Summer is a season of opportunity here at FCS. Free from the rhythms of the school year, it’s a time when we get to partner with youth and their families in creative, transformative ways that shape their lives, sow connection, and ignite potential.
Perhaps no FCS experience over the summer is more exciting (and nerve-wracking) for youth and families than the chance to go to summer camp. For many years, FCS has partnered with sleepaway camps to ensure that young people have access to this profound experience. Every year, we are amazed by the ways that youth return with confidence, a deeper sense of belonging, commitment to mentor others, a stronger relationship with God, and an understanding of how faith can animate all aspects of their lives.
Benefits of Summer Camp
Building Confidence: Camp provides a safe space for youth to step out of their comfort zones, conquer challenges, and discover their strengths. Like one young girl who scaled a climbing wall and exclaimed, “I didn’t think I could do it. I can’t believe I did it,” camp experiences open up space for children to discover new strengths.
Developing Leadership Skills: “Campers can be their full, best selves,” one camper remarked after coming home. Through engaging activities and interactions, campers learn valuable leadership qualities such as teamwork, communication, and responsibility. Teenagers have the opportunity to inspire and mentor younger peers, fostering a culture of support and growth.
Exploring New Horizons: Summer camp opens doors to new experiences—be it outdoor adventures, artistic pursuits, or connecting with people from very different backgrounds—that expand the horizons of South Atlanta’s youth. “What if no one else there can understand where I’m coming from?” one camper worried before going. Reminded that she would have support, this camper came back beaming, the phone numbers of several new, fast friends stored in her phone. Experiences like these develop a keen sense of possibility!
Deepening their faith: “When we speak to kids about faith, we emphasize that all of life is spiritual. When Jesus tells parables, he always connects them to everyday living. When they go to sleepaway camp, we return to this idea. The adventures, challenges, and team efforts at camp are all extensions of their relationship with God and an opportunity to deepen that connection,” explains Damien Feyjoo, Youth Development Coordinator. In years past, students return from camp saying, “I saw God in the kindness of my counselors,” or “I loved seeing how beautifully God made the earth.”
Invest in the Future
Taking time to invest in this new generation is an essential strategy for community transformation.
To this end, camp is a bargain. With imagination and a lot of volunteer help, we will organize multiple opportunities for students to attend sleepaway camp and plan a summer packed with positive experiences.
Can we count on you to sponsor a child (or several children)? It’s one of the best investments we know.
