Can you put yourself in the shoes of orphaned students, waiting for camp to start in August?
With their new freedom after graduation, some may misuse alcohol to fill the long empty months. Independence can mean spiraling mental health. Years of neglect have left some with medical problems and few resources.
Without support, one in ten orphaned youth commit suicide before age 18.
But you can disrupt this hopelessness with a week of hope.
Summer camp gives orphaned youth experiences of being wanted and included. They hear about their Creator’s love for them. They build trusting relationships with staff who invite them to the Day Center for help with their most desperate needs.
For orphaned teens, camp is the most important week of the year.
One day of camp costs just $47. Could that be the day an orphaned teen shares a medical need? Or hears about Jesus for the first time? Or trusts someone with her life story?
We’ve seen so many transformations at camp. One young man decided he didn’t want “a purposeless life” and got help with school. A young woman broke through her anger at her mom to a place of forgiveness. Camp has brought many youth to church in the fall.
Family Camp (30 parents and kids): June 3-8
Youth Camp (40 orphaned students): August 19-24
Will you give today? Could you provide a day of camp for $47, a week of camp for $285, or even a week for a whole orphan-led family for just $1140?
“I rethought half my life while I was here. I became very attached to these people.”
–Serhiy (right) about youth camp
Friends, we’re so grateful for your caring hearts. This most important week of the year is only possible because of you!
Together in hope for our youth,
Don Lawton
Board Chair, Last Bell Ministries
PS: Some orphaned teens are only 15 or 16 when they age out of state care. Camp brings them into our community where they receive help. Will you make a gift toward camp today? You can give toward camp year-round! lastbell.org/donate