Junior Soldiers: Totally Focused

Lesson One of the Junior Soldiers Totally His unit teaches children about our need to stay focused on Jesus.  What a goal for young people and adults! 

Lesson Enhancement/Craft  

Help children focus on the life and stories of Jesus with these Bible bookmarks. Provide stars, dots or other stickers for children to mark their progress as they focus on the real hero of the Bible - Jesus.

Stare Down Contest 

Children attempt to stare down one another without blinking.  The child who can “fix their eyes” the longest is declared the champion.  Afterwards compliment all of the children.  Explain that it requires a lot of effort to become a staring champion.  You have to focus on the person you are staring at and forget about everything else.  

This is similar to what it means to fix your eyes on Jesus.  When you focus all your thoughts on Him and do not become distracted by fears, worries or anything else, you become a totally focused champion.  

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

Click on the picture below to download and print a copy of this illusion, an object lesson that illustrates how we can become totally focused on Jesus.

Emblem and Signal Links

Some of you have noticed something odd going on with my website.  Apple has decided to move files to ICloud and do away with their website platform.  My web page is unavailable until I can find a safe way to get it back up. In the meantime, here are links to files you might want or need. I am working to find a way to make the report forms available so keep checking back.

If you need something specific and don't see it here, drop me a note and I will try to help you out. 

Blessings!

Sunbeams Activity Emblems            Adventure Corps Explorer Emblems 

                            

Girl Guard Activity Emblems            Adventure Corps Rangers Emblems 

Moonbeam Emblems                       Divine Service

Child Abuse.ppt                                  

Patriotism Resources

Patriotism helps children to feel they are a part of something larger than themselves.  The liberty secured by our Founding Fathers mean that in spite of differing beliefs, values and resources, we are connected by certain rights and freedoms. While most children can recite the pledge of allegiance or sing My Country 'Tis of Thee from memory, they may not understand the freedoms, rights and responsibilities involved in citizenship. 

Here are some of my favorite resources for helping children in grades K-6 learn about citizenship and out country's history in an age-appropriate way.

WEBSITES:
The Liberty Kids help children learn about life in colonial America, our country’s symbols, or to write and illustrate their own  newspapers.  You will find interesting facts and information for kids and leaders.  Be sure to check out the activities on the Parents and Teachers link.

www.libertyskids.com

Ben Franklin was instrumental in starting our nation’s first public library.  Now, he has gathered resources to help kids from K-12 to learn about our nation's history, government, and constitution.Ben's Guide links you to lots of great sites for kids and leaders.

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/benfranklin/

U.S. Mint’s kid page.  Be sure to check out the educators’ link for lesson plans and resources.

http://www.usmint.gov/kids/

Meet the Presidents, their pets and take a look inside the first home.

www.whitehouse.gov/about/white-house-101/

Learn America’s story from America’s library, the Library of Congress.  Jump back in time, meet amazing Americans, or explore your state.
www.americaslibrary.gov/index.html

Check out some symbols of a great nation.  Learn about the White House, Statue of Liberty, U. S. Flag, bald eagle and Freedom quilts.

https://pinterest.com/jerriemiller/patriotism-symbols-of-a-great-nation/

Our country has been made great by ordinary people who have served in extraordinary ways.  Learn about presidents, veterans and the men and women who have made a difference.

https://pinterest.com/jerriemiller/patriotism-people-who-helped-make-america-great/

BOOKS:
Tom Turkey and Erik Eagle: Or How the Eagle Became the American Symbol

by Sandra Calder Davidson

The animals of Wilderbrush Forest help out our Founding Fathers by discussing and then voting on which animal should become the national symbol.

Fiction, Ages 4-8

ISBN-10: 1559708913

Crazy About Camp

Emma and the giant pickle

If you are looking for a way to make a difference in the life of a child, take her to camp.  

My granddaughter experienced camp for the first time this week.  In her own words, it was the best time ever—even better than Christmas!  So why was she so crazy about camp?

At camp, she was free to make some of her own decisions.  Shall I buy a pickle or an ice cream sandwich at the pop stand?  Should I go swimming or play basketball at free time?  Will I wear flip-flops or tennis shoes for the hike?  

Through this decision-making process, kids like Emma gain self-confidence, enthusiasm and courage.  Choices they make may not be the best, but they are theirs.  That is so empowering.  And camp is a loving supportive place to learn from bad choices.  Next time, she will better understand why you shouldn't wear flip-flops on a hike or eat five pieces of pizza at supper.  

Kids experience community at camp. They begin to understand the importance of working together for a common good.  They pull together for something bigger than themselves, like soaking their counselor with water balloons or winning an award for having the cleanest (relatively speaking) cabin. 

Learning is a big part of the camp experience.  Sure, kids learn about nature and the creator.  They learn to make good choices and to get along with others. And they learn about God and the difference He can make in their lives and world.  But somewhere along the way, kids learn something even more wonderful. They learn about themselves—how very special they are.  

Do yourself a favor...take a kid to camp.