"Transforming People & Communities from the Inside Out."
published September 03, 2009
Summer Camp Fun Builds Life Skills
There is discontent in the Robinson household, and the loudest voice belongs to 10 year old, Genesis. “She wrote a very long paper addressed to me on why I should let her miss the first week of school to attend Camp Timber-lee,” says mom, Crystal. “The kids love camp, but I can’t let them miss school!”
This August, nearly 60 kids from East Garfield Park will attend either Camp Timber-lee or Kids Across America (KAA) camp with Youth and Family Services staff from Breakthrough Urban Ministries. “Both are Christian camps,” says Program Director, Marcie Curry. “KAA has more of a sports focus, so we take junior high and senior high school students who have participated in our sports leagues all year. Timber-lee is a more traditional camp, and take our summer studies students who are in 4th-8th grade.”
Genesis went to camp for the first time last year, and the experience made an obvious impression. “Her school switched to a year around schedule this year, and classes begin several weeks earlier than most other Chicago Public Schools,” explains Crystal. “All of my oldest kids have attended camp with Breakthrough, and they love it”¦so they’re really disappointed about not being able to go this year.” says Crystal. She wishes they could attend, too, but she is adamant that they not miss school.
“I think camp allows them to gain a new level of independence, and it helps them become more confident and self-reliant,” she says. “They have to adjust to being in close quarters with people for a week, so there are troubleshooting and people skills that they develop.” She adds, “It’s the same stuff that I teach at home, and this is another supportive, Christian environment for them to work through that, so I’m really glad about that.”
The mother of five is happy to have her kids participate in anything that Breakthrough sponsors. “I’ve known most of the staff since Karina was in 5th grade and so they’re not just counselors or leaders; they’re good friends,” she says. “I never doubt for a second that my kids will be safe with them.”