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Take part in the Christmas Story Scriptwriting Contest that will take place till October 4, 2026.
Theme: Christmas, Miracles, Love and Kindness
Imagine that you need to create a short Christmas play for children.
Task
Write a Christmas fairy-tale script that can be performed by children aged 5–14.
The play should involve 7 children. You may use:
- puppets;
- toys;
- masks;
- simple scenery;
- music and songs;
- a narrator.
Mandatory Requirements
- Duration: approximately 7 minutes.
- Actors: 7 children aged 5–14.
- Theme: Christmas.
- A miracle or unexpected event must happen in the story.
- The story should convey a positive value, such as love, kindness, helping others, friendship, forgiveness, hope, or caring for others.
- The script should be realistically performable by children without complicated scenery or special effects.
- The younger children’s lines should be short and simple.
- The script should have a beginning, development, and conclusion.
What to Submit
- Title of the script.
- Brief plot summary — 3–5 sentences (English or Russian)
- List of 7 characters.
- Full script with dialogue and stage directions.
- Brief description of the required scenery, props, and music.
Evaluation Criteria
Maximum: 30 points
- Originality of the idea — 5 points
- How well the Christmas theme is presented — 5 points
- Meaning and values of the story — 5 points
- Suitability for performance by children — 5 points
- Distribution of roles and engaging parts for all 7 participants — 5 points
- Emotional impact and impression of the ending — 5 points
The winner gets 50 euros (or equivalent amount in rubles)
Send in your script to marina@zhuchkovs.com till October 4, 2026. Good luck!
Report about the retreat in Armenia
Dear friends! From June 25 till July 1, 2026, the third international youth retreat — Crane’s Nest Armenia — was held in Armenia, bringing together 30 participants each day from five countries: Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Hungary, Slovakia, Check Republic, Moldova, and Russia! The program took place in a newly built educational center near Yerevan and was filled with engaging sessions, discussions, fellowship, and creative activities. Special focus was given to building and developing a youth community. Participants shared personal experiences, receiving inspiration and support from both elder community members and one another. Unforgettable moments included Armenian dances, delicious food, a hike, and immersion in local culture. The retreat became an important step toward creating a youth community rooted in the values of heart and family.
See the video report about the retreat!
Stay tuned for the announcement of the next retreat!