Michigan—Battle Creek Academy (BCA) students planned several activities during the holiday season that were excellent opportunities to let their lights shine. Students volunteered to help the Campus Ministries committee use the holiday season to treat area youngsters. Camden Bowman, Campus Ministries director, announced that 20 community children and their parents would be BCA guests for a Christmas party.

The students, who adopted a child for the day, entertained his or her Christmas child during the two-hour party. They played games, enjoyed good food, sang Christmas songs, watched a Christmas movie, and at the end each child received a present, based on the parent's suggestion, from their matched student.

The seventh and eighth grade classes also celebrated the true meaning of Christmas. They adopted a local family and planned a very special holiday treat. The students invited the family to the academy to enjoy an afternoon of food and fun. With funds they raised within their classes, the students planned and prepared a delicious Christmas dinner, and purchased gifts for the family using lists given to them by the parents. To top it all off, the students were able to send the family home with a carload of food staples for their pantry.

With the many outreach activities that took place, the Student Association decided to treat the students of the academy to a little Christmas cheer of their own. They set aside time to bring everyone together, students and staff alike, for a short season of caroling, followed by treats for all.

Michelle Cain, Battle Creek Academy development director and correspondent