What's Going On?

This blog was created for training purposes at the Southeastern Spanish District of the Assemblies of God. It is maintained and owned by kidmission@yahoo.com

This event has already occurred, and this blog will not be updated.

If you have any questions please email me. --NA

Pre and Post Session Activities & Activity PODS

This is the make-or-break time. The time when kids are getting signed in, begging their parents to let them in early or to stay late. This is what I called organized chaos.

Yes, this time is supposed to be a bit crazy! But not a mess! If there's one thing I want the kids to have is fun! Kids Camp is all about organized chaos and tons of fun!

Mainly, Pre and Post Session Activities are the things we have for kids to do while we are waiting for start the session and waiting for parents to pick up. Kids' attention spans only last for so long... so, as you can imagine, especially on Wednesday, since they are with us ALL DAY, we need to keep things light. For a typical children's church service, kids can only give an hour and a half of clear, focused attention--where they can learn, worship and apply the message to their lives. That time is GOLD to me! So, we "sandwich" it in with tons of other activities to make sure the entire experience is a fun and memorable one. Many of these kids don't have a decent children's church they go to on a weekly basis---that's why we want them to "soak" it all in!

I have set up a total of 5 Activity stations. I will post the diagram of the room with the stations labeled soon. There has been careful thought put into these locations to ensure the safety of the kids and staff coverage. So, they are not to be moved to any other area.

1. Board Games
2. Hula-Hoops & Jump Ropes
3. Arts and Crafts
4. Pool of Balls
5. Floor Games (Inflatable games & Hullabaloo)

PLUS ACTIVITY POD IN THE MAIN SQUARE

There will be a rubbermaid container with the props for each area. We need to be sure to take the lids off and set the props so they are ready before the kids come in.

When the COUNTDOWN begins to start each session, that means it's "clean up time." All items need to go back in the bin, lid closed and set aside to store during the service so it's out of the way (we need all the floor space possible during the services).

At the END of the service, the containers can be brought out again for the kids to continue in open play. They are stored and arranged for the next day when all the kids have signed out.

During this time, we have what we call OPEN PLAY. That means that kids have the freedom to "roam" from one activity to another as they please. They have to make sure that they don't leave a mess after they use something (please remind them--I will too!). Ideally, every station will have a staff member responsible over that area--set up, clean up, but most importantly, safety. If you are assigned an area, it's your job to make sure kids are doing what they are supposed to. For example, if you are in the jump rope and hoops area, you need to make sure that kids aren't using the rope to tie each other up and the hoops to crash into each other! :-)

BALL POOL--This is the first year I am actually running with this crazy idea. I've been wanting to do it for years, but haven't had the space. We are going to venture here this year. Think: Chuck E. Cheese. Kids. Balls. Fun! This will be a high-demand station, and careful watch over safety is crucial. This station is meant for little kids mostly, and we can do it in "rounds" of five minutes. So, if this is your station, you must do all of the above, keep the time, and have eyes in the back of your head! :-)

ACTIVITY PODS--These stations will be DIFFERENT depending on the session. It might be a craft project or floor game. They will be located in the MAIN SQUARE (middle floor) and they are meant to draw kids in that might be a little shy or feel like they don't have any friends to play with. Of course, in all stations we will draw kids in, but this one is meant for more conversation and activity. I'd like to see that all the kids participate in an Activity Pod during our time (there will be a lot of time to cover!).

FYI: This time is very important. Discipline are order are crucial to starting off our sessions in a great mood. We want to build anticipation for what's coming! This is also the best time to get to know the kids and build relationships. Have fun!

Check out the Photos from Last Year!!!

This is a link to my personal homepage where I made an album of last year's Kids Camp.

Hope you like them!!! :-) The kids were fantabulous! CLICK HERE

COSMIC BASH

Thursday Morning's session is our super COSMIC BASH!

If you've been with us before, you know our last day session is always a big one full of fun, food and games.

We do a ton of group games, we save the sloppy, messy ones for then.
We eat junk food. Like gummy slimy stuff.
We eat pizza.... hmmm yummy!

Last year we did the limbo and it was a hit... this year.... we have even more stuff in store! You might want to brush up on a musical number.... I am thinking KARAOKE! OHHH AND THERE'S SOME Wii FUN!

Wouldn't it be cool if all the coaches came up with a little silly something-something? Hmmmm.... think about it.... take it as a challenge.

Remember, kids love seeing sort-of grown ups do silly things! (on top of all the other ones I will ask you to do!)

So, get ready!
Create some buzz with the kids!!!!

IT'S SESSION TIME!

So, what does our Kids Church Service look like? It's a lot of fast stuff, with no gaps where kids can get bored and misbehave.

You will know more details when I go over the programs with you during orientation.

Basically, here's the run down:

1. Pre-session activities while kids come in
2. Small group activity to introduce theme
3. Intro video--countdown and music video (to get the party started)
4. Praise Songs
5. Rules
   
6. Game
7. Lesson Intro
8. Video break
9. Character Lesson
10. Object Lesson
11. Prayer and Worship
12. Life Application/Small Groups
13. Regroup time (back together)
14. Extreme Fun Activity
15. Closing Activity
16. Annoucements/Promos
17. Post-session & Parent pick up

Our focus: We want kids to become best friends with Jesus, so they can tell their story to their friends and be witnessess of God's love! That's what rocks. That is why we do this, not for the music, fancy music, decorations, or videos.

So, when you talk to kids, have meaningful conversations with them--connect them to the STARLIGHT (SERVANT LEADERSHIP) theme. Get to know them-what they like, if they have pets, brothers, sisters. What is their favorite movie, all that stuff! Let's go beyond the kiddie surface---kids have a ton of substance, believe---that is WHY I LOVE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY! WELCOME TO THE CLUB!

PRESESSION AND POSTSESSION ACTIVITIES (ORGANIZED CHAOS, HERE WE COME!)

Presession Activities are things we do before we actually start the service.

We have long blocks of time, and a quality Kids Church service is no longer than 1 hour and 15 minutes. Therefore, we have time to do activities before and after.

I fit in the actual "service time" in the middle of our time block. That means that most of the late comers will be in and we can have a focused, uninterrupted service. Also, I finish with time left over for activities so that our prayer time and response times, including worship, is not interrupted.

Since some parents might be early or late in picking up kids, if we finish our "service time" earlier and then move to activities, we can avoid all that.

I have set up activity stations around the room and certain presession activities depending on the session to fill up this time. As kids are coming in, we want them to hang out, meet friends, get to know you and be prepared for the day's theme.

During presession, we might have a group activity. You will see it in the daily program. That means that we might have presession activities that kids can choose from (games, etc) and then at a certain time, coaches gather their kids by grade groups and work on an activity that I have selected that introduces the day's theme.

Then, we will have a video countdown for service to start (5 min) and an opening video. Then.... the fun begins!

Post-session activities are similar. Sometimes it might be structured games (like volleyball) or group activities. This is what we do while we wait for parents to come back and check out their kids.

TEACHER, I HAVE TO PEE!

Yea, eventually, someone is going to have to go to the bathroom.

Here's the deal---when the kids come in, we ask them at the registration table if they have "gone." And the parents need to take them, not us.

If a kid needs to go during a session, that's another story. We try to absolutely have no one go to the bathroom during key service times--worship, teaching and prayer. Those moments are carefully crafted for the appropriate response, and we don't want to interrupt that.

But eventually, someone's gonna have to go... so here's what you do: YOU NEVER GO ALONE! We have the rule of 3's---which means, it's always YOU (the coach) and at least 2 kids. Believe me, once one says he's got to go, you will have plenty of others willing to go.

Butttttt.........don't make a huge announcement like, "Ok kids, who's got to go?" Be discreet! You might know who has to go by seeing them do the little dance! If no one else has to go, they you HAVE to take another coach with you.

It's simple, no exceptions.

I prefer that we take care of that business before service and after. During presession time and post session activity time.

SAFETY FIRST

This is a big one!!!!!!

I don't need to remind you that I worked with child abuse victims, sex offenders and predators. So, safety is very important!

You might wander, why all this tough in/out, check-in cards and nametags? Why does the door person have to act like the FBI Bouncer? Well, it's because it's all about keeping kids safe.

At all times, we need to have a full account of who's in the room, who's not and what to do in case of an emergency. We are legally responsible for these children.

That is why the ROOM and the HALLWAY have to be secure at all times.

As a coach, I am asking you to do the impossible: Have eyes in the back of your head. Believe me, you get better at it with practice!

In other words, you are with the kids, but you are alert. Once we are inside, we watch the door so no one comes in and out. When we take kids to the bathroom we use the Line Rope (rope with rings for kids to hold when they walk for little ones). We are in total and complete control.

If something happens, we do not overreact. If a child gets hurt and needs a band-aid, we take care of it without freaking out. (Simply stated). Remember, if it's something you can't handle, I don't expect you to do so. (THE FIRST AID KIT WILL ALWAYS BE AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE. IF YOU NEED TO USE IT, PLEASE TELL ME WHY SO I CAN LOG IT IN CASE A PARENT ASKS)

If you have friends that come visit you during the service, they are not allowed in. You have to see them before and after all the kids are out of the room.

Absolutely no strangers in the ROOM & HALLWAY. No exceptions. If parents want to check out the room and hang out, I have no problem as long as they go through the door person and I ok it. But this is only before and after services. NOT DURING THE SERVICE.

If parents want to stay for service, they have to stay in the designated area. There are no babies or children under Kindergarten allowed in the ROOM. So, if a mom says she wants to stay in and watch the service and has a little baby, she will have to come talk to me. Believe me, this has happened before. I will most likely allow them but tell them that the moment the baby becomes an interruption, they must exit. Also, if they have little toddlers, then it's definately a no.

If you notice someone lingering outside the HALLWAY OR ANY AREA, or anything at all that seems suspicious, you need to tell me right away.

The Discipline Factor

Yikes, no one likes to talk about this stuff, so bare with me! I give 3 hour workshops on this stuff, so I wil keep it short, ok?

Main thing, don't go over your head, when trouble comes, that's what I am there for. But, I do need you to keep the calm and control. Especially when I am up front, which is almost all the time, I am counting on you to keep it together.

Why do most kids misbehave? Because they are bored! So, our program is designed so they don't get bored. Yes, that means a change sometimes every 5 to 7 minutes! That's a packed program! I will go into details about the program set up in the next entry.

Your role as TEAM LEADER is to be a mentor, helper and friend. Your job is to do your best at the task you've been given for each program. You are also responsible to be on the lookout for any child that might need to be included, need help or any other safety issue that might come up.

A kid is being bad.... help! First, we do a warning (don't worry, I will go over this with the kids) then they will have a consequence if they do not obey. The consequences vary, and I will handle them appropriately. If a child gets to that point, I take care of it.

What do you do? You tell the child, "This is what you are doing wrong ______ and that goes against the rules. This is your warning." Then you redirect the child to the present activity as appropriate. If the behavior persists, you tell the child: "I warned you, and you are still not ________. We need to talk." Then you take the child away from the group, discuss the behavior, and if necessary get me.

We will not shame. One thing I do not tolerate is bargaining with kids or threatening them. You should not have to bribe a child to do what is expected of them and we will not make any child feel ashamed.

We wil discuss some scenarios and have question/answer time during orientation.

Check-in & Out

This is a big one, and the most important technical part of our program. I will save you all the legal talk--just know that I have zero tolerance for mistakes here, because it involves the safety of our children, and we are legally reponsible for this.

TO CHECK KIDS IN:

• All kids HAVE to be accompanied by parent/guardian. In other words, the person that filled out the form to register them. No brother/sister/cousin stuff. If a parent wants to designate an older sibling to do the pick up and drop off, they must tell us WHEN THEY REGISTER and we will note it and give the safety pick up card to them. We will remind them of this at registration.
  

• SAY THIS TO THE KID: Have you gone to the bathroom? All kids should go before, so they won't HAVE to go during the service! :-)
  

• Parents must show their KIDkard as ID and all kids have to show their KIDpass (nametag) to get in. If they forget it in their room, they have to go get it. If they lose it permanently, then you need to go get me to fix the situation.

• When the kids show their KIDpass, we find the DUPLICATE KIDpass (INDEX CARD) and move it to the "HERE" box. What does this mean? If something should happen, we have a box with all the kids' information that are present in the COSMIC ZONE at any given time. If we have cards left over, we know who's not there.
  

• To make things easier, we will have the groups divided ALPHABETICALLY BY FIRST NAME so when they come in to check in we can find the names quicker. Same thing for check out.

• Once they are all clear at the registration table, they can walk over to the door (COSMIC Zone).

TO CHECK KIDS OUT:

• Parents come to the registration table and show their KIDkard. They will have one card per child. They will check out each child individually. When they are done there, direct the parent to the COSMIC ZONE. That is the waiting area where they will wait for their child to come out.

• When the parent shows the KIDkard and you move the KIDpass from the INBOX to the OUTBOX, YOU WILL USE THE WIRELESS MIC TO SAY THE NAME OF THE CHILDNRE and they can walk over to the door. Please do not leave the MIC on when you are not calling names. 

• Remember to smile, thank them and remind them of the next session check in and pick up times. Also, remember to promote the COSMIC BASH on Thursday.

IF A PARENT ASKS WHAT THEIR CHILD SHOULD WEAR....tell them to be comfortable. Remind them that on Thursday, we will be messy and maybe a little wet, so they shouldn't wear their best outfits.

IF A PARENT ASKS TO BE LATE FOR PICK UP OR EARLY FOR CHECK IN... tell them kindly that is not possible. If they get upset, send them to see me.

The Door Man (or woman)

If you are assigned the DOOR, think of it as one of the most important jobs, because as all jobs are important equally, this one is one that leaves a first impression on everyone and sets the tone for the kids to come in.

If you were here last year, remember we always had a door activity. It's something fun and simple that the kids can expect. It can be a high five and a splash of water, whipped cream or sticker. You just never know. So, the door is an important place.

What to do at the door when kids are COMING IN:

1. Greet the kids and their parents (sneak a peek at the nametag so you can call them by name
2. Perform door activity (sticker, etc)
3. Tell the kids to find a coach that will set them up on an activity
4. Get ready for the next kid coming in!

What to do at the door when kids are GOING OUT: 

1. High-five, awesome bye!
2. Remind them to come back tomorrow
3. Tell them to line up on the RIGHT in the cosmic zone to meet their parents that will be waiting for them (close to the door hallway).
   

What do you have to do?

First of all, read ALL OF THIS BLOG.

Show up on time. Please.... I am telling you the REAL TIME I expect you to be there. So, I expect everyone there no later than 10 am. Please! If you can get there earlier, even better. We will meet to go over everything, the schedule and expectations. Please keep your eye our for my online video orientation that will give you an introduction to what we will cover during the whole event. I will be posting that the weekend before Convention. 

What NOT to wear

I am working on getting you some hats again this year. Our theme is Space, so if you have some funky glasses, you can wear them, especially during our party session, the Cosmic Bash, on Thursday. This, as usual, is our games/food and fun session. So feel free to dress in something fun and creative. 

So, what DO you wear? Jeans. No shorts, please. Shirts should cover every area that should be covered while raising hands and acting silly. You definately want to wear the most comfortable pair of shoes you have. I prefer that you wear solid shirt, t-shirts or polos or whatever you have in bright colors. Our color scheme is bright primary colors. Most likely, I will be sporting solid bright color tshirts or black. Black is always good! :-)

What is most important is that you are comfortable!!!! You will need to run around, sit on the floor (a lot) and jump and sing, therefore, comfort is important. If you have questions, please call me.

On another note, cell phones are ok.... but please, absolutely no taking calls during our sessions, and that includes texting. I know, I know.... there's the old lady in me! (believe me, we will need to focus all our attention on what we are doing!) :-)

KID PASSES (NAMETAGS) & DOOR CHECK-IN

Every child that enteres the COSMIC ZONE (the room) has to be wearing a nametag at all times. There are abosolutely no exceptions to this rule.

When parents come in and register for the convention, they register their children at the main desk. We do not take any money. The registration desk then sends them to OUR TABLE. Our registration zone is in the hallway on the way to the COSMIC ZONE.

At the registration table, parents will COMPLETELY FILL OUT a registration card for EACH CHILD. Every kid has to have a card. Yes, even if the information is all the same. Be sure that they sign the medical release portion.

The child will be given a KIDpass (nametag). They have to wear it at all times and it's the only way we can let them in the door.

We will save a DUPLICATE KIDpass for each child for our records. This card is the one that will be placed in and out of the check-in box for services and it's very important. WHAT YOU DO, IS WRITE THE NAME OF THE CHILD AND THEIR KID NUMBER ON AN INDEX CARD.

The parents will get a KIDkard for each child. This is the card they will need to check their kids in and out. No exceptions.

Once they have filled out the paperwork and get the KIDpasses, KIDkards and program schedule, they are good to go. Give them a smile and tell them you're looking forward to seeing them tonight! :-) Oh, and of course, remind them to be on time before and AFTER the service!

The hallway begins the COSMIC ZONE. That means that it must be secure at all times. No one is allowed to enter the room unless they have a nametag. That means every child has to have a nametag.

If a parent wants to enter the room, what do you do? If you are working the registration table, you can tell them they can meet the door greeter and tell him that they are walking the child in. They can look around, but then must exit. It is the door greeter's responsibility to check up on parents that are inside the room.

What if a parent wants to stay during the service? Yea, that's a tough one... afterall, how do you tell a parent not to stay? That's when you come get me!! I will do it for you. Actually, what I will tell them is that we have a designated seating area and they will have to stay there. But, I won't make any of you do that, I will take care of that.

Which brings me to another point: Your job is to be nice and kind. I do not expect you to deal with any sort of conflict, since you definately don't deserve that for the free labor you give! LOL So, if at any moment, a situation gets heated with a parent or anyone else, you need to let me handle it. Just stop the individual and say, "I will be more than happy to help you, let me get the director."

Worker Expectations--VIP

I wrote about this in last year's blog... so please check out this page and READ IT VERY CAREFULLY! 

These are some of my basic expectations, and I expect you to be familiar with them so we don't have to go over them and I don't have to remind you. 

Thanks! 

BGMC: Missions Emphasis

We will be collecting BGMC offerings on Thursday night. We will pass out the BGMC collection boxes to the kids on Tuesday night and they will return them on Thursday night.

We will have an incentive program for the collection of the offering, I will announce it when the kids arrive.

If you aren't familiar with BGMC and what it does, I encourage you to check out www.bgmc.ag.org for all the information.

Hotel Location

Kissimmee Hotels, Resorts

Check out the hotel we will be hosting Starlight Station

Be sure to note the address/location so you can get there.
Please plan to arrive before 10 am on Tuesday, June 17th.  Our first session starts at 2 pm.

You can help with set up (if you can get there earlier, even better) and then we will eat lunch together and go over the service for the afternoon and evening.

Background Checks

Please be sure to send Niurka via email at arce_niurka@yahoo.com your social security number, full legal name and date of birth so we can conduct your background screen. You will fill out the application on site to have in our files. 

You can also call my cell number and leave it on my voicemail. Thanks!

Final Schedule

This is the pending Schedule. The only items that might change will be the # of Lunches we have to cover. It makes for a Super Long Day to cover lunch on Wednesday, but we might have to.

Starlight Station

SESD Kids Convention 2008

June 17, 18 & 19 2008

Radisson Worldgate Resort Orlando, FL

Tuesday

Registration 10am-12 pm & 1pm-6 pm

1--Business Meeting 2:00-4:30 pm

2--Opening Service 7-9:30pm

Wednesday

3--Business Meeting 9 am - 12 pm

Banquet 12:15 - 2:15 pm

4--Business Meeting II 2:30 - 4:30 pm

5--Evening Service 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Thursday

6--Conferences 9 am - 12 pm

Banquets CEM/Pastors 12:15 - 2:15

7--Closing Service 7 pm - 9:30 pm

All check-ins are 15 minutes before each session

Prompt pick up is expected at the close of each session

7 Sessions Total

2 extended (2 hour) lunch periods

Welcome to Starlight Station

Greetings!
Thanks for being a part our team!

We had a blast last year, and now it's time again! I can’t wait to see the kids, get to know them, have a blast, and minister to their lives.

Starlight Station is our theme this year. It's is all about relevant ministry to elementary school age kids. Every session includes high-energy worship, dynamic prayer times, bible challenges, activity rotations and small group enrichment. E-Life takes the fun activities of summer and connects them to a Bible truth.

During our time together, we will get messy, sing, dance, jump, and all that good stuff! Yet, most importantly, we want to connect to kids, build relationships with them and show them that God’s stuff is really fun! A lot of the kids we will be working with are pastor’s and minister’s kids. They have their own set of issues and things they have to deal with. E-Life Kids is more than just a time for fun, but a time to relate to their specific needs. So please keep this mind during our time together.

This celebration is possible thanks to people like you, who are willing to serve and invest in the lives of kids. I am passionate about reaching kids where they are at, thanks for joining me on the journey.

Thanks for your willingness to serve,

Niurka

Stay Tuned: Summer Camp Convention 2008

More to come on this year's Summer Camp Theme for Convention 2008.

For the main page for Convention 2008, visit http://sesdag.com/id22.html

For Now, check out the main resource we will be using for some of the content at http://www.elevatekids.com/seriesPage.php?id=9

This curriculum is from "Elevate" and I really like it. As always, we will be using it as a sprinkle here and there, not the main attraction. But, it will be reinforcing our main theme and creates a nice, solid foundation. So, feel free to check out some of the clips on that page.

The theme is a "Space" motif.... just like Starlight Station. I will be updating the blog soon with more information. This blog will be the main medium of communication, so please stay tuned during the next three weeks as I update and fill in all the gaps of information that you will need to stay in the loop.

The set up will be basically the same as last year. Please visit last year's e-life kids training blog at elifekids.blogspot.com for all the information from last year. The procedures will be staying pretty much the same, but there's a good start for what will be happening if you didn't help out last year.

I look forward to working with all of you. Please don't hesitate to call or email at arce_niurka@yahoo.com