Creative Arts Camp 2012

Creative Arts Camp

During the summer 2012 we journeyed through the land of Narnia. Our volunteers and young participants enjoyed our time together. This story, Narnia, is a fabulous story to engage when sharing the Christian message. It is an allegory of the redemptive work of Christ.  Do engage all the senses. We feed our children, made fun crafts, listened, and sang together each day.  Narnia is a fabulous journey. 

Enjoy!!

Mel

Schedule and Currculum

Monday thru Friday 4:00 to 6:00 PM

EACH afternoon the children will check in with Kim Mills from 4 to 4:30 PM.  We will begin promptly at 4:10 with a song. At 4:15 the children will settle in their seats at which time snacks will be distributed.The PROFESSOR will greet the children and the film will begin.  At the end of each clip, classes will be dismissed, beginning with the youngest group to the oldest. 

At the end of each class we will regroup with the PROFESSOR and sing a closing song together. Teachers will need to collect name tags of the children and send them off with their “grown up.”

MONDAY:

FILM: The children will view the film from when the children arrive to their new home to Lucy’s visit with Tumnus.

On our first day, be sure to introduce yourself and your assistant. Read them the rules of the classroom and give them an over view of what to expect each class to be like, I.E. “We are going to have fun together learning, creating crafts, and playing games.”  Then begin a brief discussion in regard to the clip viewed, then begin your craft. During the craft period continue discussion. Children will be more willing to discuss what they viewed while their hands are busy. During your session in class you maybe visited by Edmund or Lucy on the first day. 

GROUP DISCUSSION & QUESTIONS:

“Did you notice all the BOOKS in TUMNUS’ cave? He must have been a scholar. . . Isn’t it funny that in Narnia, PEOPLE are considered myths?. . . I certainly have mixed emotions about having MR.TUMNUS for a friend. He could be fun to be with. On the other hand, I’d feel a bit leery of him. . . And then there is EDMUND. Have you ever met an EDMUND yourself?. . . Have you ever BEEN an EDMUND? . . . I can think of a time (include a personal experience). . . I’d hate to be in LUCY’s shoes—knowing something special and not having people believe you would be so hard. . . I can remember a time myself when (include a personal experience of not being believed) . . . How would you feel about having LUCY and EDMUND for friends?”

Theological Implications:(These are the subtle undertones)

Χ We are called to live in community with God and with each other. We want to build trust with one another

Χ Our temptations are often found in our desire to be in control. When we take control we can hurt others, especially when we are focused on ourselves and what we want. 

EDMUND VISITS:

“I think I’m right. That Queen is giving me a good deal. Man, I could have eaten that Turkish Delight all day long. Anyone who puts out a spread like that can’t be all bad. Yes. . .I’ve noticed her sneers now and then, but I’m sure that came from her thinking about that blasted sister of mine. I don’t blame her for being so upset. That sneaky Faun is spreading stories about her, and my dumb sister is stupid enough to buy his line! But I’ll bet if Lucy and I got into an argument, Peter and Susan would take her side. They always do, even when I’m dead right. Peter and Susan are so darned overbearing. Do you have a brother or sister like that? Oh, I hope you don’t treat your brother or sister like mine treat me! Have you ever felt the way I do? No one ever listens to me. . .that is, except for the Queen. For once in my life, I was treated like someone really special.”

LUCY VISITS:

“Wasn’t that an exciting trip to Narnia? It was such a surprise to me. How would YOU have felt if it had been you? What did you think of Mr. Tumnus? He got so upset while we were in his cave. I really don’t seem to remember what happened there after he started playing his flute. Can you tell me what went on? Do you think he would have betrayed me? What do you think made him change his mind?”

“THE QUEEN” VISITS:

“It certainly was lucky that I happened to come by when Edmund wandered into MY land. That whole thing could have gotten out of control if I had not come across that brat when I did. Edmund was certainly a pushover. It was so easy to get him under my control. He’s the easiest kind, you know.

“Edmund thought I was going to make him king. He really bit when I mentioned that his brother and sisters would just be a duke and duchesses. He would make SOME king! How would you like that kid for your king. . .or your FRIEND, for that matter!

“I wonder if I could cast my spell on you? Oh, you can TRUST me, your old BUDDY, the Queen of Narnia. I won’t actually entrap you. . .only TEMPT you a little. What is it that you want? A little power? A special girlfriend. . .A few people looking up to you. . .How about prestige at the old school? THINK about it, friends. I may be back to see you.”

TUMNUS VISITS:

“Oh, I’m so glad that I got to meet Lucy. What a lucky break for me. Now I’m getting to meet a whole room full of you Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve. The White Witch had me convinced that you humans, were really BAD. But I feel so differently now that I have met Lucy and she has been to my cave. Is there anyone you’ve been really DOWN on until you MET them, and then you found—much to your surprise—that you really LIKED them?

“Wasn’t it clever the way I hypnotized Lucy? I especially liked that fireplace bit. I had her right under my thumb. I could have sent for the White Witch right then, and she would never have known what happened to her. But then the strangest feeling came over me. What do YOU think it was that made me change my mind? I was afraid, you see, but I couldn’t do anything else. Do you know what the White Witch threatened to DO to me?”

Craft and Activity

     The first day each class will be making bags with Lion faces on them.

     CLOSING: 5:45 PM

At the end of each session gather up the crafts and return to Anderson Hall for one

last song and goodbye until next time. Remember to collect the name tags.  

TUESDAY

FILM:  The children will watch the entrance of the four children ito  Narnia to the celebration of the coming of Father Christmas. 

Opening Session:

THE PROFESSOR will need to help newcomers catch up with the story and give them a feel for what you are doing together in this program. 

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a fantasy story presented by C.S. Lewis “as an unconscious preparation of the imagination” to explore the deep power of faith and belief. As we enjoy the story, we relate personally to the despair of Lucy at not being believed; to the wretchedness of Edmund, who takes pleasure in bullying younger people; to the faith and commitment of the Beavers who never lose hope that Aslan will return Spring to Narnia; and to the fearsome treachery of the White Witch, who strives to control all outcomes in Narnia. Our exploration of these issues offers us the opportunity to consider how we would feel, what we would think about, what we would do if such things happened to us. And we know that they will. Acting in imagination gives us the chance to be responsive when the time really comes, just as sports offer us the chance to test ourselves in a fantasy situation of pressure and adversity, using the skills we have honed in practice.

We deal with the story in five sessions, introducing each with a portion of the video.

Group Discussion

All four children enter Narnia, meet the Beavers, and learn of the abiding hope that Aslan’s return will soon put an end to the everlasting Winter with no Christmas. Edmund sneaks off to the White Witch’s Castle, snitches on the plans of the others, and find out firsthand about her evil intentions. We consider how our values lead us to action.

ACTIVITY:

The children will be making snow globes of Narnia.

VISITOR: The Beavers, Edmund, Lucy

Discussion:

Talk with the children about what was important to the different people in the story.

Step 1: “What do you think was the most important thing on Edmund’s mind as he taunted his sister before he found the wardrobe. . .as he entered Narnia. . .as he met the White Witch. . .as she cast her spell on him. . .as he talked with Peter and Susan after the return through the Wardrobe door?” Do a similar series of reflections for Lucy, the White Witch, Tumnus, and Peter. Write responses on chalkboard on their on going Story Board.

CLOSING: 5:45 PM

At the end of each session gather up the crafts and return to Anderson Hall for one last song and goodbye until next time. Remember to collect the name tags.  

WEDNESDAY

FILM

From the point where the White Witch turns the Christmas celebrants into stone, to the point where Aslan leads his party to the Fords of Beruna for their night’s encampment (Chapters 11-14, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe).

Purpose of the Session:

To encourage participants to relate to Edmund’s story in order to appreciate what is involved in an act of forgiveness.

Theological Implications:

God forgives us, which enables us to forgive one another.

Activity: Edmund’s Speech

Before people leave for their separate group areas, the person portraying EDMUND comes forward from his seat in the audience, and says something like this:

“Well, this was a tough story for me to live through again, I’ll tell you. As I watched the movie just now, I felt that awful experience with the White Witch happening all over again. It was as if I was sitting there shivering in her great huge sleigh. I felt the hunger pains, the fear, and the awful dread right down to my toes.

“I can remember so well the feelings I had all during that terrible time. At first I felt a little scared and awed as I entered the White Witch’s house. But then I began to feel confident, and even jaunty, when I saw all the stone statues. My stomach clenched in fear when the White Witch greeted me, though. I couldn’t believe the way she treated me. I thought I’d be a hero, and instead there she was yelling and screaming at me. Then I told the story about Aslan, and I thought that would make her real happy with me, but she just yelled at me some more. Then, when she told that awful wolf to go out and kill whoever he found in the Beaver’s House, I felt dreadful.”

Questions for the children to think about as they head to class. 

Χ Have you ever felt some of Edmund’s feelings?

Χ Do you wonder what Aslan said to Edmund at the Stone Table that day?

The Activity & Visitor:

FATHER CHRISTMAS 

The children will be making shields, and all the gifts given to the children.  The children will be visited by Edmund and Aslan.  Faciliate discussion in regard to redemption and forgiveness. 

CLOSING: 5:45 PM

At the end of each session gather up the crafts and return to Anderson Hall for one last song and goodbye until next time. Remember to collect the name tags.  

THURSDAY

FILM

From the walk of Aslan to the Stone Table accompanied by Lucy and Susan to the end of the film (Chapter 14 to the end of the book).

Purpose of the Session:

To compare the ways of Aslan and the ways of the White Witch. To focus on the essential role of willing sacrifice in a life in which caring and loving play a central role.

Theological Implications:

The meaning of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.

The ultimate victory of God’s power over all that would destroy us, as evidenced in the Resurrection.

Program for Primary and Elementary Groups:

After the showing of the film, spend a few moments with the children to draw out any feelings or ideas they have about this segment of the story.

Discussion:

1. Compare the behavior of the White Witch and her army with the behavior of Aslan and his forces.

2. Set up a situation with the children in which the Stone Table scene may touch a life situation for them.

An example:

A child you normally consider a friend is often taunted by the bigger kids on the playground. You know how painful that taunting is to your friend—he sometimes cries about it on the way home from school. One day you’re taking your turn on the swing, and it’s your friend’s turn next. The first thing you know, your friend is surrounded by those same kids, and they’re at it again. They block him from getting to the swing, and then they turn to you and say, “Hey, kid. Don’t you let him on the swing. Stay there and keep swinging, or we’re going to let you have it too!” So there you are. If you let your friend have the swing, you know you’re probably going to be part of the taunting from now on, and right now that seems like it would be an eternity. But if you let him have the swing, it will help him get away from their taunting because they’ll turn some of their focus on you.

Ask the children what they would do if they were the child on the swing. As they get into the situation, ask them what they feel Aslan would want them to do. . .and what the White Witch would want them to do. Let them continue the story from where you left off. First tell the rest of the story on the basis that the child gave up the swing. Then tell the story from the perspective that the child stayed on the swing.

VISITORS: ASLAN & THE WHITE WITCH

Activity: The children will be painting maps of Narnia on puzzles.

Allow the Children to ask the characters questions. 

FRIDAY

FILM

At this session, we show the closing moments of the film from the Coronation at the Great Hall of Cair Paravel to the end of the film.

 Purpose of the Session:

To celebrate the story of Narnia as it expresses truth and reality for us.

Theological Implications:

We are now Son and Daughters of the Great King, Jesus.

We too are just like the children, forgiven and are part of God’s Kingdom.

Group Session: Discuss each day and review.

Session 1: Lucy and Edmund each discover Narnia, and return with opposite versions of who the White Witch is. Lucy’s honesty is not believed; Edmund’s “beastly behavior” leaves him alienated from his brother and sisters. The Professor introduces the idea of alternative logic, or the possibility of the miraculous. We consider how our ideas about reality color our behavior.

Session 2: All four children enter Narnia, meet the Beavers, and learn of the abiding hope that Aslan’s return will soon put an end to the everlasting Winter with no Christmas. Edmund sneaks off to the White Witch’s Castle, snitches on the plans of the others, and find out firsthand about her evil intentions. We consider how our values lead us to action.

Session 3: Father Christmas and Spring return to the land. Aslan greets the troop at the Stone Table, and Peter wins his first battle and is dubbed Sir Peter Fenris-Bane. We consider the difference between actions based in fear and love, and the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Session 4: Edmund is rescued, forgiven, and reconciled. Aslan and the Witch strike a bargain in the realm of Deep Magic, and Aslan steps forward as the willing sacrifice. We consider the willing sacrifice, abiding belief, grief, and joy.

Session 5: We celebrate the story of Narnia, and participate in the joy of the Coronation. We consider how this adventure expresses truth and reality for us. We connect to our familiar celebrations.

VISITORS: THE CHILDREN

They will remind the children that we are all NOW Sons and Daughters of the Greatest KING(Jesus) because of his love and sacrifice for US. We are now part of that kingdom.

CRAFT: Decorating Robes

FRIDAY EVENING: 6 to 8 PM

At the conclusion of the last session the children will perform their newly learned songs for their parents.  Then we will celebrate together from 6PM to 8PM.  The families will be invited to watch the film in its entirety together over pizza. This will make for a fabulous family night and conclussion to our program.