I love to garden in the summertime, but it is a lot of hard work. It starts in April when I prepare the garden and plant the seeds. Then, after plenty of watering, pruning, weeding and waiting, they grow into leafy plants that produce yummy fruits and vegetables! This year, I am growing all my favourites—tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, raspberries and watermelons.
Did you know that God is a gardener, too? The world is God’s garden and it is filled with all His favourite things, such as love, joy, peace and kindness. These are called the “fruits of the Spirit.” Although they are not physical fruits that we can eat, they grow inside every person who loves and accepts God. And just like a gardener, God cares for us and helps us grow. You can read more about the fruits of the Spirit in this issue of Just for Kids! Your friend, Abby
Match each fruit and vegetable to the correct shadow.
But the fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself … Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become proud. Let us not make each other angry. Let us not want what belongs to others.
—Galatians 5:22-26
What happens when you step on an orange?
What do you call a sad fruit?
A blue-berry You hurt its peelings Lemon-aid
What do you give a sick lemon?
What does this mean?
The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit produces “fruit” in each of us. Like apples on a tree or grapes on a vine, we grow and develop good qualities when we love and believe in God. We become loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. When we have Christ in us, we are not jealous or angry because we live like Him.
Pizza Scramble
Unscramble
Hi kids!
Have you ever been to a pizza party?
When I make pizzas with my family, they are all different. I like mushrooms and peppers on my pizza, but my sister likes pepperoni and extra cheese. My mom likes pineapple, but my dad likes olives. It is fun to create pizza, choosing all the best toppings to make it your own, just the way you like it.
Like pizza, all of us are different from one another. We look different and we like different things. God created us to be unique and special. Read this issue of Just for Kids to learn what the Bible says about His wonderful creations. And next time you eat a slice of pizza, think about all the talents, gifts and abilities that God gave you.
You created the deepest parts of my being. You put me together inside my mother’s body. How You made me is amazing and wonderful.
—Psalm 139:13-14
What does this mean?
Apotterisan artist who makes thingsoutofclay byformingitinto somethingbeautiful, suchasapotora vase.Likeapotter (orapizzachef),God creates His children. Hemouldsandshapesusintowho we are.
What does this mean?
Before we were even born, God created us. He’s a very talented artist, and all His creations are masterpieces! No two people are the same. We are unique and filled with talents, gifts, personalities and skills that He chose just for us, kind of like a delicious homemade pizza with all the yummy toppings.
Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay. You are the potter. Your hands made all of us.
—Isaiah 64:8
Hi kids!
What is your favourite way to spend time outdoors in the summer? Some people like riding their bike, swimming or playing at a park. One of my favourite activities is camping. When I spend time in nature, it makes me grateful for all that God has given me—from the birds in the trees and the fresh air to the marshmallows I roast over the campfire.
Did you know that The Salvation Army has many summer camps across the territory? Maybe you have been to one before. Summer camps are a great way for kids to enjoy the outdoors, make new friends and learn to see God in all the nature that surrounds us.
Your friend, Abby
Scripture Scramble
Unscramble the letters below each blank to read Psalm 104:24.
Camping Corner
Have you ever been to summer camp? The Salvation Army has amazing camps across the territory, such as Jackson’s Point Camp in Ontario and Pine Lake Camp in Alberta. Some of these camps focus on outdoor adventures, and others are music and creative arts camps, but all of them help kids learn about Jesus and grow closer to Him.
Through the Woods
Help the campers get to the tent.
Colour Me
Complete the crossword by filling in the spaces below.
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Used to light your path
2. A small instrument for making shrill sounds
4. A bag to carry camping supplies
5. A tool used for digging
7. A game played at summer camp: the flag
3. A large, warm bag for resting, usually zippered
6. An instrument for determining directions
8. Short form of tarpaulin
9. A light used while camping
10. A place to sleep while camping
25-06/20/26
Happy Canada Day!
Hi kids!
I was born in Canada, and I grew up in Ontario. Maybe you were born in a different country, but Canada is now your home. We are all blessed to live in this beautiful place!
As a Canadian, there are plenty of things that remind me of home: Tim Hortons coffee and Timbits, loonies and toonies, friendly neighbours and snow days. I watch the Toronto Blue Jays in the summer and the Toronto Maple Leafs in the winter. I’m proud to be a Canadian!
This week, Canadians have a special day to celebrate —Canada Day! Canada officially became a country on July 1, 1867.
On Canada Day, we celebrate how fortunate we are to live in a safe, peaceful country. We’re also lucky that we have a safe, peaceful God who created it all. We have Him to thank for this country and everything that makes it beautiful—from the mountains to lush forests filled with wildlife and, yes, even the snow.
Your friend, Abby
Colour the Canadian flag.
What do you call a moose with no name? A sham-rock! Whatdoyoumaplecallafake leaf? Boo-tine What’s a Canadian ghost’s favourite food?
Anony-moose
Match each item to its shadow.
Can you find the words that tell us about Canada?
Colour Me
26-06/27/26
Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6153; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@salvationarmy.ca. Lyndon Buckingham General; Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Abbigail Oliver, editor; Rivonny Luchas, designer. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. Illustrations: stock.Adobe.com and gettyimages.ca unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368- 626X
God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. It is not based on anything you have done. No one can brag about earning it.
—Ephesians 2:8-9
What does this mean?
This Bible verse tells us that no matter who we are, we can be saved and loved by God. We do not have to be perfect, to do or say all the right things—all we need is faith in Him!
Did You Know?
Canada is the second largest country in the world, next to Russia. It is home to diverse wildlife, such as moose, beavers, black bears and reindeer.
Canada has more lakes than any country in the world, including the five Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Lake Erie.
