The Tree Climbers Guild: Rocks Leaders Guide takes dads, mentors, and boys on a four-week adventure exploring the fascinating world of rocks while discovering how God provides a firm foundation for our lives. Through hands-on projects, games, and meaningful conversations, boys will learn about the strength and usefulness of rocks while discovering that they can turn to God for help, courage, and strength in every situation.
Practical Purpose: Introduce boys to the world of rocks through creative building projects, simple scientific experiments, and activities that encourage observation, problem-solving, teamwork, and meaningful interaction with dads and mentors.
Boys Will Learn:
How rocks serve as foundations for buildings, roads, and other structures.
How earthquakes affect the ground and how a seismometer measures movement.
How different kinds of rocks are formed, including volcanic obsidian and sedimentary rocks.
How scientists study rock layers and collect core samples.
How stones have been used throughout history as markers and reminders of important events.
How to work together, overcome challenges, and ask for help when needed.
Projects:
Cornerstone Painted Rocks: Decorate rocks with Scripture references, symbols, and reminders that God is our foundation.
Homemade Seismometer: Build a simple working model that demonstrates how scientists measure earthquakes.
Candy Bar Core Samples: Explore the layers inside candy bars to understand how scientists study rock formations.
Ebenezer (Cairn) Cards: Create small rock markers that remind boys to pray and remember God’s help.
Optional Four-Week Concretion Stepping Stone Project: Work together to create a concrete stepping stone incorporating painted cornerstone rocks, stones from a homemade Mancala game, and imitation obsidian pieces collected throughout the module.
Additional Activities: Make a Tug-of-War Mancala game and create imitation obsidian pieces while exploring teamwork, strength, and courage.
Spiritual Goals:
Understand that Jesus Christ is the firm foundation upon which we should build our lives, putting His words into practice (Matthew 7:24–25).
Recognize that God is our refuge and strength, always available to help us in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Learn that God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-control rather than fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
Discover that God hears us when we call upon Him and that we can approach Him confidently in prayer (Psalm 4:3).
Develop a habit of turning to God for help and remembering His faithfulness through the challenges of everyday life.