Yes, there's been non-stop interest and excitement built into our Agency D3 program where kids have been challenged to Discover, Decide and Defend the truth about Jesus Christ.

Continuing the excitement of Agency D3
And, we wanted to conclude the program with an event that would continue the interest in the program and its content beyond the kidmin walls. Little did we realise that, on Sunday morning, the parents and church family would become as interested and involved as the kids.

Rocket Pack Jack movie
We decided to show the full version of Rocket Pack Jack video, a faith-based adventure film. Segments of this video have been built into the Agency D3 lesson material so the kids already knew the movie and were looking forward seeing to the whole thing. You can view the trailer below.

Popcorn Bar
Since a movie presentation was planned, we thought we'd also have popcorn.. but add some flair. So we organised a 'Popcorn Bar', based on the wonderful ideas of Cheryl Style. You can find the information here. There are free printables to create the tags, labels and popcorn cones.

Sharing the excitement
When our pastor heard of our plans, he decided that the whole church family would enjoy sharing this closing event and asked if we could make enough popcorn for everyone. I definitely needed to enlarge my popcorn popping team. But it created a real buzz with many of the church family talking with the kids and asking them about everything they had learned. They really enjoyed it... and the popcorn.

But more followed...

Creating a shield
The final activity of the morning was the creation of a shield, since we had equipped the kids now to defend the truth. So, each child was given a basic cardboard shield to label with Discover-Decide-Defend and decorate. We'd printed the Agency D3 badge for them to cut out and adhere to the shield and we provided colourful washi tape to cover the shield edges and metallic paper to cut out and use.

Cardboard handles were attached to the back of the shields using packaging tape. We had planned to use the shields in a final game but ran out of time.

Parents helped out
But, when parents came to collect their kids, they wound up helping the kids to create the shields and, I suspect, having as much fun as the kids.
I loved watching the kids and their families carrying these large shields home and imagining the comments and discussions from other kids in their neighbourhood.

The kids have enjoyed every moment of the program. Their friends and neighbours have swelled our weekly attendance. And, they've all remembered each lesson's Bible point and story. Yes, it's been a great program.

Family resources
But... how do you ensure the extra family resources and content make it home with the kids? And how do you encourage parents to reinforce and extend the lesson content once the children reach home?

Agency D3: Discover- Decide- Defend
We've been using Lifeway's Agency D3 VBS materials, not for a holiday program, but as our regular Sunday morning Kidz Church program. It's been a really good program with loads of content and resources. The kids examine eyewitness reports, physical proof, and biblical accounts to uncover and defend the truth about who Jesus really is.. (If I have time later, I'll try and write up a more thorough review.)

Agency D3 home app
But, it wasn't until we were well into the program that I discovered, quite by accident, that there is an accompanying Agency D3 app for families to enjoy at home. What better way to excite kids and encourage them to connect with Agency D3 at home!

So, what's included? Well, quite a bit, actually. 

• Communication Hub.  Families can listen to and enjoy all the songs of the Agency D3 program. 
  
• Headquarters. Families can choose this area to find the choreography videos to sing along together and learn all the actions and moves.
• Map Room: Here you'll find all the Bible stories, each lesson presented in both preschool and kids version. It's here that you can also find a gospel presentation. A simple guide outlines the salvation message with Scripture passages to find and read.
• Evidence Lab: Agency D3 provides audio devotions for families to listen to as kids travel home from their Agency D3 program. You can find these audio devotions in the Evidence Lab of the app, too.
• Training Grounds: This area is a lot of fun with the choice of a number of games- secret messages, puzzles, colouring, hidden messages and matching.
• The Lab: This area is really helpful for parents and lists 10 fun activities to complete this summer.

If you haven't had the opportunity to check out this app, it's worth doing so. Although it's obviously intended for families and as a great resource for complementing the Agency D3 program, it's also helpful for leaders to have on hand. You might use it for those times before and after your kidmin program when you need to occupy a child who arrives early or has to wait late for a parent. Use the app to present and guide a child through salvation. 

Whenever you visit Pinterest, you'll inevitably find wonderful examples of kids' themed party decor. They certainly add excitement and appeal for any special kids' event. Not surprisingly. And... I have no doubt that you seek to create similar buzz for your kidmin programs and events. 

Add some buzz
At the conclusion of each program or VBS, we present a special themed event finale. It's something the kids anticipate with excitement, often inviting friends along. 

We alter the program's format and include special games, activities, multimedia and presentations. And the, we conclude with a party with, hopefully, all the visual appeal of those found on the PInterest boards.

But finding ideas or designing and creating such party decor can be very time-consuming. So I love it when I come across ideas and resources that can be adapted for our use.

Free printables
The party printables from TinyMe are just that- wonderful designs that can easily be downloaded and printed and... they're FREE.

The Fruity Designs are just wonderful for a 'Fruit of the Spirit' themed event. 
The download includes:

• printable fruit gift baskets
• printable cone wrappers
• printable garland
• printable toppers and tags

If you're concerned about how to assemble these party decor printables, you'll find step-by-step instructions for each. Just click on the printables you need and you'll find a page with the download link plus the assembly instructions.. easy!
You can also save extra time and effort, if you wish, by ordering their personalised invitations. They look wonderful, too (I love all the products from TinyMe) - but they're not free.

Set the scene  for your Fruit of the Spirit celebration with these wonderful fruity downloads. 

Why crafts? Craft activities... are they worth including in a kidmin program? Some would perceive craft/science activities as little more than 'busy activities' or time fillers. Yet developmentally appropriate craft activities can aid learning and help kids develop important concepts and process emotional responses to learning. 

More than just an encouragement of artistic expression, these activities allow kids to explore ideas and concepts and extend their thinking. If these activities are included in a kidmin program, they will provide a relaxed environment to discuss and extend a child's understanding of a lesson's important details, Bible point and life application. 

Where can you find ideas? Most kidmin program materials will include age/development appropriate craft activities that will enable you to extend and reinforce your lesson content with the kids. But you may be looking for additional materials and ideas or activities for a special themed event.

 Pinterest is an obvious source of inspiration and ideas for any kidmin craft ideas. But now, there is another option- Kiwi Crate.

New Kiwi Crate app You probably know it as a monthly subscription to an exciting box of children's craft activities and supplies delivered to your door. But now, it's more.
Download the FREE Kiwi Crate iPhone app and find daily DIY craft activities.

Each project features photos of the competed item with a quick description, 'messiness' level, an age range of interest and ability and the estimated duration of the activity.

Easy instructions  Materials required for the project are included and step by step instructions with photos.... easy! Save any ideas you like for future reference and there is a search function to help you find just the right activity you need. Search according to age and time restrictions.

Have fun- build memories  Build some excitement, develop your core concepts and reinforce your lesson with some exciting crafts or science activities. In the process, you'll also be creating some memories with the kids that will remain in their hearts and lives far longer than the shelf-life of the completed craft. Have fun- build memories! 

Sick kids... what can you do? So much of all that we plan, organise and prepare focuses on children who are there for our kidmin programs. But what about kids who aren't there- who are home sick or even in hospital. How can we impact these lives and reach out to show God's love to these kids and their families?
...............

The calendar may say it's winter, but the days have remained clear and warm, though just a little brisk, mornings and evenings. It's beautiful weather for a leisurely stroll along the beach and I had been taking advantage of the unseasonable warmth to do just that...until last week.

The sudden cold snap hit and I found myself in bed with a heavy cold; and I wasn't the only one. Reduced attendance at church and in our kidmin programs reflected the numbers struggling with colds and flu.

So... what is your strategy for following up and encouraging these sick kids? Do you send a card? What about those children suffering long-term illness?

I've listed 5 ideas and suggestions below to connect with sick kids and ensure
 they experience God's love for them while they're unwell.

4. Home pack
It may be helpful to think beyond the child to consider the whole family if there is a serious, long-term illness involved. This situation can be stressful and exhausting for the whole family. Check to see if it would be helpful to provide family meals or paid vouchers to local takeaway restaurants.. Check, too, for any dietary requirements, food intolerances and allergies.  You may be able to organise a roster for providing these meals and visiting with the family. Always check first. While most would really appreciate this encouragement, others may need their own space.

5. Warm Buddy
Some children will need hospitalisation. This can be quite traumatic for both child and family. A warming buddy (or the equivalent) provides soothing warmth and natural relief from aches, pain and stress and a visual reminder for the child, that is with them throughout this experience, of your love and ongoing prayers.
You can find these Warm Buddies online here but I also found a similar item at Target so check around..Stock up for those times when you need a special gift for a child who is going through a difficult time.

Just as a small note to finish: you might like to consider the ongoing outreach option of providing your local children's hospital with  pre-paid vouchers to takeaway restaurants for families of sick children. Families really appreciate a meal voucher at the close of a long day spent in a hospital ward and parents often must rush home to care for other siblings. This would be a wonderful act of love for these tired, stressed families. Perhaps you could provide the vouchers enclosed with a card and an encouraging message.

Why celebrate Father's Day? This special day for fathers, whether it's recognised in June, September or other dates throughout the world, is a celebration of the influence of fathers and the contribution they make to the lives of their children and families.

Our culture today tends to minimalise, even the negate, the role of men and importance of fathers. But multiple studies have emphasised the important connection between father and child in terms of educational achievement, psychological well-being and the social behaviour of the child.

How will you celebrate it? So.. the next question is: how is your church/kidmin planning to celebrate Father's Day?  Below, you'll find some ideas and resources to promote your Father's Day celebration and highlight the importance of fathers.

1. Father's Day invitations. You can find some FREE downloadable Father's Day invitations here, ready to personalise, print and present to your families.

3. Social Media
In the days leading up to Father's Day, you may be searching for some father's day ideas and quotes to add to your kidmin Facebook page or other social media platforms. If so, you may like to use the small collection of Bible verse images below.

4. Movie clips
Leading up to Father's Day and during the special celebration you have prepared for fathers, it may add a special focus to present a father's day clip. There are so many great ones available. I've listed 4 below and I especially liked. Click on the images  to take you to the link for each clip.

5. Other ideas
If you're looking for further ideas or suggestions, you might like to check out the previous posts listed below or some of the creative ideas of others that I've gathered on my Dad's Pinterest board. You can find the linkHERE..

Have you ever wondered how many different ways you can use a pool noodle in your kidmin programs?

This review lists some of the best uses with links to the 'how-to' posts so that you can make them yourself. Check out just some of the projects  below that others have come with and you’ll find the that the ideas are only as limited as your imagination. I've tried to group the uses into 5 main areas:
 obstacle course ideas
water games and activities
 ideas to help you teach your lesson
  energetic games
 design and construction.

Of course, I soon discovered that there are other ideas, too, but many of these related more to life hacks and safety at home.  And, even as I added ideas to this post, I noticed that other ideas were being added online. So, if you’d like to add other ideas, that you've created or seen that need an honourable mention, please list them below in the comments or add them to the Google+ post.

OBSTACLE COURSE

Do you have an upcoming spies or secret agent theme- anything that requires training, skills or activity? There are many ideas for using pool noodles to create colourful and fun obstacle courses. Most of the ideas can be used indoors, too, which makes them versatile for any weather conditions. With kids’ safety in mind, pool noodle constructions are relatively soft and less hazardous for energetic kids. Check out some of the ideas below. You can find links to the instructions here:
Parents.com      NewIdeasforYou.com

WATER ACTIVITIES

When the temperature soars, there’s nothing quite like water fun for kids and pool noodles provide more fun than just as a pool toy. Check out some of these inexpensive ideas for your next water-fun kidmin event.



Noodle Sprinkler     Water Wall    Water Tunnel     Slip&Slide     Sailboats     Water-raft

TEACHING THE LESSON

There are many ways that you can use pool noodles in your lesson presentation, too. Whether you need swords or arrows, rainbows or boats, you’ll find it’s easy to create them with pool noodles. You might even want the kids to make their own, Check out some ideas below.



Swords     Horses     Rainbows     Bows&Arrows   ArkoftheCovenant     Boats

FUN AND GAMES

Whether it’s part of your program or a midweek kids’ club activity, there will be times when you really need to provide some energetic games and fun. The fun is laid on when you include pool noodles. Check out the following ideas, with the links below, as starters. You’ll probably think  up other ways that you can include these great resources for your own needs.

Croquet     NoodleTargets     GiantRingToss     GiantBaseball     IndoorBasketball   RingToss

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

With a bit of creativity, these versatile pool noodles can even be used for your next decorating and display project. Whether you’re considering a simple project like the pool noodle lollipops for a sweet entry to a room or area or a more elaborate display, the bright colour and light but sturdy material allows you to create wonderful, eye-catching features. The pool noodle furniture ideas are just wonderful, and the fort is something that the kids would love to help you with, too. While a fort might not be something you need, the basic idea would allow you create any structure you require. Please add your own ideas below.
Furniture     Flowers     Vines     Fort     Display     Lollipops

Weird Animals is certainly an exciting program. In the weeks leading up to the launch of the Weird Animals program at our church, we added clues about the program to the church and kidmin social media, as Group themselves had done. It's a great theme and there were many weird and wonderful clues to upload. You know, sometimes, I think that adults are just as excited to learn about upcoming kidmin programs as the children. Certainly, many of the adults tried to guess our upcoming theme.


(N.B. If you're looking for a quick review of this program, skip down to the rating of the station activities and resources listed below.)

The program can be used for many different types of events
Group has produced a really versatile program. Although it has been designed as a 5-day VBS program, some other suggested options for running this Weird Animals program are: weekday mornings or afternoons during school holidays, during the evenings as a special outreach program, a special event for your midweek kids' club, day camp, Sunday mornings, a weekend retreat or a 10-day VBS.

We ran the program for a term (10 weeks) during our regular children's church  time. We covered each Bible story and Bible Point for 2 weeks in a row.There are more than enough resources and materials and it was quite helpful to reinforce the lesson for the two week period. The Weird Animals Director's manual outlines just how you can organise the program for this style of presentation.

Clearly detailed manuals with plenty of photos, plus instructional dvds
So... what did we really appreciate and was there anything that could be improved? Honestly, if you used this hugely detailed program and didn't rave about it, there must be something amiss.. Of course, that is something that you do need to anticipate- there is a lot of information to go through; but you'll probably find it exciting rather than daunting. You'll just want to jump right into it.

But the manuals are very clear and whenever possible, instructional dvds have been included.

Decoration ideas with dvd
 The decorating ideas are incredible- wonderful if you have the space and the people to create such an beautiful themed environment. We didn't... and we also had the difficulty of creating an environment that wouldn't interfere with the other groups who use the kidmin area during the week.

So, we did our best with backdrops and posters (both of which are very colourful) and added smaller areas of the huge cardboard flowers, foliage and pool noodle vines. (Pool noodles are wonderfully versatile!) It was enough it make the kids dance with excitement and drew admiring comments from the adults.. so I'm sure you could use the ideas to create marvelous displays.

Promoting your event
As with everything else in this program, you'll find many helpful ideas and suggestions for promoting your event and the available clipart is really helpful. You'll also find bulletin inserts and flyer templates, news release and parent invitation. You can purchase posters, banners and t-shirts. There also is the option to set up your Weird Animals website to enable families and volunteers to register online for your event.

The best promotion of our events is by word-of-mouth and we ensure our church family is excited about the event, too. So.. a couple of editable powerpoint slides would have been a useful addition. This is one of the slides I created myself to promote Weird Animals with our church family using the clipart files.

Social media
Another important means of promotion is social media and some program publishers are beginning to include resources for this use. I would have liked some ideas and promotional materials for use on social media both to promote Weird Animals and to add some interest throughout. We snapped photos of the snacks and the decorations and included info about the lessons and Bible points but some simple graphics would have been really helpful and would save helps of time.

Collectible Bible Buddies
These collectibles are great. The characters come alive with the free app and reinforce the Bible point and verse. The kids can also feed and groom their creature. The dvd clips for each character are quality clips and the kids love learning about each animal and the Bible point each teaches.

I really appreciated the interactive Bible learning experiences but these will work best with an experienced leader. These segments are 'designed to prepare the heart of  each child to receive the gospel message in an unforgettable way'. We certainly had some amazing responses for the kids. We felt, though, that we needed to be quite clear for those who were really seeking to make a step of faith, and we presented a simple ABCs of salvation. You might like to speak with your leaders and include this yourself.

Extras
So... what else is there? Well, yes, there's more... name badges and holders, buddy chains, zoo keeper boxes, sticker sheets, photo frames, water bottles, parachute and more. There is also a Preschool and Youth program- Zoo Zone.

Any negatives? Well... for those overseas, the cost is really daunting. Yes, I know it's the postage.. There are some downloadables which is great, but many leaders will now only consider programs which are fully downloadable. I can certainly understand.

You'll find a simple overview of the different activity stations listed below including a rating for each activity. 

QUICK OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY STATIONS

Sing & Play Stampede Music
This music and worship segment is the first activity station for evnad eryone.
What did we like about it?

• Great music and easy actions
• Kids loved copying the other kids on the clip doing the actions.
• The words of the songs reinforce the Bible lesson and Bible point.
• 
  

Imagination Station
A Sciency-Fun Gizmo that connects with the Bible point  that kids can take home.
What did we like about it?

• All the kids loved the gizmos.
  
• The activities required very little set up time.
• The gizmos were very cost-effective.

Untamed Games
Zany games that also teach. Fun games and simple to organise.
What did we like about it?

• Plenty of game options 
• Energy level information for each game is provided
• Low energy games could be used indoors (bad weather).

One-of-a-Kind Bible Adventures
These Bible stories are not merely told, but experienced. What did we like about this?

• Kids were very involved in the lesson and content.
• These segments work best with an experienced leader and extra time is needed to rehearse some of the segments where more than one character is required for the story.

Kidvid Cinema
Kids meet real kids who rely on God as they face different life challenges. 
What did we like about this?

• Life application was a really good concept- kids enjoyed watching.
• Some of the segments were difficult for kids to hear and understand, especially when adults were interviewed- needed to simplify the content.

Critter Cafe
What did we like about this?

• This was one of the most popular activity stations.
• They loved making the snacks themselves.
• Some kids would ask how the snack illustrated the Bible point before we even started.

Home Connection
The home connection is always a challenge. Will there be any follow-up at home?
What did we like about this?

• We knew that the Bible bands were going home- they were well attached.
• The printed material and content was well produced.
• You need to remind parents about the extra content on the bands.

Bible Buddies
The collectible Bible Buddies and downloadable app were an instant hit. What did we like about this?

• They were a wonderful incentive for new kids to come along.
• Great reinforcement of Bible point and verse- good dvd clips of animals.
• Kids enjoyed brushing and feeding their Bible Buddies.

Decorating Places
The intense brightness and colour added instant appeal for children arriving for this program. What did we like about this?

• The instructional dvd was great!
• The posters are wonderful- amazing colour.
• The animals had instant appeal for kids.

The competition between boys and girls is strong among our Sunday morning kidmin group. We'll often hear the question: "Who was best at singing, the girls or the boys?" or "Did the boys find the Bible passage first, or the girls?" And the rivalry becomes intense during our review segment at the close of each lesson.

A challenging review segment for added fun

The review segment poses questions to see how well the children remember the content of the lesson, the Bible point and the Bible verse. But our focus, along with reinforcing a basic understanding and application of the lesson, is for kids to have fun! The link between fun and learning is strong. So, if a child answers a review question incorrectly, we still award points for trying. And we generally include the opportunity for bonus questions, if they care to attempt a challenge... and most do. How do you structure your review?

Bonus challenge 

We'll often include a 'Minute to Win It' style challenge to win those extra points. And yes, the kids all clamour to be picked to answer the review questions and to attempt the challenge. The challenge doesn't have to involve a lot of extra planning or expensive resources. You can find some great ideas and resources for these types of challenges here...

Pom pom popper challenge

Here's a simple activity, a fun challenge, that you could include for such a segment- a pom pom popper. 

The concept is simple; shoot a pom pom a certain distance to gain extra points. You can use masking tape to mark out various distances with corresponding points. 

Lay out a hoop as the starting point. Shoot the pom pom and gain the points. (I'd give the kids 3 attempts- it's not as easy as it looks.)

You'll need a pom pom popper

So now, all you need is your pompom popper. Although there are numerous instructions on the web for creating a plastic cup popper, this one from FrogsandSnailsandPuppyDogTail uses a pool noodle. (How versatile are pool noodles? I don't know what we did without them!) 

It's a more robust popper and one that even younger children should manage.

And.... you'll only need 3 items to create one: a pool noodle, a balloon and some masking tape.

Oh.. I guess you'll need some pom poms, too. It's almost easy enough for kids to make their own.

Instructions:

1. Use a craft knife to cut a length of pool noodle approx 7cm long. I tried using a slightly longer length with little success.
2. Cut the end off a balloon and discard. Stretch the cut edge of the remaining balloon piece across one end of the pool noodle.
3. Wrap masking tape around to secure the balloon in place.
4. Tie a knot in the neck of the balloon... and you're ready.
Slip a pom pom into the popper. Pull back the knotted end of the balloon and ...let go! 
Actually, you'll need to pull the balloon back quite a bit to shoot your pom pom far. I was a little tentative to begin with.

So.. do the boys win or the girls? The competition is intense but everyone enjoys being involved since it's a challenge that anyone can attempt. But more than that- kids are really listening, remembering and learning. And the review part of our program is a real highlight. Disappointed wails accompany the occasional sound of the 'big church' finishing before we get to the review. What a great way to finish- kids disappointed because it's time to finish!

It's wonderful when you learn that something is free, and even better when the quality of that something meets high standards. And that's what you'll find with the free resources listed below. You'll find some kidmin videos, parenting newsletters, posters and curriculum. And you won't need to worry about the cost of postage and handling- it's all downloadable.
Don't pass this opportunity to access and obtain these resources. Some of these resources are only available for a limited period so don't delay.

1. Bible-teaching kidmin videos

This video series is described as a new way to tell an old story and the stories available to download are: Paul and Silas in jail, God sends His Holy Spirit, John the Baptist and Simeon at the temple.

You'll discover that more of these Bible videos are available by subscription and you can choose those that correlate with Orange curriculum, through the Bible videos of stories from Genesis to Revelation, or the ultimate collection. Use these videos to supplement your regular lesson materials and add interest and impact.

Find your 4 free videos and details of how to access more here...

2. Weekly parenting newsletter

Looking for a quality weekly newsletter to print and hand out to parents of your weekly programs? It's especially helpful for those who attend your weekly playgroup, kids activity club or after-school event.

These FREE parenting newsletter from Focus on the Family provide a family devotion plus a parenting insight. Download and print these newsletters and use the reverse side to provide information about your upcoming events or regular programs. The download is available as either colour or black/white.   You will find themhere...

3. Volunteer Campaign
A kidmin volunteer team is an integral part of weekly and midweek programs. Where would you be without their enthusiastic involvement? A large portion of your time will be devoted to developing, encouraging and training this team- that's crucial. But you also want to remind others of the importance of volunteers and inspire them to consider their own involvement. 

Download this FREE series of five posters from  ElevateatChurch.com that highlight the importance of volunteers and get people talking about volunteering.
Print them off or add them to your church Facebook page. You can find it here.

4. Access to Orange for FREE

If you've always wanted to check out the Orange resources, then now you can. You can evaluate 2 months of curriculum from your choice of the Orange preschool, First Look, the children's curriculum, 252 Basic or XP3 Students plus leadership resources- free.

You'll find this resource available here... 

I hope you will find the time to check out these resources and take the opportunity to download some wonderful resources- free! And... I really appreciate those who provide these free quality resources to assist those involved in presenting programs that will impact young lives for Christ.