Dear reader, Please note that in this blog post, we are not suggesting that you venture out during an actual storm to build a shelter—doing so could be dangerous. Instead, the purpose of this post is to inspire a fun and meaningful activity you can do with your children. This activity serves as an object lesson to strengthen family bonds, draw your children closer to God, and teach practical skills they may find useful in the future.
Shelters are essential for protection during storms, whether literal or metaphorical. For kids, building a shelter can be a fun, hands-on activity that teaches them resourcefulness and teamwork. Beyond the practical benefits, it offers an opportunity to discuss deeper spiritual truths. Just as we seek protection from physical storms, we also need a refuge during life’s challenges.
Object Lessons from Nature: Trusting God in Tough Times
Nature offers many lessons about resilience and dependence on God. Observing how animals seek shelter and protect their young during storms teaches us about God’s provision. For Christians, these moments remind us to place our trust in Jesus Christ, our eternal refuge.
“The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” – Psalm 9:9
This verse sets the stage for the activities and discussions ahead, emphasizing the assurance of God’s protection in all circumstances.
How to Build a Shelter in the Time of Storm with Your Kids
Method 1: Building a Lean-To Shelter
Lean-To Shelter
Materials:
Gather items easily found in nature:
- Long sticks or branches
- Vines or flexible twigs for binding (or rope if you have some in hand)
- Large leaves or smaller sticks for coverage
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Find 2 sturdy trees to serve as the base.
- Place a long stick between the logs and secure it. Use sticks and branches to form a roof, using vines or flexible twigs to secure the sticks together.
- Cover the roof with leaves, grass, or smaller sticks for insulation.
Biblical Application: Trusting God as Our Covering
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” – Psalm 91:4
Discuss how the lean-to provides a covering, much like God’s protection shelters us. Just as the shelter shields from rain and wind, God shields us from fear and harm when we trust Him.
Method 2: Creating a Debris Hut
Debris Hut
Materials:
- Fallen branches
- Dry grass or leaves
- Pine needles
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Gather branches to create a frame, forming a tent-like shape.
- Layer the outside with grass, leaves, and pine needles for insulation.
- Leave a small entrance and ensure it is stable.
Lesson: How God Provides Protection Through His Creation
“For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.”- Psalm 61:3i
As you build the debris hut, discuss how God uses His creation to meet our needs. This shelter mimics how animals instinctively use their surroundings for safety, a reminder of God’s provision in nature and life.
Method 3: Rock or Log Windbreak Shelter
Rock or Log Windbreak Shelter
Materials:
- Large rocks or fallen logs
- Smaller branches and leaves for reinforcement
Construction Process:
- Choose a location shielded from the wind.
- Stack rocks or logs to create a barrier. You can also use any big rocks or logs already there.
- Reinforce gaps with smaller branches and leaves.
Object Lesson: Jesus, the Solid Rock
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” – Matthew 7:24-25
Explain how rocks are a firm foundation for protection. Similarly, when we build our lives on Jesus, we are secure no matter the storms of life.
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Discussion and Reflection
Comparing Physical Shelters to God’s Spiritual Shelter
Discuss the similarities between the shelters you built and God’s promises in the Bible. Physical shelters provide immediate protection, while God’s spiritual shelter offers eternal security.
How to Pray for Protection and Trust in God
Teach kids a simple prayer:
“Dear Jesus, thank You for being my shelter in life’s storms. Help me to trust You and feel safe in Your care. Amen.”
Bonus Activity: Nature’s Resources Scavenger Hunt
Teaching Resourcefulness and Gratitude
Create a scavenger hunt for kids to find materials for shelters (sticks, leaves, rocks). Use this activity to teach them to appreciate God’s provision in nature.
Key Verse:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19, KJV)
Reinforce how God gives us everything we need, both physically and spiritually.
Jesus, Our Ultimate Shelter
Reinforcing the Lesson Through Song and Scripture
End the day by singing “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” again and reading Psalm 46:1 together:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
Sing: “A Shelter in the Time of Storm”
Lyrics to the Song and Its Message
The classic hymn “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” is a beautiful reminder of God’s steadfast care. Sing it together as a family to anchor the day’s activities in worship. Here are the lyrics:
The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Chorus:
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Encourage your kids to think about the words as they sing, reflecting on how Jesus provides safety and peace even during the “weary land” seasons of life.
Discussion: Jesus, Our True Shelter
Explain how this song connects to the idea of physical and spiritual protection. Just as we build shelters to shield us from bad weather, we can depend on Jesus to guard our hearts and minds through life’s challenges.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” – Proverbs 18:10
This verse ties the hymn’s message to Scripture, reinforcing God’s promise of safety and strength.
Encouraging Kids to Trust in God Daily
Remind your kids that while building shelters is fun and practical, the greatest shelter is Jesus. Encourage them to turn to Him in prayer and trust Him to guide them through all of life’s storms.
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By engaging in these activities, you not only teach valuable survival skills but also instill a lasting lesson about faith in God.
May this object lesson deepen your family’s trust in Jesus, the ultimate shelter for every storm
