A few months ago, we asked for your help funding 2025 camps. And you came through! In faith our staff began planning, and in faith you gave to make it happen.
Now summer camps are finished, and we’re seeing the results! Last week we wrote about family camp. Student camp took place in early August.
Camp is our best opportunity to teach and to build relationships, and it only comes once a year. Our staff thoughtfully plan every activity, keeping in mind the particular needs of orphaned teens.
The youth we serve have spent time in orphanages, in foster care, or moving from home to home. Because of these disrupted childhood years, they often haven’t learned what adulthood will be like. So our staff developed a game called “Real Life.” At various stations, students make decisions about college, work, church, relationships, shopping and saving, temptations like gambling, and other challenges. During the game, a preacher calls people to repent.
It sounds simple, but the game was eye-opening for some of our students. One young woman agreed to “marry” someone, and her hand was tied to his. When the preacher came, she wanted to repent and follow Jesus, but her husband didn’t. It was a real dilemma.
Later she told a staff member about a similar situation with her real boyfriend. She said, “Maybe God is telling me something?” She decided she’d go to church, even if she had to go alone.
Our staff shared several other stories about this year’s student camp:
• Pavlo comes to many Day Center activities, and he’s received help with his vision. The staff chose him to captain a camp team. At one point, he had a chance to win an individual competition. The staff were touched to see him give up his win to support his team – a reflection of the selfless care he’s received.
• Several youth prayed to repent and follow Jesus. Daria only had a children’s Bible, and was very excited to hear the staff would give her a real adult Bible.
• One young woman, who almost didn’t go, shared her story with staff member Katya, including her suicidal feelings. “She asked for support,” writes Katya, “and now often remembers the words, ‘there are no coincidences with God.’” She wants to spend more time with people who follow Jesus.
• Anya, who lives in a foster family, opened up about the pain she experienced in childhood when she saw other people with their parents. Her birth parents hadn’t been part of her life since she was three. Anya, too, started coming to church after camp.
Our staff will help the new Christians settle into local churches. Orphaned students visiting the new Day Center will also find help with tutoring, medical advocacy, and more.
We’re so thankful for your investment in these short but powerful weeks of camp. Your generosity will unfold in the lives of our youth for years to come!
Camp photos on Facebook: