Workshop at Copper Ridge for Girls in Grades 6-12
On the weekend of December 16, Copper Ridge Conference Centre hosted a special Christmas workshop for the girls who attend Crestwell Clubs. The theme this year was Christmas with Class: Family and Community. The girls were led in activities that focussed on serving each other, their families and their community. High school girls were invited to stay overnight, so they had many opportunities to connect with each other and make lasting friendships.
Elementary school girls attended a day session and experienced a whirlwind of fun and activity. The volunteers organized Christmas crafts, baking and cooking lessons as well as an outdoor expedition to Britannia Creek. The girls were also provided with opportunities for confession, mentoring, and talks about beauty and the true message of Christmas.
CRCC’s very own Chef Mia taught the girls many things in the state-of- the-art Conference Centre kitchen. The younger girls baked cookies to bring home to their families, and the overnight girls baked for the less fortunate in our communities.
A variety of yummy treats were packed into boxes to be distributed at the Downtown Eastside, which will bring smiles to many faces during the Christmas season. Chef Mia’s efforts to share her love of baking were truly appreciated by all the girls who hope the seeds of joy she planted, and the heart of service she exemplified, will take deep root in each girl, and bear great fruit in the future.
Maria Farinha helped many aspiring artists paint ornaments for their Christmas trees at home. Beverly Ng led an outdoor hike that brought out an appreciation for the beauty of the Conference Centre area and gave the girls a chance to learn about each other, make new friends and create lasting memories.
The biggest takeaway of the weekend were the friendships the girls made as they got to know each other better. The variety of activities let each one share her talents and personality. They especially loved the atmosphere in the kitchen which was full of Christmas joy.
The workshop was a great success and the girls are very grateful for the many blessings and opportunities provided for them. Thanks to the amazing administration team, the girls left with hearts as full as their stomachs, which were filled with feasting on the weekend’s cuisine.
For the volunteers, serving these girls and being part of their journey of faith, friendship and virtue was an honour. We all look forward to next year, and to welcoming new girls to our next Christmas with Class adventure.
