrmwivKDj_8FmAeM4D4WZQH_Dv3Yc5HhhNwh1XVGa=s1136" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuJwRUMOmL-1CRxVXVG9v7t6re4qiMOoXPQ7utWQrEjeysHi0BSuNfkppV95Z4oBxJRj1hc8ZpbcV7BVGOjWYnIPjZE4ECLpv3MWX_2VU-rpF_e71cOID8AZWCri2YmIRkxeXsGXYkSpXMfCoVrmwivKDj_8FmAeM4D4WZQH_Dv3Yc5HhhNwh1XVGa=s320" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div>We went back to the lodge for a delicious breakfast, and then headed out to see a native community called the "Yagua" tribe. They live a couple hours from the river, but when groups visit, they walk the almost two hours to shore to show off their dance, music, and "artesania". They made us dance with them :) We bought some of their goods to thank them, and they showed us how to 'hunt" with a blowgun! Amazingly, we all somehow hit the target! lol Except Ella...she didn't want to try.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFYrvbLCKfNLpdfG305uCpF3pVSJVlFrWjXRUyc8S2njVfAV6hYgNxHD1YvrojztwQWEZyz0MDzX14tl4XkNYgYYoFCD_P0-er8iuKahEiisvcVeDWybHKQDSFotmIwEo_6-3JJiRIzZVP5EW_j_TgclxsrbOmZz7IfDFmKvICA_lnjTDFDp-Y5UlL=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFYrvbLCKfNLpdfG305uCpF3pVSJVlFrWjXRUyc8S2njVfAV6hYgNxHD1YvrojztwQWEZyz0MDzX14tl4XkNYgYYoFCD_P0-er8iuKahEiisvcVeDWybHKQDSFotmIwEo_6-3JJiRIzZVP5EW_j_TgclxsrbOmZz7IfDFmKvICA_lnjTDFDp-Y5UlL=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting ready to dance!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz9__MiFAfdCcKucAHUQOYDqjvUHP4ogu6gNAfXIF0SsL8k4x0Ju0YlhT2ENpxzuCPVpu7JoPRmbJLKxLimVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJNuTFoAw1xDWzs_u0S2DgP0AJg05SxtNhNM6ZIXsLzofQb7TwwOi6ts7J2v7yVjaWWD_c5zRsuMqbkjgkBRS9xgvXL4aey_0FLALIgQeRqueocENBunEJhN4RfuJhWiJ_hJtfz8S4To1KpmdsMq5V8KmJtCMagi7SgEy0KkoQchVecVUiPVrnfsjJ=s1794" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1106" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJNuTFoAw1xDWzs_u0S2DgP0AJg05SxtNhNM6ZIXsLzofQb7TwwOi6ts7J2v7yVjaWWD_c5zRsuMqbkjgkBRS9xgvXL4aey_0FLALIgQeRqueocENBunEJhN4RfuJhWiJ_hJtfz8S4To1KpmdsMq5V8KmJtCMagi7SgEy0KkoQchVecVUiPVrnfsjJ=s320" width="197" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amazingly, this is the "short" blowgun! The longer it is, the faster it goes, so they use bigger ones.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZiQz2ushFju23AySJE03NymGavrRKPJzBSb3vZrNQJ45YU0q6xvKJzuvHy_K4Wncva6J_OKeGSWIBGGA-7vnS8v88kxfy_wYG3TS91J8qR3VR9gX2So0uFkzbcoPp14zlUDuw2ps6nTLHqc0ifhEgqElhZPVUDuRzR9qNSxbYxj-xj-D_khJ_VSxI=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZiQz2ushFju23AySJE03NymGavrRKPJzBSb3vZrNQJ45YU0q6xvKJzuvHy_K4Wncva6J_OKeGSWIBGGA-7vnS8v88kxfy_wYG3TS91J8qR3VR9gX2So0uFkzbcoPp14zlUDuw2ps6nTLHqc0ifhEgqElhZPVUDuRzR9qNSxbYxj-xj-D_khJ_VSxI=s320" width="240" /></a><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the "darts". Poison is put at the end of them to kill the prey.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdugUrSvHhN_UoWLrU5ibbFgKRcWM9Wlvg-A7waFkUcaGQalIDhrbazg9kwY2HbDxnkkX7ieQqGImUgdQhhk8NhvYwD1qgfuB_-YsTr2EGfqo4c8pKhqwRYkmhiSg6RUYy1r5soWCx-MZL1QCADxF2wnCmm-k0NuEkyAMG6x8AZDqHbBeUEgUo3PMC=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdugUrSvHhN_UoWLrU5ibbFgKRcWM9Wlvg-A7waFkUcaGQalIDhrbazg9kwY2HbDxnkkX7ieQqGImUgdQhhk8NhvYwD1qgfuB_-YsTr2EGfqo4c8pKhqwRYkmhiSg6RUYy1r5soWCx-MZL1QCADxF2wnCmm-k0NuEkyAMG6x8AZDqHbBeUEgUo3PMC=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxPLWD3sI0CcCJTuap_PdFxoxIvAQkNVhHZBAPVC2WzOZRHsVNBs57xDt_uMtS9l4YF46jpAjlkVXjnyik46w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> This is the Chief, showing us how to use the blowgun.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx6rN0-EUAaw1td6vdjga3-UCZp_R1F7RWOQXTBtGwLQlE1WnoEi8IYRu7YJr3Yn7jQUvo7pYdVwKUphQMZ-g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Noe's turn!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLnoFBv7UcZ53BGOKA-WeeWEVKYCl1ZLDMtbk3ybewy3SoWBan-A3Rf-Ch-GMdTYl1RVnpJApC3VMV1jaSzkhzgpqT2nSjfiPotP1MAL207x-s6W43mYYsEn0cVQj2m_KQRHv04YvBFWyNlh12JQgOblUpVue9UJAFeSNyP9NEVi1tY4EFoBE5CzQj=s1760" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1760" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLnoFBv7UcZ53BGOKA-WeeWEVKYCl1ZLDMtbk3ybewy3SoWBan-A3Rf-Ch-GMdTYl1RVnpJApC3VMV1jaSzkhzgpqT2nSjfiPotP1MAL207x-s6W43mYYsEn0cVQj2m_KQRHv04YvBFWyNlh12JQgOblUpVue9UJAFeSNyP9NEVi1tY4EFoBE5CzQj=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3f07pzU-OdDIYiRXWhq1zIbd5bUOxsXVaZHHh7ea-zU8E2Ty2qhmDwcYV-Oj42MvGnknVtgTFlpCcloGCkg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> Paul's turn!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZOmzMOTEm4yFEIkSMGICVvD2IwraEa_j0Am-LmTABnTpbRpedvS5Q-hTSHEPNIKjO_KvrcoSSNRnk0MTXdPEsMdr564qrJKoe-6ojHLyWzKgyUGKeQ0dBPnuu5r7DA6UCnN5H8elAF86Z1INoIluDh9iSqiXCFahg_p13p52vQbw6pgPto_IYoNa4=s1760" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1760" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZOmzMOTEm4yFEIkSMGICVvD2IwraEa_j0Am-LmTABnTpbRpedvS5Q-hTSHEPNIKjO_KvrcoSSNRnk0MTXdPEsMdr564qrJKoe-6ojHLyWzKgyUGKeQ0dBPnuu5r7DA6UCnN5H8elAF86Z1INoIluDh9iSqiXCFahg_p13p52vQbw6pgPto_IYoNa4=s320" width="320" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx05AmPUgFWeIgXwBYApUO-OFOBJg_b6siamq4CLIfNt8_9KJ7mh6TNPcjcmyroP2_qbOt6Yxa48vopoZfk5A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My turn! Of course, the time I hit it dead on, they weren't filming lol. But this one bounced off!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5CMB8r2izT0AvUpoCJPlrskn96H_tpJzTaqpWn0mWmpc7V23xcv0gZuWd9hCiY99VLScic1t-T4_dGcEXSYkpZjqVm51Gej-5DrjQe24UnKigd5hNj9tHPIJKyqzPMdot75yClFxOCwPnhuREUDEIePV-Krar7hndHE-ZltOolTsqSG6ElpE7VGxE=s1407" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="1005" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5CMB8r2izT0AvUpoCJPlrskn96H_tpJzTaqpWn0mWmpc7V23xcv0gZuWd9hCiY99VLScic1t-T4_dGcEXSYkpZjqVm51Gej-5DrjQe24UnKigd5hNj9tHPIJKyqzPMdot75yClFxOCwPnhuREUDEIePV-Krar7hndHE-ZltOolTsqSG6ElpE7VGxE=s320" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of our "arrows" in the target!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWwz-_GH1ItbhB1D39l5WlERsVdXz3MdFpRgIzE-ik_FoVyHLhiO4yJZREfGZKhjQgKUHZwFPsnRaaDxJ45HEIF5RF4cJMnL4oomOxGpPpOguZCirw2bMzFP79A8NoKuXah9pHaYmWBizN-PcHZi65Q3hVQhOF4pRoaFmc2toEfkwwtPKECifGxqqf=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWwz-_GH1ItbhB1D39l5WlERsVdXz3MdFpRgIzE-ik_FoVyHLhiO4yJZREfGZKhjQgKUHZwFPsnRaaDxJ45HEIF5RF4cJMnL4oomOxGpPpOguZCirw2bMzFP79A8NoKuXah9pHaYmWBizN-PcHZi65Q3hVQhOF4pRoaFmc2toEfkwwtPKECifGxqqf=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They adopted a 5 week old orphaned sloth :) We couldn't hold her, but they let us pet her. What's funny is that she looks so happy...but she's quite mad at me lol. When I petted her, she started squealing and turned and looked at me (albeit very slowly lol) - very upset!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsZGqUOrXaAp_siB4I4B5uYoIcud97eQVhYPstKQNeQMCDvPt22C4uqVucW5FN1twLbqIuSAsSaXKSD79BXtnefIB1-QVbSN9qQj5j0VdDVjRcgiISNoNXBYWDgf6nvzzd_jiZP6MtkaPWGoVDSB8xqzccs9ELTEc9IPng9uYIweF-zjAOtTKN1F_4=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsZGqUOrXaAp_siB4I4B5uYoIcud97eQVhYPstKQNeQMCDvPt22C4uqVucW5FN1twLbqIuSAsSaXKSD79BXtnefIB1-QVbSN9qQj5j0VdDVjRcgiISNoNXBYWDgf6nvzzd_jiZP6MtkaPWGoVDSB8xqzccs9ELTEc9IPng9uYIweF-zjAOtTKN1F_4=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella has been buying different bracelets at different places we go. The one she got from the Yaguas is the yellow/orange one that looks like a sunrise :) We also bought an anaconda skin bracelet and a couple other things.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Our last stop of our "tour", was fishing! Local style! Sticks, raw meat, and luck :) Didn't need much luck though cause they were everywhere! What were we fishing for?? Piranhas! And between the 6 of us, we caught 3 little ones to take back and try. (very little meat, but the flavor was good).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnxx48RJr-JlYXbJKrsOGfCnFa7kwcwidiIsRIBP24Gh9CEbNdqFtIaEIhtN4IAFR8cTyVInvN4fJK0n3L8vKe1Bem9XjLQpvPS6mNtqB2xryQtq3ioWqGdlMjK86HiTcxa-_qB0MlfjEY4tcTPyF6VWqoacPZQfYzx75mP_kkKRwP5oQkTPSnhgNy=s1962" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1962" data-original-width="1369" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnxx48RJr-JlYXbJKrsOGfCnFa7kwcwidiIsRIBP24Gh9CEbNdqFtIaEIhtN4IAFR8cTyVInvN4fJK0n3L8vKe1Bem9XjLQpvPS6mNtqB2xryQtq3ioWqGdlMjK86HiTcxa-_qB0MlfjEY4tcTPyF6VWqoacPZQfYzx75mP_kkKRwP5oQkTPSnhgNy=s320" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sticks, hooks, and bait ready!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzvGQWpHIjsMH-_6eNkAke7W2T7K-6lpGM6zLnMU4RA3AdSFcH_Vwou3muVQy4l5K2R9x7o5exYoWV6-M6K8vyu4gLts2_wZIqE8U1WK1UaJ7FbvfXp4D8ilnJyuVNaFm5QJg0HmxWQR045mSBp1EaQoTrfI-vnVpFVH1nfO19B4hkIJ_JmGMF3TIv=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzvGQWpHIjsMH-_6eNkAke7W2T7K-6lpGM6zLnMU4RA3AdSFcH_Vwou3muVQy4l5K2R9x7o5exYoWV6-M6K8vyu4gLts2_wZIqE8U1WK1UaJ7FbvfXp4D8ilnJyuVNaFm5QJg0HmxWQR045mSBp1EaQoTrfI-vnVpFVH1nfO19B4hkIJ_JmGMF3TIv=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd2gLtTmK9Ax4GIu6P7rK5_34mUGDbpk0p-pGKhc6EVHOkGBzaultPvjY3ZJrAJMcY2uUQXpnJ4ahqen3hkoBItT9cr1PLymfbqxI3WkOfeKMfVUIFtHd0oYfrIyNh5SEHdCSVquRq2FAiHxRw3SPptE1H0Zp6Jy0rXlAIsYBLjipJcR0baPG4bfkO=s1585" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd2gLtTmK9Ax4GIu6P7rK5_34mUGDbpk0p-pGKhc6EVHOkGBzaultPvjY3ZJrAJMcY2uUQXpnJ4ahqen3hkoBItT9cr1PLymfbqxI3WkOfeKMfVUIFtHd0oYfrIyNh5SEHdCSVquRq2FAiHxRw3SPptE1H0Zp6Jy0rXlAIsYBLjipJcR0baPG4bfkO=s320" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's go!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM20J0WnTCh2ex31edd7blHQocJTxRAijbRehhFQVXZ2m2ZI-95YpUFOM56zNDvfC-dAGACfBI0rCI1RVfnvt0qdHfu4V87VRhTECFwUGl2QpWtu4bJjO7ifbZCwxix2dPKttB69FwLyLs_qAHkorUUyQSIxyIPF3coMaY5rlka6ACh01GgNL4WMuy=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM20J0WnTCh2ex31edd7blHQocJTxRAijbRehhFQVXZ2m2ZI-95YpUFOM56zNDvfC-dAGACfBI0rCI1RVfnvt0qdHfu4V87VRhTECFwUGl2QpWtu4bJjO7ifbZCwxix2dPKttB69FwLyLs_qAHkorUUyQSIxyIPF3coMaY5rlka6ACh01GgNL4WMuy=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9BTX71xZ99Jdfl1j1g2h73PnQNduDiI-ouwpoR2r7sFnKpmfxPFt3Xt_ARMXE97OIKAvbDYbCFUX8fOSCYQRj4229VcHvdiqilZ2MjhZTTdyMP-mCqoFrqJDjLa0MPsv1l4CKb6nPbkvbjMZG_J8EhHgQWml6JZjhTNhmoEsXlgowqZQE37DlcTWd=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9BTX71xZ99Jdfl1j1g2h73PnQNduDiI-ouwpoR2r7sFnKpmfxPFt3Xt_ARMXE97OIKAvbDYbCFUX8fOSCYQRj4229VcHvdiqilZ2MjhZTTdyMP-mCqoFrqJDjLa0MPsv1l4CKb6nPbkvbjMZG_J8EhHgQWml6JZjhTNhmoEsXlgowqZQE37DlcTWd=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the guide caught a big one!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid87UXOOKiZgfdwt-wo_aVzUzw53pqQoD5NAhCT5ZOlxK7FVTEN_4UDo9W8UwgFqBzUATO_w8GEHH5BMVUdRghUU1hreCDZsWopLe9DLXWZ8MdM8krJBDtwnrDOPSK4iIGzPUXu4GTMNXKr2GjNmX4o2_bbu0VArzklzrjiUJL6mrMc3T-Z31OL8xC=s1280" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1280" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid87UXOOKiZgfdwt-wo_aVzUzw53pqQoD5NAhCT5ZOlxK7FVTEN_4UDo9W8UwgFqBzUATO_w8GEHH5BMVUdRghUU1hreCDZsWopLe9DLXWZ8MdM8krJBDtwnrDOPSK4iIGzPUXu4GTMNXKr2GjNmX4o2_bbu0VArzklzrjiUJL6mrMc3T-Z31OL8xC=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella's fish!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEEbKzzJuJTOjXUxadoLzjvrwF3m9KV7IHjum7LPCIJPP5AtdvsD3bFH0LFnEEx9vTFVz21xb6e2mofXdWvUy19ZHt5zV9TyRrzM9wQv-OeeBa1YRyQcrVg5Pjqe2qTdiT_zfpL0J6WoMNZG2itwNXta46-ZAlPNOQdfykv-EZ9ILsxP-gMwb0fPli=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEEbKzzJuJTOjXUxadoLzjvrwF3m9KV7IHjum7LPCIJPP5AtdvsD3bFH0LFnEEx9vTFVz21xb6e2mofXdWvUy19ZHt5zV9TyRrzM9wQv-OeeBa1YRyQcrVg5Pjqe2qTdiT_zfpL0J6WoMNZG2itwNXta46-ZAlPNOQdfykv-EZ9ILsxP-gMwb0fPli=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVX4tz5a8RRP4qpokOdNQMHmWRBoOGQtuchCokr9xAc0PQXY66tAUcYuGn5g4uYDbH-ZQUokNXlgbuDXtAG3_femBbQ2tMgTPaNCXDA3E6HnfRJwYO4WKS47i1JWySZIs-dPea3OASxm_7rlEZJXaxjZaE3eTXQ1_3byjss3hd77ThMt-6TEkbSi2d=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVX4tz5a8RRP4qpokOdNQMHmWRBoOGQtuchCokr9xAc0PQXY66tAUcYuGn5g4uYDbH-ZQUokNXlgbuDXtAG3_femBbQ2tMgTPaNCXDA3E6HnfRJwYO4WKS47i1JWySZIs-dPea3OASxm_7rlEZJXaxjZaE3eTXQ1_3byjss3hd77ThMt-6TEkbSi2d=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she caught two...but hated it both times and threw them back 😂</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilfJkGznwut0qnHwXff-GNcQ4oOR4qZQugTtA9A2kvDo6_tNAFPdavxevGvrDrzjYBg0_NIzSsbxRkzQ7fJTYXKEf7m4BhIp4DfrJ19PVkTYR7rrmIeklXGa4bGhTooa1q2MTzf57-uPX3mCxk4dIQUr87s7EFQyz7cSY0WpTDx9nW7FYEapKmJzO9=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilfJkGznwut0qnHwXff-GNcQ4oOR4qZQugTtA9A2kvDo6_tNAFPdavxevGvrDrzjYBg0_NIzSsbxRkzQ7fJTYXKEf7m4BhIp4DfrJ19PVkTYR7rrmIeklXGa4bGhTooa1q2MTzf57-uPX3mCxk4dIQUr87s7EFQyz7cSY0WpTDx9nW7FYEapKmJzO9=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got one but it wasn't a piranha...it went back :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiumn0rTUzICLkjJx64Tbe6AwaIdX3d-kIHJEjgt0E7w7fLF0JtvyFZXwY981y2jVch3KhWBxGsRqGnS-UJZlrN-11xzne1kn3R0C8YBlVm44drz3Bf5KT_Gq9vzJ3wFjLTngY85x-fxowRybqC1gPwN3xCJZ4lUnD9yXl7h5QCoIpYt27KiIfFdtCk=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiumn0rTUzICLkjJx64Tbe6AwaIdX3d-kIHJEjgt0E7w7fLF0JtvyFZXwY981y2jVch3KhWBxGsRqGnS-UJZlrN-11xzne1kn3R0C8YBlVm44drz3Bf5KT_Gq9vzJ3wFjLTngY85x-fxowRybqC1gPwN3xCJZ4lUnD9yXl7h5QCoIpYt27KiIfFdtCk=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noe's little one lol :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Paul didn't catch one, but he got so close so many times lol. The little buggers would swim right up to them eat, nibble it, and swim away. Unless you jerked the stick at the exact right time to hook them, they'd swim away! Sneaky little things!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzJqSj3O0bKoR02hiasopj536X_BRaH-AcWtWCmBg_XSAIHuLvf18hIocg8pZHMGbwWqL9WSW1H-PjXaPEGVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOLhcYHuV-Gc1UhVWGVtOwHRcDgzrdoZ3iA5nVxBYwEq4RlNHXCN-SZ98CyTjGNpMlQsN8xEjofjCDBZvzLjPziWXOrjLJdY_ttiTXrusWRBjGiNYTpZhGnj2SCz4YK0I4G9B7MqVlfGrHFG5s_PEpv_HtaZmuiqmjWW1FCDWW5mP2ZlZsvmOrDXTj=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOLhcYHuV-Gc1UhVWGVtOwHRcDgzrdoZ3iA5nVxBYwEq4RlNHXCN-SZ98CyTjGNpMlQsN8xEjofjCDBZvzLjPziWXOrjLJdY_ttiTXrusWRBjGiNYTpZhGnj2SCz4YK0I4G9B7MqVlfGrHFG5s_PEpv_HtaZmuiqmjWW1FCDWW5mP2ZlZsvmOrDXTj=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our fresh caught piranhas!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After our lunch, the tour was over and we rode the 2-2 1/2 hours back to Iquitos (against the current). We were pretty tired and rested almost the whole way. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyIFJtTyfKSDc_uwLSJWk_EqIbGmT3r0eG0d5m2tOU7M5YnpWYQo8I3gUrFVIK7sR6Wis5KhGSMjQW9SoRdz12XHZbigrEjkCZqBZesbjnm1P0g-6PPOTI5K0T2EOKJeWakD2mEpfncCmSqJSQlaI7R_wIXC1HwN2nd-o0A81q8-TExvvmGP_9QWGB=s1512" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="1512" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyIFJtTyfKSDc_uwLSJWk_EqIbGmT3r0eG0d5m2tOU7M5YnpWYQo8I3gUrFVIK7sR6Wis5KhGSMjQW9SoRdz12XHZbigrEjkCZqBZesbjnm1P0g-6PPOTI5K0T2EOKJeWakD2mEpfncCmSqJSQlaI7R_wIXC1HwN2nd-o0A81q8-TExvvmGP_9QWGB=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiRf_cvkZ7uGPGR7cihYk9xGesO9CoA_SYPdd8HVf77hyNi86D7kd2pGTMUORAbqpLrWWoUKFy87uzbTIV4BprTrq7KUEfMIgeb4pr9PUdksWXSP2gxS_auuuMYpyQ-LNOM0T32WB6vZTGaiinBIDUlmHm-7N8h62uk9FpNiAkU7vm-6zTQKu8uXtp=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiRf_cvkZ7uGPGR7cihYk9xGesO9CoA_SYPdd8HVf77hyNi86D7kd2pGTMUORAbqpLrWWoUKFy87uzbTIV4BprTrq7KUEfMIgeb4pr9PUdksWXSP2gxS_auuuMYpyQ-LNOM0T32WB6vZTGaiinBIDUlmHm-7N8h62uk9FpNiAkU7vm-6zTQKu8uXtp=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could actually get a signal in the middle of the river! so we checked messages and played on our devices on the way back lol. Funny to think there's a cell signal that far out.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFKJ2K5aC6qR4v23CinRVPqeC-NTqbM3DxcwAv4YlUXTEKD2VZTk2Ozb4Vd9pfUhFABxCsQ_NkseBr1n7aaIAPfhaIsWbJTAIlaNP0qDGDJcYhzlo2kD7snruHV9RE_fkYkCWFmHLJ3c2sNkyg_EjFcJy52LB4NMmBwSYCEO3k7QzLy5ulGVnGgwfB=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFKJ2K5aC6qR4v23CinRVPqeC-NTqbM3DxcwAv4YlUXTEKD2VZTk2Ozb4Vd9pfUhFABxCsQ_NkseBr1n7aaIAPfhaIsWbJTAIlaNP0qDGDJcYhzlo2kD7snruHV9RE_fkYkCWFmHLJ3c2sNkyg_EjFcJy52LB4NMmBwSYCEO3k7QzLy5ulGVnGgwfB=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back at the hotel, we rested, went shopping for a hammock (which we found!), some "artesania", and then went swimming! Since it's the time of "Carnival" here (think Mardi Gras but in South America), there were "Umshas", colored mud balls (to throw at people), and lots of people out! There were lots of water balloons by the pool which the kids (and noe) utilized lol. We were actually able to escape being hit by balloons and mud up until our taxi pulled up to our apartment in Ayacucho! lol. Then Noe and I both got hit!<br /></div><div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUElXfnrkky05noOxGOk1-RH8HVHCS_Gi8OSLyTx9tIoqyGhfhpCxchnOFZJZ6zCtKSCbdad6ljljC8q6jcVpgVJKWA18ngcdwtXK5a8ixgUB_ZxgkvzCZz0mWkcgE5V-Np5fPruggIaP9uVoN0fB7sSnTDTukCzvjMfRy9n2h8dBy0FCKyICoOiHm=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUElXfnrkky05noOxGOk1-RH8HVHCS_Gi8OSLyTx9tIoqyGhfhpCxchnOFZJZ6zCtKSCbdad6ljljC8q6jcVpgVJKWA18ngcdwtXK5a8ixgUB_ZxgkvzCZz0mWkcgE5V-Np5fPruggIaP9uVoN0fB7sSnTDTukCzvjMfRy9n2h8dBy0FCKyICoOiHm=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLYmMbjiLkvcePIbcsOz_RpYzly9lBW5XxQ3prczCcXdHkL7TSeDQ5VkaDkOHHEac7aCJr6VwCxbna7VAysHxkDzTnsC-fOB1VfDdtXBNDn_3vRfalVxVTS1nKM2iIW8fwh25D7MJyFS-bJCyir3Vv7TFyHaSqkLRZgYCrSZIE2priZ4M707jMirxI=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLYmMbjiLkvcePIbcsOz_RpYzly9lBW5XxQ3prczCcXdHkL7TSeDQ5VkaDkOHHEac7aCJr6VwCxbna7VAysHxkDzTnsC-fOB1VfDdtXBNDn_3vRfalVxVTS1nKM2iIW8fwh25D7MJyFS-bJCyir3Vv7TFyHaSqkLRZgYCrSZIE2priZ4M707jMirxI=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7TBr4g68JXAL0cKbRmC6ilXbgvH1kPY7CdvHeErLA66pg7AlIN8TyGr0pVUba5rbp_cN0xlwQvjbSubfSi1EBm1UnBC6LE1Knp-pVacMvi6ZmLD2mQYjJm7Y_TiH2r3Tjjlc-RTiG_d97Jw3AhUVg4QdTQ9RUSwvNJUUoLFBJro5pLXga-45Cs9lH=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7TBr4g68JXAL0cKbRmC6ilXbgvH1kPY7CdvHeErLA66pg7AlIN8TyGr0pVUba5rbp_cN0xlwQvjbSubfSi1EBm1UnBC6LE1Knp-pVacMvi6ZmLD2mQYjJm7Y_TiH2r3Tjjlc-RTiG_d97Jw3AhUVg4QdTQ9RUSwvNJUUoLFBJro5pLXga-45Cs9lH=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmuXu9C2T2LL2RKccYiC_cOS-k2OvWQvXcxo0f0h-uZo5Htk20pDq2xk3gphcrzORreVmcnYC_Daqs357PM0t5DhV8CqBZd0F5u41hm_J4lPKOGxeSmS4pp32eXsQtDwU6H16JoHV_f6V-d07LoBmvJ8D5BsGa2QGdTACaXZaB6n32_BbUtG4IvnQu=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmuXu9C2T2LL2RKccYiC_cOS-k2OvWQvXcxo0f0h-uZo5Htk20pDq2xk3gphcrzORreVmcnYC_Daqs357PM0t5DhV8CqBZd0F5u41hm_J4lPKOGxeSmS4pp32eXsQtDwU6H16JoHV_f6V-d07LoBmvJ8D5BsGa2QGdTACaXZaB6n32_BbUtG4IvnQu=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCL6GOPlM2OVER2jZUaNpZ6M4cP00eC3bjZ2TYYbHmsDSyHpRxEcOafaBBNDQsprG81txiC_At0XbrvhuOaWS-_jarBYYbHtLLep9d9XXPOvhfkSvKzIyZorDdYFrJsZeiVfvtVrlYvM_F9FYKywdZgYxJQgr1GtXXXRGFSaPv9edkcfQFctVESIbp=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCL6GOPlM2OVER2jZUaNpZ6M4cP00eC3bjZ2TYYbHmsDSyHpRxEcOafaBBNDQsprG81txiC_At0XbrvhuOaWS-_jarBYYbHtLLep9d9XXPOvhfkSvKzIyZorDdYFrJsZeiVfvtVrlYvM_F9FYKywdZgYxJQgr1GtXXXRGFSaPv9edkcfQFctVESIbp=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty right? lol Funny to see people walking around covered in blue, green or pink mud! 😂 Not so funny when it's you! (and of course, being a Gringa, I'm a big target 🙄)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimeIvJQ8Jqni5H-5VfS5c6PjxCzJpvmOUiYvxX_96dHzBNQEPrYRW0SnTGyjFlJXJXIn6FwlFx89QL5TWJ4sBmt8N12XYztZnoNnk267WLG9-O28_d5WXSBGmnrjh_H490Ompw7bcifEjeQF3aHKA579UWNkDVEEPMURAIWfXFW2zs7rtVMpah8L9D=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimeIvJQ8Jqni5H-5VfS5c6PjxCzJpvmOUiYvxX_96dHzBNQEPrYRW0SnTGyjFlJXJXIn6FwlFx89QL5TWJ4sBmt8N12XYztZnoNnk267WLG9-O28_d5WXSBGmnrjh_H490Ompw7bcifEjeQF3aHKA579UWNkDVEEPMURAIWfXFW2zs7rtVMpah8L9D=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umsha - kind of like a wooden tree pinata :) They were everywhere in Iquitos!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">We drove back to the airport first thing the next morning and had what is now our traditional "American" food binge while waiting for our connecting flight in Lima :) they have a papa johns, dunkin donuts, and KFC...so we indulge in all 3! We take back some pizza and donuts to freeze for a later date :) </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">thanks for following along on our adventures here in Peru! This is our last one until Machu Pichu - when we leave in June! Hard to believe we only have 3 1/2 months left! God bless everyone!</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Here are just a few other pics that didn't make it in the main blog...</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkS0TM4alKKe9if4reOnBZWzZbSGWuhn7wchrq5KyYtZapFgIZyqW9ku1noXWHCCSY0aDBDk_l_J5hnoYKbyRSHxeEJjUXdqo8AnwvkNkzaBzEK_W-k9WzjmN2vPhkPxqapwbXG0NnmmjeMGiPwMmd83XTHZ8ZKw0SHrUPUyAAKBUkBKD7FPIKms2H=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkS0TM4alKKe9if4reOnBZWzZbSGWuhn7wchrq5KyYtZapFgIZyqW9ku1noXWHCCSY0aDBDk_l_J5hnoYKbyRSHxeEJjUXdqo8AnwvkNkzaBzEK_W-k9WzjmN2vPhkPxqapwbXG0NnmmjeMGiPwMmd83XTHZ8ZKw0SHrUPUyAAKBUkBKD7FPIKms2H=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">charging station in the lodge :) The only place with constant electricity was the cafeteria. Our rooms had electricity from 6-9pm</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj85UwkQ9CjQPMd7bRzb-vKBIJStEJIw0MQzfNzLP9n8mM-fXFXmRhtoloz5G7zi5WoezS-jUhg_CTFJlILTL6OAz3IUqIO8J35y0QYjMJK6akvAlsANdI8COUpAFDNSGz7796OBvz-4gyBYt2iWqmE47vRU8gQ0maEBqT0P01APw5fEarNSkc98BWQ=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj85UwkQ9CjQPMd7bRzb-vKBIJStEJIw0MQzfNzLP9n8mM-fXFXmRhtoloz5G7zi5WoezS-jUhg_CTFJlILTL6OAz3IUqIO8J35y0QYjMJK6akvAlsANdI8COUpAFDNSGz7796OBvz-4gyBYt2iWqmE47vRU8gQ0maEBqT0P01APw5fEarNSkc98BWQ=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Amazon Experience"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkP7py9pNtAeItNdOh3rwr-NGxaK3MI4YYRk4ERtK9Uud-ppQmp6hNCzT1daErShRViWiD7_geB0oakJ_TMYGSDJchDEEqTt9aVHiMX8826pAnsvqADPRQ_oxM3N762ybIfgXtEybfbwSgmafl7naDomhqxhZRYRsjGHjhZfXtifgzoRBcOrNxVp0W=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkP7py9pNtAeItNdOh3rwr-NGxaK3MI4YYRk4ERtK9Uud-ppQmp6hNCzT1daErShRViWiD7_geB0oakJ_TMYGSDJchDEEqTt9aVHiMX8826pAnsvqADPRQ_oxM3N762ybIfgXtEybfbwSgmafl7naDomhqxhZRYRsjGHjhZfXtifgzoRBcOrNxVp0W=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cute earrings and necklaces at the artesania market by our hotel. Ella chose the moons :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-17198458414828322182022-02-17T22:07:00.000-05:002022-02-17T22:07:08.659-05:00Taking it for granted<p> </p><p>When I graduated from college, I spent 3 years in the "workforce" before I went on a mission trip to Iquitos, Peru one summer with my church. The trip, in a nutshell, changed my life. I felt called to leave my job, house, friends, and family to go back to Peru to work. Two months turned into six, six months turned into a year, etc. I ended up staying in Peru for almost 3 years before unexpectedly having to go back to the US to get married and live...but that's a different story. :)</p><p>Obviously, those almost 3 years in Peru changed my life as well - and not just getting a husband lol. I grew up in a middle class family where I never "needed" for anything. I was very blessed. I never had to think about food, shelter, clothes, etc. This is wonderful and I am very thankful for my parents and all they provided for me. The downfall of this lifestyle is that it sometimes creates in us the inability to see beyond it. Let's face it, the majority of people in the US and the world, do not have the privilege of such a life. Relating to someone who is NOT in the same position as you, is very difficult. We can sympathize, we can help, we can listen - but we can't truly understand. Is this a bad thing? In a way, yes. It causes us to be insensitive to others without meaning to. It causes us to place a higher value on some things that need to be placed lower. And it causes us to stress about things that don't really matter in the long run. Being first in your class, not making the team, not getting the promotion...none of those really matter when you consider the alternative - not being able to go to school, not having any sports teams to try out for, not having a job. Everyone's background is different. Everyone's experiences are different. Always having your needs met is a wonderful thing - yet it also puts you at a disadvantage.</p><p>While living in Peru 20 years ago this became very evident to me - and I chose then to try and always be cognizant of it. I fail miserably all the time, but I do try. Living in a community where hot water is extravagant, bank accounts for "savings" are almost non-existent, and being able to buy children's books for your kids means you're wealthy, puts things into perspective. In a good way. For years, after we moved back to the US in 2003, every time I did a load of laundry I would look at the machine and thank God that I wasn't having to wash my clothes by hand anymore. Being without, helps you appreciate what you have. But is that enough? I guess that depends. Now that we are back in Peru, these learnings and musings from the last time I lived here have crept back into my thoughts. They had lain dormant for a while. I'm glad they're back. It makes me a more understanding person. And this time, we have kids here. It takes on a whole new meaning now because I <i>want</i> to provide for my kids while at the same time help them understand that "needing" something is normal. In some ways, I feel spoiled here. We have hot water. We have wifi. We all have laptops so we can work (and play). It's certainly different from the last time I lived here! But the old feelings are returning. I do appreciate many things (again) that I had started taking for granted. Now that we no longer have access to a lot of luxuries in the US - I appreciate what I do have access to. Although I do miss certain things about the US, I also love so many things here. It's so good to be reminded that we are not our money. We are not our things. And our life doesn't have meaning because of these things. </p><p>One thing I really wanted when we moved here to Peru, was for my kids to understand this feeling. This realization. I wanted them to understand that there is so much more than what we had in the US. I wanted them to understand what it feels like to be a minority. I wanted them to see other cultures, that are different than what they're used to, with respect and hopefully love. I wanted them to see people, and children, living differently and think - this is beautiful. I don't know how much they're learning, but I catch glimpses every now and then. They'll say something that makes me think they've grown. One of them made me chuckle yesterday because they said - I bet the kids here would be really surprised at the automatic doors in all our stores. :) I hadn't thought about it or noticed it - but there are no automatic doors anywhere here. Small thing to notice, and not a big deal, but I was pleasantly surprised that these little things are being thought about. Because noticing these little things means they're beginning to understand the bigger picture. That it really doesn't matter. Luxuries are just that - luxuries. Yes, that child has only 2 outfits to wear, but he doesn't care. Why? Because it doesn't matter. Having 20 outfits to wear to school doesn't make you a better person. It doesn't simplify your life. It doesn't even make it easier. Having a relatively clean pair of clothes so you can go to school and learn? That matters. </p><p>The challenge, of course, is not falling back into a rut once you've come to this realization. The "rut" of taking things for granted once we're back in the US. The "rut" of complaining about the little things instead of thanking God for them. And the "rut" of not allowing yourself to feel guilt when you see all that you have. </p><p>I think about how things will be different when we get back to the states. How will we, as a family, approach things like finding a school, buying a house, and even now - job hunting. How will the kids view things differently? Will the stressors they experienced before we left still be there? Or will they look at it all with a different perspective? I pray that this time we're spending in Peru will keep that spark going in me that helps me see life as it is - and not how I hope it could be. And I pray that all the little things we miss right now - supermarkets, Target, shoes that fit, speaking English with teachers, Mexican food - we'll appreciate even more when we return. And that the appreciation doesn't fade with time...but only grows stronger. </p><p>Amen.</p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-73022329385665289942022-02-14T10:40:00.003-05:002022-02-15T07:17:56.400-05:00100 Board Games and Card games for your small and large groups!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzECx5fB1d1N_OqKSMyK3CGSelrRYj2d8qV-wnowNAn3Optr-sK829SuAbm2DIBb1s9X2IDSepZHWT62j-rJuoPfIVh8AwYPEuIm_ZRhAZtoPPN5TAAA7acygtOuApSwitsm8UDZRBHe-Mw4y6dUVqDJXLAHl--2BRGu1Uqppxr8EmwL666eCx1ZnX=s1225" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1225" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzECx5fB1d1N_OqKSMyK3CGSelrRYj2d8qV-wnowNAn3Optr-sK829SuAbm2DIBb1s9X2IDSepZHWT62j-rJuoPfIVh8AwYPEuIm_ZRhAZtoPPN5TAAA7acygtOuApSwitsm8UDZRBHe-Mw4y6dUVqDJXLAHl--2BRGu1Uqppxr8EmwL666eCx1ZnX=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I wanted to make a list of board games that we could use in our children and youth ministries. They can be used for a family game night, for youth group, or for "fill" time during any meeting or get together! They are grouped first by the amount of players: 2, 2-4, and 4 plus. In each category, the games are grouped in order of age. These were put together in February 2022 - so if you have any to add, please do! Comment below!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While all the descriptions are from Amazon and most of the links will take you to Amazon, they are of course sold in other places as well! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Included for each is an age range, description, and link. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*If I KNOW that the game is a small size and great for travel, I'm marking it with a *</span></p><p><b><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">For 2 players:</span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Gaming-Original-Guessing-Players/dp/B08GD242TJ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1ZZZXSMFC6SI2&keywords=guess+who&qid=1644798629&sprefix=guess+who%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-3">Guess Who</a> - (6+) There are MANY versions of this. The link takes you to the original. "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">It's the classic Guess Who? game – the original guessing game! Is your person wearing a hat? Does your person have blue eyes? Kids will delight in asking questions about an opponent's mystery character. The first player to guess their opponent’s mystery character correctly, wins the game!"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Connect-Strategy-Board-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B06XY881H4/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2KVDBMCAHC6AV&keywords=connect+4&qid=1644799455&sprefix=connect+4%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-3">Connect Four</a> - (6+) It says six and up, but older prek kids can also play. There are different ways to play and this link has a few new variations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Battleship (7+) - There are very cheap, travel versions of this game, and very expensive, electronic versions. Take your pick!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/University-Games-01811-Rubiks-Race/dp/B01C5U4PTY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=R0Z9OZY21WNQ&keywords=rubiks+cube+2+person+game&qid=1644851906&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=rubiks+cube+2+person+game%2Ctoys-and-games%2C212&sr=1-1">Rubik's Race</a> (7+) - "</span><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px;">Try the ultimate Rubik's challenge and race against your friends and family to slide your colored Rubik's Tiles and be the first to match the pattern shown on the scrambler. Are You ready to race?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9jE4Qmk1PU9XX9adagPup4PPBJA6pHHTg2vgx031ualRukEp7MCGrhO1tawFWyCIsGNa_2jjJTKjgpHON1DGz0YzcM4ekX2whKuoA9Ay0DHu-jW0OoMdwTs678MCWHnVchFBiJ79RtTZ2stHop-SQ4t8SkqxNlK5uKO8wIK9iE5ZU-mbGL6svwGV1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9jE4Qmk1PU9XX9adagPup4PPBJA6pHHTg2vgx031ualRukEp7MCGrhO1tawFWyCIsGNa_2jjJTKjgpHON1DGz0YzcM4ekX2whKuoA9Ay0DHu-jW0OoMdwTs678MCWHnVchFBiJ79RtTZ2stHop-SQ4t8SkqxNlK5uKO8wIK9iE5ZU-mbGL6svwGV1" width="241" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Exploding-Kittens-Clever-Scramble/dp/B08Z785NKH/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1GQ984HTE8YBO&keywords=two+player+game&qid=1644844097&sprefix=two+player+game%2Caps%2C514&sr=8-5">A Little Wordy</a> - (10+) This game was invented during the pandemic when a guy decided there weren't enough fun, two player games :) "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">A Word Game For Two - A Little Wordy is a 2 player tile-unscrambling game for Adults, Teens, and Kids who love word games and board games. It’s a clever word game that doesn’t require a mighty vocabulary to outsmart your opponent."</span></span></p><p><b><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">For 2-4 Players:</span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Gaming-Elefun-Friends-Hungry/dp/B0792CM7HW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=IEJMJGR8TUS6&keywords=hungry+hippos&qid=1644800622&sprefix=hungry+hippos%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-4">Hungry Hippos</a> (4+) I believe even 2-3 year olds could play this (just keep an eye on the marbles!)!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi5xwQkLp4MPOctWmCPNHmCziD-h1S9Hnkjv2h-JUsLMprmeLjDkPyuTstW3AIMTElRdFv0wPRKWHVHReTC75ZqzIugANuRWR2oCGnWQXnmZ-Xx3DCGFABlaqj7eO-OJoFXQYISaphO54B0obs6MFvcsu-NeQv5djCWs_v4vsZkBWQKqoSmIlSRmXo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1428" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi5xwQkLp4MPOctWmCPNHmCziD-h1S9Hnkjv2h-JUsLMprmeLjDkPyuTstW3AIMTElRdFv0wPRKWHVHReTC75ZqzIugANuRWR2oCGnWQXnmZ-Xx3DCGFABlaqj7eO-OJoFXQYISaphO54B0obs6MFvcsu-NeQv5djCWs_v4vsZkBWQKqoSmIlSRmXo" width="228" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Snakes and Ladders/Chutes and Ladders - No need to link this one as we all know what it is and how to play :) Ages 4+</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Oversized-Gameboard-Preschoolers-Families/dp/B08SJLVKF9/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3MH7YS7F2MHVB&keywords=giant%2Bcandyland&qid=1644800111&sprefix=giant%2Bcandylan%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-2&th=1">Giant Candyland </a>(4+) - What's more fun than actually being IN the game? :) Switch it up with GIANT candyland :) </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVpUFgKru2WjQQW4eJGULcclNO1NsnNkKRCGxGcfswQkCWzv9LpPCOgLhvgAKrQtiwOBTelwDrh1T41dDkLqlWMLSYhkPg866tp4RFoDUOtGlb-C9ZAJ6w5b8E26ODPzdY9QsXCRtkcFB8EyR1FiZO8blSOgNDuBj580mF7vOa7ecP46ZPj9paElJ2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVpUFgKru2WjQQW4eJGULcclNO1NsnNkKRCGxGcfswQkCWzv9LpPCOgLhvgAKrQtiwOBTelwDrh1T41dDkLqlWMLSYhkPg866tp4RFoDUOtGlb-C9ZAJ6w5b8E26ODPzdY9QsXCRtkcFB8EyR1FiZO8blSOgNDuBj580mF7vOa7ecP46ZPj9paElJ2" width="243" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Moves-Games-Classic-Trouble/dp/B00EIJU40U/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3PCEHGDSLU22W&keywords=trouble+game&qid=1644843292&sprefix=trouble%2Caps%2C475&sr=8-2">Trouble</a> - (5+) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">The Play of the game is to be the first player to move all 4 of your pegs around the game board and into “Finish”"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Board-Games-Rat-A-Tat-Cat/dp/B00VF5EUXC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2II6T5VPNH7BT&keywords=rat+a+tat+cat&qid=1644795781&sprefix=Rat+a+tat%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-2">Rat a Tat Cat</a> - (ages 6+) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">As children play Rat-a-tat Cat, they develop a sense of timing and an understanding of basic, but essential, mathematical concepts. They learn ways to remember their cards and strategies to figure out what cards other players might have. They also begin to develop an intuitive sense of probability. Rat-a-tat Cat requires skill, strategy, and awareness, challenging both young children and adults."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/MindWare-MDS-32016W-Qwirkle-Board/dp/1933054395/ref=sr_1_3?crid=212OWCSFPUU5Z&keywords=qwirkle&qid=1644797326&sprefix=qwirkl%2Caps%2C219&sr=8-3">Qwirkle</a> (6+) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Qwirkle is MindWare’s must-have game and it is easy to see why! Simple to learn, yet strategic and exciting to play, Qwirkle is a favorite of all ages. Build lines of tiles that are all the same color or shape, with no duplicates. Score big by placing a tile that touches multiple pieces with matching attributes. Score even bigger by matching all 6 attributes and creating a Qwirkle!"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikB_bZcfWJQDZFAEYkP7tmC441u0ITUs3eZFDFviaZwzrWi1C_-3B03ce2TSnT_BmaVMYOH47jgTvGAikhJKRAe014RATjDkxNl2MJaAc2S4-JIasrNLAW-ap7xfQ47eTgr0bCKm5UOM1cfqduKFyQzEpReMCvNnKyManSRlVEq1SvrW_2ZYaEMD8b" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikB_bZcfWJQDZFAEYkP7tmC441u0ITUs3eZFDFviaZwzrWi1C_-3B03ce2TSnT_BmaVMYOH47jgTvGAikhJKRAe014RATjDkxNl2MJaAc2S4-JIasrNLAW-ap7xfQ47eTgr0bCKm5UOM1cfqduKFyQzEpReMCvNnKyManSRlVEq1SvrW_2ZYaEMD8b" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Outdoor-Activity-Oversized-Gameboard/dp/B08QSMHD6L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FS5LVOOWUJWW&keywords=giant%2Bsorry&qid=1644800224&sprefix=giant%2Bsorry%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1&th=1">Giant Sorry</a> (6+) - Same as Sorry!! Make it BIG! :) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ticket-to-Ride-First-Journey/dp/B01MQ4IKQJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Q9WX8TRRFJIA&keywords=ticket+to+ride+kids&qid=1644799938&sprefix=ticket+to+ride+kid%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1">Ticket to Ride Kids</a> (6+) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">STRATEGY GAME: First Journey offers unique rules designed for a younger audience that retain the strategy, charm, and fun of the original Ticket to Ride. The whole family will enjoy claiming routes and completing Tickets!"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mattel-Games-R1985-Blokus-Exclusive/dp/B001P06GXY/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1PA80DO9HVERI&keywords=blokus&qid=1644800264&sprefix=blokus%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-7">Blokus</a> - (7+) - "<span class="a-list-item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">Blokus Trigon reimagines the classic Blokus game with a triangular twist! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">The goal is to fit the most pieces on the board. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Be careful! You can block and be blocked at any moment! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Stake your claim and protect your territory."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Farting-Frenchies-Wildly-Exciting-Collectible/dp/B08S5TJHH5/ref=sr_1_3?crid=JTIJDLHV6RJ3&keywords=farting%2Bfrenchies&qid=1644806990&sprefix=farting%2B%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-3&th=1">Farting Frenchies</a> - (7+) "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Collect, feed, and steal each other's Frenches in this intensely energetic card game where you dominate your opponents, and strategically heist their furry little friends as you battle it out for the top dog title. Super quick to learn, can be played with as little as 2 players, and takes 15-25 minutes to play."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9zb3U2uu2PdJePTsuHwrpoVHMEAydwaefVKZvtZrqKh2TDZqz0HibtZarsqndcrYPmCoE1MThvs-lGRtRTj8_xcHA94d3Ix-nv0WSWeyFZzRxU2qVCbhLkxeTdhpUbAUwmkgy5kScEcNWSghrp1gRBtD2vVrhuYMgz0nVRjMsZLqBKiFokhOswv_n" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9zb3U2uu2PdJePTsuHwrpoVHMEAydwaefVKZvtZrqKh2TDZqz0HibtZarsqndcrYPmCoE1MThvs-lGRtRTj8_xcHA94d3Ix-nv0WSWeyFZzRxU2qVCbhLkxeTdhpUbAUwmkgy5kScEcNWSghrp1gRBtD2vVrhuYMgz0nVRjMsZLqBKiFokhOswv_n" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Days-Wonder-DO7201-Ticket-Ride/dp/0975277324/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UL2NDJ65E193&keywords=ticket+to+ride&qid=1644800018&sprefix=ticket+to+ride%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1">Ticket to Ride</a> (8+) - This version can have up to 5 players and takes 30-60 minutes to play. "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">STRATEGY GAME: Build your tracks across the United States in this fast-paced and strategic board game. Connect iconic North American cities across a map of the 20th-century USA and build your train routes to earn points"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Gaming-Board-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B06XY48MK1/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2V82P5K8BKUTI&keywords=Life+game&qid=1644796711&sprefix=life+gam%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-3">Life (8+)</a> - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">In The Game of Life game players can make their own exciting choices as they move through the twists and turns of life. Move the car token around the gameboard from Start to Retirement, and experience unexpected surprises related to family, career, dream vacations, and other milestones of life. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Once everyone reaches the end of the game at retirement, everyone pays their debts and adds up their wealth. The player with the most money at the end of the game wins!"</span></span></p><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Orange-Kingdomino-Winning-Strategy/dp/B01N3A4070/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OTTM4MCZVZOS&keywords=kingdomino&qid=1644799605&sprefix=kingdomino%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1">KingDomino</a> (8+) "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">How To Play: Kingdomino Is A Card Drafting And Tile Placement Game Using A Pattern Building Mechanic. It’S Like Playing Dominoes With A Kingdom Building Twist! Each Turn, Connect A New Domino To Your Existing Kingdom, Making Sure At Least One Of Its Sides Connects To A Matching Terrain Type Already In Play. The Order Of Who Picks Their Domino First Depends On Which Tile Was Previously Chosen. The Game Ends When Each Player Has Completed A 5 X 5 Grid, And Then Points Are Counted Based On The Number Of Connecting Tiles And Crowns."</span></span><div><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy_G9kAMev1shqrV-XtMKH5Q-cFTsPWcIJkwnLwg21Fpgsms1GP8Tnf2crW6oXWOfACQ3a0AI7HqIfdM8K1K0-DoRgsGUEbLjcyGBdmZn0vsfQRYFin8gI39gwGx6ijcp9DOBgSavsIIkX1qYIkDE1t8DsDHd89sGE5vDmqke-tQPPCVa8eAxf3p5Z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy_G9kAMev1shqrV-XtMKH5Q-cFTsPWcIJkwnLwg21Fpgsms1GP8Tnf2crW6oXWOfACQ3a0AI7HqIfdM8K1K0-DoRgsGUEbLjcyGBdmZn0vsfQRYFin8gI39gwGx6ijcp9DOBgSavsIIkX1qYIkDE1t8DsDHd89sGE5vDmqke-tQPPCVa8eAxf3p5Z" width="241" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rack-O-Card-Game/dp/B004VSQ1IW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1Y6AH6YT8NY68&keywords=racko&qid=1644799715&sprefix=racko%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-2">Racko</a> (8+) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">THE PLAY: Each player is dealt 10 cards. Place cards in your rack in order, slot 50 down to 5. Turn over top card from the stockpile. Continue taking cards in turn, exchanging for cards in your rack. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">WINNING A ROUND: To go “Rack-O”, player must have all ten cards in his rack from a low card in the #5 slot to a high card in the #50 slot."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spin-Master-Games-Giant-6062876/dp/B08QSMVDNK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19ZZWJ8FKNB1J&keywords=jumbo+clue&qid=1644852016&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=jumbo+clu%2Ctoys-and-games%2C163&sr=1-1">GIANT Clue! </a>(8+) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Play Indoors Or Outdoors: 9 Large Vinyl Mats Create A Larger-Than-Life Game Board With Detailed Illustrations Of The Mansion’s Mysterious Rooms. Build It Inside On The Floor, Or Even Bigger As An Outdoor Game- Perfect For Birthday Parties"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Player-Shut-Box-Dice-Game/dp/B01N2NWSHQ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1UM1XTQ6AALM3&keywords=4+player+games&qid=1644849488&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=4+player+games%2Ctoys-and-games%2C147&sr=1-2-spons&psc=1&smid=A1OSFFZX3JZB4Z&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRTZDNzdYT1ROUjJTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTEzOTY5M1FMUU4yMkFCMVpKMyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODU0MTU2MURVWlhCRFY1R0E4OSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=">Shut the Box Dice game</a> - (8+) - the game says 12 and older, but this can be played with much younger kids. "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Used in the Classroom for Teaching Addition. The version is preferred by teachers because of its durable construction and its 4-way play. Shut the Box is an excellent tool for teaching basic addition. The player rolls the dice, adds up the values, and then lays down the tiles that have the sum."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwAstb3Amy1spAOg-AB8s4m5WglBDE2fLTh9B4q1RZA-v_KPVCcjzgLpjznrxxUrBS48GhdWitOu7ST2Tk4GyGFF6oUb8f54UJYqpci-fZqAJ3LJyAy0jp67ApUUVcL6tGyiEKOol5erCOUo3_MKnlIgBXYnF2Zx6OLddPOUdQhJrbjYGBEFNzG3AF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwAstb3Amy1spAOg-AB8s4m5WglBDE2fLTh9B4q1RZA-v_KPVCcjzgLpjznrxxUrBS48GhdWitOu7ST2Tk4GyGFF6oUb8f54UJYqpci-fZqAJ3LJyAy0jp67ApUUVcL6tGyiEKOol5erCOUo3_MKnlIgBXYnF2Zx6OLddPOUdQhJrbjYGBEFNzG3AF" width="304" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dutch-Blitz-201/dp/B000BBU0KS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=38BQRMWJBYBAB&keywords=dutch+blitz+card+game&qid=1644841481&sprefix=dutch+%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-2">Dutch Blitz</a> - (8+) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Developed in Pennsylvania Dutch country, Dutch Blitz is a card game that's exciting to play and easy to learn. Perfect for family game nights, or to play with a group of good friends, you'll enjoy spirited competition as you try to get rid of your 10 card Blitz pile before anybody else. Not as easy as it sounds, though, because players don't take turns. You have to be the fastest to place your cards in sequence and in the same respective colors on the center Dutch piles while using as many cards from your Blitz Pile as possible. When your Blitz Pile has been exhausted, you've won."</span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Taco-Cat-Goat-Cheese-Pizza/dp/B077Z1R28P/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2OU372GLVSF2J&keywords=taco+cat+goat+cheese+pizza&qid=1644796936&sprefix=TAco+cat%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-2">Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza</a> - (8+) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Keep these </span><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 700;">5 crazy words</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"> in mind. As soon as there is a match between a card and a spoken word, race against each other to slap your hand on the central pile of cards. The last one to do so must take them all. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Be quick to be the first to get rid of all your cards. </span><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 700;">But watch out!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"> Your mind will play tricks on you."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marbles-6044801-Otrio-Strategy-Based-Board/dp/B07G4LWMF3/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2RIVQBROC5J7D&keywords=otrio%2Bgame&qid=1644805179&sprefix=otrio%2Bgame%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-2&th=1">Otrio</a> - (2-4 players, 8+) - "</span><span class="a-list-item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">Face off in the game of Otrio, a head-to-head strategy board game based on the classic game of tic-tac-toe! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">LINE UP THE PIECES FOR THE WIN: Players compete to line up three pieces of the same color my similar size; in ascending or descending order; or within the same space."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmE3JosDAE7vsPZAsgIN0V1gybCUenWHDwZid_DpI5kTBDrgReQrCgAxI2L--uw-K0OUwO8Cd-w4bH53z0hwUpjCmK4Q1DKy6ic5pRIeIkryPcRJ4HqKDsW-wW6NuomUfJEuzF5G7KDTXi9KbCj1fRRKtwCzCe0wrVklCZ9LC77d2VYSVNjQHpdLnI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmE3JosDAE7vsPZAsgIN0V1gybCUenWHDwZid_DpI5kTBDrgReQrCgAxI2L--uw-K0OUwO8Cd-w4bH53z0hwUpjCmK4Q1DKy6ic5pRIeIkryPcRJ4HqKDsW-wW6NuomUfJEuzF5G7KDTXi9KbCj1fRRKtwCzCe0wrVklCZ9LC77d2VYSVNjQHpdLnI" width="246" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><b><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">For 4+ players:</span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*Memory - (ages 3+) - This is so well known and there are so many versions, I won't post a link :) Easy travel game as you can put the cards in baggies.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cranium-Hullabaloo-Tunes-Twists-Topsy-Turvy/dp/189302833X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3JN3SA5J29ST6&keywords=hulabaloo&qid=1644852406&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=hulabaloo%2Ctoys-and-games%2C204&sr=1-2">Hulabaloo</a> - (ages 3+, 2 or more players) - If you can find this game somewhere, it is the BEST prek game. Active, educational, and fun!! "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">High-energy, topsy-turvy fun combines elements of beloved classic games like hopscotch, Simon says, and musical chairs -- plus, the game's challenge and complexity increase the longer kids play"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spaghetti-Award-Winning-Silly-Childrens-Players/dp/B085Q161X4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1LDKJDB9UDDD2&keywords=yeti+in+my+spaghetti&qid=1644797479&sprefix=yeti+in+my+spaghetii%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-2">Yeti in my Spaghetti</a> - (3+) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Silly, easy-to-play game! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Place the noodles across the top of the bowl and sit Yeti on top. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Take turns removing the noodles one-by-one without letting Yeti fall! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">If you make Yeti fall, you lose!"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Bingo - Sooooo many versions out there. If you pick one with pictures, then this could be used with preschoolers+. I suggest also looking into <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ThinkFun-Zingo-Winning-Pre-Readers-Readers/dp/B01DY818JG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1ZDSQ88MV0KSW&keywords=preschool+games&qid=1644852182&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=preschool+game%2Ctoys-and-games%2C161&sr=1-4">Zingo</a>! This looks awesome - fast paced and a great game for littles. <i>I made a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Zingo-Bingo-game-with-a-twist--5278173">Bible version </a>as well :) </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Outburst-Game-Verbal-Expressions/dp/B00007L111/ref=sr_1_3?crid=NZSYZGKFFEHQ&keywords=outburst&qid=1644801886&sprefix=outburst%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-3">Outburst</a> (prek+) - the age depends on the categories. This is an old game and I could only find used versions. I would suggest going to Goodwill and finding old versions there. I got mine there for $3. "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Here's how Outburst works. Your team hears a topic, and then yells out every name you can think of in that topic. But you only get credit for the names listed on the Topic card. In Reverseburst, you're given the answers, and have to guess the topic. In Challenge Burst, both teams bet how many "correct" answers they can come up with. The team that wins the bid has to make good on their bet or their rivals surge ahead by the amount of their bid." <i> I made a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-version-Yell-it-out-online-or-in-person-game-6455376">religious version</a> of this game. $2.50</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Perfection-Game-Popping-Shapes-Pieces/dp/B00CXEXSUU/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3LC5UDN2LKJHA&keywords=perfection+game&qid=1644843377&sprefix=perfection+game%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-4">Perfection</a> - (1+ players, ages 4+) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Kids can have fun putting each piece in the spot on the tray that matches its shape before the time is up and the puzzle tray pops the pieces out"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Right-Center-Bundle-Assorted-Colors/dp/B083P3LY5B/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=34H2CSISGM0RN&keywords=left%2Bcenter%2Bright%2Bgame&qid=1644844330&sprefix=left%2Bcenter%2Bright%2Bgame%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyODY0UUk5UERTOEVEJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDY3ODA5RzlSWVg2OUU5MlcxJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1ODgyNTAxN0pZMVpRNFNVUU1EJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1">Left, Center, Right dice game</a> - (ages 5+, 3 or more players) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Give three chips to each player. Grab the dice labeled. Roll the dice. Roll an left, means you give a chip to the player to your left. Roll a dot means you keep your chips. Pass the dice to your left for the next players turn. Roll as many dice as chips you have. The winner is the last player with chips left."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbw-385mOQLWMmBm888GJOsEB_jfYIVFw8GY1HaZxDmr1AVUbAYEfo8U9NarJnOH-PhXDHH4fFhoQUDZxC36gD6OsFy5K9gh-6_sUoKaoYIpckYBL62VY20t_Z1tUI-IONZsOzwiR8-ZuMNPOpaK-hF0_jvvajvpNripCMyHIMARdVkezY4bkClR9p" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1212" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbw-385mOQLWMmBm888GJOsEB_jfYIVFw8GY1HaZxDmr1AVUbAYEfo8U9NarJnOH-PhXDHH4fFhoQUDZxC36gD6OsFy5K9gh-6_sUoKaoYIpckYBL62VY20t_Z1tUI-IONZsOzwiR8-ZuMNPOpaK-hF0_jvvajvpNripCMyHIMARdVkezY4bkClR9p" width="311" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Monopoly/Monopoly Jr - (5+, up to 6 players) - I won't link anything to this because there are SOO many versions out there. But a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Late-for-the-Sky-4099566/dp/B00064XFWA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=UD0WQZGBE7ER&keywords=dinopoly+game&qid=1644842011&sprefix=dinoooply%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-2">Dino-opoly</a> was mentioned specifically so check that out. Also, the Monopoly, Jr. version can be played with children as young as 5 and is quicker to play.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RMJ8SG6?pd_rd_i=B07RMJ8SG6&pd_rd_w=I7H8u&pf_rd_p=0766f286-f72d-49df-b4dc-e0afb9dccb94&pd_rd_wg=QjOVb&pf_rd_r=CBZD0FCHNE3V7HAZ2RAF&pd_rd_r=9bf2d6e1-9772-484d-a780-979caf46b412&th=1">Guess in 10</a> - (2-6 players, age depends on the version 4+ to 8+) - There are many versions of this. "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">EXCITING CARD GAME OF QUESTIONS - Ask up to 10 questions to guess the animal on the Game Card! Is it a carnivore? Is it a domestic animal? Does it live in groups? Think hard, ask intelligent questions, use your clue cards wisely, and the be the first player to win 7 Game Cards!" <i>I made <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guess-in-10-Game-All-4-Bible-versions-play-online-or-in-person-5966297">four Bible versions</a> of this game that would be appropriate for 7+. $3 each</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KRISMYA-Stacking-Parent-Child-Interactive-Instructions/dp/B07PNTL1CX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GY7YPGXKZQTG&keywords=krismya+cups+game&qid=1644805320&sprefix=krismya+cups+game%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1">Krismya Cup Stacking</a> (6+, 2-6 players) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Who’s the fastest of them all? This enthralling quick cups game will put that question to rest! It comes with a total of 30 cups in 5 colors, 24 challenges, 1 bell, and an instructions guide. How do you get started? Simply give 6 cups to the players (once of each color), shuffle the cards and place them face down, and position the bell in the middle of the table. Any player can reveal the top card, after which players must rush to arrange their cups according to the colors and shapes of the image. The first to get it right rings the bell and is declared that round’s winner!"</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhenlVvLcCH0Ovso3VSKkwCpwQTOGyF9Jf324QLPvIxV9HVeo4LnED-bRTST5nIdzbnpL7FZckk4NHgpjs_3iY4LOGn6Uv1HoW1to70_N2NHY_gRZrM6T0SPlB27KR6NlrqcWUwqrrp-hjEcIcmCsVcDk4JuwbfEvNUxyxPryKLLRp9JQH7JN5JkmqM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="964" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhenlVvLcCH0Ovso3VSKkwCpwQTOGyF9Jf324QLPvIxV9HVeo4LnED-bRTST5nIdzbnpL7FZckk4NHgpjs_3iY4LOGn6Uv1HoW1to70_N2NHY_gRZrM6T0SPlB27KR6NlrqcWUwqrrp-hjEcIcmCsVcDk4JuwbfEvNUxyxPryKLLRp9JQH7JN5JkmqM" width="165" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Asmod%C2%A8%C2%A6e-Spot-It-Classic-Eco-Blister/dp/B08CMRPCKL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=17OP9HJDXEPFT&keywords=spot+it&qid=1644802777&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=spot+it%2Ctoys-and-games%2C196&sr=1-2">Spot It</a> (2-8 players, 6+) - I really like how this game has a few different versions and ways to play. "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Fun symbols and pictures cover every card in a Spot It! deck. Each card has exactly one matching symbol or picture in common with the other cards in the deck."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Moves-Games-1180-Aggravation/dp/B00HVTH2P4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1VTTBC35KPHNO&keywords=aggravation+board+game&qid=1644806555&sprefix=Aggravation%2Caps%2C270&sr=8-5">Aggravation</a> (6+, 2-6 players) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">THE OBJECT: Two to six players compete in this classic game of race around the board from base to home. Be the first player to move your marbles around the board and reach home."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/USAOPOLY-Astro-Family-Planets-Cosmic/dp/B07R246HBX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1O2JHB08YCL3&keywords=astro+trash+game&qid=1644843507&sprefix=astro+trash+game%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1">Astro Trash</a> - (6+, 3-5 players) "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Astro Trash is a fast paced frenzy board game where players race to rid the "trash" off their planets, Be the first to rid you planet of trash to win. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">At the same time, players will roll 3 dice, Each dice will show the color/type of trash, the direction and the number of pieces to pass, Players pass pieces and repeat. The first player to clean their planet wins"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jenga - another one that doesn't really need a link or introduction. It is suggested for ages 6+. And there are also large lawn game versions if you want something huge!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wig-Wild-Hairy-Card-Game/dp/B00BEA67Y8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AJNGN2BZ4DC5&keywords=wig+out+card+game&qid=1644807405&sprefix=wig+out%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1">Wig Out </a>- (out of stock - 6+, 2-6 players) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Flip your wig for this fast and frenzied card game that will put your frizzy in a tizzy! Race against your opponents to get rid of cards by matching all kinds of colorful hairstyles. Put together a pair of Pigtails. Combine a couple of Cornrows. Match a Mullet or some Mohawks. The first player out of cards is a cut above the rest!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ridleys-AGME001-Avocado-71Piece-Multicolor/dp/B07FGPB61X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2NJ09GK2BE02&keywords=avocado%2Bsmash%2Bcard%2Bgame&qid=1644797744&sprefix=avocado%2Bsmash%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-2&th=1">Avocado Smash</a> - (6+) "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Avo' Go at this fast paced and fabulously funny card game - Avocado smash! 71-Piece family action card game with avocado shaped travel and storage case! A fresh twist on the game of snap, you'll need to think and act quickly If you want to win! Simple to learn, quick to play with portable and unique packaging that has real life-like texture."</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib-yY_NnLymxvXPYi_VG4McM9Ltbb7DZ7byRhM_7FlBRAPCXEjalxii-Viw2OwGuXpgZD1bNTs66ROkq67ExU4v6MB9s6Ad-IiCyBHae2GRknxKoE1jUaS9AlNiE2FdfFI-W3Nf3mrncC_ZXMrqNM9m8Uoctslw4dDQA6Kezwp4fndGvwoMmQSU9yN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="684" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib-yY_NnLymxvXPYi_VG4McM9Ltbb7DZ7byRhM_7FlBRAPCXEjalxii-Viw2OwGuXpgZD1bNTs66ROkq67ExU4v6MB9s6Ad-IiCyBHae2GRknxKoE1jUaS9AlNiE2FdfFI-W3Nf3mrncC_ZXMrqNM9m8Uoctslw4dDQA6Kezwp4fndGvwoMmQSU9yN" width="175" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Twister - Another one I don't need to link. But there is a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twister-Ultimate-Colored-Compatible-Exclusive/dp/B01ALHAEWA/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3AHY4HLJRH3S2&keywords=giant+twister+game&qid=1644804206&sprefix=giant+twister+game%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-4">giant version</a> now available! It suggests the game for ages 6+</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Looney-Labs-062LOO-Loonacy/dp/B00J2G4YO6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8CUA4I43LF2T&keywords=Loonacy+game&qid=1644806011&sprefix=loonacy+game%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1">Loonacy</a> (6+, 2-5 players) - This is another game that was suggested but can't be found right now on amazon or walmart - keep your eyes out at Goodwill for an older version! "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Loonacy is a rapid fire game where players race to be the first to empty their hand of 7 cards by matching one of two images with the images on the open piles in front of them. Speed of the hand and luck of the draw determine the winner in this frenzied free-for-all!"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Create-Absurdity-Night-Christmas-Award-Winning/dp/B01M3UZGD9/ref=sr_1_21?crid=1UM1XTQ6AALM3&keywords=4+player+games&qid=1644849745&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=4+player+games%2Ctoys-and-games%2C147&sr=1-21">Kids Create Absurdity</a> - (4-10 players, 6+) "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Combining the super popular card game fundamentals of Cards Against Humanity and Apples to Apples into one hilarious party game. Contains age appropriate content for a true family card game experience that you can enjoy playing on Family Game Night."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwRv8GeyuLttztPOBBLEv0OQVNYMSSCqP_CCgly-erjRSB5vQFNkvhHp6EZeoeLmYiAxop0klGluUCbcMGmVOOfezAik8TSCCyeMva39TqXuxqJMIk_FpC16Vz2Xr0XetCX0Cvu_u0WAOXGHAfcxpIVWJMuiQhCIC--H95ovJPMejEywUU9kThkM2o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1385" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwRv8GeyuLttztPOBBLEv0OQVNYMSSCqP_CCgly-erjRSB5vQFNkvhHp6EZeoeLmYiAxop0klGluUCbcMGmVOOfezAik8TSCCyeMva39TqXuxqJMIk_FpC16Vz2Xr0XetCX0Cvu_u0WAOXGHAfcxpIVWJMuiQhCIC--H95ovJPMejEywUU9kThkM2o" width="222" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/PlayMonster-7424-Second-Rule-Junior/dp/B00UPAYY70/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2O645HAFXYPL&keywords=catch+phrase+jr&qid=1644848796&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=catch+phrase+jr%2Ctoys-and-games%2C301&sr=1-3">5 Second Rule, Jr.</a> - (3 or more players, 6+) "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">It seems like it would be easy to name three flavors of ice cream-but can you do it under the pressure of 5 seconds twisting down, and with the other players staring at you? You have to be quick, so just say whatever comes to mind and risk silly answers slipping out. Because that would be funny, and we all like to laugh! It's all in good fun with this fast-paced game where you have to Just Spit it Out!" <i>I made a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Second-Game-Bible-version-5286201">Bible version </a>of this game that can be played online, or projected up on the screen to play in person. </i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">*<a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Happy-Salmon-Party-Game/520112054?&adid=22222222254385052085&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=567852013353&wl4=aud-1219917706781:dsa-1516697728948&wl5=1011109&wl6=213465091914&wl7=9006806&wl8=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmKiQBhClARIsAKtSj-l9n--d_LkjYBOL0Ghv32I0H7TzNpjtC3OuSrMK7s_RR1-e44UkYlcaAq-kEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">Happy Salmon</a> - (3-8 players, 6+) - I only found this at walmart. Evidently you can add two games together and have up to 12 players! "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">There are no turns. Players call out the action shown on their cards as fast as they can. When two players have a match, they celebrate by performing the action. Actions include the classic "High 5", the unifying "Pound It", the frantic "Switcheroo", and the delightful “Happy Salmon”. Each time a player celebrates a match, they quickly discard a card. The first person to get rid of all their cards wins." </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jax-7030-Doodle-Dice/dp/B000EPFFJC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=YUI2MWSG9PT5&keywords=doodle+dice+game&qid=1644845264&sprefix=doodle+dice+gam%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-3">Doodle Dice</a> - (2-6 players, 6+) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Create a ‘doodle’ with a few rolls of the Doodle Dice. There’s a different doodle pictured on each card in the deck. When you build a doodle that matches one of the cards, you take that card. Block an opponent’s turn or take one of their cards away. Collect one card of each color and you win!"</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvbQ8WH4uF5pkgK40ibXk5WJprHy6fQ0S4nVbQFjM4RFiGv7vbSEYYw-LdMZwMDldxMUmSQnTerOyVc0Idl8L2eATr3k8M3S80HepbXd3hz9x7LAFQL64tOvc-cFUgqe_5I2CtZ85xelYr5pLnws5PDOwXGIvFh_vs6splei13vsjLqnMxp87VvK9U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvbQ8WH4uF5pkgK40ibXk5WJprHy6fQ0S4nVbQFjM4RFiGv7vbSEYYw-LdMZwMDldxMUmSQnTerOyVc0Idl8L2eATr3k8M3S80HepbXd3hz9x7LAFQL64tOvc-cFUgqe_5I2CtZ85xelYr5pLnws5PDOwXGIvFh_vs6splei13vsjLqnMxp87VvK9U" width="246" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Throw-Burrito-Dodgeball-Exploding-Kittens/dp/B07TS96J7Q/ref=sr_1_2?crid=COST8G3675NO&keywords=throw+throw+burrito+game&qid=1644801119&sprefix=throw+throw%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-2">Throw-throw burrito</a> (7+) (2-6 players) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">The World’s Firs Dodgeball Card Game - Collect matching sets of cards faster than your opponents while simultaneously ducking, dodging and throwing squishy airborne burritos."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Restoration-Games-Dinosaur-Tea-Party/617265102">Dinosaur Tea Party</a> - (7+, 3-5 players) - You'll have to try your luck with this one and see if you can find it somewhere. It's sold out at walmart and amazon doesn't seem to have it! "<span style="color: #46474a; font-weight: 700;">You're looking well, d</span><span style="color: #46474a;">arling. One lump or two? It's the most sought-after invitation of the year: Dinoton Abbey for high tea. Now you're all gussied up in your finery and ready for some tea and chit-chat. One problem: You can't remember anyone's name. Who's that, sporting the fancy brooch with her pet chicken Is that Jeannine Beatriz? Oh, dear. If you're not careful, you'll commit a faux pas everyone will be gossiping about. Dinosaur Tea Party is a game of pure deduction for 3-5 individuals. Each player takes a card corresponding to one of the dino guests. Players take turns asking each other questions or guessing their dinosaur's name. If someone guesses your name, draw a new card. The first player to guess three names wins."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #46474a;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TENZI-Party-Pack-Ways-Included/dp/B00EG0A1YK/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2AA5WWAO8NPXS&keywords=tenzi+party+pack+dice+game&qid=1644846024&sprefix=Tenzi%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-5">Tenzi</a> - (7+, 2-12 players if you buy two party packs!) - Most everyone has heard of this game by now, but did you know they have party packs with 6 different colored dice? And that there are two different party packs so you could get 2 and have 12 playing at the same time!? This link takes you to one party pack and a booklet that gives you 77 ways to play! <i>I created some versions of this game to help you learn fun facts about <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-fun-fact-Dice-Game-with-10-dice-7349188">Valentine's Day</a>, the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Story-Dice-Game-religious-using-ten-dice-7341293">Christmas story</a>, the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parable-Review-Dice-Game-with-10-dice-7342416">Parables</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Dice-Game-with-10-dice-7341538">Bible stories</a>, and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Turkey-Dice-game-for-Thanksgiving-4184774">Thanksgiving</a>!</i></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #46474a;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhULiMAV1Rk3I5xzhydRLzFxQE4syLTiCZOq1Pbu6tJ1MQd74rhJOZHXrN0D1hOO_9IGIwzNyDAH4k_qlbUYy0TstNM99lb1Fjzhon5ucCy4U2NKgd9lCrZyVLtA_qSGFwfGlzRxud8c0HZ0Km2KMbG-QOmFhvZafbJDKtm_YN4oMzlMM0PWu5B8fGL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1461" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhULiMAV1Rk3I5xzhydRLzFxQE4syLTiCZOq1Pbu6tJ1MQd74rhJOZHXrN0D1hOO_9IGIwzNyDAH4k_qlbUYy0TstNM99lb1Fjzhon5ucCy4U2NKgd9lCrZyVLtA_qSGFwfGlzRxud8c0HZ0Km2KMbG-QOmFhvZafbJDKtm_YN4oMzlMM0PWu5B8fGL" width="234" /></span></a></i></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Exploding-Kittens-LLC-EKG-ORG1-1-Card/dp/B010TQY7A8/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2OBGCO6YYH64O&keywords=exploding%2Bkittens%2Bcard%2Bgame&qid=1644802683&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=expl%2Ctoys-and-games%2C260&sr=1-2&th=1">Exploding Kittens</a> (2-5 players, 7+): "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Beginner-Friendly, Just 2 Minutes to Learn - If you draw an Exploding Kitten, you lose and you are full of loser sad-sauce. All the other cards in the deck help you avoid or mitigate your risk of drawing an Exploding Kitten. If you don’t explode, YOU WIN"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Youve-Got-Crabs-Creators-Exploding/dp/B07BKLT9B5/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2NEROT6RTCM3K&keywords=crabs%2Bgame&qid=1644846447&sprefix=crabs%2Bgame%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-2&th=1">You've got Crabs</a> - (4-10 players, 7+) - This game is similar to Spoons... "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">You've got crabs is a team-based party game from the creators of exploding kittens and the oatmeal. Try to collect four of the same card before any of the other teams, then pass a secret signal to your teammate. If your partner sees your signal and yells, "you've got crabs, " you gain a point. If an opponent sees your signal and yells, "you've got crabs, " you lose a point. The team with the most points wins the game. This game is great for parties, or weddings, or long nautical voyages."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Neanderthals-Exploding-Kittens-Adults/dp/B089DTQDLR/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1YY2TCERO8JDH&keywords=poetry+for+neanderthals&qid=1644844984&sprefix=poetry+for+%2Caps%2C1005&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFOWjdSUUJOMTM0OVYmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA4NTU0NTkyRUcySVdBNk9MOUNOJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2OTM5NzMySldHRDlTVDBEN1FEJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==">Poetry for Neanderthals</a> (7+, 4 or more players) - Like Taboo - but..."</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Using Only Single Syllable Words, Give Clues To Your Team Trying To Guess Your Secret Phrase. If You Mess Up And Use A Big Word, You Get Bopped On The Head With A 2-Foot Long Inflatable Club. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">So, Instead Of Saying "Broccoli," You'D Say Something Like "Green Thing You Eat For Live Long And Have Good Health""</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-5-Guess-the-Emoji-games-bundle-for-any-age-in-person-or-online-7230925">Guess the Emoji Bible Games </a></i>- (7+) This is a series of games that I put together to play either in person projecting the slides on the wall, or online. There are 5 Biblical Emoji games - Parables, Christmas Story, Holy Week, Ten Commandments, Bible Stories.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglBfvWZn2MjDenNX1tkq2fhqlgjdslFeiXvuHJy_zUHx7q7MwXApEt7hn08jXoRO_C6v90GbSZ2X7hCGP9MBj65kyxw5mfKtqarvx0Y4I2lTmyLAUxrdqQPSB7_figcBfHituJN-FPh4aVQrXu1EgmOteqxdHyMdJKYlr_tJqPu_IHXvTXWXRdiY-6=s795" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="795" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglBfvWZn2MjDenNX1tkq2fhqlgjdslFeiXvuHJy_zUHx7q7MwXApEt7hn08jXoRO_C6v90GbSZ2X7hCGP9MBj65kyxw5mfKtqarvx0Y4I2lTmyLAUxrdqQPSB7_figcBfHituJN-FPh4aVQrXu1EgmOteqxdHyMdJKYlr_tJqPu_IHXvTXWXRdiY-6=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mattel-Games-Official-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B07Y98T14Q/ref=sr_1_3?crid=OFONILBO9SIX&keywords=phase%2B10%2Bcard%2Bgame&qid=1644849092&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=phase%2B%2Ctoys-and-games%2C166&sr=1-3&th=1">Phase 10</a> (up to 10 players, 7+) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Phase 10 is the rummy-type card game from the makers of UNO with a challenging and exciting twist! And this version of Phase 10 comes in a decorative tin that's great for storage and ships in its own container. The object of the game is to be the first player to complete 10 varied phases with two sets of three, one run of seven, or seven cards with the same color. The twist is that each Phase to be completed is specific for each hand dealt. Players who complete one Phase advance to the next, but those who don't must keep trying until they do."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Double-Bananagrams-Game-Set-tiles/dp/B001THPVA2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3KJ1XS7A48JM3&keywords=bananagrams&qid=1644848959&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=bananagram%2Ctoys-and-games%2C226&sr=1-2">Bananagrams "double"</a> (up to 16 players, 7+) "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; text-align: justify;">The anagram game that will drive you bananas! BANANAGRAMS is the award-winning word game that needs no pencil, paper, or board. Players race against each other to build crossword grids and use all their letter tiles first. BANANAGRAMS comes in a small portable banana-shaped pouch so is great for travel, and is perfect for everyone 7 & up."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/SEQUENCE-Original-SEQUENCE-Folding-Packaging/dp/B00000IVAK/ref=sr_1_3_mod_primary_new?crid=1HO67OFCD3T4H&keywords=sequence+board+game&qid=1644925651&s=toys-and-games&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=sequence%2Ctoys-and-games%2C207&sr=1-3">Sequence</a> - (2-12 players, 7+) - "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">It's fun, it's challenging, it's exciting, it's SEQUENCE! Play a card from your hand, and place a chip on a corresponding space on the game board. When you have five in a row, it's a SEQUENCE. Learn to block your opponents or remove their chips, and watch out for the Jacks - they're wild! With a little strategy and luck, you'll be a winner."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*Uno/<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mattel-Games-Random-Action-Launcher-Exclusive/dp/B08GLK316Z/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3NEKJAG61XWHO&keywords=uno+game+attack&qid=1644803284&sprefix=uno+game+attac%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-3">Uno Attack </a>- We all know the card game Uno. It's recommended for ages 7+. Did you know there is an Uno Attack?? Pretty hilarious. "<span class="a-list-item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">This version of the UNO Attack Mega Hit Launcher brings action, suspense and surprise with its sleek look, cool lights and sounds and high-shooting cards! Lights and sounds build over time for extra excitement! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Load card into the shooter, then play like the classic UNO game, but watch out for the shooting cards when the Attack card comes up -could be one card, could be five!"</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimx9IL9saf41r_3Aga0hl9R8xg9sSTZwLDB-ErS2j9xYH6kcA94f430NpqRbGUrvxIdX6xNWAAPq8YyNbo_DGO9EdgkLfeisFJCKXWnhnYKqn2QtOmlFjr4toYyePrJRETyBVvuO4SV_bLYUbXAkymaz_styqiyLJY_gnV3H6G0T2GJj8xesQDR_GH" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimx9IL9saf41r_3Aga0hl9R8xg9sSTZwLDB-ErS2j9xYH6kcA94f430NpqRbGUrvxIdX6xNWAAPq8YyNbo_DGO9EdgkLfeisFJCKXWnhnYKqn2QtOmlFjr4toYyePrJRETyBVvuO4SV_bLYUbXAkymaz_styqiyLJY_gnV3H6G0T2GJj8xesQDR_GH" width="314" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*Spoons - So we've all heard of Spoons (you can just use cards and spoons), but <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Jungle-Speed/35595429">Jungle Speed</a> sounds like a crazy and wild version of spoons! lol. I couldn't find it on amazon, but here is a link to walmart. For ages 8+ and 2-10 players. It is sold out at walmart as well, but I saw a few for sale on ebay if you're interested! "<span style="color: #46474a; font-weight: 700;">This activity features a game of quick thinking and even quicker reflexes. Players' keen eyes and swift hands will help them win. This fun card game will make an excellent addition to any gathering and is a wonderful way to bond with friends and family. It's designed for children aged 8 years and up. One full Jungle Speed Game takes about 15 minutes with two to 10 players."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cranium-Whoonu-Tin-by/dp/B01M2DGZ1M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38ZXDGVGPF39A&keywords=whoonu+game&qid=1644804685&sprefix=whoonu%2Caps%2C322&sr=8-1">Whoonu</a> - (3-6 players) After going to the main Cranium page and reading the instructions, this game sounds very similar like Apples to Apples, EXCEPT that the object of the game is to get to know each other better (and see how well you know each other). You try to find a card that the "guesser" will like more than the others. Says for ages 8+</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Looney-Labs-001LOO-5-0-Fluxx-Card/dp/B00OETKWCE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27RMR5UPUJ6D8&keywords=fluxx%2Bcard%2Bgame&qid=1644841189&sprefix=fluxx%2Caps%2C328&sr=8-1&th=1">Fluxx</a> - (2-6 players, 8+) FYI, I found different versions/themes of this game. "<span style="background-color: white;">It all begins with one basic rule: Draw one card, Play one card. You start with a hand of three cards... add the card you drew to your hand, and then choose one card to play, following the directions written on your chosen card. As cards are drawn and played from the deck, the rules of the game change from how many cards are drawn, played or even how many cards you can hold at the end of your turn."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bezier-Games-ONUWBEZ-Ultimate-Werewolf/dp/B00HS7GG5G/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=98GE3CN705Q3&keywords=one+night+ultimate+werewolf&qid=1644847237&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=one+night%2Ctoys-and-games%2C411&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExVjNaVTBUU1NYUlROJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDk0Mzc1MjJaV0JIQ080MlRYOSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjgxMTY5MjVCTkRHSE04SjBXWiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=">One Night Ultimate Werewolf</a> - (3-10 players, 8+) "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a fast paced game where everyone gets to be a different role. In the course of only one night and the following morning, the players will determine who among them is a werewolf hopefully. One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a micro game of the party game Ultimate Werewolf that doesn't need a moderator. There's no elimination and each game lasts about 10 minutes." Suggestion from one educator - some versions come with a "drunkard" card and it's advised that you remove that ;) </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrnMfeUX_3ub30AkknEvRc9Z3jQ9JaFLwQFbkgfAwuvYNzH8JoKuqNYQkRmpjLin8nuoe8ibOlZ6Kq6_HKNWAXXmOuINhsCsw0CZpOuvC9yYh9seFoJSXhOK38oWmb0SmBMlaclM06oj1cTPs5J6C_daebkddFY525IvG9iSYMgbyAh-uIgAILYN4u" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1000" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrnMfeUX_3ub30AkknEvRc9Z3jQ9JaFLwQFbkgfAwuvYNzH8JoKuqNYQkRmpjLin8nuoe8ibOlZ6Kq6_HKNWAXXmOuINhsCsw0CZpOuvC9yYh9seFoJSXhOK38oWmb0SmBMlaclM06oj1cTPs5J6C_daebkddFY525IvG9iSYMgbyAh-uIgAILYN4u" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Whos-the-Imposter-Bible-game-7737324">Who's the Imposter - Bible version?</a></i> - This is a game I made for 4-8 players. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In this game are 40 people in the Bible. Each Biblical person has 8 cards that you can give out to your group/small group. Seven of the cards are true, and one is an IMPOSTER! You can play this different ways - depending on the age of your group. Don't tell them who the imposter is and the group has to guess - or individuals. Use the cards with the imposter marked, and see if the imposter can convince the group that their statement is true :) You can also tell them who their cards are describing, or let them earn a point by guessing who it is. Maybe you can think of another way to play? $4</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kid-Friendly-Questions-Question-Complementary-Effects/dp/B08Y63FQ3Q/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=29YWZ136AYU4G&keywords=family+feud&qid=1644850412&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=family+feud%2Ctoys-and-games%2C245&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A2TXC2UA76UMFD&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFETlQ0NUJBR1ZRVDMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAyNjM2MDUxME9CTlY5VjYwME81JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyNjMzODAyVFVYMjBYRkg1MVZGJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==">Family Feud for Kids</a> - (2 or more players, 8+) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Bring the hottest TV game show hosted by Steve Harvey home. In this special edition, you’ll get to see if your kids have what it takes to win Family Feud! This game includes 150 kid-friendly face-off questions, 50 fast money cards, 1 dry erase scoreboard, 1 dry erase marker, and 1 instruction sheet." <i> I made a Church version of this called the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Faithful-Feud-play-online-or-in-person-7292983">Faithful Feud</a> where 100 church-goers were asked 50 questions :) Play it on powerpoint. $3</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sushi-Go-Party-Card-Game/dp/B01CETNKE2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1I9D4PQYXF4SO&keywords=sushi%2Bgo&qid=1644847645&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=sushi%2Bgo%2Ctoys-and-games%2C202&sr=1-2&th=1">Sushi Go! (party version) </a>- (8+, 2-8 players) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">It's a party platter of Mega Maki, Super sashimi, and endless edamame in this expanded version of the best-selling card game. You still earn points by picking winning sushi combos, but now you can customize each game by choosing a La carte from a menu of more than 20 delectable dishes. What's more, up to 8 players can join in on the sushi-feast let the good times roll!."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgglAXkIbYO_13gQfrXOeGk2GWose3qidCnHXFHZth2eT_Q_KQvF68trRw-FQpxCTzendqrTjCeuyJa0YHiaFFvdFy4IF0h_vlXnbvKonN3Ij2uHVpoPNkY84C6pgnWPrnDPuQ0FwuJXpe9SPT-O73eU4VRlZbtjDSHbUEpQZoZhKGEtCdhK0jbwxys" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="1380" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgglAXkIbYO_13gQfrXOeGk2GWose3qidCnHXFHZth2eT_Q_KQvF68trRw-FQpxCTzendqrTjCeuyJa0YHiaFFvdFy4IF0h_vlXnbvKonN3Ij2uHVpoPNkY84C6pgnWPrnDPuQ0FwuJXpe9SPT-O73eU4VRlZbtjDSHbUEpQZoZhKGEtCdhK0jbwxys" width="244" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Refresh-Storytelling-Creative-Playtime-Libellud/dp/B09BSP7B7V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XYNPRSV244XV&keywords=Dixit+game&qid=1644845699&sprefix=dixit+g%2Caps%2C256&sr=8-1">Dixit</a> - (8+, 3-8 players) - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">"Each player is the storyteller in turn. The storyteller cho</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">oses a card from their hand and gives a clue (word, phrase, song...). The other players choose the card in their hand that best fits this clue. The Storyteller’s card is shuffled with the players’ cards, then all the chosen cards are revealed. Which is the storyteller’s card? Players secretly vote, then the scoring begins!"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Games-Original-Tiny-Hands-Challenge/dp/B079D7XHSZ/ref=sr_1_36?crid=1UZ20PS77QLCD&keywords=tiny+hands+game&qid=1644803489&sprefix=tiny+hands%2Caps%2C260&sr=8-36">Tiny Hands</a> - (2-10 players, 8+) This says 8 and up but we played it for our family game night and adjusted the "tasks" so that even preschoolers could play. I'll say that is was freakin hilarious!! lol "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The Original Tiny Hands Challenge Game is a hilarious TEAM VS. TEAM Party Game! Compete in outrageously fun physical stunts using nothing but your TINY HANDS! Can you catch a ball, turn over a playing card, serve someone a drink? Sounds easy right? But it's trickier and funnier than you think when all you have is two Tiny Hands to do it with! Pick a card, make a wager and play to win."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBc6c_0a9CYEdW8FZLEAskfiUnSsB4MyedNUs_lypVDkEntUJPQE2jgnobzI5CtGuuCF5qEzDCBw6I8Z5MpUzjaXo4e7oMl4NrjDwpoZHirEfFUP0hbR6W2xdNRs8F3XMz4ECN32k74IGF6QsEm4DO-tBF_3EZiYmHnOze9aHqGRBjseJfR-anc4sw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBc6c_0a9CYEdW8FZLEAskfiUnSsB4MyedNUs_lypVDkEntUJPQE2jgnobzI5CtGuuCF5qEzDCBw6I8Z5MpUzjaXo4e7oMl4NrjDwpoZHirEfFUP0hbR6W2xdNRs8F3XMz4ECN32k74IGF6QsEm4DO-tBF_3EZiYmHnOze9aHqGRBjseJfR-anc4sw" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Games-Hanabi-Card-Game/dp/B00CYQ9Q76/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XAR8PUE8Y2T9&keywords=hanabi+card+game&qid=1644847844&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=hanabi%2Ctoys-and-games%2C173&sr=1-1">Hanabi</a> - (8+, 2-5 players) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">In this challenging cooperative card game, players work together to launch a spectacular firework display. Trouble is, it's dark out, so you can't really see what you are working with. Each player holds their cards so that only the other players can see them. They must give each other vital information and remember all the information received. Then use the information to choose which cards to play. Helping each other play the right cards at the right time is the key to creating an unforgettable show and avoid being booed by the audience."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Gaming-B0638-Guesstures-Game/dp/B00NQQU0O6/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2MYV2KHCTWRBZ&keywords=timed%2Bgames&qid=1644849339&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=timed%2Bgames%2Ctoys-and-games%2C161&sr=1-4&th=1">Guesstures</a> - (4 players and up, 8+) - "<span class="a-list-item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">Guesstures game challenges you to hilarious, high-speed Charades. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Includes easy, medium and hard cards"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cards-Against-Humanity-Family-Edition/dp/B0875DFSJ3/ref=sr_1_2?crid=13UQXUP8CATIE&keywords=cards+against+humanity+family+edition&qid=1644927318&sprefix=cards+agains%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-2">Cards Against Humanity Family Edition</a> - (8+, 4 players or more) "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition is a new fill-in-the-blank comedy game that’s just like Cards Against Humanity, but it’s made for kids and adults to play together."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apples-Junior-Comparisons-Family-Especially/dp/B08GLJXYWP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1NTE83FCDFRMD&keywords=apples+to+apples&qid=1644801212&sprefix=apples+to+apples%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-3">Apples to Apples Jr</a> (9+) (and <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mattel-Apples-to-Apples-Picture-Time-GXR18/176625677?fbclid=IwAR3CMOM-GNZeSumPqnzPh7mMoRAniCNLQMFzY95gbEC_a2gWnSaGFIQqUTw">Big Picture edition</a> 4+) I could only find the picture version at walmart. They aren't easy to find...and the ones on amazon are $70. This can be a great travel game if you just put some of the cards in baggies. <i>I made a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alpha-to-Omega-Bible-Jr-game-for-kids-5264819">Bible version</a> of this game for young readers.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Czech-Games-00031CGE-Codenames/dp/B014Q1XX9S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=312AW5K0GO0KN&keywords=codenames&qid=1644800431&sprefix=codenam%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1">Codenames</a> (10+) - For 2-8+ players if you play in teams. "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Codenames is a fun and challenging social word game with a simple premise. Two rival spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents. Their teammates know the agents only by their CODENAMES. Teams compete to contact all of their agents first.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Spymasters give one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the board. Their teammates try to guess words of the right color while avoiding those that belong to the opposing team. Everyone wants to avoid the assassin."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Get-Got-2021-Missions/dp/B0937J6ZH9/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1R0KD774A8SYY&keywords=don%27t%2Bget%2Bgot%2Bgame&qid=1644926548&sprefix=don%27t%2Bget%2Bgot%2Bgame%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWVVMSFhENzIwTUpYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTY3MzkxM1FLQkJVNUNNRlJZUyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODI0Mzg3M1Q3WVFaQU5EUEtUSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1">Don't Get Got</a> - (10+, 2-10 players) - "</span></span><span class="a-list-item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">PLAY ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, WHILE DOING ANYTHING: This isn't a sit-down-at-a-table sort of game, you play it alongside whatever else you're doing. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">SIX SECRET MISSIONS - DON'T GET CAUGHT: In this party game, each player starts with six missions to complete."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Herd-Mentality-Udderly-Hilarious-Family/dp/B093HBBMPT/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QXPGBUES73RR&keywords=herd%2Bmentality%2Bgame&qid=1644926725&sprefix=herd%2Bmentality%2Bgame%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-2&th=1">Herd Mentality</a> - (10+, 2-20 players) - "</span><span class="a-list-item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">WANNA JOIN THE HERD? Flip over a question, grab a pencil and follow the crowd in this family strategy board game. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE ROBOT ARMS OR ROBOT LEGS? Don't know the answer? Try to figure out what everyone else would write! If your answer is in the majority, you win cows. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">LET CATTLE COMMENCE! If your answer is the odd one out, you'll be given the dreaded Pink Cow and you'll have no chance of winning... until you can moo-ve it on to someone else."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/WISE-AND-OTHERWISE-wow-Otherwise/dp/B00000GBQL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=194THMPIGN4SU&keywords=wise+and+otherwise+game&qid=1644841616&sprefix=wise+and+other%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-2">Wise and Otherwise</a> - (10+, 3-6 players) - this isn't made anymore so you'll have to find an old used one. It actually sounds a bit like Balderdash. "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Wise and Otherwise there are 2,500 wise, funny and unusual old sayings from around the world, and more than a few possible endings! During play the first part of an actual but little known old saying is read aloud. Then, with a little wit and imagination each player writes an ending to go with the beginning. The made-up sayings are read aloud along with the actual old sayings, and everyone tries to guess the real one. You'll get points when other players think your ending is the real one, and points for guessing the real old saying."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Steve-Jackson-Games-SJG-131313/dp/B003IKMR0U/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1PET0VNFV4O9R&keywords=zombie+dice+game&qid=1644840548&sprefix=zombie+dice+game%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-2">Zombie Dice</a> - (for 2 or more players, 10+) "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">The dice represent humans. You want their brains. Take 3 out of the cup (without looking), and then roll them. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">You want brains. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Each time you roll a brain, set it aside. They count for points. If you roll any feet, they got away. If you chose to roll again, you will draw up to three dice and roll again. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">As you roll, each shotgun blast you get must be set aside. So push your luck, but not too far! If you get three blasts, your turn ends and you lose all of the brains (points) you earned that turn. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Add up your brains each round. When someone reaches 13 (or more!), everyone else gets one more chance. The zombie with the most brains wins!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrx2wK2LEeN4woNP8HRDOoZg5EpFd8S0TRYfc06FZOgU9wEOlhmuJ-UDfvHRsV13Rxyge5GlUKGbEWnTS-aq0_L2qXLthuxmMSO6BaPQ6yJ2tHEBtblGMQqnb6HkV0hGAg7iH6ip3YsexNK2DJfckcJ0P-2MFHvUi7M5-jN0mjNu1F9sXsZLKn6BLT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1143" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrx2wK2LEeN4woNP8HRDOoZg5EpFd8S0TRYfc06FZOgU9wEOlhmuJ-UDfvHRsV13Rxyge5GlUKGbEWnTS-aq0_L2qXLthuxmMSO6BaPQ6yJ2tHEBtblGMQqnb6HkV0hGAg7iH6ip3YsexNK2DJfckcJ0P-2MFHvUi7M5-jN0mjNu1F9sXsZLKn6BLT" width="183" /></span></a></div><p></p><table class="apm-fixed-width apm-fourthcol-table" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: #0f1111; margin-bottom: 0px; width: 969px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mattel-Games-FJR42-Mad-Game/dp/B074RPW4GB/ref=sr_1_3?crid=11689OOY1117I&keywords=mad+gab&qid=1644845793&sprefix=mad+gab%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-3">Mad Gab</a> - (2 or more players, 10+) - "<span class="a-list-item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">It's not what you SAY, it's what you HEAR! In Mad Gab, teams work to decipher groups of unrelated words into real phrases before time runs out. Teams have two minutes to sound out three puzzles. The faster you guess, the more you score. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Repetition is key. Try this: DEW WINO HUE. Repeat the words a few times aloud, and you're sure to guess that you are actually saying, “Do I know you”" <i>I made a similar game called <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gibberish-Game-Bible-version-Play-online-or-in-person-6609848">Gibberish</a> using all Bible/church related phrases.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Gaming-C1941-Scattergories-Game/dp/B01N5O9NRY/ref=sxin_13_ac_d_rm?ac_md=2-2-c2NhdHRlcmdvcmllcyBnYW1l-ac_d_rm_rm_rm&crid=NZSYZGKFFEHQ&cv_ct_cx=outburst&keywords=outburst&pd_rd_i=B01N5O9NRY&pd_rd_r=27f6244f-f27b-4b0a-a698-2bcab28c7c7d&pd_rd_w=iQV9Z&pd_rd_wg=YxZOy&pf_rd_p=1dcacca2-86c1-44b6-b509-8cf93960a908&pf_rd_r=FWXY66QZAST8525AE6YB&qid=1644802069&sprefix=outburst%2Caps%2C165&sr=1-3-12d4272d-8adb-4121-8624-135149aa9081&th=1">Scattergories</a> (12+) - some younger kids could also play this as well. There are 6 boards, but you could play teams and have up to 12 players. "<span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">The Scattergories game is the fast-thinking game of words and categories. Players roll the letter die, flip the sand timer, and race against the clock to come up with answers to each category on the category list. Score points for writing down answers that no one else did. The more creative the answers, the more points scored!" <i>I made a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Categories-Game-play-in-person-or-online-over-zoom-6450654">Bible version</a> of this game.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rhyme-Antics-Hilarious-Rhyming-Vocabulary/dp/B07SCPWS8Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HHYFE9PJ0FN4&keywords=rhyme+antics&qid=1644926434&sprefix=rhyme+antics%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1">Rhyme Antics</a> (2 or more players, 12+) - "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Pass the mic & think to the beat while you freestyle rap in proper English. Two Teams battle in a game that will test your rhyme knowledge at a rapid speed. What hilarious rhymes will you & your team come up with ? And how many words can your team guess before the 60 second buzzer.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> "</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Continuum-Games-0821-Portrayal/dp/B001GIFHHG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3BC6ISRB42UBE&keywords=portrayal+game&qid=1644926202&sprefix=portrayal+game%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-2">Portrayal</a> (12+, many players) - You'll have to try and find this one used somewhere as I didn't see it for sale. "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Portrayal is a funny, energetic, family game that will have you describing, drawing, and critiquing wacky images. Each round, one player (the Portrayer) describes a unique and utterly bizarre image while the other players (the Artists) attempt to draw the image based on the Portrayer’s description. Once time is up, Artists trade drawings and evaluate whether their drawings meet 10 hidden criteria. Points are awarded for each criteria met."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/USAopoly-Telestrations-Original-Hilarious-Telephone/dp/B001SN8GF4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8AAA2T54NQX2&keywords=telestrations&qid=1644803729&sprefix=telestrations%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1">Telestrations</a> (12+, 4-8 players) - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Each player starts with their own erasable sketch book, marker and word card. A roll of the die determines each player’s secret word. The timer gets turned and everyone draws their word. After 60 seconds, everyone passes their book to the player on their left. Then each player takes a few seconds to guess in words(s) what they see, and passes again. The timer is turned and everyone draws the guess.This continues until everyone’s sketch book passes by every player and returns back to its original owner, where it’s time for The Big Reveal. Everyone shares their book and the hilarious miscommunication is revealed. Just like the game of “telephone,” the outcomes are unpredictable and the laughter is contagious!"</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip7mSlWkqUZMTK21Ix01IVj8C_vAB10Z6ScVB48MeTfa2Sb0k0UHeCE6o4HvM004Zy8AQ_uJs79D1SdI82J-0F_rFmBG4MWqlLQX-xuxJrkl1MJvjJxy8I4dK4HgNreL24cYp_eb4LBrsX9ImlzS-akeXVLmbO3hqogJDcIEM4Fw0KtlW9WByzKBDp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1460" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip7mSlWkqUZMTK21Ix01IVj8C_vAB10Z6ScVB48MeTfa2Sb0k0UHeCE6o4HvM004Zy8AQ_uJs79D1SdI82J-0F_rFmBG4MWqlLQX-xuxJrkl1MJvjJxy8I4dK4HgNreL24cYp_eb4LBrsX9ImlzS-akeXVLmbO3hqogJDcIEM4Fw0KtlW9WByzKBDp" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Continuum-Games-Bunco-Game-Multicolor/dp/B078SHS91L/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1PGSOVU68MKNV&keywords=bunco&qid=1644804311&sprefix=bunco%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-3">Bunco</a> - (ages 13+, 2-12 players)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BLANK-SLATETM-Family-Friendly-Association/dp/B07G2VHPRW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FYM1FJWF78UH&keywords=blank+slate&qid=1644796084&sprefix=blank+slate%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1">Blank Slate</a> - (3-6 players, 8+) - <span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 700;"><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;">Blank Slate</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"> is the clever party game from </span><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 700;">The Op Games</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"> where you try to predict what others are thinking. Everyone secretly writes a word that completes a phrase on the cue card, but choose your word carefully, you score the most points for matching words with only one other person. In this fun, easy to learn board game you get to think outside the box, but not too far or you won't match words with anyone. Player with the most points wins!"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Queens-Card-Game-Cards/dp/B0009XBY3A/ref=sr_1_1?crid=107AJGSRQ2JHA&keywords=sleeping%2Bqueens&qid=1644848226&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=sleeping%2Bqueens%2Ctoys-and-games%2C247&sr=1-1&th=1">Sleeping Queens</a> (2-5 players, 8+) "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">A Royalty rousing Card Game. Rise and Shine! The Pancake Queen, The Ladybug Queen and ten of their closest friends have fallen under under a sleeping spell and it's your job to wake them up. Use strategy, quick thinking and a little luck to wake these napping nobles from their royal slumbers. Play a knight to steal a queen or take a chance on a juggling jester. But watch out or wicked potions and dastardly dragon! The player who wakes the most queens wins."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Superfight-SKY-432-500-Card-Core/dp/B00E5QL2AC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21QMGPK5GG67X&keywords=super+fight+game&qid=1644848342&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=super+fight%2Ctoys-and-games%2C148&sr=1-1">Super Fight</a> - (8+, 3 or more players) "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">SUPERHEROES IN SUPER FIGHTS. Who would win: Abraham Lincoln with laser eyes or a velociraptor armed that can use the force? SUPERFIGHT is a classic party game from Skybound Games where you argue with your friends over RIDICULOUS fights between RIDICULOUS characters armed with RIDICULOUS attributes. It is up to the players to argue and plead their cases about why their fighters would beat the other!"</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLzCdGsuUFGPpeneMT8V4i7hjNW5L3B4fkLXMFa1UtUpTgRfKvcd-vRsYROIzVIn41Hgg0ojvA6XiDSilafkpBKU8NztQCTmthnL3gxYQBVlwPD1y65rpOsKgkOvQFFQWA1KFAAiLRu_cK88qmMCZygN-IxNatRH8-qHQZJlJMN3dLE83CsxPBN4Bj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLzCdGsuUFGPpeneMT8V4i7hjNW5L3B4fkLXMFa1UtUpTgRfKvcd-vRsYROIzVIn41Hgg0ojvA6XiDSilafkpBKU8NztQCTmthnL3gxYQBVlwPD1y65rpOsKgkOvQFFQWA1KFAAiLRu_cK88qmMCZygN-IxNatRH8-qHQZJlJMN3dLE83CsxPBN4Bj" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mattel-Games-CFX43-Balderdash-Board/dp/B00LH1X66G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3CU58BO92CVEY&keywords=balderdash%2Bgame&qid=1644842972&sprefix=balderdash%2Bgam%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-2&th=1">Balderdash</a> - (3-6 players, 12+) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Time to grab the “bull” by the horns and hope other players don’t call your bluff! Balderdash game features interesting, unbelievably true content and categories about people, words, initials, and movies. Once a category is chosen and the question is read, each player writes down what they think the definition or answer to the question is. Everyone then votes on which card they believe to contain the true answer. The real fun begins when the phony definitions are read along with the legitimate ones! Can you fake it till you make it Points are earned by fooling other players into believing your bluff as well as choosing the real answer."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kaiback-ak-ro-nym-Hilarious-Party-Acronyms/dp/B00QAZD948/ref=sr_1_2?crid=9JFNRYU7P1O3&keywords=acronym+game&qid=1644846593&sprefix=acronym+gam%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-2">Akronym</a> - (4-10 players, 12+) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; text-align: justify;">The rules are simple: create funny acronyms using the 3 letter cards and the topic card. Then vote on whoever has the best idea! The person who takes home the most votes after 6 different rounds is the winner!"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spaceteam-Fast-paced-Cooperative-Shouting-Card/dp/B018UUK63W/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=B8AM6Q5GPGK1&keywords=space+team+game&qid=1644848029&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=space+team+game%2Ctoys-and-games%2C282&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRk4wVDJEODg4NTQzJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDQyNDk4MlJXS1paVVlOU1gxTyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzgwNzM1MTlXWVM5NUU4RlRJJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==">Space Team</a> - (3-6 players, 12+) "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Coordinate with your Spaceteam to find the necessary Tools to resolve Malfunctions in your sector. Tool cards can only be passed through adjacent players. But be careful, although all Malfunctions call for Tools, they don't always have their name. You may have to describe them too. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">As you fix Malfunctions, you'll uncover parts of the spaceship. Your Spaceteam wins if you reveal all 6 System Go Cards hidden within your Malfunction deck in under 5 minutes. If you fail, you'll be sucked into a black hole forever."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spin-Master-6024376-Quelf-Board/dp/B00L85RJO6/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2QA7TOELWLUVJ&keywords=quelf&qid=1644848491&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=quelf%2Ctoys-and-games%2C250&sr=1-2">Quelf</a> - (12+, 3-6 players) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Quelf lets players use their creativity and imagination to answer crazy questions and perform ridiculous stunts. You’ll roll the die, read some cards, and act outrageously foolish on your way there. Read each card aloud and follow the instructions. If a player obeys their card they get to move ahead. Be the first person to cross the finish line and you win!"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Games-Ultimate-Catch-Phrase/dp/B083YKSF3B/ref=sr_1_4_mod_primary_new?crid=2O645HAFXYPL&keywords=catch+phrase+jr&qid=1644848611&s=toys-and-games&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=catch+phrase+jr%2Ctoys-and-games%2C301&sr=1-4">Catch Phrase</a> - (4 players and up, 12+) - Evidently there's a Junior version out there somewhere, but I didn't find it. "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">The Ultimate Catch Phrase game unit is designed so that players can toss it instead of passing it -- putting the "catch" back into Catch Phrase! Players try to get teammates to guess the word or phrase that appears on the screen by describing it in just about any possible way -- but they have to do it fast as the timer counts down!"</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEWIw5Tgh1BLJLfe9OfsoUGU0WqJTHTttzjLloEC0A3bJrBl8HU3ofdsmna5ml6J51HB8jqTY4WwcGUupf63b4YOGDYPxyM2jfwV_PAX3qBGtOxcWHVAaKgJ8KzBmk0EI_PLgVC2SlHPnft30pHqg2M_jrE8cXQFVjrTwCgQfOUG_HXSB5rFJslm8D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEWIw5Tgh1BLJLfe9OfsoUGU0WqJTHTttzjLloEC0A3bJrBl8HU3ofdsmna5ml6J51HB8jqTY4WwcGUupf63b4YOGDYPxyM2jfwV_PAX3qBGtOxcWHVAaKgJ8KzBmk0EI_PLgVC2SlHPnft30pHqg2M_jrE8cXQFVjrTwCgQfOUG_HXSB5rFJslm8D" width="268" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spin-Master-Games-Crazier-Dilemmas/dp/B00IGR5G3U/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2RLEWB2ZTQZJ6&keywords=would+you+rather+game&qid=1644849976&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=would+you+rather+%2Ctoys-and-games%2C191&sr=1-5">Would you rather</a> (3 players and up, 12+) - "<span class="a-list-item" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">Vote on which dilemma you’d rather (theoretically) opt to experience, with categories ranging from Curses, Unpleasant, Fantasy, Powers, to Pot Luck. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Would you rather your face be on the 1 dollar bill or your butt on the ten? Would you rather use hot sauce for eye drops, or Krazy Glue for hair gel? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Move ahead on the board by guessing how the other players will vote on deranged dilemmas. Be first to reach the Finish and guess correctly to win!" <i>I created a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Would-you-Rather-Bible-version-7755286">Bible version</a> of Would you Rather for $2.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unstable-Unicorns-TEE3678UUBSG1-Base-Game/dp/B07BMLQBM1/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3V1K1GAR7CSNU&keywords=unstable%2Bunicorn%2Bgame&qid=1644846757&sprefix=unstable%2Bunicorn%2Bgame%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-3&th=1">Unstable Unicorns</a> (14+, up to 8 players) - There are versions that say it can be played with younger children - just beware of the version as there are also adult games for 18 and older. "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Unstable Unicorns is a strategic card game about everyone's two favorite things: Destruction & Unicorns. The goal of Unstable Unicorns is to be the first person to collect seven Unicorns in your play area, also known as your Stable. Use Magic, Instant, Upgrade, and Downgrade cards to hinder your opponents’ progress and destroy their Unicorns. But beware -- each player has all of these tools at their disposal as well, and you may just find your plans foiled by a well-played “Neigh!” card."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Monikers-WAV01-Wavelength/dp/B07T446163/ref=sr_1_1?crid=H17R2L2TH2BW&keywords=wavelength+game&qid=1644926901&sprefix=wavelength+game%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1">Wavelength</a> - (14+, up to 12 players) - "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">On a spectrum from HOT to COLD, your teammate gives the clue "Coffee". </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">They're trying to get you to guess where a target is secretly located under that blue screen. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Your team turns this red dial to where you think coffee is located. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">So on the far left would be the hottest thing imaginable. And on the far right, the coldest. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Once you've locked in your guess, the target is revealed! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">The closer to the center of the target, the more points your team scores!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Party-Game-Questions-Ultimate/dp/B003DQRZKQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3L2Y4QMX1NKR2&keywords=what%3F+game&qid=1644927168&sprefix=what+game%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-5">What?</a> - (14+, 5 or more players) - "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">WHAT is a hilarious party game of who-said-what. Players are asked to write responses to humorous questions and situations, and everyone must guess who wrote what. There is no need to be truthful, there is no need to be tasteful, feel free to be as silly or as funny as you want, honesty is not the best policy in this game.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> "</span></span></p><table class="apm-fixed-width apm-eventhirdcol-table" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px !important; width: 969px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GTG10QW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_KF8XSFJ42Y064K9WH9JF?fbclid=IwAR2KnDLcco-Cq5SESYLrPLuLS4N8JkV_2eKm8-yLoInavZqdcUWz1-cRJo4">Alias</a> (15+, 4 or more players) - "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;">SPICE UP YOUR PARTIES WITH PARTY ALIAS! Explain words to your teammates, but look out! If your pawn lands in a party square, you have to use new and hilarious ways of explaining! Can you use just sounds and gestures to explain a word, or actions and motions to explain another? The fun gets moving with this hilarious game!."</span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Wow!! Who knew there were that many games out there?! And this is just the tip of the iceberg :) If there's one your group loves and it's not on here - add it below and share a link so others can see it! Thanks!</span></span></p></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-35951536096301609522022-01-29T10:45:00.002-05:002022-03-23T22:18:13.421-04:00Off-site Church Fellowship Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtwSvQalziKYEmfcZzlznhmTkREa3aEJ8TIL4D0MOTwmXVuR0eih1OQ1LjqI8-2PlbZ-wsI8tVRm77dtGTK5wqgIvdZUuDVW38gSe3pcP7_19wLGPnTNwMn0iUz8XlBVrRZ6Fe0ijpcTmpG_priEBia3QDSVcbfnf-33hr8eFYJLPW2CWY7Zu0cPkD=s1669" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1669" data-original-width="1240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtwSvQalziKYEmfcZzlznhmTkREa3aEJ8TIL4D0MOTwmXVuR0eih1OQ1LjqI8-2PlbZ-wsI8tVRm77dtGTK5wqgIvdZUuDVW38gSe3pcP7_19wLGPnTNwMn0iUz8XlBVrRZ6Fe0ijpcTmpG_priEBia3QDSVcbfnf-33hr8eFYJLPW2CWY7Zu0cPkD=s320" width="238" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You may think - how many things could you possibly do outside of church together? There can't be that many ideas out there! Well, I threw the question out there to my fellow educators and there are a LOT! Hopefully there is at least ONE thing on this list you hadn't thought of and you'd like to try :) It's always great to get together as a church or small group outside the actual church building. It's a great time to invite unchurched friends because it's a less "threatening" environment and the community sees you outside of your four walls! Win-win! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here are some wonderful ideas of things you can do as a church, youth group, small group, kids' group, etc OUTSIDE the church!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikNrtgyge_-lOKMCjlwC-WwTR539arA9mTPt6UbEyzO3kZVFH0vGWpqqMMk1TgVOPSx7jW5SVzxZgaxerlfiqt14YJ7pY8oZTjDjmZBIYi3DI-UDfe8oJD66dDsW_9n3x_1IRiCfiCPFiqhBhvl4TWzli_lRdzr5XejVkoRSF5uLMLxEAzI7EjBj3Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikNrtgyge_-lOKMCjlwC-WwTR539arA9mTPt6UbEyzO3kZVFH0vGWpqqMMk1TgVOPSx7jW5SVzxZgaxerlfiqt14YJ7pY8oZTjDjmZBIYi3DI-UDfe8oJD66dDsW_9n3x_1IRiCfiCPFiqhBhvl4TWzli_lRdzr5XejVkoRSF5uLMLxEAzI7EjBj3Q" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">excited about our very own theater! :) </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Rent out a movie theater. </span></b> This was <i>awesome.</i> Our local theater allows groups to rent out an entire theater for 4 hours for around $500. That may seem like a lot, but if you charged $6 or so and sold all the tickets, you broke even. some groups charged $7-8 to make a profit. We charged $5 and lost a little - but we didn't do it as a fundraiser. Two wonderful advantages to doing this - one, the theater allowed us to set up tables outside the theater where we handed out swag and sold snacks (yes, the theater said this was ok!); and two, the theater gave us a mic and allowed us to introduce the movie. So, we were also able to say who we were, invite people to church and to upcoming events. <i>Wonderful</i> outreach. We had about half of the people from our church and the other half were invited guests!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6fFsaFiDcdhiYRNXR8b1AcBt5jrrfRGoRAVUjhZbX-9ppx9ooSeWHV9grSW2vvjddXPy2zGxxTpSBDgjyLcVupeBaMjIGeCFe3NF3_JjNNjdlbUC5mLTlXaICP_2CiWhA8xtff14oun16udGEB4cynHApY7kf3kiJUk1v06MyKHAih2sffpb8mGds" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6fFsaFiDcdhiYRNXR8b1AcBt5jrrfRGoRAVUjhZbX-9ppx9ooSeWHV9grSW2vvjddXPy2zGxxTpSBDgjyLcVupeBaMjIGeCFe3NF3_JjNNjdlbUC5mLTlXaICP_2CiWhA8xtff14oun16udGEB4cynHApY7kf3kiJUk1v06MyKHAih2sffpb8mGds" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our families getting ready to bowl!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Bowling alley</span></b> - Now, in my last church we were really lucky as the owner of a bowling alley went to our church and they only charged us half price for a private room! But, if you can afford this - it's tons of fun. In a private room, we had pizza and snacks served to us, free reign over 5 lanes, and we got to choose the music :) We asked people for $5 donations to help cover the cost. Again, this can be for all ages, and it's a great time to invite unchurched friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Skating Rink (ice or roller)</span></b> - I personally haven't done this with a church group, but I have with school groups. Obviously this is a better activity for elementary/youth age kids, but parents do enjoy sitting around and chatting while their kids are occupied and having fun. Many rinks have private rooms that you could also rent out to eat together before or after.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2y72NwTQSNOGbqdhv1PTjuy8Wb_y-1Vop83Z7SxqzzhCrBLET27H5drtbdCrVg1ttbsk-X_NKYNX7QZjvOYLfwbMkeNx_jUh6ItpFGdR6BcRL1sU8mWpTPmBYwsUfTazJmArOkSjTAWVkoPsR08LHWkjP47pr2VTrgn1zaDEdZtkrd_Htcql98dxR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="718" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2y72NwTQSNOGbqdhv1PTjuy8Wb_y-1Vop83Z7SxqzzhCrBLET27H5drtbdCrVg1ttbsk-X_NKYNX7QZjvOYLfwbMkeNx_jUh6ItpFGdR6BcRL1sU8mWpTPmBYwsUfTazJmArOkSjTAWVkoPsR08LHWkjP47pr2VTrgn1zaDEdZtkrd_Htcql98dxR" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The park where we went had a sand volleyball court, <br />baseball field, and open space to play lawn games :) </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4. <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Renting a shelter at a park</b> </span>- We used to do this at my last church the last weekend before school let out. It was an "end of the year" party. We had a local park that had shelters where you could eat (picnic tables), and they had a baseball field, playground, and a grassy place where you could play lawn games. We'd pack up all our frisbees (some parks have frisbee golf courses!), balls, huge connect 4, cornhole, etc and spend the afternoon there. Families of all ages were invited and they could come and go as they wanted. I believe our park charged $50 or so for 4 hours. Lots of fun! But there are so many VARIATIONS to this that other churches suggested! For example, in the summer - meet and have ice cream in the park. One church met in the park and made Valentine's to hand out (guess you'd need to be in a tropical climate or in the southern hemisphere to pull this off :) . This made me think of another idea - to meet in the park, clean it up, and do some RAKs! (random acts of kindness). There are a LOT you could do around a park. You could also meet at a park, have a picnic, and take a hike!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Arcade/Laser Tag (Lock in)</span></b> - This idea came from another educator and sounds incredible! "<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">A former church I served rented out a laser tag/arcade for an overnight lock-in. It wasn’t as expensive as you might think but was great. Kids paid for their own tokens for the arcade games and could play laser tag all night. We had a room with snacks and a room with a movie on and a room that was quiet for kids or adults that wanted to sleep. Best lockin we did while I was there. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This place had several rooms that could be reserved for birthday parties but since we were there after hours they weren’t being used. So we designated the rooms for the different things. Our adult chaperones slept in shifts so none of us had to stay up all night. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">We had to pay two of the laser tag staff for the evening, but it was still worth it to us. They locked us in so none of the youth could sneak out. They had a blast.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">" </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">6. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Go camping!</span></b> - I'd forgotten about this, but we did this as a church a few times. It was a lot of fun! Bonfires, cooking over the fire, singing, games...great bonding time!</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;">7. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Spend a day at the beach</span></b> - This would be a LOT of fun. If you don't live near a beach, you can always find a lake beach that is nearby! We had one near us in PA and that would've been an awesome place to gather as a church. Fishing, swimming, cook out...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">8. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Day at a camp with activities </span></b>- zipline, ropes course, rock wall, etc. Most of us probably have some type of "day camp" nearby where you can rent the space and do some fun activities. they probably also have great meeting rooms where those that don't want to do strenuous activities could do games and crafts.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">9. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Zoo</span></b> - I don't care what age you are, zoos are fun! Petting zoos, big zoos, little zoos...doesn't matter! At one of my churches, we were close to an alpaca farm and that's where we had our closing kid min activity for the year! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ3zWUi5WQLTpldur7eDN--4pXzTtP7Ee5c6d9zPMzXG2lbQp1Xy93OrijguonBcaTukipZpg_apMZukyxYtbc6WaN0rqmEUAWW8mX4R7T06QDFN8YUBdwdrFmfRl0Z4up_a9aTKEgVPK8wwx_dhNLd4F2yjGQCfkVe9JjlYGucZiCWZUvNkGU-Fa4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ3zWUi5WQLTpldur7eDN--4pXzTtP7Ee5c6d9zPMzXG2lbQp1Xy93OrijguonBcaTukipZpg_apMZukyxYtbc6WaN0rqmEUAWW8mX4R7T06QDFN8YUBdwdrFmfRl0Z4up_a9aTKEgVPK8wwx_dhNLd4F2yjGQCfkVe9JjlYGucZiCWZUvNkGU-Fa4" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">10. <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Pumpkin patch/corn maze </b>- </span>I didn't see these as much when I lived in Fl and NC (somewhat in NC), but they are very prevalent up north! I would imagine out west as well. Getting together and going to a pumpkin patch, playing games, eating and then splitting up into small groups to go through a corn maze is a great way to spend some time together as a church. Another great intergenerational activity as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">11. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Water park</span></b> - I believe you could rent it out or just go as a group. Depends on how big the park is and how big your group is. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">12. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Local gymnastics place/Trampoline park/rock climbing/Etc</span></b> - for your more active groups, going to one of these places is perfect. If you can rent out the whole place just for your group - even better!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">13. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Splash pad/community pool/private pool </span></b>- Along the same lines as a water park, but in a community pool you could gather more and play more as a group. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">14. <span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Visit a farm - </span><span>Depending on where you live this could be an awesome "whole church" activity. Every age loves being on a farm! I've lived in 3 different states and in NC and PA this would have been a very easy thing to plan. In fact, I did take a group to a local farm (owned by a church member) during our "On the Farm" VBS - and the kids AND parents loved it! They got to pet the animals, plant seeds, and this particular farm also had a blacksmith and everyone got to watch how they made horseshoes!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVkgjFT8FbguwXser9fIv8X-EDyjZfEj9Ejwr2c19ZEShEqU8avR2qagma16gQwQw7etzsnS8rrYDNnJBw3WaXLzubwdHaqvbyjFwvdDZlnep03knI2HCv2p88u9s14j89AYWTOwVmgzyaf65fzMzz8NBFqLX6KJJuFq-pHX88cXrDlKE5UqjRsul5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVkgjFT8FbguwXser9fIv8X-EDyjZfEj9Ejwr2c19ZEShEqU8avR2qagma16gQwQw7etzsnS8rrYDNnJBw3WaXLzubwdHaqvbyjFwvdDZlnep03knI2HCv2p88u9s14j89AYWTOwVmgzyaf65fzMzz8NBFqLX6KJJuFq-pHX88cXrDlKE5UqjRsul5" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">15. <span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Mystery overnight trip </span><span>- this is a fun idea suggested by a Christian Educator. It can be a twist you could add to any of the other activities, or you can pick a place that's an hour or two away and have a surprise trip! Tell them what to pack and be ready for...and then just go!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">16. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Snow skiing or water skiing</span></b> (whichever is easiest/closest to your location) - I've done both of these with just the youth group...but there's no reason this couldn't be a whole church activity!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">17. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Progressive dinner</span></b> - Great activity for a smaller congregation. If you don't know what a progressive dinner is, it's when you go to one place for appetizers, another for the main dish, and then a 3rd place for dessert/coffee. I've seen it done at members' houses (which is a lot of fun), but you could also rent out rooms at different restaurants.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE9NiOHf7xC8zVUYQdiLX2IfkLXCoU03acXj-4pVF6fsvDYHuHicwB1m9Ux5AdnISP3MLINDxKBiBKfvj4lyEomsdO3OMn9wqdwEiGSoFZOwq0b_AHxcdcsPDZ078-VfmECX_6EbhHU-x8rKCqgTgJcUnQQ-ZLdEsoDY_luNA7b3ofdjTMvUzXckhB" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE9NiOHf7xC8zVUYQdiLX2IfkLXCoU03acXj-4pVF6fsvDYHuHicwB1m9Ux5AdnISP3MLINDxKBiBKfvj4lyEomsdO3OMn9wqdwEiGSoFZOwq0b_AHxcdcsPDZ078-VfmECX_6EbhHU-x8rKCqgTgJcUnQQ-ZLdEsoDY_luNA7b3ofdjTMvUzXckhB" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Take a picture in front of the Henderson Auditorium sign" :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">18. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Scavenger hunt around town</span></b> - I participated in one of these at Montreat :) You could do this as families, small groups, or just random groups. You give a list of things the groups have to "do" at certain locations in the city. They have to take a picture of their group at that specific location doing whatever it is you want them to do and then they send the pic in to the leader. For example, at Montreat, they have an iconic ice cream place. One item we had to do was go to the ice cream place and take a picture rocking in their chairs on the porch (and of course we got ice cream ;)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">19. <span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Renting out the Y - </span><span>This is a great idea I had never thought of and it came from another Christian Educator : "</span></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We rent out our YMCA in the winter for a two hour family event where we have open gyms, some organized activities like volleyball or Gaga ball pit, swimming pool, pizza, snacks and this time we had a glow dance in the small gym for the little kids. It’s open to all ages and the community. And we had a cute family popcorn machine give away when they came in the door." I love it!!</span></div></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh1rih0pVZkCyacrgOscG9fusXHYsdI0jxS-LV7O4d4VXd_5Fa0Fp6nmiMNzrmGDrvnlk0h5uODwv3IdVc2eFc8Fl3n3UQd1oVxNzsTuwUlbgXJJqtzAQeH89Xs8kjtsMJYppRvSi_AdTNJG2LPMu1RCFXYIEDmXQg4Ja0j4bq56qXgZSYvwir10A_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh1rih0pVZkCyacrgOscG9fusXHYsdI0jxS-LV7O4d4VXd_5Fa0Fp6nmiMNzrmGDrvnlk0h5uODwv3IdVc2eFc8Fl3n3UQd1oVxNzsTuwUlbgXJJqtzAQeH89Xs8kjtsMJYppRvSi_AdTNJG2LPMu1RCFXYIEDmXQg4Ja0j4bq56qXgZSYvwir10A_" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">20. </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-church-has-left-building.html">"The Church has left the Building"</a></span></b><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"> - (click title to see a blogpost I wrote about this experience). We started this program right before Covid at my last church and were able to do it 2-3 times before we took a break. We invited anyone in the church who would like to help take the church beyond the walls, to join us. It was on a Sunday morning during church. We would meet and be prayed over, then head out into the community. Once we cleaned a park, another time we cleaned up around some local elementary schools. We took pics while we were doing it and sent them back to the church so those worshiping in the sanctuary could see what we were doing! We had one member who even donated tshirts for us to wear while we did it that had our church name and our slogan "Gone Servin'" on it!</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinJb6Pc-zuQZVFKLmnEcb54gIaFz_UaBuZqG9g1Wt2qGBx057Ousi0S29Rysqo2WjaYorgrilT02bemmEYyE4aApmk9rJrXGm7ZdritK2eEDuKrGK765JBUpkQNyoM-1w4oatM2QBFn1KXf2H-Pfc27NVQ5nliSfaN3NcC8AeRQzW8_6X96dg5iO-E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinJb6Pc-zuQZVFKLmnEcb54gIaFz_UaBuZqG9g1Wt2qGBx057Ousi0S29Rysqo2WjaYorgrilT02bemmEYyE4aApmk9rJrXGm7ZdritK2eEDuKrGK765JBUpkQNyoM-1w4oatM2QBFn1KXf2H-Pfc27NVQ5nliSfaN3NcC8AeRQzW8_6X96dg5iO-E" width="180" /></a></div></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Well, there are 20 ideas for you and your church. Hopefully one will spark an idea or inspiration for you and your group! Good luck and God bless! If you have had a successful off-site church wide outing and it's not listed above, please comment below and share your story! Thanks!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-58781841491272067202022-01-27T17:21:00.004-05:002022-01-27T18:02:03.070-05:003 Things you need to do BEFORE you "church shop"!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsmnA4GPGbsPk6NaBcTX_6yOe_YM_Vw6ihrpEnVaAXxLGEmm-TwxbLeME9O3DVDLoT0wN9tpRO1jt5AQEtOYDvP5h_tpxLLYdhrjKucT5X3DZVT-ZVBTTasIIifcltTrnLX5wQKvE7BYcPJydBM7ZfdBDxIPh6x22nLuli9dfR-HXslht7yHxjYF2i" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="942" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsmnA4GPGbsPk6NaBcTX_6yOe_YM_Vw6ihrpEnVaAXxLGEmm-TwxbLeME9O3DVDLoT0wN9tpRO1jt5AQEtOYDvP5h_tpxLLYdhrjKucT5X3DZVT-ZVBTTasIIifcltTrnLX5wQKvE7BYcPJydBM7ZfdBDxIPh6x22nLuli9dfR-HXslht7yHxjYF2i" width="298" /></a></div></div>
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This can be such a stressful thing - figuring out where you are going to worship and which congregation you're going to call your church family. But it can also be fun and exciting! </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I have never actually had to church shop and may never have to as long as my husband and I continue to work in churches :) But, although I've never had to church shop, I HAVE had the opportunity to talk with dozens of couples (or singles) that </span><b style="font-size: large;">DID</b><span style="font-size: medium;"> have to church shop. I've also worked or volunteered in 5 different churches - all very different. Some people told me they had been shopping for "years"! That's disheartening to hear. If the process really is so tedious and cumbersome, people are going to tend to give up rather then to keep searching. And then they aren't worshiping anywhere! </span><br />
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So, I want to help. I don't want this to be an intimidating or overwhelming process. Take it step by step. You'll find your match - I promise! Discuss the following items with your significant other (or if you are searching alone, take some notes for yourself) BEFORE you even set foot in a church. It will help you tremendously. There are still things to consider once you start attending church services, but this will help you narrow those choices down a LOT. Take time to do your research online before you start visiting and it will be a HUGE time (and stress) saver!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">THREE things to look for BEFORE you visit!</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>I am going to assume that you already have an idea of what you believe and which denomination (or non-denomination) you are looking for. If you are a new believer and don't yet know which denomination is right for you, then I suggest you look up some of the main ones and compare their beliefs...Presbyterians and Methodists are pretty similar, Episcopalian and Catholic are somewhat similar, you also have Baptist, Lutheran, and Pentecostal (the rowdiest bunch ;) lol Take a look at those and see if there are some that you definitely do or don't want on your list. Non-denominational churches are also good - I've visited a few - but don't be fooled by the name. The church was started by a group that had certain beliefs and the church will share those beliefs. Non-denominational churches still have their specific beliefs, they just don't want to be tethered to the rules/regs of a certain denomination.</i></span><br />
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1. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Size</span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> This is extremely important and something that can easily be determined beforehand by checking out the webpage. I don't know about other denominations, but the PCUSA.org (Presbyterian Church USA) website lets you search for churches by city, then you can click on the church for details. It'll give you the number of members. </span><a href="https://www.pcusa.org/congregations/7491/" style="font-size: large;">This is what comes up</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> when you search my church - Highland Presbyterian - and </span><a href="https://church-trends.pcusa.org/church/7491/overview/" style="font-size: large;">these are the stats</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> that are given. Just keep in mind that the number of members doesn't equal the number of people in worship. As a general rule, divide it by three and that is your average Sunday attendance. If you know what denomination you'd like to attend, then go to the national website and search churches in your area. Now you know how to find the number - but why is it important? It's important because everyone likes different things. I'm an introvert, but I also like to lead and organize groups and events. I could never feel comfortable in a mega church because I would always get overlooked and would never feel a part of the community. Plus, I wouldn't get a chance to use my gifts. However, there are other introverts that would prefer to stay in the background and would also prefer to be overlooked :) In the same way, there are extroverts that would LOVE a tiny church because they would get to talk with and get to know everyone at the church. Think about what you would like - what feels most like worship to you? 100 people? 300? 1000? Once you figure this out, you can eliminate at least a third of your choices.</span><br />
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2. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> PROGRAMS! </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">One and done or Bible Studies galore</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">? Are you simply looking for a place to worship on Sunday mornings and nothing else? Perhaps you already have a mid-week study group or your kids are involved in Young Life outside of church so you aren't looking for anything else. Or, maybe you want to participate in small groups and you want your kids to have opportunities like a children's choir and youth group? All this can be found online as well. For example, there is a mega church near us that does worship very well. I visited and was impressed. Sunday morning is a well-oiled machine. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">But you can tell from their website that Sunday morning is their emphasis, and besides small groups, there isn't much more offered. If that's all you want - perfect - put them on your list to visit! If you are interested in mission trips, youth group, children's program outside of Sunday, etc., then you know to keep looking. In the same way, if you have babies/young kids, check out their children's ministry. If you have elementary kids, don't forget to also check out the youth opportunities. Think ahead!</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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3. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Beliefs</span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> I will preface this by saying that you shouldn't expect any church to match your beliefs exactly. It won't happen. But there are most likely a few things that you feel strongly about. For example, a big thing being discussed now in many denominations is LGBTQ and what is "acceptable" for that church. If that is a big issue for you, find out where the church stands <i>before</i> getting involved and visiting. I've met quite a few people that start attending churches (sometimes for years) before they realize what the church supports or doesn't support. It's much harder to leave when the church has become a part of your life - especially when you have children. Another issue I personally always check (even before visiting other churches on vacation) is what the church believes in terms of women in ministry. That is something I feel strongly about so I always check the website for clues as to what they believe and how conservative they are. Once you start visiting web pages and reading mission statements you hone in on specific phrases and words. Some churches will explicitly say it on their "about" page like this one: "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Ministers, ruling elders, and deacons in the PCA are men only, in obedience to the New Testament standard for those who rule the church and teach doctrine, though women have a wide range of use for their gifts in our churches." </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Others are more subtle by saying something to this effect, "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">The Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God in its original manuscripts." </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">This means the church is more conservative which will either put them on or take them off your list :) Whatever your core beliefs, find out beforehand what the church believes before visiting. There was a church in our area that wasn't very explicit on their website - I checked. Unless you know your theology and how churches can word different things, you wouldn't know where they stand. We had at least two families transfer to our church after YEARS of attending this church because they found out women couldn't serve as elders, lead Bible studies, etc. It's hard on everyone to have to leave a church you're attached to. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Other belief issues that are prominent now and you may want to look into if you feel strongly about them - </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">*missions - local, national and international</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">*politics in general - churches are non profit organizations and therefore should not be involved in politics. yes, they have their beliefs...but no, they absolutely shouldn't be involved in politics. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">*"purity" culture for youth (this is something I take issue with and wouldn't want my kids pressured to do...but others may be searching specifically for that)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">*abortion - no one is pro-abortion, but many people also believe in the right of the women to choose. Most churches won't tell you where they stand on this, but you can "follow the money" so to speak. Just like the LGBTQ issue, there are a number of hate groups out there that promote violence against people who believe differently than others. Unfortunately, many of these groups are religious. I understand people have different views and beliefs - but Jesus would NEVER join a hate group. You can stand up for what you believe in without hate and violence. Please find out where the church AND denomination gives their money and make sure there are no hate groups on that list. Believe me, you will be SHOCKED at how many contribute yearly to these groups. For example, almost the entire southern Baptist denomination supports various hate groups. I'm not joking. Many episcopalian and catholic churches also fund hate groups. If you want to be pro or anti something that's fine. But never, ever support a church that promotes violence as a means to accomplish your agenda. <i>Please</i>. We have enough division in this country - we don't need churches making it worse. Ok...I'm ending my soapbox rant! Moving on...</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway; letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">VISITING</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - Once you have narrowed down your choices to a handful, then you can start visiting! woo-hoo! Just please remember two things before you go - <i>pray</i> and keep an <i>open mind</i>. The Holy Spirit is with you in this and God has a place for you in a church. Pray that you will feel that peace that passes all understanding while you are visiting a church :) Also, please, please, please don't base your decision on a church on whether or not you like the pastors' sermon that Sunday. That is wrong on many levels. One, pastors are human and could easily have a bad day. Two, the guy/girl that preached that day may not have even been a pastor of the church. And, three, things happen in churches that can really effect the mood of a Sunday - positively and negatively. I went home and visited my "home" church one time (first time in years) and someone very well known and loved in the church had passed away suddenly a few days earlier. That whole worship service was about death and mourning. A visitor would have been clueless and probably turned off by the experience. Go back 2-3 times to a service before making a judgement on the worship service and sermons. Many churches stream or post their sermons online now. So, if you want to get a second or third look at the sermons, that would be a quick way to decide. Let your kids/youth also visit their groups 2-3 times before getting their feedback. Kids especially can make very abrupt decisions based on nothing in particular lol. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Remember, every person is different and not every church is for every person. But there IS a church out there for you and God bless you in your journey to find it!</span></i></b><br />
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<br /></div></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-23973040758427008772022-01-20T07:14:00.000-05:002022-01-20T07:22:54.488-05:00Islas Ballestas and Huacachina!!<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiniZ6FfOgU7_dzzEJKn8-MPQItdHYSX74dvdCzvWAwPCdVICu8gnhDg3o0MD5QB5cLtzix7Lvm4_0jZrsOSnJMQYwwsgvl-casNwsApuryluEnZYdKOziVQpHw1XBmFfGmif1FHZhnD7xzH-ErkvnOhhTNR5BWQ8BUNFDdwlvMiNQJsVTIV6dwRKI8=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiniZ6FfOgU7_dzzEJKn8-MPQItdHYSX74dvdCzvWAwPCdVICu8gnhDg3o0MD5QB5cLtzix7Lvm4_0jZrsOSnJMQYwwsgvl-casNwsApuryluEnZYdKOziVQpHw1XBmFfGmif1FHZhnD7xzH-ErkvnOhhTNR5BWQ8BUNFDdwlvMiNQJsVTIV6dwRKI8=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCn3RAmPlYMWqSZAOFf7KYWD0GvTzojUIL8-LyA09ACMWvr2Rh2OkyhJzXykv7HuP38eAF4jp35gmUtXnECg2-Y6TuX6yd0ZNyZZ9Q-WNz70Db61CoXFlb_nrGFgOc7NNcnKnohT1wWpiewiWp41Pt7gSnHmi6Ek6QQS86nl0vIzQ7Dyc_1XbRG8FE=s863" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="863" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCn3RAmPlYMWqSZAOFf7KYWD0GvTzojUIL8-LyA09ACMWvr2Rh2OkyhJzXykv7HuP38eAF4jp35gmUtXnECg2-Y6TuX6yd0ZNyZZ9Q-WNz70Db61CoXFlb_nrGFgOc7NNcnKnohT1wWpiewiWp41Pt7gSnHmi6Ek6QQS86nl0vIzQ7Dyc_1XbRG8FE=s320" width="320" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We still have about 5 places left on our bucket list in Peru. But we were able to cross off two after Christmas! All that's left now is Machu Pichu, Iquitos/Amazon, and Colca Canyon - but we probably will only make it to the first two :) Colca canyon looks incredible, but it's a very long trip and difficult. The other two are much simpler! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We wanted to see the Islas and Huacachina because they both offer something very unique! The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballestas_Islands">Islas Ballestas</a> are home to a lot of marine life - seals, penguins, sea lions, Blue footed booby birds, and more. You take a boat around the island and they tell you everything you're looking at, you get pretty close up, and, if it's the right time of year, you can see quite a few animals. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huacachina">Huacachina</a> is famous for two things - for their oasis in the middle of the sand dunes and their sand boarding and buggy rides. I guess that's three :) Between the two places, I think the consensus was, we would absolutely return to Huacachina...las Islas? eh.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We left Lima at 5am so that we could be at Las Islas for our tour no later than 8am. I hate waking up that early. lol. It's so dark!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7UUr5rSXlYBWoOKQIjeFluEtn4zISAqGMoZ6vyBAY0tgwUuRe_DXWFQeTBm9L8Ilq-xp8YGqI6x49mWy6wvu7XlurQ2FphyThb16PDN4HfmXdVnYFsLzjIC-AbexQ4zmSJf-ediVPJ-eziXI53KkASyyzTZX8lFJiZgnHeNzfP75IcSClHovkSrh8=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7UUr5rSXlYBWoOKQIjeFluEtn4zISAqGMoZ6vyBAY0tgwUuRe_DXWFQeTBm9L8Ilq-xp8YGqI6x49mWy6wvu7XlurQ2FphyThb16PDN4HfmXdVnYFsLzjIC-AbexQ4zmSJf-ediVPJ-eziXI53KkASyyzTZX8lFJiZgnHeNzfP75IcSClHovkSrh8=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>It took 2-3 hours to get there and we stopped on the way for breakfast. Once we arrived at Paracas, our guide let us take some nice pics while she checked us in to our boat tour. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-HRqNfSiP6N18KwX0NvBhzTvpc-IdqzWu1TnL3l046dirWTQ4DoFyDpjcUjzvf4eFtsKB67cs9hv5sEdRYDRqRH1YzMf3UZEw-5-AyZCCxg96PlRzroAKkYsyEGwDG3bFJ9o7zVihkspWVJYZCBc0xXydpO9clt6_sjcusOJky3VDVk642Zs5fu4n=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1280" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-HRqNfSiP6N18KwX0NvBhzTvpc-IdqzWu1TnL3l046dirWTQ4DoFyDpjcUjzvf4eFtsKB67cs9hv5sEdRYDRqRH1YzMf3UZEw-5-AyZCCxg96PlRzroAKkYsyEGwDG3bFJ9o7zVihkspWVJYZCBc0xXydpO9clt6_sjcusOJky3VDVk642Zs5fu4n=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw-anCuBHYGFySz7GQkVDJKtqPdqLQy_lZ03gYI11MPBclrGVTIq25ndDbLI2TGKbjQGaekbp_F7u3oENl2UmmQb-Uhi8V7C1wA8k0cu8U8_a-AkBmx3wjcB5SwOOYBIoT9a2HxgHmY7FC-75hoD-THd4qCj8nohUFFbuPGY_K1_Lx37wNUGJIO2mo=s1500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw-anCuBHYGFySz7GQkVDJKtqPdqLQy_lZ03gYI11MPBclrGVTIq25ndDbLI2TGKbjQGaekbp_F7u3oENl2UmmQb-Uhi8V7C1wA8k0cu8U8_a-AkBmx3wjcB5SwOOYBIoT9a2HxgHmY7FC-75hoD-THd4qCj8nohUFFbuPGY_K1_Lx37wNUGJIO2mo=s320" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We got there right when a boat was leaving, so we didn't have to wait around long! The guide spoke English and Spanish, which was neat. Here is a short video that shows the boat and how we traveled around the Islas. You can also hear the guide in the background.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dRjef9OC-_g" width="320" youtube-src-id="dRjef9OC-_g"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you heard of Guano? We actually learned about it in Ella's Peru History class this year. It's a HUGE export and has been for a very long time. All of the "white" that you see on the rocks? That's guano. What is guano? Basically, poop. But I guess it's really good poop lol :) </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLEPa8zGyf4MplzxpkiqV3A-3IFZ6DwFrbysT2MhNmcFFr2eEbZPzwvWNKD5okNtAWenlKayYybdh6bXAP0w47qNbl2eO2zviiyJilploGZ4Ap-JopXQ9uzo3B3KCF1e5gTAVV5Nm3laM_oHOoDP8uArNWQHcXcKSN5jk0nlaMvtixdBf3UK8XpJml=s856" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLEPa8zGyf4MplzxpkiqV3A-3IFZ6DwFrbysT2MhNmcFFr2eEbZPzwvWNKD5okNtAWenlKayYybdh6bXAP0w47qNbl2eO2zviiyJilploGZ4Ap-JopXQ9uzo3B3KCF1e5gTAVV5Nm3laM_oHOoDP8uArNWQHcXcKSN5jk0nlaMvtixdBf3UK8XpJml=s320" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At this time of year, we were supposed to see a LOT of animals - but we mainly saw birds. We also saw some Humbolt penguins and some sea lions - but not as many as we thought we'd see.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_hUmsHiHlVm_Vrnihhqwx-fpOk_uQmNBWZT6md7GeTiWfnB98suLAwo-lkNd8KQsWKqgnH8n0mseFJO4Ekipon6tDS6x3iHTuCyGyfmfZtmMHxvXRb2DVccyZhJWEkMnsUD9H-rYFpx_QxfAg8UH9UIy7fIdjyEq3j4B1aDva58FDx3Iq44a3CG_j=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_hUmsHiHlVm_Vrnihhqwx-fpOk_uQmNBWZT6md7GeTiWfnB98suLAwo-lkNd8KQsWKqgnH8n0mseFJO4Ekipon6tDS6x3iHTuCyGyfmfZtmMHxvXRb2DVccyZhJWEkMnsUD9H-rYFpx_QxfAg8UH9UIy7fIdjyEq3j4B1aDva58FDx3Iq44a3CG_j=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pelicans</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKAv6kusjvN7F5xAIw1dmsVYYJu7HeFEcBSSaCgfDbdsl-z8988rR_bDSoj0o9OSaF9Z3xSnxyflaPV6E9AtPEv8ei8h-e0f3ZfSA1__WYAgLKNWflkQXBHGElggBDGTp8kq-dIo7netvloO-NtknHj3fDfTrYR9eofD76sihTspMt2MoO_uGVlLRq=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKAv6kusjvN7F5xAIw1dmsVYYJu7HeFEcBSSaCgfDbdsl-z8988rR_bDSoj0o9OSaF9Z3xSnxyflaPV6E9AtPEv8ei8h-e0f3ZfSA1__WYAgLKNWflkQXBHGElggBDGTp8kq-dIo7netvloO-NtknHj3fDfTrYR9eofD76sihTspMt2MoO_uGVlLRq=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sea lions</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgP5xcKgr_QRH2GrBQV6eccp7g3l0uu2cPRgDGC8pclk2COWuwYgcIpTKtDy8gJO905DhPFy7fZkl3-MditA0DQgHS5s57wcQWNKlDMBYPC-8WEwxunX7uRc8zRW_8mbvs3VIXW2SeAmNfrN81pLtjLEQR3_6a2COTdmBM1La2jOYY2nWgp9jKalwCM=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgP5xcKgr_QRH2GrBQV6eccp7g3l0uu2cPRgDGC8pclk2COWuwYgcIpTKtDy8gJO905DhPFy7fZkl3-MditA0DQgHS5s57wcQWNKlDMBYPC-8WEwxunX7uRc8zRW_8mbvs3VIXW2SeAmNfrN81pLtjLEQR3_6a2COTdmBM1La2jOYY2nWgp9jKalwCM=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had nice weather and the ride was enjoyable. It wasn't exactly what we had been thinking, and we probably wouldn't pay to go again...but it was worth going once :) Here are a few more pics from the experience...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2lam8Tivpsy7MLdI6zP-rFRe6DE1oX6qdGttiYXUYv9YulxAqIbWEHH0fQkZxAGloarEU1GPz-1E7bFmKwsBZm2_VoLQ69A0Vi_ZlZ-iJyDz2_G7vAwt07dTIbWsjveoR2TUgTHrSym10T_fHzfV2Xoo3jIya27hoZQfSbs0q5rfDgCIcqmAIlTcN=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2lam8Tivpsy7MLdI6zP-rFRe6DE1oX6qdGttiYXUYv9YulxAqIbWEHH0fQkZxAGloarEU1GPz-1E7bFmKwsBZm2_VoLQ69A0Vi_ZlZ-iJyDz2_G7vAwt07dTIbWsjveoR2TUgTHrSym10T_fHzfV2Xoo3jIya27hoZQfSbs0q5rfDgCIcqmAIlTcN=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCc7AFAYQw1k2TKQ4wumiLU7IVYMYmeXUZCkpU5LfRYBse2JHdJdjxYtidZHrjB3aAupMyjRYWibgbNIm_HXzFyOdQSC6ixgxtnBO9orSVyWdP-bclP4mY0nquRDsGZnvmUCFr9Se7vbeqvjenAsc_77otysa5cwPmvc-NdLqXKmvgMocnjg8Wy_Et=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="640" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCc7AFAYQw1k2TKQ4wumiLU7IVYMYmeXUZCkpU5LfRYBse2JHdJdjxYtidZHrjB3aAupMyjRYWibgbNIm_HXzFyOdQSC6ixgxtnBO9orSVyWdP-bclP4mY0nquRDsGZnvmUCFr9Se7vbeqvjenAsc_77otysa5cwPmvc-NdLqXKmvgMocnjg8Wy_Et=s320" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">this is an example of the Nazca lines found in peru. The guide called this a "cactus", but it had more significance than that. I can't imagine how long ago this was carved into the mountain - and it would be very interesting to know exactly why. Besides cleaning it off during sand storms, it hasn't been touched. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg-qq20JM7fwJ5bswBUXBRfbeZLWohTw4_kOOBBN140Hjn2PHtr6IVlhvGwkPyqycuZCcdfvEVwuEmNxSs0Q8EbSN6tay6gi3XOvSky2S8b2NEJ8ffnNoaJEfJsSNdBuGYrTS5K5ZLzmDikSKc4i1MUH119OUkd8Udk3ILcpDp5A23K2wk0pcbaSk4=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg-qq20JM7fwJ5bswBUXBRfbeZLWohTw4_kOOBBN140Hjn2PHtr6IVlhvGwkPyqycuZCcdfvEVwuEmNxSs0Q8EbSN6tay6gi3XOvSky2S8b2NEJ8ffnNoaJEfJsSNdBuGYrTS5K5ZLzmDikSKc4i1MUH119OUkd8Udk3ILcpDp5A23K2wk0pcbaSk4=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggF4GEVt9NYBbQdhyH2SOc_-ZCLSt4bKqFZqipigDVe9xY4QDyEeI5mRYrpM4uN93Rgtefuv6sHWjMsiF0P46heOuwQdkY7Idzjs67CFdvurpjfzPPrz7shIjc06Xisa19V7afUv6UCG78ZEcVNgtVRy0LYNiq--4SzFO-1vLNyo0xgLeoPCutsyUT=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggF4GEVt9NYBbQdhyH2SOc_-ZCLSt4bKqFZqipigDVe9xY4QDyEeI5mRYrpM4uN93Rgtefuv6sHWjMsiF0P46heOuwQdkY7Idzjs67CFdvurpjfzPPrz7shIjc06Xisa19V7afUv6UCG78ZEcVNgtVRy0LYNiq--4SzFO-1vLNyo0xgLeoPCutsyUT=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so many birds!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNXo3hknLpuc13oGpRnONd_GBZmQsPiukWu_LG8ZjHuFImHYOEihqjCiKZx9okmBIyuXUZLihJGmh6vnZkeUry-QkXpe62e2sqLS8r_goynGsTEpnqP_Z8lrpqkzDBNh8bNGSN7oLoRuHivBXZVDxfAb-q_KFbMjXycsXRSc1ltnQh3gteUdmfRBzJ=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNXo3hknLpuc13oGpRnONd_GBZmQsPiukWu_LG8ZjHuFImHYOEihqjCiKZx9okmBIyuXUZLihJGmh6vnZkeUry-QkXpe62e2sqLS8r_goynGsTEpnqP_Z8lrpqkzDBNh8bNGSN7oLoRuHivBXZVDxfAb-q_KFbMjXycsXRSc1ltnQh3gteUdmfRBzJ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz3gzpvUQqeZDEd4H-XqqKRcH0jXI9terPQ9rOUJka7RU7j4AYC6ngTa95BJyZSgjaYEoCX6jtkKy3EQQMI0IFljXrVeKsk72XX74HvQWVwo4oE2BI6bjuxe88sS1bLz_pRoTz9SSbEkKTfxumC749TJr8Za1OieIzsv37WmFMtLKwQ2MHPOyZDH9e=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz3gzpvUQqeZDEd4H-XqqKRcH0jXI9terPQ9rOUJka7RU7j4AYC6ngTa95BJyZSgjaYEoCX6jtkKy3EQQMI0IFljXrVeKsk72XX74HvQWVwo4oE2BI6bjuxe88sS1bLz_pRoTz9SSbEkKTfxumC749TJr8Za1OieIzsv37WmFMtLKwQ2MHPOyZDH9e=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTDclrDt2i198BrhrccrXnZv6S_zSF3kngVzfrfjpfZJr5Bt6cYOGPPw79fD-XrXNPyjxlt5KN6SEZd2kPXyqBa4_gojY7YukPDgLFcNlwH9D3OgYXIAtSALGbn38pMEdVIe_vpDvaC6LcZN4pzMsGwc1ZNnHaO_8n-MFzvB2szehmudUuf4fYIPCl=s1512" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1512" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTDclrDt2i198BrhrccrXnZv6S_zSF3kngVzfrfjpfZJr5Bt6cYOGPPw79fD-XrXNPyjxlt5KN6SEZd2kPXyqBa4_gojY7YukPDgLFcNlwH9D3OgYXIAtSALGbn38pMEdVIe_vpDvaC6LcZN4pzMsGwc1ZNnHaO_8n-MFzvB2szehmudUuf4fYIPCl=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Elephant" rock.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After we finished up at Las Islas, we got some snacks and took the 1-1 1/2 hour ride to Huacachina to the sand dunes!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuUjGOUrfK6lIDnk4UVT8z0lyArc0xs5erwxpoiN-_S6GM5XswJwGztGvLoEiHiwC81cWQ42bBvI8P6RdcKNZ01hJhNDwAy1L9gwM3h99dhWFq9IeLgGGXnhS5fLNTVo3ImzPTM7rUNf0rDS8yLYpgVcgJ3_XkJTjP9qtMvlM1vaaxjbczMOIqIJd4=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuUjGOUrfK6lIDnk4UVT8z0lyArc0xs5erwxpoiN-_S6GM5XswJwGztGvLoEiHiwC81cWQ42bBvI8P6RdcKNZ01hJhNDwAy1L9gwM3h99dhWFq9IeLgGGXnhS5fLNTVo3ImzPTM7rUNf0rDS8yLYpgVcgJ3_XkJTjP9qtMvlM1vaaxjbczMOIqIJd4=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, Gemma took the trip with us :) Our guide said other pets had made the trip and assured us Gemma would be ok :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixU3pFALnp_SBdaHSMlNWQo-L6ZxRRVMtv5irI_X6-Oe5xABA-zuNSfdvACOSm6dCwTrOhQT-9QPNzbus5zIgbqLnRLfHX2UOb1blLxas1yOFAihf8kwHBPJbX3O4TXTx-6ZAIItgu9dtgm9EiGKuhacVODVjpHT82yMEnOHvTJrAf19w3ebsDWDP6=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixU3pFALnp_SBdaHSMlNWQo-L6ZxRRVMtv5irI_X6-Oe5xABA-zuNSfdvACOSm6dCwTrOhQT-9QPNzbus5zIgbqLnRLfHX2UOb1blLxas1yOFAihf8kwHBPJbX3O4TXTx-6ZAIItgu9dtgm9EiGKuhacVODVjpHT82yMEnOHvTJrAf19w3ebsDWDP6=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While snacks were bought, Ella found a newborn teeny kitten to snuggle ;)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We arrived to Huacachina and met our buggy driver, Emilio. He obviously liked to have fun, cause he totally let loose as he drove us up the sand dunes! lol. That was terrifyingly fun :) It honestly was like riding a roller coaster - but in a buggy on sand! Here's a video of all the fun we had on the dunes...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rwCKnffEdh0" width="320" youtube-src-id="rwCKnffEdh0"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Both the sledding and the buggy ride were awesome. The Oasis was beautiful and such a rare sight to see in the middle of the desert. You can read about how it was formed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huacachina#Oasis_and_lake">here</a>. After we finished, we were very thirsty, so we bought some cold drinks and then headed back to the car for a late lunch/early dinner.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYluj3-OfmfHZ-0ZEUrZM_YeZwHv4kObLOfZjCk5MWxwYHiUBzxZiCLsZaFyDUsONXzjAQUBFtC12jjl4O9cyhwkxHrUORZ7lWnju8q0nXxXHqJu7b3rUW3-Tb4fggFbwv-pOSCmRkCp5AYDR5lZWo-Pp0vdiShfGE0IB0YGtPubv-yfqexcmW5rLK=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYluj3-OfmfHZ-0ZEUrZM_YeZwHv4kObLOfZjCk5MWxwYHiUBzxZiCLsZaFyDUsONXzjAQUBFtC12jjl4O9cyhwkxHrUORZ7lWnju8q0nXxXHqJu7b3rUW3-Tb4fggFbwv-pOSCmRkCp5AYDR5lZWo-Pp0vdiShfGE0IB0YGtPubv-yfqexcmW5rLK=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oasis is behind us :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcOART2hORGNforXkCooKjjwDgg4xNOag8argUw8_X0_2YF8dZGpxCPLt7xja-IavpFli7_xvmFAXUWQqkqqqFPBwOLLEvcyjd6tQYVr-UNa1U81bNf2Xfgs8fUZIe6-x2Wi-5JBsG11-Sq483i4H1KZWvKTE-fXpVgvxXZ1hv1oJXFrr1R55Qm93n=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcOART2hORGNforXkCooKjjwDgg4xNOag8argUw8_X0_2YF8dZGpxCPLt7xja-IavpFli7_xvmFAXUWQqkqqqFPBwOLLEvcyjd6tQYVr-UNa1U81bNf2Xfgs8fUZIe6-x2Wi-5JBsG11-Sq483i4H1KZWvKTE-fXpVgvxXZ1hv1oJXFrr1R55Qm93n=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece/nephew <3</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqWwQRbVaTiyh0j6OEHpXGadQlbzuVJjItdi1-zge1AzEeVcuQ5Q1qZg4iVwJIL66FahlhyJ3VXFXJ_CYfcuIX4xTJndO71rRE75Vhw-eBcOP3mGIGH90vo1iEzijCwyovhll5jxKr1JE3DTo-TaZDxMEiX-I1HrETo7nMQmlEvgWqY8BxEEGE8e4M=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqWwQRbVaTiyh0j6OEHpXGadQlbzuVJjItdi1-zge1AzEeVcuQ5Q1qZg4iVwJIL66FahlhyJ3VXFXJ_CYfcuIX4xTJndO71rRE75Vhw-eBcOP3mGIGH90vo1iEzijCwyovhll5jxKr1JE3DTo-TaZDxMEiX-I1HrETo7nMQmlEvgWqY8BxEEGE8e4M=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cold snacks to cool off :) another niece <3</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAfEB4j4SHyng0l-_QHcWJ9WHHxVZYrkmj5Gm3tAOZPdP9pbvljB9XvjKvX0Z5zE4SPP25XFTHSodEmPXayCAGhu07IdB14I7BQXx5JRCKcLWvp5SqxYjRtoEThcRj_tmecFbOomFIIVHPjb39GOpMzGshZ4zG0GE8P4oehtfNmC7Bd9yKrBRfcOSn=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAfEB4j4SHyng0l-_QHcWJ9WHHxVZYrkmj5Gm3tAOZPdP9pbvljB9XvjKvX0Z5zE4SPP25XFTHSodEmPXayCAGhu07IdB14I7BQXx5JRCKcLWvp5SqxYjRtoEThcRj_tmecFbOomFIIVHPjb39GOpMzGshZ4zG0GE8P4oehtfNmC7Bd9yKrBRfcOSn=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBJx0pgqNdqezUWPxHdyynhiYVj-vxted2D_m0NbrYVRZybW3U7xTabOOYtcX5N-aEzeueM96Jwea77Bxx7mJsUpEK0yZhcr5hPROeDYIWTjuIi4kPMAL8xHDxb-eW-aYnc8rA9OXTEtd-2VG_QhEvcuuuiKHl3NfdrOinsrhCe-nxAYWYNdZ2PH09=s320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"fueling" up before driving the 3 hours back to Lima!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are looking for a fun trip to DO something with your older kids/teens - I highly recommend these two places. Especially the dunes! We could've easily taken two tours there and spent another 1-2 hours. And if we did this again, we'd probably skip the Islas and stay half day at Huacachina. They had places to eat, a pool to swim in, we could've relaxed by the Oasis, etc. Overall, another wonderful experience here in beautiful PERU! :) </span><br /><br />A few more pics to end with...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim8osCRLj_85P99u7xOfoy3uJYXVShAe3qEK7qZCxObg190uvezvbTPRoTW02APMfgb5UAxw-XEY4yj-BdxI7oBmLtKtmdq2Y-KBKaMmIJJqGBZDEGY7SBhbBff-jYT8XpDuxvY-S9gAwbQXqpa0FUG9j4rJaQtT6jzi9pt-uwVX-UDDoCRuQ8hwG-=s1544" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim8osCRLj_85P99u7xOfoy3uJYXVShAe3qEK7qZCxObg190uvezvbTPRoTW02APMfgb5UAxw-XEY4yj-BdxI7oBmLtKtmdq2Y-KBKaMmIJJqGBZDEGY7SBhbBff-jYT8XpDuxvY-S9gAwbQXqpa0FUG9j4rJaQtT6jzi9pt-uwVX-UDDoCRuQ8hwG-=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all 4 of my sweet nieces and nephew :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqJSYHdrZ57-oJfDlcNLD-rHgYtRisUHcq-XsGmFacXs-oYLaieBZ0eYlI8sBX8NaicNITy6GWyt0F3kqkDgofMuYg4tZgjl1faKHBVVMAyw7ZcGfOAGTQVlEfMaC591aYu8hOE33_5Qiuf2ZapzOiX_CbLlhZgJXwedZe21wU_gI4uhmzi1TlH7LB=s1851" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1851" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqJSYHdrZ57-oJfDlcNLD-rHgYtRisUHcq-XsGmFacXs-oYLaieBZ0eYlI8sBX8NaicNITy6GWyt0F3kqkDgofMuYg4tZgjl1faKHBVVMAyw7ZcGfOAGTQVlEfMaC591aYu8hOE33_5Qiuf2ZapzOiX_CbLlhZgJXwedZe21wU_gI4uhmzi1TlH7LB=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fun driver Emilio!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-69486378488517098762021-11-23T09:14:00.002-05:002021-12-10T15:27:10.264-05:00Fun (and different!) Sunday school activities for your preschoolers and kindergarteners!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJb3QeZ9fR4PSMtDUaUUlfThUKr3P4aFBY1qiFBvWEAzFWXliGynniOW-sKRXS1wFYfWr5hrZsxBb2ha3iJdLIdDznjx4HiSJly-t2KnGHzy6_6hjrXVyXYh6JLbio2HXKwCjZ0cavoo/s640/IMG_7282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="640" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJb3QeZ9fR4PSMtDUaUUlfThUKr3P4aFBY1qiFBvWEAzFWXliGynniOW-sKRXS1wFYfWr5hrZsxBb2ha3iJdLIdDznjx4HiSJly-t2KnGHzy6_6hjrXVyXYh6JLbio2HXKwCjZ0cavoo/s320/IMG_7282.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Read a lesson, do a craft, play a little game, say a prayer...and repeat. Over and over. Are you tired of sending home crafts with your littles that just end up in the trash? Are you feeling bored with what you've been teaching? Here are some fun, UNIQUE activities I created that you can use to spice up your Sunday mornings (or anytime!) with your littles! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Change up your lesson by doing a short Escape room with them! Yes, littles can "escape" too! Here are 3 Escape rooms/Break out Boxes (and a bonus!) that I made that can be secular, or can be attached to a lesson that you are learning. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-sWxxqbjoTjh5l02pyj2Qb_c_kx88N1PqLtoeHmV7asfm3f5lZGF9Qad7tB6fnNTP-x3qy78eF89qB4f-HBIDV_ON3RnVZbhw5a8OgRWlYvho19lnZqRzsu6qLfZ1US5PHfukGKMxao/s1500/prek+escape+room+listening+main+graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1500" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-sWxxqbjoTjh5l02pyj2Qb_c_kx88N1PqLtoeHmV7asfm3f5lZGF9Qad7tB6fnNTP-x3qy78eF89qB4f-HBIDV_ON3RnVZbhw5a8OgRWlYvho19lnZqRzsu6qLfZ1US5PHfukGKMxao/s320/prek+escape+room+listening+main+graphic.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Preschool-2nd-grade-Religious-Escape-Room-Listening-7381416">"Listening" Escape Room</a> - this one would be great to do in conjunction with the Samuel story, Mary and Martha, or any other Bible story where "listening" is your theme. There are 3 activities your children must complete and all 3 require them to use their listening skills! This requires more set up by the teacher than the one below. It is geared towards kids ages prek-2nd grade.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbsMvHLzrNZyB_-j3ZfRieqPW_wFprmQ0QfQvX-cdqYb1xW5ie6yQVr0SKMpvH1UpKzzqJgaALUI5XCzKfOyt99EpGO1MfBWMZ57W-PuqI5_gkRpPHrPI5LSSsXgJeJvGFpy8FT7hB5s/s1107/prek+break+out+box+LOST+main+graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1107" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbsMvHLzrNZyB_-j3ZfRieqPW_wFprmQ0QfQvX-cdqYb1xW5ie6yQVr0SKMpvH1UpKzzqJgaALUI5XCzKfOyt99EpGO1MfBWMZ57W-PuqI5_gkRpPHrPI5LSSsXgJeJvGFpy8FT7hB5s/s320/prek+break+out+box+LOST+main+graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Preschoolyoung-elementary-religious-break-out-box-LOST-7376485">"Lost" B</a>reak out box -<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This break out box is based on any of the "lost" parables - Parable of the Lost Coin, Lost Son, and Lost sheep (or any parable where you're searching for something or someone is lost). The children (ages prek-2nd grade) will be searching for the lost item just like in the story. This is an easy lesson with very little set up for the teacher - you just need a printer and painters tape (key lock with lock box is optional)! Depending on how many hints you give your kids, it could take them anywhere from 10 minutes to 20-30 minutes! Gauge their interest and energy level and give hints accordingly :) </span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">3. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Prek-Young-elem-religious-escape-room-Jonah-or-Temple-Tax-7377241">Jonah/Temple Tax Escape Room</a> - </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here is a 10-20 minute escape room also geared towards prek-2nd graders :) This could be done anytime, but I had two stories in mind when writing it - Jonah and/or the temple tax (Matthew 17 when peter gets a coin from inside a fish). All four puzzles are finding objects inside of other objects. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">4. I also created a short <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mini-Escape-room-for-VBS-Paul-and-Silas-4113365">Paul and Silas escape room</a> to use during VBS - this is a freebie and doesn't cost anything :) It was designed to be finished in 10-15 minutes.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Another game I made for prek is Bible Zingo! It's Bingo with a twist!</b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5jLbo4TV5e_p1AJF4Nu47cWRb54sh-MQYCKxUiN6AFjgcqGqNVJbBmsCnnfYZjpRlESEDWSN1M7RQodjMuaDXNuZy-4Ew-EbX4c7Bo4X2-LqQ8yzixeHwUiJsKJu9BGb4UQKBvmwcaU/s901/bible+zingo+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="901" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5jLbo4TV5e_p1AJF4Nu47cWRb54sh-MQYCKxUiN6AFjgcqGqNVJbBmsCnnfYZjpRlESEDWSN1M7RQodjMuaDXNuZy-4Ew-EbX4c7Bo4X2-LqQ8yzixeHwUiJsKJu9BGb4UQKBvmwcaU/s320/bible+zingo+graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">5. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Zingo-Bingo-game-with-a-twist--5278173">Bible Zingo</a> - <span style="font-family: inherit;">H</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">ere are the basic rules...</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It’s just like BINGO, but fast paced. You could play it different ways - click the link to read two ways.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Included in this powerpoint...</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There are 50 Zingo cards so 50 kids can play at one time. Each card has six pictures. There are 48 different pictures of Bible stories and church. If you’d rather play with 4 pics per cards, then just cut two off. Slides 5 and 6 have all the pictures miniature size so they’re easy for you to see. You can use those as the playing cards, or, if you’d rather have bigger ones, slides 7-14 also contain all 48 pictures. You can use those as playing cards and as Zingo cards (so print them out twice).</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>I've also created 2 booklets that you can do over multiple Sundays with your kids, or all at once. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_to3u7uFylUYWDwx5gxBK6OcaD0JxnuuQ7X2x-sQL73Bw1JbOjt9IjiebFudCWMrKmNeTALTUP1KAP_iAshyphenhyphenLzrw61WAI1IjQzELvV7hmjdO5BXpDkB-sZgzFQjEkOll8fdUCZ_M_RTw/s995/five+senses+of+the+bible+main+graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="995" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_to3u7uFylUYWDwx5gxBK6OcaD0JxnuuQ7X2x-sQL73Bw1JbOjt9IjiebFudCWMrKmNeTALTUP1KAP_iAshyphenhyphenLzrw61WAI1IjQzELvV7hmjdO5BXpDkB-sZgzFQjEkOll8fdUCZ_M_RTw/s320/five+senses+of+the+bible+main+graphic.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">6. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Senses-booklet-Bible-version-7408779">My 5 Senses Booklet - Bible Version</a> - </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Using Scripture, teach your preschoolers (or kindergarteners) about their 5 senses!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Samuel - "Hear"</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Psalms - "See"</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Last Supper - "Taste"</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Jacob and Esau - "Smell"</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Jesus heals - "Touch"</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Each page has a "sense" and a scripture verse. You can spend a Sunday morning/week on each page and read each story in its entirety in the Bible (and each page can be its own craft), or you can do it all in one sitting and just read the Scripture and not the entire story.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Included at the end for the teacher is a page of instructions on how they can illustrate each page (or do something on your own!). </span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUkN8ETJk1frpHGuo9GgopKDY1TsgC4mKVQANBLPzFURJnGmmI_2rJ38eB2V5igxYUwHBivfh0rLZTHNYdVCFhXgLuo651lTKsQePXu2Fx4w92JRAeZVQ5xBdt3HJKS0NappBXd8p2dA/s1056/abc+book+j+graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1056" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUkN8ETJk1frpHGuo9GgopKDY1TsgC4mKVQANBLPzFURJnGmmI_2rJ38eB2V5igxYUwHBivfh0rLZTHNYdVCFhXgLuo651lTKsQePXu2Fx4w92JRAeZVQ5xBdt3HJKS0NappBXd8p2dA/s320/abc+book+j+graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">7. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ABC-Alphabet-Religious-Christmas-Story-Book-7426930">ABC Religious Christmas Booklet</a> - </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This is a printable ABC Christmas story book. Each page has the letter, a word, a scripture (or explanation), and a picture to draw or color (or activity). The activities are age appropriate for prek/K...maybe first grade as well.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For example, for "R" it says "Color in and decorate the bells. While you’re coloring, sing a Christmas song!"</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>If you're looking for a curriculum or something to do for 4-6 weeks, I have started writing a "Little Books of the Bible Series". Each book contains one book of the Bible (or various if the books are short). Included are major stories from the book, verses to memorize, short stories, and songs we sing from that book! In addition, there is a little game to play at the end - although they require reading skills.</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Read the books together and illustrate them as a class or individually!</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQKgq6kwmtvX5zmAqeKh9dx7h4NOOaFWma9jo11mz_BhL7dHW_Gw0dJC_dQ6svFDjYU2x5sOQy3mONLhGhn2pTDZAfLZyW9IadCiukBGpSB2qyZzwq1ITLrtHYRTGtzaCn0IFl1lH5lo/s1101/little+books+of+the+bible+graphic+with+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1101" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQKgq6kwmtvX5zmAqeKh9dx7h4NOOaFWma9jo11mz_BhL7dHW_Gw0dJC_dQ6svFDjYU2x5sOQy3mONLhGhn2pTDZAfLZyW9IadCiukBGpSB2qyZzwq1ITLrtHYRTGtzaCn0IFl1lH5lo/s320/little+books+of+the+bible+graphic+with+words.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">8. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Books-of-the-Bible-Series-Mark-Read-and-Illustrate-together-7396661">Mark</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">9. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Books-of-the-Bible-Series-Matthew-Read-and-Illustrate-together-7190086">Matthew</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">10. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Books-of-the-Bible-seriesRead-together-Luke-7106375"> Luke</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">11. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Books-of-the-Bible-Genesis-Read-and-illustrate-together-7135736">Genesis</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">12. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Books-of-the-Bible-Series-Exo-to-Deut-Read-and-Illustrate-together-7260789">Exodus to Deuteronomy</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Are you looking for a fun activity to put in your worship bags? You could also do these during Sunday school as a group. These are 5 dice games where each number helps you complete a drawing. I am not an artist so they are basic figures/shapes - but the kids will enjoy filling them in. And the cool thing is, if each child is doing it on their own, they will all look different!</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl9rTm7UH7n7gm7tVf7G30ny-y4sP9TDr5cEIZDnr7z3tJjBiR6rtNnupWntfuIZpFN_W23DDjVL_LbBpl1Pj_g1Q2fWK2or5UaQ8Wb32nbumafF-zimfXw4kUWHKMovbLEsLmWpnhQ8/s682/dice+game+fish+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="643" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl9rTm7UH7n7gm7tVf7G30ny-y4sP9TDr5cEIZDnr7z3tJjBiR6rtNnupWntfuIZpFN_W23DDjVL_LbBpl1Pj_g1Q2fWK2or5UaQ8Wb32nbumafF-zimfXw4kUWHKMovbLEsLmWpnhQ8/s320/dice+game+fish+graphic.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">13. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Bible-Dice-Games-Bundle-7252548">5 Bible Dice Games</a> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">14. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Preschool-Journal-Activities-contains-some-religious-ideas-436772">Journaling!</a> - Have you ever thought about journaling with your prek or K classes? Here are some fun journal prompts!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here is a craft idea I put together called the "Blessing Jar". You use it before mealtimes to say a blessing for the food. You can use it all year and can make it anytime as well (although Thanksgiving is a good time to start it :) </b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvU0pM-0WlWE1t-0cyGfP2yhXcnE0bgCUzKbyWPsfhAwDzMEem3oCQsEosa3dH9WH2RdiSLZ__xjHaoWi3ovWHqbgz_jEAK6rrWx8CAreoShX5QygRm1ah8AkDy5K7B5bU81bdRRcKPg/s710/blessing+jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="710" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvU0pM-0WlWE1t-0cyGfP2yhXcnE0bgCUzKbyWPsfhAwDzMEem3oCQsEosa3dH9WH2RdiSLZ__xjHaoWi3ovWHqbgz_jEAK6rrWx8CAreoShX5QygRm1ah8AkDy5K7B5bU81bdRRcKPg/s320/blessing+jar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">15. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meal-Blessing-Jar-6155458">Meal Blessing Jar </a>- print out the blessings, glue them onto popsicles sticks and pull one out before each meal. My kids LOVED doing this and we did it for almost 10 years as a family!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lastly, I made some games that can be projected up on the wall that you can all play together! They are called "Reveal the Picture". As you review one of the following stories, you click on part of the picture to reveal. See if they can guess the story you are revealing before it's completely done! (please watch the instructional video so you know how to make the questions appear and disappear)</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLE3d18IJupk2lSoX9U0R5TOb0qaBl1E0WrEVf2nA2NRqyIeJW09QO_o2U1-lbESZiSBNvlsw8CyrjIT6p0BBwMCkkDvzRRm4fSRFhopl-wi6gWRAX5zrBgffsQA6B0GMmn9Um8JLhb0/s1366/reveal+the+story+pic+number+stories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLE3d18IJupk2lSoX9U0R5TOb0qaBl1E0WrEVf2nA2NRqyIeJW09QO_o2U1-lbESZiSBNvlsw8CyrjIT6p0BBwMCkkDvzRRm4fSRFhopl-wi6gWRAX5zrBgffsQA6B0GMmn9Um8JLhb0/s320/reveal+the+story+pic+number+stories.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">16. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reveal-the-Picture-Bible-story-online-game-Beatitudes10-Commandments-Prayer-5986482">Beatitudes, 10 Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">17. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reveal-the-Picture-Bible-story-online-game-Joseph-and-King-David-5986456">Joseph and King David</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8euXeqlS1LJUia5tUpvp4xiJMGKold1lS7-E5iHRODnrq7_muLiiqBwul1Nj6_DMkClBfr6mukQo5Q_oFS5hYKbOTeuqRl5-L1bpbM4Eu9fsR1AuyaTU6lUNR-FQ5pFzwrYZ7IF6DIo/s1711/spot+it+pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1711" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8euXeqlS1LJUia5tUpvp4xiJMGKold1lS7-E5iHRODnrq7_muLiiqBwul1Nj6_DMkClBfr6mukQo5Q_oFS5hYKbOTeuqRl5-L1bpbM4Eu9fsR1AuyaTU6lUNR-FQ5pFzwrYZ7IF6DIo/s320/spot+it+pic2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">18. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spot-the-item-Bible-Game-play-online-or-together-on-a-projector-5697584">Spot the Item</a> - Have you played the game Spot it! before? All they have to do is spot the same item on both cards. I made one that has items from the Bible. Each slide has one object that is the same. See if they can spot it! And then, we they do, talk about the object and where it is mentioned in the Bible. There is also a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Spot-the-item-game-to-play-online-or-projected-on-a-screen-5811085">character version</a> that is not Biblical.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully one of these ideas will help you get out of any rut you may be in :) Good luck and God bless! Thank you for all you do for your church and the littles you work with!</span></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-59549233049945901352021-11-21T17:18:00.004-05:002022-01-20T07:23:11.459-05:00Wedding and "Peruvian Typical Flash Dance"!<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Iz3jyDPPC14vgn4PSECXcDu4YuRACnF8JHmhzWb-aN41EiqSv2lp7aP03lZIKbYl0Ko5fFF4SSY9lRxKkwABxz0s6CgwEBlUoXGUk487u12nHwfo7iGgiHpPO9_WQvtaMj_PYLACprA/s640/IMG_7215.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Iz3jyDPPC14vgn4PSECXcDu4YuRACnF8JHmhzWb-aN41EiqSv2lp7aP03lZIKbYl0Ko5fFF4SSY9lRxKkwABxz0s6CgwEBlUoXGUk487u12nHwfo7iGgiHpPO9_WQvtaMj_PYLACprA/s320/IMG_7215.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella in her "Caporales" costume.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKmmk6W_f2EuXUSR_w88taXbaZ3Qb06oV1AqYdAX3dyS6NVczkkOgIsQHo4FfAXpfUsk4ibnAs3QyZb6ysvQDIBLU20X8dEPO0cAsIThXTUd3fvu6pvO49ypcMtkwXML8K2ycnfu4Cvg/s640/IMG_7216.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKmmk6W_f2EuXUSR_w88taXbaZ3Qb06oV1AqYdAX3dyS6NVczkkOgIsQHo4FfAXpfUsk4ibnAs3QyZb6ysvQDIBLU20X8dEPO0cAsIThXTUd3fvu6pvO49ypcMtkwXML8K2ycnfu4Cvg/s320/IMG_7216.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella and her dance partner David :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We are currently living in Ayacucho, Peru and the Principal's daughter (at our kids' Christian school) got married this past weekend. For the wedding, she wanted some of her friends to do a "Flash dance" with typical Peruvian dances. So, about 20 youth/young adults got together and learned 5 different Peruvian dances. The cool thing they did with these dances, was to, in typical "Flash dance" style, add in people with every dance. there were five dances with 2 couples in each dance. So, the first dance was the Marinera dance with two couples. The second dance was 2 couples, but then the two previous couples joined in...and so on. So, at the end, all 20 were dancing :) Each dance took about 2 minutes so the total time is around 10 minutes. The video is embedded at the end. Before that though, there were some fun and neat things that happened in the wedding that I had never seen before - and really liked! I love seeing new wedding traditions...well, new to me :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There were 3 groomsmen and 3 bridesmaids - but they didn't walk in together. They all walked in separately - with different responsibilities. One bridesmaid was the ring bearer and one was the flower "girl". The bride's sister walked in by herself. The three groomsmen had other responsibilities...</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc8j40tVdrwlEQ7BmRaTpVyAXYs84QlGVEmCr1ucDafrYLq-WleML-GAmZ07M3gN_Wtt-ZdYXFUNQYzAkS50N1dL1zgTpnd9o6t6pQyuen-fJjqgg1fZ483_WzEcjmKPDm_8XqjJ5Xuc/s640/IMG_7173.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc8j40tVdrwlEQ7BmRaTpVyAXYs84QlGVEmCr1ucDafrYLq-WleML-GAmZ07M3gN_Wtt-ZdYXFUNQYzAkS50N1dL1zgTpnd9o6t6pQyuen-fJjqgg1fZ483_WzEcjmKPDm_8XqjJ5Xuc/s320/IMG_7173.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first groomsmen brought in a sign that says "God" and then "Brian and Sherida" underneath. The pastor announced, as he walked up the aisle, that this new family had been formed "under God". Very cool!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZiT3smj1jtGvJcV4RbYfTEXm6FGeOxML6_2mHIp-D0qbjWd9LwrAfy1O2sZuw5trmDcu0tnlh6TlFdg_elUuWaCyK1xt5at0BRkF-r3nEVfaU1XVPqhsLitvzASCqK27ntJIs2PN4Ps/s640/IMG_7175.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZiT3smj1jtGvJcV4RbYfTEXm6FGeOxML6_2mHIp-D0qbjWd9LwrAfy1O2sZuw5trmDcu0tnlh6TlFdg_elUuWaCyK1xt5at0BRkF-r3nEVfaU1XVPqhsLitvzASCqK27ntJIs2PN4Ps/s320/IMG_7175.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second one announced the entrance of the "Novio" (Groom).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD6cjqbh3PecCjgIfogSDg5hxOTU2eEyMJm6X9S5ztqRRXhYNmABnJVq9RcvilwytNpqFMv1_efxbcXfza2Z7NF8Lo9QBUonVHDM2VYU_89hxBw0Eguc6j5S8Xl3Tuwj0Ke6qX8D6tmQ/s640/IMG_7179.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD6cjqbh3PecCjgIfogSDg5hxOTU2eEyMJm6X9S5ztqRRXhYNmABnJVq9RcvilwytNpqFMv1_efxbcXfza2Z7NF8Lo9QBUonVHDM2VYU_89hxBw0Eguc6j5S8Xl3Tuwj0Ke6qX8D6tmQ/s320/IMG_7179.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last groomsman brought in a sign that said "Here comes the woman you asked God for" <3 How sweet is that??</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Also, when the groom and bride walked up the aisles, instead of being escorted by a parent(s), they walked alone, and were met halfway by their mom/dad. It was sweet to watch :) </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxLtOF58Cdz-5wmLiXuwmt6WudJiNoeokAk7k95tLd_wGknINlbKwUUxBoL8KYU3tz9Y3JF0k752PjHBm9emg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dnxBhoxsnp-E4kROEcCuDg8cxdk2sBn3zosGvDE40Ap-P2SPWyKfK8rjuUN9IiB0RK450hfHr0J_6S2k5A1MZCN5cEXKgewBYZKWJqtkfILSRz46r4u3HzMJdbvpNYkmh_vxRKYcCmA/s640/IMG_7181.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dnxBhoxsnp-E4kROEcCuDg8cxdk2sBn3zosGvDE40Ap-P2SPWyKfK8rjuUN9IiB0RK450hfHr0J_6S2k5A1MZCN5cEXKgewBYZKWJqtkfILSRz46r4u3HzMJdbvpNYkmh_vxRKYcCmA/s320/IMG_7181.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Something else I had never seen before, was that they had "guards", which we would probably call "escorts". They escorted the couple to the reception, and entered the church at the end to lead them out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBFNuAfiapy7Q5u-GCq_ulNcSODfXBRqoDSjwNoyS8pyIa2XwWY_LLYJ2PjWg9wQ8i9IiT7knj2hevIeLbZ_sRJM5Fk1Hpz5_vlJkf65GYaLlumAllq-vFuls1526TTOVlwESO_NOFZs/s640/IMG_7182.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBFNuAfiapy7Q5u-GCq_ulNcSODfXBRqoDSjwNoyS8pyIa2XwWY_LLYJ2PjWg9wQ8i9IiT7knj2hevIeLbZ_sRJM5Fk1Hpz5_vlJkf65GYaLlumAllq-vFuls1526TTOVlwESO_NOFZs/s320/IMG_7182.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I do not know if the above things were something the couple thought up on their own, or if it's done here a lot. I have only seen one other wedding here. At both weddings, for the couple's first dance at the reception, the grandmothers threw rose petals on them while they danced. Unfortunately, I didn't get a pic of it happening - just of the petals on the ground afterwards :) It's a neat tradition.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqntDz9stNwh_Fo8L7s-oqnwqjuKFsZhMZkd6yEWL4zesX993SWQ7TUxFP0dP1RCwlM1m4CrobBFsIM0pjQCk6H6rQPQ4iTfJ717fadORlW0JI5HaBc1ZtLIhz2lqgr-1xowOZz6i5KPU/s640/IMG_7185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqntDz9stNwh_Fo8L7s-oqnwqjuKFsZhMZkd6yEWL4zesX993SWQ7TUxFP0dP1RCwlM1m4CrobBFsIM0pjQCk6H6rQPQ4iTfJ717fadORlW0JI5HaBc1ZtLIhz2lqgr-1xowOZz6i5KPU/s320/IMG_7185.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now to the dancing :) Before dinner, some of their friends (also in the Flash Dance), did a fun little dance to help kick things off. Ella, my daughter, is the one on the far right in the red/silver :) If you want to see the video directly in youtube, here is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh4cKvaQVNE&t=1s">link</a>.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bh4cKvaQVNE" width="320" youtube-src-id="Bh4cKvaQVNE"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><div>After dinner, we saw another tradition we hadn't seen before. Here, people bring up their presents one by one...kind of like in a conga line :) And the presents? Wow. Holy Moly. Cabinets, furniture, refrigerator, one set of parents gave land (!), and a motorcycle! They just kept coming! It probably lasted 30-40 minutes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIHCxCjlD9GGTomXOUtfF71mWTV82fGDQmvrlEILmAezezhyHG4hfg2-kGV_xeouTqTtRB3Bu01pH54zR7euEiOGoSw3-xN87bpQVrmjYB9zsZ0Qot1HcvWJNolXcgF6K2c6dVfEsVwA/s640/IMG_7197.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIHCxCjlD9GGTomXOUtfF71mWTV82fGDQmvrlEILmAezezhyHG4hfg2-kGV_xeouTqTtRB3Bu01pH54zR7euEiOGoSw3-xN87bpQVrmjYB9zsZ0Qot1HcvWJNolXcgF6K2c6dVfEsVwA/s320/IMG_7197.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScS8A3lUhqtH12s44PGABAH0uhJgcShMa_S-hYg_mCBHJm120gthabLOtgPJvMbdgAh8f_EMFQWuwRPT5Ez3VUuneLkEkVgZySHagx_7GjMR_O-jr8OzwX4wSTpjzYiXr1Xrk6X4_uXk/s640/IMG_7199.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScS8A3lUhqtH12s44PGABAH0uhJgcShMa_S-hYg_mCBHJm120gthabLOtgPJvMbdgAh8f_EMFQWuwRPT5Ez3VUuneLkEkVgZySHagx_7GjMR_O-jr8OzwX4wSTpjzYiXr1Xrk6X4_uXk/s320/IMG_7199.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>After the gifts, and after the group of youth got changed into their costumes, they did their dance. Here it is! The five traditional dances are Marinera, Valicha, Tahumpa (music from the Selva/jungle), Saya, and Tinkus. I'm not sure how big the video will appear in this blog, so here is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-QWjOcLWs">link</a> if you want to see it directly in youtube.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/04-QWjOcLWs" width="320" youtube-src-id="04-QWjOcLWs"></iframe></div><div><br /><p>We also learned that weddings here are ALL day events! We arrived at the wedding at 10 and left after the dance at 8pm...and they kept partying until midnight! lol</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for following along in our journey here in Ayacucho! God bless!</span></p><p>In Christ,</p><p>The Juarez Family</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqzCgSA26NpU0zmVlYiv0Rrxc8B51PqHaFdhIXLMZlhoc44aB0O3cJzM58DK5kPs-DQLEIdJ0mb5u47vaRuXHkEYcM72RynK0Q5XGrh5RvQXUatupNfuhWZcO1BL1o7XcE9GqpvOdK0w/s640/IMG_7169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqzCgSA26NpU0zmVlYiv0Rrxc8B51PqHaFdhIXLMZlhoc44aB0O3cJzM58DK5kPs-DQLEIdJ0mb5u47vaRuXHkEYcM72RynK0Q5XGrh5RvQXUatupNfuhWZcO1BL1o7XcE9GqpvOdK0w/s320/IMG_7169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC-xDWMzWXdenM1dG2XFNc6LDjnzBd7s-VYcg6G2tSvH1mjfWIb8rG18Fx9rVgzUhw58kcKwVqThCDAjRH814RbGnZVRLgyAxdd6rnqEcVNQA3s2rbxbUvBSu-g8o7DJSpNnyXKB8cRE/s640/IMG_7170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC-xDWMzWXdenM1dG2XFNc6LDjnzBd7s-VYcg6G2tSvH1mjfWIb8rG18Fx9rVgzUhw58kcKwVqThCDAjRH814RbGnZVRLgyAxdd6rnqEcVNQA3s2rbxbUvBSu-g8o7DJSpNnyXKB8cRE/s320/IMG_7170.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, I'm not looking lol</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vR_EzXoBrkI68sKle-2vglJaaIrui2jBZ9HTzWoxq7_EghIDPmBK9ibJcu5Jo4QJeEoUV_SI30MVRzcxOiToNhAfrzKt82Ypv89-igvnEi59DZfbxPOInpyQIKUG4qQrIh87FGrKDkk/s640/IMG_7211+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vR_EzXoBrkI68sKle-2vglJaaIrui2jBZ9HTzWoxq7_EghIDPmBK9ibJcu5Jo4QJeEoUV_SI30MVRzcxOiToNhAfrzKt82Ypv89-igvnEi59DZfbxPOInpyQIKUG4qQrIh87FGrKDkk/s320/IMG_7211+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9Q7WgK4ClpwxkHapa-KfolUL_gu6KKvShp_X-RF0ziexZyxKisOWtZTwwoyIyo4HM8Ri_OsrIPoIsBOpFZoYKMG1F__F-A4Ic7Sz3mO0brcR-myZSb0KpsoYiRpd2Ynz9jCEp2hDXbE/s640/IMG_7220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="623" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9Q7WgK4ClpwxkHapa-KfolUL_gu6KKvShp_X-RF0ziexZyxKisOWtZTwwoyIyo4HM8Ri_OsrIPoIsBOpFZoYKMG1F__F-A4Ic7Sz3mO0brcR-myZSb0KpsoYiRpd2Ynz9jCEp2hDXbE/s320/IMG_7220.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to include these two pics 😂 While we were at the wedding, we took Gemma to be groomed - so she wasn't home alone all day and we didn't have to take her with us. Plus, she realllly needed to be shaved and clipped. But they put jewels and bows on her! 😂 We couldn't believe it when we picked her up! lol</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QuhcylMFHdYLU2a47yT9im_Yz84DE9ytBcACdyiNDlBzsXQEm6OHP-PZrAvR2_-R0DY-XJm1z3ta_SUPYXUlERUn3a8qAB-8VMJPrqwIdwG8OBkm4sHalP6YXApFGeDrUSdBNw3RBpw/s640/IMG_7226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QuhcylMFHdYLU2a47yT9im_Yz84DE9ytBcACdyiNDlBzsXQEm6OHP-PZrAvR2_-R0DY-XJm1z3ta_SUPYXUlERUn3a8qAB-8VMJPrqwIdwG8OBkm4sHalP6YXApFGeDrUSdBNw3RBpw/s320/IMG_7226.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></div></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-83174622054660314612021-11-03T13:27:00.004-04:002022-05-01T14:50:43.553-04:0050 Church Fundraiser ideas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EWnaC4FlR53376OronEDePqVUJZR0t79kSXw4uXFGWg_BUWlH6L1iW-BH6mZ2N-d9PgDAmx1wo62QoM2X6fqyblf7ya67U6mjB5UirZCwDkOVSqCUYmCyIB15v9R2a2ZF9X_RvLWAVo/s1800/IMG_6946+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1800" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EWnaC4FlR53376OronEDePqVUJZR0t79kSXw4uXFGWg_BUWlH6L1iW-BH6mZ2N-d9PgDAmx1wo62QoM2X6fqyblf7ya67U6mjB5UirZCwDkOVSqCUYmCyIB15v9R2a2ZF9X_RvLWAVo/s320/IMG_6946+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A few weeks ago, I made a "Faithful" <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Faithful-Feud-play-online-or-in-person-7292983">Family Feud church game</a> and asked 50 questions. One of them was about fundraisers you do in your church. I got such a plethora of answers, and I have seen the question posted (What fundraisers does your church do?) over and over again in multiple Educator facebook groups; that I decided to write a blog with all the ideas I received! I also went through all the groups I'm in and got past answers and ideas. Maybe one of these will spark a new idea for your church!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1. Selling pine needles - this was big in one of my churches in NC for a number of years. It requires a lot of volunteers, it goes on for months, but it yielded $10,000. If you can get the manpower, it's a great option.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MK5eVC3Vaflv7wNPxlJfxODqLsDk_ruPk2F_FZCAyRQq-0Jr_A_3pdz5AGx407kbFKFwk9mThGrblbDLgNpybcBdnhVMpkjOmBpzb5Dx9elCd6oV7jBXs8wwnzFUMBjdWMo_J4BPZ28/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MK5eVC3Vaflv7wNPxlJfxODqLsDk_ruPk2F_FZCAyRQq-0Jr_A_3pdz5AGx407kbFKFwk9mThGrblbDLgNpybcBdnhVMpkjOmBpzb5Dx9elCd6oV7jBXs8wwnzFUMBjdWMo_J4BPZ28/" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2. Baked goods sale - this was a hugely popular one, but when I've done it in the past, it didn't bring in tons of money. Coupling it with another fundraiser would be a good idea.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">3. Spaghetti dinner/Dinner/Chili cook off - This was also a top answer. I turned the spaghetti dinner into a meatball cook off at one church and this was a lot of fun! Each table had a different crockpot with meatballs and you could go around and try each one. You had to pay to eat, plus there were cans at each table where you used "coins" to vote for the meatballs you liked best - so a double whammy ;) I thought "meatballs" were more kid friendly than chili - and not as spicy lol. It ended up being a pretty good fundraiser and we gave the winner a donated giftcard to an Italian restaurant :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">4. Bridge Tournament - Ok, this may sound weird, but bear with me! I heard about this somewhere and attempted it at one of my churches. If Bridge is popular where you are (this may go over better in the south?), this is a very simple fundraiser and you make quite a bit of money. You need an organizer that knows how Bridge is played, then you need to get volunteers to provide some yummy finger foods. Find a nice venue (someone's house? church?) and buy a couple of prizes for first and second place. You charge $25 per person ($50 per team), so you earn $100 per table. In our small-ish church, I think we had 6 tables playing so we earned $600 (minus $50 for the prizes we bought). It was very little set up and preparation, it only lasted a few hours and there was very little clean up. So, we earned $550 for 2-3 hours of work :) If you have a larger church, you could easily double that!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmC6BKhUbZKDY7hUfbC6f2pGS1MchmhH9OsQQtxeXVNQpKy2pfsxGzij_mm3hNN6LZNAoZ0c0HNnD1SHIvI61XYtfUCampvBb7SEhIsyLe053SFeG-fWlGle44ngRtTKEU2qhkoDDPeA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="564" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmC6BKhUbZKDY7hUfbC6f2pGS1MchmhH9OsQQtxeXVNQpKy2pfsxGzij_mm3hNN6LZNAoZ0c0HNnD1SHIvI61XYtfUCampvBb7SEhIsyLe053SFeG-fWlGle44ngRtTKEU2qhkoDDPeA/" width="228" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">5. Car Wash - This was another top answer. I'm not sure this yields much money, but it's popular and the kids/youth enjoy doing it :) lol Saw one church actually did this <i>during</i> the church service.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">6. Garage sale/Rummage Sale - I'll admit. I hate these lol. It's SOOOO much work and preparation and sometimes you make hardly anything. One church I worked at collected items all year and spent the entire week leading up to the sale preparing items. They earned $5000-6000 so I guess it was worth it - but I can think of funner ways to earn that much lol.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">7. Pancake Dinner/Breakfast - this was the last suggestion that got more than five votes. I've also done this before. Like the spaghetti dinner, it's easy prep work and not tons of clean up. Depending on how many you serve, this can be a pretty productive fundraiser - especially if you pair with another (like the car wash or yard sale so they eat while they are already there).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGIdnboZYgKIWIs5qqo8YJNg8p1yFltDofUpb2Y7PtwVYH_lHetHAn4kG8brpssDub0nHMl54rnUEJBc8kbrQ1NeVgRpuRIeK05B9lRt3HfndVzTQTWxN8wC8XXxvKGdDMgCokOetJrE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="670" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGIdnboZYgKIWIs5qqo8YJNg8p1yFltDofUpb2Y7PtwVYH_lHetHAn4kG8brpssDub0nHMl54rnUEJBc8kbrQ1NeVgRpuRIeK05B9lRt3HfndVzTQTWxN8wC8XXxvKGdDMgCokOetJrE/" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">8. <a href="https://www.pomomusings.com/2011/03/28/best-youth-ministry-fundraiser/?fbclid=IwAR02CKXUIpfpcAAKbRhrnge9wcGoG7aOhUuNQnnqgBIuwuA8Xik38WZ1qOQ">Wall of Envelopes</a>/Wall o Money - I've seen this done and, believe it or not, it's pretty effective. We needed to fundraise for a mission trip and our organizer put up envelopes all over a bulletin board with items that we would need to purchase for the trip. So, some envelopes said $10 Hammer, or $50 paint can, etc. It was a great visual and people felt like they were contributing "things" and not just money. For the first couple of years, this worked really well.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">9. Church Cookbook</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">10. <a href="https://www.fundraiserhelp.com/pink-flamingo-fundraiser.htm">Flamingo Flocking</a> - I have always wanted to do this! 😂 But I'm weird like that ;) lol I saw one church did it with a pink toilet ;)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">11. Pumpkin Patch</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">12. Auction/Silent Auction</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">13. Other Food sales - Boston Butt, Soup, fudge, fish fry, bar-b-que, tacos (this probably depends on your region)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">14. Carnival - Could pair this with an activity you already do - like maybe your fall festival?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">15. Special Offering - some churches skip fundraisers and just ask for a special offering for things they need. I saw one church who used to do a special offering for their family mission trip. The kids would dress up in their past tshirts and walk around with big orange work buckets asking for money. Worked pretty well :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">16. Children's camp/VBS - evidently some churches use profits from these camps as a fundraiser!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw85wFZoLbfeXupaP7Y0PcZnCDbivN_iTUjQ24tL0aVX4KdfiwiPe8YgTiOPRlewZReV4uhu01n4GY4TamhJncU-0hAihA8JEI_eanEwb0k_hsHEBqxgDQY3hcc64FaIKi91JQ4kmXGig/s320/escape+room+graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw85wFZoLbfeXupaP7Y0PcZnCDbivN_iTUjQ24tL0aVX4KdfiwiPe8YgTiOPRlewZReV4uhu01n4GY4TamhJncU-0hAihA8JEI_eanEwb0k_hsHEBqxgDQY3hcc64FaIKi91JQ4kmXGig/s0/escape+room+graphic.jpg" width="255" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">17. Escape Room - this is something I wanted to do (and I've seen others talk about doing something similar), but then COVID got in the way and I never followed through. I've written many <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-10-of-my-religious-Escape-Rooms-7334873">religious escape rooms</a> and they aren't too hard to set up (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/LauriesLittleMonkeys/tools/listings/1224961609">etsy link</a> to bundle of 6 non-holiday escape rooms). I wrote a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Religious-Christmas-Escape-Room-4792675">Christmas one</a> and wanted to set up one of our rooms at the church just for this. Families/small groups (no more than 8-10) could sign up during the week or on the weekend to complete the escape room together. Escape rooms tend to charge around $20 per person. I was going to charge half that - $10 per person and then some kind of discount for a group of ten (like a maximum of $75?). They get one hour to "escape". If you were open 5 hours a week for 3 weeks, you could potentially make $1000. It costs around $50 max to set up (and that's if you buy all the bells and whistles). </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">18. Christmas Store for kids - I started doing this with the kids at our church and community, because their schools stopped doing it. They had no where to buy gifts for their families and friends! I bought items on sale after christmas (and throughout the year) and then sold them the next year. I didn't do it as a fundraiser - I just did it to help out our kids - but you could easily bump up the price 50 cents-$1 on items and make some money.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">19. Selling flowers - One church talked about getting flowers/hanging baskets at wholesale from a local greenhouse and they sold them at the end of August as a fundraiser.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">20. Fellowship nights - I wrote a <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2021/10/intergenerational-games-and-activities.html">blog of over 20 ideas for intergenerational fellowship activities</a>. You could charge for basically any of these and turn it into a fundraiser! (paint night, movie night, etc!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">21. Restaurant nights - many local restaurants are now offering 20% or so of the proceeds for one evening when people go there from your church. Just an FYI, we took a mission trip to Peru and did one of these nights at a peruvian restaurant. After talking with the owner (who was peruvian and was so on board with what we were doing), he ended up giving us 100% of the proceeds! Not everyone will be this generous, but maybe try and look for restaurants that may be connected with what you're fundraising for.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">22. Coffee bar/breakfast on Sunday mornings</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">23. 5k Fun Run</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGezBtQt9_0XGhZ76-4mawup24OV4_bHvQ8hQ5VsiEFzPhJazKQxHh0ieQiruupfdLuPhyphenhyphenE2xOFk8SVackCkyrQ1oAoWn4OI6IfG9Fge4-aHPHSRKVrpXXLiP1fTd3ZD6SRiFdUEkc0o/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGezBtQt9_0XGhZ76-4mawup24OV4_bHvQ8hQ5VsiEFzPhJazKQxHh0ieQiruupfdLuPhyphenhyphenE2xOFk8SVackCkyrQ1oAoWn4OI6IfG9Fge4-aHPHSRKVrpXXLiP1fTd3ZD6SRiFdUEkc0o/" width="241" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">24. Easter "Egging" - This was by far my FAVORITE fundraiser I've ever done - because it was also an outreach <3 (see my <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2022/03/easter-egging-fundraiseroutreach.html">blogpost</a> about it for more details). For $10 we hid a dozen stuffed eggs in someone's yard for you. For $20 we did 2 dozen and $30 we did 3 dozen. We gave lots of options - you could ask for only candy or only prizes (we had some with special diets), we offered baskets instead of hiding them, and for an extra $5 we would hide them Easter Eve (otherwise we delivered them the week before Easter). We tried this during Covid, we didn't advertise much, and it was our first year. Without really trying, we made $500! And neighbors bought for neighbors, elderly members bought for grandkids, kids bought for grandparents, elderly bought for elderly! It was so beautiful! And I loved delivering them :) This was our <a href="https://signupforms.com/registrations/25186?fbclid=IwAR352SGTv7BTvY2A-E_4psvKcbRTYXIYD6IN0JrOdcK5A9gAdqPRTMmpWd4">sign up</a> that we used if you'd like to see how we did it. You can't see the actual sign up, but you can read our instructions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">25. M&M tubes - A few churches said they've handed out M&M mini tubes and asked people to eat the snack, then return the empty container with quarters! A word of caution from one Educator - do this with adults - not youth and kids (otherwise you'll get way more eaters than donaters! 😂) lol</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_DOhzk6qnIP_ZIbTF8yhxYdaBgTcVHzvkprJLKj7gJ-HGzi_uLlKG5iS5AcWMLM6qw19haXdcfIL0IoSgY8jkkPYMWpWkcTLoFe4DMeeSGsaT1q7bnFZ8d_JHiYKDu3I-1Z3UQVN9r4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_DOhzk6qnIP_ZIbTF8yhxYdaBgTcVHzvkprJLKj7gJ-HGzi_uLlKG5iS5AcWMLM6qw19haXdcfIL0IoSgY8jkkPYMWpWkcTLoFe4DMeeSGsaT1q7bnFZ8d_JHiYKDu3I-1Z3UQVN9r4/" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">26. Pie in the face - the ever popular pie in the face fundraiser (or something similiar). You put a jar out for different staff people and see who raises the most money in their jars. Whoever does, gets a pie in the face ;)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">27. Grocery stores - I know many stores do this for schools and evidently some do it for churches or other organizations. You connect your grocery card to an organization and part of the proceeds go to that place.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">28. Photo Shoots - if you have a professional photographer in your church willing to donate a few hours, you could offer some time slots for a price and the pics get emailed to them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">29. Sponsor a child - (this is great for trips)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">30. Advent Boxes - many give these out to families, but you could make it a fundraiser as well! Especially if your church does a holiday bazaar!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">31. Golf Tournament/Golf Scramble</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">32. Rock-a-thon - This is another one I always wanted to do, but it never got off the ground. It is SOOO simple and raises quite a bit of money. It's like any other "a-thon" except it's rocking chairs :) You form teams of 4 people and for 2 hours, one person in your group HAS to have their butt in the chair and be rocking :) Each member of the group is asked to raise $50 worth of sponsors so each group raises a minimum of $200. Each team gets a section of the room to decorate and there is a theme (sports teams, Bible stories, Book characters, etc). People can go around and vote (with coins) for the best "decked out" rocking chair space and costumes :) My old church does this and they earn $2-3000 EASY. And it's only 2 hours of your time! no set up or clean up. They did it after church one sunday and included a bake sale/lunch that could be bought. Seriously great fundraiser that any age could do!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">33. Movie Theater fundraiser - many theaters will let you rent out one theater for an evening. You can pick the movie. We did this and it cost around $500 or so for the theater. The theater sat close to 100 people so if you charge $5 a ticket you break even. If you charge $7 a ticket and sell them all, you make a profit. Our local schools did this as well. We didn't do it as a fundraiser for our church and ended up losing $150 or so - but we did it as an outreach and didn't charge that much. At our theater, they also allowed you to sell snacks and baked goods outside the theater!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">34. Parent Night out - we started this right before COVID as an outreach and we were breaking even every night - even after feeding the kids pizza and paying for childcare! I think you could definitely make this a fundraiser.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj4k-Cw9MsHT_kLzPa3isXx9HSXM_jqXmEVghvlQHPFL-2_ZHwoHPT-87mXw75u47Ye_zPSG13UHDFLBECZliISUZXm4PcDcUksUzmiP9mn91BGlqZCAe0MZ3-FCDtoYbfY8ZnSJ88wA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj4k-Cw9MsHT_kLzPa3isXx9HSXM_jqXmEVghvlQHPFL-2_ZHwoHPT-87mXw75u47Ye_zPSG13UHDFLBECZliISUZXm4PcDcUksUzmiP9mn91BGlqZCAe0MZ3-FCDtoYbfY8ZnSJ88wA/" width="249" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">35. Church shirts - We bought 50 long sleeve shirts with our church logo on it. We bought them for $10 each and sold them for $20 each. We sold almost all of them! My only bit of advice is to buy more XL's than you think :) lol </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">36. Kids' consignment sale - a lot of work, but can be very profitable.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">37. Asking for donations but use a visual - The visual reminder and motivation always helps - We had a quarter tube that was 3 feet tall at our VBS to raise money for Heiffer International and the kids LOVED dropping the quarters in the tubes and begged their parents for quarters :) I've also seen thermometers on the wall to measure how much they've raised, pie charts, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">38. Soup in a jar kits/Cookies in a jar kits - kids and youth can help put these together! Great Christmas gifts!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">39. "Noisy offering" - a few churches have posted about this and it sounds like a fun idea :) If you are raising money for the kids' ministry, you give the kids metal cans (with lids) and have them go around and collect "noisy" money from the congregants...all the while shaking their cans! 😂 Those that have done this say the kids LOVE making all the noise and the adults enjoy it as well (and they raise quite a bit!).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">40. Selling boxed lunches after church for people to take home</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">41. "A-thons!" - fish, verse, hymn, bike, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">42. Raffle</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">43. Trivia Night</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ySgqm1F3jmLb4zuXAzGWeIaSt-Sx0F730VF782v8vIQ2DdytcTFzyWysUUwnfQBfoagc4rQKKjzu9C1C1gcKfhEW8SDmsJcYLrIWpyaj2z4OiTKZoQKzLpR79x6_UtD4cbTdktEGuFc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ySgqm1F3jmLb4zuXAzGWeIaSt-Sx0F730VF782v8vIQ2DdytcTFzyWysUUwnfQBfoagc4rQKKjzu9C1C1gcKfhEW8SDmsJcYLrIWpyaj2z4OiTKZoQKzLpR79x6_UtD4cbTdktEGuFc/" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">44. Youth wrapping Christmas fundraiser</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">45. Art Auction - ages preschool - ?? can participate! One church raised over $10,000 with this!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">46. Superbowl Sunday - make and take pizzas or subs</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">47. Selling stock - youth fundraiser</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">48. Go Fund me if you're raising money for a particular object/trip.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">49. Raking leaves or other service project.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">50. Strange but easy and effective fundraiser - selling bottles of water for $1 before and after the service!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I challenge you to look through the list and see which ones you could pair together! For example, for Superbowl Sunday, you could meet right after church to do the "rock a thon" - and make it a sports team theme where everyone decorates their area with their fave sports team. Then, have a sub make and take where they can eat it there and/or take some with them for the big game! Add in selling waters and a bake sale for dessert and you've got 4 fundraisers at the same time! :) :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hope this helps someone!! Thanks for all the ideas! :) </span></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-60708506584432366332021-10-24T22:10:00.007-04:002022-05-10T19:20:43.562-04:0030 Religious (and non-religious) ACTIVE ice breakers to use at church!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1nDc7PrHzzzGzLiIwqMSDiPTWACWkKh5-YeWC3BEQupreO3n79CRamZng1Qxp2AyICxuz37r6TxjA1mJd2X9rex8bKHDGFhVZ55HymuC4DcF2nfs9e_OYgk4g3Jt6mxB4OdW64lsfl4/s831/30+active+ice+breaker+games+graphic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="831" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1nDc7PrHzzzGzLiIwqMSDiPTWACWkKh5-YeWC3BEQupreO3n79CRamZng1Qxp2AyICxuz37r6TxjA1mJd2X9rex8bKHDGFhVZ55HymuC4DcF2nfs9e_OYgk4g3Jt6mxB4OdW64lsfl4/s320/30+active+ice+breaker+games+graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When you're gathering as a large group, opening your children's church, starting your Sunday school, or beginning your mid-week kids' group, it's nice to start with an icebreaker to warm your kids up. It helps to get them talking - not just with you, but with one another. There are a lot of icebreaker ideas out there, but many are "sit down". So, I've gone on a search for ACTIVE ones. Why? because when they first arrive, they usually come with an abundance of energy! lol But I did throw in a few sit down ice breakers at the end. Some of these are secular, some are religious, and some could be both depending on how you play. Many of the religious items need to be put together beforehand, which I've done for you if you'd like to purchase them. There are 5 and you can get them all <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Ice-breaker-religious-games-7371050">in my TPT store</a>!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you have others to add, comment below and share!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Scavenger Hunt </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">- Now, I don't mean take them outside, or through the church. This is a hunt right there in the room. Think about the story that you will be studying, and then print out pics or write words that have to do with the story. Maybe 10-20. Hide them all around the room before the kids arrive and tell them they have 5-10 minutes to find them all! If you teach the kids a memory verse, you could hide all the words around the room. Then, when they find them, see if they can help you put them in the correct order! Need some help thinking of good hiding places? Here are some...inside or under a plant, rolled up and taped on the pull cord of the curtains, under a lamp, taped to the underside of a table/chair, inside a lamp shade, taped to a picture frame. taped to a string that is behind a frame and then attach a piece of paper that says "pull me", taped to the back of a door, on a window, or if you have a mic stand, under the stand.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Speed Centers</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - This can be a religious activity or not - depending on your questions. It's more of a "get-to-know-you" activity. Divide your group into small groups of 5-8 (if your group is already small, just have one group). Set up enough centers around the room so that each small group is at one. I would say a minimum of 4 centers. At each center there is a list of 5 questions that they each have to answer in 3 minutes. They can't think about their answer - just go around the circle and say it quickly! If you have bigger groups and need more time, then do 4 minutes. Once their 3 minutes is up, call time and "Rotate!". Count down from 5 and they have to hurry to the next center as the 3 minute timer will start when you get to 0! When they've hit every center, call them together and give them a little quiz to see how well they were listening. Can they remember their friends answers to any of the questions at each center? If you'd like some example questions, they are included in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Ice-breaker-religious-games-7371050">TPT bundle</a> (5 questions for 5 centers - at least one religious question at each one)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">3. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Line up </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">- This is a popular game that is on everyone's list of icebreakers. But I've seen a lot of new variations and added a few of my own. Maybe you can think of some new ways as well! Basically, you tell your group to line up in a specific way - by birthdate, month, year, height, etc. But they can't talk. We've probably all played that at some time :) But here are some new ways to play it - 1. blindfold a few of your kids and <i>those</i> kids can talk. 2. add in some new questions - how many cousins they have, how many times they've (fill in the blank), the number of times they've moved, etc. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">4. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Pairs</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - As everyone comes in, give them a Bible name. You can just hand it to them, write it on a nametag, tape it to them...whatever! Once you have everyone there, tell them to find their pair! Take it up a notch, and have them look up their pair in the Bible and tell the group about them :) I have included a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Ice-breaker-religious-games-7371050">list of Bible pairs</a> you could use in my TPT bundle. There are 17 pairs of people or things in my document. In addition, I added a twist and put a 3rd word with each pair that you can write and tape up around the room. Once everyone has successfully found their pair, then instruct the duo to find the word on the wall that fits into their Bible story! Have some Bibles handy in case they need them :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">5. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Write a story</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - This isn't as active, but sounds like fun :) Write a prompt up on the board and tell each child as they come in, to add only FOUR words to the story. Once everyone has arrived, read the story :) Here are some prompts you could start with...(these are all religious ideas) "One day, Jesus was on his way to the next city to preach, when he..." "After David knocked down Goliath with his stones, he ..." "A modern day parable - Love your neighbor: I walked out of my house to get on the school bus when all of a sudden..."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">6. Get to know you </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">BINGO</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - This is very popular and I'm sure everyone has used this at some point. you can find lots of versions online to print out for free. I have made one that is more religious if you'd like to use it. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjLGPpK1tB3kmLx0ccf1kiyRu3VF7ziMR5zMALw7lDTaLap3fx2Al99USw9XDzBAJeszIHWzY5qLHq4HufIQ-y8nQ-TJLN-ebHlsf8nVT7xG7T98cFIVicHarF6IvA42LFD6lgiH0f9yz91hVxwCd3TimrKSFh27YnpzzPYlNXS_p9wsiUEixMtMU/s822/get%20to%20know%20you%20game%20graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="822" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjLGPpK1tB3kmLx0ccf1kiyRu3VF7ziMR5zMALw7lDTaLap3fx2Al99USw9XDzBAJeszIHWzY5qLHq4HufIQ-y8nQ-TJLN-ebHlsf8nVT7xG7T98cFIVicHarF6IvA42LFD6lgiH0f9yz91hVxwCd3TimrKSFh27YnpzzPYlNXS_p9wsiUEixMtMU/s320/get%20to%20know%20you%20game%20graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">7. Also, I created a </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Get-to-know-you-Board-game-race-instead-of-BINGO-english-and-spanish-4851014">Bingo game RACE</a> </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">where the kids have to start at the beginning of their game board and proceed in order to the end. Whoever gets to the end first wins :) This can be bought separately or in the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Ice-breaker-religious-games-7371050">bundle</a>.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">8. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">This or That</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - this is another popular game you can find all over pinterest. Ask your kids random questions of things they like better - this or that. Or, use this "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Would-you-Rather-Bible-version-7755286">Would you Rather</a>" game I made - Bible version! :) Divide the room into two parts and assign one half to "this" and "that". I changed it up a little and created a fun, random <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-or-B-Online-or-in-person-Bible-Comparison-Game-6522473">Bible trivia game called A or B</a> - where they have to decide what the answer is and then go to that side of the room. The catch is, they most likely won't know the answers :) These are weird, random, questions that I made up like: Which is heavier? A. the stone rolled away from Jesus' tomb or B. a hippo? :) You can make it an elimination game and those that guess right stay in and continue. The game goes so quickly no one is sitting out very long.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">9. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Never have I ever</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - This has been around for a while, but it's always a group favorite! For young children, the idea of saying something you HAVEN'T done and then answering in the affirmative may be confusing. So, you can tell the person in the middle to say something they have done, and if those seated have also done, they get up and switch seats.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">10. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Human Knot</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - I played this game when I was in youth group :) If you have a large group, divide up into small groups of 7-10. You all stand in a circle and then everyone reaches out and grabs someone else's hands (but you can't hold both hands of the same person). Now you're all tangled up and you have to undo your knot! It's actually possible!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">11.</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hula Hoop Pass</b></span> - <span style="font-size: medium;">This is another circle game. Everyone stands in a circle and holds hands. Two people let go of their hands and you put a hula hoop on them. They link hands again and then you pass the hula hoop around without anyone letting go. Have them go around the circle once and time them. See if they can beat their record. If you have a big group, divide into two groups and compete!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">12. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pass the gift</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - Wrap a small giftbox (has to fit in one hand) and have everyone stand in a circle. Pass the gift behind your backs while someone stands in the middle with their eyes closed. When the person says STOP, the one holding the gift tries to unwrap it very quietly. The person in the middle has 2 guesses to name who is unwrapping the gift. If they guess it correctly, they join the circle and the "unwrapper" goes in the middle. You can make this relevant to your lesson by wrapping up items to introduce your Bible story! After 3-4 rounds, see if they can guess what the story is!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">13. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Left/Right game</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - The way I've always seen this played is everyone sits in a circle and the leader reads the story. Every time you hear the word "left" you move one seat to your left. When you hear the word "right", you move one seat to your right. Another way I've seen it played is to pass something to your right or left. Whoever ends up with it, gets to keep it. To make this more active, I would have them stand up in a circle on pieces of paper (or carpet squares, etc) - something to mark the spots. Then, I would designate 2-3 of the circles/squares as "special". If they land on one of those squares at the end, then they win! (you can decide what they win :) You can find lots of story ideas floating around on the internet, but I suggest that you rewrite you Bible story so that it can be introduced in this way! I have written one as an example - <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Left-Right-game-using-the-story-Ruth-from-the-Bible-7423069">Ruth</a>! Buy it separately or in the bundle.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">14. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">20 Questions</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - Write down the names of people or places in the Bible that your kids would know on name tags. It's okay if some of the people have the same name. As they enter the room, stick a name on their backs and instruct them not to tell anyone what their nametags say. Once everyone has arrived, have them pair up (one way is to tell them to yell out their favorite disney movie and find someone yelling out the same thing). In their pairs, they are to ask the other person up to 20 questions to try and guess who their person is.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">15. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Four Corners</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - This is a great game to use to review a story that you've learned! Label each corner of the room four characters from your story. For example, if you're learning the story of Jacob and Esau, you could label one corner Jacob, one Esau, one Isaac and the last one could be Rebekah. Then, ask review questions about your story and they have to run to the corner that is the correct answer! If you want to use this as an icebreaker and not a story review, then label the corners, "agree, strongly agree, disagree, and strongly disagree". Make random statements and have them either agree or disagree with you - like - Dogs are better than cats. Math is the worst subject. etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">16. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Human Tic-Tac-Toe</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - I actually saw this played here in Peru and thought it was a really fun idea :) Divide your group into two teams - x's and o's. It might be easier to use colors and tie a ribbon or string to everyone's wrists so they know who is on their team. Set up a tic tac toe board in the middle of the room - either with chairs or standing. This can be a story review, or just random Bible trivia, or it could be a Bible exercise where the first person who finds a verse gets to enter the "board". Call out the question and the first person who answers, gets to stand/sit on the board in whatever spot they want. When a team gets 3 in a row - they win! The group here loved this game and played it 3-4 times!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">17. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sheet Drop</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - I've seen this game used as a name game. you divide the group up into two teams and they sit across from one another. you hold up a sheet in the middle and call up one person from each side. On the count of 3, you drop the sheet and the first person that names the other person wins :) You could use this same idea but make it Biblical. Instead of dropping a sheet, you simply reveal a word or name in the Bible. The first person who can call out the story or scripture wins. For example, you reveal the word "angel". The first person that can remember a story in the Bible with an angel and call it out, wins. The angel that visited Mary, the angel that moved the stone from the tomb, etc. Other words you could call out - "stone" (david and goliath, resurrection, etc), "the number 3", "water", etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">18. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Balloon burst</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - this is another game I played when I was in youth group, but I like the twist I found on pinterest. First, you tie a balloon to a string and then tie it to your ankle. Make sure the length of everyone's string is the same (shorter strings are harder to pop). Play some music and instruct everyone to pop all the balloons! The last one standing with a balloon wins (when yours is popped you sit out). However, the twist I read about said to put a blessing in each balloon - making it a Blessing Balloon Burst :) You could do something else besides blessings as well. When their balloon gets popped, they have to find their blessing and then sit down. At the end they could share their blessings.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">19. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Circle up and draw!</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - This is simple but fun and can be played with any amount of people. Give everyone a piece of paper (quarter of regular size would be good) and a pencil or crayon (no markers). Turn sideways and face the back of the person in front of you. Instruct them to put the paper on the person's back and draw a ____. I did it with a pig which was fun :) But you could instruct them to draw anything - maybe something to do with your story for the day? The catch to this exercise is, once they start drawing, instruct them to start walking in a circle! Let the hilarity ensue :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">20. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Deck of Cards icebreaker</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - This is a no prep game! Hand everyone a card when they come in. If you have more than 52 kids, use two decks. If you have less, then use just 2 suits. Once they're all there, start calling out instructions! Find everyone that has your number, find everyone that has your suit, find all the even numbers, etc. Can you think of a way to make this religious??</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">21. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Clothespin game</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - As everyone enters the room, have them pin 5 clothespins on their sleeve. Think of a "buzz word" that is a very common word and that the kids are liable to say during your opening. example - "me", "you", "like", etc. Pair them up for different activities and have them ask each other some questions. If they use the buzz word during their Q and A, then the other person can call them out and take one of the clothespins. At the end of your time, see who has the most clothespins!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">22. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Story Still pics</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - What is your Bible story for today? Divide it up into 3-4 sections for small groups or 5-7 sections for larger groups. Give each small group one section of the story that they have to read and then illustrate with a still pose. Take a picture of them and then tell the whole story/lesson using their pictures!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholMVmgg3duRyRGbV1hzMte8WqhmiZwOBEzl5HLw8AtPiC6KhIf_JlFXubF4L9y1nUoVKBdICAZyvIXkwEAhgP5-0SZbWI2CzVDb0JNlLQcCGtzjpzOISR03Ll3d_J7kRmt04L0S_wbXdc-_9oMfsi9zYLu9mmBXINOLROLk4qX4JpuOnV6silXF-K/s1235/Bible%20pictionary%20main%20pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1235" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholMVmgg3duRyRGbV1hzMte8WqhmiZwOBEzl5HLw8AtPiC6KhIf_JlFXubF4L9y1nUoVKBdICAZyvIXkwEAhgP5-0SZbWI2CzVDb0JNlLQcCGtzjpzOISR03Ll3d_J7kRmt04L0S_wbXdc-_9oMfsi9zYLu9mmBXINOLROLk4qX4JpuOnV6silXF-K/s320/Bible%20pictionary%20main%20pic.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">23. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Pictionary-Easy-and-Hard-8017508">Bible Pictionary</a></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Pictionary-Easy-and-Hard-8017508"> </a>- This one may not be quite as active as the others, but you still have people getting up and moving :) I created a new version of Bible pictionary (well, it was new to me!). on each card is an "easy" and "hard" word. Your kids will get 2 minutes (you can add more or take less if you feel it's necessary) to draw the "easy" word on the card. Most likely, their team will get it pretty quickly. When they do, they get one point. THEN, with the time they have left, they attempt to draw the SECOND word on the card. Yes, it is harder, BUT it has to do with the first word so that helps! And the words all have to do with the Bible or church :) </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are a few ice-breaker type games that I've made that are sit down - but not quiet!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">23. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ten Dice game variations</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - Are you familiar with the Tenzi dice game? I bought it for my family and we really enjoyed it. While we were playing, I realized - I could totally make this into a Bible game! So, here are </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-religioussecular-Dice-games-using-10-dice-7341551" style="font-size: large;">5 versions</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> that I've made - Thanksgiving (not religious), Christmas (religious), Parables, Valentine's Day (not religious), Bible stories. You will need ten dice per child OR per pair.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNn61ASzn_cTvEcHkcKeHt3rzHH2Ou7VKnDc4GUW-l90UUsOLF0GQZMoktKFEwsNorRVNH6glB58g-fu8mTc8vaGN0akrHp9tSkBYUdMmxyPURd0H7weohreUDwzi6J2Z3uu7Z6n3vfBKDHZyi-G1hFTqPeqzGznztSuBu7wuvSfm1I61lTZ9APmzr/s849/gibberish%20m%20and%20j%20slide%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="849" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNn61ASzn_cTvEcHkcKeHt3rzHH2Ou7VKnDc4GUW-l90UUsOLF0GQZMoktKFEwsNorRVNH6glB58g-fu8mTc8vaGN0akrHp9tSkBYUdMmxyPURd0H7weohreUDwzi6J2Z3uu7Z6n3vfBKDHZyi-G1hFTqPeqzGznztSuBu7wuvSfm1I61lTZ9APmzr/w213-h136/gibberish%20m%20and%20j%20slide%201.jpg" width="213" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiciOZEQq9R-EDqZZKLEdjfN0LotbYnEVjgMd-8pIQJo6-7wzoaNIb7KGPFi1pYYVBRayRWLxy8520QjPDzFNm5NSAhmRZTY3vP-pO4D3DLeuuquzJ0puQh6Q-5OeiQnYZJLM0mTYB3kwl4x0o3tmR0CaiT1fKNSCZi1k5LYMyQkCYUkahip6zGr0/s748/gibberish%20m%20and%20j%20slide%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="748" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiciOZEQq9R-EDqZZKLEdjfN0LotbYnEVjgMd-8pIQJo6-7wzoaNIb7KGPFi1pYYVBRayRWLxy8520QjPDzFNm5NSAhmRZTY3vP-pO4D3DLeuuquzJ0puQh6Q-5OeiQnYZJLM0mTYB3kwl4x0o3tmR0CaiT1fKNSCZi1k5LYMyQkCYUkahip6zGr0/w205-h145/gibberish%20m%20and%20j%20slide%202.jpg" width="205" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">24. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gibberish-Game-Bible-version-Play-online-or-in-person-6609848"> </a></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gibberish-Game-Bible-version-Play-online-or-in-person-6609848">Gibberish</a></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - You could make this more active by having kids come up one by one to read the gibberish card...and see who the first person is that can guess what they're saying! If you aren't familiar with the game, you're given a nonsensical phrase that SOUNDS just like a real phrase. I turned it into a religious game. For example, "Could some hair eaten". What do you think that is? Say it out loud, try emphasizing different syllables, or saying it slower or faster :) Click the link to find out the answer ;) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">25. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-version-Yell-it-out-online-or-in-person-game-6455376">Yell it out! </a></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">- Have you ever played the board game Outburst? This is similar - but religious. You have one minute to yell out all 10 answers to the question - example: Parables. Six-seven of the 10 are pretty easy, but if you want to get all 10, you gotta think! This is best played with upper elementary/youth.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkgAj8WIslfssbYHEn3hqE3lbIL84VtNQgNsFrp3aht6K3g6AgOT9eOARZiZaoso29lkiao6LzJVNPes5Yih1rT2q8ZvLkX_0GxtLITjtzNAQOIdpLpEYVDBBGhTLGih1eHRrcIOFJK2u2eBiHvF-QIBgUTKXRd08pNTNSeiDMHr2Fp0LIe7yyr-S/s1366/5%20sec%20game%20main%20pic%20tpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkgAj8WIslfssbYHEn3hqE3lbIL84VtNQgNsFrp3aht6K3g6AgOT9eOARZiZaoso29lkiao6LzJVNPes5Yih1rT2q8ZvLkX_0GxtLITjtzNAQOIdpLpEYVDBBGhTLGih1eHRrcIOFJK2u2eBiHvF-QIBgUTKXRd08pNTNSeiDMHr2Fp0LIe7yyr-S/s320/5%20sec%20game%20main%20pic%20tpt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">26. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Second-Game-Bible-version-5286201">5 Second game</a></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> - This is also a Bible/religious game that gives you a category and you have 5 seconds to name 3 things in that category. Animals that may have been at the stable, parts of worship, fruits of the spirit, etc. Some of the categories are more difficult than others. If you're playing with younger elementary, I would go through the cards and pick the ones that you know your kids would know.</span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">27. </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Zingo-Bingo-game-with-a-twist--5278173"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Zingo</span></b></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> - I know you've all played Bingo before, but have you played Zingo? It's a fast paced version of Bingo! I made a Bible picture version with 50 cards so 50 kids can play at once! Click the link for more specific instructions.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">28. </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alpha-to-Omega-Bible-Jr-game-for-kids-5264819"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Alpha to Omega</span></b></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> - you've probably also played the popular game Apples to Apples - here is the religious version I made!</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">29. </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/I-haveWho-has-3-Bible-versions-of-the-game-3395899"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I have...who has </span></b></a><span style="font-size: medium;">- Three Bible version of this game - books of the Bible, OT people and NT people. Each set can be played with 20 people.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Seems I'm one short :) lol. Someone give me one more idea so it can be 30! ;) Hopefully you have read at least one idea that you love and can't wait to use with your group! If you have any other ideas that I could add, please write them in the comments below so others can read it! Thanks and God bless!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-6441075020678864802021-10-17T19:12:00.001-04:002022-02-20T07:04:43.404-05:00Fun ways to play the dice game with ten dice - Tenzi!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbGoBnxa1SzAuYXX-FrBHAvL5EUxuscurW2CPHM3VtbZCRDpJOYc_wwOFemITLx6VmHfPxwnobhz411OgYrv1f6mwLFupUKe5f44hjQ-MikDzOftig-tGlzB4oaMVYtY44K5mjh6qQAA/s640/IMG_6649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="640" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbGoBnxa1SzAuYXX-FrBHAvL5EUxuscurW2CPHM3VtbZCRDpJOYc_wwOFemITLx6VmHfPxwnobhz411OgYrv1f6mwLFupUKe5f44hjQ-MikDzOftig-tGlzB4oaMVYtY44K5mjh6qQAA/s320/IMG_6649.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> After buying this game and playing it with my preteens, I really enjoyed it! And I realized it could be played SOOO many different ways! So, I've created a few on my teachers pay teachers store so I could share them with other educators. Each costs $1.25, and if you buy all 5 you pay for 4 and get one free! Three are religious - parable review, Bible stories, and Christmas; and two are holidays - Valentine's Day and Thanksgiving (both non religious). <p></p><p>You can play a variety of different ways. We played in our family - all four of us - with 10 dice each and competed one card at a time. So, with 10 cards in each deck, you can have 10 winners. Another way to play, is to print out all ten cards for each person, and race through them! Who can finish first?</p><p>If you are playing in your class, you can form small groups and compete one on one in your small groups. Or, you can form pairs and the pairs compete against each other (either all at once, or one pair vs another pair). Instead of each person getting 10 dice, each person in the pair gets 5 dice to roll. Then, you just follow the directions as normal.</p><p>Another way to play, would be to form small groups of 4 and divide up the dice so each person has 2-3. This would make it more difficult when the directions involve different numbers being rolled. They would need to communicate! </p><p>If you're playing online together, have them collect their own 10 dice, or deliver to them each person in your group (or maybe they can pick them up somewhere?). You can then read the card and it's directions and they compete one on one at their own homes. </p><p>There are so many variations! If you think of another way to play, comment below! One other way to play - if you buy all of my packs (10 cards in each pack), you can combine them together and deal them out to people so that they have a variety of themes to play with and no one has the same cards.</p><p>Here are the 5 that I have created so far:</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Turkey-Dice-game-for-Thanksgiving-4184774">Thanksgiving</a></b></span> (not religious) - This is purely fun and interesting facts about turkeys and Thanksgiving!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85tsJT0HEVRkJE6TxNBUhbsrso56o9P7js4XwtfRnEAEt-aM7uA8JNDZWq1YIxU4a8YpZyFBoFVE8lVNOxG_cIk3LYVMrERmX-uY3EKq_nJzONIne3GnDfAl7h_Tfze3HcdxzBF9NVcc/s425/turkey+tenzi+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="425" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85tsJT0HEVRkJE6TxNBUhbsrso56o9P7js4XwtfRnEAEt-aM7uA8JNDZWq1YIxU4a8YpZyFBoFVE8lVNOxG_cIk3LYVMrERmX-uY3EKq_nJzONIne3GnDfAl7h_Tfze3HcdxzBF9NVcc/s320/turkey+tenzi+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Story-Dice-Game-religious-using-ten-dice-7341293">Christmas Story </a></span></b>(religious) - These cards all have either a fact or question about the Christmas story found in Luke 2. If there is a question, they have to answer it correctly first and then do the rolling.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ydWmI0E3D4qhy7xrafmDYyizufE4i7e9oHL5QJXNEYsfNALJDmLPZlyL1RQzzkgN6sJ1ADbwAgWLdekY8sPMKuw2YCmQnleM9_L0b6ztYPwPeToE95lBvMbjHLMmwbUFetPcw-_nUpU/s1212/xmas+tenzi+graphic+one+card.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1212" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ydWmI0E3D4qhy7xrafmDYyizufE4i7e9oHL5QJXNEYsfNALJDmLPZlyL1RQzzkgN6sJ1ADbwAgWLdekY8sPMKuw2YCmQnleM9_L0b6ztYPwPeToE95lBvMbjHLMmwbUFetPcw-_nUpU/s320/xmas+tenzi+graphic+one+card.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-fun-fact-Dice-Game-with-10-dice-7349188">Valentine's Day </a></span></b>(not religious) - This is similar to the Thanksgiving game in that it is fun facts that you probably didn't know about Valentine's Day! :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxwwK5b2iOp-ESOAc3wjDQuE91AphVbUYXzEvYSsN5WVtKMfFqRMtIYTAsAgsgsBzRyYn_vEftZhVkCDI-lyETe-J6m6K2LErjqrjFNWo14EcZkwpdC8KKU-lLNoK6k_sRYKxV5OUH28/s1083/valentines+tenzi+one+card+graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="1083" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxwwK5b2iOp-ESOAc3wjDQuE91AphVbUYXzEvYSsN5WVtKMfFqRMtIYTAsAgsgsBzRyYn_vEftZhVkCDI-lyETe-J6m6K2LErjqrjFNWo14EcZkwpdC8KKU-lLNoK6k_sRYKxV5OUH28/s320/valentines+tenzi+one+card+graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Dice-Game-with-10-dice-7341538">Bible Stories</a></span></b> - This version has 10 cards that reference different (random) Bible stories. As in the Christmas story, some cards are questions that have to be answered, and others just have facts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKKx26ZZegWpXPHCUA08DFJbDfDkaz65h7VMPijrmSzBD_Hzz1F4ee9gC6S3sJhtKpzOb7VPxCnnHYDCN39riMGwtNdTcyN_IjpBp6oIl93dZbPG3w62A47HzBraGHOqySf0pUMESNU8/s1056/bible+tenzi+main+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="1056" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKKx26ZZegWpXPHCUA08DFJbDfDkaz65h7VMPijrmSzBD_Hzz1F4ee9gC6S3sJhtKpzOb7VPxCnnHYDCN39riMGwtNdTcyN_IjpBp6oIl93dZbPG3w62A47HzBraGHOqySf0pUMESNU8/s320/bible+tenzi+main+pic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parable-Review-Dice-Game-with-10-dice-7342416">Parable Review </a></span></b>- Is your class learning about the parables? This is a fun way to review them at the end! Each card references a parable and asks a question (or gives a direction to follow).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ru4Rlr2bjAVzLHSEBjSqkDkCT31LRlCWszv7f6axwy1UjniHYZuw2h67AwFkCZ-6FctVdJ5QdD88NJiLDnTpn1Aw1T6MXxKmZXJxWRwECOup2efMzD5l6HLKc0mNkNGwukBeA-bZbSY/s1201/parable+tenzi+one+card+graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1201" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ru4Rlr2bjAVzLHSEBjSqkDkCT31LRlCWszv7f6axwy1UjniHYZuw2h67AwFkCZ-6FctVdJ5QdD88NJiLDnTpn1Aw1T6MXxKmZXJxWRwECOup2efMzD5l6HLKc0mNkNGwukBeA-bZbSY/s320/parable+tenzi+one+card+graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Can you think of other Bible stories or ways to play? Share below!<div>Thanks for reading :) <br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-60905371594354367802021-10-09T17:42:00.006-04:002022-09-15T10:36:19.314-04:00Interactive Trunks for Trunk or Treating<div class="separator"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Interactive Trunks!!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSg7kOHCac-wfsAzGuxfUqT0o1kJ-JmknOGd8nKCmpGCSZRWpK0qhjypHHdIYYt9y6d4IuHJNrjd-4-awa7S1r5PsGSjnf3y5vtQ-wz9Rab3Q0uzcAXZbj5uY_ilBRG_VxJjXK283lS0/s640/IMG_6446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSg7kOHCac-wfsAzGuxfUqT0o1kJ-JmknOGd8nKCmpGCSZRWpK0qhjypHHdIYYt9y6d4IuHJNrjd-4-awa7S1r5PsGSjnf3y5vtQ-wz9Rab3Q0uzcAXZbj5uY_ilBRG_VxJjXK283lS0/s320/IMG_6446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have been to many trunk or treats and I have also led them for many years (want some of my pointers, tips, and other ideas? check out an <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2013/09/trunk-or-treat-time-36-awesome-ideas.html">old blogpost</a> that I've been updating over the last decade!). I can tell you what makes a FUN one and what makes a LAME one. I can also tell you what keeps the kids there and what doesn't. It all boils down to two things - and they aren't that hard! I ask ALL my decorators to do this and almost all of them comply - and it makes all the difference in the world. The last trunk or treat we did (pre covid), I had someone come up to me and say - of ALL the trunk or treats in our city, yours is always the best. That's awesome to hear, but I didn't do anything but ask my decorators to do ONE thing. And that is - </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Make your trunks INTERACTIVE!!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why? I'll tell you. One, your beautiful, awesome, amazing trunks are going to be <i>completely</i> lost on the kids unless you MAKE them stick around and actually <i>look</i> at it :) Cause they have one thing on their mind - candy. They don't care WHAT your trunk looks like :) They just want CANDY! lol. #truth However, if they have to play a game to earn or win the candy? Then you have them! Not only that, the longer they hang around at each trunk, the longer they are at your church or venue - which is what you want! And two, it's just overall a lot more fun. Kids like to DO, not just LOOK. So whatever you can think of for them to do at your trunk, they'll love it! I decided to advertise my church's trunk or treat one year by participating in another one. There were around 15 trunks there. I was the only one who had a game at their trunk. Guess which trunk the kids flocked to and lined up for? Yep. It doesn't have to be amazing or unique - just give the kiddos <i>something to do</i>. Your trunk will mean much more to them, I promise :) </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One other suggestion that you may scoff at, but I promise you the parents AND the kids appreciate it. Give out prizes - not just candy! Included below are some trunks that got creative and gave out something OTHER than candy. And let me tell you - there were NO complaints!</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Shameless plug here: I wrote a month long <u>interactive</u> Thanksgiving FAMILY devotional that I'm very excited about! Check it out <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2022/06/religious-family-devotional-of.html">here</a>!</i></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2022/06/religious-family-devotional-of.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1551" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQobbjmuGuJCoY_yWg_YuYae43UYYpQ5SyYLy6KQCrvya1Yr6lD4siQoOYLd1pSqsDxdPLbr3cdTgMXrHGhvDahcZY-D7WxxXPZGZ-Ylc_kduiqrJ5gpXRYNZ3d_zuX2ntLbhO3n5riPV5PbLp-fghpRDGd8FCcsxW7VcRUHrnA9_EfmlqOqXWqqG-/s320/thxgiving%20devo%20main%20pic.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>So, here are <strike>25</strike> 28 really fun, incredible ways to ENGAGE the kids at your trunks! Almost all of these are trunks that someone in one of my churches has done - or I have done. Good luck and have fun! :) </b></span></p><p>1. <b>Duck hunt</b> - this one is not the one we had at our church, but I didn't get a pic of ours. Basically, it was a blow up pool like this one with tons of little rubber duckies floating around. The guy had also put a little motor in the pool so that they moved around :) He went all out. You don't have to do that though - just write a number underneath each duckie (1, 2 and maybe one 3) and throw them in the pool! Tell the kids to pull one out and whatever number it says is how many pieces of candy/prizes they get. Personally, I would also write "duck" under a few and let some of them win an actual rubber ducky! (this is a great example of non-candy prizes!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDSHlSXWUTR5WOgKh55zGpOeHvr-QrWhL0AJMSXnwUryiayMlYHg-UXnSl2BDMyQohviewnuACGrJZMxLh6Z5dYvoEQsvH9Y6UvhQi-Q6r9txYaibf4V_04loehIbJgV1-hjTeDKHupw/s2048/Danielles-Rubber-Ducky-Trunk-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDSHlSXWUTR5WOgKh55zGpOeHvr-QrWhL0AJMSXnwUryiayMlYHg-UXnSl2BDMyQohviewnuACGrJZMxLh6Z5dYvoEQsvH9Y6UvhQi-Q6r9txYaibf4V_04loehIbJgV1-hjTeDKHupw/s320/Danielles-Rubber-Ducky-Trunk-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>2. <b>Pumpkin patch</b> - unfortunately I don't have a pic of our pumpkin patch either, but it was really neat! The theme was Charlie brown and the pumpkin patch - like the pic below. But the interactive part was a large piece of styrofoam painted green and there were pumpkins sticking out on popsicle sticks :) The kids pulled a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and got that many pieces of candy! </p><p>Along the same lines, you could do other kinds of "pulls" - like a <b>Lollipop pull</b>. If the stem of the lollipop is colored, they get to pick out an extra prize!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTX8TIvZr5xw-pEgKBgtBXGBlUDQ7msMECoFOGpsdh9MDsaVrFBo1SgfkX18Uo7omO7BUanA6qveXnz0ogXR562fTsmhkLzJq4-5fDcOcAHni6c0Ur9BuocXEyZo1vuIMS6CODM-ifjc8/s750/Charlie-Brown-Great-Pumpkin-Easy-Trunk-or-Treat-Design.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="750" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTX8TIvZr5xw-pEgKBgtBXGBlUDQ7msMECoFOGpsdh9MDsaVrFBo1SgfkX18Uo7omO7BUanA6qveXnz0ogXR562fTsmhkLzJq4-5fDcOcAHni6c0Ur9BuocXEyZo1vuIMS6CODM-ifjc8/s320/Charlie-Brown-Great-Pumpkin-Easy-Trunk-or-Treat-Design.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbF4B6otIc-rLtSBbeFfiSAA48t0WBBPpPjPZj9AUGw6K8xlNGMb3H7gu1tNLDUac9bOOV5EwtmGPj4XB7UGIUnSeQqudmr1fudmnmOCm0UI6ASbifBlCzXf4QKsdCOQRfbggaOl2bm0/s1440/lollipop+pull.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbF4B6otIc-rLtSBbeFfiSAA48t0WBBPpPjPZj9AUGw6K8xlNGMb3H7gu1tNLDUac9bOOV5EwtmGPj4XB7UGIUnSeQqudmr1fudmnmOCm0UI6ASbifBlCzXf4QKsdCOQRfbggaOl2bm0/s320/lollipop+pull.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>3. <b>Toy story sandbox</b> - This was so creative! The whole family dressed up as the Toy Story characters and they brought in a little sandbox. They threw little prizes/treasures in the sand that the kids had to search for :) Once they found a treasure, they also got a piece of candy! We got rained out a few years and had to move inside...so our "trunks" were in the gym. It still worked though!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMa8dhFtvCpDMNjbs4Z-GhCslRO1DBmoOlgl_MSr_tm7X0FAL4Hn6pC7SZKuC4xfBJmrwXBG9kpMEw32lH_BHC0eXvioECMOu269f7pZ_va9kvg9yvJVhK-aU328ZFe07id8SxOUc3Nc/s2016/sandbox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMa8dhFtvCpDMNjbs4Z-GhCslRO1DBmoOlgl_MSr_tm7X0FAL4Hn6pC7SZKuC4xfBJmrwXBG9kpMEw32lH_BHC0eXvioECMOu269f7pZ_va9kvg9yvJVhK-aU328ZFe07id8SxOUc3Nc/s320/sandbox.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>4. <b>Lego trunk</b> - This was amazing. He decorated his whole stand with lego paper and legos and had cups filled with different colored water. Very attractive to the kids! They threw in ping pong balls until they got one - and whatever color they landed in determined their prize!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMu_1wj5Y0CJ5Dejq_zateuEN4sKmRRMAvXJufo3A9FcKZTXLmGsDVydw0ctaOZie_XgXdysGY2O8rPvY97WHBFb5KAMfX7hbF4tVDl00stVdmMUXvxLlJUeJ1VMBvStVY42oOMJ9Npcg/s960/lego+ball+toss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMu_1wj5Y0CJ5Dejq_zateuEN4sKmRRMAvXJufo3A9FcKZTXLmGsDVydw0ctaOZie_XgXdysGY2O8rPvY97WHBFb5KAMfX7hbF4tVDl00stVdmMUXvxLlJUeJ1VMBvStVY42oOMJ9Npcg/s320/lego+ball+toss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/21-Religious-Bible-Lego-Stem-cards-for-children-or-youth-7394693" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="2000" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76feODDDnjLQ4zWmff2Z51sGiR4w1Ev4WrTzMV5A4WiJWP0jCQI8t5l_vxt7up7E3QO-Qz2OkqK_Ojgw3Iq4lddCqXIYpqZgaO83J0CFKqUzSf3Sh9cjug7MNt8VDyWpdrG9hmuCSzG9lqqQ56fa_jdZsu_tNPsMvk-sTsH6JgbdUBnorJyOQ4oyN/w525-h126/lego%20pic%20all%203%20for%20ad.png" width="525" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>5. <b>Go fish</b> - We used our gaga ball pit indoors and made a huge "lake". We filled it with fish that had paperclips on them. With simple homemade sticks with magnets, they "fished" one out of the lake and whatever it said is what they got! This could easily be done at a trunk outside as well. We just had the space and were indoors, so it worked for us :) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2jdm3C6Dh3XGcWONXnVj2X02mHHwEBJ9w0nfzTyZilrMtlFmQHgtPcxeg5eVLNyjt3jMNQ-67Im2FEQMPqLPUbCSFVjxtBZueMLl9bMU-c9KwvhcHIvH2ctTJNh_zVMVmXJy_D3T5TI/s960/go+fish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2jdm3C6Dh3XGcWONXnVj2X02mHHwEBJ9w0nfzTyZilrMtlFmQHgtPcxeg5eVLNyjt3jMNQ-67Im2FEQMPqLPUbCSFVjxtBZueMLl9bMU-c9KwvhcHIvH2ctTJNh_zVMVmXJy_D3T5TI/s320/go+fish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>6. <b>Dr. seuss ring toss</b> - Dr. Seuss trunks are very popular - and rightfully so! I made ours into a "One cup, Two cup, Red Cup, Blue cup" play on words. Whichever cup they landed in was the prize that they got! Some cups also entitled you to win a Truffala tree!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLuf8z4dVKZt9XydP9acRxvfdNI4OAQMlfV3l660y0GCBST_y0g7Zsf7rV0jauFnERMqU7cP8JMlU8OlhgOhs9ET0suyBWw_fCHrf4kExcUaJYNfhQgibX6soFGji6jtAnlb0P9INGhs/s960/seuss+trunk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLuf8z4dVKZt9XydP9acRxvfdNI4OAQMlfV3l660y0GCBST_y0g7Zsf7rV0jauFnERMqU7cP8JMlU8OlhgOhs9ET0suyBWw_fCHrf4kExcUaJYNfhQgibX6soFGji6jtAnlb0P9INGhs/s320/seuss+trunk.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my truffala trees are off to the side :) The little girl is getting ready to throw a ball into one of the cups. There is a backboard to the game so pretty much every ball went in somewhere.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiicu28sWlJCipJPS04ZyDSb8DHFcM9CsNkct97KgY0iXBILK7fOS0Ooc3hkopln1gsIHV3lqI0Ve44ysNEJHIh1p-JjOi01OvllEqksCm0fuVqpkHXCXjxiQzJofaGpKDr31APkH-INM/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="591" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiicu28sWlJCipJPS04ZyDSb8DHFcM9CsNkct97KgY0iXBILK7fOS0Ooc3hkopln1gsIHV3lqI0Ve44ysNEJHIh1p-JjOi01OvllEqksCm0fuVqpkHXCXjxiQzJofaGpKDr31APkH-INM/" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">make your own truffala tree pencils to give out :) </td></tr></tbody></table><p>7. <b>Library trunk</b> - this is simple and just like it sounds. make your trunk into a library. I collected books throughout the year - donations, library book sales, etc. I put them out every year in a library trunk and the kids could pick a book to take home. Some walked right by and didn't care...but most LOVED stopping and picking out whatever book they wanted!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORrTQ1TlLP_rPVwX_ab7-gHh4OpSmMVcJ1jdXr9r5Xqlnd8zp8JFEx41tOpst3QGkPMuSnPXNsn_8Lmo_wER7jk776YZo5I9QjooemjMJBTAMQceL9zpe-YsQ4NRU0kihR3YJN0GwZ9M/s960/library+trunk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="960" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORrTQ1TlLP_rPVwX_ab7-gHh4OpSmMVcJ1jdXr9r5Xqlnd8zp8JFEx41tOpst3QGkPMuSnPXNsn_8Lmo_wER7jk776YZo5I9QjooemjMJBTAMQceL9zpe-YsQ4NRU0kihR3YJN0GwZ9M/s320/library+trunk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a pic from the year we were inside, but we also did it outside.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><p>8. <b>Super mario throw</b> - a few of our youth thought this one up! They were mario and luigi, they made coins, mushroom men, and fireballs to throw :) Knock them over and get your candy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tiNzZ0mdSKk73A8Ma3jgSZ7D1sAsn8-IoCX4OIhn8cBi2MgSXzY6dzxW_J68Eqm_zRvdlp0L-jPJz4eMTSglKbpxjtGwIwXxPCCLGky-fOLQ-AQnFNN_-aQsK3mpS3oXwcLG_urM-Jc/s960/mario+throw2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tiNzZ0mdSKk73A8Ma3jgSZ7D1sAsn8-IoCX4OIhn8cBi2MgSXzY6dzxW_J68Eqm_zRvdlp0L-jPJz4eMTSglKbpxjtGwIwXxPCCLGky-fOLQ-AQnFNN_-aQsK3mpS3oXwcLG_urM-Jc/s320/mario+throw2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJmYp51VuSjrn6FKDBBzcT75ArW8iGwMVAO_u5WEaJhHb3CtoqPCX3gSTgplpEoSRCWudlw_Hm1CtV3tTr8U5LrDMbpMzAiaKR7QtkfqPP8RueQEm6_DX4wZObLTIMGmdcjB7k5B3A1I/s960/mario+throw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJmYp51VuSjrn6FKDBBzcT75ArW8iGwMVAO_u5WEaJhHb3CtoqPCX3gSTgplpEoSRCWudlw_Hm1CtV3tTr8U5LrDMbpMzAiaKR7QtkfqPP8RueQEm6_DX4wZObLTIMGmdcjB7k5B3A1I/s320/mario+throw.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the added touch that the candy was in the green tubes!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>9. <b>Escape room trunk</b> - this was a VERY simple yet fun activity for the kids. it did get a little backed up as each child got 30 seconds to look inside the house. But, with everything else going on, we simply told the kids to go walk around to a few more trunks and come back :) I found a little house prop that we had in storage (a cardboard box would work just as well). I got a blacklight pen and some blacklight paint and painted 15 pumpkins inside. I told them they had 30 seconds to go in the house with their blacklights and tell me how many pumpkins they saw - before they could come out and get their candy! They loved it! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2pFD56tfU22EJwdDb45ijF9fZXJk3r2r7dLs8Chio2db6b65mT6cKfZMyGA9n_iYXLPn2B3WgfGqZCokhlf0YJsHeWwj1fgZ8JIGSivn87rAbqijcizU2rv5nT5KAYtCSM994FEcjXk/s960/escape+room2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2pFD56tfU22EJwdDb45ijF9fZXJk3r2r7dLs8Chio2db6b65mT6cKfZMyGA9n_iYXLPn2B3WgfGqZCokhlf0YJsHeWwj1fgZ8JIGSivn87rAbqijcizU2rv5nT5KAYtCSM994FEcjXk/s320/escape+room2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66ZKuF-djOR3O1ORnxRm3_tAYLw8HSHuYPFps04bwbm7OOWfLMUNOnRPsIOHd04kvs-TTOvvLca4Onyx2vU46lWOyeTf8e1RFKEZTanMAdBqIrzONlwjY7phBTXn9Y6M2Y2V8KbxEsIg/s960/escape+room.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66ZKuF-djOR3O1ORnxRm3_tAYLw8HSHuYPFps04bwbm7OOWfLMUNOnRPsIOHd04kvs-TTOvvLca4Onyx2vU46lWOyeTf8e1RFKEZTanMAdBqIrzONlwjY7phBTXn9Y6M2Y2V8KbxEsIg/s320/escape+room.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2019/10/scripture-basedreligious-escape-rooms.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="255" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjC-b-dFRo4lVsYDarmWiLn_39lQensPcdhCuerwP3CZXHURJ7NZl_XbPnJ99HXceAL9eLh0IavOkJorZPMA99c5viBun0L74WrWPFB7fdfAqsEd0yJD-7ALHIgTjp1Dyxbprg7cfwqJqXophTlxlrTZWgAbXpNgQJNbArARru675kAGQjm-RiDTx/w74-h93/escape%20room%20graphic.jpg" width="74" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>10. <b>Hockey</b> - our pastor and his wife came up with this idea! They dressed as hockey players and set up a ramp on their pick up truck. Hit the ball up the ramp, into the goal, and score some candy!</p><p>You could do this with other sports as well! <b>Basketball</b> wouldn't be hard to set up, and someone actually made a small <b>field goal</b>!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr7bSrZHTmEfYs3cdW8mk6UCUlE26TYp6v0XUAafSJnsCLTxdMMkVjc8G0we_LlR8Nr_hw-KSqWfzShcxPAvKkNhSCIafq9bZzf_D5VY6saRBrKSDuFCBP2EVkNZoKMxoI0oUHWj4Vq4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr7bSrZHTmEfYs3cdW8mk6UCUlE26TYp6v0XUAafSJnsCLTxdMMkVjc8G0we_LlR8Nr_hw-KSqWfzShcxPAvKkNhSCIafq9bZzf_D5VY6saRBrKSDuFCBP2EVkNZoKMxoI0oUHWj4Vq4/" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnKu8YmLkns7lVbzOquq7-yTs2l3fS4DPAF14fZ1ldxpjFx4I493q7Y0sRgI8nCVrQaCsKdDflolmmtZsUKsX6pII5IwYyBiDXIHn6zxCzX1MkOOoVH6rUNg3jYj7rKRnj9Sdpk7752I/s564/fieldgoal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnKu8YmLkns7lVbzOquq7-yTs2l3fS4DPAF14fZ1ldxpjFx4I493q7Y0sRgI8nCVrQaCsKdDflolmmtZsUKsX6pII5IwYyBiDXIHn6zxCzX1MkOOoVH6rUNg3jYj7rKRnj9Sdpk7752I/s320/fieldgoal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>11. <b>Fun photo op</b> - this could be all kinds of things. One year, we had someone bring a camera that could print out photos immediately and they gave them out! This photo is of one of our local dentists who came out and promoted his practice :) He is known as the "cowboy" dentist so the trunk fit his theme. The cool thing about these photo ops, is that you can add a hashtag which helps promote your activity!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JDRq3uVcVsf0optAb2Yv-hjJRz8cG805948OGEk20DpCJraG8D2gyabD9VoQCuvnvNvLL9HqUHNq1rWHj7199HDGDGb_2ZMABHZOVk4H9qFgx1a2Zzn5dIVm_vQ7dOSytKsGs7FLUsQ/s960/photo+op.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JDRq3uVcVsf0optAb2Yv-hjJRz8cG805948OGEk20DpCJraG8D2gyabD9VoQCuvnvNvLL9HqUHNq1rWHj7199HDGDGb_2ZMABHZOVk4H9qFgx1a2Zzn5dIVm_vQ7dOSytKsGs7FLUsQ/s320/photo+op.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>12. <b>Charlotte's web - spider toss</b> - this was something we came up with at the last second. It's very easy - spider webs from the dollar tree, a blow up spider toss game from the dollar tree, and our stuffed pig. Charlotte's web! Simple, but the kids enjoyed throwing the rings on the spider :) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsUVB2l7dTuOFLeebhXDSc_mjRKUMsqCVL2i0uLX7Q4H0dFpQNfmIxNI6jdD3tT3qq59bM1B5ZqBU7Xpw3POlAulSnIB6Kw9Bi8xKZpfwnVZSxJ1nOnVcd2460oVGjGGHinY_BELsPOk/s480/charlottes+web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="359" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsUVB2l7dTuOFLeebhXDSc_mjRKUMsqCVL2i0uLX7Q4H0dFpQNfmIxNI6jdD3tT3qq59bM1B5ZqBU7Xpw3POlAulSnIB6Kw9Bi8xKZpfwnVZSxJ1nOnVcd2460oVGjGGHinY_BELsPOk/s320/charlottes+web.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><p>13. <b>Origami/craft table</b> - every year, I also set up 1-2 tables in between a few trunks that had some very simple, DIY crafts on them. No one was needed to "man" the table - it was just a fun 'stop' along the way and the kids enjoyed some arts and crafts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRo3HKWaPa1D8iFBrWEwuFfUjlRe0Q_YJM1SBxabnUOs3kttDYI6Bwr_q2Aq8alZQ09rWvfESmJB2L7A7xOhGXYgSm3dMdzqj1f4_v8GTSE86yojSyI5dViFQxg0pOetqvBo1ZcGn0k0/s960/craft+table.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRo3HKWaPa1D8iFBrWEwuFfUjlRe0Q_YJM1SBxabnUOs3kttDYI6Bwr_q2Aq8alZQ09rWvfESmJB2L7A7xOhGXYgSm3dMdzqj1f4_v8GTSE86yojSyI5dViFQxg0pOetqvBo1ZcGn0k0/s320/craft+table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>14. <b> I spy</b> - Throw a lot of stuff in your trunk (keep a list of what's in there so you can call out items for them to find!), and play I Spy! I also otok pics of stuff in the trunk so the non-readers could find stuff by matching pictures :) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlLqHa6QGZ3AgsxisuR3OXu0pgqjDC-HGDLBDSrFuLw2kHUr9suf4Ow_zFR1QTX_OZv_ghGGtSo-pccet2ObBmgx0pFP_KnHFjwVltaCVxfz-ZWE1GSD6YlnOni5Ti6sPV809FfH17go/s640/i+spy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlLqHa6QGZ3AgsxisuR3OXu0pgqjDC-HGDLBDSrFuLw2kHUr9suf4Ow_zFR1QTX_OZv_ghGGtSo-pccet2ObBmgx0pFP_KnHFjwVltaCVxfz-ZWE1GSD6YlnOni5Ti6sPV809FfH17go/s320/i+spy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>15. <b>Darts</b> - this is self explanatory. I don't have a pic, but you can get magnet darts and put any kind of theme with it!</p><p>16. <b>Carnival spinning wheel</b> - spinning wheels are always fun :) Put all kinds of prizes/candy on your wheel and let them spin away!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-gqOBh9SxAGkom2tS6LxWMh83fZ02driALCgK5o87wSkaKgTQMP92e11bjT_HZjwLKcEKQw_ERQx59yZ1wOurrlFQ_hP4oFiB8h-FTbRDRhyGI1VvgY2Hw0Pbdi6SMsginfcClkg4Ps/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-gqOBh9SxAGkom2tS6LxWMh83fZ02driALCgK5o87wSkaKgTQMP92e11bjT_HZjwLKcEKQw_ERQx59yZ1wOurrlFQ_hP4oFiB8h-FTbRDRhyGI1VvgY2Hw0Pbdi6SMsginfcClkg4Ps/" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>17. <b>Favorite Sports team</b> - If you're in a town where sports is a big deal, this would be fun! Especially if you and a friend set up rival trunks :) Have some tattoos and quick face painting stuff available to make your trunk or treaters look sporty! One year, we had a family set up their camper with the game playing - as a "sports" trunk. Very creative! </p><p>18. <b>Bottle flipping</b> - this is not as big of a trend now as it used to be, but kids STILL love to do it! Set up a board and lay down pumpkins or whatever you want all over it - whatever your theme is. If the kids land the bottle on one of your targets, they win! This could be IN your trunk, or outside on the ground in front of your trunk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kxfPTzCalQEuuOrJc6skAmPkoM7-mr9KEQ_ia9DfROAmZAyeVdmjshG9ISh8AOarJ8jmd43VbezKc5Oo2eJjDVO20-eYtHuIuukCz8AftNosG4G2ywGEU_qs34YmhbGXOcj59K7JGpA/s960/bottle+flipping.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kxfPTzCalQEuuOrJc6skAmPkoM7-mr9KEQ_ia9DfROAmZAyeVdmjshG9ISh8AOarJ8jmd43VbezKc5Oo2eJjDVO20-eYtHuIuukCz8AftNosG4G2ywGEU_qs34YmhbGXOcj59K7JGpA/s320/bottle+flipping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>19. <b>Cornhole</b> - This is self explanatory and could be used for pretty much any theme.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAf8YWQ8DJXYC40GrEttFL3DlXF5_SKK_Non0QH2wM3w1wNaHmWm5jRzbNR6jKNi2zkSQWXTRpQaIQmR3434XDKQfCT1j05ceopYQ8qQrny81eS7LlaOu_YNarvSs1wIgZcImyJCA5Ps/s960/corn+hole.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAf8YWQ8DJXYC40GrEttFL3DlXF5_SKK_Non0QH2wM3w1wNaHmWm5jRzbNR6jKNi2zkSQWXTRpQaIQmR3434XDKQfCT1j05ceopYQ8qQrny81eS7LlaOu_YNarvSs1wIgZcImyJCA5Ps/s320/corn+hole.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>20. <b>Hopscotch</b> - this was a simple yet fun idea! It also worked outside or inside :) Draw a hopscotch board up to your trunk and they have to hop up to the candy.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqHglhSRgSLydBtVlQzPOBeZwovm91_gQff7vQaVdnsuYtW0Ph44YblQV8uYEjPZjkHu02Kn7A6RL_LUz1fptoonszRbJWbCizM_arP_toTnwh0tilyL_E_KK9gl7mhztTlIF9uVFxPc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqHglhSRgSLydBtVlQzPOBeZwovm91_gQff7vQaVdnsuYtW0Ph44YblQV8uYEjPZjkHu02Kn7A6RL_LUz1fptoonszRbJWbCizM_arP_toTnwh0tilyL_E_KK9gl7mhztTlIF9uVFxPc/" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p>21. <b>Twister </b>- one of our retired teachers thought of this idea! She had the game Twister as her theme and laid out candy on the board. She spun a few times and they played a few rounds, then she yelled out "right hand" or "left foot", etc.! Whatever candy your hand/foot was touching was what you got! Cakewalk - in the same manner as above, you could get baked good donations, prizes, etc. and do a "prizewalk" instead of a cakewalk. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIRLLzflUM8FL_uJLI8Xk3S_2lkNPDScRngXpmHG39C_owySvtGlXS3y06MQpEikLu1kuVOiwDpOJkM3YUIjOtYUsRqvDTVmGhJCRniuKR0XOOAO0iNZaxwDiOoeUJfoDazpwLtbilvU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="778" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIRLLzflUM8FL_uJLI8Xk3S_2lkNPDScRngXpmHG39C_owySvtGlXS3y06MQpEikLu1kuVOiwDpOJkM3YUIjOtYUsRqvDTVmGhJCRniuKR0XOOAO0iNZaxwDiOoeUJfoDazpwLtbilvU/" width="195" /></a></div><p></p><p>22. This family was so cute :) The made their own <b>bean bag throw game </b>with 101 Dalmations! You could do this with pretty much any theme as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH9jz8JZQojdXxIGPFtwonV6Ma3VmVcHMUOyEe49oa1uMFHHjgkSmdl0UjU3o47p1Qn0whlw0ZrOQ6mJ3RX8zmRplOSQjHsDcYcEcGsxSypy-vSLW9CcO83nbmeReYrH0MaZOTx2XzB4/s960/dalmation+throw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH9jz8JZQojdXxIGPFtwonV6Ma3VmVcHMUOyEe49oa1uMFHHjgkSmdl0UjU3o47p1Qn0whlw0ZrOQ6mJ3RX8zmRplOSQjHsDcYcEcGsxSypy-vSLW9CcO83nbmeReYrH0MaZOTx2XzB4/s320/dalmation+throw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>23. <b>Nerf guns</b> - I didn't get a pic of the trunk, but someone had set up targets in their trunk and the kids tried to shoot the targets with nerf guns.</p><p>24. <b>Beanie Babies and dinosaurs</b> - This isn't really interactive, but it goes along with the whole idea of giving out stuff besides candy. We had a Beanie baby seller in our church and for about three years, she set up these really cool trunks with 100s of Beanie babies. And, she let each of the kids choose one to take home with them! They LOVED it! </p><p>Use stuff you have at home and be creative! One family had this really cool dinosaur at home. When you touched its mouth, it chewed. So, they set up a Jurassic Park trunk, had a bucket of leaves to "feed" the dinosaur, and the kids (the littles especially), loved stopping by over and over to "feed" him!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6zWJ8uhXGL86s9QWentjxcQ5qd047_qNYzrYxHvUAV3RtaGLYna5WrkH_eKckhM2CMD4bBbvPTnTj0Jfu9QPHY1NR3d-i7hAbplLtO9YPvt2_3G88Bk-A-cCVNtTRXDglXFr2rlhCMw/s960/beanie+babies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6zWJ8uhXGL86s9QWentjxcQ5qd047_qNYzrYxHvUAV3RtaGLYna5WrkH_eKckhM2CMD4bBbvPTnTj0Jfu9QPHY1NR3d-i7hAbplLtO9YPvt2_3G88Bk-A-cCVNtTRXDglXFr2rlhCMw/s320/beanie+babies.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH4N431t0_pews0Mygs80HElVEttkjbPc4Emy6wh8n9srr11GwXcF0iSr4EYTleCzciMXdYn_SH96H-XewQ6dw24U-AacH8yYAdcQxEzPSI0r65wy2GJDFALjaHdorV5zESs9NIb8Zuk/s960/jurassic+park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH4N431t0_pews0Mygs80HElVEttkjbPc4Emy6wh8n9srr11GwXcF0iSr4EYTleCzciMXdYn_SH96H-XewQ6dw24U-AacH8yYAdcQxEzPSI0r65wy2GJDFALjaHdorV5zESs9NIb8Zuk/s320/jurassic+park.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>25. The <b>"touch table"</b>. This family had a fun idea to lay a cover over their trunk and cut holes in it where kids would stick their hands into the holes and "feel something". Unfortunately, they had to set it up inside - but it still worked! The kids' faces when they reached in were priceless :) And the last hole, of course, had candy :) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSKIC2N-besZUIHvKEVyNz_jXNXdQzFY18Cfu5QdzHWqpeXrUIojNR-DrwBfmZloO0MoX3NuB4xMQV4qmXbJh9ORoufDRIttvk1DA1PyoH_bKgAyHgcSVLuFAaL8bsWUcBEvF1wphO3g/s640/touch+table2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="640" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSKIC2N-besZUIHvKEVyNz_jXNXdQzFY18Cfu5QdzHWqpeXrUIojNR-DrwBfmZloO0MoX3NuB4xMQV4qmXbJh9ORoufDRIttvk1DA1PyoH_bKgAyHgcSVLuFAaL8bsWUcBEvF1wphO3g/s320/touch+table2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxE_3dVEaI6sYKneqSG9_iUWYujn10wCNXIZVum9Du33VDthNoYKruOU81vwbXBcGsabOns4e3-RTQXk25Uzmq4l4KDtEQ5jGOpQmiQMrKKrRxbBJkBnsjSUdDLT-f4YvQ2oL1gdza_A/s960/touch+table.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxE_3dVEaI6sYKneqSG9_iUWYujn10wCNXIZVum9Du33VDthNoYKruOU81vwbXBcGsabOns4e3-RTQXk25Uzmq4l4KDtEQ5jGOpQmiQMrKKrRxbBJkBnsjSUdDLT-f4YvQ2oL1gdza_A/s320/touch+table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>26. Found 3 more ideas this year so I'm including them :) One - Cat litter box! 😂 That is hilarious! Go hunt for a "surprise" ;) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr753I60l5vfFBH3EtezyfUhp5AYR3zwxjdQMzzgXJRxBg7A6VAt6L6bFjrAyggEeo9PO5f3A-d7WS_zCw0mQOeoHk627JXnMSiF1o8aZBD7ukNIhfInCP2nqRRUsL2T2QnW59TykbBHqgeMKFhVqC69druJIg4AuYgb3pgPW-dv-PsysakFIUDiet/s960/IMG_3067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr753I60l5vfFBH3EtezyfUhp5AYR3zwxjdQMzzgXJRxBg7A6VAt6L6bFjrAyggEeo9PO5f3A-d7WS_zCw0mQOeoHk627JXnMSiF1o8aZBD7ukNIhfInCP2nqRRUsL2T2QnW59TykbBHqgeMKFhVqC69druJIg4AuYgb3pgPW-dv-PsysakFIUDiet/s320/IMG_3067.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>27. Pirate shark attack where you have to safely "walk the plank" to get your candy! Too cute :) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_eiEp70bqHjJ2t9AlBbi78wV0BlL-xjl9fiOJKecRKQ9waew1mPeyR_hdsheELvIyzGOo7wsYj9MaseK4tbzY4UjGmQNLzO-jpEu6W0urJu6HeQFcXto520q-YpKAOeb4epb5CnF5syBAvm7LK_pL5OfcSSf2jev2tErZoLDRUiccBS7-55_HCMb/s960/IMG_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_eiEp70bqHjJ2t9AlBbi78wV0BlL-xjl9fiOJKecRKQ9waew1mPeyR_hdsheELvIyzGOo7wsYj9MaseK4tbzY4UjGmQNLzO-jpEu6W0urJu6HeQFcXto520q-YpKAOeb4epb5CnF5syBAvm7LK_pL5OfcSSf2jev2tErZoLDRUiccBS7-55_HCMb/s320/IMG_3066.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>28. Adding this to sports ideas! Kick a field goal to get your candy/prize :) I would use balloons so you aren't chasing balls all night lol. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaiO_dxEEuO_UlAOCTYgyxYden7BsttP5uLZas0H-CGee13_NuLgXV1C8Q0acRkNaoPDLs7QWRRtPV3T_VbCwQIqFuim9RdATdi82sBlaNN3O_sRtjkbhCNIDADaRfoynowHsB6rIpbPossBFg65_As2IK6IgOLpKrqbY30hCqnWLNEVD8vM6cCtR/s960/IMG_3065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaiO_dxEEuO_UlAOCTYgyxYden7BsttP5uLZas0H-CGee13_NuLgXV1C8Q0acRkNaoPDLs7QWRRtPV3T_VbCwQIqFuim9RdATdi82sBlaNN3O_sRtjkbhCNIDADaRfoynowHsB6rIpbPossBFg65_As2IK6IgOLpKrqbY30hCqnWLNEVD8vM6cCtR/s320/IMG_3065.JPG" width="176" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>So there ya go! Tons of ways to make your trunks interactive! If you need some guidelines and instructions to hand out to your decorators, feel f<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/guidelines-for-trunk-or-treat-3416684">ree to download mine</a> for free on my<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lauries-Little-Monkeys"> teachers pay teachers page</a>. Or, you could at least use it as a starting point. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIXrhisGBWiRpxKbpO23fhAqPbGom8cocVFx04l4wTRWZ6nWpN5AXtRJjHnxivKGOme5llb9osxGBtDrawa1jlgTqKzWX75WEI79oT_GpaqrDjo8grIo3T2Y_TRdDUGDeYC1xnT2WSHM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIXrhisGBWiRpxKbpO23fhAqPbGom8cocVFx04l4wTRWZ6nWpN5AXtRJjHnxivKGOme5llb9osxGBtDrawa1jlgTqKzWX75WEI79oT_GpaqrDjo8grIo3T2Y_TRdDUGDeYC1xnT2WSHM/" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Also - if you aren't a registered <a href="https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project">TEAL pumpkin site</a>, please look into being one. There are so many kids out there with allergies or strict diets and they can't have candy. Register, and then ask all your decorators to bring a bucket of prizes that can be given to those children. Make sure and advertise to your community that you are TEAL pumpkin site! There are tons of ideas out there for <a href="http://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2013/09/non-candy-treats-for-halloween.html">non-candy items </a>- but glowsticks (and their variations), fun pencils, stickers, play doh, bubbles, flashlights, are just a few ideas.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks for taking the time to read my blog! Did you know I create <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2021/07/religious-games-to-play-with-kidsyouth.html">religious games</a> and sell them on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LauriesLittleMonkeys">Etsy</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tons-of-religious-games-for-prek-elementary-youth-GROWING-bundle-5631562">Teachers pay teachers</a>? Including <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2019/10/scripture-basedreligious-escape-rooms.html">Escape Rooms</a>! Buy them separately or in a bundle and save! Check them out!</p><p><br /></p><p>In Christ,</p><p>Laurie</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-1006692542355297762021-10-09T10:17:00.015-04:002022-08-03T20:59:47.169-04:00Intergenerational games and activities!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2KQObnaE3v0pLPSDhcno2rJpFnydGbvCIZ1StnvC8A7ypdxtycbMjAtpZgdvylfza-tHQmzyzRT-sqkO0jSEjsrxqBCU_-bnQKfNmIz5S3eMsCNa7B8EUhfRWQn0woWo32gK-2nol4c/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="314" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2KQObnaE3v0pLPSDhcno2rJpFnydGbvCIZ1StnvC8A7ypdxtycbMjAtpZgdvylfza-tHQmzyzRT-sqkO0jSEjsrxqBCU_-bnQKfNmIz5S3eMsCNa7B8EUhfRWQn0woWo32gK-2nol4c/" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Intergenerational Fellowship and Activities!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many churches have been leaning towards more intergenerational studies, classes, worship, and activities. This is an awesome thing to see! If you haven't already heard of Gen On and their resources, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GenOnMinistries">follow them on Facebook</a> and check them out. Curricula, classes, worship - tons of ideas! This post is purely and simply about fun, fellowship activities. Many of our churches like to have monthly or quarterly fellowship nights where the <i>entire </i>church is invited. But what "fun" activity can you do with preschool up to elders? Well, I did some asking and I did some digging (thanks social media and pinterest) - hopefully at least one of these will be new to you! And hopefully you can add at least one of these to your repertoire of games and activities :) If you have anything to add to the list, please comment below!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUCQX-Y0t30D-72WT6RHtVEPt2TX8ByisrrXPnqxQUn4xkYPz8MBeoc7boecU-sCT3OIlHszxxMff9_frHQE8Ues3vkmx5KkHyYoivPpvPdxZi0M47Kq8kv2sYX4jUYGit3QW8-tAMb4/s1012/inter+games+graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1012" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUCQX-Y0t30D-72WT6RHtVEPt2TX8ByisrrXPnqxQUn4xkYPz8MBeoc7boecU-sCT3OIlHszxxMff9_frHQE8Ues3vkmx5KkHyYoivPpvPdxZi0M47Kq8kv2sYX4jUYGit3QW8-tAMb4/s320/inter+games+graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">GAME NIGHT ideas: </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are a lot of ideas and games that your group can play! Infinite in fact! Here are some ideas that other educators have come up with...but first, put some conversation starter cards on your tables to help your multi-ages interact! I made some "Would you Rather" religious cards if you'd like to use them :) (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Would-you-Rather-Bible-version-7755286">TPT here</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1225782321/religious-would-you-rather-bible-version?click_key=07adc70088abf342e820a374738528e298e23f54%3A1225782321&click_sum=6cf0c9a1&ref=shop_home_active_3">Etsy here</a>)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. <b>Board game night</b> - put one board game on each table and rotate. Or, buy 3-4 of the same board game and have each table play the same thing. A few that come to mind that every age can play (although they would need to be able to read for a few of these)...Apples to Apples (I made a religious version <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alpha-to-Omega-Bible-Jr-game-for-kids-5264819">here</a>), classics like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders, Tiny Hands, Telestrations, and Beat the Parents. I also <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2022/02/100-board-games-and-card-games-for-your.html">wrote a blog</a> with ONLY a list of board games. I asked educators for their favorites that they use in their ministry and got almost 100 ideas! To help you out they're organized by how many can play and then age.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B5pF8IYTaIqjA1J0OQ-yc1POU-wUXuaSMWxwqjJmNV3GAWWrSNlz2k0-9fa2SyGpT7Lsw-QuJeFLWD0T2A5rCyqQa-rVaamo1v5drZ6QhzviLuTKxvNWhOvhkYwXGVTP2sWvPzAdO4M/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B5pF8IYTaIqjA1J0OQ-yc1POU-wUXuaSMWxwqjJmNV3GAWWrSNlz2k0-9fa2SyGpT7Lsw-QuJeFLWD0T2A5rCyqQa-rVaamo1v5drZ6QhzviLuTKxvNWhOvhkYwXGVTP2sWvPzAdO4M/" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Tiny Hands...and yes, it really is that funny :) lol</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkJLQHOn7OjMgOYsoO7I3HDTbVpiX6l1mm_PDxYden5nLfmxb3QJUc228ZIeH_GHdC_ZORjaFOZFYrnOseSN6WZR9vwMTS3LYcirYOg97YNabfRI9SOaE91C1he0kTy0xM5a1TICY8ZE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkJLQHOn7OjMgOYsoO7I3HDTbVpiX6l1mm_PDxYden5nLfmxb3QJUc228ZIeH_GHdC_ZORjaFOZFYrnOseSN6WZR9vwMTS3LYcirYOg97YNabfRI9SOaE91C1he0kTy0xM5a1TICY8ZE/" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Play a <b>large group game</b> altogether or divide into two teams and compete. Some ideas for this are: Jeopardy, Scattergories, Charades, Pictionary, Outburst, Family Feud, Trivia, and Wheel of Fortune. You can find Jeopardy templates online so you can make your own - personalize it! Have categories that only those in your church might know, make a category of current popular games/toys/music and one from the 40s or 50s, etc. You can personalize <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Categories-Game-play-in-person-or-online-over-zoom-6450654">Scattergories</a>, Charades, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Second-Game-Bible-version-5286201">5 Second Rule</a> (or on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1211847046/5-second-bible-game?click_key=514826060d2166290ce77ffb2c2efae8ced418c3%3A1211847046&click_sum=a9138267&ref=shop_home_active_2">Etsy</a>), <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Pictionary-Easy-and-Hard-8017508">Pictionary</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wheel-of-Bible-Trivia-6-games-in-1-5625990">Wheel of Fortune</a> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1228366445/12-wheel-of-bible-trivia-games-religious?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=wheel+of+bible+games&ref=sr_gallery-3-9&organic_search_click=1https://www.etsy.com/listing/1228366445/12-wheel-of-bible-trivia-games-religious?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=wheel+of+bible+games&ref=sr_gallery-3-9&organic_search_click=1">12 religious versions on Etsy</a>), <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Faithful-Feud-play-online-or-in-person-7292983">Family Feud</a> (or on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1211857382/faithful-feud-church-family-religious?ref=listing_published_alert">Etsy</a>), and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-version-Yell-it-out-online-or-in-person-game-6455376">Outburst</a> as well, or buy the actual games online. I also made religious versions of some of them if you'd like to keep your games Biblical :) Just click on the game and it'll take you to the page. Family Feud also makes a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Steve-Harvey-Family-Parents-Party/dp/B07RYBJ4QP/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=parents+vs+kids&qid=1633784365&sr=8-6">parents vs kids</a> version. I haven't tried it, but it sounds like it could work! Although some of these games require you to read, I've found that teaming up the littlest ones with an older person works well! If you have your group divided into tables, then a LEGO night would be fun! Here are some religious <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/21-Religious-Lego-Stem-cards-for-church-7394693">Lego challenge cards</a> (or on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1225279903/3-sets-of-religious-printable-building?click_key=bd9832defefb5d426fdd7be2240626da2fea783e%3A1225279903&click_sum=0be00483&ref=shop_home_active_6">Etsy</a>) you could use at each table - or have everyone in the room do the same thing!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Adding to the one above, make your <b>trivia night</b> intergenerational by making up your own questions about different time periods! Make sure your teams have all different ages on them. If you do a search online or in some of the Christian Education facebook groups, you can find some intergenerational questions already made.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4. <b>Bingo/Zingo night!</b> Bingo is fun for all ages - you can even find printable picture Bingo cards online so your non-readers can play. </span><span style="font-size: large;">One church made a spin on this idea and had a Sundae Bingo night! Fun! </span><span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't heard of Zingo, it's a fast paced way to play Bingo that's really fun! </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bible-Zingo-Bingo-game-with-a-twist--5278173" style="font-size: large;">Here's a Bible version</a><span style="font-size: large;"> I made that has pictures so your little ones can play. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5. <b>Bunco Night!</b> I have not personally played this game, but I've heard it's a LOT of fun and after reading the <a href="https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Bunco">directions</a>, I'm all for it :) Another fun dice game you could play is Tenzi. I made some interesting versions of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-religioussecular-Dice-games-using-10-dice-7341551">Tenzi</a> - including some holiday and religious versions.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6. <b>Minute to Win it Games</b>. Just do a search online and you'll get tons of ideas. If you want less waste and less cost, I wrote a <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2021/10/14-minute-to-win-it-games-no-waste-and.html">blog</a> of some minute to win it games using very few supplies.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7. I liked the idea of one church that did a <b>Carnival Night</b>. Different age groups were in charge of setting up games from <i>their</i> time period! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOokRFXxGmtvlKOteYBjXrVCFUY5w6yh3_-mNAbShF95yLZtandhLPM2lwr9ZKYTLuEL2cEojtT65E_rieT1Xn6NYtun0HGAlm3IohDMD2rwLM3RJPwn49qRMGqFofPcIw6crHN8n3SMQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="473" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOokRFXxGmtvlKOteYBjXrVCFUY5w6yh3_-mNAbShF95yLZtandhLPM2lwr9ZKYTLuEL2cEojtT65E_rieT1Xn6NYtun0HGAlm3IohDMD2rwLM3RJPwn49qRMGqFofPcIw6crHN8n3SMQ/" width="177" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">8. <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-best-game-team-builder.html"> "The best" game</a>. This is a fun game I found online during one of my searches. It's a free printable and a really funny competition game :) When I played it with our youth group, I put all their names in a jar and pulled out two at random to "compete". If you are sitting at tables, this would be a really fun table game!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">9. <b>Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament</b>. This obviously can't be your only game for the evening :) lol. But it's an awesome icebreaker or filler that will take you around 10 minutes to play (more or less depending on your group size). The great thing about this game, is that when you lose, your goal is to then cheer for the person who beat you. So, by the end of the tournament, you have two sides (loudly!) cheering on their person!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">10. I saw a lot of churches and youth groups doing "<b>Silly Olympics</b>" this year since we had the summer Olympics. There are a lot of fun and hilarious versions out there - whatever theme you'd like! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fellowship Ideas:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC7HCLfIQNaRDxn039tlPiB33khm7bA9lAT46NmxP535O4HorFBYMKtg57CJGSxyH3IJsEbC6z3Hd21ibXqBznpmPNBgTSCV-P2pCNDhsorYF9tpLPxMjwPCol-b6oNtgmmFtriZ-ros/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC7HCLfIQNaRDxn039tlPiB33khm7bA9lAT46NmxP535O4HorFBYMKtg57CJGSxyH3IJsEbC6z3Hd21ibXqBznpmPNBgTSCV-P2pCNDhsorYF9tpLPxMjwPCol-b6oNtgmmFtriZ-ros/" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">11. <b>Movie Night</b> is always a popular option for an intergenerational evening. Indoor or outdoor! But have you ever thought of some ways to spice it up a little? One church had a scavenger hunt before the movie that introduced what the movie was going to be. We made up a Bingo game for one movie that had to do with people/phrases you would see/hear in our movie. When the person won a BINGO, they got a free bag of popcorn!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">12. <b>Talent Show</b> - but wait, this isn't your regular talent show! There is no preparation ahead of time (unless you want to), no practices, no planning! This is the "Weird and silly talent show"! What strange things can you do that others can't do? What is your weird and wacky talent?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9acUGtQlr8GuRVBGG9p1zu_KhIUr2l6rrEiFEjT8DyNEi6IkzZ5fhiiE8pB9om1ieEVmgOg2Trt13-jNhRWgn89zhWTSQzbESRHS-6IFmsEcLjoOhqq4JZY4UfSezLxseZak3eFW_LFo/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9acUGtQlr8GuRVBGG9p1zu_KhIUr2l6rrEiFEjT8DyNEi6IkzZ5fhiiE8pB9om1ieEVmgOg2Trt13-jNhRWgn89zhWTSQzbESRHS-6IFmsEcLjoOhqq4JZY4UfSezLxseZak3eFW_LFo/" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We chose a simple owl night painting. The teacher gave us some guidelines and then let us get creative! They all turned out very different :) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszkSL2D_m6Bkv0AVgjjXKw9_on5cz2htGewbylscvVAmM7Uloi6hco3m_hAOVT_GA4n2KDu32ksQUS9Yavj3xQq_brYJReTim-PcqD5EIn_ARNirFpVQLDbMcR6bJajK2c6tl3Rke7bA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszkSL2D_m6Bkv0AVgjjXKw9_on5cz2htGewbylscvVAmM7Uloi6hco3m_hAOVT_GA4n2KDu32ksQUS9Yavj3xQq_brYJReTim-PcqD5EIn_ARNirFpVQLDbMcR6bJajK2c6tl3Rke7bA/" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">13. <b>Art/Painting Night</b> - Do you have an artist in the church? For less than $5 each, get everyone a canvas and some paints, and teach them how to paint a specific picture. Search online for "simple paintings" and you can get some really cool ideas! Combine this with dinner (pizza and painting) or desserts as well. Or, instead of painting, make it a "<b>Construction night</b>". We made this bench one VBS and each group was in charge of decorating their one piece of wood. Then we put it all together!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNXJUVQBmGyXrMTsPAi6q6B6Q2-SaIXTuKROdINPGtDzPsA2dF0iV_U953dT_wqRnWs1ipzrI-90PCur7tn6gq_VdCPMDMOD9sYDbsorWFqFp9SJKTpMhdywDX8PZim9Ow-P4oClZyqE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNXJUVQBmGyXrMTsPAi6q6B6Q2-SaIXTuKROdINPGtDzPsA2dF0iV_U953dT_wqRnWs1ipzrI-90PCur7tn6gq_VdCPMDMOD9sYDbsorWFqFp9SJKTpMhdywDX8PZim9Ow-P4oClZyqE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-F0ofEZeSz8oL6LEhJyVZH_3TOx09F_yNWfufWz8e5owVybD_cn2IKuBfOSLBUj8h1KRrDWIiugpM1ryhytKqSPxigwt9r_RykHT2ve-N1OGKyfjdiI82RuAw7-IB4PjPbgDWJJxSVWQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-F0ofEZeSz8oL6LEhJyVZH_3TOx09F_yNWfufWz8e5owVybD_cn2IKuBfOSLBUj8h1KRrDWIiugpM1ryhytKqSPxigwt9r_RykHT2ve-N1OGKyfjdiI82RuAw7-IB4PjPbgDWJJxSVWQ/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNXJUVQBmGyXrMTsPAi6q6B6Q2-SaIXTuKROdINPGtDzPsA2dF0iV_U953dT_wqRnWs1ipzrI-90PCur7tn6gq_VdCPMDMOD9sYDbsorWFqFp9SJKTpMhdywDX8PZim9Ow-P4oClZyqE/" width="180" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">14. Along the lines of an "art night", you could also do a "<b>My church rocks!</b>" night. Have everyone go outside and collect 5 rocks. Bring them inside to decorate and paint - use inspirational words and scripture! Once they finish decorating their rocks, have them each leave one rock somewhere outside the church so that another member or guest can find it. Then, instruct them to stop on the way home and leave their other rocks randomly in the church neighborhood or their own neighborhood. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">15. <b>Scavenger Hunts</b> - there are a variety of ways you can do these. You can make a photo hunt where they have to take pics of certain things outside or around the church. Selfie hunts where you and your group have to be "doing" something specific in a certain place. Or, you have to actually go around and find certain things. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">16. <b>Escape Room</b> - Search online for various ideas or templates/themes. Keep in mind ER's are best in groups of 8-12 people. I've also created <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2019/10/scripture-basedreligious-escape-rooms.html">11 religious escape rooms</a> - for small or large groups. (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/LauriesLittleMonkeys/tools/listings/1224961609">Etsy link</a> to bundle of 6 non-holiday escape rooms)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">17. <b>Karaoke</b>! Make sure you have a variety of songs from ALL the eras :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">18. Make it a <b>Service Night</b> and find some way to serve your community. Some ideas are...Stop Hunger, put together food baskets, stuff Christmas stockings, clean up your church, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">18. <b>RAK night</b>! (Random acts of Kindness) How many different RAKS can you do around your church in one night?? 5? 10? More? Search online for some really awesome RAKS to do around your church/church community. Years ago, my kids and I did a variety of RAKS and I <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2013/10/low-cost-raks-and-raks-for-around-your.html">wrote a blog</a> - maybe you can get some ideas from that :) My 4th/5th graders made these to put around the church :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSOkGB_bkaTcaxzvZH6iZijNLEg9KyVqGoBJidgVi-9aOuxaVAuJqsWzpLnSqmUNKFBkwHMdzv_b2OBTYqxOoLoMNTMY7uMYNcsfdLmjSaQq7jnKGIc6ZNyHYzv1PkeaSqkRvokTDZ_U/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSOkGB_bkaTcaxzvZH6iZijNLEg9KyVqGoBJidgVi-9aOuxaVAuJqsWzpLnSqmUNKFBkwHMdzv_b2OBTYqxOoLoMNTMY7uMYNcsfdLmjSaQq7jnKGIc6ZNyHYzv1PkeaSqkRvokTDZ_U/" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">19. <b>Happy Birthday</b> :) I love this idea that a few churches say they have done. They celebrate all the birthdays in one night! Each table is a birthday month, each table has a cake decorated with their month, there are decorations, hats, birthday games, and lots of fun!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Other random ideas...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShoYNDVwNWBf1TU9EhlPYMP-hYD7oQ12YmYhmMPBTB8zpVMgaCYYZtddYf7QQ1C4yxoCQ5W6O6kYHQ1KZIxxMFwxBYhFwzc3VyKip6WqfFr018QfKHQMMvkT3pZONTQzzcbte4NLOQSw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1200" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShoYNDVwNWBf1TU9EhlPYMP-hYD7oQ12YmYhmMPBTB8zpVMgaCYYZtddYf7QQ1C4yxoCQ5W6O6kYHQ1KZIxxMFwxBYhFwzc3VyKip6WqfFr018QfKHQMMvkT3pZONTQzzcbte4NLOQSw/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">20. A "<b>Blessing of the ...." night </b>- I've seen a variety of "blessings" that are a fun way to interact and worship at the same time. Most of us have seen or done the Blessing of the animals. I lived in a rural area and there was a church that had a Blessing of the Tractors to start the planting season! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhfTIuErJwIva1AQ68717skVm0Nj8NztKBXmpcn5Xpv6QI6gTe7MgMYN2NQ_2DXZL1b4j30e2lxZt8gQLxXptc8nft66yg_l9HuR2BLF2Q2cFwL-0VbgwifSWuMjFu4a-owxkAy8Blgk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhfTIuErJwIva1AQ68717skVm0Nj8NztKBXmpcn5Xpv6QI6gTe7MgMYN2NQ_2DXZL1b4j30e2lxZt8gQLxXptc8nft66yg_l9HuR2BLF2Q2cFwL-0VbgwifSWuMjFu4a-owxkAy8Blgk/" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">21. A few <b>Christmas themed ideas</b> - Gingerbread house decorating (one per table and then display them in your church?!) and Christmas cookie baking. We did the cookies once in our girl scout troop. Each table had all the ingredients needed to make a certain type of cookie. That table was in charge of that one cookie and then they shared them! (of course, you would need large ovens to pull this off). Lastly, you could do "<a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2013/11/advent-angels.html"><b>advent angels</b></a>" which is something one of the churches I worked for made up. It's a lovely service idea - that is fun for ALL ages!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYYZr5tFcV_vM-4NUPXxSuqtTbNkl_kwTX_uXQ6Z2i5U0mf1QMImWNj8yPT3x-oXvYIO5j4fm-isli6Lfkfzni8k7_NxwR2AKec9EOPRfX74jvCpZsCm1TbAxMFecwKhALZlKWMuL3L0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYYZr5tFcV_vM-4NUPXxSuqtTbNkl_kwTX_uXQ6Z2i5U0mf1QMImWNj8yPT3x-oXvYIO5j4fm-isli6Lfkfzni8k7_NxwR2AKec9EOPRfX74jvCpZsCm1TbAxMFecwKhALZlKWMuL3L0/" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">22. <b>Spring themed idea</b> - "Spice it up!" night :) Buy each person a small flower pot and let them paint/decorate it (pinterest has some really fun ideas). Once they finish, let them plant some kind of "spice" in it to take home.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">23. If you're going to have a dinner, you can add a little twist to the appetizer or dessert. "<b>Taste Testing</b>". I've done this with oreos (there are soooo many kinds!), pringles (hilarious), and different candies. Walk around the supermarket and think of some other ideas :) Give them a piece of paper with 5-10 numbered down the side and they have to guess the flavor of each one. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">24. Have <b>special 4 legged visitors</b>! If you have the budget for it (or perhaps you could ask for $5 donations to cover the cost), invite a <b>petting zoo</b> to come one night. <i>Every age </i>loves animals. OR, you could invite your <b>local pet shelter</b> to come and visit. They normally bring some of their animals, talk to you about what they do, and let you pet them. To add to that event, bring in some supplies so that each table can <b>make some homemade animal toys or treats</b> that the shelter can take back with them :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">25. Other special guest ideas? <b>Concert</b> with music for all ages or a <b>magic show</b>!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you would like to purchase ALL the religious games that I mentioned above(minus the escape rooms), the entire <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Intergenerational-Religious-Bible-based-Games-Growing-Bundle-7329538">bundle is for sale</a> in my TPT store for $60. You get 38 religious games/activities and save $13 by buying them all together :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Any other ideas? Add them below! Thanks for all you do for your church and The Church. Intergenerational activities and worship are so important 💙 Your creativity and efforts are appreciated more than you know!</span></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-22192725989935506492021-10-06T18:32:00.002-04:002021-10-12T21:39:28.301-04:0015 Minute to Win it Games - No waste and on a budget!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFGcOpYKF3XytPbkrtqGfpjW7V6baGqiWz_e8XY-P9x0LYKCH542PG-uO6fwLitbhdlWujQAJZ9yhzR3lizW8ghIQQP5pvBWbplJ64S2JfHdtI7spqGSn5FJMY0jFtsHgYERAtm1CkfY/s1280/IMG_6357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFGcOpYKF3XytPbkrtqGfpjW7V6baGqiWz_e8XY-P9x0LYKCH542PG-uO6fwLitbhdlWujQAJZ9yhzR3lizW8ghIQQP5pvBWbplJ64S2JfHdtI7spqGSn5FJMY0jFtsHgYERAtm1CkfY/s320/IMG_6357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We are currently living in Peru and I was looking up minute to win it (known as MTWI games from here on out) games to play with some kids in a small neighboring village. After I had read through about 10 posts on MTWI games, a couple of things dawned on me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1. The same ideas are posted over and over again. 🙈lol</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2. We are very wasteful! Almost every single idea used materials that would be then thrown away or not used again. Yes, some had ideas of things to use around the house, but most you had to go out and buy stuff that you wouldn't normally use. I have been guilty of this as well, but now that I am living in an area where we save almost everything to reuse again, it hit me hard.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, I started searching for MTWI games with "no supplies", or "no waste", etc. Nothing. Boo. Something we don't think about in the States (or in our privileged lives) are that some of the kids playing these games may <i>NEED</i> some of the items you are using. For example, I saw tons of food MTWI ideas. Many of the children I would be playing with, will be hurting for three meals a day. If I make a game out of threading dried noodles, or marshmallow stacking, or candy sorting...what does that say to those kids? That I'd r<i>ather them play with the food, then eat it</i>? Please be aware of needs like this in your group.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Another thing we don't consider is the waste as I mentioned above. I don't want to buy a bag of plastic spoons or cups for them to play with, as they will just end up in the trash - and again, what does that say to the kids that have very few things in their house? In reality, those are hardly used here as that is considered an "extravagant expense". People just use regular spoons and cups lol. But if I <i>were</i> to use them, I would probably gift them out to the kids for them to take home and use afterwards. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Anyway, I really wanted to find MTWI games that were ecological friendly, cost little to no <i>extra </i>money, and wouldn't be offensive to the children playing. An aside here, to give you an example, a friend of mine went on a mission trip to Mexico where she wanted to make maracas for the kids to take home with them. Great idea right? Well, she used beans instead of little rocks or dirt, and after the activity, the parents came in to pick up their kids and started collecting the beans that had fallen on the floor to take home. Their maracas most likely ended up as dinner that evening. Just be aware of the needs around you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Now that you know <i>why</i> I chose to find 15 No-waste-and-on-a-budget Minute to Win it Games - here they are! Some have been tweaked from other ideas, and others I have made up. Here are the supplies you'll need...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> 1/2 piece of paper and a marker/pencil/crayon/colored pencil (whatever is available - for each child)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Plastic bags from the store (use your old ones and recycle!) either one per pair or per child</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>small plastic bottles and their caps (that have been used and then recycle them!)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sticks</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rocks</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Leaves</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Packing tape (one strip)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>paper back book (any size) for each child</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One thing we do have here that is cost friendly, small, easily transported, and the kids can take home - are balloons. So there are a few games with <b>balloons</b> in them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1. <b>Writing on your head</b>: Give each child a quarter of a piece of paper and something to write with. Tell them they have 60 seconds to draw an animal on their head. If someone can guess what their animal is - they win!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qcBvzQdPs9S3xCU9LY1C9p_2PStcG3u1TYny8ybQYozxNCTcB3pGzeXJSIPtXOr1tC7viAZAtzf6hMqp5UX89yukLzHIMpzMuleNZ4V7hFQFA9500-dZGewDFiY42YUAmHID5tZ-H00/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="307" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qcBvzQdPs9S3xCU9LY1C9p_2PStcG3u1TYny8ybQYozxNCTcB3pGzeXJSIPtXOr1tC7viAZAtzf6hMqp5UX89yukLzHIMpzMuleNZ4V7hFQFA9500-dZGewDFiY42YUAmHID5tZ-H00/" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2. <b>Stick Balancing</b>: Have each child go outside and get 5 small sticks off the ground (a little bit longer than their hand) to use in the following games. The first game, they need 3 sticks. Hold one stick in each hand pointing straight out. Lay the 3rd one across the two and balance it there. Walk, run, skip, hop, etc to a finish line in 60 seconds without dropping the stick! Another way to do this, is to balance just one stick on your <i>open </i>palm - can they do it for 20 seconds? 30? 60? </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzteH5jITSBQ0mYBzLpMy9QlVhoaKwwa3YbmNjqFQU1S2iw1hwoW7qIM1i-a2Vz6VfM_-EIHPV4LNdyI9mQ_ByBLOUbg441SjpXingCaGLJEdKZzo5jSH-9LNphIw145VR6JM4B_A-Vac/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="409" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzteH5jITSBQ0mYBzLpMy9QlVhoaKwwa3YbmNjqFQU1S2iw1hwoW7qIM1i-a2Vz6VfM_-EIHPV4LNdyI9mQ_ByBLOUbg441SjpXingCaGLJEdKZzo5jSH-9LNphIw145VR6JM4B_A-Vac/" width="249" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. <b>Rock stacking</b>: There are tons of MTWI games out there where you have to stack items. Why not rocks? My kids and I have played this game when we were bored :) lol. Have each child go outside and collect 10 rocks. Tell them ahead of time that they will be stacking them so they can try and look for flat-ish rocks. Give them 60 seconds to see if they can balance all 10! My kids and I reached 15 once :) But not in one minute!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoj9wBpYZyTEXGgrlLhyGi7V4XFgmImTvzS1wuk0SFxsHE8Ii0oYySpu1dWtQv7OhD1hvFMknkLZzWSLosvDcKeiWBBYfaVOh9-AYADNL6WDeBgjRnF3BwX50TdsYrsSUn7-2AYBKTj8c/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoj9wBpYZyTEXGgrlLhyGi7V4XFgmImTvzS1wuk0SFxsHE8Ii0oYySpu1dWtQv7OhD1hvFMknkLZzWSLosvDcKeiWBBYfaVOh9-AYADNL6WDeBgjRnF3BwX50TdsYrsSUn7-2AYBKTj8c/" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">4. <b>Move the rocks</b>: For this game, the kids will need their 10 rocks and 2 of their thinnest sticks. They will be used as chopsticks! Have them either sit on the floor with their legs straight out or sit at a table. Have them put their 10 rocks to their left or right (depending on if they are left or righthanded), and tell them they have 60 seconds to pick up the rocks one by one and move them to the other side <i>with their 2 sticks. </i>No fingers allowed ;) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. <b>Name them!</b>: Divide your group into two so they can compete. Set the timer on your phone for 60 seconds and tell the group to name as many ______ as they can in 60 seconds. See who can name more! Here are some ideas - girls' names, colors, people in the Bible, songs, etc). If you have two leaders, they could do this at the same time so they can compete with the same list.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. <b>Number game</b> (need their quarter piece of paper from activity 1, their writing utensil, and another quarter piece of paper): There were a number of dice games mentioned in other posts - but you don't need to go out and buy 20 die for one activity. Instead, have the kids tear up their quarter piece of paper with their animal on it into 6 pieces. They can be jagged and crooked. No worries. On each piece of paper write the numbers 1-6. So basically, you now have a die - but with paper :) Put them into pairs and one pair holds the numbers in their cupped hands (hidden), and the other pulls one out, writes it down on the other paper, and then adds up the numbers after 60 seconds. Who got the highest number? Another way to play is to have them write down all their numbers, and then ask - who got the most 1's? 4's? Etc. Or, if you have older kids, have them add all the 5's and 6's together, but then subtract all the 3's and 4's - who got the highest number?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lpttuP-F3gbpxsoFa4aeaR0-JSHK0GG-TwtCfn6LM9y6cK4X6UONvDYS40-THpyiD9HY74P0kPpI37aJdY5qcAP_3dgkHdZfXG_pEI3W-egbpyQte_rpfziCZd-Pz1kq1o2TK08gA_o/s1659/IMG_6355+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="1659" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lpttuP-F3gbpxsoFa4aeaR0-JSHK0GG-TwtCfn6LM9y6cK4X6UONvDYS40-THpyiD9HY74P0kPpI37aJdY5qcAP_3dgkHdZfXG_pEI3W-egbpyQte_rpfziCZd-Pz1kq1o2TK08gA_o/s320/IMG_6355+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. <b>Guess the song:</b> Have your phone with you? Play five, 5-second snippits of songs they would know and see if they can guess them! Don't have your phone (or don't have data)? Hum the first 8-12 notes of well known songs and see if they can guess them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">8. <b>Untie it!!</b>: I saw a number of these games as well, but found a way to make it eco and cost friendly. Brings plastic bags that you have laying around your house and give one to each pair of kids (or, if you have a smaller group, give one to each child). Put something in the bag to give it weight - it can be their rocks, it could be a little snack that you want to give them, etc. Then, have them knot the bag 3 times - not real tight, but not loose either. If you're playing in pairs, give the pair 60 seconds to undo the knots - but each person can only use one hand! So, they're working together to untie the knots using one hand <i>each. </i>If they have their own bags, they must figure out how to untie the bag using just one hand (and maybe their feet? ;) lol</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">9. <b>Leaf blower/Balloon Bump!</b> If you have access to balloons, there are a few games you can play with those. Give each child a balloon that is NOT blown up. Have them blow it up and <i>hold it closed</i>. Don't tie it off. Next, place a leaf in front of them. Have them blow the leaf with the balloon, all the way to your finish line - wherever that may be :) They have 60 seconds. If they don't reach the line, just see who went the furthest. They can refill their balloon with air if they need to. After this game, they can play balloon bump. Fill the balloon and tie it off. They have to keep the balloon in the air for 60 seconds using just their _____. (hands, one hand, feet, head, etc). You could play this multiple times.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Yw9iuVqVxJwipZ3tfEaJo7_5zLJx8pDfQS4pejRQTbi4TwYWgTtLAnAWoTvXSiMd2TNFKVFgpAFRwQquwibx1DvqQcx2frXV2EhG2z7VUf0-fvNvBdidyxZMQUvcAH3DRdSa2uueIIY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="880" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Yw9iuVqVxJwipZ3tfEaJo7_5zLJx8pDfQS4pejRQTbi4TwYWgTtLAnAWoTvXSiMd2TNFKVFgpAFRwQquwibx1DvqQcx2frXV2EhG2z7VUf0-fvNvBdidyxZMQUvcAH3DRdSa2uueIIY/" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">10. <b>Bottle flippin!</b> I'm sorry, but this was just plain fun when it was a fad lol. Give each child a bottle with just a little water in it (quarter filled). How many times can they flip the bottle and land it in 60 seconds? There are tons of variations of this. I wrote an <a href="http://kidsathighland.blogspot.com/2016/10/bottle-flipping-at-highland.html">entire blog on bottle flipping</a> if you want more ideas. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11aGo1UZJm2fZui-JDYq7fyjvb_GML2Kx8MnGd2IHheCf34R1j5VK-26FZMeaZDrXOA7RvRWV7wy2dvf_lFsNASlkp5nZIZEZaMewao2b1Mcr6bWN40kyGiv-Y1HUZD-xyZf4e4drLFs/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="940" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11aGo1UZJm2fZui-JDYq7fyjvb_GML2Kx8MnGd2IHheCf34R1j5VK-26FZMeaZDrXOA7RvRWV7wy2dvf_lFsNASlkp5nZIZEZaMewao2b1Mcr6bWN40kyGiv-Y1HUZD-xyZf4e4drLFs/" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />11. <b>Cap Rolling</b>: Have the kiddos empty their bottles because they'll need the cap for the next game. For this activity, get your packing tape out and put one strip at the end of a table (or on the floor) <i>sticky side up.</i> You'll need to tape down the ends so it doesn't move. The kids have 60 seconds to see how many times they can <i>roll</i> their cap down to the tape and have it STICK there. It can't go past the tape! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">12. <b>Anagrams</b>: If your kids are old enough to read, pick a silly word or phrase and see how many words they can find inside that word/phrase in 60 seconds. Have them write down the words on the back of their paper from activity 6. Who has the most?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">13. <b>Book balance</b>: In groups of 5, have four kids stand up and hold the corners of a book. Person number five, must balance 3 rocks on the book and they must still be balanced when 60 seconds is up! Is that too easy? Do 5!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">14. <b>Bottle bowling</b>: Since you now have lots of empty bottles laying around with no caps, set them up in different formations (lines, circles, etc), fill <i>one</i> bottle with water to be your "ball", and see how many they can knock over in 60 seconds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeszBfqNKgMBEZ2-dE-c9t5T0W7JhyphenhyphenMHVZ28uj2-KXfYfvqHlQC2n4MUkB9cP1JFj_VGWabrTNHBB_DCHaeNuat7rHvzIjTDA4IIocAliJXEQ_Cb6hYnxPxjsOVi0zNC6pogtcvhIAEeY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="700" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeszBfqNKgMBEZ2-dE-c9t5T0W7JhyphenhyphenMHVZ28uj2-KXfYfvqHlQC2n4MUkB9cP1JFj_VGWabrTNHBB_DCHaeNuat7rHvzIjTDA4IIocAliJXEQ_Cb6hYnxPxjsOVi0zNC6pogtcvhIAEeY/" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />15. <b>Twig tower</b>: lastly, now that you've used the sticks for the other games, have them break them up into lots of little sticks. Then, give them 60 seconds to see how many they can stack into a tower!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKeZ29AxrmVsf-WCWcyjc63_YjAnOUo2KvyJTsFDHLPu3VdyPrwuHHquhZnjP-OdQv8A2oyMR_jHYnuyJdiaRgKhyphenhyphenAEgfWIGF0WwGeZB8AxqmRW9arxjKB9ugTqEtFg_lPEZUwHBJjfE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1023" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKeZ29AxrmVsf-WCWcyjc63_YjAnOUo2KvyJTsFDHLPu3VdyPrwuHHquhZnjP-OdQv8A2oyMR_jHYnuyJdiaRgKhyphenhyphenAEgfWIGF0WwGeZB8AxqmRW9arxjKB9ugTqEtFg_lPEZUwHBJjfE/" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">There ya go! That should last your group at least 30-45 minutes :) Have fun! And thanks for being eco and cost friendly - and respectful of your children 💙</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-31300999960781131952021-09-28T12:39:00.005-04:002022-02-04T09:20:02.846-05:00Lake Titicaca - Los Uros - our adventure! (and happy birthday Paul!)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZmUvwNew7rUvZOCVB0G2UkPd1PS5XcsPhC_QwCWnPd19ZKabQGlzPqlQlvAWAF8LNUT-owsMW91-3xxLq6hd9Xnz6yl-rotDF00tlu3MT8qBFvdsuO2zuE69TyXWPS-SFmMhbcQpog4/s640/IMG_6116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZmUvwNew7rUvZOCVB0G2UkPd1PS5XcsPhC_QwCWnPd19ZKabQGlzPqlQlvAWAF8LNUT-owsMW91-3xxLq6hd9Xnz6yl-rotDF00tlu3MT8qBFvdsuO2zuE69TyXWPS-SFmMhbcQpog4/s320/IMG_6116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>If you're looking for an amazing trip to take with your friends, spouse, family - this is it! Something you, and they, will always remember! Lake Titicaca is the highest <i>navigable</i> lake in the WORLD! It sits at 12,500 feet. In comparison, Cuzco is 11,500 feet and the top of Pikes Peak is 14,000.</p><p>For each of our birthdays, we plan to go somewhere new and fun. For Ella's, we went to las <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2021/07/aguas-turquesas-feliz-cumple-ella.html">Aguas Turquesas</a>, this one was for Paul. For mine, we're hoping to go to Iquitos. For Noe's birthday, Ella had her <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2021/11/wedding-and-peruvian-typical-flash-dance.html">dance for the wedding</a> so we didn't go anywhere, but we did do a later trip in December to <a href="https://laurieslittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2022/01/islas-ballestas-and-huacachina.html">Las Islas Ballestas and the sand dunes</a>! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-je3Jb86usG_L38CsXZHaPPU-R0hu1LyihUNnBdrLdfklZv3lY_WKkwZr_4VP_C8HrowpgLxjNmNA2TaBEiyVQZEqvtdN4Dm6VDJC33uwNmU-rhbxA2yWe6TZ_S038QnY8vKawC2O57g/s1986/aya+to+lima+to+juli.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1986" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-je3Jb86usG_L38CsXZHaPPU-R0hu1LyihUNnBdrLdfklZv3lY_WKkwZr_4VP_C8HrowpgLxjNmNA2TaBEiyVQZEqvtdN4Dm6VDJC33uwNmU-rhbxA2yWe6TZ_S038QnY8vKawC2O57g/s320/aya+to+lima+to+juli.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>We flew first to Lima from Ayacucho. As I mentioned in a previous post, most departments (like Ayacucho), can only fly to Lima. No where else. So, in order to go to Juliaca, we had to fly to Lima first. Seems a little backwards if you look at the pic...but that's how it works here :) Ayacucho to Lima is only 45 minutes. Lima to Juliaca is a little over an hour. We had a 2 hour layover in Lima, and a one hour drive from Juliaca to Puno - so the entire trip took about 6 hours (plus the 2 hours we waited in the airport before we boarded). To drive from Ayacucho to puno would've taken over 20 hours...so flying was definitely worth it! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESQp4ApwQeNJBSBz5KTq3LN-a8n4XPhVq1wnTaEQM5XcYmUhR8eY3UyBDRoTOrkJr8kMP80DQ8kz77uhHgE8fkvZ2-bFP22OS4fDVmGQNkdYvuFnoP73ds7bt-8jzACM0KuAo0PIH_iI/s640/IMG_5951.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESQp4ApwQeNJBSBz5KTq3LN-a8n4XPhVq1wnTaEQM5XcYmUhR8eY3UyBDRoTOrkJr8kMP80DQ8kz77uhHgE8fkvZ2-bFP22OS4fDVmGQNkdYvuFnoP73ds7bt-8jzACM0KuAo0PIH_iI/s320/IMG_5951.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since the Ayacucho airport is so small, we walked out to our plane - no breezeway. Ella thought that was pretty funny. It is kind of weird the first time you do it!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We stayed overnight in Puno the first night and set up our day tour to Lake Titicaca/Los Uros from there. They came and picked us up at 7:15 in a van and took us to the Puno Port. From there we met our guide - "Fausto" - and got on our boat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwLacQySGmJjzvDtbVME2Pap9X_iEW37FXhrKN1DA5fAW66cFp31hMMB6kNbbfMlfaPQehkkYrgWeRQkqlDLXf8cUjsq7dM3IFucOP_jWLAqFxIgtGbxFVz29yCcsLSmAUGiHmdcafR4/s640/IMG_6048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="640" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwLacQySGmJjzvDtbVME2Pap9X_iEW37FXhrKN1DA5fAW66cFp31hMMB6kNbbfMlfaPQehkkYrgWeRQkqlDLXf8cUjsq7dM3IFucOP_jWLAqFxIgtGbxFVz29yCcsLSmAUGiHmdcafR4/s320/IMG_6048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>While we rode to the first islands of Uro, Fausto explained the geography, history, and culture of the islands. It's pretty fascinating. There are hundreds of islands on Lake Titicaca and Los Uros are a big part of those. The Inca took over the islands a loooooong time ago and some of the natives were ok with it - and learned their language of Quechua. Some islands were against it, and kept their own language - Aimara. The islands have no police as they take care of their own people and problems. Many of the islands are "floating islands". They are made out of reeds and the roots/riverbed - six feet of each. More reeds are added every two weeks, except during the rainy season, when it's every week. It's someone's job on the island to collect them. They work 7am-8pm gathering reeds. The guide took us to two different islands. The first one was part of Los Uros and we were greeted by the community!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCfmjnTLBY4EtUTRCF65BBzsr0mP-PlAxUKTCBnh4zl5cj42-nYYrXbOKVxI2W5im1h66qWMHcAhix3QoMPBa6qHB7LZ2sPVi5_aKQhnKbEvnDcC_SxZ8AR6bXXVTjMH5ymIxkKqYFYI/s640/IMG_6014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="640" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCfmjnTLBY4EtUTRCF65BBzsr0mP-PlAxUKTCBnh4zl5cj42-nYYrXbOKVxI2W5im1h66qWMHcAhix3QoMPBa6qHB7LZ2sPVi5_aKQhnKbEvnDcC_SxZ8AR6bXXVTjMH5ymIxkKqYFYI/s320/IMG_6014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much of their economy is based on tourism, so they have a program planned for each group that visits (they get as few as one per week and as many as 3 a day). The tour groups alternate islands so that each one gets the benefits of tourism. Pictures are encouraged - they actually asked us to please post them to help them advertise :) </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4BovuX3BUmhBnzz1nwbWiYic1ykT80db1-sW1xfzFlAqHJqg86OTbImIKq9VcUAxLURZvsQorvPxeM-CzdN7XHnv3eudhBXo4Au03IRSqzIOZQ9r6Hpt0prxzn0k_3xRwAzyh1dCqgA/s640/IMG_6016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4BovuX3BUmhBnzz1nwbWiYic1ykT80db1-sW1xfzFlAqHJqg86OTbImIKq9VcUAxLURZvsQorvPxeM-CzdN7XHnv3eudhBXo4Au03IRSqzIOZQ9r6Hpt0prxzn0k_3xRwAzyh1dCqgA/s320/IMG_6016.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the "President" of the island. They elect a new president every year. He is explaining how the island is built. The block of dirt you see behind him, is the 6 feet of roots/riverbed underneath the 6 feet of reeds (that he is standing on). </td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0RG5KeHSawJyS0TRr4sTAt1LlG6f3mKqIb8wsB5sI2-6hqSib0ZrNq7N4w-yEQ8c1ZIkQ_bYtIPd_Cf8H-jLFdAvJCiJyOz45WEufLAdeHogEOJbz7mwj_QH3CVJQIMz0irQvFNQcfQ/s640/IMG_6047.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0RG5KeHSawJyS0TRr4sTAt1LlG6f3mKqIb8wsB5sI2-6hqSib0ZrNq7N4w-yEQ8c1ZIkQ_bYtIPd_Cf8H-jLFdAvJCiJyOz45WEufLAdeHogEOJbz7mwj_QH3CVJQIMz0irQvFNQcfQ/s320/IMG_6047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of the island from the top of our boat</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikKa0aRvEAr-IRbM9ksZrAjK0vjP8qeqjc2thpduHskhM8bOq8v4d2pY2fW5otaJsqPoTXlUwyf1cM_glOwHAjiTxlk1lVXcTb63mXkwrb8kD2XeNtOFN1VGq7BDMuEhgGILHkc93qMQ/s640/IMG_6041.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="640" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikKa0aRvEAr-IRbM9ksZrAjK0vjP8qeqjc2thpduHskhM8bOq8v4d2pY2fW5otaJsqPoTXlUwyf1cM_glOwHAjiTxlk1lVXcTb63mXkwrb8kD2XeNtOFN1VGq7BDMuEhgGILHkc93qMQ/s320/IMG_6041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the huts on the island and family blankets for sale</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYgnNKm9DIL2WX5PgeXVvvEeMF_CBaqzr-8mkJKfQPlf8ndR8KL1tmmRxp99FRf98WlwDGiCF64sITcs2oOeI68Dn3nq3LRYjZel4KNhbW3lnNrjsMIGNVoErRDWbOQwZXeUxv3yxUy8/s640/IMG_6036.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYgnNKm9DIL2WX5PgeXVvvEeMF_CBaqzr-8mkJKfQPlf8ndR8KL1tmmRxp99FRf98WlwDGiCF64sITcs2oOeI68Dn3nq3LRYjZel4KNhbW3lnNrjsMIGNVoErRDWbOQwZXeUxv3yxUy8/s320/IMG_6036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a family took each of us back to their house to show us how and where they live and what they make and sell to the groups. we bought one of the boats!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YRFwANyON8H0DAw68PSggjJ5VeTdVJvWIVEPnGe6FJON0o4Kn8PA3LmLQW2-SCDwrFh9czwGWnsj0LLgkMbq7z8hDoh_E1ZTwdYCqXAPqpzlhrcH9PXsjNDLqQWQIFQ38rodoq0Lmdg/s640/IMG_6032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YRFwANyON8H0DAw68PSggjJ5VeTdVJvWIVEPnGe6FJON0o4Kn8PA3LmLQW2-SCDwrFh9czwGWnsj0LLgkMbq7z8hDoh_E1ZTwdYCqXAPqpzlhrcH9PXsjNDLqQWQIFQ38rodoq0Lmdg/s320/IMG_6032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkqcJcivlCB5D9pyqfOSur-KD19AkEbMZGpCicdPJkfjXafMl_iBFL0Y3JcBl8hHJaTtNGBzscXa2oZ9tPBanZtG3qSh4yFMU4wNqFnYA6NQOpEldjyaDC7GEoIHXHJEwS3LM2xt9pH4/s640/IMG_6031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="611" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkqcJcivlCB5D9pyqfOSur-KD19AkEbMZGpCicdPJkfjXafMl_iBFL0Y3JcBl8hHJaTtNGBzscXa2oZ9tPBanZtG3qSh4yFMU4wNqFnYA6NQOpEldjyaDC7GEoIHXHJEwS3LM2xt9pH4/s320/IMG_6031.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrR55KO3xETc9GUX94DSD0-0BUihyphenhyphenKFI6HPU_YKegRi567ViEfUOU7HPmZHhegZHkM4cdHDhZDcXtnm6zBA53xXJtljLGIXube6Cd6dltdmYWaBZv_aYr6yLwKvwhmKu4E_Tx_q4N2fg/s640/IMG_6017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrR55KO3xETc9GUX94DSD0-0BUihyphenhyphenKFI6HPU_YKegRi567ViEfUOU7HPmZHhegZHkM4cdHDhZDcXtnm6zBA53xXJtljLGIXube6Cd6dltdmYWaBZv_aYr6yLwKvwhmKu4E_Tx_q4N2fg/s320/IMG_6017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl is holding up a family blanket that she made in school. It tells a story of their life.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Speaking of school, the kids are taken to school in a "schoolboat". They make different kinds and sizes of boats using the reeds. They took us for a ride on one!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrt9E5lvDjUB-CW132xktXYPzv5-MGTnfS7nyiCXx4elxaiYsHmEkZG9gz7Hq4f7qvTR8jLv5zlsUJoeQ9nM4-NywTcgIvYq2jkizuyxDXVsvFScwa6SxJsKUnf_plY5iAidUy9L5_Ds/s640/IMG_6025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="640" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrt9E5lvDjUB-CW132xktXYPzv5-MGTnfS7nyiCXx4elxaiYsHmEkZG9gz7Hq4f7qvTR8jLv5zlsUJoeQ9nM4-NywTcgIvYq2jkizuyxDXVsvFScwa6SxJsKUnf_plY5iAidUy9L5_Ds/s320/IMG_6025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cool boat! i can't imagine how long it takes to make one of these. They told us the boats last about a year and then they have to make a new one.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0R6p1imR7EVXalHMr_hQEWOcrve_a_fe6SK7n7BqN0TkTRSzSSsstihQdK9ZaglztWpMeuNtQz66_smRtHQmIbx0D_tgNZmfJJ_VmCpnBKIxrSs4B_VHRSblLVuEKtcCu7fyWkdnzak/s640/IMG_6020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0R6p1imR7EVXalHMr_hQEWOcrve_a_fe6SK7n7BqN0TkTRSzSSsstihQdK9ZaglztWpMeuNtQz66_smRtHQmIbx0D_tgNZmfJJ_VmCpnBKIxrSs4B_VHRSblLVuEKtcCu7fyWkdnzak/s320/IMG_6020.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the local girls liked my hair and braided it while we rode their boat lol.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizFSrCoJ54VDPuZvKTvtEcoge6InqrkC7vtmkRZv_RSmyei7i0DYYQ6mZu-uGZ5aAh_0rUmaVoK31I4oKjVoiOZdasBcE4uBBKNhs2tvpH2vo2XV8xQnCim28NFs0n1ZCfEBaTw96fAY/s640/IMG_6051.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="640" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizFSrCoJ54VDPuZvKTvtEcoge6InqrkC7vtmkRZv_RSmyei7i0DYYQ6mZu-uGZ5aAh_0rUmaVoK31I4oKjVoiOZdasBcE4uBBKNhs2tvpH2vo2XV8xQnCim28NFs0n1ZCfEBaTw96fAY/s320/IMG_6051.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of the floating island from the boat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwFdA1UBYpXdHYpW5ieIQX7tB49bwYyNMFXRtly9Fp5QT78ymEGnufx-lsvj-xgKqtgi9hWV9Xg4Af98cYGGA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>The video above is of the kids on the island singing us a song in their language of Aimari. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>After visiting this island, we went to a land island called Taquile where we ate lunch, stuck our feet in the water, and were greeted by some locals who taught us about their culture.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhwLJYrlfQCNkjLKzJT7SGLHpAE8uiLtD8xnCzLh_OYWreJ3sYFpKzWH3f08k6nSUNOiVmkwK89bggTP18sYB0WGREoSMjG-PXXvKLMg2ceUzo1ubhz8egJwk5RoVZOCjD0I1V1Kx104/s640/IMG_6059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="640" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhwLJYrlfQCNkjLKzJT7SGLHpAE8uiLtD8xnCzLh_OYWreJ3sYFpKzWH3f08k6nSUNOiVmkwK89bggTP18sYB0WGREoSMjG-PXXvKLMg2ceUzo1ubhz8egJwk5RoVZOCjD0I1V1Kx104/s320/IMG_6059.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lady did a weaving demonstration for us and then we were able to buy some of their products - again, tourism is a huge part of their economy, so they put on a show for the "tourists" so we can see how they live.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY96yEcixNAKFtmYHQKe8dRxZxO6VW_yhAckVr9UJlL-gZKqh5havNh5ckZJNvtfGquONT01I4NyWYiBj5aKJGu-xuUPwxNnKZLPpAt441UySzA0pJBnGUWul21ZujuWI0e6Hf-mfiVw/s640/IMG_6060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY96yEcixNAKFtmYHQKe8dRxZxO6VW_yhAckVr9UJlL-gZKqh5havNh5ckZJNvtfGquONT01I4NyWYiBj5aKJGu-xuUPwxNnKZLPpAt441UySzA0pJBnGUWul21ZujuWI0e6Hf-mfiVw/s320/IMG_6060.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gentlemen showed us how he made homemade "shampoo" to clean the fur/hair/yarn they use in their products.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2PeWca0seVWAjX3mnElhv4JWB4bTk7JLzKgZNbiEjBh7FUse9APZn5GAymDqikt24iOPo8f__Dy6Aw-3BZP7cOQvQkNhx-Y5W5XBx-FHROJjhLNZY8PVa0CeuhhyWaakYfBeUGtPmsI/s640/IMG_6061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2PeWca0seVWAjX3mnElhv4JWB4bTk7JLzKgZNbiEjBh7FUse9APZn5GAymDqikt24iOPo8f__Dy6Aw-3BZP7cOQvQkNhx-Y5W5XBx-FHROJjhLNZY8PVa0CeuhhyWaakYfBeUGtPmsI/s320/IMG_6061.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">two men (yes, men!) sewing hats like the ones they are wearing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-5K-4wff1W6lvAQnJ4UkbYd0yuolRMpO2YOIpi7u6WIBJnM7rAvVRAVpE9cwVWKn5n8VrICjyBYAt2fefpg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>They also danced for everyone and then invited us to dance with them :) Noe and I did, but the kids wouldn't budge. lol. They did take videos of us though 😂 (no, i'm not posting those lol)</div><div><br /></div><div>We walked to a nearby house/restaurant where they fed us delicious quinoa soup and rice/fish (I don't eat fish...nor do the kids, so they gave us an omelet). That was the first time the kids have eaten quinoa soup though - and they liked it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards, we got to put our feet in Lake Titicaca. If you're wondering why we didn't swim - it's because it gets down in the 30s at night on and around the lake and only up to the 60s/70s during the day. So, the water is a constant 45 degrees all year. On the beach, where it was shallower, it wasn't quite as cold...but our feet still got numb after a while! lol</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbX0lCWzrRwyhr-hGieA_Mo6STcb-7XH6SyfQDKOgZLZZTjeVKfVOCV11QmTiGooGPsDU1IhJHuQ2a1fHKEVibq5FR1vzVa_NdDR6ZMlCSQYbWJ0KI9FgWBVNcVv8N2m0YO7lUKPG708/s640/IMG_6224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbX0lCWzrRwyhr-hGieA_Mo6STcb-7XH6SyfQDKOgZLZZTjeVKfVOCV11QmTiGooGPsDU1IhJHuQ2a1fHKEVibq5FR1vzVa_NdDR6ZMlCSQYbWJ0KI9FgWBVNcVv8N2m0YO7lUKPG708/s320/IMG_6224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After that, our tour was over - but we had decided beforehand that we wanted to get the WHOLE experience as this is a once in a lifetime trip. So, we were dropped off at one of the Uros Islands to spend the night! We could have stayed with a local family...but since we live here in Peru, that didn't seem necessary. Instead, we stayed in a hotel owned by a local family. It was very lovely! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_clapGVj-8jmL1od-EEJddpyEPiG9xIxdRPSitH-CwK7slGj0jtaOZwHC3Fm6a01ie14iy0GmiDE5gjNkkTuB-tSde6Tg87cNysu5EFtIa_8bh9WY6pwQ6tg6nFNnKouTTjYmsOSkKiw/s640/IMG_6103.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_clapGVj-8jmL1od-EEJddpyEPiG9xIxdRPSitH-CwK7slGj0jtaOZwHC3Fm6a01ie14iy0GmiDE5gjNkkTuB-tSde6Tg87cNysu5EFtIa_8bh9WY6pwQ6tg6nFNnKouTTjYmsOSkKiw/s320/IMG_6103.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Papa Mario" picked us up at the church behind us in the picture, and took us across the lake to his hotel. "Mama Leah" (below), greeted us as we arrived!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsRGVbaBTdTOJaIMoOzyLGNATga2lupINdSusDj9_7a-BNUnDyBLQG69tYlkElTFWSNoYHJJvQ15ivt-7TYTxh_RXp1eR2Sssi8Y23jtU5DHyyW4CHluZj2XVjVlyB0RMlvF5pcFWWbM/s640/IMG_6143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="640" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsRGVbaBTdTOJaIMoOzyLGNATga2lupINdSusDj9_7a-BNUnDyBLQG69tYlkElTFWSNoYHJJvQ15ivt-7TYTxh_RXp1eR2Sssi8Y23jtU5DHyyW4CHluZj2XVjVlyB0RMlvF5pcFWWbM/s320/IMG_6143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz4VaP43Dn83DPwEiAna3WnC3IBNtAhqr68zeTiah_UGUZszQLypLE0-aVI-YnB1DSyZkju8a6E8f6Joc1LTVhjVGYUDmUkvKy8Cpu1Ae24kyw42uUjeeJvo_yUzB3JZrLd9_JXmOHCA/s640/IMG_6104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz4VaP43Dn83DPwEiAna3WnC3IBNtAhqr68zeTiah_UGUZszQLypLE0-aVI-YnB1DSyZkju8a6E8f6Joc1LTVhjVGYUDmUkvKy8Cpu1Ae24kyw42uUjeeJvo_yUzB3JZrLd9_JXmOHCA/s320/IMG_6104.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two huge beds that were quite comfortable! There is no heat so we each had around 4-5 heavy blankets to keep us warm at night. Plus, Mama Leah brought us hot water bottles to keep at our feet while we slept :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MweVpWQEdyZJYGwW5FUMWp8NQR7npRCnA6X1nDsTfb8qopIfGCWwhbg7dUpZNiDmhQ7m9bZe9vLj2q9U-2NFsMyH0BtEJoTLANr_4MwWzGN-eNRyQhC9LGaGfxHu7hUeuqbGU2M3ZcM/s640/IMG_6105.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MweVpWQEdyZJYGwW5FUMWp8NQR7npRCnA6X1nDsTfb8qopIfGCWwhbg7dUpZNiDmhQ7m9bZe9vLj2q9U-2NFsMyH0BtEJoTLANr_4MwWzGN-eNRyQhC9LGaGfxHu7hUeuqbGU2M3ZcM/s320/IMG_6105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beautiful view! (and noe ;) lol<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw7h4kLzCqor1B__KuwtQIR7oIq_kVjJ1YpgdLz6XBVM17v7MIUUMM__dBADG3JCbkB_4FaQoK720XcJKY35w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Here's a little tour of the island we stayed on :) I'm talking softly cause it was early and the kids were still sleeping :) It's funny, the island right next door, that is attached, can't be walked to - you have to get in your boat and row 20 feet! lol. Papa Mario told us that they ware moving sometime in the next year across the lake (by the church where we were dropped off), because they want a better location for their hotel. How does he do that? Well, he pulls up his 8 anchors, detaches the island from the surrounding islands, and has it pulled right across the lake :) Easy peasy!<div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3Fp10IEt-pPC0QBKSBlsn8OmbPgDCjBAcpsAAqdycLziiZaW0M1Wk0lkyHSNFnwhzGio3RyCNZl842WQXSYvT4u-JYoYsNpoHtWM2rzXHdARoZRkKTsrmSXYKladuZOjepdh2eZn-6A/s640/IMG_6121.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3Fp10IEt-pPC0QBKSBlsn8OmbPgDCjBAcpsAAqdycLziiZaW0M1Wk0lkyHSNFnwhzGio3RyCNZl842WQXSYvT4u-JYoYsNpoHtWM2rzXHdARoZRkKTsrmSXYKladuZOjepdh2eZn-6A/s320/IMG_6121.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end, Mama Leah and Papa Mario brought out some traditional clothes and said we needed to all take a picture! So we did :) He said - post them on social media and help us advertise :) so we are!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CGOsIjMHRAmjPYhTnJTJXST0RHX9LeIVNwgfHdPnEb0HPto6UYpzkz9bk-ppn6lj-X3Ju0kvtpHxeJUB3A3TA9UlBOG_D5fwxNWKDTpAgyFOF4aIWdkkYSnGixBRhVT0kmh1vktrZpY/s640/IMG_6129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="640" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CGOsIjMHRAmjPYhTnJTJXST0RHX9LeIVNwgfHdPnEb0HPto6UYpzkz9bk-ppn6lj-X3Ju0kvtpHxeJUB3A3TA9UlBOG_D5fwxNWKDTpAgyFOF4aIWdkkYSnGixBRhVT0kmh1vktrZpY/s320/IMG_6129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUnDC2GwrKA9R_-C_GoKx8NOQsoRalGgAz_gX_GDR0-dhM4L04smqESdhKfaJKZM8elA-K1wIHDsSBTfNVESmA4GTK7B81EwfCQBLf5muTSfvRdSTuU3hJFMqyzEa63BFbxziZHKx5EU/s640/IMG_6136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="640" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUnDC2GwrKA9R_-C_GoKx8NOQsoRalGgAz_gX_GDR0-dhM4L04smqESdhKfaJKZM8elA-K1wIHDsSBTfNVESmA4GTK7B81EwfCQBLf5muTSfvRdSTuU3hJFMqyzEa63BFbxziZHKx5EU/s320/IMG_6136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>The hotel had solar panels that allowed us to charge our cell phones and have lights! The only thing it didn't have was a working toilet. It was an "ecological" toilet...so when you go to the bathroom, you put sawdust on top when you're done. It seemed to function pretty well!</div><div><br /></div><div>After our stay, Papa Mario took us back to Puno. We had a few things planned to do there, but neither worked out. So, we chilled much of the day in the hotel. We were tired so that was fine :) Noe walked around a bit to see some sites, and I went to a supermarket where I found mac and cheese, baked beans, and ranch dressing :) lol score! The altitude is so high, that I got really exhausted just walking the half mile to and from the store. So, resting all afternoon was fine :) Here is a time lapse video of part of our boat ride back to Puno with Papa Mario.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy5IYan16xEPuw20OneWWVWJJSKFAjGMHQsLYpc7kvAoRRmL2ZywQYsOx6kq1WqVKhcJayZG-YFBCzvM_TktA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>It was a really neat experience and I hope you put it on your bucket list! Totally worth it :) Here are just a few more fun pics from the trip...</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZfIJFVzPQPyoVrUF1_XztWYY5b4NUqif2I0h1L3f8aorQWi-EaGvepO3e7i0ddJr-uWVF53dVWi3VieGBgSIcQLx4jkOyGdWPpRV98sv18fjn2kRWDa1g4LWTDaCWKYce3sWiGXhy5g/s640/398C5A3D-2A7B-4043-BAA0-8E3A920D3605.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZfIJFVzPQPyoVrUF1_XztWYY5b4NUqif2I0h1L3f8aorQWi-EaGvepO3e7i0ddJr-uWVF53dVWi3VieGBgSIcQLx4jkOyGdWPpRV98sv18fjn2kRWDa1g4LWTDaCWKYce3sWiGXhy5g/s320/398C5A3D-2A7B-4043-BAA0-8E3A920D3605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One hour van ride from the airport in Juliaca to Puno :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBwn0mdSwqyg83VdTQZYJe3WO8014Rip7PpXhuL74w80wLeYHiNJkBpgFQSnC9fELZuBGbEZOD8ELo2kst_CbH8ApFSpKxfdbROGujr17jLX1EDfaK-Pr9fEqvCNPeFSDgsEIgY7G0Ks/s640/IMG_5980.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBwn0mdSwqyg83VdTQZYJe3WO8014Rip7PpXhuL74w80wLeYHiNJkBpgFQSnC9fELZuBGbEZOD8ELo2kst_CbH8ApFSpKxfdbROGujr17jLX1EDfaK-Pr9fEqvCNPeFSDgsEIgY7G0Ks/s320/IMG_5980.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Plaza in Puno</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliCfm7WrWBHrBVH3CfqKh_LaF_89JCaUaZ9fo4rHXuFLNAnHbd-3j4wVy4Tm8uekQC78QIETtfUiP_tsHXybF84hPc5D2KTWEe1Y6Q_o3TD91va1P0QqWTWrMvj5_w14mKRkpaDN3-bY/s640/IMG_5982.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliCfm7WrWBHrBVH3CfqKh_LaF_89JCaUaZ9fo4rHXuFLNAnHbd-3j4wVy4Tm8uekQC78QIETtfUiP_tsHXybF84hPc5D2KTWEe1Y6Q_o3TD91va1P0QqWTWrMvj5_w14mKRkpaDN3-bY/s320/IMG_5982.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was in our hotel...is he not the spitting image of Groot?! lol what is Groot doing in Puno?!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjir2BFI8GATtqO6ppFngT_lQW2bVok7Y2O8vY3m7M_krBIRmq48aweCGEXhE6LpfJ1D0onCs3HdZqNE6s51wVjceTpi1G0_Id_rVjHeOLtRaT9DWzcSwEwMVbttIWF9H14SnrR8jbiYlQ/s640/IMG_6080.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjir2BFI8GATtqO6ppFngT_lQW2bVok7Y2O8vY3m7M_krBIRmq48aweCGEXhE6LpfJ1D0onCs3HdZqNE6s51wVjceTpi1G0_Id_rVjHeOLtRaT9DWzcSwEwMVbttIWF9H14SnrR8jbiYlQ/s320/IMG_6080.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the dancers on Taquile</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewxekA_SrxiPIwYCW3Rk5rbrRMkoa0uaQ5TDXQpK7eAc1nUUFduvo63TJPviuRHBObglKStnEw4uvJg1Z16z7iBE0saL82Ir8On399TRvk8AxxF8ez5iRMd_YgvnnkonRU9g-bNbgSM8/s640/IMG_6150.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewxekA_SrxiPIwYCW3Rk5rbrRMkoa0uaQ5TDXQpK7eAc1nUUFduvo63TJPviuRHBObglKStnEw4uvJg1Z16z7iBE0saL82Ir8On399TRvk8AxxF8ez5iRMd_YgvnnkonRU9g-bNbgSM8/s320/IMG_6150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a lot of algae near the shore - it looked so thick it looked like you could walk on it! There are some pigs in this pic - most of their meat comes from fish (seems obvious), but they do have some pigs and chickens. We also saw some cows on the big islands (not floating) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubJNelIP1_DuG6WcM9qUP_an_SbPcxcD-6lZbESASdFXSkTUL8BQ4f4cpyribrZgWCwn2w5AzfSXEL0nwZGqMTunEVfwulv6dT7Nz4H8YIpxFp0JOAoaZsSTGMyS7MbC7bjYT4GWJEvc/s640/IMG_9931.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubJNelIP1_DuG6WcM9qUP_an_SbPcxcD-6lZbESASdFXSkTUL8BQ4f4cpyribrZgWCwn2w5AzfSXEL0nwZGqMTunEVfwulv6dT7Nz4H8YIpxFp0JOAoaZsSTGMyS7MbC7bjYT4GWJEvc/s320/IMG_9931.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful sunrise from our hotel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Hope you enjoyed the pics and blog! Thanks for following along on our adventures with us :) </div><div><br /></div><div>In Christ, </div><div><br /></div><div>Laurie and the Juarez's</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /></div></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-56530578404778862592021-09-21T22:24:00.000-04:002021-09-21T22:24:26.191-04:00Getting Around Ayacucho and Peru<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe3SUq5aVnvZhUCMNNy0nOuvpgI-Jwp3ggzx7ivWmi9OMfA3mJw24AWloLQBtGDzIV-dR9fDzekBvqaRTCOWomtGCfyfyqd9y27fpZrJRL8n8R0cMiVulXNBa6LNJKlOWYkIFvDBCJik/s1994/motocar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1994" data-original-width="1470" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe3SUq5aVnvZhUCMNNy0nOuvpgI-Jwp3ggzx7ivWmi9OMfA3mJw24AWloLQBtGDzIV-dR9fDzekBvqaRTCOWomtGCfyfyqd9y27fpZrJRL8n8R0cMiVulXNBa6LNJKlOWYkIFvDBCJik/s320/motocar.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"motocar"</td></tr></tbody></table><p>One thing I love about living in Peru is there is no need to own a car :) Although Ayacucho itself is relatively big (according to Google, 60 square miles...but I'm assuming that is counting outlying little communities, cause it doesn't seem that big), the area where you choose to live has pretty much everything you need. So, needing to travel much farther than 1 mile from our house is rare. The kids' school is 1.3 miles from our house and that's the farthest we travel on a regular basis. It does take about 10 minutes to travel that 1 mile though if traffic is bad! The plaza, which we go to weekly, is 3/4 of a mile. Unless I'm carrying a lot of groceries, we usually walk there and back. Noe's work is just over 1 mile from our house. He got a bike to make that commute faster and to save money with taxis! :) Most of the stores/markets where I shop are less than a mile away. (two are right downstairs from us!).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIPrxToPtWXPklT86P1OgzO3etMOAQBMklck6jROJKhmPImR0BQjEATjSFfx40XCCZFnk4x6YOxiS5ub-s9QQ2NlSIniNvL_BD0_n_5WpWxgYEFGRkbIdTP9UpdFTixSL6K6IrU2Ql9Y/s2048/ayacucho+arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIPrxToPtWXPklT86P1OgzO3etMOAQBMklck6jROJKhmPImR0BQjEATjSFfx40XCCZFnk4x6YOxiS5ub-s9QQ2NlSIniNvL_BD0_n_5WpWxgYEFGRkbIdTP9UpdFTixSL6K6IrU2Ql9Y/s320/ayacucho+arch.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the stores I like to shop at is on this street - by the "Arch" - which is near the Plaza. No cars are allowed near the plaza so everyone is walking!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So, we walk almost everywhere. A benefit of walking is getting to pet and love on all the dogs we see - One of Ella's favorite things to do lol 🧡</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfynuw7NgObcq9g8ZjJitRSn6xrWBdqmb4qG6jDG-QJTgOVyh0PwehBoobhBrzAzwTBAKlfe9u7FBxfEbus4gmrJSdiowUvxRALvVfWDxcC_-nEyfICAuG0UlWCDw-u6tyVYfJyU0KyAQ/s640/0CE55B5E-9CAC-4D96-AD14-2B663EAA6848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfynuw7NgObcq9g8ZjJitRSn6xrWBdqmb4qG6jDG-QJTgOVyh0PwehBoobhBrzAzwTBAKlfe9u7FBxfEbus4gmrJSdiowUvxRALvVfWDxcC_-nEyfICAuG0UlWCDw-u6tyVYfJyU0KyAQ/s320/0CE55B5E-9CAC-4D96-AD14-2B663EAA6848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Since the Pandemic, a lot of people have invested in motorcycles here. They're smaller and cheaper than cars, and you don't have to share the space with anyone. Pretty good idea actually. But they literally are <i>everywhere</i>! lol</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vSM50x55xfCoP9s9XEr-ZZI-oTA12UB7BV5cQfqh-TGtEUyLgI9jxrhh6UzP4aIc-860b_3UawGffaYqmK57jeiVd9zDXS9UEVulw-vgkBehR0kxAydodR_5NupAHa1OIfg0xFeWYxc/s640/IMG_4734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vSM50x55xfCoP9s9XEr-ZZI-oTA12UB7BV5cQfqh-TGtEUyLgI9jxrhh6UzP4aIc-860b_3UawGffaYqmK57jeiVd9zDXS9UEVulw-vgkBehR0kxAydodR_5NupAHa1OIfg0xFeWYxc/s320/IMG_4734.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>If we don't want to walk, we have two options - motorcar or taxi. The motorcars are for distances around 1/4 mile to 3/4 mile. Most don't want to travel a mile outside their area - although we've had a few make exceptions. They charge less than taxis, so that's our first choice if possible. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyYDyJJK7DsVDGPnT5CvZX9u3QzvqmB_Em8ngBwpdPkjJhT7rX-79fdzum5O6th_290F7rBcA5YuZBYn3KtVA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a 30 second video of most of my motocar ride today to Noe's work :) </div><p>The taxis will take you anywhere, but cost more. When we have to go to school, we usually have to get a taxi because most motorcars don't want to go that far. It's funny, because the taxis aren't marked. You really have no idea which cars are taxis and which are private vehicles. At first, we were hesitant when we hailed a taxi because we didn't want someone to pick us up if it wasn't a taxi. But, after a few months, we've realized that almost every car is a taxi lol. If it has a divider up between the driver and passenger - then it's a taxi. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5PhM7Zu5VuDY5yrF-tyC6tsVl5QxH0bMTsn85wtjb9OXYYka_NKDzlL4V1gCOY1_51idbfaEeDJDlMYodq5iPvTs4T2TRnKf5Wr9YdlAdVkPlR-EINS1LBWZHTJB__DYBddTJywN1nE/s2048/ayacucho+market+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="2048" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5PhM7Zu5VuDY5yrF-tyC6tsVl5QxH0bMTsn85wtjb9OXYYka_NKDzlL4V1gCOY1_51idbfaEeDJDlMYodq5iPvTs4T2TRnKf5Wr9YdlAdVkPlR-EINS1LBWZHTJB__DYBddTJywN1nE/s320/ayacucho+market+chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the market near our house - you can see the motorcars driving by :) But it's so close (about 5 blocks) that I always walk.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>If we want to travel outside of Ayacucho we also have a few options. If we're going outside the "department" of Ayacucho and the car ride would be over 10 hours, then flying makes more sense. In order to fly anywhere in Peru, we first have to go to Lima. All the departments (with the exception of a few), <i>only</i> fly to Lima. So, if we wanted to go to Cuzco, first we'd fly one hour to Lima and then another hour from Lima to Cuzco. Because of the mountains, if we drove to Cuzco it would probably be 15-20 hours; but flying would only take 2 hours (plus the 2-3 hour layover). </p><p>If we want to go somewhere 5-8 hours away, we could take a public bus or go to the "car stop" (like a bus stop - but they are cars) for that particular place. We can pay someone to take us to a nearby city. This is what we did when we went to Sarhua and Huanta. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteZ5Owiag7DZTXF4qP0MwN4zjNuLETR_dad6P6PV6om8IhXnPaupTl5nH7OcwIDSWKGiyLDNGAJN6DaYjLEzqtkOVXDDkicEnHLnbPO1BfIEtLwAITOQD9fMahLX_Iq88kTDyhNTa_Fk/s640/IMG_5650+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteZ5Owiag7DZTXF4qP0MwN4zjNuLETR_dad6P6PV6om8IhXnPaupTl5nH7OcwIDSWKGiyLDNGAJN6DaYjLEzqtkOVXDDkicEnHLnbPO1BfIEtLwAITOQD9fMahLX_Iq88kTDyhNTa_Fk/s320/IMG_5650+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming back from Sarhua (a very small town), they only had a van available to take us back to Ayacucho, and no one else needed a ride. So, we had to pay for a few other seats (otherwise we would've had to wait until there were more passengers!).</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The cars cost more than a bus, but you have more privacy in a car, which is worth it if you can afford it - especially during the pandemic. There are also bus services that will take you all over Peru. I did this once 20 years ago...and it's the most common form of travel here because it's more affordable - but it's really pretty terrible. It's almost always overnight and it's almost always around dangerous curves and mountains. Crashes aren't abnormal. They really need to make flights more affordable for people here - or build some tunnels to make mountain travel easier and safer!</p><p>Well, that's travel here in a nutshell :) </p><p>Safe travels and God bless! </p><p>In Christ,</p><p>Laurie and the Juarez family :)</p>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431883121733642695.post-6886474703765974052021-09-09T14:41:00.008-04:002022-05-01T15:42:16.253-04:00Bible Guess the emoji games!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl9HnfT4yeZRzeBhc4XQkiwkMV4mFHmRgws6BzSw-J5EXPoi5QvWCxSswx7SHoeNXzpwTo4VfBLH3yWS9Y5ntlzSme-A8bgZ3jqagC6SXiN4V6zPdA0z5IzMf4h46-HdoUbuNpk0fDkY/s795/guess+the+emoji+4+pack+bundle+graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="795" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl9HnfT4yeZRzeBhc4XQkiwkMV4mFHmRgws6BzSw-J5EXPoi5QvWCxSswx7SHoeNXzpwTo4VfBLH3yWS9Y5ntlzSme-A8bgZ3jqagC6SXiN4V6zPdA0z5IzMf4h46-HdoUbuNpk0fDkY/s320/guess+the+emoji+4+pack+bundle+graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> Everyone loves and uses emojis :) Even kids 🧒! Even my head pastor! Even older adults! 👴;) Everyone can relate, which makes these games fun 👍 🎉 I created the first one of these games to use online during the pandemic over zoom (on powerpoint) 😷 But now that many of us are back in person they can also be used by projecting them in person, or you can print out the powerpoint presentation cards and hand them out. Lots of ways you could play! So far, I've made 4 versions - if you have any other ideas for Emoji Bible 📖 games, let me know! They're fun to make :) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sQrVexlC5P69-aABwzKy8xqAsNilUH9CGhCBoW2x6JrMWKhmFVM_t81a9MAN11f2v62aBJwCRAn912FFzSXfSNkuXHD32T-Pds4TdpfFty_6jfDGlKdfSajEd8j_Jak6ZpV2SJ6e5MY/s1080/guess+the+emoji+bible+story+main+graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1080" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sQrVexlC5P69-aABwzKy8xqAsNilUH9CGhCBoW2x6JrMWKhmFVM_t81a9MAN11f2v62aBJwCRAn912FFzSXfSNkuXHD32T-Pds4TdpfFty_6jfDGlKdfSajEd8j_Jak6ZpV2SJ6e5MY/s320/guess+the+emoji+bible+story+main+graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guess-the-Bible-Story-Emoji-Game-5606446">Regular Bible Emoji Game</a></span>: $3 (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1211464202/guess-the-bible-story-emoji-game?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=guess+the+emoji+bible+game&ref=sr_gallery-2-48&organic_search_click=1">etsy store link</a>) This one costs the most as it has 20 common and well-known Bible stories (the others have 10). To make them all a learning experience, I've included a summary of the story and Scripture where you can find the story. You could have them give you the summary to see if they remember the story before you advance the slide, or you could read the summary together. This is a great review of popular Bible stories that you could use all year round! </p><p>The 20 stories included are The Lost Sheep, Baby Moses, Queen Esther, birth of Baby Jesus, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Jesus Feeds the 5000, David and Goliath, Jesus Heals the Man on the Roof, the Resurrection, John the Baptist, Jesus Calms the Storm, Joseph Coat of Many Colors, the Last Supper, Zacchaeus, the Good Samaritan, Creation story, Daniel and the Lions, Jonah, Adam and Eve, Paul and Silas, Jesus Walking on Water.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="945" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbok6hYlOUWWqx1VgUa_8-rHFCYriSw0dCKfuCOWfNLCOTgNvE-nQD-WFtPrNGuezYuoq1PuMI6HVnYmx9QWKtfrpQGeR06UOn5kZ7p-ahElQA8vceGiaNuLhz7F4UcCGvto5hNFX3e0I/s320/guess+the+emoji+bible+story+feed+5000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the story of Feeding the 5000 :) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3YT9KdmQqB0WhR3YmxkaMAoFxkxTwvS9t5-fUYZ5EAHWPJEXXaeu2UgApDMt50xQRRNNxkRTfmaFN6rF_hntxbibdfKfcrn_ouHDP7V7pZ2TUqt-f1MAKEMLm7Jj5ohIcRgzsMwzSvw/s986/guess+the+emoji+bible+story+last+supper.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="986" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3YT9KdmQqB0WhR3YmxkaMAoFxkxTwvS9t5-fUYZ5EAHWPJEXXaeu2UgApDMt50xQRRNNxkRTfmaFN6rF_hntxbibdfKfcrn_ouHDP7V7pZ2TUqt-f1MAKEMLm7Jj5ohIcRgzsMwzSvw/s320/guess+the+emoji+bible+story+last+supper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the description/summary of the Last Supper slide.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbok6hYlOUWWqx1VgUa_8-rHFCYriSw0dCKfuCOWfNLCOTgNvE-nQD-WFtPrNGuezYuoq1PuMI6HVnYmx9QWKtfrpQGeR06UOn5kZ7p-ahElQA8vceGiaNuLhz7F4UcCGvto5hNFX3e0I/s945/guess+the+emoji+bible+story+feed+5000.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULmIpIZJ8xrNhVRj3xP1WdzJc2T0qepaEHWNEhtTLw46ynt51YWz9n-7ls0H4H53EH3d9uSLY0dW483yy8DJ0f-0OmJ6OyoH-61FpVnipKv0Dgx6IwXBYvu92eJF_zvsIRFm8bQNHsIU/s1366/emoji+parables+title+page.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULmIpIZJ8xrNhVRj3xP1WdzJc2T0qepaEHWNEhtTLw46ynt51YWz9n-7ls0H4H53EH3d9uSLY0dW483yy8DJ0f-0OmJ6OyoH-61FpVnipKv0Dgx6IwXBYvu92eJF_zvsIRFm8bQNHsIU/s320/emoji+parables+title+page.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guess-the-Parable-Emoji-game-6047473">Guess the Parable Emoji Game:</a> This game is $2 and contains 10 slides on different parables. The ones I've included are - </span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 Parable of the Sower</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2 Parable of the Good </span><span style="font-size: large;">Samaritan</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3 Parable of the Lost Coin</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4 Parable of the Great Banquet</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5 Parable of the Wise and </span><span style="font-size: large;">Foolish Builder</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6 Parable of the Mustard Seed</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7 Parable of the Lost Son</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">8 Parable of the Vineyard</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">9 Parable of the Talents</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">10 Parable of the Fig Tree</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yUAv5nfgrAsRowomx4jcrl04WdrxuvmMznU7RlyvmpbCx0tT-rkF9sasGozXq4bpzmU-gJqVSMfFfBiYEDpt0VgZ9krDBAS6Kixf1zzn1Tyh_U45utsJC84jSXYvWLrXcbqIcoDjQlg/s1366/emoji+parables+pic1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yUAv5nfgrAsRowomx4jcrl04WdrxuvmMznU7RlyvmpbCx0tT-rkF9sasGozXq4bpzmU-gJqVSMfFfBiYEDpt0VgZ9krDBAS6Kixf1zzn1Tyh_U45utsJC84jSXYvWLrXcbqIcoDjQlg/s320/emoji+parables+pic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parable of the Sower</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_96rwpJ3mMMt6McLwq54OjByMe-ndmPiAUrK2x4pDZBsdNLOB1X8azftaYSwxBHfJoHAL8KOqmlSM-XjTP6iKQynJSXjrfi_18y4jzv2YaS8q0QZ7ENtlCJPvJblcOV7d_W-0MRcwkk/s1366/emoji+parables+pic2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_96rwpJ3mMMt6McLwq54OjByMe-ndmPiAUrK2x4pDZBsdNLOB1X8azftaYSwxBHfJoHAL8KOqmlSM-XjTP6iKQynJSXjrfi_18y4jzv2YaS8q0QZ7ENtlCJPvJblcOV7d_W-0MRcwkk/s320/emoji+parables+pic2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Answer card and scripture</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeuBoEX5cGEJYZjEKkd57bwblzPgoiWN4Qh7XM5RUJ4UBTFuqiHdB7U41BnL7Mdfpcr5Vusv-H7XjZ-iL4MmOhH8HRTFhP9T5tBXOh8caQ2l6lxBaXAYlHKLNyt9R6PWPP4jSUimrVS8/s1080/Guess+the+emoji+holy+week+graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1080" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeuBoEX5cGEJYZjEKkd57bwblzPgoiWN4Qh7XM5RUJ4UBTFuqiHdB7U41BnL7Mdfpcr5Vusv-H7XjZ-iL4MmOhH8HRTFhP9T5tBXOh8caQ2l6lxBaXAYlHKLNyt9R6PWPP4jSUimrVS8/s320/Guess+the+emoji+holy+week+graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">3. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guess-the-Holy-WeekEaster-Emoji-story-online-or-in-person-6538269">Guess the Emoji Easter/Holy Week Game</a>: This game is $2. </span><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are 10 slides each containing a person or event in the Easter story - Peter, Judas, Jesus, Pilate, Palm Sunday, Foot washing, Last Supper, Praying in the garden, Crucifixion and Resurrection. </span></span><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6nsSnzVLF0-qlS7p7iq99ZghsDRbbLj8pWwg5vVfdpcJBAxDZWMeQc7vjApxp7gHiDYSVsKN2Akt5bXNpa9MbDFNUzeCRDF2xHDQsPkMVIIhz_NLVr-04WnbPFQiGJvWj2PVGKnYEhM/s1080/guess+the+emoji+holy+week+judas+graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1080" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6nsSnzVLF0-qlS7p7iq99ZghsDRbbLj8pWwg5vVfdpcJBAxDZWMeQc7vjApxp7gHiDYSVsKN2Akt5bXNpa9MbDFNUzeCRDF2xHDQsPkMVIIhz_NLVr-04WnbPFQiGJvWj2PVGKnYEhM/s320/guess+the+emoji+holy+week+judas+graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judas story/Scripture card.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0zlsuBOW2Xux3oQKhHfFFQn1P8kgqDBfjgdlE_gpTeCP0XkDy3csolIB5FBPVIHLKDCGvfVqrY2AhCSa3B0pk9CZGXqlplDWPjJwrQjxirQAvstNjSma-kDIbEkDGKUh5UM3-YVJQp8/s1086/guess+the+emoji+holy+week+palm+sunday.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1086" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0zlsuBOW2Xux3oQKhHfFFQn1P8kgqDBfjgdlE_gpTeCP0XkDy3csolIB5FBPVIHLKDCGvfVqrY2AhCSa3B0pk9CZGXqlplDWPjJwrQjxirQAvstNjSma-kDIbEkDGKUh5UM3-YVJQp8/s320/guess+the+emoji+holy+week+palm+sunday.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm Sunday!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guess-the-Emoji-Christmas-Story-game-Project-or-print-out-7146411"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guess-the-Emoji-Christmas-Story-game-Project-or-print-out-7146411"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDUJXwRFHbsUM9eHrpJrAPAWioyOn0TcyVK1iNJ1kvlswIctFyDLlNdR7mZPwStj30v_AB2vyfdy2sIlln7QVGLNnWS08_O9Bir3QJjcNb_QnUqCWhA_mWlzQB7F_gEI3LKRGafIpwds/s1080/guess+the+emoji+christmas+main+graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDUJXwRFHbsUM9eHrpJrAPAWioyOn0TcyVK1iNJ1kvlswIctFyDLlNdR7mZPwStj30v_AB2vyfdy2sIlln7QVGLNnWS08_O9Bir3QJjcNb_QnUqCWhA_mWlzQB7F_gEI3LKRGafIpwds/s320/guess+the+emoji+christmas+main+graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>4. Guess the Emoji Christmas Story Game: $2. This game also has 10 slides that depict a part of the Christmas story (or a character in the story). Here are the 10 slides...</span><div><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. angel visits Mary</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. angel visits Joseph</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Caesar Augustus declares a census</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5. There are no rooms for them to stay the night</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6. Baby Jesus is born in a stable</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7. shepherds visited by angels</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">8. Shepherds visit baby Jesus</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">9. Shepherds proclaim the good news to all</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">10. 3 wise men visit Jesus (it is up to you to teach them that the wise men did not visit Jesus in the stable ;) Or, you could skip this slide if you don't feel it should be in there.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAe6L3d6l68BQQ695RtjKQLBYnfHDtygAkU1YaudShzn5Yne64uuyS3m6XlVJ3L16X0K-7PzS4WJUuGKmkfL5vGfXDMQtQMDn0HDKWfMu4m-aXs0fqIiIKxDKhzBKJLAY8ytiWjHh9W0/s1080/guess+the+emoji+christmas+traveling+graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAe6L3d6l68BQQ695RtjKQLBYnfHDtygAkU1YaudShzn5Yne64uuyS3m6XlVJ3L16X0K-7PzS4WJUuGKmkfL5vGfXDMQtQMDn0HDKWfMu4m-aXs0fqIiIKxDKhzBKJLAY8ytiWjHh9W0/s320/guess+the+emoji+christmas+traveling+graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRPVngvNhNq79y8VQgZ1ANuexzpjvcwF6NMW9XzIxNBPVVi_NYhtClszp0nLTB9pynPDHCt9dtyc2BIniir4-qfpuLBh0BmXu0-KgRTbu0-87MkjXaA36KBdjXhNeowoOoJQQNaGX3sY/s1080/guess+the+emoji+christmas+traveling+words+pic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRPVngvNhNq79y8VQgZ1ANuexzpjvcwF6NMW9XzIxNBPVVi_NYhtClszp0nLTB9pynPDHCt9dtyc2BIniir4-qfpuLBh0BmXu0-KgRTbu0-87MkjXaA36KBdjXhNeowoOoJQQNaGX3sY/s320/guess+the+emoji+christmas+traveling+words+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">answer slide</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">There ya go! Four, fun Guess the emoji games for Sunday school, youth group, Preteens, intergenerational, teachers... - you name it! Buy them separately or <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-4-Guess-the-Emoji-games-for-any-age-in-person-or-online-7230925">buy them in a bundle of all 4</a>, or you can <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guess-the-Emoji-Bible-games-6047507">buy the original and parable together</a> and save :) </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">NOW AVAILABLE - 6 guess the emoji games! Just added were Books of the Bible and the Ten Commandments. Find the $10 bundle on t<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-6-religious-Guess-the-Emoji-games-bundle-for-any-age-in-person-or-online-7230925">eachers pay teachers</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1211472492/bundle-of-6-religious-bible-guess-the?click_key=10978591e78fc30f817e9971a11e9a8419225be2%3A1211472492&click_sum=35756c8c&ref=shop_home_active_1">Etsy</a>. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Laurie jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830262742647288184noreply@blogger.com0