For the last eight years, our kindergarten through sixth grade children have enjoyed our Pathfinder Summer program that runs on Wednesday evenings during the summer months of June, July and August. For 2009, our theme was called Treasure Hunters – Uncovering the Truth about Jesus – based on the book of Hebrews. The program centered around an Indiana Jones format. For several weeks during the summer, Indy made an appearance to tell us about his latest discovery but was always chased out of the room by a villain. Indy revealed many archeological finds that prove that Jesus was real and lived on the earth.
Our mission this summer was to learn more about Jesus – that he is superior to anything or anyone else, he was a real human being just like us, and that the word is still living and active. We also emphasized that life is like a race and that we need to focus on Jesus to be successful. We were also encouraged by the great heroes of the past; all of these wonderful messages came from the book of Hebrews.
The summer program was filled with many other hands-on activities. We learned about arrowheads, pottery, fossils, old stamps, coins and even Indy’s biggest fear – snakes! The Pathfinders erupted volcanoes, went to Egypt and learned about mummies, hieroglyphics and even made their own sand pyramid.
Each night, the Pathfinders earn points and could use them in the store at the end of the evening. We also gave out awards each night: the Pathfinder Award (a compass keychain) went to the student who set a Christ-like example in class and the “Cross Award” (An Arrowhead necklace) was given to anyone who talked to someone about Jesus and invited him or her to Church.
We have been very proud of our children’s generosity this summer towards others in need. Over the past 8 years, we have given over $5,000 to different causes. This year we chose to send Boots and Bibles to children in Nicaragua and will be giving over $800.00 towards this cause. Our Medical Mission Team will be involved in the distribution of both items.
Each night is also filled with singing, warm up exercises, a lesson (usually including a skit and application) then a rotation to four centers including: Wendy the Word Lady who teaches us about a Bible word that we need to understand better; Rhoda the Ace Reporter who reemphasis the lesson; an Archeology station and an activity station. The night ends with a tasty dessert.