Faith, Friendship, and Roller Skates

Thursday afternoon, the Junior Class went on its Camp Meeting field trip to Smoky Mountain Sk8way & Family Entertainment Center. Located in Waynesville, NC, only 10 minutes from Camp Meeting, the facility gave the 10- to 12-year-olds an exciting afternoon of roller skating and bouncing-house activities.

According to class leader Pastor Evan Bujeker, the activity was selected because it provides many of the 70+ children in the Junior Class an opportunity to experience something they may not often get to do while also learning new skills.

In addition, the outing allowed the children to enjoy the excitement of traveling together, building friendships, and participating in a wholesome and Christian-appropriate activity.

Bujeker also emphasized that activities like this provide opportunities for discipleship through the practice of Christian values. Children who already know how to skate can show kindness and patience by helping those who are still learning. Meanwhile, those learning to skate can practice humility by asking others for assistance.

Being together in a group activity also reminds the children that everyone has different strengths and abilities, and that these gifts can be used to help one another...an important foundation for unity.

Bujeker encouraged pastors and church leaders throughout the Carolinas to continue supporting Junior Ministries in their local churches by creating events, spaces, and opportunities to minister to children in ways that are both fun and Christ-centered.

He also highlighted the importance of taking advantage of children’s natural ability to memorize Scripture, something that can positively impact their spiritual lives for years to come.

Although this was the class’s only field trip during Camp Meeting, their daily program will continue through Saturday night with meaningful mission stories, testimonies, small-group learning opportunities, and moments for the children to pray publicly and become more comfortable sharing their faith.

— Mauricio Schiavenin