SUNDAY SAFARI ... A Sunday Evening Program for Elementary Children

This is a two hour program that provides elective classes, Bible stories, memory work, and choir.

Here is a typical schedule:

5:00-5:30 First elective class
5:35-6:05 Second elective class
6:05-6:30 Bible theme presented and memory work
6:30-7:00 Choir for all the children

Here are some ideas for elective classes. (The topics depend on the talents of the teens and adults who are willing to teach.)

Handbells
Gymnastics
Crafts
Art
Babysitting
Rhythm Band
Puppetry
Drama
Photography
First Aid
Signing for the Deaf
Magic
Cooking
Voice
Creative Writing

Here are some ideas for Bible themes:

The Ten Commandments
The Lord's Prayer
I Corinthians 13
The Beatitudes
The 23rd Psalm
Creation

Use VBS curriculum or create your own.

The memory work would be 5 to 10 verses based on the theme.

Here are some ideas for the choir:

Songs to be presented during a worship service.
A musical for children.
A special program for a nursing home.
Special music for Children's worship

Ideas for the little extras that give an added "spark."

            All the teachers dress in safari-type clothing.
            Use costume characters. (Ex.: Buzzy Bee, Zeb the Zebra)
            Use a point system for attendance, memory work, good behavior, and visitors brought.
            Each child has a "passport" in which to record points.
            Give awards for the most points during a time period.

Each week the teachers select a boy and a girl who did his and her best in all of the classes. Each one is given a banana. When ten children have each won a banana, they are invited to come 30 minutes early to have a "Make Your Own Banana Split Party.

Mrs. Kathy Downs, 1990