Here's what we've been up to ... summer 2023
Meet Up & Eat Up - Celebrating Summer 2023
When you pull into the main entrance of the Leisure Estates neighborhood, you’ll see the clubhouse, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, directly in front of you. Behind that is a gleaming swimming pool and a grassy play area – that’s our daily gathering spot for Meet Up & Eat Up. The spot where we give hugs, play games, eat lunch, read books, and create crafts. The spot where we get to know one another and spend a summer together.
A spattering of kids are typically waiting when we arrive, anxious to see what the day will bring. Each Monday, the Herrick District Library-North Branch visits, and always brings an amazingly fun craft. The big hit this year … unicorns made with pool noodles!
We have some activity time before lunch arrives, and the kids are always very excited to jump right in and get started. Last spring, Neighbors Plus applied for a grant from the Holland Junior Welfare League to help with the expenses for Meet Up & Eat Up. The grant from Holland Junior Welfare League helped cover almost all of our activity expenses, from paint and bubbles to glue and sprinkles. You name it, we likely have it.
At 11:45 on the dot, the lunch truck from West Ottawa Public Schools arrives. Everyone is eager to get in line and see what will be served. Sometime during lunch, Kids Food Basket arrives to leave snacks for each child to take home that afternoon. After lunch, we have a bit more time to finish up our activities.
We are so grateful for the partnerships that make Meet Up & Eat Up possible – a tremendous thank you goes out to West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland Junior Welfare League, Herrick District Library, Kids Food Basket, and Harderwyk Ministries for your support. Without you, this would not be possible.
The summer goes by quickly, but we know this time together is a gift. We are profoundly thankful for the 180 different children we have had the privilege to meet and for each minute we have in that small grassy area.
When you pull into the main entrance of the Leisure Estates neighborhood, you’ll see the clubhouse, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, directly in front of you. Behind that is a gleaming swimming pool and a grassy play area – that’s our daily gathering spot for Meet Up & Eat Up. The spot where we give hugs, play games, eat lunch, read books, and create crafts. The spot where we get to know one another and spend a summer together.
A spattering of kids are typically waiting when we arrive, anxious to see what the day will bring. Each Monday, the Herrick District Library-North Branch visits, and always brings an amazingly fun craft. The big hit this year … unicorns made with pool noodles!
We have some activity time before lunch arrives, and the kids are always very excited to jump right in and get started. Last spring, Neighbors Plus applied for a grant from the Holland Junior Welfare League to help with the expenses for Meet Up & Eat Up. The grant from Holland Junior Welfare League helped cover almost all of our activity expenses, from paint and bubbles to glue and sprinkles. You name it, we likely have it.
At 11:45 on the dot, the lunch truck from West Ottawa Public Schools arrives. Everyone is eager to get in line and see what will be served. Sometime during lunch, Kids Food Basket arrives to leave snacks for each child to take home that afternoon. After lunch, we have a bit more time to finish up our activities.
We are so grateful for the partnerships that make Meet Up & Eat Up possible – a tremendous thank you goes out to West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland Junior Welfare League, Herrick District Library, Kids Food Basket, and Harderwyk Ministries for your support. Without you, this would not be possible.
The summer goes by quickly, but we know this time together is a gift. We are profoundly thankful for the 180 different children we have had the privilege to meet and for each minute we have in that small grassy area.
GREAT ESCAPE SUMMER DAY CAMP - What a Summer!
August 11 marked the final day of Great Escape for Summer 2023 … and it was AWESOME!
Through this ministry, we have been able to reach 154 campers, several of whom do not have a home church. During this eight-week summer day camp (held on the Harderwyk Ministries campus), campers had a great time learning about Jesus and practicing faith in action. In true Great Escape tradition, campers also enjoyed going on outings, participating in service projects, welcoming special visitors, creating art projects, and delighting in God’s great outdoors!
Our hearts are deeply touched by those of you who faithfully walk alongside us in this ministry. Thank you for keeping Great Escape in your prayers, volunteering your time, and providing financial support. You are near and dear to our hearts and make a tremendous difference in the lives of many.
Please note: camp registrationfor Summer 2024 will open in early March 2024. Thank you!
August 11 marked the final day of Great Escape for Summer 2023 … and it was AWESOME!
Through this ministry, we have been able to reach 154 campers, several of whom do not have a home church. During this eight-week summer day camp (held on the Harderwyk Ministries campus), campers had a great time learning about Jesus and practicing faith in action. In true Great Escape tradition, campers also enjoyed going on outings, participating in service projects, welcoming special visitors, creating art projects, and delighting in God’s great outdoors!
Our hearts are deeply touched by those of you who faithfully walk alongside us in this ministry. Thank you for keeping Great Escape in your prayers, volunteering your time, and providing financial support. You are near and dear to our hearts and make a tremendous difference in the lives of many.
Please note: camp registrationfor Summer 2024 will open in early March 2024. Thank you!
"I wanted to thank you and your amazing staff for a wonderful summer at Great Escape! Our son enjoyed each and every day, always felt safe, and was completely engaged with all of the activities. The counselors were all he talked about; he truly enjoyed his summer. He cannot wait to be a Super-T next summer - I would sign him up now if I could!"
- quote from a Great Escape parent -
- quote from a Great Escape parent -