The week long holiday club in the Reading suburb took over every part of the school as the classrooms were re-decorated with the pirate theme and the main hall became the treasure island.

The children were entertained by the landlubbers youth band from Caversham Baptist Church which led with songs and actions from the front. They also enjoyed junk modelling, treasure boxes, lighthouses and bandannas to enhance their costumes.

During the afternoons there were opportunities to take part in sports activities such as basketball with the Reading Rockets, football with elite soccer schools and a pirate glee, singing and drama club.

Meanwhile two parrots flew in each day to tell the children stories based on shipwrecks from the bible.

And on the hottest day of the year so far, there were water games and a water fight, which was the highlight of the week for most of the children.

Megan Temple, the Youth and families worker from Caversham Baptist Church said, ‘It’s been an absolutely brilliant week. The children have had an amazing time learning about Jesus, singing along to the band and the local churches working together, to put on an amazing event.’

Liz a helper from St. Annes Church helped at previous holiday clubs and couldn’t stop herself getting involved in this one. She said this week had been a real highlight, and enjoyed working with the children and getting them wet in the games.

All the parents were brimming with praise for the event, with the children racing home each night to tell them the highlights.

Jack, a child from Emmer Green, said it had been a great week and he had really enjoyed the sports activities in the afternoon. Orla from Caversham really enjoyed the craft and had a ‘really fun week.’

Becky Lovatt, minister from Caversham Methodist Church said, ‘This week is what the job is all about, helping the children to understand the stories of Jesus, working alongside those with special needs and seeing them dancing to and singing the songs, and imparting the seeds of God’s love through those stories.’

The churches are now planning a reunion messy praise party in October half term, which will be held at Caversham Baptist Church.