With many summer plans altered from the uncertainty, anxiety and fear surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, BLAST Summer Camp took the initiative to explore the many ways in which the camp could safely continue its plans to open. Now in its’ 5th week of operation, the camp is holding strong by offering a well rounded summer day camp option for kids entering 1st-6th grades in the Fall of 2020.
With off campus field trips off the table due to closures, BLAST Coordinator, Amie Gray, took to the Lord to provide guidance on how the camp could still remain a safe, special, and memorable place for campers that would attend this summer. Not only did the Lord lead Amie to the idea of scheduling special on-campus assemblies every week, He encouraged her with the idea of “slowing down,” and clearing time in the busy camp schedule for more.
So how does that work in a camp filled with anxious 1st-6th graders ready to get outside and explore, have fun, and socialize?
[Slowing down is], “A blessing that allowed us to have more small group time, better opportunities to disciple, and more moments for meaningful, engaging life lessons with each other at BLAST,” shared Amie Gray.
In the midst of being forced to slow down, Amie felt the Lord calling BLAST Summer Camp to add a “Ministry Mission,” component to each week. With so much chaos surrounding our world right now, what better way to show the world a glimpse of gratitude, love, and appreciation, especially to those that are on the front lines continuing to work to ensure we’re provided with necessities.
From Pastors who continue to bring encouraging messages and support, to grocery store workers, delivery drivers, postal workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, restaurant workers, and so many more!
“We want them to know that we SEE them, we APPRECIATE them, and that what they are doing is important,” shared Amie Gray.
Each week BLAST Summer Camp campers get together with their small group leaders and create large posters with encouraging messages, notes of appreciation, and share the love of Jesus as part of their “Ministry Mission” portion of the week. This occurs twice during each week of BLAST Summer Camp. Once all of the items are created and assembled, they’re delivered out into the community by our camp counselors!
BLAST Chapel/Recreation Lead, Nick Gorman, who’s been delivering many of the items shared, “When I take pictures and show them to the kids, they say there is my poster! They love seeing them, and seeing that their work is getting displayed and encouraging others!”
“It is my prayer that these Ministry Minded projects be a part of our staff and campers lives beyond the summer of 2020, so they can continue to be a blessing and to be used by God in a hurting world!” – Amie Gray
