Well, Uproar is finally over, and by all accounts it was a success. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Uproar, it is our summer children’s outreach program. Every year we put on a camp for the children in our community, and we try to jam as much fun and Word into it as humanly possible. It is probably the most taxing, and rewarding week in our local assembly’s schedule, and I get to be a part of it.
Typically I work with the more mature sect in our church. However, due to my past years of experience in children’s ministry, I guess I have acquired a set of “skills” which have made me of some use. In particular I have learned my way around a puppet. Yes, I said puppet. You would think as modern and relevant as the church attempts to be there would be very little demand for the Old School arts, but the kids absolutely love it.
Since it is very unlikely that any of the children I work with would be reading this, I feel safe in revealing a secret. I am Goober. It feels good to finally admit it. Not too sure who or what a Goober is? Well, Goober is a recurring character I do. He is a purple monster who happens to have a penchant for saying all the wrong things, and for “Pull My Finger” jokes. Basically he is the kind of monster you like the hang out with, but you may not want to introduce him to your grandmother. The kids absolutely love him.
Typically when Goober makes an appearance the question of the puppeteers identity inevitably comes up. Most adults are surprised to find out it is me. His voice and character are so far removed from mine they never put the two of us together. The kids are always left wondering. However, this year one child got pretty close to the truth. I overheard her talking with a counselor saying, “I think Mr. Tucker is Goober. I just don’t know how he gets into that small costume.” Close, but no cigar. I guess the mystery lives on.
– Now that Uproar is over I can actually start posting more meaningful stuff.