Griffin’s Games on the Green

Playing is what this age group does best! While they’re playing, they’re learning. These games are an important part of the teaching process because they help to cement the lessons into the kids’ minds in a fun way. 
Consider having an outdoor playtime if you have a good space for it. It’s nice to break up the day and have a new location to explore. The outdoor location should be enclosed so no one wanders off. If you don’t have a safe area, use tarped hay bales or snow fencing to create one. Ask church families to bring in plastic slides, big wheel riding toys, and other age-appropriate outdoor equipment. Make sure they’re labeled so they can easily be returned after VBS. 
You may also want to consider having wading pools with a small amount of water for outdoor playtime. (Supervise carefully.) Make sure parents are notified ahead of time to bring swim floats, a swimsuit, a towel, and extra clothes for their child. Ask if it’s okay to put sunscreen on their child and apply it at least 10 minutes before going outside. If possible, place the pools in a shady area.
For game time, use the following suggestions or other options from the Game Guide. Some of the Pre-Primary games can work for Toddlers. Also, it’s fun to repeat favorites throughout the week.
If you have kids with disabilities, be sensitive and adapt so they can participate as much as possible. 
Thematic Game Ideas
Day 1
Knights’ Ride
Ahead of time, gather a half pool noodle for each child and one blue sheet or plastic tablecloth for everyone to use. Check online for fun ways to make pool noodles into horses if you want to jazz them up.
Give each child the half pool noodle to ride as a horse. Have the kids follow a leader, riding around the play area. The blue sheet or tablecloth acts as a moat for kids to jump over as they ride. At some point, the leader should stop and say, “Oh no! This is the bad kingdom. Quick, ride back to the good kingdom!” Then have kids ride in the opposite direction. Finally, have children sit down to let their “horses” rest while you share the teaching tie-in.
Teaching Tie-In 
There are two kingdoms. Who’s the ruler of the good kingdom? Take responses. God rules over the good kingdom. God is perfect and true. Who rules the bad kingdom? Take responses. Satan is the ruler. He’s bad and he lies. Let’s be part of God’s good kingdom! 
Bible Quest
Ahead of time, gather some Bibles. Keep in mind the toddlers will be holding and hugging whichever Bibles you choose to use.
Stack some Bibles at one end of the play area, and have the children line up on the opposite end. Each child will have a turn running to the stack, picking up a Bible, and running back to start while hugging the Bible. If you have older kids who are more coordinated, they can ride a half pool noodle “horse” to pick up a Bible and bring it back. After each child has had a chance to run at least once, share the teaching tie-in.
Teaching Tie-In 
The Bible’s a very special book because it’s God’s Word. It tells us the truth about God and his good kingdom. And best of all, the Bible tells us how we can be part of God’s kingdom!  
Day 2
Belt of Truth Relay
Ahead of time, gather one belt for every two children. Optional: Blow up at least one balloon for each child. 
Gather the children at one end of the play area and share the teaching tie-in. Then have two kids each hold an end of a belt and run together to the other end of the area and back. If using balloons, have each child running with the belt pick up a balloon at the other end to bring back with them. 

Teaching Tie-In 
This game uses regular belts. Show a belt from the game and put it on. These belts can help us remember the belt in God’s armor. What’s that belt called? The belt of ___ (truth)? We should fasten on the belt of truth. It helps us remember that the Bible’s true and that we should always tell the truth. 
Decide Your Side 
Ahead of time, place a long piece of tape on the floor. Attach the Good and Bad Kingdom Posters (from the Teaching Posters) to the wall or to two chairs on either side of the tape. 
Have the kids stand on the tape. Call out “good side” or “bad side” and “good kingdom” or “bad kingdom” while kids jump off the tape to the correct side. Add in other words like “God’s kingdom” or “the enemy’s kingdom”; “the loving kingdom” or “the mean kingdom.” Play several times, then share the teaching tie-in while the kids sit down and rest.
Teaching Tie-In 
We’ve learned that there are two kingdoms, a good one and a bad one. But in real life, you can’t go back and forth like you did in the game. Every person must choose which kingdom they want to be a part of. You must decide your side. Let’s choose the good side—God’s side! 
Day 3
Dragon’s Treasure 
Using a small ball, play this game somewhat like Red Light, Green Light. Choose a leader to be the dragon and stand at one end of the play space. Have the children line up at the opposite end. Explain that the ball is the dragon’s treasure, then place it near the dragon. Whenever the dragon turns away from the kids, they will all sneak toward the treasure. When the dragon turns back, all the kids must freeze in place. If anyone moves, the dragon may tell them to return to the start. The first child to grab the treasure must run back to the start while the dragon chases him. When finished playing, share the teaching tie-in.
Teaching Tie-In 
Some stories say that dragons love treasure like gold and jewels. But what’s our greatest treasure? Hold up a Bible. God’s Word, the Bible, is our greatest treasure. It tells us how to do right in God’s sight. 
Don’t Wake the Dragon
Use a small object that can be easily hidden. Have students sit in a semicircle on the floor. Place a chair at the open end of the circle facing away from the kids. Put the small object under the chair. Choose a leader or child to be the dragon. Have the dragon sit on the chair (facing away from the kids) with his eyes closed. Silently choose a child in the circle to quietly pick up the treasure, then go back and sit down, placing it behind him. Have the dragon turn around. Give him three guesses to find the one who took the treasure. If he guesses correctly, that child becomes the dragon. If he guesses incorrectly, the teacher chooses the next dragon. Play several rounds, then share the teaching tie-in.
Teaching Tie-In 
We were playing with the dragon’s treasure, weren’t we? Did you know that God’s truth is like a treasure? Where can we find God’s truth? Hold up a Bible. We can find wonderful truth about God whenever we read the Bible.  
Day 4
Shield of Faith Defenders
Ahead of time, gather stiff paper plates, one for each child. Use duct tape to make simple handles on the back of each plate. (If the kids did the Faith Shield craft, you may use those shields.) Make a line of tape or cones across the middle of the play area. Place a large amount of sponge balls, ping-pong balls, or crumpled paper balls on either side of the tape. 
Share the teaching tie-in. Divide the children into two teams and have them line up on either side of the tape. Pass out one shield/plate to each child. Show them how to put their hand through the tape handle and hold the shield up in front of them. When you say go, the children on both sides will toss the balls at the other team, using their shields to defend themselves. Leaders can help toss the balls and encourage kids to hold up their shields. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Sometimes the enemy’s lies and bad ideas will come at us like arrows. Hold up a Bible. But if we know and obey God’s Word by faith, God will help us to turn from those sins and he will protect us like a shield. Let’s pretend the balls are sins like lies. We’ll use our shields to keep them away. 
Put Your Helmet On!
This game of tag requires space to run. Share the teaching tie-in, then play the game. Have the children stand in a circle in the middle of the play area. Choose one or two leaders to be It. Show the children how to put their helmets on by placing their hands on their heads. When you say go, they must keep their helmets on as they run. If they put their hands down, that means their helmet fell off, and they can be tagged. (You may need to remind the kids to put their helmets on during the game.) When 
a child is tagged, he must show It that his helmet is back on by putting his hands on his head before he may run again. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Which part of the armor of God is worn on the head? Take responses. The helmet of salvation helps us remember that Jesus saves us from our sin and doesn’t want us to sin anymore. We must keep our helmet on so we can win against sin and obey God. 
Day 5
Bible Treasure Hunt
Ahead of time, print, laminate (if possible), cut out, and hide the Bible Cutouts around the room, and bring a timer. 
Share the teaching tie-in, then set the timer and see if the kids can find all the cutouts before time runs out. 
Teaching Tie-In 
The Bible’s like a treasure because it tells us the truth about God. It’s also part of the armor of God. What part is it? Take responses. It’s the sword of the Spirit. The more we know about the Bible, the more we can share God’s truth and hope with others.  
Knights’ Training Course
Ahead of time, set up a course using obstacles such as walking across a board (a moat), riding a hoppity ball (a horse), throwing a pool noodle (a javelin), and knocking down play bricks or boxes (a castle wall) with a pool noodle. 
Have the kids take turns going through the course, then share the teaching tie-in.
Teaching Tie-In 
Knights had to practice to get ready for battles and learn to use their armor. We need to practice using the armor of God by reading the Bible and obeying it!
Kieran’s Crafts in the Courtyard

Simple. Simple. Simple. Young children need simple crafts that are fun to touch and explore. More prep needs to take place so the children are left with simply decorating, attaching stickers, and gluing. This hands-on fun time helps kids really connect with what they’re learning.
As with all other items used with the toddlers and young preschoolers, watch carefully that items are not choking hazards and that all items are nontoxic. Use chunky crayons. Remember to put names on all crafts as children work on them. 
Plan two craft times a day, but be prepared to skip one or both if the children need more rest time. Decide who will be in charge of preparing the craft materials (craft leaders, toddler teachers, or someone else). Whatever ideas you choose, have fun and use the crafts to reinforce the big themes of the week.
Thematic Craft Ideas
Several of these crafts require simple materials for the craft volunteers to use ahead of time, such as an office paper cutter, scissors, glue, and a pen or pencil. These items will not be listed in the supply lists below. 
Day 1
Session 1—Kingdom Crown
Gather the following supplies: bulletin board border in gold or silver, large foam or jewel stickers, and a stapler. Optional: Use the Kingdom Crown Pattern and yellow poster board instead of the border. 
Ahead of time, cut the bulletin board border into 20-inch strips, one per child. Optional: If using the Crown Pattern, make a template and trace a crown strip for each child onto yellow poster board. 
During class, the children will decorate the outside of their crown strip with stickers. As each child finishes, fit the strip around the child’s head and staple or tape the two ends together to form a crown. (Tape over the staples to cover any sharp edges.) 
Teaching Tie-In 
Have children put on their crowns. Our crowns are fun to wear. We can pretend to be a king or queen. But do you know who’s the true King of the good kingdom? It’s Jesus! He’s the greatest king forever. Let’s give him praise! Lead children in shouts of “Yay, King Jesus!” 
Session 2—Winnie the Warhorse Coloring Sheet 
Gather the following supplies: Horse Coloring Sheet and crayons. Optional: yarn (brown, black, or gray), googly eyes, Q-Tips or small paintbrushes to spread glue, and foam/paper bowls. You’ll also need the Day 1 Animal Pal Poster.
Ahead of time, print one coloring sheet for each child. Optional: Cut yarn into 3-inch pieces and pour glue into bowls for kids to share. 
During class, children will color their coloring sheet. Optional: Spread glue and attach pieces of yarn onto the head/mane and tail then add googly eyes. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Refer to the Day 1 Animal Pal Poster. What’s the name of our animal pal today? Take responses. Continue discussion about the pal and its significance. 
Day 2
Session 1—Cross Magnet
Gather the following supplies: Cross Text Labels, printable return address labels (2/3 x 13/4 inches; Avery #18294; colored if available), two large craft sticks (6 x 3/4 inches) for each child, heart stickers, small craft magnets, and glue. Optional: crayons, markers, and glue sticks for labels printed on paper.
Ahead of time, print the Cross Text Labels onto the return address labels or print them onto white or colored paper then cut apart. Make one set (“King Jesus is the Savior”) for each child. Glue pairs of craft sticks together to form 
Check Pinterest.com/AnswersVBS for colorful photos of the toddler crafts!
a cross for each child. Attach a magnet on the back of each cross at the top.
During class, children will attach the text labels to their  cross then add heart stickers. Optional: If the text labels are printed on paper, have kids color, if necessary, and use glue sticks to attach them. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Show a finished cross. Let’s read the words on our crosses. Read the text “King Jesus is the Savior.” And what do these hearts remind us of? Take responses. Our craft reminds us that King Jesus, God’s perfect Son, loves us so much that he died on a cross to save us from sin. That’s why he’s called a savior. Now sinners, like you and I, can be part of his good kingdom. Let’s say thank you to Jesus. Lead children in shouts of “Thank you, Jesus!” and “We love you, Jesus!” 
Session 2—Wily the Fox Coloring Sheet
Gather the following: Fox Coloring Sheets and crayons. Optional: faux fur for the fox’s tail, plastic googly eyes, black 1/2-inch pom-poms, Q-Tips or small paintbrushes to spread glue, and foam/paper bowls. You’ll also need the Day 2 Animal Pal Poster.
Ahead of time, print one coloring sheet for each child. Optional: Cut pieces of faux fur to fit the shape of the fox’s tail on the coloring sheet. Pour glue into bowls for kids to share.
During class, children will color their coloring sheet. Optional: Spread glue onto the tail and attach the faux fur. Then glue on googly eyes and a pom-pom nose. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Refer to the Day 2 Animal Pal Poster. What’s the name of our animal pal today? Take responses. Continue discussion about the pal and its significance. 
Day 3
Session 1—Tower Growth Chart
Gather the following: Tower Growth Chart pages, tape, crayons. 
Ahead of time, print one set of 4 growth chart pages for each child. Trim off ends at the dotted lines.
During class, have kids color the picture on each page. To finish the chart, line up the design end to end and tape the pages together. If you have time, measure each child and mark their chart with today’s date. 
Teaching Tie-In 
What does your new growth chart say? Read the text: “Do right in God’s sight!” When we wear the armor of God, it will help us do what’s right as we live and grow each day.
Session 2—Grimwald the Dragon Coloring Sheet
Gather the following: Dragon Coloring Sheets and crayons. Optional: tissue paper (red, orange, yellow, and green), plastic googly eyes, Q-Tips or small paintbrushes to spread glue, and foam/paper bowls. You’ll also need the Day 3 Animal Pal Poster.
Ahead of time, print one coloring sheet for each child. Optional: Cut tissue paper into small pieces. Pour glue into bowls for kids to share.
During class, children will color their coloring sheet. Optional: Tear pieces of red, orange, and yellow tissue and glue them around the dragon’s mouth. Then spread glue on the back/tail and attach green tissue. Add googly eyes. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Refer to the Day 3 Animal Pal Poster. What’s the name of our animal pal today? Take responses. Continue discussion about the pal and its significance.
Day 4
Session 1—Faith Shield
Gather the following: Faith Shield Pattern, sturdy paper plates, duct tape, chenille stems (pipe cleaners), aluminum foil, crayons or markers, and glue sticks.
Ahead of time, print and cut out one shield for each child (or help children cut them out after coloring). Cut the foil into 12-inch squares. Shape the chenille stems into large loops and tape them to the front (indented) side of each plate for a handle. 
During class, children will cover the back (bottom side) of their plates with foil and pinch it tightly around the edges. Next, they will color the shield and glue it onto the plate. (You may want to use these shields to play Shield of Faith Defenders. See the game instructions on page 16 in the Toddler Guide for details.)
Teaching Tie-In 
What kind of shield is part of the armor of God? Take responses. It’s called the shield of faith. Hold up a completed shield craft. That’s what this says on the cross, “faith.” When we use the shield of faith, it helps us say “no” to sin. 
Session 2—Byron the Beetle Coloring Sheet
Gather the following: Beetle Coloring Sheets and crayons. Optional: colored cellophane or bubble wrap, Q-Tips or small paintbrushes to spread glue, and foam/paper bowls. You’ll also need the Day 4 Animal Pal Poster.
Ahead of time, print one coloring sheet for each child. Optional: Cut the cellophane into small pieces or cut 
bubble wrap to fit the shape of the beetle’s back. Pour glue into bowls for kids to share.
During class, children will color their coloring sheet. Optional: Spread glue onto the back of the beetle and attach pieces of crumpled cellophane or bubble wrap. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Refer to the Day 4 Animal Pal Poster. What’s the name of our animal pal today? Take responses. Continue discussion about the pal and its significance.
Day 5
Session 1—Train Your Brain Card Caddy
Gather the following: “Train Your Brain!” Shields Pattern and Memory Verse Cards Pattern, white or colored copy paper and cardstock, 9-oz. clear plastic cups (2 per child), glue sticks, and liquid glue. 
Ahead of time, print onto copy paper and cut out 1 shield for each child. Print onto cardstock and cut out one set of cards for each child. Cut the colored tissue paper into 1½ -inch squares.
During class, children will decorate 1 cup by using a glue stick to spread glue onto a section of the outside of the cup and then pressing colored tissue paper squares onto the glue. Continue until the outside of the cup is covered. Have the kids color their shield, if necessary, then glue it to the side of the cup on top of the tissue paper squares. Apply a few dots of liquid glue to the outside of the decorated cup just below the rim. Then place the decorated cup inside the second cup and press down to secure. Add one set of the memory verse cards to each cup. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Each of these cards has verses from God’s Word, the Bible. Whenever you take a card out and ask someone to read it with you, you’re training your brain. Try it and see how many verses you can learn to say all by yourself!
Session 2—Skye the Falcon Coloring Sheet
Gather the following: Falcon Coloring Sheets and crayons.Optional: feathers, googly eyes, Q-Tips or small paintbrushes to spread glue, and foam/paper bowls. You’ll also need the Day 5 Animal Pal Poster.
Ahead of time, print one coloring sheet for each child. Optional: Pour glue into bowls for kids to share.
During class, children will color the coloring sheet. Optional: Spread glue onto the wings/tail and attach feathers. Then add googly eyes.  
Teaching Tie-In 
Refer to the Day 5 Animal Pal Poster. What’s the name of our animal pal today? Take responses. Continue discussion about the pal and its significance. 
Tessa’s Treats in the Town

Yum! Snacks are always a hit. But with this age group, it is especially important to find out from parents about food allergies. Toddlers may not be able to communicate this information. If you are choosing other snack options, be mindful of small foods that may be choking hazards (e.g., hot dogs, nuts, marshmallows, raisins or dried fruits, hard or very chewy candies, chunks of cheese or fruit, and popcorn). Some “big kid” snacks are safe for toddlers. You may want to serve smaller portions of those. See the snack guide for more details. 
Decide who will prepare the snacks—teachers or the snack team—and decide if you are serving one or two snacks per day. And, of course, remember to wash hands and pray before eating.
Thematic Snack Ideas
Day 1
Kingdom Cookies
1 c. butter, softened
1½ c. sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla extract
2 c. flour
2/3 c. baking cocoa
¾ t. baking soda
½ t. salt
Vanilla icing, 1 T. per half cookie
Cream the butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Beat in vanilla. Combine the next four ingredients and gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and chill for one hour or more. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet 3 inches apart. Bake at 350º F for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are firm. Cool before icing. Use store-bought icing or search the internet for “vanilla icing recipe” to make your own. Ice half of each cookie.
Teaching Tie-In
Look at your kingdom cookie. Do you remember how many kingdoms there are? Pause. Two! One is God’s kingdom, and one is the enemy’s kingdom. Which side is the good kingdom? Take responses. Which side is the bad kingdom? Take responses. Let’s thank God that we can be part of his good kingdom and for this food.
A Few Twos
Serve two of a few items, such as two crackers, two small pieces of cheese, and two small pieces of fruit. 
Teaching Tie-In
How many crackers do you have? Take responses. Let’s count them. How many pieces of cheese? Take responses. Of fruit? Take responses. Do you remember how many kingdoms there are? Take responses. Two! Let’s thank God for his good kingdom and for this good snack.
Day 2
King’s Cups
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 can frozen fruit juice concentrate, thawed
1 carton fresh strawberries (cut into tiny pieces)
Several bananas (cut into tiny pieces) 
2 cans peaches (cut into tiny pieces)
1 can pineapple tidbits (cut into tiny pieces)
Plastic spoons and small plastic cups, 1 of each per child
This is like the big kids’ version, but uses a smaller cup and less “slushy” per cup. 
Make the frozen concentrates according to package directions. Put the orange juice and the fruit punch in a mixing bowl. Cut the fruit into tiny pieces and add to the mixture. Fill small cups half full of mixture and cover with foil. Freeze. Take out before VBS begins so they will be a slushy, smoothie-like consistency when serving. Test one the day before so you know how much in advance they need to come out of your freezer.
Teaching Tie-In
We’re having a king’s cup. Would you like to be a king or queen? Take responses. Do you know who the greatest king ever is? Take responses. Yes, God! Let’s thank him for being the King of kings and for this food. 

Fruit Tarts
Make or buy a favorite medieval food—small fruit tarts or pies. An easy way to make semi-circle fruit pies is to flatten small canned biscuits, put pie filling on half the biscuit, fold over, press ends together, and bake. (Or, you may want to just serve some kind of canned or fresh fruit.)
Teaching Tie-In
We have a yummy fruit snack today that we can thank God for. Do you remember who ate fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Take responses. Yes, Eve. God made fruit for us to enjoy, but there was just that one tree Adam and Eve were not supposed to eat from. Let’s thank God for his rules and for this snack.
Day 3
Dragon Munchies
Dragon nails: Cone-shaped corn snacks, approximately 5 per child
Dragon fireballs: Baked cheddar cheese ball snacks, approximately 5 per child
Dragon tongue: Fruit on a roll, a 4-inch section per child
Teaching Tie-In
Dragons lived long ago with people. They had scales and nails and long tongues. Let’s pretend our food is dragon scales and nails and tongues. And let’s thank God for dragons and for our food.
King’s Scepters
Pretzel sticks, 2–3 per child
Baked cheddar cheese ball snacks
Put a cheese ball puff on the end of each pretzel stick, which acts as a scepter. 
Teaching Tie-In
Do you remember the name of the king who was a boy when he started? It was King Jo____ (have them shout out the name). Yes, King Josiah! He wanted to do right and obey God!
Day 4
Mini Pizza Shields
1 4x4-in square of pizza dough or Pillsbury mini pizza crust (in pop-open cans)
1 heaping T. pizza sauce
1 heaping T. mozzarella cheese
Mini pepperoni slices for topping
Preheat oven according to package directions. Cut packaged pizza dough or crust into 4x4-in squares. Bake. Then use a sharp knife to shape the square into a shield. Or, for a simpler version, use a large cookie cutter (4 or 5-inch) to cut circles in the dough. Spread a heaping tablespoon of sauce on each one, followed by mozzarella cheese. Add pepperoni slices to resemble the decoration on a medieval shield. Place on a baking sheet and bake until bubbly.
Teaching Tie-In
This pizza shield reminds me of a part of God’s armor—the shield of faith. The shield of faith protects us! Let’s thank God for giving us this special, invisible shield and for this fun snack.
H Is for Helmet
Give each child five honey wheat braided twist pretzels and a napkin or small plate. You may want to bag these ahead of time and put all the baggies in a helmet, such as a football helmet. Pass out the pretzels and have the kids shape them into an uppercase H.
Teaching Tie-In
Let’s make the letter H out of our pretzels. Demonstrate how to do it and have them do so. The letter H stands for helmet. We learned about the helmet of salvation today, didn’t we? God wants us to wear our invisible helmet to guard our minds. Let’s thank God for giving us the helmet of salvation and these pretzel sticks.
Day 5
Moat Floats 
Blue-raspberry soft drink (like Minute Maid blue raspberry), 4–6 oz. per child
Vanilla ice cream, 1 small scoop per child
Small cups, 1 per child
Small straws that bend, 1 per child
This is a smaller version of the big kids’ Moat Floats. Put a small scoop of ice cream in each small cup and keep chilled in the freezer until ready to serve. Pour the soft drinks right before serving, and insert a straw or half-straw in each cup.
Teaching Tie-In
Our treat today is called a moat float. A moat was a big hole that was filled with water that went around a castle to help keep enemies away from the castle and everyone inside safe. Let’s thank God for caring for us and for this yummy snack.
Popsicle Swords
Give each child a popsicle. You may want to put a small cup or part of a cup on the popsicle stick under the popsicle to catch melting drips.
Teaching Tie-In
This popsicle reminds me of a part of God’s armor—the sword of the Spirit. The sword of the Spirit is God’s Word. Let’s thank God for this good treat and for giving us his Word (the Bible).

Day 1
The Two Kingdoms 
Bible PASSAGEs
Creator King and Prince of Darkness
Genesis 1; Ephesians 6:10–11
lesson focus
We’re in a battle between two kingdoms—
God’s good kingdom that runs on
truth and the enemy’s bad kingdom that
runs on lies.
Apologetics content
Absolute truth is true for all people, for all times, for all circumstances.
Veritas Verse
Put on the whole armor of God. 
Ephesians 6:11
Rhyme Time
Of two, only one is true!
ANIMAL PAL
Winifred (“Winnie”) the Warhorse
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Kingdom Cards
Touch Table Wet: Make It Clean!
Touch Table Dry: Two Kingdoms Sandcastles
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:11

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Two Kingdoms Contrasted 
Song 1: “I’m in the Lord’s Army”
Teach It!
Puppet Pal—The Battle’s On
Song 2: “The Kingdom Keepers”
Apply it!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review
Part 2: Veritas Verse
Part 3: Go and Do 
Preparing for the Lesson 
Read Genesis 1, John 18:37–38, and Ephesians 6:10–18 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on absolute truth and the two kingdoms, visit AnswersVBS.com/keeperfaq.
Pray.

Devotion 1: The Two Kingdoms
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Psalm 51:6
When Pilate questioned Jesus about the charges the Jews were leveling at him, Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 
Can you hear the cynicism and sarcasm in Pilate’s voice as he asks dismissively, “What is truth?” and hands over Jesus to the Jews for crucifixion (John 18:37–38)?
Throughout the ages, people have echoed Pilate’s question, in sincerity as well as skepticism. In fact, the battle over truth is as ancient as the original sin. Take a look at the lies Satan told himself and those who rebelled with him against their Creator:
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!
You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High’” (Isaiah 14:12–14, emphasis added).
Satan knew the truth—that there is none in heaven like the Creator God—but he exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and in the process became the father of lies (John 8:44). His first temptation of Adam and Eve was a continuation on the theme. He introduced error into God’s words (“Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1) and then blatantly lied about what God had said (“You will not surely die,” Genesis 3:4). 
For the past six thousand years, we’ve been floundering, trying to find our own way and denying that truth comes from God and his infallible Word. Thankfully, God has called his children into his kingdom through the sacrifice of his Son. In his infinite grace, God has given us the armor we need to stand strong in this battle for truth and boldly serve our Creator. 
This week as we examine the pieces of armor God has provided, ask yourself this: Where am I in the battle? Am I asking “what is truth?” along with Pilate, or do I know the difference between truth and error based on God’s Word? 
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:19).

Exploration Stations
See page 12 for setup and decorating instructions for each station, as well as ideas for additional stations.
Discovery Center: Kingdom Cards 
Materials
Kingdom Cards 
Poster board
Dark marker
Light colored marker or colored pencil
prep
Photocopy the patterns on white cardstock and cut into cards. Draw smiley faces lightly on the back of the good cards and frowny faces on the back of the bad cards. Draw a thick, dark line down the middle of the poster board to divide it in half. Write at the top of the left side “Good Kingdom” with a smiley face. Write at the top of the right side “Bad Kingdom” with a frowny face.  
Directions
Students put the cards either on the “Good Kingdom” side or the “Bad Kingdom” side. When done, flip over each card to see if they are in the right spots using the smiley or frowny faces for self-checking.
Teaching Tie-In
Today we’ll learn that there are two kingdoms. God’s kingdom is good, but the enemy’s kingdom is bad.
Touch Table Wet: Make It Clean!
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Baby shampoo or bubble bath 
Extras: bath toys, plastic dishes, washcloths, dish scrubbers
prep
Partially fill the touch table with water. Make suds with baby shampoo or bubble bath. Add the extras.
Directions
Wash the toys and dishes to make them clean.
Teaching Tie-In
We don’t want anything dirty or bad on our dishes or toys, so we clean them. The enemy’s kingdom is full of bad things like lying and being mean. But God’s kingdom is clean and pure; it doesn’t have anything bad in it. 
Touch Table Dry: Two Kingdoms Sandcastles
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Wet wipes for cleanup
Play sand, available at hardware stores (make sure it’s marked “play sand”)
Water spray bottle for wetting down sand
Extras: small buckets, shovels, cups, scoops, LEGO bricks
Printed pictures of simple sandcastles
prep
Put the play sand on the table and spray it with water to add moisture. Place the extras into the sand. Post pictures of sandcastles for inspiration.
Directions
Help the children copy some of the picture ideas to build   their own sandcastles. Or you can direct two groups to each build one. 
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible says there are two kingdoms—a good kingdom of light and truth and a bad kingdom of darkness and lies. Who leads the good kingdom? God. Who’s the leader of the bad kingdom? Satan, the enemy. 
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
This station, which will be a big hit, can be as low-key or as elaborate as you like. 
Materials
These will be used all week. Choose from the following, depending on your situation. 
Note: Set out only part of the castle supplies the first day and add in new items each day. 
Play costumes (e.g., aprons, crowns/tiaras, play armor sets, princess dresses)
Small broom and pails
Stick horses or half pool noodles
Crates or large baskets
Little table, chairs, decorated chair for a “throne”
Small rocking chair
Baskets or wooden bowls
Silver or clear plastic cups
Play food (e.g., eggs, cheese, fruit, bread)
prep
Gather costumes and other play items you will use today. Search directions online for how to make “pool noodle horses” if you want to make fun horses for this center. 

Directions
Children will dress up and pretend to be knights, servants, kings, and queens using the play items.
Teaching Tie-In
It’s fun to play kings and queens, isn’t it? Do you know who’s the greatest King over all kings? Jesus, God’s Son, is the King of kings. There’s no other king like him!
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:11
This station will be used all week. Just add the new coloring sheet each day.
Materials
Day 1 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet
Markers or crayons in a wooden bowl or metal pail
Optional supplies: stickers, glue sticks and items to glue onto the coloring sheet (e.g., foil, cotton balls, pom-poms, feathers, and tissue paper). 
prep
Print the Day 1 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet (one per child). Gather optional supplies. 
Directions
Kids will color the sheet, then glue on additional items or add stickers, if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the Bible verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.

Introduce It!

Good Kingdom/Bad Kingdom Poster
Two Kingdoms Contrasted Cards 
Bible 
Medieval costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape

 Two Kingdoms Contrasted (5–10 minutes)
Prep: Prepare your costumes. Cut apart the Good Kingdom/Bad Kingdom Posters and attach them to the wall. Print one copy and cut apart the two kingdoms contrasted cards. Attach tape or mounting putty to the back of each card and put them in number order.
 Teacher 1: Greetings, one and all! I’m ___, the trainer here in the strongest part of the castle. It’s called the keep. Can you say that with me? Re
Think of fun names for yourselves: Princess Katherine the Curly-Haired, Lady Betty of Boston, Crispin of the Woods, Gwendolyn the Glad, Albert the Silly, etc.
The Bible is listed just once daily in the supply list but is used throughout, so keep it handy and marked to the correct passages ahead of time.

peat “keep.” We’ll meet here every day to learn about kings, kingdoms, and some special armor God gives us to put on as we battle for the greatest king, Jesus.
Teacher 2: Good morrow! I’m ___, and I’m excited to open God’s Word, the Bible. Hold up the Bible. It tells us about two spiritual kingdoms.  
Teacher 1: Right! There are two kingdoms, but they’re very different. One is good, and the other is bad. 
Teacher 2: Hey, the kids can help us learn what the two kingdoms are like! 
As you show each pair of Two Kingdoms contrasted Cards, have the kids shout out which kingdom each card goes with. Quickly attach the cards under the appropriate posters. 
Show the first card. The ruler of the good kingdom is God. Attach this card under the Good Kingdom Poster. Show the second card. Satan is the ruler of the bad kingdom. He’s not our friend. He’s the enemy of anybody who loves God. Attach under the Bad Kingdom Poster.

Mounting putty or tape is listed just once daily, but is used throughout each lesson.
If working as co-teachers, decide ahead of time each day who will be doing what.

 God is for us. Good. The enemy’s against us. Bad.
God loves us. Good. The enemy hates us. Bad.
God is kind. Good. The enemy’s mean. Bad.
God is all-powerful. Good. The enemy is not as powerful as God. Bad.
God always tells the truth. Good. The enemy lies. Bad.
God always keeps his promises. Good. The enemy breaks his promises. Bad. 
Teacher 1: As you can see, God is an amazing king and ruler of the good kingdom! The enemy is not! 
Teacher 2: The Lord Jesus is the perfect king. I want to be part of God’s good kingdom.  
Teacher 1: In the days of kings and castles, the knights went out to fight for their king. Now, everyone who’s part of God’s kingdom must fight against sin. We want to obey our king, the Lord Jesus. Let’s sing about being in the Lord’s army. 
Song 1: I’m in the Lord’s Army (medieval style)
Explain the terms in the song and how a knight would have done these things. Or, sing in the traditional way. Both versions are on the Simple Songs CD.
Verse

“I’m in the Lord’s Army” song
“The Kingdom Keepers” song
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
MP3 or CD player 

 I may never march to the castle keep (March in place.)
Ride in the tournament (Ride a horse, holding a spear in one hand.)
Shoot at the battlement 
(Draw a bow and shoot an arrow.)
I may never sword fight the enemy (Swing sword.)
But I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir  (Cross your arm over your chest in a knight’s salute.)
chorus
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir  (Do a knight’s salute.)
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir  (Do a knight’s salute.)
Repeat verse.

Song 1: I’m in the Lord’s Army (traditional)
Verse 
I may never march in the infantry
(March in place.)
Ride in the cavalry (Ride a horse.)
Shoot the artillery
(Clap and shoot right hand forward.)
I may never zoom o’er the enemy
(Put arms out to fly.)
But I’m in the Lord’s army—Yes, Sir (Salute.)
 chorus
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Salute.)
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Salute.)
Repeat verse.
Teach It!
Puppet Pal—The Battle’s On (5 minutes)
Prep: Tape one Puppet Script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Make the mini sword. Check the Craft Guide for directions. Mount the boy and girl Knight Posters on the wall—these will be used all week. 

Good Kingdom/Bad Kingdom Posters 
Day 1 Rhyme Time Poster
Knight Posters 
2 copies of Day 1 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mini sword (large craft stick covered in foil)

 Each day, the puppet pal will introduce or teach a portion of the lesson. Decide who will be the puppet, and figure out when you need to leave the previous teaching so you will be positioned in time for the start of the puppet pal time. If you don’t have a teaching assistant or co-teacher, enlist a volunteer ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet come up from behind a trunk with the lid flipped up, or just stand and work the puppet. (It’s fine if your lips move. No need to be a ventriloquist.)
 You can either use a boy or a girl puppet. It is written as a boy (Christian), but can instead be a girl named Christy. Use a consistent voice for the puppet all 
The puppet can be dressed in a small VBS T-shirt. To make a small T-shirt, photocopy, cut out, and laminate a color copy of the logo and tape it to a baby-sized T-shirt.
If you want to get snazzy, use a quick musical introduction and exit when it’s time for the puppet to come and go.

week. Speak clearly, and exaggerate words and expressions. For instance, draw out certain words for emphasis, or make an exaggerated action for things like groaning, turning its head, or sneezing. Use your free hand to do things with the puppet’s hands or arms. For example, if the puppet is “thinking,” put the puppet’s hand on its chin. When the puppet is talking, make sure the mouth is open. (This is the opposite of what people often do!) In other words, the mouth should be open on most syllables. You don’t have to open very wide, which will help you move the mouth faster and more naturally. 
Your puppet should come out from behind the stained glass window in the puppet stage. (See Decorating Decisions.) When the puppet is entering, hold your arm back and down and have the puppet take three steps up, getting higher each time, until the puppet is out and visible. When exiting, turn the puppet toward you and take three steps down until out of sight. 
Teacher: Let’s talk more about the two kingdoms with our puppet friend. Our puppet’s name is Christian (or Christy if a girl). Let’s all call for him (her) together. Do so.
Puppet: Come up waving a mini sword as if pretending to sword fight someone.
Teacher: Hi there, Christian. What’re you doing?
Puppet: Oh, I’m pretending to be King Arthur!
Teacher: Was he the boy who pulled a sword out of a stone?
Puppet: Yes! I read how he grew up and became a great king who fought enemies in England. 
Teacher: I know that story. King Arthur and his knights of the round table lived in a kingdom called Camelot. 
Puppet: Yep! The good kingdom fought against the bad kingdoms. King Arthur and his knights were really brave! One knight even killed a dragon! Pretend to stab at a dragon.
Teacher: That’s exciting! But you know King Arthur’s just a story, right?
Puppet: I know.

Teacher: But did you know the Bible says there really are two kingdoms—God’s good kingdom and the enemy’s bad kingdom?
Puppet: What do you mean? Stops sword fighting.
Teacher: Well, the Bible tells us how everything in the beginning was all good. There was only one kingdom.
Puppet: What happened?
Teacher: An enemy named Satan got the first people to disobey God. This ruined the good kingdom on earth. So now there are two kingdoms. Point to the Good Kingdom/Bad Kingdom Posters you used earlier. The good one’s ruled by God, and the bad one’s led by the enemy. 
Puppet: Are they in a battle?
Teacher: Yep. You were pretending just now, but there’s a real battle going on. We can’t see it, but it’s really happening.
Puppet: Should I be scared of this battle? Duck down and hide.
Teacher: Not at all if you’re on God’s side—’cuz the Bible says God’s side wins! 
Puppet: Keep hiding. You mean no one can beat God? Not even Satan?
Teacher: That’s right. God’s all-powerful. No one can beat God. 
Puppet: Come back up. Wheew! That’s good to know.
Teacher: And only one kingdom’s good and kind and true. 
Puppet: Ask the children: Do you know whose kingdom is the good kingdom?
Children: God’s kingdom!
Teacher: Yes! God is great, and his kingdom is good! 
Puppet: Hmm. So there are two kingdoms, but only one is true—God’s!
Teacher: Hold up the Day 1 Rhyme Time Poster. Yep! “Of two, only one is true!”  
Puppet: Ask the children: Can you say that with me? “Of two, only one is true.” Repeat together. That’s a great thing to remember. 
Teacher: All who love and obey God become part of his good kingdom. Point to the  Knight posters. And God gives each one a special set of clothes called the armor of God to help them every day. We’ll talk more about that this week.
Puppet: Hmm. They’re kind of like knights in shining armor—kingdom keepers! Hey, kids, let’s sing a song about God’s kingdom keepers. Have the puppet sing with the kids, moving with the music.
Song 2: The Kingdom Keepers (To the tune of “The Ants Go Marching”)
The kingdom keepers march for God, hurrah, hurrah
(March in place, lift up your hands on “hurrah.”)
The kingdom keepers march for God, hurrah, hurrah 
(March in place, lift up your hands on “hurrah.”)
God gave us armor we will wear
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
Satan’s kingdom better beware
(Put fists up in a fighting stance.)
And we all go marching on
(March in place.)
For the Lord—who is strong—and has won
(Point up, flex your biceps, and lift hands in a victory “V.”)
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
(Shout and point up on each word.)
Repeat, adding a fourth Huzzah! at the end.
Puppet: Huzzah! Thanks for singing with me, kids. I’ll see you tomorrow! Bye!

Apply It!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review
Review is important—it helps the lesson “stick.” 
Day 1 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Sets (12-0-078)

Share the Day 1 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Show the Armor of God sticker sets (available to purchase from AnswersVBS.com), one set (child and armor stickers) per child. This week, children will add armor pieces as they learn about them. For now, write the name of the child on the papers.  
Some knights rode on warhorses, like Winifred here. These horses were strong and didn’t get tired easily during a battle. Winnie reminds us that we’re in a battle between two kingdoms: God’s good kingdom and the enemy’s bad kingdom. Just as these knights had to trust their horses to carry them faithfully through battle, we must trust in our Creator God, who made us and takes care of us.
With each question, have the kids whinny like a horse and shake their heads (mane) “yes” if the answer is yes and shake their head “no” if it is no.
Are there two kingdoms? Yes—shake head “yes” and whinny.
Is one kingdom good and one kingdom bad? Yes—shake head “yes” and whinny.
Does the enemy rule the good kingdom? No—shake head “no.” Who rules over the good kingdom? God!
Does the Bible always tell the truth? Yes—shake head “yes” and whinny.
Is the bad kingdom as strong as the good kingdom? No—shake head “no.” Remind them that God is the most powerful, kind, and loving ruler of all. No one is like him.
Is the enemy mean and a liar? Yes—shake head “yes” and whinny.
Use any remaining time to complete the following ideas. These ideas are also on the back of the student guides. Send the student guides home each day as a fun review. Encourage the kids to do the Go and Do sections by asking them which ones they did and how it went each day.   

The front page of each day’s student guide is a review of today’s lesson. The back page of the student guide matches this section in the teacher guide. 

Supplies for this section are not listed in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.
Part 2: Veritas Verse

Theme Verse Poster
Day 1 Memory Verse Poster
Optional: Toddler Student Guides
Supplies for chosen activities from Part 2 and Part 3
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

 Note: The word “veritas” means “truth is mighty and will prevail” or simply “true, trustworthy.” It was a word used in the Middle Ages and is still used today. Remind the children that every Bible verse is true, trustworthy, and mighty.
Today’s Verse: Put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:11
Try the following challenge, using the Day 1 Memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Practice the verse several times, pretending to put on armor while you’re saying it.
Part 3: Go and Do
God is the ruler of the good kingdom. How many good things can you think of? Tell him thank you for all good things.
Play a game of opposites. A grown-up says one word, then the child says the opposite. Examples: good, bad; laugh, cry; up, down; in, out; smile, frown; happy, sad; light, dark. What are the two opposite kingdoms you learned about in VBS? (God’s good kingdom and the enemy’s bad kingdom) 
With someone’s help, check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Which kingdom do I want to be part of?

Day 2
The Belt 
Bible PASSAGE
Savior King
Genesis 1–3; Gospels; Ephesians 6:10–14
lesson focus
Each child of the King needs to fasten on the belt of truth.
Apologetics Content
Build a biblical worldview to stand strong
in the truth.
Veritas Verse
Having fastened on the belt of truth. Ephesians 6:14
Rhyme time
Decide your side!
ANIMAL PAL
Wily the Fox
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Strength Exercises
Touch Table Wet: Snakes and Fruit
Touch Table Dry: Nativity
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:14

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Belt of Truth
Teach It!
Part 1: Chronicles of the Kingdom 
Song 1: “Armor of God”
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Gospel Presentation
Song 2: “I’m in the Lord’s Army”
Apply it!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review 
Part 2: Veritas Verse
Part 3: Go and Do 
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Genesis 1–3 and Ephesians 6:10–18 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on the father of lies, see AnswersVBS.com/keeperfaq.
Read “Leading a Child to Christ,” found on the inside back cover of this guide.
Pray.

Devotion 2: The Belt
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. Psalm 119:160
There are no absolutes. Ever heard that one before? Of course, the irony with that statement is that it’s an absolute statement. Those who say that actually mean, “I choose not to accept the absolute truth claims you are making.” 
So, can we know truth? Is there any basis on which we can make absolute moral statements (e.g., “Homosexual behavior is sinful; Jesus is the only way to heaven; there are only two genders”)? 
The only basis for determining truth from error, and right from wrong, comes from embracing the one who is truth. Jesus is “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). And Jesus reiterates that God is the source of truth when he claimed, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, emphasis added).
When we know Jesus, we know truth. When we believe in Jesus, we believe in truth. Because he is the Creator, he is the one who sets the rules for his creation to follow. And he has given us those rules in his Word. There is no room for wavering because he has confirmed that we can trust his Word to be truth (John 17:17). 
Apart from the standard given in the Bible, there is no way to determine what truth is—everything becomes a matter of personal opinion. And who determines which opinion is correct? 
Examine your heart today. As you teach the children the truth that the Savior King Jesus came to earth as a baby, died on the cross to pay for our sins, and rose from the dead, showing that God had accepted his payment, are you harboring doubts about God or his Word? Can you say with the psalmist, “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me” (Psalm 119:30)? Have you put on the belt of truth?

Exploration Stations
See page 12 for setup and decorating instructions for each station, as well as ideas for additional stations.
Discovery Center: Strength Exercises 
Materials
Stopwatch
Whistle
Optional: exercise mats, child-safe equipment
prep
Put out exercise mats and child-safe exercise equipment. 
Directions
Use your whistle to lead the kids in various exercises, such as jumping jacks, bending and stretching, and running in place. Time the kids with the stopwatch to see how fast or how long they can do the exercises. Use the child-safe equipment if you have it, monitoring carefully.
Teaching Tie-In
Exercising makes our bodies strong, doesn’t it? The Bible tells us to be strong in the Lord. And that takes different kinds of exercise, like praying, learning the Bible, singing to God, and obeying him.  
Touch Table Wet: Snakes and Fruit
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Plastic snakes
Plastic fruit
Extras: tongs, scoops, cups
prep
Partially fill the touch table with water. Place some plastic snakes and plastic fruit in the water. Add the extras.  
Directions
Free play with the snakes and fruit. 
Teaching Tie-In
In the garden of Eden, God told Adam and Eve not to eat fruit from a certain tree. The enemy wanted to trick Eve so she would disobey God. Does anyone know what kind of animal Satan used to trick Eve? He used a snake to trick her into eating that fruit. 
Touch Table Dry: Nativity 
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Dry filler (e.g., Christmas tinsel or garlands, Easter grass, raffia, dry beans, or rice)
Extras: non-breakable nativity sets and biblically themed Christmas ornaments 
Bible
prep 
Place the extras in the touch table. Add the filler on top.
Directions
Children search for the nativity pieces and ornaments. Help the group find all the nativity pieces and set them up.
Teaching Tie-In
What book tells us the truth about Jesus? Hold up the Bible. The Bible tells us how Jesus came to earth as a baby. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas. The Bible says Jesus is the true king! 
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Materials
Day 1 dramatic play materials
Any new materials to add
prep
Set out costumes and play items, adding a few new ones. 
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be knights, servants, kings, and queens using the play items.
Teaching Tie-In
Can you tell me who is King over all kings? Take responses. Jesus is the King of kings. We know this is true because the Bible tells us so. The Bible is God’s Word, and it always tells us the truth.
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner—Ephesians 6:14
See directions for Day 1, but use the Day 2 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Today’s lesson is longer, but very important because it explains the reason we need salvation. So give yourself some extra time by lessening time spent elsewhere. 

Introduce It!
Belt of Truth (5 minutes)

Knight Posters 
Armor Pieces Poster (belts)
Bible
Medieval costumes for teachers 
Tape or mounting putty 
Treasure chest
One belt for Teacher 2

 Prep: Prepare your costumes. See below for the Teacher 2 costume. Make a treasure chest large enough for your Bible to fit inside. Spray-paint a box gold and glue fake jewels on it. Hinge the lid with duct tape so it opens and loosely closes. Make it sturdy enough to use again. Bookmark the Bible at Ephesians 6 and place it in the treasure chest. Cut out the belts from the Armor Pieces Poster, laminate if possible, and add tape or putty to the backs.
Bring out the treasure chest. At the times listed below, pull out the appropriate picture from the treasure chest to put on the background poster. Have a belt ready for Teacher 2 to put on.
Teacher 1: Look at my beautiful treasure chest! Shall we open it and see what’s inside? Slowly and dramatically open it and pull out the Bible. Oh, it’s the greatest treasure ever, the Bible! The Bible is better than all the money or jewels in the world! It’s a special book because God wrote his own words in it. And every word is true!
Teacher 2 bursts in, looking disheveled (messy hair, crooked shirt, wearing oversized pants over regular shorts or pants). 
Teacher 2: Out of breath, holding up pants. Hello everyone! Whew, it’s been a busy day, but I’m here, and I’m ready . . . I think.
Teacher 1: Are you sure? Kids, does he (she) look ready to you? Take responses. Why don’t you take a minute and straighten yourself up?
Teacher 2: Quickly straightens clothes and hair, still holding pants up. There. Now I’m ready.
Teacher 1: All right. We learned yesterday that all who love and obey God are his kingdom keepers. God wants his kingdom keepers to be ready to live for him every day. So he gives them a special set of clothes called armor! We can’t see this spiritual armor, but the Bible tells us about it. Open the Bible and point to Ephesians 6. The first piece of the armor of God is called the belt of truth. Hold up the belt. 
Teacher 2: Gripping pants. Hey, I could use one of those. 
Teacher 1: The belt of truth is invisible, but you can put this belt on to help you remember its name—the belt of truth.
 Teacher 2: Reaches for the belt, letting go of the pants, which fall down. Quickly put the belt on and cinch it tight so pants stay up. Thanks, this belt is helpful. But the belt of truth isn’t a real belt. It just means that we trust that the Bible is true. 
Teacher 1: That’s right. The Bible is all true and it teaches us about King Jesus. The Bible is God’s Word, and God can’t lie. Let’s all shout, “The Bible is true!” Do so. Let’s put a belt on our kingdom keepers. Attach the belt pieces to the Knight Posters or ask a boy and a girl to come up and attach them. 
Teacher 2: The belt of truth helps us remember to tell the truth, too! God doesn’t want us to lie. Hey, let’s open the Bible to the beginning and find out more of what God wants us to learn today. 
Teach It!
Part 1: Chronicles of the Kingdom (5 minutes)

Chronicles of the Kingdom Pieces Poster 
Chronicles of the Kingdom Background Poster

 Prep: Cut out the pieces from the Pieces Poster and put them in order in the treasure chest. Hang the background poster on the wall.
Note: The following can also be done by just one teacher doing both parts.
Teacher 1: Open the Bible to Genesis 1. About 6,000 years ago, God, the Creator King, made the very first man and woman. 

Teacher 2: That was Adam and Eve! Use the pictures from the treasure chest. Put the Adam Picture and the Eve Picture on the background poster.
Teacher 1: Along with Adam and Eve lived all the different kinds of animals, such as cats and bears.
Teacher 2: And even dinosaurs! Put the Dinosaur Picture on the poster.
Teacher 1: God also made beautiful flowers, bushes, and trees.
Teacher 2: Pretty! Pretty! Put the Flowers Picture on the poster.
Teacher 1: God said everything was very good. It was a perfect kingdom.
Teacher 2: Let’s all cheer and say a word that means hooray—“Huzzah!” Do so.
Teacher 1: God told Adam they could eat fruit from every tree in the garden—except one. Put the Tree Picture in the middle of the poster. That’s when something bad happened. 
Teacher 2: Did Satan, the enemy, do something?
Teacher 1: Yes. Satan hates God and everything God has made. He used a snake to play a trick on Eve.
Teacher 2: Can you hiss like a snake? Hiss! Put either Serpent Picture on the poster.
Teacher 1: The enemy tricked Eve. She and Adam ate the fruit that God said not to eat. They disobeyed God. Now the perfect kingdom was messed up by sin. Sad and bad things started to happen. 
Teacher 2: So that’s why there are two kingdoms. One is good. Let’s smile about that, kids. Put the Good Kingdom Picture to one side of the poster. 
Teacher 1: And one kingdom is bad.
Teacher 2: We’ll frown for the bad kingdom. Put the Bad Kingdom Picture on the opposite side of the poster.
Teacher 1: And from that day on, there’s been a battle between the two kingdoms.
Teacher 2: Start making shooting noises.
Teacher 1: No, it’s not that kind of battle. We can’t see or hear it. It’s a spiritual battle between God and his good kingdom, and the enemy and his bad kingdom. And all people are part of this battle.
Teacher 2: Even you and me? Even these nice kids?
Teacher 1: Yep. But there’s good news! God made a plan for his good kingdom to win the battle. 
Teacher 2: And he gives us the special armor to wear so we can fight against sin and not do wrong things. Let’s sing about that armor. When you hear the part about the belt of truth, sing it loud! 
Song 1: Armor of God (To the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)

“Armor of God” song
“I’m in the Lord’s Army” song
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
MP3 or CD player

 Verse 1
We must put on the armor of God 
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
the armor of God, the armor of God 
(Tap waist, tap feet—2x.)
We must put on the armor of God
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
We’ll wear it ev’ry day 
(March in place.)
Verse 2
First, we tie on the belt of truth 
(Make tying motion at your waist, then pull hands apart.)
belt of truth, belt of truth 
(Repeat motion—2x.)
And we put on the breastplate, too 
(Tap front of your shoulders with open hands.)
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)

Verse 3
Next, we slip on the shoes of peace
(Step/slide each foot into pretend shoes.)
shoes of peace, shoes of peace
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then we put on the helmet, too           (Slide your open hands down the sides of your head.)
They protect us ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 4
Now we hold up the shield of faith 
(Cross your hand over and down, then lift your fist in front of you.)
shield of faith, shield of faith
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then take the sword—the Word of God 
(Cross other hand over, then hold up your  fist as if unsheathing a sword.) 
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
 Repeat verse one.

Gospel Presentation Posters 
Day 2 Rhyme Time Poster
2 copies of Day 2 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet 
Clipboard 

 Part 2: Puppet Pal—Gospel Presentation (5 minutes)
Prep: Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Cut the Gospel Presentation Posters apart. Put them in order and add mounting putty or tape to the back of each one. 
Teacher 1: Why don’t we tell Christian about the truth we’ve learned? Let’s call him. Have children call for the puppet.
Puppet: Come up looking around at the children and saying: Huzzah! Huzzah! (Ha-SAW!) That means hooray! I’m so glad to see you all again!
Teacher: Christian, we just learned the truth about the first two people. Kids, who were they? Have kids shout answers; Adam and Eve.
Puppet: Adam and Eve. Cool!
Teacher: All was well . . . until the enemy tricked Eve. Kids, tell Christian what Adam and Eve ate that they shouldn’t have. Have kids shout answers; fruit from the special tree.
Puppet: Oh, that’s sad that they disobeyed God.
Teacher: And that’s why there’s a good kingdom and a bad kingdom. Did you know that every person is born into the bad kingdom? We all disobey God’s commands—that’s called sin.
Puppet: Is everyone stuck in the bad kingdom forever?
Teacher: Nope! God made a way for us to live in his good kingdom. God loves us so much that he sent his only Son, King Jesus, to rescue us from sin.  
Puppet: Let’s stand up and clap for King Jesus and say, “Thank you!” Do so.

For those who prefer not to show images of Jesus, we have included alternative pictures on the Resource USB for you to print. 

 Teacher: Put up Nativity poster. Jesus came from heaven to be born as a baby. 
Puppet: Sing a few words from “Away in a Manger.” And that’s what we celebrate at Christmas! 
Teacher: That’s right. Jesus grew up, but he never sinned.  
Puppet: He’s the only one who never did anything wrong. 
Teacher: But when Jesus was a grown man, he let some men from the bad kingdom nail him to a cross. It hurt him terribly, and he died. Put up jesus carrying a cross poster.
Puppet: Why did he let them do that?
Teacher: Put up heart poster. Because he loves each one of us. Jesus knew we could never get into God’s good kingdom on our own. So he died to take the punishment for our sins.
Puppet: Jesus must really love these boys and girls.
Teacher: He does! But the best part is that Jesus didn’t stay dead! He came back to life. Put up empty tomb poster. 
Puppet: Say what? That’s impossible! 

Teacher: Not for Jesus. He’s God. Jesus can do anything!
Puppet: Wow! Since Jesus is alive, does that mean people can be part of his good kingdom and live with him in heaven someday? 
Teacher: Yes, indeed. Anyone can become a child of God and be part of his kingdom if they choose to turn away from sin and turn to Jesus.   
Puppet: So everyone must decide their side—the bad kingdom or the good kingdom? 
Teacher: Right. Everyone is born into the bad kingdom. But you can decide your side. Hold up the Day 2 Rhyme Time Poster. 
Puppet: Let’s say that together. Do so. I sure hope each one of you wants to be on God’s side! 
Teacher: If you don’t want to be part of the bad kingdom, you can choose to join God’s good kingdom. Turn away from sin and turn to Jesus. Believe in him as your Savior. Talk to your mommy or daddy or me today to learn more about that. 
Puppet: This is all in the Bible, so we know it’s true, right? 
Teacher: Right. What part of God’s armor helps us remember that the Bible is true—the belt of what? Truth!
Puppet: And don’t forget, we must each decide our side. 
Teacher: Right. Let’s sing about being on God’s side in the Lord’s army.
Have the puppet sing with the kids. 
Song 2: I’m in the Lord’s Army (medieval style)
Explain the terms in the song and how a knight would have done these things.
Verse
I may never march to the castle keep (March in place.)
Ride in the tournament (Ride a horse, holding a spear in one hand.)
Shoot at the battlement 
(Draw a bow and shoot an arrow.)
I may never sword fight the enemy (Swing sword.)
But I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Cross your arm over your chest in a knight’s salute.)
chorus
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Do a knight’s salute.)
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Do a knight’s salute.)
Repeat verse.
Song 2: I’m in the Lord’s Army (traditional)
Verse 
I may never march in the infantry
(March in place.)
Ride in the cavalry (Ride a horse.)
Shoot the artillery
(Clap and shoot right hand forward.)
I may never zoom o’er the enemy
(Put arms out to fly.)
But I’m in the Lord’s army—Yes, Sir (Salute.)
 chorus
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Salute.)
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Salute.)
Repeat verse.
Puppet: That was great singing! I’ve got to go now, but I’ll see you next time. Bye.

Apply It!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review

Day 2 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Sets 

 Share the Day 2 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Armor of God sticker sets to each child and have them put the belt on the child (either boy or girl or both) as you discuss the animal pal. 
During the medieval times of kings and queens, some people hunted foxes just for fun, like a sport. But foxes could be tricky and hide. This is Wily the fox. To be “wily” means to be tricky. Someone in our lesson was tricky. Who lied to Eve and tricked her into eating the fruit? Satan; enemy; the snake. Wily the fox reminds us to put on the belt of truth so that we aren’t tricked by lies. Truth comes from God, and we find his truth in the Bible.
With each question, have the kids run in place like a fox if the answer is yes, or crouch down like a fox hiding if it is no.
Did God make the flowers and trees and animals and people? Yes—run in place.
Was the first man God created named George? No—crouch down. What was his name? Adam. And his wife was Eve.
Did Adam and Eve sin? Yes—run in place. Remind them that sin is not obeying God.
Do we all sin? Yes—run in place.
Does the Bible always tell us the truth? Yes—run in place.
Does God give his invisible armor to people in the enemy’s kingdom? No—crouch down. Remind them that the armor of God is only for those who turn from sin and trust in Jesus—to become part of God’s kingdom.
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the student guides and can be done at home if you are out of time.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.
Part 2: Veritas Verse
T
Day 2 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Toddler Student Guides
Supplies for chosen activities from Part 2 and Part 3 
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

oday’s Verse: Having fastened on the belt of truth. Ephesians 6:14
Try the following challenge, using the day 2 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Practice the verse several times, pretending to fasten on the belt of truth while you’re saying it.
Part 3: Go and Do
When you get up each day this week, pretend to put on the belt of truth. Remember God’s Word is true, and God wants us to tell the truth. 
Hunt around your house and find the one book that is completely true. Hint: One name for it is God’s Word! How many Bibles did you find?
Check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Am I on God’s side?
Day 3
The Breastplate and Shoes
Bible PASSAGEs	
King Josiah
2 Kings 22–23; Ephesians 6:14–15
lesson Focus
Children will learn to put on the breastplate of righteousness as King Josiah did. Doing right includes wearing our shoes of peace as we tell others about Jesus.
Apologetics content
Put on what’s right (Jesus’ righteousness), then do right.
Veritas  Verse
Put on the breastplate of righteousness, and . . .  shoes . . . of peace. Ephesians 6:14–15
RHYME TIME
Do right in God’s sight!
ANIMAL PAL
Grimwald the Dragon
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Obedience Drawing
Touch Table Wet: Icy Treasure
Touch Table Dry: Find the Treasure
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:14–15
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Puppet Pal—Breastplate and Shoes 
Song 1: “Armor of God”
Teach It!
King Josiah
Song 2: “Do Right”
Apply It!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review
Part 2: Veritas Verse
Part 3: Go and Do
Preparing for the Lesson
Read 2 Kings 22–23 and Ephesians 6:10–18 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on the breastplate and shoes, see AnswersVBS.com/keeperfaq. 
Pray.

Devotion 3: The Breastplate & Shoes
Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. Psalm 119:142
Tolerance. It’s a word we hear a lot today . . . usually coming from those who are intolerant of any standard of truth (except their own, of course). 
When Josiah became king of the nation of Israel in 640 BC, the people had been practicing “tolerance” for idol worship, child-killing, and all types of sexually immoral behavior for years, neglecting the truth in the book of the law that had been handed down to them.   
King Josiah was twenty-six years old when he first read the words of the Lord. After reading the Scriptures (perhaps part of Deuteronomy), he immediately repented, realizing that he held truth in his hands and hadn’t been obeying it. Josiah also shared the truth of the book of the law with his people and set about making reforms (being intolerant of tolerance) based on what he’d read. He burned the altars to idols, tore down the place where children were sacrificed to false gods, and rid the temple of priests who were leading the people astray. With his newfound knowledge of the truth, Josiah acted righteously, no longer tolerating the views of those opposing the standard given in God’s Word (2 Kings 22–23).
When we make tolerance our standard, we set ourselves up as gods, determining on our own which views and practices are acceptable and which are not. And we find ourselves in a morass of immorality. Are those who tolerate one view any more right than those who tolerate an opposing view? Who determines which actions to tolerate and which to forbid (if any)? 
With the belt of truth firmly buckled around our waist, the question then becomes: What do I do about that truth? Do I obey God’s Word, putting on the breastplate of righteousness? Do I share the truth of God’s Word with others, putting on the shoes of the gospel of peace? King Josiah did both. May the Lord use young Josiah’s example to encourage our hearts in the battle for truth. 
May we say with the psalmist, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name” (Psalm 86:11).

Exploration Stations
See page 12 for setup and decorating instructions for each station, as well as ideas for additional stations.
Discovery Center: Obedience Drawing
Materials
Sample page
Crayons of same colors used on sample page (several of each color so children can do the activity together)
Blank, white paper for each child 
prep
Gather materials. Make a sample page by drawing three shapes and a few simple numerals in colors that the kids would recognize. 
Directions
Begin with the teaching tie-in. Give each child a piece of paper. Tell children to draw each part of your sample page, one at a time, without showing them. For example, say, “Draw a blue circle. Draw a red 3.” When they’ve obeyed and completed everything on the sample page, show it to them. See whose picture looks the closest to yours. 
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible is full of helpful, wonderful rules God has given us to obey. Do you know what it means to obey? It’s like following the directions. Let’s try to follow the directions as we make a special picture. I’m going to give you directions to obey, and then we’ll see whose came out looking like mine. Make sure you follow the directions!
Touch Table Wet: Icy Treasure
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Ice cubes, mix of plain and colored cubes
Optional: glitter or jewels
Treasures: strings of beads, large jewels, play coins and keys, foam cutouts, colored ping-pong balls
Extras: tongs, spoons, cups, shovels, muffin tins, bowls
prep
Make some “jewel” ice cubes by mixing washable paints with water, then freezing the separate colors into cubes. You may also want to add glitter or jewels to each cube before freezing. Set up the touch table with a small amount of water in the bottom, then add ice cubes (plain and colored). Add the treasures and the extras.
Directions
Free play with the ice and treasures.
Teaching Tie-In
Some things in our table look like jewels and treasures, don’t they? Today, we’ll hear about a king who found a special hidden treasure that was better than jewels. This treasure was God’s Word! Do you know what book is God’s Word? Take responses. Yes, the Bible!
Touch Table Dry: Find the Treasure
Materials
Bible Cutouts (laminated) 
Touch table with tarp underneath
Crinkle wrap, shredded paper, raffia, Easter grass, or dry beans 
Extras: paper plates, tongs, plastic tweezers, magnifying glasses, bowls 
prep
Print, cut, and laminate (if desired) two or more sets of the Bible cutouts. Place them in the touch table and cover with one or two kinds of filler. Add the extras.  
Directions
Search for the treasure—the Bible cutouts. See how many each child can find and place on their paper plate.  
Teaching Tie-In
What treasure did you find? Little Bible pictures. King Josiah found this treasure, too. He found God’s Word. What do we call God’s Word? The Bible.  
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Materials
Days 1–2 dramatic play materials
Any new materials to add
prep
Set out costumes and play items, adding a few new ones. 
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be knights, servants, kings, and queens using the play items.
Teaching Tie-In
It’s fun to pretend we’re kings and queens or princes and princesses. Today we’ll learn about a real king named Josiah. How old do you think he was when he became king? Allow guesses. He was only 8 years old! Do you have a brother or sister who’s 8? Pause. Imagine becoming a king at such a young age! King Josiah obeyed God well!
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:14–15
See directions for Day 1, but use the Day 3 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Day 3 Rhyme Time Poster
2 copies of Day 3 Puppet Script
Bible
Medieval costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
Mini foil or ribbon belt and breastplate

 Introduce It! 
Puppet Pal—Breastplate and Shoes (5 minutes or less)
Prep: Fashion a mini belt out of foil or ribbon and put it on the puppet. Also make a mini breastplate and have it ready to put on. Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference.
Teacher: Good morrow, all! I wonder what Christian’s up to today. Should we call him? Do so.
Puppet: Come up with a belt on, showing it off. How do you like my new belt?
Teacher: I like it. Does it have anything to do with the special belt we learned about yesterday?

Briefly review the gospel from Day 2 and remind the kids that the armor of God is only for those who trust in Jesus. 

 Puppet: It sure does! It’s called the belt of . . . umm. Do you kids remember? Have kids shout the answer. Oh, right, the belt of truth.
Teacher: The belt of truth helps us believe God’s Word is true and reminds us to tell the truth.
Puppet: What’s the next piece of the armor of God?
Teacher: The next one’s called the breastplate of righteousness.
Puppet: Breastplate of right . . . right . . . (shakes head). Say that again? 
Teacher: Righteousness. But you can call it the “breastplate of right” because it reminds us to do what’s right. That means obeying God by following his directions in the Bible. It helps us make the right choices, like telling the truth, and being kind.
Puppet: Can we see the breastplate of right? 
Teacher: No. Remember, the armor of God is spiritual armor. We put it on by believing in Jesus and by reading the Bible.  
Puppet: What does a real breastplate look like?
Teacher: Knights wore them over their heart to keep themselves safe. Put the mini breastplate over the puppet’s shoulders and chest area.  
Puppet: I feel safe with this on.
Teacher: Yep. When we wear the breastplate of righteousness, it protects our heart from making bad choices and helps us do what’s right in God’s sight. Hold up the Day 3 Rhyme Time Poster. 
Puppet: Hey, that’s catchy! Start dancing and chanting “Do right in God’s sight!” Come on kids, say it with me. Have kids stand up and dance while repeating the rhyme. Whew! That was great. I want to do right in God’s sight and make good choices for God!
Teacher: Wonderful! God also gives his kingdom keepers special shoes as part of the armor. 
Puppet: Hmm. Are shoes important? I like to go barefoot when it’s hot outside. 
Teacher: That’s fun to do, but if a knight didn’t have any shoes on, he’d be in trouble. He wouldn’t be able to stand firm, and he could slip and get hurt. 
Puppet: Oh, yeah. If he’s fighting in a battle, he wouldn’t want to fall down.
Teacher: When we believe in Jesus, we don’t have to worry because God is on our side. The shoes in God’s armor help us go and tell others about Jesus because we have peace with God.  
Puppet: Hey! Can we sing the song about putting on the whole armor of God? 
Teacher: We sure can. 

Download these items from AnswersVBS.com/keeperresources.
Have the puppet sing with the kids, moving to the music.
Song 1: Armor of God (To the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)

“Armor of God” song
“Do Right” song
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
MP3 or CD player

 Verse 1
We must put on the armor of God 
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
the armor of God, the armor of God 
(Tap waist, tap feet—2x.)
We must put on the armor of God
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
We’ll wear it ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 2
First, we tie on the belt of truth 
(Make tying motion at your waist, then pull hands apart.)
belt of truth, belt of truth 
(Repeat motion—2x.)
And we put on the breastplate, too 
(Tap front of your shoulders with open hands.)
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Verse 3
Next, we slip on the shoes of peace
(Step/slide each foot into pretend shoes.)
shoes of peace, shoes of peace
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then we put on the helmet, too 
(Slide your open hands down the sides of your head.)
They protect us ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 4
Now we hold up the shield of faith 
(Cross your hand over and down, then lift your fist in front of you.)
shield of faith, shield of faith
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then take the sword—the Word of God 
(Cross other hand over, then hold up your  fist as if unsheathing a sword.) 
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Repeat verse one.
Puppet: Wow! Great singing. I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye!
Teach It!

King Josiah Poster
Knight Posters
Armor Pieces Poster (breastplates and shoes) 
Treasure chest 

 King Josiah (5 minutes)
Prep: Place a marker in the Bible at 2 Kings 22. Hide the treasure chest with the Bible in it. Cut out the breastplates and shoes from the Armor Pieces Poster and laminate if possible. 
Teacher 1: Boys and girls, hold up your fingers to show me how old you are. Well, our Bible account today is about a boy named Josiah.
Teacher 2: Guess what happened to Josiah when he was just (count to eight on fingers) eight years old. 
Teacher 1: Josiah became a king!
Teacher 2: Kids, raise your hand if you ever wished to be a king or queen. They do so.  
Teacher 1: The Bible says that Josiah was a good king. He did right in God’s sight.
Teacher 2: That means he was wearing the breastplate of righteousness.
Teacher 1: He sure was! One day, after Josiah grew up, he decided to fix up God’s house, which was like their church. It was falling apart!
Teacher 2: Let’s all pretend we’re fixing up God’s house. Get your saws and your brooms and your hammers and get up and fix it. Do so.

Note: If you want to get more involved, have piles of toys, sheets, little chairs, etc., around to symbolize a mess. They can fix up God’s house by putting things away.

 Teacher 1: Then someone found something really exciting in God’s house. It had been lost for a long time.
Teacher 2: Was it money?
Teacher 1: Nope. Better than money.
Teacher 2: Was it jewels?
Teacher 1: Nope. Better than jewels.

Teacher 2: Well, let’s find out. Kids, our treasure chest is hidden somewhere in this room. Let’s look for it. Then we’ll open it and see what treasure they found in God’s house. Do so. Find the treasure chest and bring it up front. Open it and pull out the Bible. Turn to 
2 Kings 22.
Teacher 1: They found God’s Word, which is the best treasure in the world. We can read about King Josiah right here (point it out) in God’s Word, the Bible. 
Teacher 2: If the Bible was lost, that means the people didn’t know what it said.
Teacher 1: The people hadn’t read God’s Word in a long time. So Josiah gathered everyone together and read it to them. Show the King Josiah Poster.
Teacher 2: They all promised to do right—to obey everything that was written in God’s special book. 
Teacher 1: God wants each of his children to do right! Let’s all stand and say, “God, help me to obey your Word.” Do so.
Teacher 2: If I do lots of things right, will that make me go to heaven? 
Teacher 1: No. Remember, Jesus is the only way to heaven. We must ask him to forgive our sins and believe in him, then we’ll be part of his kingdom and go to heaven someday.
Teacher 2: Oh! I see. Then we’ll want to do right because we love God. 
Teacher 1: Yes. If we’re wearing the breastplate of righteousness it will help us do what’s right. And the shoes of peace will help us go and tell others about God’s good kingdom! Attach the breastplate and shoes pieces on the Knight Posters or ask some children to come up and attach them. 
Teacher 2: Let’s sing about doing right in God’s sight. 
Song 2: Do Right (To the tune of “Allelu, Allelu, Allelu, Alleluia”)
Before you begin, divide the class into two sides. 
Do right, do right, do right, do right
(Side one stands and sings; side two sits.)
Obey the Lord 
(Side two stands and sings; side one sits.)
Do right, do right, do right, do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord (Side two up.)
Obey the Lord  (Side two stays up.)
Do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord  (Side two up.)
Do right. (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord  (Side two up.)
Do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord  (Everyone up, sing together.)
Apply It!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review

Day 3 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Set

 Share the Day 3 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Armor of God sticker sets and have the kids add the breastplate and shoes stickers. 
Grimwald is a dragon. For many years, people around the world have told stories about dragons. Some of those stories might have been about real animals like dinosaurs! Some dinosaurs, or dragons, were covered in scales which protected them like armor protects us. When we become a child of God by turning away from our sin and believing in Jesus, we can put on the breastplate of righteousness. Jesus helps us to do what’s right by obeying God’s Word. We can also put on the shoes of peace that help us stand firm in our faith and bravely go and tell others about Jesus. 
With each question, have the kids roar like a dragon if the answer is yes or stomp their feet if it is no.
Does the belt of truth remind us that God’s Word is true? Yes—roar like a dragon.

Download these items from AnswersVBS.com/keeperresources.
Is the breastplate called the breastplate of wrong? No—stomp. What’s it called? The breastplate of what? Righteousness; right.
Does the breastplate remind us to do right in God’s sight? Yes—roar like a dragon.
Does the armor of God have special shoes of peace? Yes—roar like a dragon.
Was the king who wanted to do right named King Tristan? No—stomp. What was his name? Josiah.
Did Josiah read God’s Word and try to do right? Yes—roar like a dragon.

Day 3 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Toddler Student Guides 
Supplies for chosen activities from Part 2 and Part 3 
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the student guides and can be done at home if you are out of time.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.
Part 2: Veritas Verse
Today’s Verse: Put on the breastplate of righteousness, and . . . shoes . . . of peace. Ephesians 6:14–15
Try the challenge using the day 3 Memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Practice the verse several times while pretending to put on the breastplate and shoes. Then try saying all the verses learned thus far in order.
Part 3: Go and Do
Dress up like King Josiah (paper crown, bathrobe, paper towel tube scepter). He did right in God’s sight. Ask your mom or dad how you can do right today.
Trace around your shoe on a piece of paper, then color it. Ask an adult to help you write “Jesus loves you!” on it. Then give the picture to a friend or neighbor and tell them about Jesus.
Check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I want to do right and obey God?

Day 4
The Shield and Helmet
Bible PASSAGEs
King Solomon
1 Kings 2–11; Ephesians 6:10–18 
Lesson Focus 
Children will learn to take the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. These will guard them from the enemy’s attacks.
apologetics content
Guard against false teachings and temptations.
Veritas Verse
Take up the shield of faith. Ephesians 6:16
Rhyme Time
Win against sin!
Animal Pal
Byron the Ironclad Beetle
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Glitter Play Dough
Touch Table Wet: Keep Out!
Touch Table Dry: Solomon’s Robe
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:16

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Puppet Pal—Shield and Helmet 
Song 1: “Armor of God”
Teach It!
King Solomon
Song 2: “Oh, Be Careful”
APPly It!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review
Part 2: Veritas Verse
Part 3: Go and Do
Preparing for the Lesson
Read 1 Kings 2–11 and Ephesians 6:10–18 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on the shield and helmet, see AnswersVBS.com/keeperfaq. 
Pray.

Devotion 4: The Shield & Helmet
Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165
Truth is relative. (Are you absolutely sure?) When we get involved with people on a personal level (as we should!), experiences and emotions can cause us to lose sight of the absolute standard as we begin to rationalize and reason away that standard: “They’re so nice, can I really say that what they’re doing is wrong? Maybe it’s okay for them, just not for me.”  
When David passed his kingdom to his son Solomon around 1000 BC, he reminded him of the command the Lord had given “to walk before me in faithfulness with all [your] heart and with all [your] soul” (1 Kings 2:4). Soon after, when the Lord promised to give Solomon whatever he asked for, Solomon asked for wisdom—the ability to think clearly about the truth. And the Lord granted his request, as evidenced by the thousands of proverbs and songs Solomon wrote and the judgments he rendered. Solomon also knew the truth about God’s tangible creation—birds, creeping things, fish, and trees (1 Kings 4:30–34).  
But somewhere along the way, Solomon began to allow his affections and attachments to the women (many women!) in his life to blur the lines between right and wrong, truth and error. Can you hear him begin to rationalize his behavior? “Sure, I know you don’t want me to marry foreign women, Lord, but I can handle it. That command is for others—not for me.” Sadly, as he allowed himself to be influenced by his wives, he built altars for their false gods . . . and eventually joined them in worshipping at the feet of idols. 
The helmet of salvation guards our minds and the way we think while the shield of faith helps us deflect temptations. Solomon neglected both of these vital pieces of armor. Solomon, the one who wrote, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:19), denied the absolute truth and turned away from the one who is truth. 
We must never be satisfied with our current knowledge of the Christian faith, but instead we need to be continually studying God’s Word, so that when the devil lobs his lies in our direction, we can easily deflect them with the shield of faith. And with the helmet of salvation firmly in place, we can guard what we put into our minds. Things we watch on TV, read in books, hear from our friends, and learn from our teachers should all be evaluated against the standard of truth found in the Bible before we allow ourselves to meditate on it and allow it to sink into our souls. May we take refuge in the truth of the Lord and his Word as the psalmist did: “But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.” (Psalm 119:151).

Exploration Stations
See page 12 for setup and decorating instructions for each station, as well as ideas for additional stations.
Discovery Center: Glitter Play Dough
Materials
Homemade or store-bought play dough 
Glitter 
Heart and circle/oval cookie cutters
prep
Mix glitter into store-bought or homemade play dough. (See recipe on page 13.)
Directions
Begin with the teaching tie-in, then make hearts and circle or oval shields with the play dough.
Teaching Tie-In
Look how glittery and sparkly this play dough is! Can you make a heart to remind you that Jesus loves you? Can you make a circle to remind you of the shield of faith that protects you?
Touch Table Wet: Keep Out!
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Small rocks (not tiny pebbles) and ping-pong balls
Buckets
Extras: funnels, scoops, colanders, strainers
prep
Put water in the table. Add the rocks, ping-pong balls, and the extras. Set the buckets to the side. 
Directions
Begin with the teaching tie-in. Try to get all the sins (rocks and balls) out of the good kingdom (water) and into the buckets.
Teaching Tie-In
Let’s pretend the rocks and the balls are sins, and the water is the good kingdom. See if you can take all the sins out of the kingdom and put them in the buckets. Remember, God wants us to keep sin out of our lives. He gave us his armor to help us do that. 
Touch Table Dry: Solomon’s Robe
Materials
Solomon’s Robe Pattern
Touch table 
Felt or fun foam sheets in various colors
Felt or fun foam scraps in various colors and shapes (e.g., dots, triangles, stripes)
Extras: feathers, cotton balls, pom-poms (any other items that stick to felt or fun foam)
Optional: paper plates, 1 for each child
PREP
Use the Solomon’s robe pattern to cut out robes from the colored felt or fun foam, one for each child. Cut scraps in different shapes and place them in the table. Add extras to the table. 
Directions
Give each child a robe cutout. Have them decorate their robe (on a paper plate if available), using the scraps and the extras. 
Teaching Tie-In
We’re going to learn about another real king named Solomon. At first, Solomon obeyed God, and God promised him some good things. You can pretend you’re decorating a robe for King Solomon to wear. 
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Materials
Days 1–3 dramatic play materials
Any new materials to add
Shields and helmets (see Prep below)
prep
Make shields out of cardboard pizza rounds or heavy-duty oval or round paper plates. Make helmets by spray-painting fast-food chicken or popcorn buckets silver and cutting out an area for the face. 
Directions
Dress up and play castle life. Pretend to be knights.
Teaching Tie-In
Today we’re learning about the shield of faith. It reminds us that God will protect us from the enemy’s attacks. And the helmet of salvation reminds us to protect our minds.
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:16
See directions for Day 1, but use the Day 4 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Introduce It!

2 copies of the Day 4 Puppet Script
Bible
Medieval costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Mini belt and breastplate from yesterday
Mini shield and helmet

 Puppet Pal—Shield and Helmet (5 minutes)
Prep: Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Make a mini shield by covering a small plastic lid with foil and putting a piece of duct tape on the back for the puppet’s hand to go through so it looks like it’s holding a shield. Make a mini helmet out of foil that will fit on the puppet’s head. Don’t put it on the puppet until it’s called for in the script.
Teacher: Huzzah! Hooray! Welcome back to the strongest part of the castle, the keep. Do you think we can get Christian to visit again? Have the kids call for him.
Puppet: Come up with the belt and breastplate on from yesterday. Also have a mini shield. Hey, everyone! Look what I’ve got!
Teacher: Well, I see you have your belt on. What’s that belt called, boys and girls? Take responses.
Puppet: It’s my belt of truth. God’s Word is true!
Teacher: And you have your breastplate on. What’s the breastplate called, kids? Take responses.
Puppet: The breastplate of right(eousness). When I learn about the Bible, it helps me to do right.
Teacher: I see you’re holding the next piece of armor. 
Puppet: Yes. This is my shield of faith.
Teacher: That’s really important to have because it will protect you. The knights always carried great big shields into battle to keep them safe from the enemy’s arrows.
Puppet: I’m not going to have real arrows come my way, am I? Shake or duck as if afraid.
Teacher: No, but lies and bad ideas may come at us like arrows.
Puppet: I sure don’t want those to hit me. They might make me mess up and sin.
Teacher: That’s why you need your shield of faith to block them. And you need another piece of armor too—a helmet. Put the helmet on the puppet’s head.
Puppet: What does that do?
Teacher: The helmet of salvation reminds us that Jesus saves us from sin, and doesn’t want us to keep doing the same sins over and over.  
Puppet: What’s sin again?
Teacher: Sin is when we don’t obey God. 
Puppet: But that’s why God gives us armor, right? To help us say no to sin so we don’t do it? 
Teacher: That’s right. God wants us to win against sin. Let’s say that together. Do so. Would you like to sing about the armor of God with us? 
Puppet: I sure would!
Song 1: Armor of God (To the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)

“Armor of God” song
“Oh Be Careful” song
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
MP3 or CD player

 Verse 1
We must put on the armor of God 
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
the armor of God, the armor of God 
(Tap waist, tap feet—2x.)
We must put on the armor of God
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
We’ll wear it ev’ry day 
(March in place.)

Verse 2
First, we tie on the belt of truth 
(Make tying motion at your waist, then pull hands apart.)
belt of truth, belt of truth 
(Repeat motion—2x.)
And we put on the breastplate, too 
(Tap front of your shoulders with open hands.)
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Verse 3
Next, we slip on the shoes of peace
(Step/slide each foot into pretend shoes.)
shoes of peace, shoes of peace
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then we put on the helmet, too 
(Slide your open hands down the sides of your head.)
They protect us ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 4
Now we hold up the shield of faith 
(Cross your hand over and down, then lift your fist in front of you.)
shield of faith, shield of faith
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then take the sword—the Word of God 
(Cross other hand over, then hold up your  fist as if unsheathing a sword.) 
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
 Repeat verse one.
Teach It!

King Solomon Poster
Day 4 Rhyme Time Poster 
Knight Posters
Armor Pieces Poster (shields and helmets)  
Treasure chest
Birthday hat or party blower

 King Solomon (5 minutes)
Prep: Bookmark the Bible at 1 Kings 3:5 and place it in the treasure chest. Give Teacher 2 the birthday hat or party blower. Cut out the shields and helmets from the Armor Pieces Poster and laminate if possible. 
 Teacher 2: Put on the party hat or blow the party blower. Hey, everyone, let’s sing “Happy Birthday” and pretend to blow out the birthday candles on our pretend cake. Do so. Did you make a wish? What did you wish for? Take responses.
Teacher 1: Enter with the treasure chest. What are you doing?
Teacher 2: We’re pretending to celebrate our birthdays and make wishes. 
Teacher 1: Well, you know that wishes aren’t real, right? 
Teacher 2: Oh yeah. We know that. We were just having some fun.
Teacher 1: But God does give good things to those who are part of his kingdom. 
Teacher 2: Yeah. He gives us love, forgiveness when we sin, and the things we need each day, like food and clothes. 
Teacher 1: That’s true. Let me tell you about a king in the Bible who also got good things from God. Pull the Bible out and open to 1 Kings 3:5. (Point to the spot.) 
Teacher 2: What was the king’s name? 
Teacher 1: His name was Solomon. He loved God. And one day, God said, “Solomon, what shall I give you? Just ask!” 
Teacher 2: You mean Solomon could ask for anything?! 
Teacher 1: Yep. What do you think he asked for? Take responses. 
Teacher 2: Lots of money? Or lots of food? 
Teach One: Nope. King Solomon asked to be wise. He wanted to know the right things God wanted him to do so he could be a good king. 
Teacher 2: Kids, do you think that was a good wish? Clap your hands if you think it was. Do so. 
Teacher 1: Yes, that was a good thing to ask for. God was glad that Solomon asked to be wise. He made Solomon wise—he was the wisest man ever. God also gave Solomon lots of money and a long life.

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Teacher 2: Solomon was a great king! Everyone shout “Huzzah!” Do so.
Teacher 1: That’s true that he started out as a great and wise king. He even got to build a beautiful temple for God. But then Solomon disobeyed God’s commands and did things that God said not to do. Show the King Solomon Poster. 
Teacher 2: Oh no! It sounds like Solomon wasn’t using his shield of faith and helmet of salvation. He was making bad choices and sinning.
Teacher 1: God told Solomon, “Because you haven’t kept my commands, I’ll take the kingdom away from you.” And that’s exactly what happened. 
Teacher 2: That’s so sad. Solomon let his guard down and messed up.
Teacher 1: It’s very sad when someone sins and disobeys God. That’s why we must remember that God gives us the armor we need to win against sin. Hold up the Day 4 Rhyme Time Poster. Let’s say that together. Do so. 
Teacher 2: To win against sin, we need to do what the Bible says. We need to use the shield of faith to be on guard when the enemy’s arrows come at us. And the helmet of salvation will help us make good choices! Let’s add those pieces of armor to our kingdom keepers. Attach the shields and helmets to the Knight Posters or ask some children to come up and attach them. 
Teacher 1: Right! We need to be careful to make good choices about everything we do, and to love the Lord with our whole heart. Let’s sing a song about that. 
Song 2: Oh, Be Careful  
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear (Point to your ears.)
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear (Point to your ears.)
For the Father up above (Point up.)
Is looking down with love 
(Place hand above eyes and look down.)
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear (Point to your ears.)
Other verses: little heart love the Lord; little mouth what you say; little hands what you do; little feet where you walk
Apply It!
 
Day 4 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Sets

  Part 1: Animal Pal Review
Take a few minutes to summarize the lesson today, then use the Day 4 Animal Pal Poster to review. Pass out the Armor of God sticker sets and have the kids add the shield and helmet as you discuss the animal pal. 
Byron is an ironclad beetle. Because sin changed God’s perfect creation, even bugs like Byron have to watch out for enemies. God has given Byron strong coverings to protect him. What has God given us as protection? The armor of God. The shield of faith gives us courage to block the arrows of lies and bad ideas. The helmet of salvation guards our minds and helps us remember that Jesus doesn’t want us to sin.
With each question, have the kids scurry (run in place) like a beetle if the answer is yes and curl up if it is no.
Does the belt of truth help me know God’s Word is true? Yes—scurry like a beetle.
Is the next piece of the armor of God called the shirt of dirt? No—curl up. Mention there’s no piece called the shirt of dirt. It’s called the breastplate of what? Righteousness! 
Does the shield of faith help me say no to sin? Yes—scurry like a beetle.
Is the other piece of armor that goes on our head called the helmet of glue? No—curl up. Mention there’s no piece called that. It’s called the helmet of what? Salvation!

Does the helmet of salvation protect our minds from thinking wrong ideas? Yes—scurry like a beetle.
Did King Solomon forget to use the shield and helmet and make bad choices? Yes—scurry like a beetle.
In any remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the student guides and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.
Part 2: V
Day 4 Memory Verse Poster 
Supplies for chosen activities from Part 2 and Part 3  
Optional: Toddler Student Guides 

eritas Verse
Try the challenge using the day 4 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Today’s Verse: Take up the shield of faith. Ephesians 6:16
Challenge: Practice the verse several times while pretending to take up the shield and put on the helmet, which is in tomorrow’s verse. Then try saying all the verses learned thus far in order.
Part 3: Go and Do
Go on a hat hunt around your house. How many hats did you find? Which hat is the funniest? Which hat is the biggest? Which hat would keep your head safe (e.g., bike helmet, hard hat, large sun hat)? Remember that the helmet of salvation will guard your mind and help you make right decisions.
King Solomon was given the job of building God’s temple. Can you use your toy blocks to build a building like Solomon’s? 
Check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I care if I do things that would make God sad?

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Day 5
The Sword and Prayer
Bible passages
King of Kings vs. Prince of the Air
Matthew 4:1–11; Ephesians 6:17–18
LESSON Focus
Children will learn to use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and memorize it so they’ll be ready to use it wisely.
apologetics content
Be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.
Veritas Verse
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit . . . praying. Ephesians 6:17–18a
Rhyme Time
Train your brain!
Animal pal
Skye the Peregrine Falcon

Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Armor of God Banner
Touch Table Wet: Bible Truth Colors
Touch Table Dry: People Play
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:17–18a
Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It! 
Puppet Pal—Sword
Song 1: “The Kingdom Keepers”
Teach It! 
Jesus in the Wilderness
Song 2: “Armor of God”
Apply It!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review 
Part 2: Veritas Verse
Part 3: Go and Do
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Matthew 4:1–11 and Ephesians 6:10–18 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on the sword of the Spirit and praying, see AnswersVBS.com/keeperfaq.
Pray.

Devotion 5: The Sword & Prayer
Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8:1, 6–7
Truth is what you make it. But what if I say that is a false statement? Am I making truth, or are you? You can see that absurdity reigns when we allow truth to be set aside in favor of opinion. 
Satan knows there is an absolute standard of truth, but he delights in obscuring, changing, and denying it. He is the author of the false truth claims we’ve visited this week, and he loves it when Christians—the ones who hold truth in their hands every time they pick up a Bible—fall for his lies. 
He has even been so bold as to lie to the King of kings—the one who banned him from heaven in the first place for his original lies. When he tempted Jesus, he lied in three ways:
1. He denied the truth that Jesus is God (Matthew 4:3). 
2. He wrongly quoted Scripture to serve his own purposes (Matthew 4:6). 
3. He lied about the power and authority he had (Matthew 4:9). 
How many times have we fallen for one of these lies: doubting God, believing someone who twists a passage of Scripture to mean something other than what it does, or craving the things of the world more than Jesus?
When Satan tempted the King of kings in the wilderness, Jesus responded with the truth. Even though he was bone-weary, famished, and thirsty, he didn’t stoop to Satan’s level by falling for any of his lies. Instead, he rebuked and rebuffed the enemy by simply drawing the sword of the Spirit and quoting Scripture that he had already memorized and meditated on, Scripture that was readily available in his mind for him to speak, Scripture that he himself had written. 
In this battle between truth and error, may we continually hunger to know the truth of God’s Word and desire to seek his face in prayer. We know the end of the “story”: God wins the war, and Satan will be forever sentenced to an eternity in fiery hell. But how are we fighting the battles in the meantime? How accurately can you handle the sword of the Spirit? How well does it fit in your hand? How comfortable are you using it to defeat the enemy? How intimately familiar are you with the Word of God? 
May we stand strong in this battle for truth and say, “For my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips” (Proverbs 8:7). 
Exploration Stations
See page 12 for setup and decorating instructions for each station, as well as ideas for additional stations.
Discovery Center: Armor of God Banner
Materials
Plastic pennants (available at party stores) in different colors
Armor of God stickers (from Resource Catalog) or other cross/heart stickers
Optional: tape, and plastic drinking straws, yarn, or ribbon
prep
If pennants are connected, cut them apart (one per child). Tie the string ends to make a hanger. Or roll the wide end of the banner over a drinking straw and secure with tape. Run a length of yarn or ribbon through the straw and tie the ends in a loop for a hanger. 
Directions
Have children decorate their banners with stickers. 
Teaching Tie-In
Can you remember all the parts of the armor of God? Take time to review.  
Touch Table Wet: Bible Truth Colors
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Plastic balls and blocks in a dark color, red, white, and yellow
Extras: tongs, scoops, cups, bowls
prep
Partially fill the touch table with water. Place some plastic balls and blocks into the water. Add the extras.  
Directions
Help children find the correct colors of balls and blocks as you direct them with the teaching tie-in. 
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible tells us the truth about Jesus, God’s Son. He’s the only one who can save us from our sins. Which color (balls and blocks) reminds us of our sins? Dark one. Which color reminds us of Jesus’ blood when he died on the cross for our sins? Red. When we put our trust in Jesus, he washes our sins away. Which color looks nice and clean? White. When we believe in Jesus, we become part of his kingdom! Which color reminds us of God’s bright and beautiful kingdom in heaven? Yellow. 
Touch Table Dry: People Play
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Play sand
Play people or craft sticks with faces drawn on one end 
Extras: scoops, spoons, cups
Wet wipes for cleanup
prep
Put the sand in the touch table. Stand the “people” up in the sand. Add extras.
Directions
Play in the sand with the people. 
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus wants us to share Bible truth with others. What do you think these little people would say if they could tell each other about the Bible and God?
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Materials
Days 1–4 dramatic play materials
Any items you want to add in
prep
Add in additional supplies today that you may have held back.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be kings, queens, and knights.
Teaching Tie-In
It’s fun to pretend we live in a kingdom from long ago. But those who believe in Jesus are part of his kingdom that lasts forever!
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:17–18a
See directions for Day 1, but use the Day 5 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Introduce It!
Puppet Pal—Sword (5 minutes)
Day 5 Rhyme Time Poster
2 copies of the Day 5 Puppet Script
Bible 
Medieval costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Small juggling ball
Optional: mini jester hat

Prep: Find a small ball for the puppet. Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Optional: search the internet for “paper jester hat” and make one in a miniature size.  
Teacher: Hi, kids. Should we check in on Christian one last time? Let’s call him. Have kids call. 
Puppet: Come up with a juggling ball and jester hat (optional).
Teacher: What’s wrong, Christian? You seem sad today.
Puppet: I am. I want to be a juggler sooo much, but I just can’t get the hang of it.
Teacher: Let me see you try.
Puppet: Throw the ball up and drop it. Sigh a big sigh, then say dejectedly: Boy, I sure was hoping I could be the best juggler ever!
Teacher: Well, how much have you practiced?
Puppet: Umm, not at all. 
Teacher: Kids, what do you think Christian should do? Take responses. You know, the more you practice, the better you’ll be. 
Puppet: Oh, yeah! Maybe I’ll go outside later and try some more then.
Teacher: That’s a good idea. That reminds me, did you know there’s something else we all need to practice to be good at?
Puppet: What’s that?
Teacher: We have to practice using the sword of the Spirit. It’s the last piece of the armor of God.
Puppet: Oooh! I’ve seen knights sword fighting in the movies.
 Teacher: In the days of kings and castles, the knights were like the kingdom keepers. Just like those knights used swords to fight their enemies, God’s kingdom keepers must use the sword of the Spirit to fight against sin. 
Puppet: What’s the sword of the Spirit? 
Teacher: It’s God’s Word, the Bible. It helps us know the truth so we won’t be tricked by the enemy’s lies and bad ideas.
Puppet: Oh! We have a Bible at my house.  
Teacher: You should ask your parents to read it to you. Every day, you’ve got to be hearing, memorizing, and using the Bible. 
Puppet: What do you mean? 
Teacher: A knight’s sword wouldn’t do him any good in a battle if he didn’t know how to use it, right? It’s the same with the Bible. It can’t help you if you don’t practice using it. You’ve got to train your brain with the Bible. Hold up the Day 5 Rhyme Time Poster. Let’s say, “Train your brain!” together. Do so.
Puppet: Wow! That’s a lot to remember—to wear all the armor of God and train my brain. 
Teacher: That’s why God tells us to put on the armor, then pray. He’ll help his kingdom keepers use the armor to fight against sin and obey him.
Puppet: Whew! I’m glad God will help. 
Teacher: We should all pray and use the Bible every day so we can learn to love and obey God. Let’s sing about being kingdom keepers for God’s good kingdom.

Download these items from AnswersVBS.com/keeperresources.
Have the puppet sing with the kids, moving to the music.

“The Kingdom Keepers” song
“Armor of God” song
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
MP3 or CD player

 Song 1: The Kingdom Keepers (To the tune of “The Ants Go Marching”)
The kingdom keepers march for God, hurrah, hurrah (March in place, lift up your hands on “hurrah.”)
The kingdom keepers march for God, hurrah, hurrah (March in place, lift up your hands on “hurrah.”)
God gave us armor we will wear
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
Satan’s kingdom better beware
(Put your fists up in a fighting stance.)
And we all go marching on
(March in place.)
For the Lord—who is strong—and has won
(Point up, flex your biceps, then lift your hands in victory.)
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
(Shout and point up on each word.)
Repeat, adding a fourth Huzzah! at the end.
Puppet: That was super! I sure have enjoyed singing and learning with you this week, but now I’ve got to go. I’m going to train my brain by memorizing my Bible verses so I’ll be ready with the sword of the Spirit.
Teacher: Great idea, Christian. I hope all the kids will do that too. Goodbye!
Teach It!

Jesus in the Wilderness Poster 
Knight Posters
Armor Pieces Poster
(swords) 
Treasure chest
Optional: clip of Jesus in the wilderness and device to show clip

 Jesus in the Wilderness (5 minutes)
Prep: Cut out the swords from the Armor Pieces Poster and laminate if possible. Bookmark your Bible at Matthew 4, then put it inside the treasure chest. Set up for the video clip if you are using one. (Make sure it includes Jesus saying, “It is written . . . ” three times.) 
You know kids, even Jesus used the sword of the Spirit to fight the enemy’s attacks. The sword of the Spirit is the Bible! Open the treasure chest and take out the Bible. Satan tried three times to get Jesus to sin. Let’s find out what happened. 
Share a shortened version of Matthew 4:1–11 from the Bible or a children’s picture Bible, OR show a short video clip of this scene from a biblical video. Tell the kids they need to listen closely. Every time they hear Jesus using the sword of the Spirit (when he says, “It is written”), you will all jump up and down. Stop the video at each point when doing so. When done, show the Jesus in the Wilderness poster.
Every time the enemy told Jesus to disobey God, Jesus used the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, to fight back. Remember, the Bible is God’s Word, and it can help us say no to sin when we listen to it, read it, and memorize it. 
Let’s give our kingdom keepers their swords. Add the sword pieces to the Knight Posters or ask a boy and a girl to come up and attach them. Look at that! They have the whole armor of God. Help me remember what each piece of armor is called. Point to each piece of armor on the posters as you review. 
Let’s sing about the whole armor of God. When you hear the part about the sword of the Spirit, shout it out. 
 Song 2: Armor of God (To the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)
Verse 1
We must put on the armor of God 
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
the armor of God, the armor of God 
(Tap waist, tap feet—2x.)
We must put on the armor of God
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
We’ll wear it ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 2
First, we tie on the belt of truth 
(Make tying motion at your waist, then pull hands apart.)
belt of truth, belt of truth 
(Repeat motion—2x.)

And we put on the breastplate, too 
(Tap front of your shoulders with open hands.)
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Verse 3
Next, we slip on the shoes of peace
(Step/slide each foot into pretend shoes.)
shoes of peace, shoes of peace
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then we put on the helmet, too 
(Slide your open hands down the sides of your head.)
They protect us ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 4
Now we hold up the shield of faith 
(Cross your hand over and down, then lift your fist in front of you.)
shield of faith, shield of faith
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then take the sword—the Word of God 
(Cross other hand over, then hold up your  fist as if unsheathing a sword.) 
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Repeat verse one.
Apply It!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review
Day 5 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Sets

Share the Day 5 Animal Pal Poster to summarize today’s teaching. Pass out the Armor of God sticker sets and have kids add the sword. They can take the papers home today. 
Skye is a peregrine falcon. People trained falcons to hunt small animals. Falcons like Skye learn quickly and are eager to obey. Skye reminds us that we need to be quick to learn the Word of God. We need to train our brains!
With each question, have the kids flap their arms like a flying falcon if the answer is yes and squat down if it is no.
Does the belt of truth help me know God’s Word is true? Yes—flap arms.
Does the breastplate of righteousness help me know what’s right? Yes—flap arms.
Does the shield of faith help me say yes to sin? No—squat down. What does it help us say to sin? No! It helps us win against sin.
Is the piece of armor that goes on our head called the helmet of gold? No—squat down. It’s called the helmet of what? Salvation!
Is the sword of the Spirit the Bible? Yes—flap arms.
Did Jesus know how to use the sword of the Spirit? Yes—flap arms. Yes, he did, and we should too! 
In any remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also in the student guides and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.

Day 5 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Toddler Student Guides 
Supplies for chosen activities, Part 2 and Part 3 
Optional: Bookmarks, 1 per child

 Part 2: Veritas Verse
Show them the bookmarks that are available if you plan to give these out. Then try the challenge using the day 5 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Today’s Verse: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit . . . praying. Ephesians 6:17–18a
Challenge: Act out today’s verse as you say it. Then see if you can go the whole way through the verses, putting on the whole armor of God.

Download these items from AnswersVBS.com/keeperresources.
Part 3: Go and Do
Train your brain to know God’s Word. With someone’s help, pick a Bible verse from the Bible or your card caddy and memorize it!
Dress up like a knight in armor. Add a toy or pretend sword to your belt. The sword of the Spirit is the Bible. How many Bible verses from VBS can you say?
Check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I like to listen to and learn from the Bible?