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ABOUT SPEED STACKS
What in the World is Speed Stacks?
THE SIMPLE ANSWER: “Cup
Stacking” or “Speed Stacking” is a rapidly growing new sport in America.
It is quite simply a race to see how fast you can stack and unstack
specially designed cups in predetermined sequences.
Over 2500 schools in America currently have Cup Stacking and a growing
number of church and youth organizations are also catching the fever.
Speed Stacks Inc. is the leading company that makes and sells the special
cups (www.speedstacks.com) and the
WCSA is the World Cup Stacking Association, (www.worldcupstackingassociation.com)
a non-profit organization that regulates the rules and official competitions of
Cup Stacking organizations.
 SOME
HISTORY: Pastor
Karl began ‘cup stacking’ in 1996 when his mother gave him three sets of
stacking cups for Christmas. They
quickly became and are still the #1 game that kids have loved whether it
be in Kid’s Church, at camps or at other venues where Pastor Karl speaks or
entertains children. But the only
time the kids got to play was when Karl got his cups out and used it in game
play. (Which kept him invincible to
being beat by kids… not true any more!) So it was a delight in February 2003
to discover that there is a Christian company that not only makes the special
cup stacking cups, but also other fun accessories from mini cups to a timing
mat! Finally, kids are able to own
and take home this extremely fun game!
 WHAT
DOES “CUP STACKING” HAVE TO DO WITH CHURCH?
The simplistic
answer would be ‘nothing’ but then again, neither do puppets, or videos, or
computers, or flowers, or Krispy Kremes and coffee for that matter.
BUT many things we enjoy can be used to enhance our church, worship and
learning experience.
Our children’s ministry is committed to keeping current (if not ahead)
of what kids are in to and enjoy, especially the few wholesome and healthy
things out there! As
the sport of cup stacking enters schools around the country, cup stacking at
church events can build a bridge into our community giving kids yet another
reason to come to church and/or bring their friends, and in time to come to
learn about God and the Bible.
In addition to the indirect outreach benefit, fun social interaction with
other church kids is extremely important in a world where most church kids do
little with their Christian friends outside of church.
Cup stacking provides a way for healthy interaction and play and builds
community and friendships.
It’s been said, “The Church that plays together, stays together.” J
It’s hard to argue with smiling kids.
 DO
KIDS NEED TO BUY CUPS? No,
Pastor Karl has purchased a complete ‘school set’ of stacking cups that kids
can use at any church events when cup stacking is being played. However,
it is not surprising that kids will want to purchase their own to play and
practice at home. While it is perfectly understandable that kids will want
what “Pastor Karl has,” kids do not need stacking cups, and parents
should be quite used to and capable of saying no if they do not want their kids
to purchase them. However, I would recommend kids spend their own money on
them, even earning it through helping around the house if they don’t have
money to buy them. With all the things kids can buy these days, I would
encourage, if not even celebrate, kids wanting to buy things that help to engage
them with their pastor and their church and their Christian friends! Kids
can sign up to purchase speed stacks cups in a group order or can order directly
online themselves at either www.speedstacks.com
or www.kidology.org Kids who join the
World Cup Stacking Association also get a free set of red Mini Speed Stacks as
part of their membership!
 WHAT
SPEED STACK EVENTS ARE COMING? This
summer VCB will host several “Speed Stack Clinics” where kids simply come to
play, learn the sport, and compete.
Then there will be an official tournament in September. (Tentative date:
Sat. 9-20) Kids
can simply come to the dates that they are in town and available.
There is no cost, advance sign up, or attendance commitment required.
The higher purpose of these events is not to merely ‘stack cups’ –
it is the value of the relational time the children participating will
enjoy with their children’s pastor and other church kids.
Yes, they are welcome to invite their friends to come too!
CAN PARENTS GET INVOLVED?
Yes!
Finding ways to relate and play with your children can be a challenge –
cup stacking is a fun and easy way to engage your kids in a simple and playful
way! Your
kids will think you are ‘cool’ if you too become a ‘stacker!’
Talk to Pastor Karl about how to modify the rules for younger children
and for making it fair for adults to race kids!
If you’d like to become a Speed Stacking Coach or volunteer, let Pastor
Karl know!
It’s
not everyday you find something that kids and adults of all ages can
enjoy together!
So
how fast can you stack?
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