A collection of stories, educational materials, and virtual experiences for engaging children and youth in caring for God’s creation.
Hear from United Methodist Earthkeepers working on making creation care fun and exciting for kids and families!
If you know of any resources to add to this list, we welcome you to share them at creationcare.umcmission.org.
Harmony Creation Care Curriculum
We are obligated to care for the earth. It is one of the first responsibilities given to human beings at the beginning of creation.When we fail to live up to our responsibility, and use our power and dominion to make the best decisions for creation, there is the consequence of suffering.
Many times those affected by wastefulness and poor decisions that cause pollution are those who are unable to pay for the comfortable suburban living. The unjust poor and traditionally oppressed communities many times concentrated with people of color inherit polluted air and polluted water. This results in environmental racism.Harmony Creation Care Curriculum sheds light on ways churches, familes,andcommunities can be more kind to the earth.
Being aware of Environmental Justice active groups and bringing awareness to our congregations would also facilitate sensivity and change in how we preserve the earth. Gods creation.
Harmony Creation Care
Rev. Crystal Paul-Watson and her mother Lavanda Paul are commissioned Earthkeepers in the Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. They believe in the importance of teaching the younger generations how to cultivate organic heirloom seeds. The Harmony Creation Curriculum is a tool that can be used in young adult ministries and youth groups as well as amongst parents who want to share the gift of gardening with their children and grandchildren. The curriculum interweaves gardening stories and strategies with Biblical narratives about Creation Care. The goal is to empower families and communities to enjoy the fellowship and fruitfulness of gardening while caring for the earth.
Both mother daughter duo Lavanda and Crystal hope to empower families, young adults, and community organizations with this Harmony Creation Care Curriculum.
The 8 week Harmony Creation Care Curriculum will be available this fall through Amazon in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. Get your youth group involved in church gardening and community mission gardening while they discuss creation care, Biblical stories, and diversity and multiculturalism.
Green Mountain Earth Stewards Virtual Vacation Bible School
Green Mountain Earth Stewards
In May, I participated in the Global Ministries EarthKeepers program. I was joined by two youth from the Green Mountain District of the New England Annual Conference. They brought energy, excitement, and passion to our training! As the Green Mountain Earth Stewards, we will use the arts to enhance understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainability at the local church, district, and annual conference levels.
We are busily planning for a Virtual Vacation Bible School (VBS) in August focused on art and nature. All aspects of VBS will be led by youth from throughout the New England Annual Conference. The youth will be sharing their passion about taking care of the earth with younger children.
After this summer’s Virtual VBS, we will turn our attention to creating public service announcements (PSAs) about environmental stewardship and sustainability that can be used by local churches and other organizations. These PSAs will be offered in multiple languages. Let us know what languages would be helpful. Additionally, if you know of any youth who would like to participate in the production of PSAs, have them contact us at greenmountainearthstewards@gmail.com.
Please share our information about Virtual Vacation Bible School with anyone you think might be interested. Thank you!
Green Mountain Earth Stewards present Virtual Vacation Bible School 2021
Join us virtually on August 20, 21, and 22 for Vacation Bible School. The focus will be on art, faith, and nature. There will be bible stories, songs, art projects, and nature activities. It will be geared toward ages 5-10. Registration information will be available by early August. We are looking for a few more youth to lead activities. If you would like more information or the registration link, please contact us at greenmountainearthstewards@gmail.com.
And explore other creation justice resources for children and youth!
Educational Resources from Creation Justice Ministries
Check out a wide collection of educational materials for children and youth from Creation Justice Ministries.
Creation Care Curriculum from Youth Ministry and Hopeful Earthkeepers
Leaders from both the Minnesota Conference’s Youth Ministry and Hopeful EarthKeepers released a four-week study series on creation care for youth. The curriculum includes a bonus lesson on caring for God’s creation at home amid the season of COVID-19.
A collection of articles and links to educating children about racial justice.
Virtual Day Camp from United Methodist Camp Retreat Ministries
This Virtual Day Camp is here for kids of all ages to find the comfort, inspiration, and fun of camp, in your living room. Welcome to the next best thing to being at camp! Explore activities in Spiritual Development, Nature Exploration, STEM, Music, Art, Social/Emotional Learning, Exercise, and more, created by United Methodist Camps from across the United States.
Coastal Communities Environmental Education Program
The Don Lee Center Coastal Communities Environmental Education Program introduces students to the wonders of nature and outdoor discovery through unique learning opportunities. Located along the banks of the Neuse River Estuary, Don Lee offers a variety of hands-on, interactive educational programs and team-building experiences for students of all ages during the school year.
The Outdoor School from Camp Magruder
Since 1969, the Northwest Regional Outdoor Science School has been contributing to the development of environmental literacy and responsible citizenship, providing hands-on learning experiences that are integrated with local school curricula, and promoting learning about, and appreciation for, the natural world.
Virtual Camps from the Web of Life (WOLF) school
Join WOLF’s fabulous Typhoon and a small group of campers to travel through a week-long guided Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) adventure on Avaya. Focused on friendship, adventure, creativity, and fun, this camp will allow older kids to participate online, build D&D skills, and have a great time.