The Ottery Road Methodist Church, in Wynberg, hosted a holiday club with the theme “All aboard” for 150 participants, during the first week of the winter school holiday from June 17 to June 21.
The annual programme, designed for children between the ages of 6 and 13, aimed to create a safe and engaging space for children from Wynberg and further afield.
“The holiday club not only keeps children off the streets, it also provides an opportunity to share the word of God,” said executive member Sean Hadskins.
“This year’s nautical theme of All aboard matey invited young children to get on board with Christ and experience His presence in their lives. They were reminded that no matter the storms, they are never alone,” said Mr Hadskins.
A typical day started with ice-breaker exercises followed by praise and worship. “Whilst this is usually a high energy, exuberant session in the hall, this year the ORMC worship band known as The Instruments, provided additional music support on the public holiday that increased the intensity,” said Mr Hadskins.
The attendees had an opportunity to learn life skills and how to deal with social issues. “The attendees are split into school grade groups where a Bible story, object lesson for the day and memory verse is shared and discussed. This year, the Grade 7’s programme was enhanced by incorporating life skills like goal setting, decision-making, positive self-esteem, addressing bullying and gender-based violence. The grade group sessions are then followed by a craft activity aligned with the programme and group games until the eagerly awaited lunch is served,” said Mr Hadskins.
Mr Hadskins said children attending holiday club are not only nourished spiritually but receive nutritious, wholesome meals too. “We are indebted to our superb kitchen team, who under tremendous pressure, catered tea and lunch daily to the average 150 attendees and 40 leaders per day. Their exemplary efforts were equally matched by the generous donations in cash and kind from ORMC, ORM Primary School, church members, attendees’ parents and others. The holiday club would not have been possible without these blessings of time and donations, which we sincerely appreciate.”
The holiday club has operated annually since its inception more than 20 years ago, except for during the 2020 and 2021 Covid-19 pandemic years. During the early years, 20 to 30 children attended the club, and the programme has grown to an average daily attendance of 150 children in the past few years.
Mr Hadskins said after Peter Arendse and Nicolette Rule started the holiday club in response to the need in the children’s church and youth programme, its leadership transitioned to Dorian Marz, then Sheraleen Marz and this year, was led by coordinators Brent October, Kristen Cottle and Chelsea van Heerden who each participated during their primary school years.
On Saturday July 13, the Ottery Road Methodist Church hosts a Gospel Extravaganza in the church hall from 3pm. The Instruments will headline the extravaganza along with four worship bands. The tickets cost R30 each in aid of music equipment. Tickets are available at the door. For more information contact Mr Hadskins at 082 582 1575
