Even though we only live just over an hour away, the drive feels endless for the little ones. They just can’t get to Brunstad fast enough and the trip is thus characterized by anticipation, stories about last year’s highlights and a repetitive and somewhat impatient “are we there yet?”. The atmosphere in the car peaks when we turn into the gate and the familiar hotel buildings appear.
As a parent, I get a touch of nostalgia over the children’s eagerness and reminisce about my own childhood and the anticipation we felt when we drove into Brunstad to the sight of caravans and playgrounds. Twenty years have passed since then and both the facilities and activities have changed, but the children’s enthusiasm for coming to the summer conference is as great as ever.
Friends and loved ones we drive past smile and wave. The playgrounds are bustling with activity and balconies and gardens are filled with people laughing and chatting with passers-by. Friends and family from different countries, who haven’t seen each other for a while, embrace each other with a hug and the many small streets are bustling with life.
The car is parked and luggage is moved inside. We haven’t got any further than the door of the apartment before the children are itching to get out and experience Brunstad. The pressure becomes too great and we have to give in and join in, even though we would have liked to unpack our luggage first. It will just have to wait.
As a parent of young children, you need to have a good dose of saved energy if you’re going to be able to keep up with the kids for a whole day at the summer event. Here there is something to experience for every taste.
Bible Kids Days
These days are organized for the children, packed with activities and experiences. Here are some of the things you can do or experience:
- Brunstad train takes children on tours
- Relay show in the plenary hall
- Sing-along concert in the hall with children’s choirs from around the world
- Climbing in an open hall
- Play zones for the youngest children
- Games and toys in the beach zone
- Crabbing, swimming and ice cream on the pier
In the arena, the ice hockey rink has been transformed into a playland with bouncy castles, pedal cars, fish ponds, drawing tables, a bouncy castle with trampolines and a ballroom. It’s the perfect opportunity to sit down with a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream and have a chat with other parents of young children while the kids run wild.
The summer event’s children’s meetings are always something the children look forward to. In the banquet hall, there are blankets and cushions on the floor where the youngest children can sit with their parents. The lights are dimmed and dedicated Sunday school teachers tell exciting Bible stories with animated films and songs as instruments and little eyes follow enthusiastically.
The conference days go by extra fast and children want to experience absolutely everything before their heads hit the pillow in the evening. They come in with stars in their eyes and talk excitedly about something they’ve experienced or a new friend they’ve made and don’t fall asleep until they’ve had time to ask “what shall we do tomorrow?”.
Even though the days can go by in a blur as parents of young children at the summer conference, there is also room to sit down on the balcony when the children are in bed. That’s when I light candles and watch the summer day twilight to the sound of laughter and good conversations from the neighboring apartments while feeling an enormous gratitude that we can come here with our children every summer.
