Church Day Camp Teaches Kids Basic Skills

This month over 60 children gathered at Ladner (British Columbia) Christian Reformed Church for a week of camp activities. They developed new skills that will serve them well in years to come.

Campers learn woodworking skills at Basic Skills Camp.

This is the fourth year the church has offered Basic Skills Camp, including such activities as woodworking, painting, sewing and crafts, cooking, and science experiments. Each day began with a Bible story or drama. Afternoons were filled with sports and trips to the pool or water park.

Many church members, from seniors to high school students, were involved in hosting the camp.

Organizer Winnie DeVries explained that the ministry started as a way for the church to reach out to community parents by providing the full day camp parents want for their kids in the summer.

Jed Schoepp, youth pastor at Ladner CRC, said, “We really wanted to see unbelieving kids hear the gospel, put their trust in Christ, and be added to his church. We looked at our talents and thought this day camp would best facilitate that outreach as well as serve kids in a unique way.”

DeVries added that many seniors have special skills they are eager to pass on to the next generation.

This year, about half of the campers were from un-churched backgrounds. Camp costs are subsidized by the church so that the registration fee is affordable for all families. The camp ends with a special church service on Sunday, followed by a barbeque for campers and their families.

It’s not just the kids who have fun at the camp, Schoepp added. “It’s a pleasure serving Christ by loving these kids.”