Our last Primary Quarterly Activity was just SUPER!
Theme: Book of Mormon Stories (that my teacher tells to me)
Take home items:
Nephi's boat
Mini Liahona
The Brother of Jared's clear stones
Stripling Warrior Headband (pictured later)
"The Brother of Jared"
Retell the story of the Brother of Jared who built ships that were “tight like unto a dish.” Tell them of the stones that were lit after the Lord touched them with his finger. You could turn off the lights and let the group feel how dark it is without any light. Then shine a flashlight on a handful of the clear stones to help them visualize what they may have looked like. Turn on the lights. Have the children draw themselves on a piece of paper. Fold the papers and put them into a #10 can. Place a few stones into the can and then “seal” it shut. Have the group hold a part of the large blue sheet. Help them gently roll the “ship” around on the “waves” with the object being not to let the can fall off the edge. Help the children pick out 4 or 5 clear stones to take home. Wrap the stones in the fabric squares and tie them off with string.
(Rolling the Jaredite's boat across the great waters)
"Army of Heleman"
Retell the story of the 2000 Stripling Warriors. Using paints, decorate “warrior headbands” to wear. If some finish early, organize a “soldier training camp” and have the children do jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, and marching drills.
"Nephi's Bow"
Retell the story of Nephi’s bow engaging the group with questions as you go. After the story, make two rows of children facing the wildlife images on the wall. Let each person practice their hand at archery with the toy bow and arrow sets. When everyone has had a chance to practice, organize a competition seeing who can hit closest to a designated target on the images. Use small stickers to help you keep track of where shots hits. If there’s time left over, have a distance competition.
"Nephi's Boat"
Retell the story of Nephi building a boat even when he didn’t know how and his brothers were telling him he was foolish. Fold paper boats using the origami guide on the chalk board. Extra adult "folding" hands are helpful for this station (thanks Elders). You can color the boats too if the children want. Then float your boats in the shallow tubs of water using straws to blow them from one end to the other. Have boat races to see who’s ship is the fastest.
"Lehi's Tent"
Set up a large tent in the chapel overflow room. Invite the group inside and zip the tent door closed. Once inside, retell the story of the Liahona in your own words. After the discussion, open the tent door to find a golden “Liahona” on the ground. Follow the clues (slips of paper tied to the ball) on a scavenger hunt. Remember, the Liahona only works when we are being obedient and reverent (a great tip when trying to remain reverent while walking through the church house). The final clue will lead you to the west coat room. In the dresser drawer will be a treasure box with a take home “liahona” (wiffle golf ball painted gold) inside for each member of the group to keep.
"Christ in America"End the activity by combining together in one room. Show the film of Christ visiting the Nephites and blessing the children (I think it's called, Behold Your Little Ones, or My Joy is Full ... not sure, but it's only a few minutes long). Then invite the Bishop (or member of the bishopric) to bear his testimony and share his feelings about this great Book of Mormon event.
Since this was our summer activity, we handed out freezer pops as a treat while waiting for parents come.
Total Cost: about $20
Totally awesome and totally fun!
