Some special kids

"I want to go to camp but there is no money" is the most common quote heard around December, when summer camp time is drawing near here in Lima. So many super kids would love more than anything to go but there literally just isn't any money. It costs about $25 a week per camper. Most also pay anywhere from $1 to $40 in travel expenses to get to camp.

Some kids have no hope of going and they just accept it. Some kids work and save every penny to go. Some kids make sweets or food and sell it. Some kids work around their church to make some money. Some kids pray and wait. Some kids ask other family members or friends for money. Some kids give up a meal or a hobby to save money for camp.

There are kids who arrive at camp with the clothes on their back and only one other change. They wash their clothes each day and hope they're dry by the next morning. There are kids who arrive with no sheets, pillow or sleeping bag. They sleep on a dirty thin mattress. There are kids who arrive with no soap, shampoo or towel. Usually, it's because they don't have any.

Kids have cried when it was time to go home from camp because at camp, they get 3 meals a day. Kids have cried the last day because they were returning to an abusive situation. Some have cried of fear to tell their parents of their decision for Christ.

It only takes a little more than $25 for a young person to go to summer camp, a week that could very well be the week that changes his life forever. The sacrifices made by some to go humble me and encourage me. These are some seriously special kids.

Miriam