Sumatanga to reconnect with Urban Ministry campers
front page picture from sumatanga.org
On Friday, October 8, 2010, Camp Sumatanga will host an afternoon picnic in Birmingham’s West End neighborhood as a way to reconnect with 25+ students who have attended summer camp through Urban Ministry’s Summer Children’s Program.
Through Urban Ministry’s Summer Children's Program, students ages fourth through eighth grade have had the opportunity to travel outside of their downtown neighborhoods to rural Gallant, AL. During summer camp at Camp Sumatanga they join other students from across North Alabama to experience summer camp activities such as hiking, canoeing, singing, swimming and crafts.
Director of Urban Ministry’s Children’s Program, Becky Wadley states, “Going to Camp Sumatanga is a rare experience for our kids to look back on, and an exciting event to look forward to, no matter what turmoil might be going on in the lives of the children.”
Each summer, the Sumatanga team has welcomed more and more Urban Ministry students to attend a fulfilling week of summer camp, without cost.
“Our students may not have had opportunities to be away from family outside of their community before going to camp. Not only does the camp team shoulder these challenges, they care for our children in a way that makes that one week a shining light in their lives.” says Becky Wadley.
The campers from Urban Ministry agree that summer camp at Sumatanga has been a significant event in their lives. Here are just a few comments from the students:
- “My valuable time at Camp Sumatanga taught me that different races can come together and worship one God.”
- “Being at camp has taught me to be like Jesus.”
- “I learned how to turn the other cheek when someone is trying to make you fight them.”
- “My time at Sumatanga taught me how to be helpful to others.”
- “I've had wonderful experiences at camp, and made many counselor friends, some of whom helped me overcome my fear of jumping off the diving board!”
Meagan Lanier, Camp Sumatanga’s Director of Student Programs, planned the event to reconnect with the students who have attended summer camp. The event will also allow camp team members to meet the students' families and friends that they have not had the opportunity to meet in the past.
“We love our Urban Ministry kids and look forward to the time that we have with them each summer. The ability to celebrate our friendship with the kids’ in their own neighborhood is incredible!”
The event is not open to the public. It is designed primarily for Urban Ministry’s students and their families. They will enjoy a fun-filled Friday afternoon of music, inflatables, games, food and friendship.
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