By Jessica Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

Local kids participate in fun activities at “Kidz Jam”, a children’s program held on Saturday at New Hope Christian Church. Photo by Jessica Robison.

The New Hope Christian Church held its first local “Kidz Jam” on Saturday, September 17. Held at the New Hope church from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. the event featured snacks, games, a raffle, and other activities for local children of any religious denomination.

The International Church of Las Vegas’ (ICLV) Children’s Ministry Team organized the “Kidz Jam” event. Normally, ICLV activities take place in Las Vegas. However, at the New Hope church’s request, the group brought the event to Moapa Valley.

“We partnered to plan this event,” said New Hope pastor, Russ Goodrum. “With [ICLV’s] assistance, we hope to make this an annual event. We also hope to develop a vacation bible school.”

Twenty-eight kids registered to participate. Upon registration, the kids aged between Kindergarten and fifth grade automatically received a ticket for a raffle at the end of the day’s activities. Raffle prizes included scooters, teddy bears, jump ropes, toy cars, sunglasses, puzzles, bubbles, a backpack, and other fun toys.

Upon arriving at the church, children watched a film about sin and peer pressure.

“We want them to know that what they learn, they need to link to their heart,” Goodrum said. “Then they need to live out their good choices and keep themselves safe.”

The film was in the theme of a comic book with superheroes and comic boxes. It also included songs, a boys versus girls competition, and questions that the children were supposed to answer quietly into their neighbors ear.

When the video ended, the kids went outside to play some games. For the first game, the boys and girls split up into two teams. In front of each team was a mini pool full of a slippery, Jell-O-like product called “Yuck”. One member from each team was supposed to get inside the slick pool and sit on top of a balloon to pop it. There were squeals of delight as the “Yuck” caused the balloon to slip out from underneath the kids so they were suddenly sitting inside of the colorful concoction.

In another game, a pool full of “Yuck” had different-colored coins. Four kids were blindfolded and set in front of the pool. The object was to reach inside and feel around for the coins. If they got a specific color, they received a prize.

“We are glad to have the opportunity to serve the families in this community,” Goodrum said. “I hope this will help children develop enough faith to take them through their entire life.”