MACKLIN -- A fun, spiritual summer activity for youth celebrated 50 years in 2023.
Jean Halliday says she has been part of Macklin Vacation Bible School for many years, as have many other instructors and volunteers.
“Dorethea Klein, the woman who had the vision to start this summer program 50 years ago is now over 90 years of age. She is in amazing health and living in Edmonton,” Halliday says.
“To acknowledge this special anniversary, the Macklin VBS sent her a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for her years of contributions to this youth program.”
Halliday also acknowledges that Klein’s dream was undertaken totally on her own, with her asking to use the Anglican Church for the week with classes to run each weekday morning until noon.
The first year, in 1973, 20 kids attended, and Halliday says from the beginning, things have steadily grown. While the numbers have fluctuated over the years, during the days of the oil boom, there was a high attendance of 120 children.
“Over the five decades of operation, it has remained in many ways, the same. The … program begins with all children gathered in one place for a time of signing and stories. Children are organized by grade and disbursed to various places around town for lessons and craft time. Everyone returns to the centre point for closing which involves more singing and a brief discussion around the theme of the day,” adds Halliday.
Through the 50 years in operation, the primary focus has been to share the love of God with the children through stories, games, songs and crafts, affirm organizers and instructors. The program is funded solely by donations. It aims to teach children to learn the difference they can make in the world, following the example of Jesus.
This year’s theme was “The Word on the Street.” A bird marionette – the bird on the street – introduced each day’s word through a story and participants were challenged to see the daily word in action on the street. Gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, grace and faithfulness were presented, as each day’s word on the street.
Halliday said 65 children registered for the special 50th anniversary year with an average daily attendance of 55 kids full of energy and enthusiasm.
Macklin VBS continues to be organized by a non-denominational group of interested people, following Klein’s example of 50 years ago.
