Treasure Island -- MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Tim Watt's picture was in the Oregonian this morning because Treasure Island is making a difference.

Here is a link to the article. MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Here's the text in case the link disappears:

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Thursday, January 19, 2006

Seeking to integrate church with community

West Linn's New Life Church started a free after-school program in October to help grade-school students positively influence their community.

Tim Watt, associate pastor at the church's Robinwood location, says the goal is to integrate the church with the community. "We wanted to do something for the kids. A lot of churches have evening activities, but we wanted to fill the after-school niche."

The program is called Treasure Island, from the church's mission to treasure God above all else. Treasure Island is 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays during the school year.

Ten adult volunteers lead the kids in songs, games, crafts and other activities that revolve around the day's theme, usually derived from a biblical story. The day ends with a snack and a discussion of what the participants learned.

"We had about 20 kids in the program this fall," Watt said, "and we would like to attract more from surrounding areas in the spring when we have more outdoor activities."