21
Backyard Campout
Grab
Tent and sleeping bags
Marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars
Fire bowl or pit, wood
Flashlights
Bedtime stories
Go
While it’s still daylight, work together with your daughter to set up the tent. Let her help with hammering in the tent stakes and zipping up the flaps. When it’s nearly dark, work together to build a fire (keeping safety in mind!). Roast marshmallows and make sticky, yummy s’mores.
When you’re ready to settle in for the night, teach your daughter fire safety by carefully covering or extinguishing your campfire. Get comfortable in your sleeping bags (or as comfortable as possible!). Use your flashlight as a reading light to enjoy bedtime stories together. Let your daughter say her bedtime prayers with you.
After “lights out,” talk together about the following ideas.
A campfire is one of the most important elements of a campout. It gives light, warmth, and a means of making the best treat ever—s’mores! Without a fire, camping would be a pretty sorry experience.
Isn’t it interesting how fire can be so beautiful and useful, yet so dangerous at the same time? If we use fire correctly it’s a blessing, and if we handle it wrong it can cause serious pain and destruction.
James talks about how our tongue is like a fire, too. Our words can be a blessing or cause great harm.
In the same way the tongue is a small part of the body, but it can brag about doing important things. A large forest can be set on fire by a little flame. (James 3:5 GW)
Verses 9–10 go on to say,
With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. Yet, with the same tongues we curse people, who were created in God’s likeness. Praise and curses come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, this should not happen! (GW)
The Lord wants us to use our words to bless each other, just like your campfire gives wonderful warmth and light on a dark night. Our speech should be kind, honest, and build each other up. We shouldn’t use our words to gossip or “burn” each other with sarcasm and put-downs. Talk to God together about your words right now.
A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.
Author Unknown
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the gift of words. We love being able to talk to each other and to you. Please help us keep control over what we say. Forgive us for the times we have used our words to lie, make fun of someone, criticize, complain, or gossip. Give us a new start with how we speak—honestly, gently, and lovingly like Jesus. Thank you! Amen.