Of all the ministries at the Mission, the one that has the deepest impact on the most people in the shortest time is our Summer Enrichment Camp (SEC). This summer, we hosted five weeks of camp at three locations—Frederick, Walkersville, and Thurmont. Through field trips, hands-on activities, guest speakers, academic enrichment, and Biblical teaching, SEC helps children who are at risk of falling behind grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
Because of your partnership, we were able to serve 116 students who needed extra support this summer.
The impact of SEC reaches beyond the children. David Homans, a 22-year-old staffer who oversaw the Thurmont camp, said the benefit is just as powerful for adult volunteers and staff as for the children.
“Camp helps me mature, grow my executive function, and develop new abilities. These kids are really special to me and make me excited about being a dad one day!”
Each morning, David greeted campers by “clapping them in”—applauding each child individually as they arrived. It’s an affirming practice he learned from Camp Supervisor Teri Kwiatek. Some of the kids would groan and complain that it was corny, but David could see the smiles they were trying to hide.
At the end of the summer, a girl named Dana* wrote David a note that revealed just how much those simple moments meant to her:
“Thank you for clapping me out in the morning and making me feel like I am not alone [sic] and I belong here.”
Sometimes, belonging starts with something as simple as being noticed.
David first met Owen* in 2023, when Owen had just finished first grade. David remembers him as a sweet kid with a bit of a wild side. Over the next few years, Owen’s behavior became increasingly rebellious. So, before camp began this summer, David warned the other leaders that Owen might be a troublemaker.
David knew that many of the children at SEC face difficult circumstances at home, although he did not know the details of Owen’s situation.
Then something remarkable happened: Owen changed. This summer, he was cooperative, friendly, and even stood up for other children. The boy David had once worried about became someone who encouraged and cared for those around him.
At the end of camp, Owen gave David a note: “David, thank you so much for working here with us. You were there with me all the hard times when no one else was.”
Dana and Owen are just two of dozens of stories from this summer. Behind every number is a child who needs someone to notice them, encourage them, and stand beside them during difficult seasons.
Here are some comments from parents of this summer’s campers:
“My children enjoy bible enrichment, all Thursday tours.”
“I have noticed my children being kind and singing some of the songs they have been taught.”
“They are now eager to do their work and they’re proud of their work.”
“Thank you for offering this summer camp! My child enjoyed it, wished we had known it was happening last summer too!”
Your support helped change those lives. Thank you for helping our Summer Enrichment Camp leaders mentor, encourage, and share the love of Christ with 116 children this summer. Because of you, these kids experienced more than a summer camp. They experienced a place where they were welcomed, valued, and reminded that they belong.
* Children’s names have been changed for this article.
