KINGSPORT — Camp in the Community, a ministry of Holston Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries, is gearing up for another year of providing summer camp experiences to children who come from low-income families. The Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church oversees five official camps: four traditional camps in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, and one nontraditional camp, Camp in the Community. As a week-long day camp for children in poverty, CITC partners with a host church in a low-income area and a sponsor church from the Holston Conference.
Adam Love, pastor at Mafair United Methodist Church, said the idea of CITC started around 2010 when church leaders saw the need to bring camp to children, who otherwise couldn’t afford it. "We saw just how expensive camp was for children, it can get very costly," said Love. "CITC is geared towards children and families who can’t afford traditional camp.
The host church covers all expenses and fees so the families don’t have to.” Mafair United Methodist Church, located at 14099 E. Center St.
, will host CITC from July 29 to Aug. 2. Love said that the camp welcomes all children, regardless of their financial capabilities.
Just like other traditional camps, CITC offers various activities for children throughout the week, including crafts, archery, outdoor games, devotional times and team-building exercises. "The camp also features a science trailer that visits once a week, allowing kids to use a 3D printer, experience a planetarium and build mechanical structures," Love said. Aside from offering a fun camp experience, Love said that the program allows counselors and church leaders to get to know the children and lend out a helping hand if needed.
“CITC is an excellent opportunity because it connects the children and their families to our churches,” said Love. “We spend time and get to know the kids, and if there’s something they need help with like buying school clothes or shoes, we want to do that.” CITC also includes a junior counselor program, where high school students can get leadership and childcare training and serve as assistant counselors.
"The junior counselor program that goes along with CITC is great because it helps build leadership skills for older high school kids," Love said. “It’s exciting to see older students who have a desire to serve children who need it.” Although the upcoming camp at Mafair Church is currently full, Love encourages families to sign up on the waiting list as he hopes to get more staff to accommodate additional children.
Children ages 5 to 14 are welcome to attend, and there is no fee for participation. "My favorite part of the camp is seeing volunteers light up when they get to serve children who aren’t a part of the church," Love said. "It’s a beautiful thing, and it’s one of the best ministries that Mafair United Methodist Church has.
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