Seven weeks of summer camp have been completed and the academic year is quickly approaching. Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that our summer staff was arriving for orientation and people were calling with last minute inquires about available spots for camp. Seven weeks later and there have been multiple field trips, countless popsicles, many Bible stories, numerous trips to the Grant Park pool and an insane amount of four square played. Needless to say the staff is tired.
Thanks to our overburdened staff and numerous volunteers, this year’s summer camp has been extremely uplifting and run unimaginably smooth considering we have 60+ children, ancient facilities and a limited budget. For almost two months the Center has been alive with the wonder of children and the creative capacities of their young adult counselors. Despite the scandals that have rocked Atlanta Public Schools or the current economic conditions or the extreme heat or the chaos that exists in many of our camper’s lives this summer has not been lost at the Stewart Center. The children’s minds have been enriched, their spirits lifted, their hearts encouraged and their bodies strengthened. These positive realities did not occurred by accident. They are the result of the hard work and faithfulness of our staff, volunteers, community partners, and funders as well as the children and their families.
As we enter the final two weeks of camp I can rest in the assurance that the Center’s future has been bolstered by this summer’s activities but more importantly that many lives have been touched by the love of Christ. I cannot say enough good things about our summer staff. Courtney, Elizabeth, Jeneen, Ashley Hicks, Ashley Hunt, Sydney, Jacque, Trey, Austin, Chris, and Taylor have done an outstanding job of leading the children through an intentional summer of growth and fun.
Our summer successes are due to the contributions of many non-staff people as well. If you have volunteered or contributed before or during summer camp you have played an important role in the Center’s ministry. The Stewart Center’s family of supporters and sphere of influence grow daily and we would struggle to exist without the faithfulness of so many people that care about ministry in southeast Atlanta.
Thank you for loving and serving the children of Reynoldstown and surrounding communities.
Peace,
Clayton
