Television shows like Duck Dynasty and Swamp People are family favorites in my area. As a matter of fact, the family and I took a trip to Duck Commander recently to take a peek at the shop and visit the Robertson family at their duck call warehouse. I left inspired, ready to use the bayou background for an exciting event. Here’s what I’m doing.
Lessons from the swamp: Since this is a one-night crusade, I’ve got one chance to deliver a powerful message about Jesus. After I transform the facility into an eerie, green bog, I’m going to demonstrate (or the characters will) how easy it is to get lost. The swamp, like the world, can be a scary place and getting lost is easy. Sometimes we need a Savior, someone to rescue us from all the scariness. That’s Jesus! He takes the darkness away and fills our lives with light! He is the Light of the World.
Decoration ideas: The Internet is full of swamp decoration ideas but I’m “building” a shack from cardboard, decorating the stage with things you’d find in a swamp like a toilet seat lid, old boots, plastic bugs, camo netting and a dock (lovingly built by a kind husband but Oriental Trading sells them too.) I’ve got two Flounder lights with green light bulbs I’ll stash in some greenery and a soundtrack that includes zydeco music and sounds from the swamp. I’ve painted a backdrop of swamp trees on a drop cloth and will wrap brown paper around some barstools to create swamp stumps.
Snacks in the swamp: I’m serving Swamp Dogs (that’s hot dogs with relish), Swamp Juice (that’s lemon-lime soda poured over lime sherbet) and tons of pickles.
Swamp extras: I’ve hired a local reptile pet company to show some small alligators after the event. (Not a petting zoo, just a demonstration.) We’ve got alligator jump houses and tons of excited volunteers who can’t wait to dress up in camouflage. I’m advertising this as a community-wide kids’ party and I know we will reach a ton of new families with this event. I hope my swamp themed kids crusade inspires you to try something swampy this year!
