Moved from another area:

Posted by Neil MacQueen on 4/29/03:

To "Chain" Kids up with Paul ...

We bought "swag lamp" chain... black links that can easily be plied apart with a pair of pliers. (We discovered there is some swag chain that is too sturdy. You want the cheap/lightweight stuff). Don't use plastic swag chain. It doesn't 'clank' as well.

Lay out a long length of chain on a table(s), about 30" per kid. Have the kids lay their wrist on the chain. Pull the chain up around both sides of their wrist and LINK with a spare link of chain. Don't link too tight or too loose.

This is a great time to have the Roman guard really give it to them (you fools, following a man we Romans killed, better keep your mouth shut about worshipping him, Caesar is our god, etc etc.) The younger children were a little bit scared by him, so tell the soldier/dad to go easy. Invite them to see him put on his armor and get into character. Have the kids practice being afraid (which they may indeed get a bit afraid when he starts yelling and chaining them together). A teen helper is a good idea for larger groups.

You can do their legs too if you have plenty of chain and a helper.

For the "break the chain during the earthquake bit"... instead of using spare links to bind Paul, use a black twist-tie that can easily be broken when the kids are distracted.

Neil the Jailer