Can you create a summer camp theme based on women in the Bible for children from kindergarten through middle school?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we hold the holy women of the Bible in the highest regard, beginning with the Theotokos*—Mother of God.

The theme for this camp will be "Daughters of the King: Pillars of the Faith." This acknowledges both the royalty of being children of God and the strength of these women who served as foundations for the Church.

Camp Theme: Daughters of the King

Motto: "The King’s daughter is all glorious within." (Psalm 45:13)

Scripture Pillar: "Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come." (Proverbs 31:25)

Daily Sub-Themes & Roles

Day 1: The Throne of Grace — St. Mary (The New Eve)

• Theological Focus: St. Mary is the "Second Heaven" and the "Burning Bush." Unlike Eve, who disobeyed, St. Mary’s "Yes" brought Salvation into the world.
• Lesson: Obedience and Purity. We look to the Parthenos*—Virgin as our ultimate model of holiness.
• Coptic Word: Ti-Theotokos* - The Mother of God - Greek loanword.

Day 2: The Courageous Intercessor — Queen Esther

• Theological Focus: Esther fasted and prayed before approaching the King to save her people.
• Lesson: The power of fasting and standing up for the truth, even when it is difficult. She teaches us that God places us in specific positions "for such a time as this."
• Coptic Word: Ti-ouro* - The Queen - Native Coptic.

Day 3: The Witness of the Resurrection — St. Mary Magdalene

• Theological Focus: She was the first to see the Risen Lord and was sent to tell the Apostles. In the Coptic Church, we honor her as the "Apostle to the Apostles."
• Lesson: Evangelism and Devotion. We must always seek The Christ with our whole hearts.
• Coptic Word: Te-metmethre* - The Witness - Native Coptic.

Day 4: The Wise & Proactive — Abigail and Lydia

• Theological Focus: Abigail used her wisdom to bring peace, and Lydia (the seller of purple) was the first convert in Europe who opened her home to the Church.
• Lesson: Hospitality and Wisdom. Using our talents and resources to serve the Church.
• Coptic Word: Ti-sophia* - The Wisdom - Greek loanword.

Day 5: The Faithful Servant — Archdeaconess Phoebe & St. Priscilla

• Theological Focus: These women worked alongside St. Paul to spread the Gospel.
• Lesson: Service. Every member of the body of Christ has a specific and vital role in the mission of the Church.
• Coptic Word: Ti-diakonia* - The Service - Greek loanword.

Activities by Age Group

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade:

• The Queen’s Crown: Make crowns and talk about being children of the King (God). Discuss how St. Mary is the greatest Queen because she carried the King of Kings.
• Stained Glass Art: Create "Stained Glass" silhouettes of the Nativity to honor St. Mary (Source 4 & 5).

3rd Grade - 5th Grade:

• The "Virtue Hunt": A scavenger hunt where children find hidden scrolls. Each scroll contains a verse about a woman’s virtue (e.g., Ruth’s loyalty, Hannah’s prayer).
• "Hot Seat" Game: Use the names of women in the Bible and their attributes for a guessing game (Source 2).

Middle School:

• Coptic History & Hagiography: Transition from Biblical women to Coptic Martyrs like St. Demiana or St. Catherine of Alexandria. Discuss how the strength of Biblical women inspired the Coptic martyrs.
• Theology of the Theotokos: A workshop on why we call St. Mary "Theotokos" and not just "Christotokos," defending the Orthodox faith against Nestorianism.
• Hymnology: Learn the "Lobe" (Praises) of the Theotokos or the different parts of the Theotokia (the Saturday Theotokia is a great start), focusing on the recordings and methods of Moalem Ibrahim Ayad or Moalem Gad Lewis.

Camp Culmination

End the week with a Vespers service where the children chant the praises of the Theotokos. Remind them that the "Milk-white rock" of tradition (Source 1) and the faith of our mothers must be preserved and carried forward into the world.