Day 1
Book of Books
Bible passages
The Bible is One-of-a-Kind (Selected Scriptures)
Bible Gem
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . .” 2 Timothy 3:16

Animal Pal
Blizzard the Polar Bear
Treasure Point Lesson Focus
The Bible is the coolest book on the planet! It’s completely unique in many ways, including being written by God Himself.
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Copy Cats
Touch Table: Let it Snow!
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: 2 Timothy 3:16
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Blizzard the Polar Bear
Part 2: Puppet Pal—It’s a Superstar!
Song Time
Song 1: “Book of Books”
Song 2: “The B-I-B-L-E”
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: BIBLE HandshakePreparing for the Lesson 
Read Psalm 19 and Psalm 119 several times. Marvel at this one-of-a-kind book. 
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on how the Bible is unique and how it came to be, visit answersvbs.com/oafaq.
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource kit
Theme Verse poster
Day 1 Memory Verse poster
Day 1 Fun Phrase poster
Arctic Circle poster
Coolest Book poster
From Resource dvD-ROM
Exploration Station Names signs
Day 1 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
“Book of Books” and “The B-I-B-L-E” songs
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders (teachers)
Treasure chest
Any children’s picture book
Boy or girl puppet (in costume) and puppet stage 
Star stickers
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Memory Verse/Review Time supplies
Memory verse music CD and player
Student extras
Student guides (11-5-074, 11-5-135), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Blizzard bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Note: Make sure any exploration station supplies you use are chunky and age-appropriate—nontoxic and not a choking hazard.
Discovery Center: Copy Cats
Materials
Note: Use any or all of the following—whatever you want to gather. Or check the Super Simple Idea below for an alternate option.
Flat rocks
Styrofoam meat trays and craft sticks (“stylus”)
Copy paper
Vellum (to simulate papyrus)
Parchment (scraps of suede)
Quill pens (see directions below)
Washable markers
Index cards
Pre-prep
Gather whatever supplies you are using. Write the word “God” on one index card and “Bible” on another. Make a few quill pens, using inexpensive stick pens, feathers, and black masking tape. 
First, take the lid off the pens. Next, starting above the point, wind the black masking tape halfway up the barrel of the pen. Place the feather against the barrel of the pen and continue winding the black tape to the top.
Directions
Explorers use the various writing implements to copy the words “God” and “Bible” on the various materials.  
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible has been written or carefully copied on many different kinds of materials over the years: rocks, clay, papyrus, paper. The original writings were perfect! We can trust every word of the Bible because every word comes from God, who cannot lie. The Bible is true!!
Super Simple Idea
Use just paper and markers. Write out Bible words ahead of time and have the explorers carefully copy them, like the scribes carefully copied the books of the Bible. The youngest explorers may want to just copy the “B” for “Bible.”
Touch Table: Let it Snow!
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
“Snow”: sea salts with cut-up tinsel mixed into it
Plastic little people 
Pre-prep
Cover the floor under the touch table with a tarp or plastic tablecloth. This will be used all week. Mix the sea salts and the tinsel in the touch table. 
Directions
Explorers play with the “snow.”
Teaching Tie-In
Isn’t it fun to play in our pretend snow? It’s amazing to think that when snowflakes fall outside, every one is different. Each is special and one-of-a-kind, and so is the Bible! It’s the most special book ever because it’s written by God Himself and it’s perfect! 
Note: There are commercial instant snows you can buy that just require water. There are also tutorials online of various ways to make your own fake snow for kids. You may want to try some of them as well as this option.
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Exploration Company backdrop with bear looking in the window (see Decorating Decisions)
Scarves, mittens, boots, and other cold weather dress-up clothes
Possible Props: sleeping bags and blankets rolled up, plastic sled, skis, snowshoes, kids’ table and chairs, play camera, play first aid kit, backpack on a frame, water bottles, play cell phone, play ski goggles, camping pots and pans, play binoculars, (Day 2) flashlights and/or play lanterns, (Day 3) play food, tin cups, canteens, white paper plates, (Day 4) pretend “mail”/mailbags, (Day 5) play brooms and other play cleaning supplies
Pre-prep
Put up the backdrop. This will be used all week. Gather the costumes, which will also be used all week. Gather whatever suggested props you want, which can be borrowed, made, or bought from thrift stores, garage sales, or online companies like Oriental Trading Company or Rhode Island Novelties.
Directions
Pretend to be explorers in the Arctic getting ready to set out to explore.
Teaching Tie-In
Did you see the bear looking in the window? He reminds me of Blizzard our polar bear. Polar bears are special and one-of-a-kind. They aren’t like any other animal. And the Bible is special and one-of-a-kind, too. It’s not like any other book. It’s God’s very words!Coloring Corner: 2 Timothy 3:16
Materials
Bear den supplies (see Decorating Decisions—paw prints, stuffed animal bears, etc.)
Day 1 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional for marker and crayon storage: galvanized metal pail with snowflake stickers or fun foam snowflakes on it
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child. Make or gather the decorating supplies and set them up. These will be used all week. Gather additional supplies to glue on if desired, such as cotton balls for “clouds” or blue cellophane pieces for “sky.”
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Additional Exploration Station Ideas
Cozy Book Nook—Make a cozy reading spot by making a pretend fireplace. Put some blankets by the fireplace. Add books about people of the Arctic, animals of the Arctic, snow, ice, etc. Also make sure to have children’s picture Bibles or books with individual Bible accounts in them.
Letter of the Day—Provide activities that have to do with the letter of the day (Day 1—B; Day 2—I; Day 3—B; Day 4—L; Day 5—E). Have them trace the daily letter in trays of salt (to simulate white “snow”) and say, for example, “B is for Book of books.” 
Building Site—Provide LINCOLN LOGS® to make mini log cabins, and/or have bigger boxes to build bigger cabins or snow forts with.
Animal Puppets—Animal puppets are a great center idea, so have a small puppet stage along with Arctic animal puppets for the kids to play with. These may include any of the following: polar bear, brown bear, Arctic fox, Arctic hare, beluga whale, humpback whale, blue whale, moose, reindeer (caribou), snowy owl, Siberian husky, etc.
Glittery Snow Dough—Make uncolored play dough and add iridesent or silver glitter into it. Set up a station with the glittery snow dough, cookie cutters, play rolling pins, etc. Snowflake cookie cutters in various sizes are particularly fun.
How to Make Snow Dough
2 c. flour
 c. salt
2 c. warm water
4 t. cream of tartar
2 t. oil
Iridescent or silver glitter
Mix the first five ingredients in a saucepan, blending well. Stir over low to medium heat until the dough is formed and is no longer sticky. Remove from the pan and knead until smooth, adding the glitter. After it has cooled, store in an airtight container.
Lesson Time

Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders
Arctic Circle poster (Teacher Resource Kit) 
Treasure chest
Any children’s picture book
Day 1 Fun Phrase poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Mounting putty or tape (for hanging posters)
Pre-Prep
Prepare your costumes.
Put Bible in treasure chest. 

 Part 1: Blizzard the Polar Bear Hi, explorers! My name is _____ 
And I’m _____ . We’re glad you’re here at Operation Arctic.
 The Arctic is a cold place at the top of the world. It’s beautiful and unique, which means extra special and one-of-a-kind.
Let’s take a couple minutes and get ready for some Arctic fun. Since it’s cold there, let’s pretend to put on our winter coats. 
We’re going to need hats and gloves, too. Let’s pretend to put them on. And we can’t forget boots! Put on your boots, explorers! 
Now we’re ready to start exploring! We’re going to explore a special, special book. Does anybody know the name of the most special book? Did you say the Bible? It’s the greatest treasure ever. It’s a one-of-a-kind book. It’s not like any other book.  Here’s a different book. See the words and pictures inside? It’s a nice book, but it’s not the most special book like the Bible because it isn’t written by God! No other book is written by God. That makes it the most special book ever!
 Our animal pal Blizzard reminds us the Bible is special. What letter is Blizzard showing us?  It’s a B for “Bible” and “Book of books!” Let’s meet our puppet pal, and he’ll tell us more about this special, superstar Book!
Part 2: Puppet Pal—It’s a Superstar! 
Boy or girl puppet (in costume) and puppet stage
Star stickers
Coolest Book poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Clipboard
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the script. Tape one inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
Dress the puppet in a mini VBS T-shirt and/or a hat and scarf.
One teacher should be in front of the puppet stage with the clipboard and one should be behind it ready to work the puppet.

 Each day, the puppet pal will be used to teach or reinforce the lesson. If you don’t have a teaching assistant or co-teacher, enlist someone (a group guide or other volunteer) ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet come up from behind a snow mound.
The puppet can be a boy or a girl. Use a consistent voice for the puppet all 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 of the door of the ACE Company building. (See Decorating Decisions.) When entering, hold your arm back and down and have the puppet take three steps forward, 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. 
Hey there, everybody!Hi, Kai! Boys and girls, let’s say, “Hi, Kai!” to our puppet pal. Can you tell us something you like to do, Kai?
Well, I like to go exploring with Dad on my dogsled with my dogs. But I also love to explore something else—my Bible!
The Bible sure is a treasure!
Yep. It’s one-of-a-kind. That makes it extra special. 
It’s a one-of-a-kind book all right, written by God! In fact, it deserves a star!  God wrote us a book! Let’s sing about that Book. 
The B-I-B-L-E Yes, that’s the book for me I stand alone on the Word of God The B-I-B-L-E The BIBLE!  But that’s not all. Did you know the Bible is true? God can’t tell a lie  so since He wrote the Bible, that means every word is true! 
 Wow! Here’s another star for being true. 
 And did you know more people have read the Bible than any other book in the whole world?
 Another star for being the most read book. 
 And guess what? God changes people’s lives as they read the Bible! 
 God sure has used the Bible to change my life! I love God’s Word. That deserves a star. And the Bible will never go away. 
 I think we could go on and on, Kai, but at this point, I’m sure the boys and girls see that the Bible is different than every other book. It’s a superstar! 
It’s the Book of books! Well I’ve gotta show my mom these stars! See you later!
 See you later, Kai! Let’s see if we can remember some of the special things about the Bible. 
Song Time
Song 1: “Book of Books”

Simple sing-along versions of the songs listed here are available on the Resource DVD-ROM. Download them to an MP3 player and use them to accompany your song time. They are also available on a CD (11-5-141). 
You may want to use all the songs suggested this week (in the daily Song Time section), or just repeat the same one or two all week long. There are lots of options!

 Here’s a fun song to incorporate into any part of your day. Sing this one to the tune of  “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” 
The Bible is the Book of books Book of books!The Bible is the Book of books Book of books!Written by God, come take a look The Bible is the Book of books Book of books!Song 2: “The B-I-B-L-E”
The B-I-B-L-E Yes, that’s the book for me 
 
I stand alone on the Word of God 
The B-I-B-L-E The BIBLE! 
Memory Verse/Review Time
Memory verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Blizzard bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 1 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Theme Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 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. 
Pass out the Blizzard bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: Bible Gems
 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . . ” 2 Timothy 3:16
Explain the following words.
All—All means all. Every single word in the Bible is from God. 
Scripture—Scripture is another name for the Bible. 
Inspiration—Inspiration means men wrote down the words as God told them to (2 Peter 1:21).
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
 Make up motions to key words in this verse and do them as you say it.
 “Your word is a . . . light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. You may also want to practice the week’s theme verse, using the Theme Verse poster as a reference.
Part 2: Go and Do
Every person in the Bible was a real person who lived a long time ago. Draw a picture of someone in the Bible.
Talk to God (that’s prayer!) and ask Him to help you love Him and love His Word more and more.
Ask an adult who follows Jesus to show you her Bible and read Psalm 1 to you. What does she love about it?
Ask yourself this question: Do I have a Bible at my home?
Part 3: BIBLE Handshake
Today, explorers learn the first letter of the BIBLE handshake, . Each day, they’ll add another letter. For today, form the thumb and index finger into a circle and link them with another explorer’s fingers, forming a  with the two circles together. Say, “Book of books.”  Remind them that we will be spelling the word “Bible” this week, and the B is the first letter in the word “Bible.”
Check YouTube.com/AnswersVBS for a demonstration of the BIBLE handshake! 
And remember—the student guide is great to send home as a fun review!
Day 2
Incredible Impact
Bible passage
Saul’s Life is Transformed (Acts 9:1–22)
Bible Gem
“Your word is a . . . light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Animal Pal
Snowball the Arctic Hare
Treasure Point Lesson Focus
The Bible’s message has had an incredible impact on earth.
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Caterpillar/Butterfly
Touch Table: Bunny Tails
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: Psalm 119:105
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Snowball the Arctic Hare
Part 2: Saul/Paul
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Changed!
Song Time
Song 1: “B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO Version)
Song 2: “This Little Light of Mine”
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: BIBLE Handshake
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Acts 9:1–22 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on how the Bible has impacted the earth and transformed lives, visit answersvbs.com/oafaq.
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource kit
Day 2 Memory Verse poster
Days 1–2 Fun Phrase posters
Paul Transformed posters
From Resource DVD-ROM
Picture cards of caterpillars and butterflies (Expl. Station)
Pictures of an Arctic hare (Expl. Station)
Day 2 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
“B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO version) and “This Little Light of Mine” songs
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders
Treasure chest
Piece of paper and tape
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Memory Verse/Review Time supplies
Memory verse music CD and player
Student Extras
Student guides (11-5-074, 11-5-135), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Snowball bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Caterpillar/Butterfly
Materials
Picture cards of caterpillars and butterflies (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-prep
Photocopy and cut out the caterpillar and butterfly cards. You many want to laminate them.
Directions
Explorers try to figure out which caterpillar turns into which butterfly by matching the numbers on the cards.  
Teaching Tie-In
Isn’t it amazing how God designed caterpillars to turn into butterflies? They look like a whole new creature! On the outside, a person may not look much different, but if you become God’s child, you will be changed, too. Over time, God will teach you to be more loving and kind. 
Touch Table: Bunny Tails
Materials
Lots of cotton balls
Tongs
Mittens
Pictures of an Arctic hare in summer and in winter (Resource DVD-ROM)
Optional: plastic Arctic animals
Pre-prep
Take out yesterday’s supplies and put in today’s, filling the touch table at least one layer deep with cotton balls.
Directions
Explorers see how many “bunny tails” (cotton balls) they can pick up with the tongs while wearing mittens.
Teaching Tie-In
Look at all these bunny tails! Did you know our animal pal today is part of the bunny family? It’s an Arctic hare. Arctic hares change colors depending on the season. When it’s summer, the Arctic hare is brown. When it’s winter, it’s white. Show the pictures.
God changes us in ways, too. We don’t change colors. (Can you imagine if we did?) But if we’re part of God’s family, God is working inside us all the time to help us become more and more like His Son, Jesus, in the way we act.
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Day 1 supplies
Flashlights or play lanterns
Pre-prep
Add in flashlights or play lanterns if you have them.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be Arctic explorers.
Teaching Tie-In
Explorers in the Arctic need strong lights because it’s very dark, even during the day. But a light makes all the difference. The Bible tells us that it is like a light, too. That doesn’t mean it’s an actual light, but that when people read the Bible, they see how life should be. It lights the way!
Coloring Corner: Psalm 119:105
Materials
Day 2 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child. Gather additional supplies if you want them.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Lesson Time

Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders (teachers)
Days 1 and 2 Fun Phrase posters (Teacher Resource Kit)
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape

  Part 1: Snowball the Arctic Hare 
Hi again, explorers! We’re glad you’re here! Hey, does anybody remember the name of yesterday’s animal pal? What letter did Blizzard have? Yep, it’s a B. B for “Bible” and “Book of books.”
Today, we’re going to meet a new animal pal.  This cutie is named Snowball, and she’s an Arctic hare (or rabbit). Why do you think she’s called Snowball?  Right, she’s white like a snowball. But at certain times of the year, guess what? She changes colors and turns brown! We won’t change colors, but God does change us in great ways when we become His child. Let’s get out our wonderful treasure—the Bible—and see how God changed a guy named Saul. 
Part 2: Saul/Paul   

Paul Transformed posters (Teacher Resource Kit), cut in 2
Piece of paper and tape
Pre-Prep
Cover the Paul poster with the paper. This will be removed toward the end of this account.

 Have the kids stand. Go through the following account in Acts 9:1–22 and have everyone do or say the following actions. 
There was this guy named Saul and he was sinful. He disobeyed God. He was one mean dude. Make a mean face like Saul. 
Well, he was going around hurting people who loved Jesus. He was throwing them in prison or even killing them. Say, “No, no, Saul!”  

Bring in a bright flashlight to use when talking about the bright light from heaven.
An alternate way to tell this account is to have one teacher dress up in a Bible time costume to be Saul. He can either tell the account in first person, or the other teacher can tell or read the account from a simple children’s Bible as Saul acts it out. Use sunglasses for being blind and a walking stick for going to the city.

 Well, one day, he was walking and all of a sudden, a bright light shone around him from heaven. Act like you’re seeing a really bright light. 
When this happened, Saul fell to the ground. Let’s fall to the ground. 
Then Saul heard a voice from heaven, which was God, saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you hurting Me?” And Saul said, “Who are You, Lord?” Let’s say that as we look up to heaven. 
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus.”
Saul said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” And the Lord told him to go into the city. Let’s all get up and point to the city. So Saul got up, but he couldn’t see. He had been blinded (couldn’t see) because of the light. So his friends helped him to the city. Let’s cover our eyes like we’re blind and try to walk to the “city.” 
Then God sent a man named Ananias to Saul. Ananias said, “Saul, the Lord Jesus sent me that you may be able to see again.” Immediately, something like scales fell from his eyes and he could see again! Act excited to be able to see again! 
Right away, he went out and started telling everyone about Jesus. Let’s turn to our friend and say, “Jesus is Lord!” 
Everyone was amazed.They were amazed because Saul had changed! Remember, he had been so mean, throwing Christians into prison and even killing them. He didn’t like God’s people. But then God changed him. Saul quit being mean. In fact, he became a child of God. Let’s give a thumbs up sign. 
Here is Saul after God changed him into a child of God. He doesn’t look different on the outside, does he? But God changed him on the inside.
God changed Saul, whose name eventually changed to Paul, and God can change you, too! I’m thankful God has changed me! 

Gospel presentation

Part 3: Puppet Pal—Changed! 
Explorers, let’s call for Kai. Ready? Here we go. Kai! Kai! Where are you?
Wow! That was weird! I just talked to someone I hadn’t seen for, like, a year. He used to live next door, and then he moved away.
That’s cool that you got to see him again! Why was it weird?
Well, he just seemed different. 
 How was he different? Did he look different?
No, he looked pretty much the same.
 Then what was so weird about it?
Well, he just seemed different. Not on the outside, but on the inside.
 What do you mean?
 He used to be mean to me, but he was nice today! I think something’s changed, and I bet I can guess what it is.
 What?
Well, he told me he’s been reading his Bible since he left and he found out about God as he read—God who is loving and kind. God who sent Jesus to earth to save us from our sins.
 That sounds like a big deal.
Yeah, he said he asked God to forgive him of the wrong things, the sins, he had done. And because he believes in Jesus, he asked God if he could be God’s child, and now he’s part of God’s family. He said as he reads the Bible, God is teaching him and changing him.
 Oh, so that’s why he’s more kind and loving.
 Yep! Of course, he’s not perfect, but I can tell God is working in him.
 You know, little by little, year after year, God changes us to be more like Him. 
Yeah, Saul was mean and sinful. But God changed Saul into a great man of God.
 Yep! Isn’t it cool to know we can read the Bible and pray to God and ask Him to change us to be more like Jesus? God can and does do it!
 He sure does! In fact, I think I’m going to go read my Bible right now and talk to God! 
 Sounds good, Kai. While you’re doing that, we’re going to learn our Bible verse, so we’ll see you later!
Song Time
Song 1: “B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO Version)Sing this to the tune of “B-I-N-G-O.”
There is a book that comes from GodThe Bible is its name—OHB-I-B-L-E
B-I-B-L-E
B-I-B-L-EThe Bible is its name—OHThere is a book that comes from GodThe Bible is its name—OH-I-B-L-E
-I-B-L-E
-I-B-L-EThe Bible is its name—OH
Note: Substitute claps for the first two letters on the next verse, three on the next, four on the next, and all five on the last verse.Song 2: “This Little Light of Mine”
Introduce this song by reminding the explorers that just as the Northern Lights light up the dark sky and make it beautiful, when we are God’s, we shine our light for Him and light up the world with His love!
This little light of mine 
I’m gonna let it shine 
This little light of mine 
I’m gonna let it shine 
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine 
Hide it under a bushel No! I’m gonna let it shine Hide it under a bushel No! I’m gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine Shine all over I’m gonna let it shine 
Shine all over I’m gonna let it shine 
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine 

Memory verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Snowball bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 2 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 Memory Verse/Review TimeIn the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 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. 
Pass out the Snowball bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: Bible Gems“Your word is a . . . light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
 Find a flashlight and go into a dark room (bathroom, closet) or make a fort. Use the flashlight to light up your dark space and say your verse. Now turn off the flashlight and see if you can remember it.
“ . . . A wise man . . . built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Because God is love, we are to love. Because God is kind, we are to be kind. Ask an adult to read 1 John 4:7–8 to you. What can you do today to show someone God’s love and kindness? Go and do it!
Talk to God and thank Him for the Bible.
Ask an adult who follows Jesus to share a favorite Bible person with you.
Ask yourself this question: Do I like it if someone reads the Bible to me?
Part 3: BIBLE Handshake
Today, explorers learn the  handshake. Hold up your hand with fingers together. Put your straight palm against another’s. Say, “Incredible Impact.”  Review the first two handshakes.
Day 3
Bedrock Base
Bible passage
The Wise Man Builds His House on the Rock (Matthew 7:24–29)
Bible Gem
“ . . . A wise man . . . built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
Animal Pal
Spike the Narwhal
Treasure Point Lesson focus
The Bible is the bedrock base we build our lives on. It is the ultimate and final authority in all matters. 

Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: This Rocks!
Touch Table: No Stand in the Sand
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: Matthew 7:24
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Spike the Narwhal
Part 2: Wise Man/Foolish Man
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Respect and Obey
Song Time
Song 1: “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock”
Song 2: “The B-I-B-L-E”
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: BIBLE Handshake
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Matthew 7, 8, 26:36–43, and Mark 5:21–43 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God, visit answersvbs.com/oafaq.
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource kit
Day 3 Memory Verse poster
Days 1–3 Fun Phrase posters
Wise Man/Foolish Man posters
From Resource DVD-ROM
Day 3 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
“The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock” and “The B-I-B-L-E” songs
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders
Treasure chest
Paper and tape
Interlocking bricks and base
2 transparent bins
Pitcher or watering can of water
Play sand 
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape 
Memory Verse/Review Time supplies
Memory verse music CD and player
Student extras
Student guides (11-5-074, 11-5-135), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Spike bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: This Rocks!
Materials
Variety of rocks/gemstones, big enough so they aren’t choking hazards 
Nonbreakable magnifying glasses
Pre-prep
Set out the supplies. (Oriental Trading Company has faux gems and rocks, but make sure they are big enough and nontoxic.)
Directions
Explorers check out the different rocks/gemstones with the magnifying glasses. 
Teaching Tie-In
How do you like these rocks and gems? There are lots of special rocks and treasures that Arctic explorers look for, like gold and diamonds. But you know what? Nothing’s a greater treasure than the Bible! It’s the greatest treasure on earth! 
Touch Table: No Stand in the Sand
Materials
Play sand
Plastic little people (like Fisher-Price® or DUPLO®)
Interlocking bricks like DUPLO®
Pre-prep
Take out yesterday’s supplies and put in today’s.
Directions
Explorers build a house on the sand and play there.
Teaching Tie-In
Do you think it would be a good idea to build a house on sand? Wouldn’t it be better to build it on something that doesn’t move or change? God’s Word never changes. It’s like a rock—we can count on it!
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Day 1 supplies
Play food, play cups, canteens
White paper plates/paper
Pre-prep
Add in play food, cups, and canteens. Put the paper plates/paper on the floor. 
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be Arctic explorers. Pretend the paper plates/paper are chunks of ice. The explorers try to walk through the area without touching any “ice” (paper plates/paper).
Teaching Tie-In
When you go on your exploring mission today, be careful to stay on solid ground and not walk on the cracking, breaking ice! That’s dangerous! It’s always shifting and changing. It’s cool to know that the Bible never changes. God doesn’t change His mind and put different meanings in the Bible. If He said something, it will always be true forever. It’s like solid ground—it stays steady!
Coloring Corner: Matthew 7:24
Materials
Day 3 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Lesson Time
Part 1: Spike the NarwhalHi again, everyone! Hey, let’s see if we can remember our first two animal pals and the letters they stand for. 
Today, we’re going to meet a new animal pal.  This crazy looking animal is named Spike the narwhal. Why do you think he’s named that?  Yeah, he’s got a big long tusk (tooth) that looks kind of like a spike! What letter is Spike showing us?  Yep, a B! Spike reminds us the Bible isn’t like a slippery, icy, sinking floor. The Bible’s a bedrock base. That means it’s like strong and sturdy ground. It’s never going to change or break or be wrong. It’s always true and perfect and sure!  Let’s see what the Bible has to say about building on a strong and sturdy base. 

Wise Man/Foolish Man posters (Teacher Resource Kit), cut in 2 
Paper and tape
Interlocking bricks and base
2 transparent bins
Pitcher or watering can of water
Play sand

 Part 2: Wise Man/Foolish Man 
Do the following as a large group demonstration. Teacher One tells the Bible account and Teacher Two demonstrates and shows the posters at the appropriate times. 

 To speed things along, you may want to have the brickhouse almost finished so it just needs a few more blocks.
An alternate way to do this is to use Jenga® blocks and a cookie sheet for the wise man part. Build the “house” with the blocks on the cookie sheet, the good foundation. Then for the foolish man part, use a bin with a mound of sand and try to build on the sand. Have the kids gather around as you do it so they can see.

Teacher One: Read Matthew 7:24–25. Explain that a wise man (or woman) is a person who does what God tells him to do in the Bible.  
Teacher Two: Snap the brick house on a brick base as Teacher One talks about building the house on the rock. Once it’s built, put it inside a clear bin and pour some water on it. (It needs to remain intact! Practice this first!) Make sure the kids can see.
Teacher One: Read Matthew 7:26–27. Explain that a foolish person doesn’t do what God says. He ignores the Bible. 
Teacher Two: Move the brick house off the brick base and into a bin that has a heap of sand. Place the house on top of the mound of sand, and pour water on the sand mound. The house should fall off the sand mound. Practice this first! 
What happened to the house on the rock?
What happened to the house on the sand?
The Bible says when we hear God’s words and do them, we’re like a wise man whose house is on a rock. We can be strong in the Lord! But when we hear God’s words and we don’t do them, we’re like a foolish man whose house is on the sand. We have trouble living well. God wants us to be wise and obey His Word. 

Gospel presentation

Let’s pray and ask God to help us love and obey the Bible. We can’t do it on our own. God must give us the power to do so! 

Take time to pray. 
Teacher Two gets behind the puppet stage.
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Respect and Obey Okay, so we’ve been talking about how the Bible is our bedrock base. We can trust it. Well, guess what? We also need to obey it. Let’s have Kai come and chat with us a little more. Hey, Kai, you around?
Hey there! What’s happenin’?
We’re just talking a bit about obeying. Did you know the Bible tells you to obey your parents? 
Yeah, well, I don’t always feel like doing what they say to do. 
 I know, but God wants you to respect and obey them since He put them in charge of you. And guess who else God wants you to respect and obey?
 Ummm . . . maybe my teacher and pastor?  Yep! The Bible tells us to respect and obey the people God puts in charge of us. And of course, the most important person to obey is God!
How do we know what He wants us to do?
 He wrote us a book—the Bible! The Bible is God’s very words, so He wants us to obey them.
 The Bible really is the Book of books, isn’t it? It’s not like any other book!
 Yep! Coolest book ever! Hope you grow to love it as much as I do!
 Well, my mom asked me to clean my room, so I’m going to obey her and do it. See you later!
 See you, Kai! Let’s say, “Bye, Kai!” 
Song TimeSong 1: “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock”
The wise man built his house upon the rock The wise man built his house upon the rock The wise man built his house upon the rock And the rains came a’tumblin’ down The rains came down and the floods came up The rains came down and the floods came up The rains came down and the floods came up And the house on the rock stood firm The foolish man built his house upon the sand The foolish man built his house upon the sand The foolish man built his house upon the sand And the rains came a’tumblin’ down The rains came down and the floods came up The rains came down and the floods came up The rains came down and the floods came up And the house on the sand went splat So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ 
And His perfect, holy Word Song 2: “The B-I-B-L-E”
The B-I-B-L-E Yes, that’s the book for me I stand alone on the Word of God 
The B-I-B-L-E The BIBLE! Memory Verse/Review Time 
Memory verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Spike bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 3 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 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. 
Pass out the Spike bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: Bible Gems
Today’s Verse: “. . . A wise man . . . built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Act out this verse. Pretend you are building a house on a large, sturdy rock while saying it.
Tomorrow’s Verse: “. . . Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Find some building blocks and make a sturdy house. Or draw a picture of a sturdy house. The Bible is a rock-solid base that never changes!
Ask an adult to read Matthew 24:35 and John 17:17 with you. Talk to God and thank Him that every word in the Bible is true.
Ask an adult who follows Jesus to share a favorite Bible verse with you. Why is that a favorite? 
Ask yourself this question: Do I believe every word of the Bible?
Part 3: BIBLE Handshake
Today, explorers add another B to their handshake. Form thumb and index finger into a circle and link them with another explorer’s fingers, forming a  with the two circles together. Say, “Bedrock Base.” Review the  handshakes.
Day 4
Letter of Love
Bible passage
The Bible is a Message with Love (Selected Scriptures)
Bible Gem
“. . . Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Animal Pal
Shaggy the Musk Ox
Treasure Point Lesson focus
The Bible has a theme running throughout its pages—God loved us so much He sent His Son to die for sinners that we might be saved.
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Letters Galore
Touch Table: Ice Cold
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: Romans 5:8
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Shaggy the Musk Ox
Part 2: Gospel Presentation
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Love in Action
Song Time
Song 1: “Jesus Loves Me”
Song 2:  “The B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO Version)
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: BIBLE Handshake
Preparing for the Lesson
Read the following passages in order: Genesis 1, 3, 6–8, 11:1–9; Luke 2:1–7; 23:26–24:12.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
Read “Leading a Child to Christ” found on the inside back cover of this guide.
For more information on the Ice Age, visit answersvbs.com/oafaq.
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 4 Memory Verse poster
Days 1–4 Fun Phrase posters
Cross in Color posters
From Resource DVD-ROM
Day 4 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
Cross pattern, 1 per child
2 copies of today’s puppet script
“Jesus Loves the Little Children,” “Jesus Loves Me” and “the B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO version) songs
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders
Treasure chest
Crayons (see text)
2 dark squares (see text) 
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Memory Verse/Review Time supplies
Memory verse music CD and player
Student extras
Student guides (11-5-074, 11-5-135), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Shaggy bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Letters Galore
Materials
Variety of blank paper and cards
Variety of envelopes
Variety of writing implements, such as markers, colored pencils, and crayons
Heart stickers
Sample pattern that says: God loves you!
Pre-prep
Set out the supplies. Make the sample pattern page that says, “God loves you!”
Directions
Explorers write a letter to someone to tell them God loves them.
Teaching Tie-In
From the very beginning of the Bible to the very end, we see God loves us and sent His Son, Jesus. Let’s write someone a letter to share that good news about the Bible’s message of love!
Touch Table: Ice Cold
Materials
Ice cubes
Frozen blocks of ice (pre-frozen in milk cartons or 9x13 metal pans)
Squirt bottles with water
Small, plastic/rubber Arctic animals (whale, seal, walrus, polar bear, porpoise)
Pre-prep
Freeze the ice cubes or buy one or more bags of ice. Freeze the plastic animals in the milk cartons or metal 9x13 pans. Fill the squirt bottles with water.
Directions
Explorers play with the cold supplies.
Teaching Tie-In
Brrr!! It sure is cold in the Arctic! But did you know when God first made the world, the Arctic wasn’t super cold like it is now?
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Day 1 supplies
Pretend “mail” including letters
Optional: mailbags (little tote bags) 
Pre-prep 
Put letters in the mailbags or just around the area. Pretend to be delivering or receiving mail.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be Arctic explorers. Pretend to be delivering or receiving mail.
Teaching Tie-In
Isn’t it fun to receive a letter? It’s especially exciting to people living in the Arctic because for many, mail doesn’t come every day like it does to us. But they still can have the most important letter ever—the Bible. The Bible is like a letter of love that God wrote to all of us. It tells us how God loved the world so much He sent His only Son Jesus to die, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. That’s the best news a letter could ever have!
Coloring Corner: Romans 5:8
Materials
Day 4 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching  Tie-In
Practice saying the Bible verse on the page. Discuss its meaning.

Lesson Time

Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders
Days 1–4 Fun Phrase posters (Teacher Resource Kit)
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape

 Part 1: Shaggy the Musk Ox 
Hi, everyone! Welcome back! Do you think you can remember our animal pals and the letters they stand for? 
Now today, we’re going to meet a new animal pal.  This guy’s name is Shaggy, and he’s a musk ox. Shaggy is showing us the letter L—L for LOVE. The Bible is like a letter of love written to us by God, who is love. Let’s hear more about how God loves us so much and sent His Son, Jesus, for us! You’re going to need to help me with this, so here we go!
Part 2: Gospel Presentation  

Cross pattern, 1 per child (Resource DVD-ROM)
Crayons, 4 per child, 1 of each of these colors: green, black or dark gray, red, yellow
2 dark squares of the same size as the Cross in Color squares
Cross in Color posters (Teacher Resource Kit)
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the cross pattern, 1 per child, and cut apart the Cross in Color posters.
Organize the crayons in bundles. No crayon will be used for the color white.

 Color 1—Green
Explorers, what color is this?
Hold up the green section of the Cross in Color posters.
Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s green?  Right here in the Bible (point to Genesis 1), we read that in the beginning, God made the earth and planted a beautiful GREEN garden. He also made the first two people in His image, Adam and Eve, to live in the beautiful garden. Everything was very good in the garden.
I’m going to give you a piece of paper with the shape of a cross on it. Let’s color the very top square green like this. 
Color 2—Dark
What color is this? 
Hold up the dark section of the Cross in Color posters.

If you have young toddlers, you may want to skip the coloring sheets and just have them listen.
You may want to add the puppet to this gospel discussion and have Kai interact with the teacher and kids.

 Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s dark? Remember that in this green garden, everything was very good. But then something bad happened. We’ll use this dark paper to remind us of something bad. The devil, in the form of a serpent, played a bad trick on Eve to get her to eat a piece of fruit God told her not to eat. 
Eve ate the fruit and gave some to Adam. They disobeyed God’s command. This is called sin. And then they had children, and guess what? Their children sinned, and their children sinned, and this continues today. The Bible tells us all of us have sinned  We all don’t obey God’s commands. For example, have you ever lied? Have you ever not obeyed your mom or dad? Have you ever gotten mad? All of these, and many more things, are sin. God said that the punishment for sin is death  When we die, we will be separated from God’s goodness forever in a terrible place 
Let’s use our dark crayon to color the three boxes going across dark to remind us of the darkness of sin. Color 3—White 
What color is this? 
Hold up the white section of the Cross in Color posters.
Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s white? As time went on, all people continued to sin (do wrong). Because we’re sinners, we aren’t allowed to live in Jesus’ perfect heaven. But God had a plan to save us. He sent Jesus, His Son, from heaven to earth. Jesus came to earth and was born as a baby—a perfect baby.
We’re not going to color the next square. Let’s leave it white to remind us of Jesus, who was perfect and never sinned. He always obeyed God’s commands as He grew up.
Place the white square below the middle dark square.
Color 4—Red
What color is this? 
Hold up the red section of the Cross in Color posters.
Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s red? Did you know blood is red? Jesus died and gave His blood when He died on a cross made of wood. And you know why He did that? To take the punishment for sin.
After Jesus died, something amazing happened. He came back to life! He did all this because He loves you and wants you to be part of His family. But to be in God’s family, you have to understand you have sinned (not obeyed God), believe that Jesus died to take your punishment, and ask to be in His family.
Let’s color the next square after the white one red to remind us of Jesus’ blood, which He gave for our sins. Remember—don’t color the white one. 
Color 5—Yellow
What color is this?
Hold up the yellow section of the Cross in Color posters.

As time allows, review by giving each child a bag with M&M’s® in green, dark (brown), red, and yellow, plus a mini marshmallow for white. Go through the colors again and help them share what each stands for as they munch. Double check that nobody has a peanut allergy since M&M’s® are made in a facility with nuts.

 Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s yellow? This last square reminds us of heaven with its streets of gold, where there won’t be anything sad or bad! It will be a beautiful, perfect, very good place once again, and all the children of God will live there forever. And God, who loves you more than you can ever imagine, will be there with you! We know all this because it’s found right here (point to Revelation) in the Bible, God’s letter of love to us! 
Let’s color the last square at the bottom yellow.  
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
“Jesus Loves the Little Children” (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the script. Tape one inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
One teacher should be behind the puppet stage with the puppet script.

 Part 3: Puppet Pal—Love in Action Now let’s have Kai join us. 
Hey!
Hi, Kai! How’s your day going?
Well, something unusual happened.
What?
 My dad asked me to pick up my toys, and I didn’t obey.
 So did you get in trouble?
I was about to. Dad was going to punish me and take away my toys for a day. But he didn’t.
 Why?
Well, that’s what was unusual. Just when Dad was about to take my toys from me, my brother came in and offered to take the punishment for me.
 Did your brother deserve to be punished?
 No! When my dad asked him to pick up his toys, he did. He didn’t deserve to get in trouble. But then he ended up getting his favorite toys taken away because of me!
 Wow, that’s really something! He took your punishment even though he didn’t deserve it. He must love you a lot.
I guess he does.
 You know, that reminds me of what Jesus did for us. Jesus never did anything wrong, and yet, He died on a cross and took our punishment because He knew we had sinned (not obeyed God). 
 Wow, it’s not just my brother who loves me. I guess Jesus loves me, too.
 He sure does. He loves all the little children. Let’s sing about it!
Okay!
Sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” then say bye to Kai and move on.
Song Time
Song 1: “Jesus Loves Me”
Jesus loves me this I know 

For the Bible tells me so 

Little ones to him belong 

They are weak but He is strong 
Yes, Jesus loves me 

Yes, Jesus loves me 

Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so 

Song 2: “B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO Version)Sing this to the tune of “B-I-N-G-O.” Substitute claps for the first two letters on the third verse, three on the next, four on the next, and all five on the last verse.
There is a book that comes from GodThe Bible is its name-OH
B-I-B-L-EB-I-B-L-E 
B-I-B-L-E 
The Bible is its name-OH
There is a book that comes from God
The Bible is its name-OH(Clap)-I-B-L-E(Clap)-I-B-L-E 
(Clap)-I-B-L-E 
The Bible is its name-OH
Memory Verse/Review Time
Memory verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Shaggy bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 4 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 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. 
Pass out the Shaggy bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: Bible Gems
Today’s Verse: “. . . Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Find an envelope and a piece of paper. Write the verse on the paper and decorate it. Put it in the envelope and “mail” it to someone. (Either really mail it, or leave it for them somewhere they will find it.)
Tomorrow’s Verse: “. . . Your word . . . great treasure.” Psalm 119:162
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
With an adult’s help, see if you can find the first book of the Bible. How about the last?
Talk to God and thank Him that He loves you!
Ask an adult if he ever received a special letter from someone. Has he ever thought of God’s Word as a special letter of love from God for him?
Ask yourself this question: Have I asked God to forgive me, turned from sin, and trusted Jesus with my life? 
Part 3: BIBLE Handshake
Today, explorers learn the  handshake. Form thumb and index finger, both straight out, into an L. Put your L next to another explorer’s L and say, “Letter of Love.” Review the first four handshakes using the Fun Phrase posters. Show them how it spells the first four letters of the word BIBLE when put together.
Day 5
Exciting to Explore
Bible passage
Mary Loves to Soak in God’s Words (Luke 10:38–42)
Bible Gem
“ . . . Your word . . . great treasure.” Psalm 119:162
Animal Pal
Dash the Siberian Husky
Treasure Point Lesson focus
The Bible is exciting to explore. It’s the words of God Himself speaking to us! There’s nothing better than to learn it, love it, and live it!
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Dogsled Team
Touch Table: Ultimate Treasure
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: Psalm 119:162
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: BIBLE Review
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Picnic Time
Part 3: Mary and Martha
Song Time
Song 1: “Mary and Martha”
Song 2: “Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?”
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: BIBLE Handshake 
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Luke 10:38–42 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 5 Memory Verse poster
Days 1–5 Fun Phrase posters
Mary and Martha poster
From Resource DVD-ROM
Day 5 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
1 mini Bible pattern, laminated (Expl. Station) 
2 copies of today’s puppet script
“Mary and Martha” and “Oh, Dear, What Can the Matter Be?” songs
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover) 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders 
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Blanket
Picnic basket with play food
Optional: small baggies of pretzels, 1 per child
Mounting putty or tape
Memory Verse/Review Time supplies
Memory verse music CD and player
Student Extras
Student guides (11-5-074, 11-5-135), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Dash bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Dogsled Team
Materials
Play sled(s)
Empty boxes to load onto sled(s)
Pre-prep
Put the supplies out.
Directions
Explorers pretend to load the sled with supplies and pull it to a destination. Some may even want to pretend to be the dogs in front of the sled!
Teaching Tie-In
There’s lots of exploring that goes on in the Arctic, and the explorers often use sleds pulled by dogs to get around. These dogs are really fantastic. They’re always excited and ready to go. It’s hard to stop them! They’re a great example to us when we think about exploring the Bible. We should be excited to see what treasures are inside.
Touch Table: Ultimate Treasure
Materials
Play sand
One mini laminated Bible (Resource DVD-ROM)
Play money (large enough so that it is not a choking hazard)
Play gems
Pre-prep
Photocopy the mini Bible pattern onto cardstock, then cut out and laminate. Hide the mini Bible, play money, and play gems in the play sand.
Directions
Explorers go on a treasure hunt through the sand to find the one Bible. When they find it, make a big deal out of the Bible being our one true treasure. 
Teaching Tie-In	
Which do you think is the greatest treasure, the money, the jewels, or the Bible? The Bible is the most precious treasure. I wouldn’t trade it for all the money and jewels in the world! Isn’t it amazing that God wrote us a book?
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Day 1 supplies
Play brooms, dust rags, or other play cleaning supplies
Pre-prep
Add in the play cleaning supplies.
Directions
Explorers dress up and pretend to be Arctic explorers. They can pretend to be busy tidying up the inside today. 
Teaching Tie-In
Explorers are busy. They’re out exploring, and they also have to keep their cabins clean. In the midst of all their busyness, they need to make time to explore the most important thing of all—the Bible. Today, our Bible lesson tells of a lady named Mary who remembered to spend time hearing God’s words.
Coloring Corner: Psalm 119:162
Materials
Day 5 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the Bible verse on the page. Discuss its meaning.
Lesson Time

Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders
Days 1–5 Fun Phrase posters (Teacher Resource Kit)
Mounting putty or tape

 Part 1: BIBLE Review 
Hey there, explorers! Let’s go over our animal pals and BIBLE letters together! Wow, the Bible sure is exciting to explore! It’s the greatest treasure ever, and we need to learn it, love it, and live it! But you know, the Bible won’t do us much good if we never pay any attention to it. Let’s go on a picnic with Kai and talk a little more about this. Help me call him Kai! Kai!
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Picnic Time Hey, everybody ! What’s going on out here?
 I was thinking about going on a picnic. Wanna come?
 That sounds awesome! I love picnics!
 All right, then, it’s settled. Okay, there you go. A nice healthy snackLet’s pray, then we can dig in. Dear God, thank you for this wonderful day and for this wonderful food. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 Time to eat!
As everyone munches, continue on.
 Picnics are fun. Did you get enough food, Kai?
Sure did! 
 That’s good to hear because that snack has to last you for one week.
One week! That’s seven whole days! You’ve got to be kidding! I’ll starve! I’ll collapse! I’ll never make it!
 Sorry, you only get to eat once a week around here.
Who made that rule?!
 Actually, I was just kidding, Kai. You don’t have to wait a week. You can have more food when you’re ready.
Ha, ha! Very funny. Wow, am I glad you were just kidding! I wouldn’t want to eat just once a week.
 That would be miserable, wouldn’t it? You would be so unhappy, and you wouldn’t stay healthy, either.
That’s for sure. I’d be in bad shape before I knew it.
 Well, you know what, Kai? Some people treat their Bibles sort of like that.
What do you mean?
 Some people just read or listen to their Bibles once in a while. A lot of time goes by before they get it out again to read or listen to.
So? What does that have to do with eating?
 Well, reading the Bible is sort of like taking in food. It’s our spiritual food. Learning and loving and living the Bible keeps us strong in the Lord, just like good food can keep us strong in our bodies.
Oh, I get it. Just like we need to eat food each day to stay physically healthy, we need to “eat” our spiritual food each day, too, to stay spiritually healthy.
 You got it! The Bible shouldn’t be sitting on a shelf. It’s a treasure to explore and use! Learn the Bible—try to find out all you can and listen when your parents or others teach from it. Love the Bible—it’s God’s special love letter to you! And live the Bible—obey what it says! Let’s say Learn it! Love it! Live it! together one more time.  
That’s a great reminder. I’ll learn it, love it, and live it! Thanks for sharing that tip!
 You’re welcome, Kai! Let’s say bye to Kai. 
Part 3: Mary and Martha
Mary and Martha poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 Now let’s meet someone from the pages of the Bible who wanted to spend time with Jesus, listening to His every word. She sure did learn and love and live God’s Word!

 Now it happened that Jesus and his friends came to a certain town, and a woman named Martha lived there. Wave to Martha, everyone. 
Martha welcomed Jesus into her house. Act like you’re welcoming Jesus and his friends into your house. 
Martha had a sister called Mary. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to what He was saying. Let’s pretend we’re also sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to every word. 
But Martha was busy with so much to do. Let’s pretend we’re also busy with much to do. First, let’s sweep. 
Next, let’s dust. Now, let’s cook. 
Martha came to Jesus and said, “Lord, tell Mary to help me.” Hmmm . . . Martha was upset. Let’s make a face that looks like we’re upset. 
Jesus said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things.” Let’s make a face that looks like we’re worried. 
Jesus then reminded Martha that Mary had chosen wisely by sitting and listening to His words.
Now boys and girls, Martha was busy helping and doing good things, which is great. We are supposed to work hard and help. But Jesus shows us that it’s even more important to spend time with Him. Martha forgot to listen to Jesus. That’s what she did wrong. In this account, Mary wanted to spend time with Jesus. Let’s cheer for Mary. 
God wants us to spend time every day learning from the Bible and talking to Him in prayer. Even when you get older and you get busy, remember to spend time with God first! 
Song Time
Song 1: “Mary and Martha”
Sing to the tune of “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.”
Martha Verses 
This is the way she cleans the house, cleans the house, cleans the house 

This is the way she cleans the house, she’s busy, busy, busy  

This is the way she makes the food, makes the food, makes the food 
 
This is the way she makes the food, she’s busy, busy, busy 
 
Mary Verses 
This is the way she learns from God, learns from God, 
“Mary and Martha” and “Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?” songs (Resource DVD-ROM or 11-5-141)
Media player

learns from God 
 
This is the way she learns from God, she’s not too busy, busy
 
This is the way she loves God’s Word, loves God’s Word, loves God’s Word 
 
This is the way she loves God’s Word, she’s not too busy, busy 

Song 2: “Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?”
Oh dear, what can the matter be? 
 
Oh dear, what can the matter be? 

Oh dear, what can the matter be? 

Martha is worried and busy   
Oh yay! One chose a better way 

Oh yay! One chose a better way 

Oh yay! One chose a better way 
Mary spent time with the Lord 

Memory Verse/Review Time
Memory verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Dash bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 5 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 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. 
Pass out the Dash bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: Bible Gems
Today’s Verse: “. . . Your word . . . great treasure.” Psalm 119:162 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Try to say your verse while doing various silly skills.
Lick your elbow while saying the verse.
Stand on one foot while saying the verse.
Do a split while saying the verse.
Rub your head and pat your tummy while saying the verse.
Part 2: Go and Do
Can you remember the five letters that spell the word “Bible”? What does each one stand for?
Talk to God and ask Him to help you learn and love and live the Bible!
Ask an adult what she likes to read in the Bible. Ask her to read Psalm 119 with you.
Ask yourself this question: Is the Bible my greatest treasure? 
Part 3: BIBLE Handshake
Today, explorers learn the  handshake. Cup hand to form a . Another explorer puts his flat hand in the middle of the  to make it into an . Say, “Exciting to Explore.” Review all handshakes.