I had the pleasure of experiencing this activity at a women's retreat about 10 years ago and loved it so much. I've thought about it many times through the years since, and when I was called to be the Girls Camp Director, I knew we needed to give the girls this experience as well. I tried to locate it online to have an outline of how this activity worked (10 years makes the memory a little fuzzy haha), but I could NOT find it anywhere! I reached out to ladies I had been to the retreat with and no one I talked to had a copy. We did have many memories that we compiled, so I thought "if nothing else, I can just wing it". I didn't want to do that though, I didn't feel it would have been as powerful. So I kept searching and kept gathering items I knew I'd need, and just prayed and had faith that things would work out. Just as I was about to stop the search (literally a week before camp), I was put in contact with a lady I didn't know and she had, not one, but TWO copies (the full version and a simplified version). Miracles still exist and happen frequently, you guys! I got to work and gathered the remaining items, created the playlist I'd need, and off to camp we went! We ended up doing a simplified version, but it was so powerful for the girls to feel our Father's love and gain their own testimony experience through this activity.
A few things to note: You know your group's needs. Adjust these things to the needs of your group. Be mindful of allergies (we used a barley straw instead of alfalfa hay due to allergies in our group), or other special needs (we had a hearing impairment, so we made sure she was sitting closer to the speakers to hear the music - if one of the participants is fully deaf, create a "blind box" to sit on their lap so they can still see sign language of the music, but be "blind" to the objects being handed to them), etc.
Sensing The Savior - Sensing Christ: A Walk Through His Life and Love
The object of this experience is to feel things without sight so you can sense things better spiritually as well as physically; using your other senses to feel Christ's Spirit around you. Think of the objects being handed to you and how they might fit in Christ's life, then think how His life and experiences can apply to your life.
SONG | ACTION | PROP | NARRATION |
Peace, Peace, Peace | none | none | And behold, He shall be born of Mary…she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God. And He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith He will take upon Him the pains and the sicknesses of His people. And He will take upon Him death, that He may loose the bands which bind His people; and He will take upon Him their infirmities, that His bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that He may know how to succor His people. Alma 7:10-12 |
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| I am Mary from the village of Nazareth. When I was young, I became betrothed to Joseph. I looked forward to our marriage with much excitement. One day, I was alone in my house. Suddenly I realized that there was a brilliant light in the room. I saw a man standing in the midst of the light. It emanated from him as though he were the sun itself. The angel spoke to me saying “Hail, thou art highly favored. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women.” (Luke 1:28) What the angel said next was so stunning that I could hardly believe what I had heard. He said “Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Song of the Highest.” The angel told me that I would conceive before I was married. I asked him how that could be, since I knew not a man. The angel answered and said “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore that Holy child that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God.” |
| Place straw and cloth in hands after narration ends | Cloth (flannel or soft cotton) and straw |
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Created In His Image | Pick up straw/cloth
Place camel hair (fleece or fake hair/wool) in hands after narration ends | Fleece, wool, or fake hair to imitate camel hair | And the child grew, and waxed strong in the spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. Now His parents went to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and His mother knew not of it. **Pick up straw and cloth** Mary:I was worried when we couldn’t find Jesus. I should have known to check the temple. It was normal for a 12 year old boy to be questioned by the priest and scribes and even to ask them questions; this was how Jewish boys were taught. What was amazing to us all was how Jesus answered their questions. These learned men were astonished at His understanding. I, too, was taken aback. I was reminded that Jesus was no ordinary boy. As He learned and grew, he studied the writings of the prophets. The assurance that he was the promised Messiah grew within His soul. Most people thought of him as a simple carpenter boy. I knew that he was much, much more. **Place camel hair in hands** |
Baptism Song |
Pick up camel hair and hand out rock at the same time when in the song “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized” starts | Fleece/wool/hair
Rock | And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying “There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan until John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him saying “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo, a voice from heaven, saying “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. **Pick up camel hair and hand out rock** |
Nearer My God To Thee |
**May need to have a longer pause between this music and the next after narration. Be ready to pause until rocks are picked up after narration.** | Rock | Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, it is written Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him upon the Holy city and set him on a pinnacle of the temple and saith until him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written. He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Matt 4: 1-10 **Pick up rocks** |
Storm Music | Wait until the narration cue “The wind was blowing…” then fan them and spritz a mist of water. Then flash the light at their blindfold to simulate a storm. Stop on words “Peace, be still” | Fan, spray bottle, flashlight | And when they had sent away the nmultitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there was also with him little ships, and there arose a great storm of wind and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. I am Peter. I was on the boat that night. These storms of winds come up quickly, and fishermen sometimes drown. I, myself, was very afraid. We were in serious danger. The waves were high and were crashing over the sides of the boat, filling it with water. We tried bailing the water out, but we couldn’t keep up. I was trying to keep the sail from ripping to shreds. Andrew was fighting to hold the rudder. The wind was blowing, the boat was rocking and we were yelling and shouting but through it all, Jesus slept! I couldn’t believe He could sleep! Finally, not knowing what else to do, I woke Him. I asked how He could sleep. “Do you not care that we perish?” I asked. He didn’t answer me. He got to His feet and made His way to the front of the boat. Then, He stood there, looking out into the storm and the darkness, the waves crashing around Him, the wind tearing at His hair and beard. He raised His hand and spoke three words - “Peace be still.” There is no logical explanation for what happened next. As soon as He spoke, the winds began to die. Within two or three minutes, the wind and the waves were gone. The sea was completely calm. We marveled. What kind of man could command the wind and the waves |
Daughter Arise | *pause music, start again after narration is finished* | none | And behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jarius by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet and besought him greatly, saying, “My little daughter lieth at the point of death; I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.” While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house which said, “Thy daughter is dead; why troublest thou the Master any further?” As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogues, “Be not afraid, only believe.” I am Jarius. My 12 year old daughter was ill until death. I sought the help of the Master, but returned home to find I was too late. She had died. The mourners had already been called. I wept bitterly. My daughter had been my joy. How could her mother and I live our lives without her? I cannot describe the joy that coursed through my heart as Jesus told us to get her something to eat. I thought my heart would burst with happiness and gratitude. What kind of man can bring back one from the sleep of death? |
Love One Another | none | none | I am Matthew. I was a publican, and the Jews did not like me, for I collected their taxes. I chose to follow Jesus. I saw Him perform many wonderful miracles. He calmed raging storms; he gave sight to a blind man; He cleansed a leper and healed a man who was paralyzed. A woman was cured of an issue of blood just by touching His robe. A beautiful girl was raised from the dead. As you marvel about these things, please know that my life was once a stormy sea, but now my heart is calm. I have been cleansed of my sins, healed from my sickness, and cured of my spiritual blindness. I was spiritually dead, and now I am alive. What happened in Jarius’ house was a miracle of astonishing power. But for me the greatest miracle of all is what happened in my own heart. |
Close Enough to Touch | Slowly draw fabric across hands as if it were the hem of Christ’s robe | Strip of fabric | And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years. And had suffered many things of many physicians and had spent all that she had and as nothing bettered, but rather worsened, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind Him, and touched His garment. |
His Hands | Wait until second verse.
While music is playing, cup the hands of the participant in your own hands and just hold them for a few seconds before moving on to the next. | Hands |
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I Stand All Amazed | Pass around sacrament cups, make sure they are gathered back up before song ends | Sacrament cups | And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed and brake it and gave to them and said “Take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them; and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast and kneeled down and prayed. Saying, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared an angel unto them from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow and said unto them, why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. |
The Lord is My Shepherd | During first narration, pass out the crown of thorns, gather them back up at end of first narration
Begin whipping sounds immediately, snap belt three times, slowly
Hit wood or concrete three times, pause, then three more times again. | Wood wreath
Belt
Hammer | And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. And then soldiers led him away into the hall, called Pratorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head. And began to salute Him, “Hail King of the Jews!” And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him, they took off the purple from HIm, and put his own clothes on him, and led Him out to crucify Him. *Pick up wreath* Christ would be beaten and whipped, suffering more punishment and humiliation along the way. In those days, it was common for the condemned man to carry his own cross. They placed the heavy beam on His shoulders amid more cursing, whipping and breathing. Then He began His march to Golgotha. But He did not have the strength to bear such a burden. As His footsteps faltered and He fell under the cross burden, a man named Simon was pressed into service to bear the load until the crucifixion spot was reached. |
A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief | Place nails in hands while listening to narrator and pounding nails into a board or against a tree | Large Nails and Hammer | We don’t have many details of Jesus’ crucifixion. We know, however, that our Lord was nailed to the cross by spikes, driven through the hands and feet, as was the Roman method. Death by crucifixion was at once the most lingering and most painful of all forms of execution. The victim lived in ever increasing torture, generally for many hours, sometimes for days. The spikes so cruelly driven through hands and feet penetrated and crushed sensitive nerves and quivering tendons. Amid all His suffering, He prayed “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” |
My Lord, My Redeemer | Pick up nails/hammers and place a picture of Christ in their hands (for them to keep) | Picture of Christ as a gift | My Redeemer liveth. Your Redeemer liveth. He went forth suffering pains and sorrows so that He would know how to help us. He took upon Him death that He may loose the bands of death, which binds His people. He did all this so that we too can live again. I know that my Redeemer lives! |
I Know That My Redeemer Lives | Remove blindfolds | Everyone may sing along |
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SIMPLIFIED VERSION
Items needed: small bundle of straw, small piece or block of wood, thorns (wooden wreath), nail (the larger the better), Sacrament cup, Blindfolds, flashlight, soft cloth, wide mouth container of vinegar to smell, cup of water, music playlist
One leader can effectively serve 8-10 individuals during the experience. So, plan accordingly for your group size and the number of items needed per group.
Explain the experience by asking what sense is used the most. By eliminating our dominant visual sense, our other senses will naturally become more powerful. Have each participant put the blindfold on and sit close together in their group. Remind them that this is a quiet experience. Please place hands on lap to be ready to receive objects that will be handed to them and so as not to disturb your neighbor. Explain that you will be handing out items for each person to sense and discover. Be respectful, be reverent, and allow yourself and others to experience their own senses.
SONG | ITEM | ACTION |
Away In A Manger | Straw | Hand out during song and gather before the end of song |
Carpenter’s Song | Wood | Same as straw |
Close Enough To Touch | Flashlight and cloth | Flash the light across eyes while brushing cloth across hands and arms. Do this 3 times during each chorus |
Gethsemene | Vinegar | Sweep open container under nose to smell. 1st time - after Savior sings “cup more bitter” 2nd time - during Satan singing 3rd time - at climax of song when everyone is singing. |
Day Of Tears | Thorns, Nail, Water | 1st verse - hand out torns to hold and touch. Sprinkle water on hands (like tears) during the chorus 2nd verse - Gather thorns and pass out nails. Sprinkle water on hands during chorus 3rd verse - Gather nails, sprinkle water on hands during chorus |
I Know That My Redeemer Lives | Sacrament cups | Hand out sacrament cups to hold until end of song. Collect them all before the end of song. |
Instruct everyone to remove blindfolds. Have a picture of the Savior spotlighted as a focal point when the blindfolds are removed. Allow some silence as each person continues to sense the presence of the Savior in their thoughts and hearts. Bear Testimony and allow other to do the same if they so desire.
**WHAT I DID**
I kind of grabbed ideas from both versions and included memories of what my experience was (with the help of others memories of the same event). This activity lasted approximately a half hour.
Hand everyone a blindfold and ask them to put it on. Start the music.
I displayed each item on a table at the center of our area so that they could see them as they removed the blindfolds. We were then able to reflect on how we felt, what we thought as we handled each item, and bear witness of the Spirit that was with us all that night. It was such a beautiful experience!
As you can see, my playlist was a little different than what was suggested in the info given to me and that was because of a couple reasons: some of the songs I could not find, and after much prayer and pondering on this, some of these songs I simply (and strongly) felt needed to be included.
I don’t know who created this activity, nor do I want any credit for it. I am so very thankful that I was able to experience it, and let the girls I was with experience it as well. Prayerfully ponder how you can make this activity fit in your group. Each one will be different and there will be many “take aways” from each experience. Enjoy!
