Soul Sanctuary switched up traditional church-run camp programming this July to try something a little bit different.

"The Mega Sports Camp is a program that is based out of the United States, which takes sports and allows it to be a bridge into a community." explained Shawna Lavender, Children's Pastor at Soul Sanctuary in Winnipeg.

This week, Soul has been running basketball and soccer sports camp, along with one more unique addition to their programming.

"We wanted to have a component for kids who wanted to participate in the camp but maybe aren't sports-inclined, so we included a musical theatre component." said Lavender.

The theme of their musical theatre program this year was "Christmas in July," which incorporated a number of Christmas carols and holiday-themed skits for the kids to perform.

Games, snacks, and fun 'Minute to Win it' activities are also incorporated into each day of programming.

"We have had a number of people from our community come and be a part of the camp and the kids have all been loving it!"

Soul will be running a more traditional Vacation Bible School program later in August. The sports- and music-based camp, however, has not hindered the church's opportunities for outreach in the slightest, according to Lavender.

"Our primary focus is to build relationships with the kids, and we have had some amazing God-talks with some kids who don't have any church background... in all the things we say and do, we are always pointing back towards God."

"It's been a really fantastic opportunity to do something different for our community."