LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Learning how to make good decisions was the theme of a summer bible school program that was offered last week in Fort Simpson.

Roger Plouffe, right, with On Eagle's Wings watches as Tyrone Lennie adds his team's mark to a game of tic-tac-toe during the summer bible school that was offered in Fort Simpson from July 19 to 23. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

From July 19 to 23, a volunteer and a staff member from On Eagle's Wings, an ecumenical group based in Edmonton, Alta., presented crafts, games and Bible stories all based around the theme of HOPE, Having (God Given) Options Present Every Day. On Eagle's Wings was formed 11 years ago with the goal of supporting ministry in the North. The organization is most widely known for its summer bible schools but also offers year round ministry, said Roger Plouffe, the group's office manager.

Plouffe along with Barbara Kriebal, a volunteer from Pennsylvania, interacted with an average of 22 youths every day during the week-long program in the village.

"I love all the children. I think they're just amazing children," Kriebal said.

The organization has been coming to the village for approximately 10 years and also visits the Deh Cho communities of Wrigley and Fort Liard. With the help of 55 southern volunteers and a matching number of Northern volunteers, On Eagle's Wings will be offering their summer bible school program in 25 communities this year in the northern parts of Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta as well as the NWT and Nunavut.

The organization, which runs primarily off of donations, only comes where it's asked, Kriebal said. The program doesn't teach kids how to live, it just gives them the tools to help them live, she said.

One of the primary messages every year is to show young people God's love.

"If the kids recognize they're loved all the time maybe they can loves themselves some more as they get older," said Plouffe.

Both Plouffe and Kriebal agreed about what keeps them motivated every year.

"It's absolutely the kids," Plouffe said.

"They're thrilled to have anybody work with them and play with them."

Mary Drake, 11, was one of the regular participants at this year's program. Drake said she enjoyed learning about the Bible, making crafts and playing games.

"It's fun," she said.

One of the Bible stories Drake learned was about Elizabeth and Zachariah. The couple was old and thought they couldn't have any children but God gave them John. It shows God had a plan for them, Drake said.

The crafts and games were what also drew Tamara Lennie, 7, to the program. Lennie said her favourite craft was decorating a pen with yarn and feathers.

"It's fun," she said of the program.

The same program, which is based around a new theme every year, is run in every participating community. The material, however, is adapted to each group and their energy level, Kriebal said. Having previously volunteered in Deline and Norman Wells, Kriebal said she was enjoying Fort Simpson.