Summer Day Camp- week 3

I’ve really enjoyed being the team leader for the photography business at Kids Can day camp. Part of my job is to take the kids out in groups to take pictures which we will be selling at the end of camp (please come and buy!). I’m amazed at how beautiful it is to see an artist emerge from a third or fourth grader. God is, if anything, a creative artist, and He has made us in his image. He has made us to create. But he has also made us to see. A camera in the hands of an eleven year old is not just a camera, it a perspective changer. I’m convinced that the kids in my group will never look at a flower, or a sign, or a person the same way. From now on they will search for the art, the grace, or the sorrow of sunsets and signs and smiles. I’m also believing that Kids Can is changing these youngsters perspectives in spiritual matters as well. On a ride to Walmart the other day to pick out picture frames I heard an interesting conversation in which a boy and a girl were “discussing” whether Jesus died on a cross and rose again. Pretty heavy stuff for these youngsters, but eternally important. I think that, for some, this camp is also changing their perspectives about God as they begin to hear that they are loved and cherished and bought with a price. I know that when Jesus became the center of my life almost 10 years ago the flowers and the sunsets began to take on new meanings and I haven’t seen them the same way since. Let’s continue to pray that in the midst of our businesses and adventures at Kids Can some would come to know Jesus as their personal Savior and Perspective Changer forever.

Chris LeMaster
Associate Director, SCYM

Summer Day Camp - More from Week 2

On Wednesday and Thursday this week, kids got busy getting their businesses started. On Wednesday they went shopping for supplies to make their products, and then Thursday started learning how to make their projects. So far they've created homemade dog biscuits, cinnamon scented candles, Ohio State kids' jewelry, and started photography projects. They're having a great time learning to make new things!

Kids also learned more from Pastor Missy Sipes about using our gifts and talents, heard from Andrew Lell of the Cerium Group, enjoyed recreation, games, and meals together, and are celebrating the 4th of July today with their families.

Next week we're looking forward to a visit from State Rep. Ross McGregor, lots more product-making, music with Jill Potter, and a field trip to Young's Jersey Dairy.

Summer Day Camp - Week 2

Kids Can! Summer Day Camp continues this week with 25 great campers grades K-5.

Yesterday (Monday) and today (Tuesday) the kids:
- learned about using the gifts and talents God has given us (thanks, Missy Sipes, children's pastor from First Church of the Nazarene!)
- divided into business groups, chose their business interest, developed business plans and named their businesses. Our four newly-created businesses are: Pizzazz Jewelry, Photo Dragon, Downtown Candle Co., and Camper Bakers. (Don't forget, you can buy their products on July 14-15 downtown in city hall plaza!)
- business treasurers took a great field trip to Fifth Third Bank, Red Coach Drive, to get mini-loans to start their businesses. They got to see the vault, send tubes to the drive-thru, and see inside an ATM. Thanks to Daren Cotter and Jessie Beck for making this neat trip happen!
- participated in hula hoop contest
- made some fun crafts
- and had fun playing at the playground and just being kids.

Summer Day Camp Day 4

Today the kids participated in:
-candle making

-created their own "lemonade stand" with a Junior Achievement class led by Denny Moritz and Michelle Detrick

-heard from Mike Spradlin of Spradlin Bros. Welding

-fun with water balloons

-enjoyed lunch contributed by Subway - Derr Rd.

Friday is bowling at Victory Lanes!

Summer Day Camp, Day 3

Today the kids participated in pony rides, baking cupcakes, music (thanks to Jill Potter) and jewelry making workshops. They also learned some Junior Achievement curriculum to prepare for their entrepreneurship projects! What a great day!

Summer Day Camp Day 2

On day 2, the kids were visited by Cowboy Lee and crew, and had fun singing songs and playing games!

Keep checking the blog for Summer Day Camp updates!

1st Day of Summer Day Camp!

Today the kids:

- learned about faith in God, and how it works even though we don't understand it - just like a remote control, a phone or a CD (thanks to Angela Boblitt for the great lesson!)

- did a fun Junior Achievement activity of planning their own community center, with all the things they like to do after school. (thanks to Michelle Detrick!)

- and had lots of other fun activities.

It was a great first day of camp!