By Jeff Alexander, Coordinator, All Saints Church, and Crosstalk Ministries Day Camp Committee member

This year marks the second in-person Bible Day Camp we have held post-COVID. Our attendance was up modestly to eight from last year’s six; however, beyond the quantity, we were very pleased by the quality of our interaction and of the youth helpers.
We followed this year’s theme Signposts, adapting the curriculum slightly for our small and young (primarily kindergarten age) group of campers.
The music was expertly chosen for the week by our friends at the First Filipino Baptist Church of Montreal.
It was very rewarding to have four ex-campers – ranging in age from 12 to 20 – return as helpers, and their levels of vigilance, energy, encouragement, and kindness were incredible.
They were particularly attentive to two campers on the autism spectrum and our youngest camper who is being fostered by one of our church families; she started the week with her hoodie drawn closely around her face and gripping her stuffed bear, but brightened during the week and was eventually as energetic and expressive as the others.
We were also blessed with the attendance of some of the campers and their families at our closing service. We interspersed elements from Bible Day Camp throughout the liturgy, including a beautiful liturgical dance.
It was truly a blessing to our community to have hosted this wonderful week.

St. Joseph of Nazareth Church, Brossard

By Rev’d Christopher Belle
Priest-in-charge, St Joseph of Nazareth Church, Brossard

The Crosstalk Ministries Day Camps compact Backyard Program is a near-perfect fit for our church. We began in the evening with a meal prepared and served by members of the church. We then proceeded with the program, consisting of a main presentation, devotions, Creative Connection and games.
The children had a wonderful time. Our smaller numbers made for a more intimate setting, and it did not take long for some of the quieter ones’ initial shyness to wear off.
A strong indicator of its success was the enthusiastic singing following the day camps. Children were still singing the songs on the way home.
I was also encouraged by how well children recalled what they had learned the evening before. The quiz was an exciting showdown every time. It is clear that they understood what we tried to pass on to them.
I am always impressed by the many ways day camps allow children to express themselves. There is something for everyone; singing, liturgical dance, arts and crafts, crazy games, devotions. Children usually find their niche.
I find that the supper at the beginning is a key element in building a sense of community; a time for campers to share and learn about each other. And having parishioners who are enthusiastic about child ministry, and happen to be good cooks, is an absolute blessing.
Thank you, Crosstalk Ministries. God bless you.

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