From Karen Gossett: Sometimes dreams do come true. The vision for Camp EPIC came as I was peeking into the Family Life Center during the renovation stages from sanctuary to gymnasium. I was actually thinking how blessed our Arborlawn kids are: they have so many amazing opportunities for spiritual growth, mission trips, personal travel, and families who love and care for them. And then I wondered what the Kids Hope and United Community Center children would be doing this summer. Would they travel? Would they read books? Would they go to the swimming pool?
Arborlawn people are generous, caring, and mission-minded. Through the generosity and creativity of individuals, Sunday School classes, and United Methodist Women Circles, we will be offering Camp EPIC, a one-week transformational opportunity to address systemic socio-economic challenges faced by at-risk children.
During the week of July 8-12 we will host between 50 and 70 children on the Arborlawn campus. We will be providing transportation between J. T. Stevens Elementary and Arborlawn each day.
Planned activities include:
* Daily devotions and EPIC stories from the Bible by Dave Brower, camp pastor.
* Expressing emotions through art.
* Healthy bodies and healthy minds emphasis through: Zumba (a dance and aerobics fitness program led by Melissa Austin-Weeks); a visit from a chef to talk about healthy food choices; kids will learn easy lunch recipes and prepare their own lunches each day.
* Academic support and fun: Reading, Mathematics, Science.
* Ceramics with Jerry Westenkuehler.
* Gym activities.
* Special field trips to the Fort Worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
As an added benefit, many of the Arborlawn teenagers will be gaining leadership experience and earning service hours by serving as small-group leaders during Camp EPIC.
There has been a groundswell of support and a huge volunteer base already in place for Camp EPIC. But there are still some specific needs:
* Van Rentals: Renting a 15-passenger van for the week costs $800. There is a possibility we will need two additional vans to supplement the church’s vans.
* Drivers: We will need drivers for transportation to and from J. T. Stevens Elementary as well as field trips.
* Food Preparation and Supervision.
* People who pray for the “surprises” – the stuff we haven’t even imagined yet!
* Camp EPIC is not a part of the church budget. There is no registration fee for the children involved, but it will cost $100 for each child to participate. If you would like to support Camp EPIC, please bring a check made out to Arborlawn UMC with Camp EPIC on the memo line to the church office.
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