Alyssa Keehn and Amanda Mason
Alyssa Keehn and Amanda Mason
Alyssa Keehn and Amanda Mason
Most children eagerly look forward to summer vacation each year and the freedom it brings. For some it may mean sleeping in, going on vacations, or having more time for video games or other indoor play, but for a group of children in the Douglasville, Ga., community freedom was found in the forest. Eight children enrolled in the first summer Kids Forest Camp, the week of June 7-11, 2021.
The morning started off with a devotion by Yuki Lewis, head teacher, grades 3-8 for the Douglasville School, that made a spiritual connection to the theme of the day. The children were then given time to engage in free play in the forest area. For some of the attendees, a highlight of the week was playing in the mud and puddles generated by recent heavy rainfall. They were not only allowed to get muddy, but even encouraged to do so as they explored the outdoors.
Later, Amanda Mason, grades K-2 teacher for the Douglasville School, read aloud a story centered on the daily theme. Next a craft or activity was offered that also corresponded with the theme. Daily themes included exploring the forest, animal tracks, animal homes, bats, and rocks.
While the play and discovery were fun, the most important aspect of the week was when participants had the opportunity to learn more about God the Creator during their time outdoors. His fingerprints were discovered as they explored the fields and forest area at the school. They were encouraged to be life-long lovers and protectors of nature, but most of all they were led to see the Lord’s hand in the world He made.
Georgia-Cumberland | August 2021
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