Chapel Buddies Provide Opportunities for Mentorship and Friendship Across Grade Levels
On Friday, January 13, kindergarten students took a big step in their Christian formation journey on the St. Mark’s Campus by joining first – fifth graders for Chapel. While still serving as Pre-Primary Chapel leaders on Mondays and Wednesdays, they are also acclimating to a service format they will transition to next year with the help of new third grade Chapel buddies. Third grade students walk their kindergarten buddies to Chapel in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and sit with them throughout the service. With the guidance of their buddy, kindergarten students learn how to follow along in Chapel booklets, understand the Order of Worship, and learn new songs.
On being a Chapel buddy, one third grade student said, “It makes me feel confident that I can show them how to do Chapel next year.” Another said, “I like meeting new people and getting to know their personalities.”
In addition to Chapel, kindergarten and third grade students develop friendships through shared recess and snacktime opportunities. Third grade students also demonstrate and share literacy skills thanks to planned reading times with their buddies. Combined, buddies are building friendships that will last throughout their time on St. Mark’s Campus and beyond.