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

["Taiwan Church News" <enews@pctpress.org>]

3099 Edition

July 18-24, 2011

Church Ministry News

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. 

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