The Year Long Bible Scavenger Hunt 52-Week Children's Ministry Curriculum

UNIT 1: Uncovering the Truth About Love

Memory Verse: “Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIRV)

Lessons:

First Love

Scripture: 1 John 4:14-19, God's Love

Any discussion of love needs to start with God. John writes that God IS love. Any love that we can show and share is because God first loved us. 

Objective: Kids will learn “God loves us perfectly and completely.” 

Great Love

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34, The Greatest Commandment 

Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love God with our whole being. Next, we must love our neighbor.  

Objective: Kids will learn “I can love God and love my neighbor.” 

False Love

Scripture: Judges 16:4-22, Samson and Delilah

Delilah told Samson that she loved him, but she was working on a plan to find Samson's weakness. Love isn't just about the words we say; real love is shown by our actions.

Objective: Kids will learn “I can show love by my actions.”  

Real Love

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13, Love

If love is shown by our actions, what should those actions be? In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul gives us a complete picture of the qualities and characteristics that make up true, godly love. 

Objective: Kids will learn “With God's help, I can love like God.” 

UNIT 2: Uncovering the Truth About Joy

Memory Verse: “Then I will be full of joy because of what the Lord has done. I will be glad because he has saved me.” Psalm 35:9 (NIRV)

Lessons:

Joy For What's to Come

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, The Beatitudes

Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes. Every time Jesus said “blessed” it was an invitation to joyfulness. Even in tough situations, we can be joyful because we know that great is our reward in heaven.

Objective: Kids will learn “Remembering what is to come, I can have joy now.” 

Joy Honors God

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19, Ten Healed of Leprosy 

When Jesus healed 10 men of leprosy, only one of them came back to thank and praise Jesus. When we experience blessing, we should share our joy with God – through thanksgiving and praise. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I will praise God with joy.” 

Joy is Contagious

Scripture: Exodus 14:19-26, Crossing the Red Sea & Exodus 15:19-21, Miriam's Song 

God had led his people out of Egypt and had parted the waters of the Red Sea to escape the Egyptian army. The people were free! Miriam was so filled with joy, that she started to celebrate. And the other women joined her in praising and honoring God. 

Objective: Kids will learn “We should share our joy with others.”  

Joy is Unshakable

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34, Paul and Silas in Prison

Paul and Silas were chained up in prison, but they were still singing and praising. It wasn't an act; Paul and Silas were filled with joy. Joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. When we have God's Spirit in us, we have joy even in the toughest of times. 

Objective: Kids will learn “God gives true lasting joy.” 

UNIT 3: Uncovering the Truth About Sin

Memory Verse: “Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory.” Romans 3:23 (NIRV)

Lessons:

Fall

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-13, The Fall

Adam and Eve lived in a perfect garden in the presence of God. But when given the choice to obey God or disobey, they made the selfish choice. And sin entered the world. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Sin is disobedience from God.” 

Flood

Scripture: Genesis 6:11-14 & 7:1-12, The Flood 

Noah lived during a time of great wickedness, where everyone had turned away from God and lived in sinfulness. Only Noah sought after God, and he was spared when the flood came. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Sin separates us from God.” 

Forgiveness

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-9, If We Confess Our Sins

In our own strength, we are powerless over sin. But when we turn to Jesus and put our faith in Him, He has the power to forgive our sins and make us holy. 

Objective: Kids will learn “My sins can be forgiven.”  

Favor

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43, Two Criminals

Both criminals who died alongside Jesus deserved death for their sins. But one man sought out Jesus' favor and was given the promise of paradise. We do not deserve God's favor, but when we put our faith in Jesus, He gives it to us freely.  

Objective: Kids will learn “My sin is no match for God's grace.” 

Flee

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, Temptation

In his letter to the Corinthians (and to us) Paul reminds them that we will always face temptations. But God gives us the power to stand strong, resist temptation, and avoid sin. 

Objective: Kids will learn, “God gives me the power to resist sin.” 

UNIT 4: Uncovering the Truth About Peace

Memory Verse: “Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 (NIRV)

Lessons:

Making Peace

Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:4-24 & 35-38, David, Nabal, and Abigail

Peace isn't always just something that happens; sometimes we have to step up and make peace. When David threatened to go to battle with Nabal, it was Abigail who was willing to step in and make peace between them. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I can be a peacemaker.” 

Peace FROM the Storm

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41, Jesus Calms the Storm

We all face storms in this life which take away our peace. When the disciples encountered an actual storm that threatened to sink their boat, they turned to Jesus. Jesus has the power to calm the storms in our lives. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Jesus can take away the storms and give me peace.” 

Peace IN the Storm

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus Walks on Water

When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he decided to join Him. Peter was at peace as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, but when Peter focused on the wind and waves around him, his faith faltered and his peace left him.

Objective: Kids will learn “I can have peace from Jesus even when the storms rage on.”  

Restoring Peace

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26, Anger

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us anytime there is anger between you and someone else, you should make peace as soon as possible. This is especially true for our “brothers and sisters” – those who follow Jesus. Jesus wants us to be one and to live in peace with each other. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I will work to live in peace with everyone.” 

UNIT 5: Uncovering the Truth About Patience

Memory Verse: “Anyone who is patient has great understanding. But anyone who gets angry quickly shows how foolish they are.” Proverbs 14:29 (NIRV)

Lessons:

God's Gift

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-15 & Genesis 21:1-7, The Birth of Isaac 

Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years for God to give them a son. When the moment drew near, Sarah laughed thinking the day would never come. But God showed them – and us – that His good and perfect gifts are worth waiting for. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I can be patient, knowing that God gives good gifts.” 

God's Timing

Scripture: Genesis 41:14-43, Pharaoh's Dream 

Joseph's life is a study of patience. From being sold into slavery by his brothers to being a servant in Egypt, to being falsely put in prison, Joseph had to be patient for many years. But God's timing is perfect. At just the right time, Joseph became second in command of all of Egypt and was able to save the lives of many people, including his family.

Objective: Kids will learn “I can be patient because I know God's timing is perfect.” 

God's Silence

Scripture: Job 1:6-2:10, Job is Tested

Job is celebrated for his patience. In a very short time, Job lost everything: his family, his possessions, and his health. Job struggled to understand why all of this was happening, but he held on, never losing faith that God was in control. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I can be patient, even when I don't understand.”  

God's Patience

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, The Parable of the Lost Son

Jesus told a parable about a son who left home and ruined his life. All the time he was gone, his father watched and waited patiently for him to return. The father in the story symbolizes God, who waits patiently for those who are lost to come to Him. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I can come to God, who patiently waits for us.” 

God's Promises

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11, The Magi Visit Jesus

Long ago, the prophets had told us that the Savior would come. The people had grown restless and lost patience. But at just the right time, God put a star in the sky announcing to anyone watching that the Savior had been born – Jesus! 

Objective: Kids will learn “I can be patient, knowing God keeps His promises.” 

UNIT 6: Uncovering the Truth About Fear

Memory Verse: “There is no fear in love. Instead, perfect love drives away fear.” 1 John 4:18a (NIRV)

Lessons:

Something Uncertain

Scripture: Numbers 13:26-14:10, Exploring Canaan

The Israelites were nearing the land God had promised to give them. Twelve men were sent out to explore the land. Ten came back with bad reports – full of fear of the people living there. Two – Jacob and Caleb – were certain that God would continue to be faithful and give them the land. 

Objective: Kids will learn “When I am uncertain, I can trust in God's faithfulness.” 

Something Frightening

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32-50, David and Goliath

All the men of Israel's army were too frightened to face the giant Goliath. Only David was willing to face the giant. David knew that victory wouldn't come from his strength or his smarts. Victory would come from God. 

Objective: Kids will learn “God can give us victory over fear.” 

Something Fishy

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-2:1, Jonah Flees 

When God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach a difficult message to the people, Jonah ran in the other direction. . . and we all know how that turned out for Jonah! Our fear can cause us to run away from our responsibilities, and away from God. 

Objective: Kids will learn “We should never let fear turn us away from God.” 

Something Amazing

Scripture: Jonah 2:10-3:10, Jonah Goes to Nineveh

When we left Jonah, he was praying inside the belly of a fish. God heard his prayer and commanded the fish to spit him out. When God again commanded Jonah to preach, he went to Nineveh with a message: “Because of your wickedness, God is going to destroy this city.” The city was afraid, they turned from their evil ways and turned to God. And the city was saved. 

Objective: Kids will learn “When we have fear, we should turn to God.”  

UNIT 7: Uncovering the Truth About Kindness

Memory Verse: “You are God’s chosen people. You are holy and dearly loved. So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes. Don’t be proud. Be gentle and patient.” Colossians 3:12 (NIRV)

Lessons:

God's Kindness

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7, Water From the Rock

God had delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. But each time they faced a challenge in the wilderness, the people grumbled and complained. But God still showed His people kindness by providing for all of their needs. 

Objective: Kids will learn “God shows us His kindness in many ways every day.”

Ruth's Kindness

Scripture: Ruth 1:3-18, Naomi and Ruth

Naomi lived in a foreign land. After Naomi's husband and sons died, Naomi decided to return to Israel. She had nothing, except the kindness of her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Because of Ruth's kindness, Naomi was not alone. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Kindness means being there for people.” 

A Neighbor's Kindness

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37, The Parable of the Good Samaritan 

The Samaritans and the Jews were enemies. But Jesus told the story of a Samaritan who decided to treat a Jewish man as a friend instead. We should show kindness to everyone, not just our family and friends. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Kindness means turning enemies into friends.” 

Forbidden Kindness

Scripture: Matthew 12:9-14, Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

God made the Sabbath a day of rest, but the religious leaders of Jesus' day had created a series of rules and customs surrounding the Sabbath. When Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees were angry. But Jesus knew every day is a good day to show kindness. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Kindness is always the right thing.”  

UNIT 8: Uncovering the Truth About Goodness

Memory Verse: “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the person who goes to him for safety.” Psalm 34:8 (NIRV)

Lessons:

Good Luck

Scripture: Luke 5:17-26, Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

When a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus, He didn't just wish the man “good luck” and send him on his way. Jesus extended His goodness, offering the man first forgiveness and then healing. Goodness flowed out of Jesus in everything he said and everything He did.

Objective: Kids will learn “Jesus was good in everything He said and did.” 

Greater Good

Scripture: John 15:1-13, The Vine and the Branches 

Apart from Jesus, there is no goodness in us. Jesus called Himself the vine. When we – the branches – stay connected to the vine, we experience his love and goodness. And we can share that goodness with others. 

Objective: Kids will learn “As I follow Jesus, I can experience His goodness.” 

Good Time

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40, The Triumphal Entry

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, his goodness could not be denied. The people cut down palm branches, laid their coats in the street, and shouted praise. We should never stop praising Jesus for His goodness. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I will celebrate the goodness of Jesus.”  

Good as New

Scripture: Luke 23:44-49, The Death of Jesus & Luke 24:1-12, The Resurrection

Even though Jesus was good and did not deserve to die, He laid down His life for us. But death was no match for Jesus – He rose again to new life in power! Jesus is good, and the best thing we can do is put our trust in Him and follow Him. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Trusting Jesus is the good-est (best) thing I can do.” 

Good Going

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20, The Great Commission 

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave his followers one last command: to go and share his goodness with the world. Even today, many people still need to know about the goodness of Jesus. It's our job to go out and share it. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I can share the goodness of God with others.” 

UNIT 9: Uncovering the Truth About Pride

Memory Verse: “If you are proud, you will be destroyed. If you are proud, you will fall.” Proverbs 16:18 (NIRV)

Lessons:

Destructive Delight

Scripture: Proverbs 16:16-20, Pride

Pride is when we put ourselves above others and think better of ourselves than we are. Pride may feel good, but Proverbs warns us that pride leads to destruction. It is a humble spirit that honors God.  

Objective: Kids will learn “Pride only brings trouble.” 

Dreadful Dream

Scripture: Daniel 4:19-35, The Dream is Fulfilled 

As ruler of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar suffered from great pride. God warned the king in a dream that his pride would be his downfall. All that God said came to pass – Nebuchadnezzar lost his kingdom, his power, and his sanity until he was ready to admit that God is the Most High over everything. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Pride keeps us from trusting and praising God.” 

Deadly Decision

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira

Ananias and Sapphira wanted to look like everyone else who had given all their money to the church. Their pride caused them to lie to Peter and to the Holy Spirit about the money that they kept for themselves. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Pride causes us to lie to God and to others.” 

Different Direction

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45, The Request of James and John

James and John were two of Jesus' closest friends and they started to become prideful. When they asked to be put in a place of honor in Heaven, Jesus taught them that those who humble themselves and serve others are truly great in God's kingdom. 

Objective: Kids will learn “We can fight pride with humility and service to others.”  

UNIT 10: Uncovering the Truth About Faithfulness

Memory Verse: “His great love is new every morning. Lord, how faithful you are!” Lamentations 3:23 (NIRV)

Lessons:

God is Faithful

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40, Simeon and Anna

Simeon and Anna were both faithful followers of God and had been waiting years to see the Christ whom God had promised. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the temple, Simeon and Anna once again saw the faithfulness of God.

Objective: Kids will learn “God is faithful in keeping his promises.” 

Faith in Uncertain Times

Scripture: Judges 7:1-22, Gideon Defeats the Midianites

God had commanded Gideon to go into battle against the Midianites. Gideon's confidence began to waver as his army became smaller and smaller. But in the end, Gideon saw the faithfulness of God in a dramatic way. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Even in uncertain times, God is faithful.” 

Faith in the Face of Death

Scripture: Daniel 6:10-26, Daniel in the Den of Lions

When Daniel heard that a new law forbade praying to God, Daniel remained faithful and continued to pray to God three times a day. Even with the threat of being thrown into the den of lions, Daniel stayed faithful. Because Daniel knew that God is faithful to those who follow Him. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I can be faithful to God because He is faithful to me.”  

Faithful to the End

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15, Chariot of Fire

Elijah had been a faithful servant of the Lord through good times and bad times. At the end of his life, Elijah was rewarded for his faithfulness – instead of experiencing death, God took Elijah up into heaven in a chariot of fire. 

Objective: Kids will learn “When we put our faith in God, our faithfulness is rewarded.” 

UNIT 11: Uncovering the Truth About Gentleness

Memory Verse: “Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls. Serving me is easy, and my load is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 (NIRV)

Lessons:

Gentle Suggestion

Scripture: John 8:2-11, Cast the First Stone

When the Pharisees found a woman who had sinned, they did not treat her with any gentleness. In fact, they were ready to stone. But Jesus treated the woman – and her accusers – with gentleness. That gentleness transformed the Pharisees' anger and transformed the woman's life forever. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Gentleness has the power to transform a terrible situation.” 

Gentle Lord

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30, Rest for the Weary 

Between school, sports, family, and friends, life can be tough sometimes. It sure can make a person weary. In his gentleness, Jesus offers rest for the weary. If we come to Jesus, He lightens our loads and carries our burdens with us. 

Objective: Kids will learn “When we are weary, Jesus gives us his gentle help.” 

Gentle Words

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1-4, A Gentle Answer

The words that come out of our mouths have the power to settle an argument or stir up anger, to heal or crush another person. We can choose to speak with gentle words and in a gentle way, one that honors God and others. 

Objective: Kids will learn “I will choose to speak with gentle words.”  

Gentle Actions

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13, David and Mephibosheth

As the grandson of the defeated King Saul, Mephibosheth was frightened when he was called into the palace of the new king. But King David showed Mephibosheth great gentleness and kindness. Mephibosheth's gentleness was transformed into joy. 

Objective: Kids will learn “With my gentleness, I can bring others joy.” 

Gentle Journey

Scripture: Psalm 23, The Lord Is My Shepherd

The 23rd Psalm gives us a picture of our journey through life with God as our shepherd. He guides us every step of the way with love and gentleness until our ultimate reward – spending eternity with Him. 

Objective: Kids will learn, “God leads me and guides me with gentleness.” 

UNIT 12: Uncovering the Truth About Self-Control

Memory Verse: “A person without self-control is like a city whose walls are broken through.” Proverbs 25:28 (NIRV)

Lessons:

Control Over Foolish Behavior

Scripture: Genesis 25:27-34, Esau Gives Away His Birthright

In Jacob and Esau's culture, the firstborn son had important rights and privileges. One day, when Esau came home he was hungry. So hungry, that he was foolishly willing to give away his birthright to his brother Jacob for some stew to eat. 

Objective: Kids wil llearn “Having self-control keeps me from making foolish mistakes.” 

Control to Treat Others Well

Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:1-18, David Spares Saul's Life 

King Saul was on the hunt to find and kill David. The day Saul wandered into a cave where David and his men were, David could have gotten his revenge on Saul. Instead, David practiced self-control and spared the king's life. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Having self-control honors, God and other people.”

Control to Serve God

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-18, Opposition to Rebuilding

Nehemiah was on a mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem that had been destroyed. When others opposed Nehemiah and threatened to stop the work, Nehemiah encouraged the people to have the strength to continue building, no matter what.

Objective: Kids will learn “Having self-control gives me the strength to serve God.”  

Control Over Temptation

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13, The Temptation of Jesus

We all experience temptations to do the wrong things and to sin. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert where Satan tempted Him to sin. Jesus had the self-control to resist and the power of God's word to help Him stand strong in the face of temptation. 

Objective: Kids will learn “Having self-control helps me stand strong in the face of temptation.” 

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ABOUT THIS CURRICULUM:

• Perfect for kids ages 6-12
• 52-weeks
• Includes large group and small group resources
• This curriculum is an instant download
• Download a free sample here

EACH LESSON INCLUDES:

• Make It Stick! Parent Sheet - so you can let mom and dad know what kids are learning each week and look like a rockstar teacher who's thought of everything.
• Memory Verse - so that you can make sure kids are getting Scripture in their minds and hearts every single week and you can feel like each lesson was a success even when it seems like 90% of your lesson time is spent saying things like "calm down", "let's be quiet", "hands to yourself!"
• Skit or Puppet Show - so you have a way to easily connect the lesson with your hands-on and visual learners. No drama team? No problem! Just hand the script to the kids. They'll have a blast and think you're the coolest.
• Craft Activity - so you can give kids a physical reminder of the Bible lesson (and give yourself an activity to keep them busy until mom and dad come back!)
• Game - so kids don't leave and say church was BORING! Games are so important to help keep kids engaged. Our large group games always include a "What's The Point" section to help you connect the game to the lesson.
• Large Group Lesson - so you can present the Bible story in a clear and fun way, which means now you can enjoy Saturday nights instead of stressing over putting a lesson together!
• Small-Group Discussion - so you can find out who was paying attention and who was talking to their neighbor.  Just kidding, this is a great way for you to build deeper relationships with your kiddos after each lesson, which means you're going to care about them so much you'll cry like a baby when they graduate and go to middle school :(
• More! - Yes, there is even more than all of that so that you can easily put together the perfect lesson for your ministry each weekend, which means no more agonizing over how to adjust complicated lesson plans. 

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Guaranteed to Be Awesome!