Celebrating a Summer Success
By Eileen Jones, Director of Urban Ministry
On Monday August 17 everything seemed normal as I approached the front of the church. I pulled into the parking lot and noticed immediately that four cars were missing. Entering the building, there was no flip chart stating instructions and highlights for the week. When I crossed the threshold into the Longstreth Auditorium I was greeted by the sound of silence.
The energy and vitality that accompanied children, and which greeted anyone entering the building the past seven weeks, was gone. Left was an empty room and the fresh smell of Murphy’s oil soap. Immediately, I thought of Jesus saying “suffer the little children and forbid them not to come to me”. Missing in that space was the presence, energy and contagious enthusiasm of children that is a witness to us all. What if we didn’t operate a camp program?
With this thought in mind, suddenly my heart was filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the members and leaders of First Church who each year support the camp program that provides an opportunity for children to come to Christ, and to grow in faith and community.
See photos from summer camp here
A building full of Joy
I was grateful that this beautiful building was so thoroughly used by 36 energetic k through 8th graders. From the kitchen where two meals each day and a snack were prepared, recreation time in the gym, Bible study in the Westside Room, Music in the Finney Room, movies in the Jennings Room, handbells in the Auditorium, a scavenger hunt picture with the staff in the main office, stocking the Crisis Ministry shelves, to gathering time in the auditorium, this building was thoroughly used!
This was truly a miracle because there was concern regarding the viability of running a program this year. With registration the lowest it has ever been, and a need to cap the weekly fee at $80, by faith the decision was made to operate the 2009 program. Usually camp enrolls 60 children, this year we had 36. Usually we have a staff of 8 junior/senior counselors, this year we had 5. Usually we provide campers tees shirts and they enjoy six field trips at no cost beyond the weekly fee and weekly assembly programs provide education activities in a fun setting. Not this year. There were no tee shirts, no weekly assembly programs, and only three trips.
None-the-less, the kids had a great time engaging in music and wonderful creative activities guided by the camp director, Contina Lundy, and the staff.
With a game-show theme Studio Go!, campers were challenged to:
- GO Lead: Gideon from Judge, 7:1-22
- GO Risk: Esther from Esther 4-7
- GO Tell: Women witness to Jesus from Matthew 27
- GO Obey: Peter preaches under threat of prison Acts 5:17-32
- GO Serve: Ananias helps Paul Acts 9:1-19
And Go they did!!!!
On day Camp Sunday, July 26, the children were enthusiastic as they lead worship and shared their talents in church. In response to the worship service, many said it was the best camp Sunday they had experienced.
Other blessings included Bette Young providing for the older campers an engaging field experience at Laurel Hill and Lemon Hill historic properties in Fairmount Park. Then there was the unexpected blessing of free swimming twice each week for the entire camp at the Dept of Recreation pool located at 
Mastery Charter School (formerly known as Pickett Middle School). Other blessings included Donita Cohen serving as the food coordinator, a new venture for her, and Alica Dorsey, the camp chess teacher.
Both Donita and Alicia used the Germantown Ave Crisis Ministry for tax services. While chatting with me, I discovered each had a passion. Donita loves cooking and plans to one day have her own food service business. Alicia loves chess and believes all children can and should learn to play the game. When invited to participate in the camp program, both were eager to share their gifts.
Check Mate
Alicia was so impressed by our camper’s zeal for chess and ability, that she connected them with a city wide program, After School Activities Partnership, (ASAP) which led to our campers participating in a city wide tournament held Aug. 12, at the Shops at Liberty Place. What an exciting time for the children and parents (several who worked in center city stopped by to watch the games)! The event received news coverage on both Channel’s 6 and 29. And, First Church campers Chloe, Abrianna, Kiara, and Aquilah are pictured upfront and center in a feature story "Checkmate Violence” One Move at a Time, in the August 14th edition of the Philadelphia Tribune. Click here to read the article on PAGE 6.
The Call to Serve Children
Despite many odds, Camp 2009 was a success. We made our budget. Children were nurtured, parents were supported, staff rose to new levels addressing children and program needs. How appropriate that Studio Go’s theme scripture was Joshua 1:9. Yes, were commanded to Go and Go we did!
We chose to be strong and courageous. We chose not to be frightened or dismayed. God was with us and will continue to be with us as we open our hearts to his call to serve children with quality programs her at FPCG.
Praise the Lord! It was a great summer.