Break out the Lincoln Logs and plastic army guys for this one. (You could also use Legos or other building toys.) Gather the crew and read about a favorite Book of Mormon battle. As you slowly read, set up an elaborate re-enactment of the scripture by building forts, strategically placing little soldiers, cutting up wavy strips of blue construction paper for rivers, make mountains, build trenches, etc.

One of our favorites is in Alma 56 where the 2000 stripling warriors provide a decoy to lead a powerful Lamanite army away from their fort. Then, Antipus and his army follow behind the Lamanites in an attempt to surround them. The stripling warriors face a big decision when they have to decide whether to keep running from the Lamanites or turn back to see if Antipus needs help!

The plastic soldier battle grows intense as each army moves to new strategic locations. In the end, the soldiers of the Lord are triumphant because they have heeded His word. As the enactment is carried out, discuss the interesting and clever ways these men of God outsmart their foes.

Doing this activity really helps the kids remember the battles and the lessons that can be learned through all these scripture verses as you talk about the need for planning, being creative, waiting upon the Spirit, etc.

You can get teens involved by having them help the younger ones understand what is going on and helping to lay out really cool designs for the forts. If the toddler happens to prematurely sabotage an army, there is a lesson in that--always be prepared for the unexpected!