Jungle Jam

Assembly

Leader Guide
 ASSEMBLY GUIDE
Course Overview
Theme Verse: 1 Timothy 1:17
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5
Creation Corruption and Confusion Christ and Consummation
Catastrophe the Cross
Savior for All
Title All Is Good All Sin All in Confusion
Who Believe
All Is Good Again

Bible Genesis 3,
Genesis 1 Genesis 11 Various Scriptures Revelation 21–22
Passages Genesis 6–9
We cruise to our Next come The last C—
The fourth C—
first C of history— Corruption and Christ and the Consummation—
Confusion—checks
Lesson Creation—and Catastrophe as Cross are the next shows that God
out the world-altering
Focus head back to the sin enters the
events that began at
stops. The gospel wins and all
beginning of world and affects is shared today. goes back to very
the tower of Babel.
the universe. everyone. good again.
Examining how
Examining Examining where Examining how
Apologetics it all began— Examining the
the reality of a the people groups it turns out
Content man’s ideas or
global flood came from
need for a Savior
in the end
God’s Word?
Memory
Genesis 1:1 Psalm 14:3 Genesis 11:9 John 1:12 Revelation 21:4
Verses
Colors Green Dark and Blue Gray White and Red Yellow
Eden the Tox the Blue Scatter the Rose the Pink Bliss the Bird-
Animal Pals Green Parrot Poison Dart Frog Silverback Gorilla River Dolphin Wing Butterfly
Tree- Face Planter
Straw Serpent
Tricky Triangle Game
Christmas 7 C’s Bracelet
mendous Rainy Day Ornament or Necklace
My Bug Jar Toothpick Tower
Crafts Rain Gauge Easter Diorama Beautiful Butterfly
Tree- Order and Disorder
Fallen Foliage
Skin-Deep
Don’t Eat Me Cycling in
mendous Catastrophic Ring Around the Jungle
Stack the Layers Tower Test
Science Eruption a Tree Good Again
Jungle Obstacle Confusing
Rainforest Course
Rainy Relays
Competitions
Capture the Gifts Seven C’s Splash
Recreation Tox Tag Cross Kickball Coconut Launch
Sea & Sky Tag Babel Bricks
Shades of Pudding
Canopy Dirt Dessert Serpent Snack Parfaits Gospel Goodies 7 C’s Boat
Café Snacks Forest Fruit Tree Treat Wacky Mixed-Up Nativity Nibbles Colorful Bites
Trail Mix
Cool Guess the 7 C’s Scavenger Mission Money
Team Spirit Day yaD sdrawkcaB
Contests Beetle Bugs Hunt Mania
 Contents
Handy Helps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
It’s a Jungle Out There! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Your Role. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Terms to Know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Daily Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Swinging Songs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Cool Contests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Creature Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Mission Moment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Limited license to copy: Daily Assembly Scripts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

A limited license is available to make copies of this book. Closing Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

You may make copies of portions of the book if (1) you Drama Production. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
are the purchaser; (2) the copies are used exclusively for Drama Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
non-commercial purposes within your church or orga-
Production Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
nization (an entire denomination is not considered a
“church” or “organization” under this license); and (3) you Rehearsal & Production Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
follow the instructions provided in the book. A Word About Drama for Children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Support Crew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Assembly Guide Costume Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Copyright © 2023 Answers in Genesis. All rights Props List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
reserved. Limited license to copy. Music & Sound Effects List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Project Coordinator: Stacia McKeever Set Design & Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Writers: Randy and Barb Witt Main Stage Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Interior Layout: Diane King
Set Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Editors: Linda Moore, Sarah Zornes
Cover Design: Jon Seest Painting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Illustrations : Paul Agner Installation Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Scene Setters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy
Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Drama Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publish- DAY 1 DRAMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text edi- DAY 2 DRAMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
tion 2016.
DAY 3 DRAMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
For more information, write: DAY 4 DRAMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Answers in Genesis, PO Box 510, Hebron, KY 41048 DAY 5 DRAMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Printed in China.
 Handy Helps

It’s a Jungle Out There!

Listen! Can you hear a howler monkey screeching and insects Travelers’ Missions, Music, and Memory Verses, where
buzzing? Look! Do you see a sloth hanging from a tree and a kids sing songs, learn their memory verses with fun games,
jaguar crouching, ready to pounce? Smell! Is that the aroma of or go in-depth with the Mission Moment featuring Chil-
tropical flowers wafting through the air? Touch! Do you feel dren’s Hunger Fund.
soft grass under your feet and gentle rain on your skin? Taste! Finally, everyone heads back to the Jungle Jam Assembly
Is that delicious milk from a coconut and exotic spices from for the closing, where there’s more singing, contest results,
the rainforest? and the highly anticipated daily drama. This follows a jungle
Join us in a world of wonder that will delight our senses river cruise that plans to make stops at different ports of call
while captivating our hearts and minds at The Great Jungle but faces a catastrophe that affects the plan, resulting in lots
Journey: An Epic Cruise from Genesis to Revelation. We will of unexpected rainforest adventures.
cruise through jungle rivers, making stops at seven ports of Prepare to swing into the fun as we head out on our jungle
call along the way—each starting with a C. These represent river cruise. See you in the rainforest!
seven key biblical events—the 7 C’s of History.
Day 1: Creation—Our first C takes us back to the beginning Our Goal
of time and the creation of the universe when it was all We are so thankful for how God has chosen to use the Answers
good. Did the universe start with a big bang, or did God VBS programs over the past years! But why did we decide to
create it? embark on such an undertaking in the first place, and why are
Day 2: Corruption and Catastrophe—Next, Adam sinned, we still at it by God’s grace?
which affected his descendants, who were so wicked that Our primary goal has always been to bring God glory by
God sent a global flood as judgment for their sin. boldly and unashamedly proclaiming him to a strategic group—
Day 3: Confusion—The fourth C checks out the events young people! From both a biblical and statistical point of view,
that began at the tower of Babel. Can this be where all the young people are a big deal. They’re not only awesome—we
people groups originated from? love ’em!—but they’re also dearly cherished by our Lord and
Day 4: Christ and the Cross—At these stops, we realize once tend to be softhearted toward spiritual things. Researchers
again that man is sinful and needs a Savior. Hallelujah, God generally agree most people become Christians when they’re
provides one in his Son! children, so it’s apparent this age group is a huge mission field!
Day 5: Consummation—The last C shows the thrilling conclu- Children are loved by their Creator, and Jesus said to let them
sion to history when all goes back to very good again, and— come to him (Luke 18:16). We want children to come to Christ
best news ever—God wins against sin and Satan. and not be hindered in any way from doing so. To that end,
Excitement and adventure await from the first minute of we combine a biblically rich VBS with off-the-chart, irresist-
each day when kids meet in travel groups. The groups gather ible fun. In a day and age when content sometimes suffers,
at the Jungle Jam Assembly, a high-energy beginning that we don’t want to sacrifice rich teaching. But it’s also crucial
includes wacky intros, lively songs, a Mission Moment, that the most exciting book in the world not come across as
and prayer. boring or irrelevant. We want to reflect our creative, inspiring,
Then they’re off to rotate through five fun sites: joy-giving God who made laughter and fun.
So why do we do it? We want kids around the world to hear
Rain or Shine Bible Time, where God’s Word is taught in cre- about and personally meet our awesome God and understand
ative, hands-on ways. how they can receive eternal life through repentance and faith
Tree-mendous Science and Crafts, where kids make jazzy in Christ Jesus. We believe VBS is a great way to introduce
jungle crafts and explore God’s amazing world with science them to God, as it is one of the biggest outreaches of the year
experiments. for most churches.
Canopy Café Snacks, where travelers go bananas, munching We pray you will find that every prayer prayed, every minute
on tropical treats and eats. invested, every dollar spent, and every word spoken will bring
Rainforest Recreation, where kids rumble in the jungle with God glory as you reach kids for Christ. Just remember—VBS is
some wet and wild games. worth it. May God richly bless your VBS. We’re praying for you!

Handy Helps—It’s a Jungle Out There! • 3

 Your Role
Your role as music coordinator, mission coordinator, and/
or drama director is outlined in the following pages. This
Mission Coordinator
is your guide. Read it carefully and prayerfully, using our • Choose a mission project or projects for all ages.
suggestions combined with the ideas the Holy Spirit brings • Arrange all details related to presenting the mission
to your mind. project during VBS week.
So get ready! God is about to use you and your church to • Act as the presenter of the mission information the
impact lives! week of VBS.
• Deliver the mission collection to the appropriate par-
Music Coordinator ties after VBS is over.
• Learn all music and motions for the songs (see the
Swinging Songs DVD for help). Drama Director
• Help plan and run the daily assemblies, including stand- • Choose actors for the drama and prepare folders for
ing up front and enthusiastically leading the music. each with copies of the scripts.
• Train others to learn songs and motions so they can • Organize a rehearsal schedule.
also help lead music. • Run the drama practices and oversee all aspects of the
• Help plan and run the closing program. production (lighting, sound, costumes, props, etc.).
• Provide direction for the design of the set.
• Oversee the production of the dramas during the
week of VBS.
• Help plan and run the closing program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The content of The Great Jungle Journey may be new to you. For a list of helpful articles on the topics covered in this VBS
program, please visit AnswersVBS.com/junglefaq.

Terms to Know
Throughout the VBS curriculum, various terms will be Rainforest Recreation: Indoor or outdoor site (outdoor is
used. Here is a list of some of the most common terms you preferred) for recreation time.
should know. Travelers’ Missions, Music, and Memory Verses: Rota-
Travel Groups/Travelers: Groups of children (individual tion sites where kids can spend additional time learning
classes) named after jungle animals, such as Bengal songs, memory verses, and missions.
Tigers, Butterflies, Toucans, or Howler Monkeys. Memory Verse: Daily Bible verse to learn.
Group Guides: Group leaders who lead the travelers from Animal Pals: Our friendly animal mascots that remind us
place to place during VBS. No teaching is required of this of the main themes of each day.
position. Toddlers: 2–4-year-olds.
Rain or Shine Bible Time: Bible and apologetics lesson Pre-Primaries: 4–6-year-olds or children ages 4 through
time in the jungle. those who have completed kindergarten.
River Guides: Teachers of the Rain or Shine Bible Time. Primaries: 6–9-year-olds or children who have completed
Tree-mendous Science and Crafts: Rotation site where grades 1–3.
crafts are made and science experiments are explored. Juniors: 9–12-year-olds or children who have completed
Canopy Café Snacks: Indoor or outdoor location where grades 4–6.
snacks are served. For multi-age K–6 travel groups, we recommend using
the material for the Primaries.

4 • Handy Helps—Your Role

 Assemblies

Daily Assemblies
One of the most exciting parts of The Great Jungle Journey array of activities. (See below.) The assemblies can be led
is the opening and closing assembly time. Each day begins by the VBS director, children’s pastor, music coordinator,
and ends with an assembly of all classes and includes an drama director, a volunteer, or a combination of these.

Assembly Activities
Welcome Creature Feature
Welcoming everyone to VBS is the first thing we do at The During the closing assembly (or opening assembly if that
Great Jungle Journey. And to start us off each day, we have works better for you), kids learn about each day’s animal
a fun intro. pal. See the Creature Feature section for information.
Download videos and presentation slides from
Swinging Songs AnswersVBS.com.
Kids love to sing, and kids love song motions. That’s why
we do both at The Great Jungle Journey. These fun songs Drama
reinforce the spiritual theme. See the Music Leader Down- Because each day’s drama segment is part of a continuing
load link that is included with a Super Starter Kit for audio week-long story, it is one of the most anticipated events
files ( stereo, s plit-track, i nstrumental-only v ersions o f of VBS. The dramas are presented in the closing assembly
each song), hand motion videos, lyric videos, presentation each day. See the Drama section for information, including
images, and the song lyrics. Both styles of music (contem- set design and construction and the daily scripts.
porary and traditional) are included with the Music Leader As an alternative, shorter skits for each day using
Download, as well as all the memory verse music. Sheet fewer people are also offered at AnswersVBS.com. A
music and student CDs are also available. separate Drama Video Download can also be purchased
from AnswersVBS.com to show.
Mission Moment
During the opening assembly, the VBS mission project is Cool Contests
highlighted. Collecting money for The Good News Cruise Not only do kids love to sing, but they also love a contest.
in partnership with Children’s Hunger Fund allows the kids That’s why The Great Jungle Journey has contests each day
to contribute to the physical needs of children around the to keep excitement running high. Contest results are pre-
world, giving them an opportunity to hear the gospel. See sented daily during the closing assembly. See the Cool Con-
the Mission Moment section for more information tests section for more information.
and AnswersVBS.com for videos and printable handouts.
An expanded version of this section is also featured Announcements
in the Missions, Music, and Memory Verses Guide.
Announcements can be made toward the end of each open-
Some churches may want to have a separate mission
ing and closing assembly and should include information
time and only announce the total collected during the
about the next day’s contests and a reminder to bring mis-
assembly time. Be sure to check with your director to
sion money.
find out when this will be done.

Assemblies—Daily Assemblies • 5
 Prayer Daily Assembly Scripts
Ask for God’s protection and blessing on your For your assembly leader, a detailed program for each

MACAWS
day during the opening assembly. At the end assembly, including all scripted segments, is provided
of the closing assembly, thank God for a good beginning on page 13. These include the welcomes, Mis-
day at VBS. sion Moments, songs, and Creature Features. These
scripts are also available at AnswersVBS.com.
Takeaway Time
Just before everyone is dismissed to go home, Order of Program Forms
take a minute to share a big thought to leave with. Blank, reproducible “Order of Program” forms are provided
for the opening and closing assemblies at AnswersVBS.com.
Tip Corner Before each assembly, insert the songs of your choice and
• Use class signs to identify where each class your notes. Then photocopy the completed form and
should sit. Signposts can be made and reused distribute to your production crew to keep every-one
each year. informed.
• Play VBS music before and after each assem-
bly to enhance the atmosphere.
• In preparation for VBS, have some (or all) of
your leaders learn the song motions.
• To add variety, wear something thematic.

6 • Assemblies—Daily Assemblies
 Swinging Songs
We have provided a variety of songs to go along with each music or encourage parents to download the audio files
day’s teaching and reinforce the spiritual theme. Feel free from AnswersVBS.com and play them for the children
to choose the songs that work best for your children. You in the car and at home. These songs are also available to
can use all of the songs throughout the week or just choose stream through all major streaming platforms (Spotify,
a few to repeat every day so the kids can learn them. You Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc.).
may also want to begin teaching the songs to your children Note: Original purchasers of these music products are
a few weeks before VBS begins. Use your Sunday school, given limited permission to copy up to 25% of the total
children’s church, or Wednesday evening programs to number of copies needed. Visit AnswersVBS.com for more
familiarize them with the VBS music. Hand out CDs of the licensing options.

Music Leader Download

Included with each Super Starter Kit is a link to download Day 5 Song: “Peace, Love, Joy” (3:00)
all components of both contemporary and traditional music. Any Day Song: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (2:46)
The Music Leader Download contains files of hand motion
videos and song lyric videos, as well as MP3s of the music in Any Day Song: “The Seven C’s of History” (2:51)
stereo, split, and instrumental versions. Presentation images Traditional Songs
and printable song lyrics are also included. If you did not
purchase a Super Starter Kit, you may purchase these music Theme Song: “The Great Jungle Journey” (1:53)
download from AnswersVBS.com. Day 1 Song: “God Is Good” (1:40)
Contemporary Songs Day 2 Song: “Messing It Up” (1:26)
Theme Song: “Jungle Jam” (2:56) Day 3 Song: “Hello, Hello, Babble, Babble” (2:00)
Day 1 Song: “The Manatee Song” (2:16) Day 4 Song: “Admit, Believe, Forever Receive” (1:57)
Day 2 Song: “No One Does Good” (2:48) Day 5 Song: “At My Journey’s End” (2:21)
Day 3 Song: “Jesus Is My Light” (2:56) Any Day Song: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (2:09)
Day 4 Song: “You Made a Way” (2:58)

Additional Music Aids

Sheet Music rewards and souvenirs of VBS, as well. The memory verse
songs and the theme songs are together on one student CD.
The Super Starter Kit includes a sheet music book with both
(Contemporary—12-1-061; Traditional—12-1-062)
contemporary and traditional songs. This book includes the
lyrics and the accompaniment for each song. This book can Lyrics
also be purchased separately (12-1-065). Printable lyrics for each song are available with the Music
Student CDs Leader Download.
Audio CDs of the full-track songs are sold in packs of 10. These Digital Downloads
can be distributed to the children and their parents before or You can purchase licenses for distributing videos or audio
during VBS to help with learning the songs. They make great files to the children from AnswersVBS.com.

Memory Verse Songs

Encourage your kids to learn their memory verses the easy “King of the Ages” (1 Timothy 1:17, 2:21)
way—by singing them! The contemporary memory verse “God Created” (Genesis 1:1, 2:34)
songs are produced by Seeds Family Worship (ESV) and
the traditional memory verse songs are produced by Maj- “Not Even One” (Psalm 14:3, 2:35)
esty Music (KJV). Both are available with the Music Leader “Babel” (Genesis 11:9, 2:55)
Download, which comes with the purchase of a Super
“Children of God” (John 1:12, 2:34)
Starter Kit. Songs produced by Seeds Family Worship are:
“Every Tear” (Revelation 21:4, 2:56)

Assemblies—Swinging Songs • 7
 Cool Contests
It never fails—announce a contest, and watch kids light because they don’t really understand or care about the
up! Daily contests run in one of three ways. Decide which points. They just enjoy the fun of everything.
option best suits your situation and plan accordingly. • Kids can receive points for attending VBS, learning
each memory verse plus bonus memory verses, and
Individual Effort participating in the daily contests. The daily contests
Each child earns points daily for the following: are as follows:
• Attendance
DAY 1—GUESS THE BEETLE BUGS
• Learning the daily memory verse
Prepare a see-through jar with “beetle bugs” (M&M’s).
• Bringing a visitor
Count how many are in the jar and write the number on a
• Participating in the daily special contest (see specif- piece of masking tape. Put the tape on the inside of the lid
ics below) and put the lid on the jar. Place the jar, some slips of paper
These points are tallied and the child receives a prize if he for kids to write their guesses on, some pens, and a small
or she reaches a certain point total. basket somewhere near your assembly area. At any point
in the day when they are passing by, each child can write
Team Effort their name and guess on a slip of paper and put it in the
Kids earn points as above, but all the points are tallied and basket. Have an adult figure out whose guess is closest, and
scored for the whole team instead of each individual. When award the jar to that person during the closing assembly or
the team reaches a certain point total, they receive a spe- at the next day’s opening assembly.
cial prize.
DAY 2—TEAM SPIRIT DAY
Another option for team effort is to tally the team points
daily and award prizes to the top one or two teams. Start jammin’ in the jungle as each team comes up with a
The Resource Download contains a sample team roster. team cheer, song, motion, or sign. Or they can each wear
something depicting their group. For example, if a group’s
Whole Group Effort name is Green Parrots, everyone wears something green.
All the children in VBS work together to reach a certain
DAY 3—YAD SDRAWKCAB
number of points. If they reach the goal, they receive a prize.
This could be something for them or for someone else, such Everyone wears their clothes backwards, mixed-up, upside-
as a special gift given to a mission organization. down, or inside-out. Any confusing combination works!

Other Contest Info DAY 4—7 C’S SCAVENGER HUNT

• Send the student guide home daily and encourage the Have kids take home the 7 C’s Scavenger Hunt and
kids to do the Go and Do sections. They will receive bring it back completed tomorrow. Encourage them to
1,000 points for each Go and Do they complete. use either an online Bible or a print Bible in ESV or KJV,
They do not have to bring these back. Just take their depending on which version you are handing out.
word for it.
DAY 5—MISSION MONEY MANIA
• Our test churches include the Pre-Primaries in the
contests, but they don’t keep score for that age group Make our jungle jingle by bringing in final mission
money today. Double points for anyone who brings in any
amount.

8 • Assemblies—Cool Contests
 Suggested Prizes
If you are interested in giving out prizes for any of the con- You can also check online retailers, such as Oriental Trad-
tests or for anything else, here is a list of prizes available ing Company (OrientalTrading.com) and Rhode Island
from AnswersBookstore.com. Novelties (RINovelty.com), for inexpensive bulk prizes and
• Tubular bandanas (12-1-152; 12-1-153; 12-1-154; 12-1- local discount retailers that sell bulk, individually wrapped
155; 12-1-156) candy or other edible treats. Some prize possibilities include
rainforest animal pencil wrap erasers; rainforest friends
• Wristbands (12-1-083)
finger puppets; rainforest TOOB animals; stretchable flying
• Stickers (12-1-088) monkeys or frogs; neon monkey bendables; stuffed or plas-
• Puzzles (12-1-094) tic animals (monkeys, frogs, bears, tigers, snakes, sloths,
• Water bottles (12-1-081) flamingos); mini umbrella hats; tropical bird gliders; tropi-
• Pencils (12-1-085) cal stick pens; tropical bird sticker sheets; sloth bendables;
watch-it-grow sloth water toy; sequin butterfly masks;
• Cube keychains (12-1-082)
sticky snakes; fruit mochi squishies; candy, such as gummy
• Pens (12-1-086) bears, frogs, or snakes; chocolate or vanilla anything (choco-
• Puffy stickers (12-1-143) late and vanilla both originate in the rainforest).
• Child backpacks (12-1-144)
• Notepads (12-1-146)
• Scratch art (12-1-147)
• Foam figure (12-1-149)

Assemblies—Cool Contests • 9
 Creature Features
During the assemblies each day, we’ll share a Creature Feature to highlight the incredible design features of five amaz-
ing animals the Creator has made. These are written into the closing assembly but can also be done during the opening
assembly—your choice! Do these live using the provided scripts and Presentation Slides or show the Creature Feature
videos instead. Check the Resource Download for the slides and videos.

Day 1: Green Parrot Day 4: Pink River Dolphin

Today, we’ll meet Eden, the green Did you know there are actually dol-
parrot. As we learn some of phins in the rainforest? They live
the amazing design features in the Amazon River, which winds
of this animal, we’ll also through the Amazon rainforest.
take note of its green color, We’ll learn about Rose, the pink
a vivid reminder of today’s river dolphin, and also realize
C—Creation—where God made that our two colors today, white
everything very good. and red, make the color pink.
White reminds us of Christ
Day 2: Blue Poison Dart Frog and red of the Cross, our two
Time to meet Tox (short for C’s today.
Toxic). As we check into some
of the poison dart frog’s Day 5: Bird-Wing Butterfly
design features, we’ll also Bliss, the bird-wing butterfly, is a
see that he’s both dark and beautiful creature with
blue, a reminder of our two a bright yellow body
colors today and the C’s who reminds us of our
they stand for—Corruption last C—Consummation—when
and Catastrophe. all believers will receive new
bodies and will live in the new
Day 3: Silverback Gorilla heavens and new earth.
Today’s gray animal pal is Scatter, the
silverback gorilla. We’ll learn that
gorillas like to stay together and
not scatter, which reminds
us of what happened at
the tower of Babel. It was
a confusing time, which is
our C today—Confusion.

10 • Assemblies—Creature Features
 Mission Moment
The mission emphasis to your VBS program provides an This year, we’ve partnered with Children’s Hunger Fund
amazing opportunity for children to participate in giving to to provide food and the hope of the gospel to hungry chil-
ministries that share the gospel. Check with your director dren in the US and across the globe. The Good News Cruise
to see when the Mission Moment should be featured— is a fun and meaningful addition to your VBS program,
either during the assembly time or during one of the teaching kids about poverty around the world, and empow-
rotations. The Missions, Music, and Memory Verses Guide ering them to make a difference.
contains additional activity ideas.

The Good News Cruise

Your kids will explore five different countries and learn • Child Profile Slides: Daily profiles of the children your
about children living in poverty and ways to make a VBS students will meet
difference. • Printable Prayer Journals, featuring informative prayer
As your students explore Ukraine, Thailand, Mexico, briefings that will help your kids connect with the real
Zambia, and the US, they’ll hear the stories of boys and girls needs of suffering children
whose lives have been touched by poverty. These children • Printable Map of the World activity sheet, featuring
have no guarantee of meals, shelter, or an education. They locations of the children from the daily videos
need help. And they need the hope that only comes from
• Printable banner artwork
salvation in Jesus Christ.
The good news is you and your kids have the power to • PowerPoint images to help your kids track their fund-
make a difference! raising progress
The Bible says that giving generously to the poor is really • Printable Coin Pak bank for collecting coins
giving generously to God himself (Proverbs 19:17). Teach • Donation Return Form to accompany your donation to
your VBS class the great joy that comes from sacrificing for CHF at the end of your VBS program
the sake of Jesus and his gospel.
Coin Paks Available to Order
Set Sail Included in your starter kit is a sample of the sturdy pop-up
During the Mission Moment, your group will meet Frankie, Coin Pak bank for your kids to use as they collect quarters
an energetic and accident-prone deckhand on The Good for meals. Check with your director for this sample. After
News Cruise. Frankie has worked a variety of jobs on ships VBS, these will be fun souvenirs that can be kept as remind-
all around the world, and he’s met some amazing people ers to always care for the needs of others. Coin Paks are
with incredible stories. As he takes on different jobs on available from Children’s Hunger Fund.
this week’s cruise, he’ll share stories of people he’s met on To order, please visit ChildrensHungerFund.org/answers-
his travels. vbs. Orders must be received 14 days prior to your VBS date.
Your mission is to collect coins to fill Children’s Hunger Available while supplies last.
Fund Coin Paks and help provide meals for children in For questions regarding your Mission Moment
need, just like the ones Frankie introduces throughout resources, please call (800) 708-7589 or email coinpak@
the week. childrenshungerfund.org.
When your VBS children earn coins for their Coin Paks,
they make it possible for Children’s Hunger Fund to fill Food Collecting Donations
Paks. A Children’s Hunger Fund Food Pak is a box of nutri- Give children their own Coin Pak bank for collecting dona-
tious food that can provide meals for a family in need. In a tions. Encourage your kids in the weeks leading up to VBS
Food Pak, just 25 cents can provide one meal! to save their money and then begin collecting the first day.
The Food Paks are provided to partner churches in the US Or plan on passing out the Coin Paks on Day 1 and begin
and around the world who deliver them to homes of families collecting on Day 2. Work with your director to set up a
in need. Along with food delivery, relationships are built and fun area for kids to deposit their money each day as they
the gospel is shared. begin VBS.
The following items are available with the Resource Once you’ve totaled the coins, you can submit your
Download that comes with your starter kit. donation online at ChildrensHungerFund.org/answersvbs.
If you wish to mail your donation, please write a check
• Daily videos to Children’s Hunger Fund, indicating “The Good News
• Daily scripts and activities Cruise” in the memo area, then fill out the Donation Submis-
sion Form. Send your check with the form to:

Assemblies—Mission Moment • 11
 Children’s Hunger Fund 2. Make your own goal tracker and update it through-
Attn: The Good News Cruise out the week. Create or print a jungle vine with
DEPT LA 24373 leaves and put equally spaced marks on it, going up.
Pasadena, CA 91185-4373 Each day, you can color in leaves as you climb the
Learn more about the gospel-centered mercy ministry of vine. Color to the mark representing the kids’ offer-
Children’s Hunger Fund at ChildrensHungerFund.org. ing and write the total number of meals that can be
provided so far on the corresponding line.
Tracking Your Progress 3. Consider having a contest between boys and girls, or
To help your kids maintain their excitement, announce between teams, to see which group can bring in the
how many meals they provided each day. Check with your most money. (Printable “Teams” and “Daily Count”
director to find out when to do this: either during a special artwork are on the Resource Download.)
mission rotation or during the opening or closing assembly. NOTE ON COUNTING COINS: It may be helpful to recruit
Here are some fun ways to help your kids see their prog- two or three adult volunteers to count and/or roll the coins
ress as they raise funds: at the end of each day. Some banks provide a coin counting
1. Show your progress with The Good News Cruise service, but they may require several days to do so. Check
Daily Count PowerPoint slides. Update the slides ahead with your local bank or see if anyone has a coin
with the total number of meals that can be provided counting machine you can borrow.
each day.

12 • Assemblies—Mission Moment
 Daily Assembly Scripts
Day 1: Opening Assembly
SHOW: “The Good News Cruise—Nadya” slide
Welcome (2 minutes)
Are you ready to meet the first child? Pause for participation.
Props for Day 1 Welcome: suitcase or backpack and various
Great! Today, we’re going to meet a little girl named Nadya,
supplies for a jungle river cruise (e.g., hat, bug spray, rain
who lives in the country of Ukraine.
boots, binoculars, flashlight or headlamp, poncho or light-
weight hooded jacket)—choose several. SHOW: Video 1—Nadya
Person 1: Hey, everyone! Welcome to The Great Jungle Jour- Country: Ukraine
ney! Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? Problem: War
Person 2: Enter carrying a suitcase or backpack. Before the war, Nadya’s family didn’t have to struggle to
Person 1: Oh, hi there! Are you ready for our jungle provide basic needs like food and a place to live. They had
river cruise? a home, her parents had jobs, and Nadya went to school
and had plans for her future. When they had to leave
Person 2: Ready! their home in search of safety, everything they had was
Person 1: Great! Do you have your hat? lost. Thankfully, nearby churches have worked together
Person 2: Oh, I forgot it! Just a second. Run backstage. Be to help refugees (people who had to leave their homes)
loud and clumsy looking for the hat, then come back with it. just like Nadya and her family.
Okay, ready! Do you want to help kids like Nadya? Pause for participa-
tion. Great! This week at VBS, we will be collecting coins
Person 1: Good. Let’s get going. You do have bug spray,
to put in these Coin Paks. Show Coin Pak. Take this home
don’t you?
today and tell your family and friends about Nadya. Ask
Person 2: Eerrrhh! I forgot that. Run backstage and come back them to help you collect coins for meals. Just 25 cents can
with it. Okay, now I’m ready! provide a nutritious meal for a hungry child.
Continue this way for a minute, forgetting one or two These meals will be packed into a Children’s Hunger Fund
more things. Food Pak, which is a box of healthy, nutritious food. This
Person 1: I think you’re finally ready. Everybody, let’s get to will be enough to feed a family for several days.
our feet and take off on our jungle journey! Each day this week, bring back any coins you’ve collected,
and we’ll count how many meals you’ve given so far. With
Song (3 minutes) your help, we can deliver hope to suffering families all
Theme Song over the world.

Song (3 minutes) Announcements (time varies)

Contemporary: “The Manatee Song” / Traditional: Announce any info pertinent to your situation. Today, you
“God Is Good” need to explain how the contests work so the kids can par-
ticipate. Check with your director for details.
Mission Moment (5 minutes)
SHOW: “The Good News Cruise” slide
Prayer
As we spend this week journeying from Genesis through Dismissal
Revelation, we are also going to get the chance to meet a
boy or girl living in a different part of the world. We are Song (play as children leave)
partnering with Children’s Hunger Fund to help provide Contemporary Memory Verse Song: “God Created (Genesis
meals for children who don’t have enough to eat. 1:1)” / Traditional MV Song: Genesis 1:1 / C: “No One Does
Besides helping provide them with meals, you can also Good” / T: “Messing It Up”
help them hear about the message of the gospel, too!

Day 1: Closing Assembly

Song (3 minutes) Song (3 minutes)
C: “The Manatee Song” / T: “God Is Good” Theme Song / C Memory Verse Song: “King of the Ages" /
T MV Song: 1 Timothy 1:17

Assemblies—Daily Assembly Scripts • 13

 Creature Feature: Eden the Green Parrot (5 minutes) Something else that is special about these birds is their
feet! Did you know that the double-eyed fig parrots have
Use the PRESENTATION SLIDES or show the CREATURE FEA- what are called zygodactyl feet?
TURE VIDEO. Shorten the Creature Feature scripts each day
as needed. SHOW: Zygodactyl
SHOW: Creature Feature title slide Say that with me, zye-go-DAK-tul. You got it, zygodactyl!
This means they have two toes on each foot that point
Hey there, explorers! This week we’re going to take a look forward and two toes on each foot that point backward.
at a few of the thousands of remarkable creatures that
call the various jungles of the world home. Let’s see if you SHOW: Parrot on branch
can guess what animal we’re going to talk about today. This helps them climb and grasp onto tree branches as
Here’s a clue: you might hear a relative of our animal say, they search for food. It also allows them to hold and move
“Polly want a cracker?” Take responses. It’s a parrot—the objects like food, rocks, sticks and even toys!
double-eyed fig parrot! God thought of everything when he designed this special
SHOW: Double-eyed fig parrot bird, didn’t he?
Let’s say “double-eyed fig parrot” together five times fast. SHOW: Parrot in jungle
Do so. Phew, that was a beak full. God gave the double-eyed fig parrot beautiful green feath-
SHOW: Parrot eating ers. Why do you think it’s important for it to be mostly
green? Take answers. That’s right, camouflage! The green
These adorable little birds get their name both from the color helps these birds blend in with all of the jungle
fact that they love to eat . . . well, figs, and because the red plants around them so predators, in this fallen world,
patches around their small eyes kind of look like another don’t see them as easily.
set of eyes, don’t you think? They’re also known as the
blue-faced fig parrot, the red-faced fig parrot, the dwarf SHOW: Eden the parrot
fig parrot, and the two-eyed fig parrot. Notice the beautiful green feathers on our animal pal,
SHOW: Parrot kind members Eden. Green is the first color for the week. It reminds us
of the first C of the 7 C’s of History, which is Creation.
They are a member of the psittacine (si-tah-sine) kind,
which includes all parrots, parakeets, macaws, and even SHOW: Creation days
cockatoos. In the Bible, in the first chapter of the book of Genesis,
SHOW: Parrot map we read that in the very beginning, God the Creator made
EVERYTHING in six 24-hour days, including the earth,
These little parrots live in the forests and surrounding the oceans, the beautiful green plants, the sun, the moon,
islands of New Guinea, as well as in a place I bet you the stars, and all kinds of flying, swimming, and land ani-
can all guess. Where might you hear people say, “G’day, mals. He also made the first two people! He did all that in
mate!” Take responses. Yes, Australia! The double-eyed fig six days! After that, he rested on the seventh day. This is
parrot is the smallest parrot found in Australia. why our week has seven days in it. The original creation
SHOW: Parrot size was amazing and full of beauty and harmony, and there
Can you show with your fingers what five inches looks was no death or sorrow. It was all very good because God
like? Show with your fingers. That’s about how long the is good. Even today we can see remnants of this beauty in
double-eyed fig parrot is! Because of their small size, they our world, crafted by our amazing Creator!
are able to hide more easily from predators as they fly
around looking for food. Drama (12 minutes)
SHOW: Parrot beak See the Drama Production section starting on page 27 for
details.
God gave them another really cool feature. Their strong
tongues and beaks! Stick out your tongue for a second. Do Announcements (time varies)
so. God gave you a tongue to help you taste and swallow
food. God gave the double-eyed fig parrot a particularly Cool Contests (3 minutes)
strong tongue and beak. The beak helps to crack hard
nuts and fruit open, and the tongue helps to scoop out the Announce winners of today’s contests. Remind them to do
insides. It even uses its beak to grasp branches as it climbs their Go and Do on their student guides, learn their memory
trees! Can you imagine using your mouth to climb? verses, and make up a sign or team cheer for tomorrow.

SHOW: Parrot feet Prayer

Takeaway Time (2–3 minutes)

14 • Assemblies—Daily Assembly Scripts

Each day, right before dismissal, share a thought to leave Who made the earth to be tilted at just the right angle to
with everyone. Make sure to allow time for this final cause our changing seasons? God!
thought of the day. Who made the sloth with an extra-strong backbone that
As we wrap up today, here’s something to think on: when makes its upside-down lifestyle possible? God!
something explodes, does it end up with things being Let’s say today’s verse to remind us of this truth. Recite
neater or messier? Pause. Right, it’s a mess. You could Genesis 1:1.
show a picture or a video of a building imploding. But if the
big bang were true, then the perfectly designed universe So when you’re out and about, take time to notice God’s
would have had to come from that first explosion. Do you amazing creation! In fact, try to notice at least one thing
think that’s possible? Pause. There’s no way! Our amazing every day! It will bring you joy and God glory when you do!
Creator God created the entire universe.
Dismissal
After all, who made the sun at exactly the right distance
from earth so we aren’t frozen by being too far away or Song (play as children leave)
burned up by being too close? God!
Theme Song
Who made the woodpecker with a perfectly positioned
cushion in its head, like a shock absorber, so when it
pounds on a tree, its head doesn’t blow up? God!

Assemblies—Daily Assembly Scripts • 15

 DAY 1 DRAMA
Characters: RUTH, ZANE, CJ, JUNGLE JIM, HARPER, CASSIE

(Theme music, then Background Jungle Sounds begin.) ZANE: Yeah, and you oughta know. You taught
(Scene begins as RUTH enters from the rear of the audito- science for like 70 years!
rium walking at a fast pace toward the stage. She’s wear- RUTH: 70? Now, c’mon. I may be old, but I’m not
ing a backpack and using a walking stick.) that old! It was 47 years.
RUTH: (happy) What a grand adventure this is going ZANE: Sorry. Well, it’s still a long time.
to be! Ever since we saw Katharine Hepburn and RUTH: No, what really bothers me is that they teach
Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen, I’ve been evolution and millions of years as if it’s a fact.
wanting to go on a jungle river cruise. It was your But it’s not a fact at all. It’s just a belief. Always
grandfather’s favorite movie, you know. (becomes remember that!
sentimental) Oh, how I wish he could be here right
now—don’t you? ZANE: Oh, you don’t have to worry about me,
Grandma. The Bible says, “In the beginning, God
(realizes her grandson, ZANE, isn’t behind her) created the heavens and the earth,” so that’s what I
RUTH: (puzzled) Zane? Oh my . . . how embarrassing! believe. And it makes way more sense, too!
I wonder how long I’ve been talking to myself. RUTH: Good boy.
(looks around, then yells) Zane!
ZANE: (holding up the chameleon) Hey, you think it’d
(ZANE enters, also wearing a backpack.) be okay to take him on the cruise?
RUTH: What’s wrong, Sweetheart? Did some- RUTH: Uh . . . no.
thing happen?
ZANE: I knew you were going to say that. (starts to
ZANE: (out of breath) No. I just found a pet, that’s all. set the chameleon down)
It’s a baby chameleon! Want to hold him? (holds out
cupped hands as if holding a chameleon) RUTH: Ahem. (clears her throat) Over there, please.
(points to a spot far away)
(IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no chameleon [prop] here.
ZANE is simply holding his hands in such a way that the ZANE: Okay. (stoops down to let it go) Goodbye, little
audience thinks there is one.) buddy. Maybe our paths will cross again sometime.
RUTH: I think you know the answer to that RUTH: (to herself) I sure hope not.
question, young man. ZANE: What’d you say?
ZANE: You mean you still hate reptiles? RUTH: Oh, nothing. (starts walking) Shall we
RUTH: Well, Honey, I don’t think it’s something you move along?
just outgrow—like one day you wake up and can’t ZANE: Sure. But can you walk a little slower? I’m
wait to hold a lizard. having trouble keeping up.
ZANE: (laughs) Yeah, that would be weird. RUTH: Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t even paying attention.
RUTH: And another thing . . . I don’t hate anything You know, at my age, time is precious—so you don’t
God created. Every plant and animal is an absolute want to waste it, if you know what I mean.
masterpiece. In fact, all of creation declares ZANE: Well, I don’t think you have anything
God’s glory. to worry about, Grams. You’re in better shape
ZANE: That’s not what my teacher thinks. than I am!
RUTH: I know. It’s sad. How anyone can think that it RUTH: What? I am not.
all just happened by chance is beyond me. It makes ZANE: Much better, actually.
no sense, and it’s not even good science. RUTH: Now, that’s ridiculous!

DAY 1 DRAMA
37
ZANE: Oh yeah? Well, who beat me in the 40-yard CJ: Hmm. You know, maybe this whole thing is a
dash last week? scam. A trick to get free work. We come here to be
RUTH: I’m sure you were just tired. trained, and they give us chores to do, knowing the
whole time we’ll never get to captain a boat. Never!
ZANE: And basketball the week before that . . . and Well, guess what? I’m not gonna put up with it
arm wrestling the week before that! anymore! No siree! If this is how it’s gonna be, I’ll
RUTH: No, Honey, it was arm wrestling and then just quit! Conner J. McGee III has got better things
basketball. But why don’t we change the subject? to do with his life than sweep sidewalks!
ZANE: Good idea. (reads the riverboat station sign) (JUNGLE JIM suddenly emerges from the station holding
Jungle Jim’s River Expeditions. So, how’d you find a large envelope.)
this place? JUNGLE JIM: Hey, it’s looking much better out
RUTH: My silver sneakers fitness instructor told me here! Maybe you should be our sidewalk sweeper
about it. She’s done this cruise several times. Says instead! What do you say?
they’re very professional and super friendly! CJ: (not amused) What?
(CJ emerges from the front of the riverboat station hold- JUNGLE JIM: (laughs) I’m just kidding.
ing a broom. He’s clearly irritated.)
CJ: (trying to control his frustration) Mr. Jim, we have to
RUTH: (to CJ with cheer) Good morning! talk. It’s very important.
CJ: (cynical) Maybe for you! (as he walks past her and JUNGLE JIM: Okay, but first, I want to give you this.
starts sweeping) (hands CJ the envelope)
RUTH: (surprised) Oh, dear. CJ: What is it?
ZANE: Hmm. Super friendly, huh? Are you sure this JUNGLE JIM: Open it. You’ll see.
is the right place?
CJ: (opens the envelope and reads) Certificate of
RUTH: (she watches CJ sweep) I’m sure. Poor thing. Graduation? “This certifies that Conner J. McGee
Why don’t you see if you can cheer him up? III has completed his training and is hereby granted
ZANE: What? the title riverboat skipper with all the rights,
RUTH: Yeah, tell him one of those jokes you told responsibilities, and privileges appertaining thereto.”
me yesterday. The one about the sloth and the Whatever that means.
porcupine. I love that one! JUNGLE JIM: Congratulations! (reaches out to shake
ZANE: I’m not telling him any jokes. CJ’s hand) I would have given it to you a few weeks
ago, but the forms were on back order and just
RUTH: Then do one of your magic tricks. came in this morning.
ZANE: Grandma, I haven’t done any magic tricks CJ: I can’t believe it! I mean, I wasn’t expecting it.
since I was six! Can we just get our tickets? You’re
embarrassing me! JUNGLE JIM: And see, that’s what I like about
you. You have such a great attitude. Someone
RUTH: I know, Honey. I’m just getting you back for else might have lost their patience by now and
all those dirty diapers I had to change! started grumbling and complaining or even quit.
ZANE: (with a smile) Grandma!! But not you. No, you’ve been a model student the
RUTH: C’mon. I’ll race you to the door! entire time!

(RUTH and ZANE run into the station. CJ stops sweeping CJ: (awkward) I have?
and starts talking to himself.) JUNGLE JIM: Absolutely. Now what did you want to
CJ: (frustrated) I cannot believe this! I’ve been talk to me about?
training to be a skipper for a solid year now, and CJ: Oh, uh, nothing. It’s not important.
look at me. I’m sweeping sidewalks. It’s ridiculous; JUNGLE JIM: Are you sure?
that’s what it is!
CJ: Positive. (changes the subject) So, I’m really and
(CJ resumes sweeping for a moment and then truly a riverboat skipper?
stops again.)

DAY 1 DRAMA
38
JUNGLE JIM: It’s official. JUNGLE JIM: (sees HARPER and CASSIE approaching)
CJ: Wow! So, when do I start? Ah, here they come.

JUNGLE JIM: Right now. HARPER: (annoyed) C’mon, Cassie. Put the phone
away and enjoy the scenery!
CJ: What?
CASSIE: (with earbuds in) What?
JUNGLE JIM: Yep. You’ve got a tour leaving in a few
minutes. HARPER: (frustrated) I said, put the—oh, never mind.

CJ: Whoa! Then I better stop talking and finish this JUNGLE JIM: Welcome to Jungle Jim’s. Mrs. Allen, I
sweeping! (picks up the broom, upside down at first, presume?
then flips it around and starts to sweep feverishly) HARPER: That’s right, and my daughter, Cassie.
JUNGLE JIM: CJ . . . (louder) CJ . . . (walks over (relieved as she puts the duffle bags down)
to CJ) CJ! CASSIE: (to JUNGLE JIM) You know, you have lousy
CJ: What? cell service here. My phone’s been going in and out
all afternoon.
JUNGLE JIM: (grabs the broom) Forget the sweeping!
You’ve got a trip to get ready for! HARPER: (embarrassed) Cassie!

CJ: Oh, right. (ZANE and RUTH exchange glances.)

(Excited, CJ runs away from the station.) JUNGLE JIM: It’s okay. But, I hate to say, it’s going to
get a whole lot worse before it gets better.
JUNGLE JIM: Uh, wrong way.
CASSIE: (laughs, thinking he’s kidding, then realizes
(CJ reverses course and runs toward the station.) he isn’t) Ha! What? (looks at HARPER) He’s joking,
CJ: Oops. This is going to be AWESOME! right? Please tell me he’s joking.
(As soon as he enters the station, a Big Crash [sfx] HARPER: I’m afraid not, Sweetheart.
is heard.) JUNGLE JIM: Sorry, but we haven’t equipped the
CJ: (from backstage) I’m okay! jungle with cell towers yet.
JUNGLE JIM: (to himself) You better be, ’cause you’re CASSIE: Seriously? And I’m just finding this out
the only skipper I’ve got right now. now? (turns to HARPER) So, what am I supposed to
(JUNGLE JIM sets the broom aside as RUTH and ZANE do? My phone will be useless! (short pause) I need a
emerge from the front of the station.) moment. (turns away and takes a deep breath, trying
to cope with the bad news)
RUTH: (sees JUNGLE JIM) Oh, hi. So, how soon ‘til
we leave? HARPER: (rolls her eyes, then looks at JUNGLE JIM)
Sorry we’re late.
JUNGLE JIM: Not long. We’re just waiting for the
other party to arrive. It’ll be a small group this JUNGLE JIM: No worries; we’re still on time. Here
time—just four of you—and a skipper, of course. are your tickets. (hands her the tickets) Oh, and let
me introduce you to Ruth and Zane. You’ll all be
RUTH: Sounds wonderful. It’s gonna be a riding together.
great week!
(As they all greet each other, CJ enters wearing a large
JUNGLE JIM: And warm, too! (wipes sweat from his backpack with stuff hanging off of it.)
forehead)
CJ: (to JUNGLE JIM, out of breath and excited) All right,
(HARPER and CASSIE enter from the side of the audito- I’m ready!
rium and proceed toward the stage. HARPER struggles as
she’s carrying two duffle bags. CASSIE is carrying noth- JUNGLE JIM: Good! (looks at his watch) Okay,
ing but her smartphone.) everyone, now that we’re all here, it’s time to
board. But before we do, I just want to welcome
ZANE: Yeah, I wish I could swim right now! you again to Jungle Jim’s River Expeditions! We’re
JUNGLE JIM: (laughs) And so do the crocodiles! one of the longest-running riverboat expedition
ZANE: Oh . . . right. companies in the world, so you can relax knowing
that you’re in excellent hands. And this is your

DAY 1 DRAMA
39
 skipper, CJ McGee. He recently graduated from our JUNGLE JIM: (interrupts to prevent another bad joke)
training academy with high grades, and we’re very So, moving right along . . . as we head to the boat,
proud of him! are there any last-minute questions?
CJ: (whispers discreetly to JUNGLE JIM) Recently? How (EVERYONE starts toward the boat.)
’bout, five minutes ago! CASSIE: (looking at CJ) Yeah, can I get some
JUNGLE JIM: (quickly changes the subject) Uh, earplugs?
anyway, CJ has a few words he’d like to say. CJ: (laughs) Didn’t like those jokes, huh? Well, don’t
CJ: (caught off-guard) I do? worry, I’ve got others—and they’re even funnier!
JUNGLE JIM: (firmly) Yes, you do. CASSIE: Thanks for the warning.
CJ: Okay. (clears his throat) Uh, well hello, everyone. JUNGLE JIM: Have a wonderful time, everyone!
My name is Conner J. McGee III. My friends call (After the last person exits, JUNGLE JIM stops CJ.)
me “CJ” but you can call me “Skipper” or “Skipper
McGee.” Anyhow, I’m really looking forward JUNGLE JIM: Now remember, this is your first solo,
to a great week together. And, as long as we so be careful. The jungle is wild and can be very
don’t encounter any giant whirlpools, monster unfriendly at times.
anacondas, or man-eating crocs, it’s gonna be CJ: (overconfident) No worries. I got this. (gets in
lots of fun! the boat, starts the Engine [sfx] and addresses the
HARPER: Is he serious? passengers with intercom effect) “Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen. Again, my name is Skipper
JUNGLE JIM: (clears throat as he elbows CJ) No, of McGee and on behalf of Jungle Jim’s River
course not. He was just kidding. Weren’t you, CJ? Expeditions, it is my pleasure to welcome you
CJ: Kidding? Oh, uh yeah, that was a joke. I love aboard the River Belle as we cruise through the
jokes. Wanna hear a joke about paper? Tropics of Combo . . . ”
CASSIE: No, thank you. (The boat moves away from the dock and disappears
CJ: That’s okay, it’s tearable. (laughs) Or I could tell behind the station.)
you a joke about pizza, but it’s pretty cheesy. (Theme music)

DAY 1 DRAMA
40