One of the KidsGames World Championship events is the World Water Bucket competition.  It is a competition that challenges teams from around the world to see who can fill their bucket with the most water within 90 seconds by passing water by hand along a row of ten players.About two weeks ago, the global competition was taken to a new level of intensity– the water bucket in below zero temperatures!  In Arctic Lapland in Finland, the enthusiastic young people who plan to organize KidsGames this summer decided to begin practicing  with their kids for the World Water Bucket Championships in -10 degree temperatures surrounded by about 3ft of snow!

In Grand Rapids, our kids have not done very well in the event.  Our local record from a team from Rogers High in Wyoming reached 3 ounces of water in 90 seconds (the world record is over 50 ounces).  But perhaps this news from Finland will encourage us to practice during the winter! 

February 21-23,  I will be in Atlanta meeting with other KidsGames “champions” throughout the US. Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Orlando, Philadelphia, and San Diego will be represented.

A topic on our agenda is multiplication. Since KidsGames is a movement, how do we continue to grow larger within a city and to other cities with a modest budget. Wisdom is needed. 

Michael

Kids learn about character, leadership, areas of giftedness, and biblical principles experientially. That is they phyiscally, emotionally and spiritually experience the unit’s theme at various stations that they rotate through.

As we continue to work on the 2008 curriculum at the sports & games, drama, and wellness stations, can you tell me 1-2 things that your child enjoyed the most about KidsGames last year?

Michael

Monday, January 21 began the planning process for the 2008 KidsGames Grand Rapids. School, Business and Church leaders from various locations throughout Grand Rapids began discussing what is needed to implement a KidsGames in their neighborhood.

For each child and family who has been a part of KidsGames Grand Rapids the growth has been remarkable and wonderful for our kids and the city. In year one, we tested the program at one school. Grew to four sites in year two. Last year we had seven locations and 2,300 children participated.

Four new sites are scheduled for 2008 for a total of 11. Wisdom is needed on how fast to grow. 

Michael