I have noticed a recent trend in ministry resource boxes lately. There are a few out there but today I wanted to share my thoughts on SproutBox.
SproutBox Description (according to their print material):
Launched in September 2015, SproutBox is a monthly box subscription designed to create unforgettable family-based Bible experiences with AR technology, interactive curriculum, and easy-to-follow parent guides to facilitate faith-shaping conversation with your kids (ages 4-10).
Its mission is to help parents and kids engage God’s Word in new creative ways.
My Sample Box
I reviewed the “Creation” theme box, which came with:
- step-by-step instructions
- a baseball card-size character card
- a 20-piece creation puzzle (marked with a number “1”)
- an 11-page storybook (marked with a number “2”)
- a 7-piece Parents Guide (marked with a number “3”)
- a make-your-own flowerpot craft (marked with a number “4”)
Using the resources in the box required four easy steps:
Step One (Captivate)
Before using the box, I needed to download the free SproutBox App. Then I put the creation puzzle together. Next, I opened the SproutBox app, pressing the camera icon and pointing my phone (you could also use your tablet) at the puzzle. What happened next was very cool – the Bible story came to life! Omari, our storyteller, popped up on the screen and told the creation story. The story itself was not too short and not too long, making it work for younger AND older children. Not only did Omari tell the story, but he asked me to be part of it by swiping the screen to see more beautiful images. The images were high-quality – they were colorful and clear. Well done!
Step Two (Explore)
The storybook, called “The Master Plan”, brilliantly told the creation story on a child’s level through the use of simple (but not babyish) language and eye-catching illustrations. The book featured Omari and introduced me to his two friends, Gideon and Danya. Their conversation exchange was simply delightful.
Step Three (Guide)
This step was by far my favorite step. Why? Because it equips parents to continue the conversation beyond the Bible story so that children can apply what they’ve read to their everyday lives. I love that SproutBox provides a resource to make that happen!
The parent guide offers fun activities, Bible readings, discussion questions, and a prayer for parents to use. Not only that but the guide provided a “Did You Know Facts” section. I thought this was brilliant because many parents today didn’t grow up in a Christian household and may not be familiar with the Bible stories they are teaching their children. Outstanding, SproutBox!
Step Four (Experience)
I LOVE hands-on projects for children, especially ones that encourage children to use their imaginations and be creative! The experience provided for the creation box included 3 small cardboard flowerpots, 3 soil pods, seeds, paints, paintbrushes, instructions, and blank note cards. What a great way for the children to create a tangible reminder of the awesomeness and beauty of God’s creation!
My Thoughts
Overall, I think this idea is a great way to equip busy parents to share God’s Word at home with their children. Having everything in one box removes barriers that could keep parents from feeling ill-equipped on what to do and what resources to use.
At $24.99/month, the box could be financially out-of-reach for some families, so I’d recommend that SproutBox include more at-home activities in the Parent Guide. Doing this would stretch the discussions out longer over the course of the month, thus making it more appealing for some parents to pay that amount of money. It would also be great to see some sort of family service project included in the Parent Guide.
Find out more about SproutBox by visiting them on:
Website: http://sproutboxkids.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sproutboxkids
Twitter: @SproutBoxKids
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sproutboxkids/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sproutboxkids
Keep the conversation going! Have you used SproutBox Kids or another resource box to help your families or families in your ministry have spiritual conversation at home?
Disclaimer: I was provided a free sample to review and offered my honest opinion without compensation.
