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Kids Just Want to Have Fun at the FEAST
CHICAGO, IL (May 28, 2005) - Parents may have a problem when they bring their
families to the FEAST this year, according to one of the event's
organizers.
"The challenge for families with children and teenagers isn't getting
the kids to go to the FEAST, it's getting them to go home after it,"
says Art Greco, the chair of the event's steering committee. "If past
FEAST experiences are any indicator of how much fun this event will be
for our children, then there will be a lot of kids going to sleep with
smiles on their faces up in Keystone."
The FEAST is a festival of prayer for the whole family and will be
celebrated June 18-21, at Keystone, Colorado, preceding the Annual Meeting.
Children and teens won't just have fun – they'll also have the
opportunity to grow in their faith with programs especially for them.
And there will be plenty of time for families to be together as well.
"We've built in a lot of time for families to be together," says Marti
Burger, who, with her husband, Steve, directs children, youth and family
ministries.
"Are You There God?" is the theme of the children's program, which will
explore God's presence in prayer, play, praise, story, service and
solitude. The children will learn how God is present in every aspect of
their lives.
The children will explore two basic concepts: knowing God and talking to
God. They will have a time of worship together (parents can have their
children remain with them during worship before they leave for their
classes), a time of creating a presentation for the family worship
service, and play times which also will be designed around the theme,
acknowledging that children learn in all kinds of settings.
The Burgers have designed programs to grow the children's faith in a
joyous atmosphere. Three classes will be held: Shepherd's Fold for
nursery and toddlers, Preschool Kingdom for ages 3 – kindergarten, and
Adventure Camp for 1st – 6th grades.
In the Preschool Kingdom, children ages three through entering
kindergarten will pray, worship, play in a make-believe land, climb
through castles, listen to stories, have fun with crafts, sing, play
games, and explore God's word.
Children in first through sixth grade will experience a spiritual
adventure at Adventure Camp, with worship, prayer, stories, music,
games, crafts, puppets and even a television studio.
Teenagers also will have plenty of opportunities to connect with each
other as well as with God, says Angie Tate, who is cooking up that
portion of the FEAST.
"The students will be joining the adults in both main sessions and
seminars and will be able to glean from their experiences, as well as
have firsthand experiences of their own in various forms of prayer,"
Tate says. "I think they will be challenged to connect with God in ways
that they may not have tried before - and I think they will want to try
it again."
Tate adds, "We also will have some fun play time - time to just be
together, time to get to know other students from other parts of the
country, time to find out what they think of all of this "prayer stuff,
and time to relax. This will take place through creek walking, mountain
biking, art projects, boating, bonfires, and much more."
Greco predicts that this year's FEAST, like past FEAST events, will be a
big hit with kids.
"It sure was good to see so many students at the FEAST in the first two
years," says Greco. "It is always encouraging to see them forming or
rekindling friendships with other students, and for them to be able to
do that in such a beautiful environment."
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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