Summer camp promotes gospel, Taiwanese culture, and good family relationships Reported by Lin Yi-ying

Summer camp promotes gospel, Taiwanese culture, and good family relationships

Reported by Lin Yi-ying

Written by Lydia Ma

What is so special about a summer camp that not only motivates 330 kids to attend every session, but also keeps parents motivated to stay and participate? The answer can be found by visiting Taipei East Gate Presbyterian Church, which held two separate summer camps – one for children and one for youths – from July 4 to 15, 2011.

Ten years ago, Rev. Lu Jun-yi saw some parents send their children to cram schools over the summer felt sad that these kids would be missing out on learning about Taiwanese heroes, history, and culture. So, he came up with the idea that his church could start a summer camp for elementary school children.

Later on, seeing that many parents had nothing to do during that time than wait for their children, his staff decided to welcome parents to these classes. Not only has this move helped parents and children spend more time with one another, it has also helped them bond. The church later began a separate but similar summer camp for youths.

Camp activities include playing games, watching or performing skits, singing Christian songs, and attending classes. These activities not only help children learn about Taiwanese culture, history, and ethnic groups, it also helps them learn Bible verses through easy-to-remember stories.

Materials used for this camp include “Little Peter”, a Vacation Bible School curriculum co-produced by Taipei East Gate Church and Taiwan Church Press.

The camp’s purpose isn’t merely to introduce the gospel to children and transform their lives,” said Lu. “It’s ultimate goal is the salvation of entire families through these children.” But another important purpose of this camp, said Lu, is to raise up a generation that will be kind to other humans and a generation with a deep sense of attachment to their land.