Kidzone: June 4 Update
Happy Friday, Kidzone Families!
Along with you, we have been so heartbroken by the disturbing news that the remains of 215 children have been found buried at the site of a former Kamloops Residential School in B.C. Our hearts also ache that the name of Jesus was misused in the follow through of these evil acts. This is NO representation of Jesus at all. In fact, Jesus’ heart breaks over this abuse and corruption. Though hard, it is so important to have conversations with our kids about these difficult realities. For some of us, we weren’t taught a lot about this part of Canada’s history growing up. Storytelling is a wonderful starting point toward learning, and reconciliation. There are more stories available now to share with our kids, and education about this history can begin young; with age appropriateness. Speaking of the abuses may be something for a child’s later years, but talking about fundamental issues is something that can start early using empathetic language and words that kids can relate to. We have updated our Resource Page HERE with some book suggestions that may be a helpful starting point for you. Your child’s teacher at school is also a wonderful resource to draw from. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can support and journey with you in this.
NEWS FLASH! As Covid-restrictions begin to lift in the coming days, we have re-scheduled our DRIVE-THRU HAWAIIAN FAMILY LUAU as an end of school-year celebration! Don’t miss it! We are thrilled to get to see your kids face to face! This will be happening on Friday, June 25th from 5:00-7:30pm at Unionville Alliance Church’s 16th Ave. facing parking lot. Gather your family to participate in our Hawaiian-themed car decorating contest, games, win some prizes, bring donation items for the Markham Stouffville Crisis Pregnancy Center, connect safely with volunteers, and more! Please head to the link HERE for all the information, and to sign-up! Please use your child(ren)’s name(s) and family name when you sign-up. This will help us to know how many to prepare for! Register for your time slot by Monday, June 21st! We can’t WAIT!
DON’T FORGET: OUR VIRTUAL CAMP REGISTRATION FOR THIS SUMMER IS OPEN! There are limited spots left for our MUSIC Camp (in partnership with Stouffville Music Room), and our STEAM camps are full but waitlists are open! We’d love ALL our kids and families to join in this summer’s BOLT VBS option (which has no attendee limit!) As Covid restrictions ease and things become safer, we will be encouraging you to join with friends, family or Lifegroups to participate in this TOGETHER! You can access the Online Camps website HERE, or head to bridgeconnect.ca.
Remember: lunch-time stories are back every Wednesday from 12:30-1:00pm on Instagram LIVE (@bridgekidzone)! We’ll have lunch-time stories for 3 more weeks, until June 23rd! Even if you’re only able to pop on for a few minutes, join us! It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some community time together. Any and all are welcome! If you or your child would like to be a mystery guest reader, let me know.
You’re going to notice a little change in a couple of weeks to our weekly lesson videos for the summer quarter! We’re going to be using video-based curriculum, to allow for our incredibly faithful volunteers to have a much-deserved REST! I’m really excited for our kids to experience what is to come this summer, starting on June 20th. Stay tuned!
As usual, our weekly lessons and activities will be updated by Friday at 4pm on Kidzone Online.
Continuing as always to pray for you, as you lead your families in the love and grace of Jesus!
In His Love,
Pastor Shauna
[email protected]
