 Over
200 Children Go Bananas at Easter!
Over 200 children joined in on each of the two days of the Radlett Churches
Easter activity, Going Bananas!
The two sessions, for children between the ages of 4 and 14, were held on
Wednesday 19th April and Thursday 20th April at Christ Church in Radlett where
we were filled to capacity. Indeed we were sad to have to close the books to
registrations over a week before the event.
 Each day the
children "jetted" off to Banana Island, with Captain Fellows in the
cockpit, talking them through the "flight". Everything was supervised
by the airport staff (helpers) complete with straw hats and sunglasses, and our
actors (including two banana growers called Rotten and Ripe) gave us lots to
both laugh at and think about!
Why did we do all this? Well the point of the whole occasion was primarily an
outreach programme. Going Bananas aimed to teach children the basic truths about
God and introduce them to him through Jesus. The Bible characters they met over
the two days may seemed to  have
"gone bananas" over God but we wanted to communicate the fact that it
is the sanest thing that anyone can do, to love and trust God and to live his
way.
We took over the whole church complex including the church, hall,
"air-raid shelter", youth centre and field. Any unsuspecting visitors
to the site would have been somewhat shocked to find themselves in the midst of
Banana Island - complete with palm trees. Each day comprised a blend of
all-in-together sessions in with singing, drama, video and "general
fun" (supervised by the Mad Banana) with more group sessions tailored to
the interests and abilities of the different ages of the children.
 The group sessions
all helped re-enforce the theme of the day, in which we learnt how Noah and
Zacchaeus went bananas for God. Activities ranged from colouring and cutting,
quizzes, acting and games for the younger ones, through to discussion groups,
making giant banana splits, mosaic tile-making, floating an ark on Tykes Water,
cooking and much more for the older ones.
Going Bananas was great fun for all who took part, and both helpers and
youngsters alike learned a lot about God and his love for them.
 Going Bananas was a
wonderful event for combining team-work, good will and enjoyment whilst at the
same time helping youngsters find out more about God. It comes highly
recommended! If you have never been, make sure you book early (either as helper
or participant) next year!
Here are a few of the scenes which give a flavour of the two
days.
   
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