Day 1 Virtue Demo: EXCELLENCE

Ask:

What does it mean to strive for excellence?

Doing your very best in everything you do, continuously learning and improving in all areas, the quality of being excellent, etc.

Demonstrate: 

I need 2 volunteers. Choose one boy and one girl. Have them stand beside each other.

I want both of you to take a BIG step. (pause) Good job! Now, I need you to take an even bigger step! (pause and wait) Wow, even better! This time, I want you to give it your best shot, and take the biggest step possible! (pause) Awesome!

Which step do you think was your biggest step? The first, second or third one? 

Explain: 

It’s interesting how you didn’t take your biggest step the first time. Aiming for excellence is when you give it your very BEST effort, every time, and even the first time! You try to be the best YOU can be at all times!

Thank the volunteers, give them a round of applause and have them go back to their seats.

Ask:

What are some things you can practice excellence in? Faith, chores, school work, sports, friendships, hobbies, taking care of our bodies, etc.

What happens when you don’t practice excellence in those things? Low grades, broken relationships, we settle for second best, etc.

In the Bible, St. Paul tells us “if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

Ask:

What are some ways to practice excellence in your faith? Put God FIRST: Love God with our whole heart, mind and soul, read the Bible, pray before meals, practice an attitude of gratitude, celebrate Mass on Sundays, go to Confession, etc.

Explain:

When we don’t practice excellence in our faith, we MISS OUT on all the amazing things God has prepared for us.We experience less joy and less peace in our heart.

To be a Champion means trying to do your very best! We need to have a great game plan: to practice EXCELLENCE in everything we do!