| The staff arrives at the school the weekend before camp begins to get to know one another and learn more about the individual roles and responsiblities of staff members. Important leadership training takes place during these few short days. After an afternoon of registration, the day camp begins on a Monday morning. Most of the campers arrive by school bus and enjoy an incredible camp that focuses on enrichment activities, games, workshops, and discussions all based in Christ's teachings. "Camp" is divided into two sub-camps, Lower camp (6-10 year olds) and Upper camp (11-14 year olds). Staff members stay in one camp throughout the whole week and sheperd a small group of campers. The highlight of the day is the trip to the swimming pool! Special thanks to Marion Military Institute for letting use the pool each summer. Swimming lessons are a wonderful way for the staff and campers to bond and play. Every year has a different theme and the teaching and activities relate to the theme. Themes such as "What's Your Story" or "Stand by me" are examples of past themes. Episcopal clergy and lay volunteers help lead programs. Special workshops and speakers are often feautured as well. We consistently have an AIDS/HIV education workshop, a drumming circle, basketball tournaments, guest musicians, dancers and more! Camp ends around 3 p.m. each day and most campers leave by bus or their parents come and pick them up. The staff gets busy cleaning up and preparing for the next day--and are hopefully fortunate enough to get some down time in too!
Many times field trips have been part of the schedule as well. Trips to the Birmingham Zoo , the Birmingham News , McWane Center
have taken the campers out of Hale County, if only for a day. This may
not seem significant until one considers the fact that not many
children have even gone to a movie, much less to another part of the
state. Two summers ago, the Upper camp was fortunate enough to have a
"camp out" at the McWane center. It was our first overnight experience
and it was amazing. This event was paid for by the Malone Foundation through the McWane Science Center's education program.
The final day of camp holds a carnival at the school where camp
is hosted. We enjoy snow cones, moon bounces, rock walls and water
games. We close the day with a youth led worship service as well as a
pot-luck lunch that is open to all campers and their families. All are
welcome. This event is always an incredible way to celebrate the week
and rejoice in our time together! The last day always holds lots of
laughter and tears!
Many times the horizons of the staff are broadened in
unexpected ways. Their relationships with each other and with campers
may become intensely important, difficult to let go of at the end of
the week. Living in close quarters, sharing responsibilities and
decision making binds the staff together with a sense of purpose.
Serving as a primary care giver for an economically disadvantaged child or children
for a week creates a strong bond, as well. A healthy dose of humor and
humility usually mark the experience of both staff and camper. The
exposure of one to the other touches the lives and broadens the
horizons of all the participants in memorable ways.
For more information or to share an idea please contact Leslie .
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