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!