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Seeds of Hope in Bloom: WE Holy Fun and WE Intercultural Summer Camp

In the summer of 2024, children gathered at Willowdale Emmanuel United Church in North York, ON, for the WE Holy Fun Program and WE Intercultural Summer Camp – programs created to give children a place to learn, play, and build community in a welcoming faith-based environment.

This work was supported by a $4,000 Seeds of Hope grant from the Wesley C. Smith Estate Fund through the United Church of Canada Foundation.

Between 15 and 20 children from the surrounding community regularly participated in the programs. Throughout the summer, they took part in Bible storytelling, music and dance, arts, sports, and group games. The church also brought in guest educators and activity leaders to introduce new experiences for the children.

A sense of belonging

As the summer progressed, organizers witnessed the importance of creating spaces where children can gather safely, build friendships, and ask questions about faith and life. Church leaders reflected that many children are looking for opportunities for connection beyond school or individual activities. Group games and shared activities became an important part of the experience. Children learned to cooperate, help one another, and work as a team.

“We learned that children’s programs need to be both educational and enjoyable,” organizers shared. “When children have fun while learning, they want to come back.”

One story especially highlighted the impact of the program.

A woman named Binky started taking her niece Bella to church, because Bella’s mother worked Sundays. As an only child, Bella really enjoyed interacting with the other children and developed a strong connection to the church community. Seeing the positive impact the program had on her niece, Binky decided to become a Sunday School teacher herself. She now plays an active role in the church’s Young Family Ministry and has introduced other families to the congregation.

Seasons of strength

The impact of the program extended beyond the summer months. Three new families started to attend church regularly, helping to strengthen and revitalize Sunday School and family ministry programming. Senior members of the congregation also became involved by supporting the ministry through prayer and financial gifts.

Organizers reflected honestly on the challenges they faced. Limited financial and volunteer resources meant participation had to be capped, but leaders hope to expand the program in the future. While the camp was intended to be deeply intercultural, most participants came through existing connections from the Korean and Filipino communities. Leaders plan to develop new outreach strategies to connect with a wider range of cultural communities in the years ahead.

The church hopes the program will continue growing over the coming years as part of its long-term Young Family Ministry. Leaders believe programs like WE Holy Fun are an important reminder that churches can still play a meaningful role in the lives of children and families by creating spaces of connection, learning, and care.

Support programs that build community

Seeds of Hope grants help communities like Willowdale Emmanuel United Church create welcoming programs where children can build friendships, grow in confidence, and experience community together. Make a gift today to help churches as they welcome families, build community, and create joyful places where children feel they belong.