We are very excited to be offering a Juniors Tournament. This will be for students ages 8-11 only as of October 1, 2025.
Students may register for up to two different events. $15 per event.
Events Offered:
- Junior Apologetics
- Junior Storytelling
- Junior Impromtu
Judges: Our elder competitors will be serving as judges for the Junior's Tournament. In order to judge Juniors, competitors must be 14 years or older, and have one or more prior years of competition experience.
Script Submission: While no script submission is required, junior competitors are still required to cite authors, sources, and copyright dates in their pieces.
Attire: Tournament attire is Sunday best.
Awards: All competitors will be acknowledged at the award ceremony! Remember to be dressed in your Sunday best.
Check-In: Friday, October 24th at 7:30 am - located at the entrance to the church
Event Details: Junior Impromptu
Time Limits: Impromptu is five minutes (no penalty for going over).
Impromtu prompts that will be used at the tournament
Round 1
- What is your favorite fall family tradition?
- Do you prefer apple picking or pumpkin patch visits?
- What’s the best fall festival or harvest celebration you’ve ever attended?
- Do you have a favorite fall beverage drink? Apple cider or hot chocolate?
- Do you prefer apple pie or pumpkin pie?
Round 2
- Park
- Zoo
- Theme Park
- Beach
- Campground
Event Details: Juniors Apologetic
Time Limits: Apologetics is five minutes (no penalty for going over) with three minutes of prep
Questions
- Is there more than one way to heaven?
- What is the importance of prayer
- What does it mean that God is immutable? Why is this important?
- What does the inspiration of Scripture mean? Why is this important?
- What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the Messiah? Why is this important?
Event Details: Junior Storytelling
Time Limits: Story Telling is five minutes (no penalty for going over).
Rules:
- Students must bring and use their own children's storybook in this event.
- Students will bring the book and characters to life.
- Students will introduce the Title and Author before beginning to read.
- Students will hold the book as they read.
- Students may skip pages, paragraphs, etc. to trim a story down to the five-minute time limit.
- Students should NOT memorize the piece but are encouraged to practice expressive reading, using their voice and face to convey the message.
- Students may sit or stand to deliver their story.
- Does not need to be a picture book, although picture books are highly recommended.
Storytelling Ballot Items:
Introduction
- Captures your attention; teasers permitted
- Cites title and author of piece
- Establishes context/background of piece
Literary Selection/Analysis
- Quality literature with universal appeal
- Selects literature that merits performance and entertains or delights
- Interpretation honors author’s intent
- If applicable, transitions clearly between scenes and characters
Physical Delivery
- Uses appropriate eye contact and facial expressions
- Exhibits appropriate energy, passion, and posture relative to the story being read
Vocal Delivery
- Utilizes variety of pitch, rate, volume, rhythm and inflection
- Has clear enunciation and accurate pronunciation
- Portrays well-defined, vocally distinct character(s) and narrator
- Speaks conversationally, sincerely, and with confidence
Overall Effective Reading:
- Brings literature to life
- Captures, engages and draws you into the story and/or establishes connection with characters
- Entertains and/or delights