A Simple Jungle Craft That Reinforces the Daily Psalm

If you’re leading crafts at Rainforest Falls VBS, you’re looking for something that is:

• Easy to prep
• Affordable
• Thematically on point
• Simple for volunteers to lead
• Flexible for preschool through elementary

This paper chain jungle snake delivers on all five.

It fits naturally into the rainforest theme and gives you an easy way to reinforce the daily Psalm without turning craft time into another lesson block.

Quick Overview (What Craft Leaders Want to Know First)

Time: 15–20 minutes
Ages: Preschool–5th Grade
Mess Level: Low
Prep Level: Moderate (pre-cutting required)
Cost: Budget-friendly
Best For: Large groups and rotating stations

Supplies

Per child:

• 10–12 green paper strips (1” x 6”)
• Small triangle cut from green paper (snake head)
• Small red strip (tongue)
• 2 googly eyes
• Glue stick
• Stapler (adult use)
• Black marker

Optional:

• Printed verse references
• Jungle stickers
• Crayons for decorating

Prep Before VBS

To keep your station running smoothly:

• Pre-cut all paper strips.
• Pre-cut snake heads for younger kids.
• Display one completed sample.
• Keep staplers at an adult-only station.

Prepping ahead prevents bottlenecks during rotation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Build the Body

• Form the first strip into a loop.
• Glue or staple closed.
• Thread the next strip through the loop.
• Secure.
• Continue until the chain reaches desired length.

Alternating light and dark green makes it look more like a rainforest snake.

2. Add Meaning to the Loops

Before attaching the head, have kids write something simple on their loops based on the day’s Psalm.

Examples:

• Psalm 104:24 – Write something God created.
• Psalm 147:5 – Write something God knows.
• Psalm 46:1 – Write “refuge.”
• Psalm 136:1 – Write something they’re thankful for.
• Psalm 115:18 – Write “forever” on the last loop.

Keep it short. One word is enough.

3. Make the Head

• Attach googly eyes.
• Glue on red tongue.
• Write the day’s verse reference on the head (example: Psalm 46:1).

4. Attach Head to Body

Glue or staple the head to the first loop.

Snake complete.

How to Close Craft Time (1 Minute)

Before sending kids to the next station:

Read the day’s Psalm aloud.

For example:

“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” — Psalm 147:5 (ESV)

Then ask:
“What did you write on your snake?”

That short moment helps cement the connection.

Helpful Leader Tips

• For preschool: Skip writing and focus on assembling.
• For older kids: Have them write one word from the verse on each strip.
• For early finishers: Decorate with jungle patterns.
• For décor: Hang snakes from ceilings or across hallways by Day 5.

Why This Craft Works

• Reinforces Scripture visually.
• Scales well for large groups.
• Requires inexpensive materials.
• Matches the rainforest theme perfectly.

Simple crafts often work best at VBS. This one is easy to manage, easy to explain, and easy for kids to remember long after the week ends.