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Please note: The Safe Haven website was created in 1998 and contains valuable information for ELCA congregations. However, it has not been updated and some of the information, resources and references are out of date. For more updated resources and links we would direct you to www.elca.org/safeplace and www.elca.org/legal/congregations/safeguarding.html. |
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An
Intergenerational Activity |
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 Bring together
children, youth, and adults for a Safe Haven activity event. Three generations
together is wonderful; five generations is even better. Invite children and their
families from your neighborhood. |
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Supplies Have a wide variety of art supplies available. Choose from the following list, or decide on your own ideas ahead of time. Possible supplies include:  paper for drawing
or painting watercolor or
tempera paints paint brushes containers of
water crayons fabric and fabric
paints plasticine clay or
other play clay craft sticksBe sure to also provide newspaper to protect floors and tables, and bring enough clean-up supplies. |
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| Process1.
Read aloud a children's book about Noah's ark, or invite someone to tell the story.
The main points should be that the ark, or big boat, was a safe place for people and
animals, and that it was God's idea.2.
Small groups of three or four people of different generations create a boat
together. Make sure that each group includes at least one child. Each group
can make a boat using any of the art supplies that are provided. Encourage everyone
to use their imaginations and creativity. Announce how much time the groups have to
build their boats. (The recommended time is 30 minutes.)3.
As they build their boats, the group members should talk about these questions: What
helps you to feel safe? What should a congregation do when learning about a child in a
dangerous situation?
Encourage groups to really listen to each person, and to draw out responses from the child
or the children. Have a roving photographer or videographer record the boat-building
and the people. 4.
When all groups have finished making their boats, display the boats in one place, perhaps
on a table or around the baptismal font. No two boats will look exactly the
same. There are many creative ways to build a boat, just as there are many creative
ways to create a Safe Haven for Children. Talk together about the conversation that took place during the boat-building process. Have each group report. Conclude by affirming that Safe Havens are God's idea |
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