ST. CATHARINES, ONT.—It was with great joy that St. Catharines United Mennonite Church was able to host Vacation Bible Camp for 32 children in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6 during the third week of July. The theme this summer was “Rocky Railway,” emphasizing God’s power to get people through life’s ups and downs. Each day featured a story about a Bible hero going through a difficult time; Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection was part of the series. Taya Himes, a camp coordinator, said, “Each day’s lesson fit so well with what the children had gone through this past year.” The day camp was not broadly advertised in the community since enrolment was limited (down from 120 in previous years). Volunteers were trained in strict provincial day-camp protocols, which included screening, physical distancing, hand washing/ sanitizing, and wearing masks for various activities. Children were dropped off at the door, had their temperature checked, and participated in active screening for COVID-19 symptoms. At pick-up time, parents waited in their cars spaced out in the parking lot. Another coordinator, Marian Reimer Friesen, said, “The children were so thrilled to be together again. The parents were grateful for the social opportunity after many months at home, and the inspirational messages.”
