Expedition
Sunday mornings are an
adventure for elementary age children! Our expedition program is unique--one
that children find exciting and fun. During a six-week period, we study one
topic in six different workshop settings. Each focuses on the same Bible topic,
but it's own unique angle. Each class includes discussion of the topic as well
as memory verse practice. In each workshop, the children are given the
opportunity to experience the Bible lesson, not just hear it. It is our goal to
provide significant learning experiences so learners make faith connections
between Bible stories and their lives. Children are grouped by grade and have an
adult who gets to know them on a more personal level. This way, children have a
consistent leader while they move from one workshop to another.
Workshops
During our 9 a.m. session, each grade visits a workshop each week
covering six during a unit. During our 10:30 a.m. session, following a
time of group worship, first through fourth grades visit a different
workshop each week. At the end of each workshop there is time for the
children to meet with their adventure guide. This is a special time of
relationship building and prayer with their leader who is consistently
with them from week to week. The fifth and sixth graders attend Route 56
during the 10:30 a.m. session.
Alpha Adventures: This is our storytelling workshop in which the topic or Bible story is told from the storyteller’s perspective. The children then take part in large and small group activities that include learning games, Bible skills, and drama re-enactments of the Bible story.
Tek Trek: This is our computer lab. In this workshop children explore a variety of interactive software where they learn about Bible characters and stories. Activities also include quizzes, research, games, puzzles, word searches, newsletters, and writing cards.
The Map Room: There is plenty of exploration that happens in this room! Children use maps to research the Bible story and create salt/flour maps of their own. They have also been known to venture out to an "archeological dig" site to find items linked to the culture of Biblical times.
Creative Cookery: The cooking workshop is definitely a favorite. Our church kitchen provides a great learning environment. Children mix, measure, stir, sift, and bake yummy creations to experience the Bible story.
How Great Thou Art: In this workshop, we use many artistic techniques to create a variety of projects such as: directed drawings, clay, woodworking, watercolor, murals, and nature projects. This workshop allows our children to express their creative artistic talents and experience the Bible story at the same time.
E2K Studio: Here, in a dramatic setting, children get to experience the emotions and details of the Bible stories. They gain a better understanding of Biblical times by watching them portrayed on video. Even more effective are the times when they get to create a video of their own. No studio would be complete without comfortable beanbag chairs and popcorn--and we have them!
Omega Productions: This is our drama workshop that encourages children to act out the stories of the Bible or portray the moods and feelings of Bible characters. Through the use of costumes, props, or music children experience participating in the stories of the Bible.
Questions? Call Janet Cleland: 714.524.1744