SPS Press Releases

by John Howell

One wouldn’t imagine that the solemnity of a funeral and the youthful enthusiasm that accompanies a kids’ summer camp could mix. But it did and it did very well at St. Peter’s Church Thursday morning.

Counselors held fingers to their lips and whispered as the campers filed into the church basement, one of several stations in the weeklong vacation bible school. Inside they kept their voices lowered as the music of the service being held above them filtered into the room.

Such challenges are not beyond the capabilities of Margaret Andreozzi, the parish elementary faith coordinator, who started the camp last summer. This year’s camp consisted of 165 youths ranging from pre-schoolers to high school students.

The older students act as counselors for the younger ones. In addition, about 30 adults volunteered to assist with the camp.

Working from a curriculum purchased from Group Publishing Company, campers engage in a series of activities during the day that provides physical activities, calls for creativity, teaches the Bible and reinforces Christian values. There is even a mission element to the camp. Among projects, the campers decorated towels that were provided to the Rhode Island Family Shelter and designed and painted boxes they filled with pencils, crayons, scissors and other school items for needy students.

The cost of the camp was $70 for the five days.

An underlying theme to this year’s camp, attended by the children of those in and outside St. Peter’s parish was that with the Lord’s presence one need not be afraid.

The children rapidly adopted the chant “fear not” as counselors posed questions as to how they might respond in different circumstances.

The camp comes to a close today and Andreozzi expects 250 parents to attend a gathering tonight starting at 6:30 in the lower church room where the campers will present a Power Point showing what they accomplished and learned as well as sing.

As for whether she plans to run a camp next year, Andreozzi answered “most definitely.”

St. Peter School students came to school on Tuesday, March 3, dressed in their pajamas for Dr. Seuss’ birthday party to celebrate Read Across America Day. The younger children picked their favorite Dr. Seuss book to be read to them by their Big Buddies during a school-wide gathering in the cafeteria. Some of the Little Buddies practiced their reading skills as they read their favorite books aloud and their Big Buddies listened.

“Celebrating ‘Read Across America Day’ is about bringing books and kids together,” said Michaela Dwyer, teacher and student council advisor. “Dr. Seuss is the perfect author to help do this because his books have been enjoyed by children of all ages for many years.”

At St. Peter School, the Student Council decided that celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday was the perfect opportunity for students to experience reading in a fun, memorable way and bring the buddies together.