Dear Y Guide & Y Princess Families, We’re committed to promoting the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of you and your family. That’s why we have partnered with Practice Ministries to bring you Campfire Devotions 2; a series of 10 activities & lessons to help lead family devotions. Campfire Devotions are full of fun games, stories, and short lessons to help you instill the morals and values you want in your children in a way that they’ll enjoy and remember. Each lesson is written so it can be read word for word, or can be easily adapted for any leader’s style. We hope that you and your family enjoy Campfire Devotions! Sincerely, Mr. YMCA Kingwood YMCA Bill Zukoski Director, Practice Ministries

About Practice Ministries Practice Ministries is a non-denominational organization that offers Bible study curriculum and organizes dad-son & dad-daughter Bible studies nationwide. If you have any questions or comments about Campfire Devotions, please contact us. We’ll be happy to assist you in any way possible. Here’s how you can reach us: Practice Ministries 8117 Preston Road Suite 300 West Dallas, TX 75225 Phone: 214-691-4290 Web-site: www.practiceministries.org

A PREVIEW WHAT’S INSIDE

Lesson 1: Gunk “Don’t you know that you are God’s temples and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). A few drops of food coloring and bleach help remind us to stay physically healthy.

Lesson 2: The Secret Message “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33). A secret message revealed helps us remember to be kind.

Lesson 3: TV Guide “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things ” (Colossians 3:2). A tape recorder reminds us to put good words and pictures in our minds.

Lesson 4: Pop Secret “…pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28). Popcorn can help us when we get all steamed up!

Lesson 5: The Carpenter’s Kids “We have different gifts, according to [how God sees fit to give them to us]” (Romans 12:6). We can help others with what we have.

Lesson 6: Stay On The Trail “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). A flashlight and a map help us find and stay on the right path.

Lesson 7: A Good Recipe “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). Homemade ice cream helps us remember to make good choices.

Lesson 8: One For God - Nine For You “Bring the best of the first-fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God” (Exodus 23:19). Lemons & dimes help us learn how to handle money responsibly.

Lesson 9: Truth Or Twinkie? “God [is] the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). A twinkie helps us remember to stand up for what’s right.

Lesson 10: Have A Ball “Praise the Lord” (Palm 150:1.) How to have fun in sports 101!

TABLE OF CONTENTS Lesson Lesson Subject Lesson Foundation Page 1. Gunk Good Health 1 Corinthians 3:16 4 2. The Secret Message Kindness Jeremiah 31:33 6 3. TV Guide What You Watch Colossians 3:2 8 4. Pop Secret Handling Anger Luke 6:28 11 5. The Carpenter Kids Responsibility Romans 12:6 13 6. Stay On The Trail Following Right Psalm 119:105 15 7. A Good Recipe Good Choices Matthew 7:24 17 8. One For God… Handling Money Exodus 23:19 19 9. Truth Or Twinkie Truth 1 Timothy 3:15 21 10. Have A Ball Fun With Sports Psalm 150:1 23

Campfire Devotions Volume 2 © Copyright 2001 by Practice Ministries

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

All rights reserved.

LESSON 1: GUNK What We’re Talking About Being physically healthy Activity You’ll need a clear glass, clean water, red food coloring, an eyedropper & liquid bleach. Fill the glass with water. Put one drop of the red food coloring into the glass of water - that’s the “Gunk.” Now drop into the now polluted water 10 drops of the bleach - that’s the “Gunk Begone.” Stir the water a bit. Watch the water clear up! What’s The Point? Putting “gunk” in the water made it impure, but putting the right thing in the water cleared it up again Campfire A long time ago, there was a guy named King Nebuchadnezzar (Neb for short). Now a group of young men were in school to learning how to help King Neb run his kingdom. Among these teen-agers were: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego. Now, you have to understand that this was not exactly like the school you go to. These guys went to school in the king’s palace! And the cafeteria served the same food that the king Neb ate (think McDonalds, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, & Dairy Queen (for dessert) three times a day for 3 years! But Daniel and his friends decided not to eat the “royal food”, because it was not very healthful. So Daniel asked one of the servants, “Could we please have just vegetables to eat and water to drink?” Now the servant wasn’t too sure that King Neb would be pleased with Daniel’s request, and thought that he might get in trouble for even suggesting such an idea. But Daniel said, “Look - let us have the vegetables and water for 10 days, and after the 10 days are up, let’s see how we look compared to all the other kids who are eating that gunk all day.” Well, at the end of the 10 days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier than the other kids who were eating the gunk. And from then on, they all ate vegetables and had water to drink. (Based on Daniel 1:1-17).

Gunk (1 Corinthians 3:16)

“Don’t you know that you are God’s temples and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” God gave us the Ten Commandments for many reasons. Two of those reasons are:

1. We work best when we operate according to His instructions 2. His instructions are one way of protecting us from the dangers of making a bad

decision The seventh of the Ten Commandments in the Bible says: “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14). Adultery means to make something impure by putting dirty things in it. Question: What different types of pollution can you think of? [Air pollution, water pollution, litter]. Pollution lessens the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. Just as there is air and water pollution, there is also gunk that makes your body impure.

Why does God say that gunk in your body is so bad? The Bible says: “Don’t you know that you are God’s temples and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Did you know that you have two hearts?

• There’s your heart that pumps the blood that carries food and oxygen throughout your body.

• Your other heart is that very special place within you that makes you different from every other person. The Bible says that Jesus, God’s Son, will come and live in any person’s heart that welcomes him and invites Him in. Your heart becomes God’s temple - His home!

Do you think it would please God to bring gunk into His temple - lots of foods that aren’t as healthful as others, or very dangerous substances like alcohol, or drugs that would be harmful to you? Daniel didn’t think so. Remember the gunk that King Neb wanted Daniel and his friends to eat? Once in awhile was probably ok. But Daniel knew that too much gunk kept him from being healthy. He knew that good nutrition is one way to keep your body healthy and strong. Question: What are other good ways to take care of your body? [Exercise, rest, healthful food & thinking before acting]. Remember how putting gunk in the water made it impure? But when we added “Gunk Begone” - the water became clear? If you will regularly get a good night’s sleep, plenty of running around, and make good choices about what you put into your body - you will have less gunk in your life, and have more of the quality kind of life that God wants you to have. Good Words To Remember Be like me and be gunk free! (Exodus 20:14).

LESSON 2: THE SECRET MESSAGE What We’re Talking About Kindness Activity You’ll need lemon juice (the “ink”), (or try 1 cup of water + some vinegar or ammonia), “magic water,” a q-tip, a spray bottle, and some paper. First, whip up some “magic water”:

• Chop one large red cabbage into small pieces (you can also use blackberries or red onions as a substitute).

• Simmer the cabbage pieces until the water turns a deep shade of purple. • Allow the water to cool. • Refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

Then dip the cotton swab into the “ink” and write: “God has written His word upon our hearts.” Allow the message to dry completely. Then, when you’re ready to amaze and amuse your kids, reveal the secret message by misting it lightly with the spray bottle filled with the “magic water.” What’s The Point? Even though we can’t see it, God has written His word on our heart. Campfire It was late in the afternoon on a cold, snowy day. It was starting to get dark, and Billy was walking home from his cub scout meeting. Just as he rounded the corner on to his street, Billy ran into Bob & Rob - the neighborhood bullies! Bob & Rob were in the 4th grade, a year older than Billy, and a lot bigger. Bob & Rob took Billy’s books and threw them on the ground. Then they knocked him to the ground and started rubbing snow in his face. They ripped open his jacket and started shoving snow down his shirt. Then they grabbed his wallet from him and took his “lunch money.” One of Billy’s classmates who lived nearby was also walking home, but when he saw what was happening, he walked over to the other side of the road, because he was afraid that he might get beat up too. A couple more neighborhood kids saw what was going on, but they didn’t come over to help either. Bob & Rob rubbed Billy’s face in the snow one more time, and then walked away, leaving him lying there in the snow, crying. Then, a high school boy, who was on his way home from football practice drove by. When he saw Billy lying in the snow, he stopped his car and got out. When he saw that Billy was mostly just cold and frightened, he went back to his car and got a towel from his gym bag and wiped the snow from Billy’s face. He then took off his letter jacket and put it on Billy to warm him up. After he found out what happened, he drove Billy home, and then gave him $2 more than what had been taken from him (Based on Luke 10:30-35).

(continued on next page)

The Secret Message (Jeremiah 31:33)

“I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” The Bible tells us that God has put His law in our minds and written it in our hearts. It means that He somehow made us so that we can know, instinctively, what is right and what is wrong. One of those messages that God put in our heart is to be kind. The Bible says, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). One way to show love to someone is to be kind and helpful. Question: In the story we just heard, who showed kindness to Billy? [The boy that stopped to help]. He didn’t have to stop and help Billy, but he did. He did what he knew was right. Question: Have you done something kind for someone recently? [Visited someone who is sick, helped rake a neighbor’s lawn, helped a brother or sister with homework]. Question: Has someone done something kind for you recently? [Made your breakfast before school, given you a present, said a kind word to cheer you up]. Question: Remember how several kids who knew Billy didn’t try to help? Are there people you know of who get hurt every day because they get passed by on the other side of the hall at school:

• Someone who is of a different color or a different race. • Someone who is not very attractive. • Someone who doesn’t seem as smart as others. • Someone who doesn’t wear the “right kind” of clothes. • Someone who is new in town. • Someone who has a physical defect.

Question: How can you be kind to someone at school today?

• Invite someone who is new in your class to eat lunch with you or come over to play. • Invite someone who doesn’t have many friends to join your group. • Pick someone who is always picked last when making up the teams, first. • Take time to help someone who has a little trouble walking up or down the stairs.

Good Words To Remember I’ll keep it in mind, to be kind (Matthew 22:39)

LESSON 3: TV GUIDE What We’re Talking About Putting Good Words And Pictures In Our Minds Activity You’ll need a tape recorder (or for the very adventuresome, a karaoke machine). Have the kids say whatever they want to say (or sing) over the tape. At the end of the recording session, play back the tape. At the end of each boy’s (girl’s) contribution, ask him (her), “Did the tape machine play back anything different than what you put in it?” What’s The Point? The tape recorder plays back exactly what was put into it, and so does your mind. Campfire One fall evening while the Gobbler family was having dinner together, Dad said, “Tammy, tell me what went on at school today.” “O my gosh Dad,” Tammy gushed, “Ms. Spellwell gave us so much homework today - I can’t believe it! And we have to write a paper that’s due next week! Daddyyyyy…will you help me with it pleeeeeeez?” “Well, how can I say no to that? What’s your paper about?” “We’re supposed to tell about what happened on the first Thanksgiving. Ms. Spellwell said to pretend that we’re an Indian, a Pilgrim, or a turkey, and then tell what we saw. I want to be a turkey, but how am I supposed to know about what went on that long ago?” “Tell you what,” Dad said, “After dinner why don’t we get on the computer and find some information about the first Thanksgiving. I’ll bet we can find out what the weather may have been like, maybe what the Pilgrims and Indians talked about, you know - things like that. Then you can tell me what you think Miss Tammy Turkey thought about all that. “But Daddy, how am I going to remember everything to put in my story? And I’m supposed to put pictures in my story. How am I going to do that?” “Well,” Dad said, “We’ll type whatever you want to put in your story into “Tammy Turkey’s Thanksgiving Tale file”. The computer will even store those pictures for us and put them where we want them. Then when we’ve got it the way you want it, we’ll tell the computer to print it out for us.”

TV Guide (Colossians 3:2).

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Question: Do you ever think about the impact that your viewing and listening choices have upon your heart and your mind? Think back to the story about “Tammy Turkey’s Thanksgiving Tale.” Every bit of information, including the pictures Tammy and her Dad typed into “Tammy Turkey’s Thanksgiving Tale” file is

stored in the computer’s memory. Whenever Tammy and her Dad want to work on “Tammy Turkey’s Thanksgiving Tale,” they’ll just ask the computer to retrieve the story, and display it. Did you know that your mind, just like a computer, stores away information and images that you see and hear in your memory? That information stays there a long time. And if the same types of words, images and actions are being put into your mind over and over again from watching the same TV shows, movies, or video games, whether they are good or bad, they will influence your thinking and actions, either positively or negatively. Question: Why do you think it’s important to be careful about what you see on TV or movies? [So you store up good pictures in your mind and not bad ones]. The following page is a game for you and your family to play called TV-Guide. It will help you store up good pictures in your mind and not bad ones when you watch TV or movies. Note to devotion leader: On the following page is a TV Guide worksheet. Give a copy to each family in your group, and go over the worksheet. Encourage your families to give it a try. Good Words To Remember I’ll be careful to see what I see on TV (Philippians 4:8).

TV-GUIDE – THE GAME Here’s a game to play with your family: It’s called TV-Guide. The purpose of this game is to make sure that you store up good pictures in your mind and not bad ones when you watch TV, videos or movies. Here’s how you play:

• Pick 2 or 3 of your favorite shows or movies. While watching, rate your show according to the number of negative messages and the number of positive messages you see and hear (examples are given in the chart below)

• Make a tic mark for every negative and for every positive message you see or hear • Each negative mark counts -1 point, each positive mark counts +1 point • At the end of the show, count your marks. Rate your show either + or -- by the number of

marks over or under zero Negative Values * Positive Values ** Immorality Purity in relationships Violence Love, gentleness, peace, joy Fighting Self-control Evil desires Kindness, goodness Greed Giving, sharing Bad Words Encouraging words, clean language * Galatians 5:19-23 ** Ephesians 5:3-6 Show / Movie Negative Messages Positive Messages Rating 1) ______________________ _______________ _______________ _____ 2) ______________________ _______________ _______________ _____ What did the results of the shows or movies you rated tell you about them? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a change that you’ll make in your entertainment choices? _____________________________________________________________________________ Have your whole family play the game. Compare results and talk about them after the show is over. Did everyone in your family rate the show the same way?

LESSON 4: POP SECRET What We’re Talking About Handling Anger Activity You’ll need a popcorn popper and some popcorn (May I suggest Jiffy Pop - it’s great for effect & tastes pretty good too. Plus, it’s the only way to go if you’re doing this on a camp-out). Pop the popcorn with your group, and serve during the devotion. What’s The Point? When the popcorn heats up, it explodes! And when we get angry, so can we!! Campfire The sweetest sound in the world for a school kid - the 3:00 bell on Friday afternoon - had just rung. A moment later a wave of kids surged out the school doors. Brian saw his friend Austin crossing the playground and ran to catch up with him. “Hey Austin, wait up!” Brian yelled. The two lived just a few houses apart and they often walked home together. “What time is our soccer game tomorrow?” Brian asked. “8:00 in the morning - you want to ride over with me?” Austin replied. “Sure” said Brian. “Boy, I sure hope what happened last game doesn’t happen again. I can’t believe Coach Midfielder yelled at you like he did.” “Me too,” Austin said. “It’s not like I tried to let the other team score. My folks were pretty upset about it.” “Yeah, mine were too,” Brian said. “I never saw my dad get so upset at someone. I thought he was gonna punch Coach. But your dad didn’t seem so upset and you were the one getting yelled at.” “Well,” Austin said, “We talked about it at dinner after the game. Dad said that when Coach let me have it about letting that goal through, he started to jump off the bleachers to run over to Coach and let him have it. But then he remembered that thing about the popcorn we did in our Indian Guide meeting last week.” “Oh yeah,” Brian said, “That was fun. So it really worked?” “Yeah,” Austin said in amazement. “Dad said it was pretty cool. He said he started praying for Coach, and when he started praying, the anger went out of him and he and Coach were able to talk about what happened instead of yelling and getting in a fight. Coach even came over last night and apologized, and he and my dad talked some more. Dad said that he’s going through some rough family stuff right now, so we’re praying for him every night at prayer time during dinner.”

Pop Secret (Luke 6:28)

“…pray for those who mistreat you.” Question: Do you know why popcorn “pops”? [Each kernel of corn has a tiny drop of water inside of it. When the kernel gets heated up, that water gets very hot and turns into steam. Since steam expands, it pushes against the inside of the kernel until it explodes]. Question: Have you ever exploded like a kernel of popcorn?

Question: What was it that got you all steamed up? Sometimes, we're all a little bit like that popcorn kernel. If we're not careful, we can leave a little bit of anger inside us, and when things heat up, we can explode. Question: What can you do if you start to heat up and explode? [A good thing to do is pray]. For instance, if someone makes fun of you, the Bible says to pray for those that mistreat you (Luke 6:28), rather than try to get back at them. So if you ever start to steam up, just say, “Jiffy-Pop,” and ask God to help you with your anger. Good Words To Remember When I’m about to pop, I’ll ask God to help me stop (James 1:20).

LESSON 5: THE CARPENTER KIDS What We’re Talking About Responsibility Activity You’ll need a $1 dollar bill for each child, and a pizza. Set the price on the pizza at exactly the amount of money the kids have combined; i.e.: if you have 7 kids in your tribe for the lesson, put a $7 price tag on the pizza. Give each child a $1 bill. Then ask each child if she would like to buy the pizza, and that you’ll sell it to her for $7. Obviously, she doesn’t have enough money - on her own. Then ask the group if there’s any way that the pizza could be bought. Hopefully, they’ll figure out to pool their money to buy and enjoy the pizza. What’s The Point? Resources pooled can accomplish a lot and help many. Campfire It was Sunday evening and there was a lively discussion going on around the dinner table. Peter announced to his family that his Indian Guide tribe wants to do a project to raise money for a charity. Each tribe member was supposed to bring a suggestion to the next meeting so they could decide on a project. Mom was writing down all the suggestions - both do-able and not so do-able. After a long list of ideas had been suggested, Peter’s brother Billy spoke up and said, “My Sunday school teacher, Mr. Carpenter, told us this morning about how he and his kids did something like this. He said they got the idea from a story in the Bible. Mr. Carpenter gave his 3 kids some money. He gave $5 to his daughter Caroline, then $2 to his son Luke, and $1 to his youngest daughter Adrienne. Then he asked each of them to think of a way that they could use their money to make more, and then give it to family who needed some help. Caroline took her $5 and bought some trash bags. Then she asked her neighbors to pay her a dollar for each bag of trash she collected in their neighborhood. She collected 20 bags of trash! Luke took his $2 and bought some lemons and some cups at the store, got some sugar and water and made lemonade. Then he set up a lemonade stand on the sidewalk right where the 4th of July parade passes by. Remember how hot it was that day? He sold a lot of lemonade and made a bunch of money!! Adrienne took her $1, and bought some crayons. She drew pictures and sold them for a dollar each to people in our church. Remember Mom? You bought one. It’s still on our refrigerator! He said that his kids raised about $30 to help that family. Hey Pete, maybe your tribe could do something like that!” (Idea from Matthew 25:14-23).

The Carpenter’s Kids (Romans 12:6)

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us [how God sees fit to give them to us].” So, are you up for it? You want to be “Carpenter Kids?” This is a wonderful opportunity for your tribe to adopt a one time or an ongoing project - to be real life “Carpenter’s Kids.” Here are a few suggestions to help your project get going:

• Decide on a family, charity or ministry that could really use some help • Decide as a group what kind of project would be fun to do together. Why not try what the

Carpenter’s kids did and see how creative you can get *

• Decide on a group coordinator who will agree to make any calls that might be necessary, i.e.: obtain permission to clean up a nearby park, set up a stand, etc.

• Decide how long the project will last • Decide a day and time to get together to do the project • Line up transportation • If materials have to be bought, decide who will do the shopping *

* Another option is to suggest that the kids use their own allowance as “seed” money for the project. _________________________________________________________________________ You know, doing a project like this is not only a fun way to help other people, but also to learn how to be responsible with money. But there are other responsibilities we have besides looking after our money. Just like Mr. Carpenter gave his kids some of his money to help others, God gives you some of His property to take care of, and He gives each of you special abilities so you can be responsible in taking care of that property. I’ll show you what I mean. (Have the kids think of answers for these examples):

• A teacher has the ability to [help people learn]. • A doctor understands how the body works and has the ability to [help people get well]. • A coach can help his or her athletes understand how to [work together as a team]. • An architect knows how to [design a house]. • A home builder knows how to [build a house so it won’t fall down]. • A minister has the knowledge to [help people learn what the Bible says]. • A farmer knows how to [grow the food we eat].

You see? We all have special abilities that we’ve been given to use. And no matter what you are given to do, God expects you to be responsible; whether it’s doing your homework completely and on time, doing your chores, or doing your part with a project to help others. Good Words To Remember I’ll use my gift to give someone a lift (Romans 12:6).

LESSON 6: STAY ON THE TRAIL What We’re Talking About Knowing and following what is right Activity You’ll need a flashlight for each child, a box with a lid, a “treasure map”, treats for all the kids. Put a label on the flashlights that reads, “God’s Word.” Make up a set of directions that will lead the kids to “the treasure” and then put the box at the end of the trail (you might do this before the kids get there so they won’t see where you’ve put it). Place treats in the box. When you’re ready to start the treasure hunt, gather all the kids together. Turn off all the lights (get it good and dark). If you’re on a camp-out wait until it’s really dark to do this. Now, tell the kids they’re going on a “treasure hunt.” Do not give the kids the instructions yet. Wish them luck and send them on their way. When they ask you how to find the treasure, then tell them you have something that might help. Give the kids the “treasure map.” Do not give them their flashlights yet. Wish them luck again and send them off again (if your kids aren’t reading yet, you probably should have an adult go with them). Once the kids tell you they can’t see in the dark, give them their flashlights - “God’s Word.” Now, fortified with their directions and light, send them off on their mission! P.S.: Make sure your instructions lead them back to you so you can have the lesson! What’s The Point? When its dark, you need light to see; if you don’t know the right way to go, you need instructions. Campfire The Forest & Ranger families pulled into their campsite. Both families always looked forward to their annual spring break camping trip in the hill country; especially cousins that went by Yogie & Boo-Boo. The guys got the tents set up and the girls packed away the gear. Then everybody set out on the traditional group hike they always sign up for. Yogie & Boo-Boo knew the trail pretty well; they’d been on it at least a half dozen times. They always liked to see who would be the first to find the tree they carved their initials on 6 years ago. And as always, the trail guide told them to stay on the trail so they wouldn’t get lost. The trail wound through tall trees and some pretty thick underbrush. In fact, it could get downright dangerous if you got off the trail. During the hike, when they were out of sight of the rest, Yogie said, “I’m kind of bored with this trail, I think I know a short cut that can get us back to camp quicker. Let’s take it!” So Boo-Boo followed Yogie’s lead. Two hours later, both of them were lost. They couldn’t find their way back to the trail and it was getting dark!

Stay On The Trail (Psalm 119:105)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.” Question: Why did the trail guide tell everyone to stay on the trail? [So they wouldn’t get lost and go the wrong way, so they would be safe]. Question: What would have helped Tyler & Ben to get back to the campsite? [Directions or a map to get back on the trail; A light to help them see where they were walking].

Question: When you were on your treasure hunt, what made it difficult to find the treasure without the instructions or the flashlight? [Didn’t know which direction to go, couldn’t see]. Question: What was different when you got your instructions and flashlights? [Knew which direction to go, had a light to help you know where to step]. Question: What does it say on the label on your flashlight? [God’s Word]. Question: Why do you suppose we put “God’s Word” on your flashlight? [Because God’s Word helps you see where the right way to go is and avoid going the wrong way]. It was hard to find your way around in the dark wasn’t it? But the light from “God’s Word” helped you to see where to walk, so you wouldn’t turn the wrong way or bump into something that might hurt you. The Bible is a lamp for your feet and a light for your path. Wherever there is light, you can see where you’re going. The Bible shines light on what is good and what is right, like making friends with the guy who everyone else makes fun of because he’s not very quick to learn math, or the girl who doesn’t have pretty clothes to wear. Another thing that light does is chase away darkness. The Bible not only helps you see what is good and right, but also reveals what is bad or evil so you’ll know not to go there; things like watching TV shows or playing video games with lots of violence that will hurt your mind, or taking drugs that will hurt your mind and your body. Remember, when you follow the Trail Guide, you can be confident that you will stay on the right trail. Good Words To Remember With God’s Word as my guide, I’ll stay on the right trail without fail (Psalm 119:105).

LESSON 7: A GOOD RECIPE What We’re Talking About Making Good Choices Activity You’ll need: 2 pint sized zip-lock baggies, 2 gallon sized zip-lock baggies, sugar, rock salt, 1 pint of half & half, vanilla extract, a bag of ice. We all scream for ice cream - usually. We’ll make 2 batches of homemade ice cream, one good batch and one bad batch (to prove a point, which in this case, is that the ice cream tastes best if you follow the directions in the recipe). *************************************************************************************************************** Recipe for the GOOD batch: In a pint size zip-lock baggie, put 2 Tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of half & half, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Seal the baggie! In the gallon size baggie, put ½ cup of rock salt, and enough ice to fill the baggie half way. Now place the pint size baggie in the gallon size baggie, seal, and shake for 5 minutes. Recipe for the BAD batch: Substitute salt for the sugar in the pint size baggie. *************************************************************************************************************** To start off this illustration, gather your kids around and tell them that you’re going to make ice homemade cream. Make 1 batch of the bad ice cream, but don’t tell the kids that you’re making the bad batch. When it’s finished, give everyone a taste. After noting the look of disapproval on everyone’s face, exclaim, “I’m sorry! Looks like I didn’t follow the directions in the recipe correctly.” Then, have each of the kids make a batch according to the good recipe, and enjoy the ice cream during the lesson! What’s The Point? Things work best if directions or instructions are followed - and so do you! Campfire “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27).

A Good Recipe (Matthew 7:24)

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

How about that first batch of ice cream you tried? Can you believe that switching around one ingredient in the recipe caused such a big change in the outcome? Whoever came up with that recipe for homemade ice cream made it so that it tastes best when you follow the instructions. The Bible story we just read says to listen to God’s directions and put them into practice in our lives.

Question: Why does God want us to put what He tells us into practice? [For our own good, because we work best when we follow his directions]. Do you know that you work best when you follow directions? I’ll give you some examples:

• Question: Ever woken up tired on a morning? How can you keep from being too tired tomorrow morning? [Go to bed earlier; get enough sleep].

• Question: Ever been thirsty? What’s one way you could you quench your thirst? [Drink some water].

• Question: Ever been sick? What’s something you could do to get well? [Take some medicine - and follow the directions].

Those were some pretty easy questions to answer. It wasn’t too hard to know what to do in those situations. Here’s a situation that may not be so easy to answer right away: You’re taking a math test. You know all the answers except one. You happen to sit next to your best friend. You glance at his test and notice he has written down an answer for the problem you can’t figure out. You really want to get a “100” on your test, because it’s worth a trip to the ball game and a chance to see your favorite player. Your teacher leaves the room to run something down to the office. It’s just one little question, you have plenty of time to ask your friend what the answer is, you get a trip to the ball game, and you won’t “get caught.” What will you do? Just as your body works best when you follow some simple instructions to take good care of it, like getting enough rest & drinking enough water, you need to know how to make good decisions, so that you can make good choices in any situation you’re in. But sometimes you don’t have the instructions right in front of you to tell you what the right thing to do is. Sometimes, you don’t have someone standing next to you to tell you what the right thing to do is. Sometimes, you need a little help. If you have a question about whether some activity is right or wrong, run it through the HELP test:

• Will what I’m doing Help me & help others - will it help me be a better friend, sister, son? • Will what I’m doing Enslave me - will it take control of my life? • Will what I’m doing Lead others to make a good decision or a bad decision? • Will what I’m doing Please God?

Put HELP into action in your life, and you’ll be putting God’s words into practice. Good Words To Remember I’ll listen to God’s voice, and I’ll make a good choice (Matthew 7:24).

LESSON 8: ONE FOR GOD - NINE FOR YOU What We’re Talking About Handling Money Responsibly Activity Call your kids (probably their moms) and have them bring 3 shoeboxes & 10 lemons (or any fruit) to tonight’s meeting. At the beginning of the lesson, have the kids mark Box # 1 - “God’s,” Box # 2 - “Savings,” & Box # 3 - “Spending.” Then have each child place one piece of fruit, his “first fruit” into the box marked “God’s.” Have him place a second piece of fruit in the box marked “Savings,” and the remaining 8 pieces into the box marked “Spending.” What’s The Point? The “Spending” box ended up pretty full, even after giving some away. Campfire November brings the annual “Feed The Need” food drive to Ima Reader Elementary School. All the food collected goes to the Family Room, a homeless shelter that will serve Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of families. Each class contributes to “Feed The Need” and it becomes quite a spectacle each Friday as one by one, students parade to the giant grocery bag known as “The Sack,” holding up boxes brimming with cans of vegetables, bags of potatoes, loaves of bread, and bottles of Cranberry juice. Some present coupons redeemable for a turkey at their neighborhood grocery store, evidence to all of how much money their family spent on groceries that month. “Feed The Need” becomes this contest to see who can bring the most food each Friday, and who can be the most creative in “placing” their contributions into “The Sack.” In the midst of all the pageantry, Sandra, who is new to Mr. Smart’s class, quietly put one small can of beans into “The Sack.” Some boys and girls noticed Sandra’s offering, and remarked how small it was. Several kids laughed, and Sandra slid down in her seat, trying to make herself as small as possible. Mr. Smart, who had been watching, called Sandra over and whispered into her ear. Sandra nodded her head, and returned to her seat. Mr. Smart got the boys and girls attention and said, “Thanks to each of you for your very generous contributions to the Family Room. But there’s one student in our class who has put in more than all of the other students combined. And I’d like for you to know who she is. She is our new student Sandra.” You could tell by the look on the kids’ faces that they didn’t get it. All she had done was put in one lousy can of beans. Their families had probably contributed a hundred dollars worth of groceries. Mr. Smart continued, “I asked Sandra for permission to tell you this. Her family is going through a rough time right now and money is very scarce. This can of beans, was supposed to be her family’s dinner last night, but instead, they gave it to the Family Room, so someone else could have something to eat. While your families gave out of the abundance that you have, Sandra’s family gave everything they had.” (Based on Mark 12:41-44).

One For God - Nine For You (Exodus 23:19)

“Bring the best of the first-fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.” Question: Wow! Sandra’s family gave everything they had! How could they do that? [Because Sandra’s family knows about what God calls “first-fruits” or in this case, “first-beans”].

Sandra’s family knows that everything they have is a gift from God - including their can of beans. They also know that what God really wants from them - and all of us - is obedience when it comes to giving back to Him some of what He has given to us. Question: Has anyone given to you more generously that God? [No]. The Bible says that, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it…” (Psalm 24:1). Everything means everything, including money. So really, your money is really not your money. It belongs to God, and He gives you the privilege of using what He makes available to you. We found in our previous devotion (A Good Recipe) that everything works best if you follow the directions. That includes money. You money works best when you honor God by how you use it. There is a very simple way to honor God with your money. It’s called “First-fruits.” It’s giving back to Him some of what He has given to you. *************************************************************************************************************** Note: If there’s a philanthropic Pop in the group, you might want to try the following illustration: “Here, I’ll show you what I mean. Take the lemons (fruits) out of your boxes. I have several rolls of ten dimes. These dimes are mine; I own them, but I’m thinking about giving one roll to each of you. Now, if I decide to give each of you one of these rolls of dimes, would it be fair if I keep one dime for myself, and give you the other nine?” If an answer is “no,” then you could say, “Well, all the dimes belong to me anyway, so I don’t have to give you any. Now, would you like 9 or none?” Assuming the answer is “yes,” you can say, “This is God’s perspective on how to look at money.” Look at the boxes with the dimes in them. Here’s how to put “first-fruits” into practice”: Let’s say that you earn a dollar from helping a little extra around the house, or selling lemonade on a hot summer day, or keeping an eye on a neighbor’s dog while they’re on vacation. Ask your mom or dad to get you ten dimes for that dollar. Then:

1. Put one dime in the box marked “God” - first. That first dime is called your “first fruits.”

2. Put your next dime into the box marked “Savings.” That’s money that you won’t spend for a long time until there’s something really important you need to use it for.

3. Put the other 8 dimes into your “Spending” box. That’s money that you can spend now on things you need, or save up for things that you want!

One for God - Nine for you. Not a bad deal at all! Remember, if you will give God your “first fruits,” there will be plenty of fruit left over for “leftovers”! Good Words To Remember I’ll give to God my first and my best - ‘cause He let’s me keep the rest! (Exodus 23:19).

LESSON 9: TRUTH OR TWINKIE? What We’re Talking About Standing up for what’s right Activity You’ll need a paper, a pencil and a ruler. Ask one child to leave the room until you call her back. Draw three lines of nearly equal length on a sheet of paper and label them a, b, & c. Agree with the others in the room to insist that whichever line is chosen, disagree with the choice. Bring her back in the room and ask her which line is the longest. If she selects “b”, look puzzled and say,“ No, select the longest.” Have the others in the room insist that the other line is longer. Keep going until she gives in and goes along with everyone else or absolutely refuses to budge. Now, take the ruler out and show that “b” actually is the longest. What’s The Point? Stand up for what’s right, even if many disagree Campfire Ned King was the most popular kid in class - practically in the whole school - and everyone wanted to be his friend. So when Ned started the Twinkie Club, everyone in Mrs. Learnsmore’s class wanted to get in. One day at recess, Ned and two of his friends, Jack & Ben, walked up to a boy named Chad who was swinging by himself. Chad was new in class, having just moved to town. Ned invited him to come to the Twinkie Club meeting after school. Chad was very excited because he had heard about the Twinkie Club, and he wanted to make some new friends. So he said, “Sure!” At 3:30, the Twinkie Club meeting began. Ned took a Twinkie out of the box, unwrapped it and set it on a plate. Then everyone kneeled before the “Sacred Twinkie” and said: “O great Twinkie - you’re so great and I’m so dinky.” Ned looked at Chad, who was the only one not bowing to the Sacred Twinkie, and said, “Chad, here are the rules for membership in the Club: 1) Upon entering the Clubhouse, you have to bow down to the Sacred Twinkie and repeat: “O great Twinkie - you’re so great and I’m so dinky.” 2) Every Monday at lunch you must eat a Twinkie and repeat the Twinkie prayer.” Ned continued, “Chad, candidate for membership in the Twinkie Club, what is your greatest desire?” Well, Chad knew if he didn’t go along with everyone else, he wouldn’t be allowed to be in the club. But he also knew that this was not the right thing to do. So, gathering up all his courage he said, “Last week in Sunday school we talked about the Ten Commandments, and one of them says that we’re not supposed to worship or to pray to anyone but God. I’d really like to be a member of the Club, but if it means bowing down and praying to a Twinkie, I can’t do that - even if it is just for fun. I have to please God first and I don’t think this will.” Ned told Chad, “Because you refuse to bow down before the Sacred Twinkie, no one in the club is allowed to talk with you and that you are not allowed to talk with anyone in the club.”

As the Twinkie Club door closed behind him, Chad knew he had done the right thing. But as he walked home, he wondered how he was ever going to make friends. The next day at school, Chad was eating lunch by himself while everyone else in class ate together. Then he felt a tap on his shoulder. “Mind if we sit down with you?” It was Jack & Ben! “Well yeah, if the Sacred Twinkie doesn’t mind,” Chad said smiling. Jack said, “We decided not to be in the club anymore. We were thinking about what you said yesterday. It’s pretty stupid to pray to a Twinkie, but we didn’t want to be the only ones not in the club. It’s pretty cool the way you stood up for God. Want to come over after school?” A couple of days later, as the three of them were having lunch, Ned walked up. “Mind if I sit with you guys?” he said. “I decided to close the Twinkie Club. I’d rather have you guys as friends than eat Twinkies by myself. I was thinking that maybe you could come over after school - my mom bought a box of Ding-Dongs and I need some help eating them! (Based very loosely on Daniel Chapter 3).

Truth Or Twinkie? (1 Timothy 3:15)

“God [is] the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Is the “Twinkie Story” silly? Yes. But it makes a point about standing up for what’s right. Sometimes it’s easy to know what’s right or wrong, or good or bad. But sometimes, it’s not so easy to know. Something may look or sound good, but it might not be. For example:

• A TV show can be funny, but at the same time say it’s ok to do things that really aren’t good for you

• Music can sound good but have bad words • A popular person in authority might say to do wrong thing

Question: So how can you know what really is right or wrong? If your family buys a new car, the company that makes the car gives you what is called a warranty. This warranty is a written guarantee that parts of your car will be repaired or replaced if it fails to do what the company promised it would do. But that guarantee is good only for certain parts for a certain period of time that is determined by the manufacturer - maybe 3 to 5 years. Did you know that God gives us a warranty on the truth that lasts forever? God guarantees in writing that:

• You can know what’s true (1 Timothy 2:3-4) • Truth is forever (Psalm 119:160) • Truth does not change (Malachi 3:6)

God’s words were true yesterday, are true today, and will be true tomorrow & forever! Chad had a choice to make: do what was right or do what was wrong, even though he knew he might be left all alone. Like Chad, when you take a stand against what’s wrong and for what’s right, sometimes you might feel all alone too. But as Chad saw and what you will see, when you stand up for the truth, you help someone else decide to stand up for the truth too. You have to decide what to read, watch, listen to, and who to hang around with. The Bible is the best guide for helping you make these choices and stand up for what is right. And that’s the truth. Good Words To Remember God words are always true; true for me and true for you (Psalm 119:160).

HAVE A BALL What We’re Talking About Having Fun In Sports Activity It’s time for a dad-son or dad-daughter volleyball game (or basketball or ping-pong, or water volleyball…). Just play together and have fun! Make sure you go easy on the dads, kids.

Have A Ball (Palm 150:1)

“Praise the Lord” Athletics should be fun. Have A Ball is “How To Have Fun In Sports 101.” Here some ways to enjoy playing the sport you’ve chosen, and make it more enjoyable for your teammates and your coaches. We call it being a good “TEAMMATE!” Thankful “Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:1). Can you run and jump and throw? Be thankful. Can see and hear and think? Be thankful. Ask your coach if you can lead a prayer before the practice or game, thanking God for the good gift of simply being able to play. Encouraging “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only for what is helpful for building others up…” (Ephesians 4:29). Never embarrass or put down your teammates in front of them or to anyone else (even privately). Cheer them on and encourage them if they make a mistake. Help a teammate improve her swing; help him learn a new play. Be the first to congratulate a teammate or opponent on a good play. Approved “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends (2 Corinthians 10:18). Do you have a teammate who is a ball hog? Does anyone on your team like to brag about how many points he scored or how great of a play she made? Remember how it makes you feel? When you make the awesome play, simply point up - let others know that it’s God who has given you the ability to make that hi-light film play. Masterful “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3). The best way to have fun in sports is to play - a lot. So, find ways to play more. Commit to doing what it takes to help your team. Make sure mom or dad gets you to practice and games on time. Learn how to play other positions so you can play where there’s a need. Make up a play and ask coach to let you teach it during practice - if it works, ask him if you can run it in the game. Mindful “Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). If your teammate passes to you when she could have shot, return the favor sometime. When your coach takes his time to be at practice or games, listen to him or her.

All Star “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17). Want to be named to the “All-Star Team?” Here’s how: Do a good job in everything you do. Come to all the practices and games, bring really good snacks when it’s your turn, listen to your coach so he doesn’t have to repeat himself over and over, participate cheerfully rather than complain, play hard until the very end. If you do this, you’ll be a true all-star. Trailblazer “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…” (Colossians 3:23). Be a leader. Find new ways to make games and practices fun. Make-up cheers for the team. Ask a pro-player to come to one of your practices (this really works - I’ve done it)! Enthusiastic “I have come so that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Be enthusiastic. If you can’t find anything to be enthusiastic about, pretend to be enthusiastic and pretty soon, you will be enthusiastic. Show up to the game even if you’re sick or injured. Even if you’re the least player on the last place team, your good attitude will make it a winning season. So, let the river flow! Servant “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Remember how good it makes you feel when you pick out a special gift for your mom or dad for Christmas? No matter how much we like getting, it feels even better to give. Same thing goes for sports. Pick up equipment after a game. Volunteer to give up some of your playing time so everyone can play the same amount. Good Words To Remember I’ll have a ball by giving my all (Colossians 3:23).