Kids Camp 2010

The annual Kids Camp organized by NCEASL was held at the Sanctuary House Pamunugama from the 17th – 20th of August 2010. The theme for this year’s camp was “The fruit of the Spirit”. 72 children from 19 districts participated at this year’s camp. Though the children came from different backgrounds one thing they had in common was the love they had for their God Almighty. They had all been through traumatic experiences; yet their parents continued faithfully to serve the Lord.

The main objective of this year’s camp was to minister to the children in a way to renew, refresh and encourage them to come out of the fears and discouragements. These children have faced persecution in schools and in the communities they live in. This camp also gave them the opportunity to make new friends from different backgrounds and ethnic groups.

On the first day the theme, “The fruit of the Spirit” was acted out by the NCEASL staff.  The life of a tree that does not bear fruit and spends a very lonely and sad life was compared to the trees that bore fruits. Finally the tree that does not bear fruit makes friends with the fruits and the tree bears fruit for God. The theme of fruits was woven into all aspects of the camp, from the teachings to the decorations at the camp site.  The drama was followed by a time of worship

On the second day the teachings continued under the common theme “Fruit of the Spirit”. The older group (14 – 17 years) studied Galatians 5: 22 and the concept of “if Iam a child of God how do I bear fruit”.

The second age group (10 -13 years) was taught how they should remain in Jesus to bear fruit. This session was based on two stories which were simply explained and easily understood by the children.

Through interactive stories and hand work the youngest group (06 – 09 years) learnt on ways to bear fruit.

Later the children performed a talent show of dancing, singing & drama. The talent show helped to bring out the hidden talents of the children. Each song they sang glorified the Lord and the dramas they performed demonstrated the unity and the friendship the children had formed during the camp, even though they had met for the first time.

The children visited the “Guruge Nature Park” where they enjoyed themselves immensely.  The children learned about the history of the country, different cultures, animals, and also had a lot of fun in the park. The older children went on the roller coaster and the merry-go-round whilst the little ones enjoyed the swing, see saw and the mat slide. The children said they had never gone to an amusement park before this, and never dreamt they would get a chance to do so. They thanked the NCEASL for making it a reality. 
 

“This is the first time I attended Kids Camp. My friends spoke a lot about last year’s camp. This year I told the Lord to open a way for me to attend this year’s camp. I thank my Lord for giving me this opportunity as I learned many things and found answers to problems which had bothered me for a long time. I really enjoyed the camp and thank my Almighty God for giving me this opportunity. God bless you all and thank you for this wonderful camp”. 
Nisansala Doreiraj, aged 17 years from Galle

On the 3rd day of the programme as the camp came to an end the children took back with them beautiful memories and a token of a gift voucher and a pack of sweets. As the children bid farewell to each other they walked out of this year’s Kids Camp as soldiers of Christ, wanting to bear fruit for his glorious Kingdom.