Creative Writing Camp- Day 2

Day 2 of Creative Writing camp was all about inspiration. Mr. Maurice began our day with another fun activity. Everyone got a piece of paper and wrote a sentence down. Once they were done they passed the paper to their right and the next person would add a sentence to create a story. At the end we shared our silly creations. This exercise taught the kids to be creative, to write with no boundaries, and to think outside the box.

Next, each student got a camera and was put into a group. Their goal was to go outside in the neighborhood and take pictures of anything that caught their eye. And then they were to come back and write a short story about one of the pictures that inspired them. The kids did just that. At the LYN House they chose one picture and began writing. Everyone’s story was different, unique, and exciting.

To end the day students got back in their story groups to continue what they started the day before. They all worked hard on making their story more detailed. The kids worked with a lot of enthusiasm on this second day of writing camp. They learned how to be inspired by the environment around them and realized that a simple picture can turn into an enthralling story.  

Taking some photos!

Andreis' photo

Writing away

Creative Writing Camp- Day 1

Tuesday was our first day of creative writing camp. Our special guest for the week is Maurice Broaddus who has written several books. Mr. Maurice explained to the kids that this week they would learn how to create a character, learn what a plot is, and discover what it takes to write a successful story. To get our imaginations ready Mr. Maurice gave us a silly activity. We each drew the head of whatever we wanted on a piece of paper and folded it over; the person to our left drew a body and folded it over; the next person drew legs and feet. We then unfolded the paper to see our crazy creations!

After the exercise it was time to create a character for a story. Before the kids started writing down their ideas they shared what they thought were important characteristics for a main character to have. With that in mind the young writers began to create a character. Each character needed a detailed recording of who they are, what they look like, what they wear, who they live with, their motives, and much more. The kids did a great job being detailed with their descriptions of their character, and some even began to draw a picture of what this person would look like.

The students were then divided into groups to work on a collaborative story. Some of them used one of their own characters, and others combined their characters’ traits to make a new one. At the end of the day everyone got back together to share their newly written stories. The kids did a great job for their first day of Creative Writing camp. They used their imaginations, worked with others, and really used their minds to create something they have never done before.  

Kid's Kitchen Africa!

Yesterday was our last Kid’s Kitchen. We ended the summer- long experience with a day devoted to Africa. Pastor Martha was our special guest. It seemed only right to have her come share her stories about Africa because she and her husband lived there for 40 years! Before Pastor Martha took the floor we had a devotion. We talked about the Great Commission and what Jesus told us to do. Children learned that it is our duty as followers of God to go out into the world and teach people about God’s love. Matthew 28: 19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We then took the time to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in other countries all around the world. Pastor Martha then began to tell us about her ministries in Africa. She shared a lot about the children in Africa and how their lives differ from our lives in America. She explained that kids in Africa don’t get three meals a day, and if they are lucky they get one meal right before bed. The kids also learned that students have to walk miles and miles just to get to school, and they rarely complain about it. The kids were shocked to hear that!

It was time to begin our cooking. Pastor Martha told us that we were going to make peanut butter soup! The kids chopped up the vegetables and we headed to the kitchen. The vegetables and water were added to a hot pot. While the food was cooking Pastor Martha shared her photos from Africa. The kids had a wonderful time getting to see a glance of life in Africa. After the vegetables were ready we added a jar of peanut butter and some rice. Time to eat! The kids set the table and waited to be served. Everyone tried the soup and surprisingly most kids liked it! We ended the day writing in our journals, and each cook got to make a special scrapbook page to take home with them.

This last Kid’s Kitchen was a great one. The kids learned to pray for others around the world, experienced what life in Africa is like, and tried something new to eat! Kid’s Kitchen has been a fun experience this summer, and we want to thank all who came out and helped our little chefs!

Pastor Martha sharing her photos from Africa

Mixing in the peanut butter

Trying the soup

Yummy peanut butter soup!