Scripture: Genesis 31-33 
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn we can trust in God’s promises to us in the Bible
- Students will learn God can use us, even after we have made mistakes.
- Students will learn people can change and grow with God’s help.
- Students will learn it is important to forgive others.
- Students will learn how to take steps to care for their body in a hot climate.
Guiding Question: How can we keep our bodies healthy and strong in extreme heat?
Materials: Listed in procedure below
Procedure: Review the story of Jacob and Esau reuniting. Remind students it had been many years since the two brothers had seen each other. The last time they had been together was about the time Jacob cheated Esau out of his blessing. Jacob was willing to humble himself and beg for Esau’s forgiveness. Esau forgave Jacob and the two brothers restored their relationship. Explain to the students that God expects us to ask Him for forgiveness when we sin. God also expects us to forgive others who hurt us in some way.
Introduce the activity. Explain that Jacob most likely had to travel long distances in a very hot climate to meet Esau. This was a difficult journey and there were probably steps Jacob had to take to stay healthy and not worn down. Divide students into groups of two or three. If it’s a hot day, take students outside.
Give each group a box of various items. Have them experiment with various items to come up with a plan of how to stay cool and safe when walking for long distances in hot weather. Items to include may be: water bottle, coke, dark hat, light hat, dark clothes, light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, bandana, watch or clock, bandana, sweatbands, etc. Help the students come up with creative rules such as sitting or walking in shade, wetting bandanas and putting on neck, wrist or face, sitting on something other than hot ground when resting, walking slowly, resting often, walking at dawn or dusk rather than in heat of day, loose versus tight clothes, etc. After experimenting, have the students come up with a final list of ideas.
Additional Questions: How can others be made aware of safety rules in extreme heat?
Supplemental Activity: Have students create fliers for young children about staying safe in the heat and give to younger students in the congregation.