Grant used for youth programming

by Rev John Crocker

Thank you so much to Clergy Support Memorial Church for supporting my grant submission and I’ll tell you, the joy that it brought to three young teens had no price.

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Parry Sound, where my wife and I attend, holds an intergenerational dinner every Thursday. Most of the teens (as many as eight some weeks) come from homes that do not provide a lot of family environment. The age range for these get togethers ranges from 15 years to 96 years (with the 96 year old being as spry as the 15 almost!) It’s a great opportunity for people of all ages to interact and learn from each other.

With a little help from the church and your grant, three of our teens recently attended a weekend camp retreat. The weather was cold and sleep was not on the agenda.

They had a blast and encountered Jesus in beautiful ways. They also  met and made friends with many other Christian kids from Southern Ontario.

It highlighted young people getting out of their shells and attempting new challenges, like high ropes and climbing rock walls, triumphing over many of their fears. They also learned skills of co-operation and how to navigate some of life’s challenges. They got to spend time in nature and be away from their phones. Again, your generosity was so appreciated.