ACTIVITY STATIONS When the kids first arrive, they are greeted and invited to join in a variety of Activity Stations. The activities are carefully selected to fit a wide variety of personality types and learning styles. There are activities specifically for the quiet, the curious, the active, the artists, the boys, and the girls. While the value of this segment is to have fun, intentional shepherding begins here. This “play with a purpose” provides time for the Small Group Leaders (Shepherds) to connect with kids in an informal way. Shepherds use this time to find out how the kids are doing, to find out preferences by the activities they choose, and to play along with them. The Activity Stations are used for 20-30 minutes before the hour, as children arrive. KID CONNECTION After Activity Stations, children meet with their Small Group Leader for a short 5- minute time of Kid Connection. During this time, leaders interact with their kids on a personal level and help build anticipation for what the children will see and experience in the Large Group Program. The materials for Kid Connection Time are provided in the Small Group Leader’s Guidebook. LARGE GROUP PROGRAM After Kid Connection, kids experience the Large Group Program where a gifted teacher shares the Bible story. In the Large Group Program, stories from the Bible are presented through drama, videos, songs, and creative storytelling. Adult volunteers encourage and model participation by sitting with the kids and interacting during the 30-minute program. The Large Group Teacher gives a brief Pre-Teach introduction and Post-Teach summary to reinforce the biblical truth presented in the Bible teaching and the key Bible verse for the day. These materials are provided in the Large Group Programming Guide Book. The Large Group Program is entertaining for kids, and it introduces the Bible truth presented in creative ways that addresses relevant issues in their lives. The pace, the visual images, and the music all contribute to an excitement that keeps kids wanting to come back. SMALL GROUP TIME The kids then go to the Small Group Time, where 8-10 kids gather to meet with one shepherd-leader. This is the key time for intentional shepherding to occur and is designed to build community. The shepherd-leaders help apply the day’s lesson and personally minister to the kids. In the 20 minutes of Small Group Time, each child becomes well known and receives encouragement. Children encounter authentic everyday Christianity as the leader shares his or her life with them.