Children's Camp

This past weekend we held another camp for some of the children in Lorna's English classes after our inaugural camp last year.  We once again rented the building below our house which we often use.  It is perfect for a camp.  14 children were there, a mixture of ages, boys as well as girls.  We also had the help of a short-term team which is here from the UK - they were invaluable as they worked behind the scenes, led games times and related to the kids (even those who could not speak much Japanese).  We had a number of games, both indoor and outdoor during Saturday afternoon before a British-style evening meal of coronation chicken (seems to be in vogue this year) followed by jelly and ice cream.  The latter seemed more popular!  Then in the evening we used the story of David and Goliath as our focus for the weekend.  David told the story, accompanied by vocal involvement from the watching children, and ending with one of the team collapsing as Goliath was struck down.  Lorna had written a simple play in English and the children learned their parts and made props before a rehearsal.  The evening ended with fireworks outside and then the sleeping bags and mats were laid out. 

After several hours sleep the children rose early in the morning (more willingly than some of the adults!)  We had the barbecues going for stick bread and sausages. The children were then given the challenge of going out in groups with adult help and taking photos of different things and actions following instructions written only in English.  Soon it was time for the parents to come and see a performance of the play.  We had a good number of mums and dads.  The children did really well with the play.  After a game with parents against children followed by some food and drinks, it was all over and we tidied up.  It was a great weekend.  These children hear a Bible story each week at the class and it was good over the weekend to focus on the message of David and Goliath and just to be able to spend time with these kids.  Who knows what seeds have been sown...