This past week at City Kidz our topic was trust. Our focus was to help the children to understand that they can trust in God, he’s faithful and has a plan for their lives. This can be a difficult message for many of us including the children who attend City Kidz, as they each have experienced broken trust with those they love.

Trusting in God and following his plan is sometimes difficult when we feel that our life is not going in the direction we would like it to. Perhaps the important thing is to have faith enough for that moment for when we reach our breaking point.

What are thoughts on trusting God? Do you find it easy? Difficult? Why?

What are you thankful for?

How does it feel for a child to be at City Kidz for the first time?

There was a brother and a sister coming to City Kidz for the first time on a Saturday morning. They heard about the program from their friends but they never experienced all the fun their friends were saying.

The brother and sister sat down in the theater and looked around what everybody was doing. Soon, the young girl started missing her mom. A volunteer encouraged her to stay and give the games a chance since she does not know how much fun she will have. So the girl sat back in her seat and watched how other kids engaged in activities. Her brother was making friends and enjoyed his time. Some time passed and the girl approached the volunteer again that she would like to go home. The volunteer than took her out of the theater into the hallway to let her know that the program is almost over and she will be taken home with the red buses with her brother. To make her feel more comfortable the volunteer asked her questions about school, her favourite subject and what she likes to do in her spare time. As time passed the girl had a few glasses of water to calm her, went to the washroom and then re entered the theater. She sat beside the volunteer because she felt more comfortable with her than without. They even danced together for the last song before part of a movie was shown. As the kids started to head out the door to return to the bus the girl went with them with ease that it was not so bad.

The volunteer walked the sister and brother to their house and gave the girl a hug to let her know that she is loved and it is ok to miss her mom for the first time when she is away from her. As the volunteer walked back to the bus she hoped the girl would come with her brother the next Saturday.

Let is know your thoughts!

The parents and kids excitedly got on the bus at the designated location. Each person got a wrist band with happy faces on it to be able to get on the rides. The bus ride gave an opportunity for the families and the City Kidz volunteers to connect. The kids shared their summer fun at camp or times they shared with their friends at home.

Thirteen buses transported more than six hundred children and their parents to the park. Kids could hardly wait for the bus to stop before they each scurried towards the midway, parents in tow. At the park among the more popular rides were the Sizzler, Polar Express, Free Fall and of course, who could forget the Avalanche! Each one succeeded at giving children the thrill of a lifetime as well as that queazy feeling in the pit of their stomachs. In some cases, children found themselves looking for the closest washrooms!

Another highlight of the day was a bear mascot from Boston Pizza handing out cookies as well as the free water bottles for all who were thirsty. Before leaving, kids were delighted as each received free stuffed animals courtesy of Robertson’s Amusements.

Everyone who road our bus had a fantastic day. Many kids with stuffed animals and snacks such as candy apples sat on the bus laughing and smiling and telling the City Kidz volunteers how great the rides were.

Soon the buses returned each child and parent back home and the City Kidz volunteers parted from the parents and the kids by giving them hugs, hi fives and wishing them a good day. The families were grateful and the City Kidz volunteers were happy to spend time with them. Thanks to the Winona Peach Festival committee, the volunteers, and all our supporters, the City Kidz 3rd annual Midway Adventure was a huge success!

From the beginning of my “Summer Experience Coordinator” role at City Kidz, I have eagerly anticipated these three weeks of Adventure Camp as I’ve organized the registration forms to make this opportunity possible for each child. To me, these registration forms are precious because they represent a child – full of potential just waiting to be inspired.

In partnership with Mount Hamilton Baptist Church, Adventure Camp has consisted of thirty different children each week; hearing various bible stories, participating in fun group games, going swimming and bowling, and visiting entertaining conservation areas and the zoo.
“All that matters is that we’re having fun,” said a child as we were building sand trenches.

Through this experience, I’ve truly learned how to make the most of every moment with each child. Be it rain or shine, it is crucial that each child is positively impacted and has fun. This starts with our leaders maintaining a loving attitude and being willing to invest time and energy so that the kids feel valued and safe.

It has been a pleasure for me to see the children enjoy camp, and at the same time inspiring to see the the growth of leadership in our Jr. leaders as they connect and engage with our children. These Jr Leaders were once City Kidz kids themselves and it is so amazing because they are putting into action the values that we teach.

My hope was to make an impact on these children, and I am grateful to have been impacted by them as well. I’ve experienced giving countless piggy-back rides, spinny hugs, making funny faces, being splashed by the children, singing and dancing to City Kidz songs, and much more. All to see countless smiles from these children!

Because of this experience, I am overjoyed to know that for each one of them, this has been a wonderful “Summer To Remember”.

Katherine Paterno,
Summer to Remember Staff