Wabamun parish camp helps children develop their faith

By THE K4J TEAM GUIDES
Special to the WCR
Wabamun

It was a bustle of activity July 15-19 as 46 children aged four to 12 gathered at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wabamun for our first K4J (Kids for Jesus) Summer Carnival Mission Camp.

Each day the children focused on one of the four activities (work, play, rest and pray) we need to balance our day.

Scripture verses, songs, games, crafts, lessons, skits, and even the snacks reinforced these different aspects of the virtue of balance. Thanks to the generosity of St. Joseph's CWL the snacks, carnival lunch and keepsake binders for campers were provided for.

Our saint for the camp was St. John Bosco who was presented by a volunteer each day, starting as a young boy and ending as an elderly priest. Even young adults from the local community gave of their time to tell St. John Bosco's life story. St. John had used carnival tricks and activities to preach the Gospel to street children.

For us as team guides it was truly a blessing to help children grow closer to Jesus. One team guide found herself analyzing her days to see if they are truly balanced. In opening her heart to God's word, she believes her daily activities will change to more closely follow his teachings. Another guide's prayer was that the enthusiasm of the children would continue and open more hearts to Jesus within their own families.

K4J (Kids for Jesus) is the slogan used by Catholic Kids Net, a national club designed to help kids fulfill their baptismal commitment to know Jesus, love Jesus and share Jesus.

The club offers Catholic formation to children in two ways: a monthly K4J Mission Pack received in the mail and a monthly team meeting. For more information call the national office at 1-877-600-6616 or log on to its Website at http://www.catholickids.net.

Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 -- Western Catholic Reporter