1 Samuel 16 is where the story of King David starts, when he is a young shepherd. Imagine the surprise for David, his brothers, and his dad when the prophet Samuel shows up and makes David the next king of Israel! Celebrate surprise with your family. Try any of the following ideas that fit your life best.

• Candle Talk: Light a candle and share stories about the best surprises you have experienced. How have these things shaped who you are? Who your family is?
• Activity: David spent his childhood keeping sheep safe and fed. Figure out how to care for the animals in your neighborhood and community.
• Connect: God chose David to be king and surprised everyone by anointing him. Surprise the people important to you by anointing them with blessings of love. Send a note or card in the mail—or put together a little gift bag and leave it on their doorstep.
• Around the World: Pray for political and religious world leaders, that they may keep their leadership focused on what is good for people and for all creation.
• Mad Libs (for Intermediate and Sr. High):  In this word game the leader asks for words from the group, which are then used in a story or poem, usually to a silly effect. Ask for a volunteer to keep track of the words.
  noun:
  noun:
  pronoun:
  verb:
  verb ending in s:
  verb:
  adjective:
  noun:
  pronoun:
  verb ending in s:
  adjective:
  pronoun:
  verb ending in s:
  noun:
  verb ending in s:
  adjective:
  noun:
  verb:
  noun:
  noun:
  noun:
  pronoun:
  noun:
  noun:
  verb:
  If You Need a Reminder: The Parts of Speech
  A noun is a person, place, or thing (rock, sister, park).
  A proper noun is a formal name (California, Baseball Hall of Fame, Disney World).
  A pronoun stands in for a noun (I, he, they, it).
  A verb is an action word (run, sit, stay).
  An adjective describes a noun (quiet, slimy, gapping).
  An adverb describes a verb (swiftly, intermittently, secretly).

After campers complete the word list, ask for a volunteer to read the “story” (based on Psalm 23:1-4). The list keeper can supply the appropriate words in the correct place. It may turn out humorously or it may not; either way is okay.

The __[1]__ is my __[2]__, __[3]__ shall not __[4]__.

He __[5]__ me __[6]__ in __[7]__ __[8]__;

__[9]__ __[10]__ me beside __[11]__ waters;

__[12]__ __[13]__ my __[14]__.

He __[15]__ me in __[16]__ paths for his __[17]__’s sake.

Even though I __[18]__ through the __[19]__ of __[20]__,

I fear no __[21]__; for __[22]__ are with me;

your __[23]__ and your __[24]__—they __[25]__ me.

Ask the campers what they think of their “story.”