To Be A Pilgrim.

Summer Programme was fantastic.  We had five kids (and one more who came only on Tuesday, as that was the only day she was free), and they were all full of energy and creativity.

For those of you who haven't read the plans, you can find them here.  At the request of the kids, we added a treasure hunt to Friday's plans, and also did a voice recording of the script we wrote, as it was too hard for the kids to read AND manipulate the puppets at the same time.  So we made a very cool recording, complete with sound effects, and I just pressed "play" at the appropriate time, with pauses for all the songs.  We sang "He Who Would Valiant Be" at the start of the show, "One More Step Along The World I Go" halfway through, and finished with "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer."

Here are some photo highlights of the week. Click on any of the photos to enlarge them.

Every day started with free play in the community space.  There were markers and paper available, as well as a book corner and spiritually imaginative toys.  The kids ignored the toys and played Hangman for the first few days, but got into the toys by Tuesday or Wednesday.

We then had morning worship and watched that day's segment of Dangerous Journey, the BBC's adaptation of Pilgrim's Progress.  The kids were sceptical at first, but were soon asking to rewatch their favourite parts!

For the rest of the day, we made puppets, or decorated our set, or played drama games, or had lunch and played outside.

At the end of the week, we had the puppet show!

We made our voice recording first.

Christian arrives at the wicket gate, despite being shot at!

Christian visits the Interpreter's House.

Christian is rid of his burden and receives his parchment.

Christian fights with Apollyon.

Christian walks through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Christian and Faithful visit Vanity Fair.

Faithful is tried by Lord Hategood.

Christian and Hopeful are captured by Giant Despair.

Christian and Hopeful are entangled in a net by the Flatterer.

Christian and Hopeful arrive at the Celestial City ...

... and are welcomed by Shining Ones with trumpets!

The puppeteers take a bow!