Session 10: Footprints: Treading Softly on Earth

In This Section

• Introduction

  When one tugs on a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world. — John Muir In today's world, one cannot speak of...
• Session-at-a-Glance

  Activity Minutes Welcoming and Entering 0 Opening 2 Activity 1: Gems of Goodness 5 Activity 2: Lap-Sit Balance Game 8 Activity 3: Story...
• Spiritual Preparation

  If at all possible, try to spend 5 minutes in nature. Listen for the sounds of animals and insects. Experience the weather — hot, cold,...
• Welcoming and Entering

  Materials for Activity Mosaic gemstones, at least three per participant A colorful cloth A small notebook, approximately two by three...
• Opening

  Materials for Activity Chalice candle or LED/battery-operated candle Lighter and extinguisher, if needed Newsprint, markers, and tape...
• Activity 1: Gems Of Goodness

  Materials for Activity Clear glass jar or vase Small notebooks, approximately two by three inches, for any newcomers Markers and stick-on...
• Activity 2: Lap-sit Balance Game

  Materials for Activity Music tape or CD and music player Preparation for Activity Select music. Arrange to have a music player for this...
• Activity 3: Story Basket And Centering

  Materials for Activity A large basket Objects to place in the basket that are related to the story, "Parachuting Cats to the Rescue," such...
• Activity 4: Story - Parachuting Cats To The Rescue

  Materials for Activity A copy of the story, "Parachuting Cats to the Rescue" A chime, a rain stick, or another calming sound instrument...
• Activity 5: "Live in Balance" Posters

  Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers and tape Large sheets of poster board, at least one for every two or three participants A...
• Activity 6: Clean Up

  Materials for Activity Plastic tubs or baskets to store markers, pens, stickers and other art materials Waste basket lined with a bag Bag(s...
• Closing

  Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Moral Compass poster A bold marker, or a piece of card stock and tape or a stapler...
• Leader Reflection and Planning

  Take a few minutes to evaluate the session with your co-leader immediately afterward, while it is fresh. Share your thoughts with any other...
• Faith In Action: Short-term - Helping Others Keep The Balance

  Materials for Activity Poster board Color markers Newsprint, markers and tape Preparation for Activity Scout your congregation's building...
• Alternate Activity 1: Candles Of Joys And Sorrows

  Materials for Activity Large container, such as ceramic or metal bowl Play sand (can be found at local hardware store) or unscented cat...
• Alternate Activity 2: Interdependent Web Game

  Materials for Activity A ball of yarn Description of Activity Invite the children to sit in a circle. When everyone is settled, hold the...
• Alternate Activity 3: Help Or Harm The Earth? Game

  Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers and tape A copy of Leader Resource 1, Help or Harm the Earth? Preparation for Activity Post two...
• Taking It Home

  When one tugs on a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world. — John Muir IN TODAY'S SESSION... The children...
• Story 1 Parachuting Cats to the Rescue

  A true story. The mosquitoes in Borneo were terrible. On bad days, the people of Borneo would be covered in mosquito bites. (Leader — Ask...
• Leader Resource 1: Help or Harm the Earth

  Call out these human actions, your own ideas, and ideas suggested by the children to play the game in Alternate Activity 3, Help or Harm...
• Find Out More

  For more information on Unitarian Universalist efforts to heal the environment, visit the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth online...