Over 790 teens and children from around the Southern Peninsula spent their July school holidays in a classroom of a different sort, the Living Hope Holiday Club.
This time of year is always looked forward to explained Life Skills Educator Justin Hendricks. “Holiday Club is one of those events that a Life Skills Educator cannot wait for due to the excitement of the kids. One day as I was walking to work from my house I entered the Capricorn area and got some kids along the way. They were already on their way to our programme at 07:30 and the programme only started at 09:00! This showed me the excitement the kids had for Holiday Club.”
Each year themes are chosen for Holiday Clubs based on prominent Bible verses and stories that can be personally applied. Curriculum Coordinator Danielle Schneider explained that this year two themes were chosen.
“This year for Holiday Club we spent the first week focusing on the Greatest Commandment found in Luke 10:27, love God and love your neighbour. Then we spent the second and third weeks looking at the life of Paul and applying positive characteristics to our own lives. Things like being a positive team player, humility, and having a good attitude.”
Children and teens explore these themes through songs, Bible stories, games, and crafts and they always get to enjoy a sandwich and a piece of fruit. While it’s easy to think the kids just show up for the fun, Hendricks believes that the programme makes a real difference in their spiritual lives. “While walking with them [early that morning] most had memorised the memory verse. This is a really good thing because they have taken in what was taught and don’t just come for the fun and games, but to learn something as well.”
Regular life skills clubs have now resumed during the school term with alternating days catering to teens and children. Living Hope hosts these clubs in Red Hill, Ocean View, Masiphumelele, Capricorn and Overcome Heights and welcomes new children to come any time. For more information about these and other life skills programmes call Living Hope on 021 784 2800.