Welcome to Treasure Seekers, a 13-lesson adventure for children ages 3-12. The
thrill of treasure hunting is combined with the excitement of discovering God
as the greatest treasure of all.
The Purpose and Goals
The purpose of Treasure Seekers is to give children a solid understanding
of who God is, and the amazing ways in which His character and
actions can make a difference in our lives. In today’s world, so much
of everyday life seems separated from the plans and promises of God.
This course is designed to help both preschool and elementary age children
connect their daily lives with their growing awareness of God.
Each session provides the opportunity to guide children in exploring a
foundational characteristic of God. Children need to know such truths as: God
Creates, God Knows Me, God Is Wise and Good, God Loves and Forgives Me. In
all, children are introduced to 13 of God’s attributes, helping them begin to understand
who God is and what God is like (see p. 11 for a complete scope and sequence).
Each attribute of God is illustrated by a story in which a person in the Bible came to understand
and experience that attribute. For example, children will follow the apostle Paul through a
great storm that ended in disaster and then a dramatic rescue as they learn that God
Strengthens. They will walk with Daniel into a den of lions as they learn that God Is With
Me and Protects Me. They will hear of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection as the great
story of God’s love and forgiveness.
As each characteristic of God is presented, children will be led to consider the way in
which they can respond to God. Thus, children will learn not only that God Is
Merciful, but also that “We can forgive others because God shows mercy and forgives
us.” As children learn that God Is Powerful, they will also learn that “We can
praise God for His help, because of His great power.” Children will discover not only
that God is a great and powerful being, but also that God is always present and active
in the daily patterns of our lives.
In approaching this course, it is helpful to consider the different ways in which children view God:
as a kindly old man dressed in a robe and sporting an impressively long beard? as a stern and strict enforcer
of all the petty rules imaginable? as a remote and mysterious manipulator of events and people? as a year-round Santa
Claus?
While a child’s view of God may range from the fanciful to the fearful, after 13 Treasure Seekers sessions, your children will
be well on their way to developing a loving and trusting relationship with the God who made us all and whose desire is
for each person to come to know and love Him.
Special Features
• Each Bible story offers creative storytelling techniques to involve children in an active way. In addition, a unique
Treasure Chest Option gives the teacher of elementary-age children a fun code or puzzle to help children focus on the
attribute of God being presented in the lesson.
• Because children learn in diverse ways, Treasure Seekers is filled with variety to appeal to kids’ many learning
styles. In each session, the students may participate in active games and creative art activities that will help them
express what they learn, solve fun word codes, sing songs, etc.
• The Worship Center provides ideas for worship and prayer
as well as large-group participation in lively, kid-appealing
games and songs.
• In each lesson, Bonus Island theme ideas are suggested
to help create even more island excitement for your students
and leaders—and keep attendance and enthusiasm high.
You’ll find a variety of decorating ideas, snacks, games, family
participation ideas and more!
• Get a quick overview of each lesson’s activities by referring to
the Planning Page. This page can also function as a supply list for
quickly collecting the materials your leaders and teachers need.
• Island Music CD offers fresh and fun music that will keep your kids
singing about God and the adventure of discovering who He is all week long.
Make a copy for every child to take home! (There are also some fun island sounds to help you set the mood for each
lesson’s adventure.)
Best of all, you’ll appreciate the flexibility of this course! Every church and every group of
children is different. Whether you are a large church with separate groups for each age
level or a small church that combines preschoolers and elementary age children
together in one group, you can use this curriculum to meet your needs. The activity
and schedule choices provide you with the opportunity to customize the lesson
to make a perfect fit for your church. You’ll find the resources you need to
increase students’ involvement as well as build the relationships with your students
that will make the difference between simply leading kids in fun activities
and guiding them in a life-changing discovery of who God is.
