Knights of North Castle VBS/Evening Camp RESOURCES
NSUMC hosted a COVID condensed vacation bible school/evening camp in JUNE of 2020. We offered three days of ZOOM lessons (days 2, 3 & 4 ---Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday). The lessons taught children about the daily scripture story, craft and science experiment. Then the campers were invited to complete these activities @ home following the online ZOOM lesson. As you scroll down this page you will find the three days of activities, supply lists and corresponding directions.
The camp was FREE & open to the public (children ages 3-12). |
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Join us for lessons #2, 3 &4 in our ONLINE ZOOM classroom.
Daily Bible Point Bible Verse
Day 1 (on your own) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Stand True Daniel 3
Day 2 David Defeats Goliath 1 Samuel 17:1-50a
Day 3 Mary’s Journey to Bethlehem Luke 2:1-20
Day 4 Jesus Walks on Water Matthew 14:22-33
Day 5 (on your own) Midnight Praise with Paul and Silas Acts 16:16-40
Day 1 (on your own) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Stand True Daniel 3
Day 2 David Defeats Goliath 1 Samuel 17:1-50a
Day 3 Mary’s Journey to Bethlehem Luke 2:1-20
Day 4 Jesus Walks on Water Matthew 14:22-33
Day 5 (on your own) Midnight Praise with Paul and Silas Acts 16:16-40
ZOOM log-in
We will be hosting a daily ZOOM online class to teach the scripture stories, science experiments and craft activities.
We will be using the SAME link for all three days:
ZOOM: LOG-IN information:
Topic: Knight's of the North Castle VBS Evening Camp
Time: Jun 23, 2020 06:30 PM Arizona
Every day, until Jun 25, 2020, 3 occurrence(s)
Jun 23, 2020 06:30 PM
Jun 24, 2020 06:30 PM
Jun 25, 2020 06:30 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Daily: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwpcemppj8oG9e-b20DPrYJYxxKxG0-NtaZ/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgqj0qG9yRshiERpw-Bo_oc-vxiClBjfpY0R23UwRjcDrcD_paGapYQJX-
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88460184213?pwd=S2JKS0R0Tnp0aHVOR1o1bStRZkNIUT09
Meeting ID: 884 6018 4213
Password: 1zQnJb
We will be using the SAME link for all three days:
ZOOM: LOG-IN information:
Topic: Knight's of the North Castle VBS Evening Camp
Time: Jun 23, 2020 06:30 PM Arizona
Every day, until Jun 25, 2020, 3 occurrence(s)
Jun 23, 2020 06:30 PM
Jun 24, 2020 06:30 PM
Jun 25, 2020 06:30 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Daily: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwpcemppj8oG9e-b20DPrYJYxxKxG0-NtaZ/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgqj0qG9yRshiERpw-Bo_oc-vxiClBjfpY0R23UwRjcDrcD_paGapYQJX-
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88460184213?pwd=S2JKS0R0Tnp0aHVOR1o1bStRZkNIUT09
Meeting ID: 884 6018 4213
Password: 1zQnJb
Tuesday/Day #2- Justice
Day #2- Breastplate of Justice (Scripture overview for grown-ups)
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Everyone loves an underdog, and “David and Goliath” is the ultimate underdog story. On one side is Goliath, a man who was more than nine feet tall. A giant! On the other side stands David, just a shepherd boy holding a sling and some stones. But why were the two fighting in the first place? Goliath’s people, the Philistines, were the enemies of David’s people, the Israelites. It was common for armies to choose representatives to fight one another. A win for an army’s champion was counted as a win for the whole nation. Israel’s problem was that no one wanted to fight Goliath! Not even King Saul was brave enough to face him. In the midst of this standoff, David presented himself as a representative for Israel. David was an unlikely hero. The youngest son of Jesse, David was no fighter (unless you count the wild animals he would fight to save his father’s socks). Saul tried to persuade David not to face Goliath, but he eventually allowed it and gave him his personal armor to wear. David was just a boy, so the armor was too cumbersome. Instead, David went into battle with just a sling and five smooth stones. In the fight between David and Goliath, the old adage “the bigger they are, the harder they fall” proved true. Goliath tried to intimidate David, but he was unsuccessful. Goliath came at David with insults, the tactics of a bully. David came with the power of God: “The LORD owns this war, and he will hand all of you over to us” (1 Samuel 17:47). The battle was swift. David swung his sling, launching one smooth stone into the air. The stone landed on Goliath’s forehead, and Goliath fell to the ground. This story marked the beginning of David’s reputation as a leader and warrior. David didn’t have any physical armor to wear. Instead, he was protected by a sense of justice and righteousness. For David, insults about his stature were taken on the chin. What really bothered David was that the name of the LORD was being insulted. Goliath stood as a threat to David’s family and neighbors. Children can relate to the story of David and Goliath. When you are small, the world can feel as though it’s full of giants. Grown-ups sometimes use big words and big thoughts that children nd confusing or even scary. But children and adults can remember to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power” (Ephesians 6:10). Our God is a God of justice
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Day #2 Science Lesson- Catapult
Step 1. God helped David have the faith to fight Goliath and win. North Castle also needs protection. Let’s build catapults to protect it! Catapult directions and supplies:
Step 2. Build a pyramid with the small paper cups. Allow Knights to test their catapults. Which ones are successful at knocking over the cups?
Step 3. Bring Knights back together to discuss results. What did successful catapults have in common? Unsuccessful ones? What did you learn from watching other catapult tests?
Step 4: How does it work? Catapults are based on a simple machine called a lever. A lever uses a long arm connected to a fixed point (called the fulcrum) to change how a force acts on an object. In this case, the handle of the spoon or a craft stick is the arm and the fulcrum is located where the stick meets the base of the catapult. You press down on the catapult, but it releases the force going up. The lever also multiplies the force—the marshmallow is released with more force than you used to push down the arm of the catapult.
Step 5: Bible Tie-in These catapults may not actually protect our castle very well, especially if we are firing marshmallows! Fortunately, our relationship with and commitment to God and God’s children will help us stand up for justice.
Step 4: How does it work? Catapults are based on a simple machine called a lever. A lever uses a long arm connected to a fixed point (called the fulcrum) to change how a force acts on an object. In this case, the handle of the spoon or a craft stick is the arm and the fulcrum is located where the stick meets the base of the catapult. You press down on the catapult, but it releases the force going up. The lever also multiplies the force—the marshmallow is released with more force than you used to push down the arm of the catapult.
Step 5: Bible Tie-in These catapults may not actually protect our castle very well, especially if we are firing marshmallows! Fortunately, our relationship with and commitment to God and God’s children will help us stand up for justice.
Day #2 Craft JUSTICE BREAST PLATE
Bible Tie-In In our Bible story we hear about a shepherd boy named David and a tall man named Goliath. In Ephesians 6 we are told that we can wear the Armor of God. It might not be real armor, but it can help us face hard things. When we stand up for justice we are wearing the Armor of God. We know that God is with us. As we create this breastplate of justice, we can wear it and have fun. Even if we don’t wear it, God will always be with us, loving and caring for us. Let’s say thank you to God for always being with us and for loving us.
Craft Materials-
You can use a large paper grocery bag. Cut a long line on each narrow side of the bag and then turn it inside out. Let your child color the breast plate and then add the word JUSTICE to the front. You could also copy the image below and paste it into a word document and print it out for your child to color.
You can use a large paper grocery bag. Cut a long line on each narrow side of the bag and then turn it inside out. Let your child color the breast plate and then add the word JUSTICE to the front. You could also copy the image below and paste it into a word document and print it out for your child to color.
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Day #2 Reflection
- How did Goliath challenge King Saul and the Israelites?
- What did he say to them? (Pick one person to fight me; whoever wins that fight wins the battle.)
- How do you think you would feel if you saw and heard Goliath?
- Would you feel more like King Saul and the Israelite soldiers or like David?
- Does it surprise you that Saul and the Israelite Army were afraid to face Goliath? Why or why not?
David trusted God more than physical armor like Saul’s or Goliath’s. He must have really trusted that God would help him find what he needed to meet the challenge. And David did find five smooth stones to help him win. David knew that if he was going to be strong, he would have to be with God or be “in the Lord.”
If you wonder how you can face challenges that might seem bigger than you, remember that with God you can find what you need to help you meet your challenges.
Wednesday/Day #3 - Peace
Day #3- Shoes of Peace (Scripture overview for grown-ups)

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Bible Background Luke 2:1-20 Shoes of Peace In Ephesians 6, we read about various pieces of armor: “So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace” (Ephesians 6:14-15). Why does the Bible use shoes as an instrument of peace? Today’s Bible story might help answer that question. In the story, we hear about people using their feet in the service of peace. Mary and Joseph walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The shepherds walk from the fields to a stable, and later into town to bear witness to the Savior’s birth. As you think about the story, reflect on how those feet were used to bring a message of peace to the world. Mary was just a young woman—a teenager—when an angel announced that she would become pregnant: “The power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35). The events of Jesus’ birth came at the time of a census for the entire Roman Empire. Judea was under Roman rule, so Mary and Joseph had to make a trip to their ancestral home to be counted in the census. The rest of the story unfolds in a way that is familiar to us. Mary and Joseph have trouble finding lodging. They eventually are given a stable to use, and then Jesus comes into the world. Shepherds were tending their flocks at night when an angel greeted them and told them not to be afraid. The shepherds were told to go and find the newborn Savior and his parents. As the shepherds hurried to obey the angel’s words, they were greeted by a multitude of angels praising God: “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors” (Luke 2:14). They found the baby with his mother and Joseph, then the shepherds hurried to tell many people about the great miracle they had seen and experienced. How have you used your feet to spread peace? Maybe you’ve walked into a conict with the hope of finding a peaceful solution. Perhaps you’ve walked—or run—to help people who are suffering find some peace in their lives. As with any long journey, spreading peace begins with one step. Mary took one step of faith and embraced her calling as the mother of God’s Messiah. Likewise, the shepherds took steps of faith to tell others what they had witnessed. We can take our own steps of faith today and, in doing so, carry peace into the world.
Day #3 Science Lesson- Marble Maze
Preparation Practice controlling a marble by blowing it through the maze. You may find that quick, short bursts of air work best. Be prepared to stop the marble with another burst before it escapes the path! In today’s story, Mary had to go on a long journey to reach Bethlehem. We’re going to send some marbles on a journey across our tables. What are some ways we could make this marble roll? What are some ways we could roll it without touching it?Once the marble is rolling, how could we keep it from rolling off the table?
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Materials:
Experiment
Step 1. Draw a path on a large piece of paper. Explain to the children that the paths should have three turns and stay about 6 inches (18 cm) wide throughout. Turns at right angles (90 degrees) will be easiest to navigate. Step 2. Use straws to blow the marble through the maze (alone or with your partner). If the marble escapes the path, start over! Step 3. Invite Knights to draw their own paths. Give each Knight a standard marble and a straw. Step 4. Have Knights practice until they can get their marble all the way through the path without it escaping. Step 5. Give each Knight a larger, heavier marble. Have them attempt to move this marble through the path. How is the experience different when they have a heavier marble? |
Be creative with your mazes! Consider designing your marble courses using materials such as uncooked spaghetti noodles, soft modeling clay or play dough, waxed yarn, pool noodles, or toy car tracks.
Time how long it takes to get their marbles through their paths. Try with different tracks. Can you beat other times?
How does it work? You have probably noticed that objects that are sitting still do not start moving without something pushing them. It may be less obvious that objects that are moving keep moving unless something stops them. Isaac Newton described it this way in his first law of motion: An object in motion remains in motion and an object at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. Of course, you have observed that objects do not stay in motion forever. This is because friction, or the rubbing between the object and the ground, is a force that eventually slows and stops an object. In this experiment, the marble experiences very low friction forces, so it requires force from the air to start the marble, and force from the air to stop the marble. Newton also found that the force needed to start or stop an object depends on its mass. It is more difcult to start and stop the larger marble than the smaller marble because the large marble has greater mass.
Bible Tie-in Mary’s journey to Bethlehem was not easy, but it did help bring God’s peace to people. Sometimes being peacemakers can feel as difcult as navigating a path with a marble. God gives us “Shoes of Peace” to help us bring peace into the hard situations in our lives.
Time how long it takes to get their marbles through their paths. Try with different tracks. Can you beat other times?
How does it work? You have probably noticed that objects that are sitting still do not start moving without something pushing them. It may be less obvious that objects that are moving keep moving unless something stops them. Isaac Newton described it this way in his first law of motion: An object in motion remains in motion and an object at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. Of course, you have observed that objects do not stay in motion forever. This is because friction, or the rubbing between the object and the ground, is a force that eventually slows and stops an object. In this experiment, the marble experiences very low friction forces, so it requires force from the air to start the marble, and force from the air to stop the marble. Newton also found that the force needed to start or stop an object depends on its mass. It is more difcult to start and stop the larger marble than the smaller marble because the large marble has greater mass.
Bible Tie-in Mary’s journey to Bethlehem was not easy, but it did help bring God’s peace to people. Sometimes being peacemakers can feel as difcult as navigating a path with a marble. God gives us “Shoes of Peace” to help us bring peace into the hard situations in our lives.
Day #3 Craft- Foil Art Nativity
Children can create a nativity scene using foil art. This craft will help them remember and retell the Bible story.
Materials:
2. Draw the picture with a dull pencil to create an outline for each element in the picture. If you use the line art below, you can just lay that paper over the foil to trace the picture onto the foil. Make sure the foil is on the card stock prior to drawing the outline because it will give you better lines to follow when painting it.
3. Then use either markers or paint to complete the picture.
4. If you do not have any of these supplies, you can just print out the black & white line art below and have your child color it.
Materials:
- card stock, Amazon box, cereal box or shoe box
- aluminum foil
- dull pencil
- markers (sharpie work best) or paint
2. Draw the picture with a dull pencil to create an outline for each element in the picture. If you use the line art below, you can just lay that paper over the foil to trace the picture onto the foil. Make sure the foil is on the card stock prior to drawing the outline because it will give you better lines to follow when painting it.
3. Then use either markers or paint to complete the picture.
4. If you do not have any of these supplies, you can just print out the black & white line art below and have your child color it.
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Day #3 Craft- Reflection
- This story has a lot of angels in it. Can you remember everyone in this story who saw angels? (Mary, the shepherds)
- How would you feel if you saw an angel? What did the angels say every time someone saw them? (don’t be afraid)
- Do you think the people were able to stop being afraid just because the angel said to?
- What do you think Mary and Joseph thought when the shepherds came along to see their baby? Jesus was born into a world that greatly needed and still needs peace: our world. One thing that can bring each of us peace is knowing that God is with us. Jesus coming into our world was good news of peace back when he was born, and it is good news today because it helps us know God is with us. Knowing this and having this peace is just another way God helps us to be strong.
- Jesus being born might seem like a strange way for God to show God’s power, but God’s power is different. God’s power brings peace. God’s power can be gentle, just like a baby.
Thursday/Day #4 - Peace
Day #4- Shield of Faith (Scripture overview for grown-ups)

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Walking by faith isn’t easy, especially if it means walking on water! In today’s Bible story, Jesus had just finished feeding more than five thousand people. As the crowd began to disperse, Jesus instructed his disciples to go on ahead to the other side of the lake. The disciples followed Jesus’ instructions. The Bible says that Jesus went up on a mountain to pray. Evening came, and soon the disciples found themselves fighting a mighty headwind. By morning, they were far from land, but then something totally surprising happened—the disciples saw the figure of a man coming toward them, walking on the lake. “It’s a ghost!” someone exclaimed. Then Jesus made himself known: “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s really you,” Peter said, “let me walk out to you on the lake.” Jesus invited Peter to come. Peter took a few steps onto the surface of the water, but when he looked at the wind and waves, he began to sink. He called out to Jesus, “Save me!” Jesus reached out and grabbed him and said, “You of weak faith! Why did you doubt?” It is easy to read Jesus’ words as a stern rebuke. Perhaps they were, but maybe not. Reread Jesus’ words and imagine those words being given with a smile and a wink. Even a little faith is better than none. Jesus said that we could move mountains with faith the size of a mustard seed. It’s not the amount of faith we have that makes the difference. Rather, it’s who we put our faith in. People put their faith in lots of things every day. We place our faith in how much money we have in the bank. We place our faith in how our interpersonal relationships are going. We place our faith in vehicles to get us from point A to point B each day. There’s nothing wrong with putting faith in these things, but sometimes we fail to examine where we are placing our faith. Peter was challenged to examine where he put his faith. In that moment, he chose to place his faith in Jesus. Because he did, it allowed him to do the impossible: to walk on water. We may not see large-scale miracles occur often, but in little ways every day, we can see how faith in Jesus gives us protection against all the things that make us afraid. Faith shields our hearts. Like the disciples, we can hear Jesus say, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
Day #4 Science Lesson- Sink the Boat
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Day #4 Craft
In our Bible story, Jesus walked across the water. This miracle helped the disciples know that Jesus was in control of the wind and the waves. We’re going to do a craft that will let us see an image of Jesus showing up on our own stormy sea. Hold up your two pictures, of Jesus and the stormy sea.
Prepare two images. One should show a representation of Jesus (a stick figure is fine!); the other image should show the stormy sea. Step 1. Fold your index card in half. On one side, draw a stormy sea. On the other side, draw a picture of Jesus with no background. Step 2. Stick your pencil into the folded note card so that the note card sits on the pencil like a lollipop on its stick. Use a small piece of tape on each side to attach the note card to the pencil. Step 3. Roll the pencil back and forth in your hand very quickly and watch the pictures. You should see Jesus standing on the stormy sea. |
Materials:
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Day #4 Reflection
How do you think you would feel if you were out in the middle of the lake and saw Jesus walking toward you on the water? Would you try to walk on the water like Peter did? How do you think you’d feel when you took those first steps on top of the water? The story tells us that the disciples worshipped Jesus after the storm calmed. Have you ever seen someone do something amazing and been in awe? Do you think that was anything like what the disciples felt? Going around with Jesus, like Peter and the other disciples did, must have filled their days with awesome moments. It may have also helped them have a strong faith.
Sometimes having faith in God is not easy. But even though we do not physically walk around with Jesus and the disciples, we’ve probably all had awesome moments or special memories. These can help us know how much God loves us and can keep us in the strength of God’s power
Sometimes having faith in God is not easy. But even though we do not physically walk around with Jesus and the disciples, we’ve probably all had awesome moments or special memories. These can help us know how much God loves us and can keep us in the strength of God’s power
VBS MISSION PROJECT
"Kids helping Kids"
Every summer during NSUMC’s Summer Camp, camper families are asked to help us help other children. This year the request is a donation $25 to go toward Walmart Gift Cards for the PIMA TRADITIONAL SCHOOL community aide office. These gift cards will support children and families by helping them afford school supplies, clothing and the bare necessities to make their school life more comfortable. Pima Traditional School is a Title One school in south Scottsdale.
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