Participants and volunteers from the 2025 St. Andrews Presbyterian Vacation Bible School program in Sydney Mines are shown. Front left are Eva Gale, Clara Gale, Eli Gale. Back; David MacIntyre, Jimmy Campbell, Shirley Bragg, Barb Fraser, Margielou Caldwell, Bill MacDonald.Article contentIt is amazing what can be accomplished when a group of like-minded people come together for the good of others.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentFor over seven decades children from the community have been attending the annual St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Bible School in Sydney Mines. The nondenominational program was introduced to the community back in the 1950s.Article contentArticle contentBeyond what the camp means to the children who keep coming back year after year, are the volunteers who give of their time to ensure this remains a much-anticipated summer event.Article contentArticle contentLENDING A HANDArticle contentOne volunteer at this year’s event said she had been involved either as a camper or a volunteer for over sixty years. Margielou Caldwell said she couldn’t be happier to lend a hand each year. She said she is thrilled that three of her grandchildren are campers themselves.Article content“St. Andrews Bible School has been offered to kids in the community for several decades. I have been involved since I was a child as a camper and then as a young adult, I was a leader. It is such a wonderful thing to be a part of. My children attended Bible school and now my grandchildren attend as well.Article content“Knowing my grandchildren can be a part of the summer camp at the church that I have attended since I was a child is special. I know that the experience that they have is just as wonderful as the experience I had when I was a child,” Caldwell explained.Article contentArticle contentFUN FOR ALLArticle contentArticle contentCaldwell said Vacation Bible School provides participants with an experience unlike any other offered over the summer months. She said it is fun not only for the kids but for the volunteers, as well.Article content“We have so many volunteers who have been a part of VBS. Some have worked in the kitchen helping with breakfast and snacks for decades. I think we enjoy the program just as much fun as the kids. For that week in summer, we are all like kids. It is very nostalgic and brings back such wonderful memories,” Caldwell said.Article contentFor those who took the lead this year, there was much to organize. No small feat to ensure that each of the participants was getting exposure to all of the activities that are offered during the week-long event. In addition to having fun, emphasis was placed on time management.Article contentENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATIONArticle contentJimmy Campbell has been a volunteer for decades as well. He says he looks forward to the time he spends at VBS. As a former teacher, Campbell is familiar with working with kids. He said so much effort is put into organizing events that not only entertain the children but educate them through crafts, music and Bible stories, as well.
Vacation Bible School in Cape Breton a source of nostalgia
