Why Does a Homeless Shelter Have a Summer Camp?
1. Share the love of Jesus with kids in crisis.
“The first thing on our list at camp is that kids hear and understand the Gospel,” explains Travis Bradburn, camp specialist. The Gospel message is tied to every activity at camp, from crafts and activities to chapel and sharing time.
2. To help break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.
As Travis surveys the sea of giggling campers each summer, he prays they will not follow their parents into a life of poverty and homelessness. Through camp, he hopes to show kids another way of life. “We’re trying to get ahead of the game,” he explains. “We want to give them a foundation so they won’t need our rescue mission.”
3. To allow kids to escape their chaotic environment for a week.
At camp, kids get to leave behind the desolation and danger of the inner city and enjoy the lush beauty of nature. “We have kids who have never heard crickets at night or seen so many trees,” he says. “When we get kids out of their environment and onto our turf, we can give them an amazing week.”
4. To let kids who lead grim lives have some fun for a change.
“These kids need to know what fun is,” says Diana Bunch, director of family ministries. When kids in the shelter return from camp, they are eager to share their stories, Diana says. They talk non-stop about bouncing on the huge trampoline in the lake, boating, swimming in the pool, doing crafts, enjoying chapel and growing closer to God and others during small group devotionals in their cabins each night. “They are just shaking with excitement,” Diana laughs. “Then, when they go back to school in the fall, they have a story to share.”
5. To develop healthy adult role models.“I grew up in the inner city. I have heard the same gunshots they have. I understand their lives,” says Reshida Rone, a volunteer counselor who worked with teen girls last year. Reshida just received her master’s in social work from the University of Kansas. “They need someone who can be an example of Jesus Christ. They find that not every person they meet will betray them. They find a place that is safe. They find someone to open up to.”
6. To teach at-risk youth positive life skills.
One of the camp staff’s goals is to help children and teens learn positive life skills, such as conflict management, respect for authority, personal hygiene, anger control – skills they often don’t learn at home. “We provide them with godly discipline, we correct and encourage them,” Diana says.
Here are a few quotes from some "happy campers."
“A camp teacher gave me swimming lessons – that’s how I learned how to swim.” - Alana, age 6
“I learned Bible verses. The verse I learned was Philippians 4:13.” - Dontaye, age 13
“I liked chapel because I learned about Jesus.” - Araya, age 10
“One day at camp I went to the lake and jumped on the trampoline. It was so much fun!” - Crystal, age 10
