Babylonian Games and More

Things speeded up on Thursday morning as we prepared for a demonstration for parents to happen the next day.  We started with the usual round of movement and music, story and snacks.  We had to complete our finishing school sessions and craft projects as well as participate in morning soccer.

Originally we were scheduled for a Planetarium visit since we knew the Babylonians placed a lot of emphasis on the stars.  But when they cancelled, we regrouped and visited Christie Pits to play Babylonian Games.  Relays, where participants had to change costume before they could complete the next run were a good challenge.

So was the tug of war:

After a few spins around it was time for . . . . .

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A treat!

The Day for Clay!

Day three of our vacation camp.  Everyone was ready to depart for the Gardiner Museum after the morning round of music and movement, stories, snacks, crafts and games - and after a brief introduction, there were some amazing creations.

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Decor, Movement, Rhythm

Turning a church hall and classroom into ancient Babylon for our week long camp is a challenge, but the decor is superb.

On Monday there were great ways for campers to get to know one another.  Leader Kim suggested that everyone in the circle create a gesture for the rest of us to imitate as everyone said their names.  We then built a whole series of gestures as we went around the circle and finally put all our gestures together..

On Tuesday morning everyone reintroduced themselves again with a new gesture and we went round the ring again. At the end we said hello to everyone with our individual gestures.

Then we went on to learn a poem about Babylon and added some choreography. Several small groups showed off their versions and competed with enthusiasm.

Later we learned some music with the words, kyrie eleison.

And it was soon time for stories, snack, crafts and a quick game of soccer.

In the afternoon, we visited Allan Gardens for a tour and scavenger hunt.

Our Camp has Begun!

We've entered Babylon - converting Hiscocks Hall with a tent and amazing decor to explore the adventures of Daniel.  Starting the morning with action and song, we've also learned songs of Canada's first peoples and explored movement as we got to know one another. 

Then it was on to stories, Middle Eastern food, crafts and games and attending Mesopotamian Finishing School. On Monday afternoon we also enjoyed the pool and the playground in Trinity Bellwoods Park - an excellent first day.

Exploring Creation

Our Sunday School doesn't take a summer holiday. We go outdoors to explore creation in a warm Toronto summer.  We planted a garden and check out its progress regularly.  Yesterday we had a lot of fun talking about the creation of the sun, moon, and stars and making glittering stars, colouring some colouring sheets, and watering the garden this morning! And we had seven kids - not bad for a summer Sunday morning.

An Enjoyable Fun Fair

Now in its fourth year, our Fun Fair draws friends and neighbours to Ulster Street, where we closed the block next to the church and Healey Willan Park on July 21st.. The setup crew started at nine, face painters arrived, and the Bouncy Castle started inflating to be ready for opening at 10:00.

It's a relaxing time for kids to try the bubble wands, sidewalk games, get their faces painted with their favourite designs, dress up to try the new photo booth, join the scavenger hunt,  design some crafts, compete in the most popular event where wet sponges get tossed into human topped helmets - and finally enjoy a free lunch.  Thanks to all who made it happen - and especially to Michael Perry for coordinating the fun filled day.