The Primary Department held a special fall celebration on Saturday, October 23. The party had a “Noah’s Ark” theme, and children were encouraged to dress up like animals for the occasion. Around 10:00 a.m., sharks, bumblebees, cheetahs, butterflies, birds, and many other “animals” began arriving at the Fellowship Lodge. Upon entering, they could see an actual ark off in the distance! (Actually, it was an image from the Ark Experience projected on a screen, but it looked like a real ark.)  The morning activities began with singing some Sunday school songs like “Rise and Shine” (the “Arky-Arky” song), and then the group split up for different activities. Some went to watch balloon animals be created by Teacher Matt Hanson while others participated in a cake-walk game, colored theme related pictures, played an animal version of BINGO, and tried to earn prizes by tossing a ping-pong ball into a small bucket. Periodically, a train would arrive at the Lodge and load up a group for a ride around the campground. Everyone also had a chance to visit the snack area, where they could build their own arks out of graham crackers and frosting.

After everyone had had a chance to try all the different activities, the group gathered together again to sing a few more songs. The last event was the most special of all—Noah himself made an appearance! Teacher Cameron Hinkle interviewed Noah (played by Ian Andersen) about the Flood, and Noah recounted the events in detail—down to how stinky it was to live with animals for about a year. Then the children were allowed to ask Noah their questions as well, such as: What were the animals’ names on the ark? How many animals were there? Did you have any daughters? Noah could not recall all of the specifics but he was able to clarify at least some of their pressing questions.

When asked what the best part of the day was, one girl answered: “Everything!” Others thought the best part was seeing so many smiles on the children’s faces. For everyone who came, it was a fun morning!