Volunteers Make SonQuest Happen!

"Day 3 is the worst – staff and children are all tired." commented Bob Cooney, as SonQuest Rainforest reached the middle of the program.

But you could have fooled me with all the energy at Knox Presbyterian this morning! No 'mid-week blahhs' to be seen as teams of youngsters pulled their chariots around the lawn or settled down for a Bible story with Margot! The enthusiasm is definitely infectious!

Watching all the activities it is amazing to think that all involved in making the program happen are volunteers!

In 2004, Margot Uyl from Knox Presbyterian and Flora Visser from Teeswater United independently thought it would be a great idea to have a Teeswater Vacation Bible School. Flora inquired with the other churches and as a result, she and Margot started Vacation Bible School that year.  There had been similar programs in the past, but that was long ago.
 
Since then, Margot, Flora and many volunteers, with support of the local churches, have worked together to provide a Vacation Bible School program every year. 
 
The program materials are selected and approved by both churches, and ordered early in the year. In 2010 the program is Gospel Light's SonQuest Rainforest VBS.
 
Since the beginning of the Teeswater Vacation Bible School Margot has taken responsibility for the teaching aspects of the program and Flora the program organization.
 
All program costs are covered by the combined churches and for the last 6 years donations have been collected for SCAW (last year alone more than $1000!).
 
This year the program is following a different format. In previous years group leaders have had to prepare Bible lessons as well as manage their groups, which became a heavy load. This load has been shifted to Margot who is teaching all the Bible lessons, and consequently does not get a break all morning. In addition, she has spent much time preparing for this.  Margot is a terrific teacher who can stir the children's thoughts and imagination. 

Sharon McDonald is a creative crafts person and has spent many hours preparing for this part of the program, and so did the Music, Games and Snack coordinators.

Without volunteers like Margot, Flora and their team, valuable programs like the Teeswater Vacation Bible School cannot happen.

In Teeswater there are a large number of groups and organizations in desperate need of volunteer help! For example the Kinettes would love helpers for the barbecue they hold annually at the Teeswater Fall Fair, and Teeswater Minor Hockey is in great need of organizers and helpers! If you have the time this summer and fall, your help is ALWAYS appreciated!

More pictures of SonQuest Rainforest can be found in the Teeswater.Ca Gallery!

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Photos and Teeswater Vacation Bible History courtesy of Flora Visser