Week #1 Recap

From -- Kaleb the "Bible Dude"

Hey parents!

We’re so excited to kick off another incredible summer at RSA! We love getting to share with you what your campers are learning each week in God’s Word and during our midday rally time, Bible Buddies. It’s a powerful part of the day when we open Scripture, memorize God’s Word, and talk about how it applies to our lives both in and out of camp.

Our Memory Verse this week was 1 John 4:19 —

“We love because He first loved us.”

Our theme was God is Loving, and we spent the week helping campers see how deeply God loves us, and how we can respond to His love by loving others.

Tuesday:

We started the week by asking a simple but fun question: “What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?” From that, we jumped into a discussion about how gifts show love—and how the greatest gift of all is God’s love through Jesus.

We explored John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

It was such a sweet moment—many campers already knew the verse and its meaning from last year and from conversations at home, while for others, it was their first time hearing it. Watching kids light up with understanding and wonder as they connected the dots was so special to witness.

Wednesday:

We focused on the story of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11–32. We talked about how we all make mistakes—just like the son in the story—but that God is always ready to forgive and welcome us back with love.

11 Then Jesus said, “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son said to his father, ‘Give me my share of the property.’ So the father divided the property between his two sons. 13 Then the younger son gathered up all that was his and left. He traveled far away to another country. There he wasted his money in foolish living. 14 He spent everything that he had. Soon after that, the land became very dry, and there was no rain. There was not enough food to eat anywhere in the country. The son was hungry and needed money. 15 So he got a job with one of the citizens there. The man sent the son into the fields to feed pigs. 16 The son was so hungry that he was willing to eat the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything. 17 The son realized that he had been very foolish. He thought, ‘All of my father’s servants have plenty of food. But I am here, almost dying with hunger. 18 I will leave and return to my father. I’ll say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and against you. 19 I am not good enough to be called your son. But let me be like one of your servants.’ 20 So the son left and went to his father.

“While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. He felt sorry for his son. So the father ran to him, and hugged and kissed him. 21 The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am not good enough to be called your son.’[a] 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get our fat calf and kill it. Then we can have a feast and celebrate! 24 My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “The older son was in the field. As he came closer to the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 26 So he called to one of the servants and asked, ‘What does all this mean?’ 27 The servant said, ‘Your brother has come back. Your father killed the fat calf to eat because your brother came home safely!’ 28 The older son was angry and would not go in to the feast. So his father went out and begged him to come in. 29 The son said to his father, ‘I have served you like a slave for many years! I have always obeyed your commands. But you never even killed a young goat for me to have a feast with my friends. 30 But your other son has wasted all your money on prostitutes. Then he comes home, and you kill the fat calf for him!’ 31 The father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me. All that I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate and be happy because your brother was dead, but now he is alive. He was lost, but now he is found.’”

This lesson really resonated with the kids, especially when they thought about their own relationships—including the ones they have with you, their parents. Many shared stories of times they’ve messed up or felt sorry, and we reminded them that just like the father in the story, God’s love never runs out. And just like the Gospel message, forgiveness is always available when we turn back to Him.

Thursday:

We read about Jesus washing His disciples’ feet in John 13:1–17. We talked about how love isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we show. Jesus, even as our Lord and Teacher, humbled Himself to serve others, and then He asked us to do the same.

The campers were challenged to think about what it means to serve others in their lives—whether it’s helping at home, being kind to a sibling, or simply listening to a friend who’s having a hard day.

Friday Morning (Application of Thursday’s Teaching):

This was a deeply meaningful time. Following Jesus’ example, we recreated the scene from Thursday’s teaching. Campers had their feet washed as a way to tangibly feel Jesus’ love and grace—and then, just as Jesus told His disciples, the campers turned around and washed each other’s feet.

Watching them take that step of humility and love with one another was incredibly moving. It was such a sweet and sacred moment—one that really helped them grasp that Jesus didn’t just talk about love, He demonstrated it.

Blue Studio Highlight – “Love Letters”

Our studio time this week helped the campers reflect even more on the love of God. They wrote "Love Letters"—either to God, a family member, a friend, or even another camper. They shared what they appreciate about the people in their lives and gave thanks for God's love. A few brave campers shared their letters with the group, and it was such an encouragement to hear their kind and thoughtful words.

We are so proud of how this first week has already stirred hearts and planted seeds. Thank you for entrusting us with your children—we can’t wait for all that God is going to do in the weeks ahead.

We encourage you to continue the conversation at home—ask your camper what their favorite part of the week was, or who they wrote their love letter to!

With joy and love,

Bible Dude