Every afternoon, dozens of children from around East Camden and surrounding areas descend on Urban Promise’s Camp Spirit. They all come from different schools, backgrounds, families, and stories, but together, at Camp Spirit, they become one wild, creative, and loving community with one another, Street Leaders, interns, and new director Suzzi Sherrifs. The goal of the camp is to create a place where children learn and grow academically, socially, and spiritually through fun activities and meaningful relationships.
A typical day at camp begins with free time in the gym, where students enjoy floor hockey, basketball, soccer, and football. Outside, children enjoy playing and fun conversations with one another and our wonderful staff of Street Leaders and interns. For about half-an-hour, students work together on homework assignments. With small classes and loving staff members, each student receives individual attention, encouragement, and support as they work through assignments. Students can also enjoy enrichment through the camp library, worksheets, and writing activities. Following “homework” time, students on Thursday join in “Cell Group”, discussion-based spiritual activities ranging from evil to forgiveness and leadership. On Monday’s and Tuesday’s, students enjoyed several fun electives: Photography with Ms. Kaitlyn, Acting with Mr. David, and Counseling with Mr. Danneck. Wednesday’s conclude with an exciting Closing Program of famous songs, games, and skits that has lasted for generations at Urban Promise. All of these activities are founded on the love and care that our interns, volunteers, and Street Leaders show to these young people. We do not serve as “babysitters” or “employees” but pour into these middle school children by encouraging, supporting, and guiding them in their future.
Camp Spirit does not end in East Camden; students have enjoyed many outside opportunities for fun, education, and relational time. On Camp Nights, students often make meals together at the Brick House. The entire camp enjoyed a wonderful day at the Zoo where kids eagerly ran around looking for their favorite animals. Small groups discovered literature at Barnes & Noble, built boats at Urban Trekkers, went fishing at the Waterfront, or enjoyed Halloween terror at the Eastern State Penitentiary. Camp Spirit is looking forward to an exciting Thanksgiving Dinner, where families can meet one another and celebrate the holiday.
-David Jimenez ( Intern)
importantly, love. One of our interns Matt's parents graciously opened their home to us for the week, imagine having 15 kids from the city living in your home! We even had some help from some past interns and friends who came out with us and made our stay even better, I especially want to thank you all for making this trip possible and for generously giving to Camp Spirit. That is what our kids will remember the most; not rides, not the thrill of going 50mphs on a jet ski, or touring Hollywood, but that they were loved. Thank you all who helped make this trip unforgettable.
