Launching a project of this scale in such a short time was a challenge. As summer approached, a question weighed on my mind: how could our community contribute to the well-being of children and support parents, especially with most of our leaders planning to travel for their vacations? As a multicultural religious community, I knew we had an opportunity to play a part in shaping the younger generation. With this in mind, the idea was born to create our first Christian Summer Day camp. Although we were short on time for preparations, I decided to offer five mornings of activities for the children anyway. It was unthinkable to let such an extraordinary opportunity pass us by.
An Act of Faith and Collaboration
Launching a project of this scale in such a short time was a challenge. We needed to find a venue, define enriching activities, and mobilize volunteers. But, driven by an unwavering faith and supported by a few dedicated parents and three church members, we overcame these obstacles. The goal was clear: offering the children a friendly environment for fun and socializing. Thirteen children (exceeding our initial forecast of nine) answered our call, proving that this initiative was necessary and highly anticipated.
Stories for Inspiration
Our program was built around the theme "Called to Be Different," inspired by the stories of Nehemiah and Joash. Each morning, the camp started with breathing exercises to help the children learn to control their emotions daily. Then, for an hour and a half, they delved into these captivating stories, learning how these biblical figures faced adversity and made a significant impact. These life lessons helped the children find their own answers to the challenges of being different at school or at home.
Learning While Having Fun
To illustrate these stories, the children colored to bring Nehemiah and Joash to life according to their imagination. After the study, it was time for games! Outings to the park allowed them to socialize, play, and get closer to nature. Soccer was, of course, a part of the fun, as was jumping rope. Snacks prepared by our volunteer, Manoucheca, added a tasty touch to each day.
An Unforgettable Experience
This first summer day camp proved that faith, combined with community action, can make a significant difference in the lives of children. The laughter, the lessons learned, and the friendships created fill us with joy. Bonds of friendship were formed between children who had not known each other before. We can't wait to welcome them back next year for a new, enriching adventure, strengthened by the lessons of this first experience.
It's worth noting that our first Back to School program was also held to end this week of activities. We distributed about thirty school bags.
Jacqueline Emile
Pastor of SDA Bathurst