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Yesterday marked the end of the first session at Long Point Camp for this year. “Many children who come to camp arrive with different expectations – they might have never been away from home, or never have seen a lake. They will find outdoor living, picnics and a chance to connect with and meet new friends,” said Capt. Shane Budd, divisional Youth Secretary.
For many campers who come from an urban location, it’s a chance to observe stars at night or fall asleep without the noise of police or ambulance sirens.
“It is such a different experience than their homes, which can often be in a troubled neighborhood. We offer a high quality program that provides each camper opportunities to grow spiritually, emotionally, socially and educationally,” said Captain Shane.
Accredited by the American Camping Association and by the New York State Department of Health, Long Point Camp offers a diverse program including recreation, Christian education, nature, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, hiking and much more.
Major Dennis Smullen of the Auburn Salvation Army added, “Every year, I see kids who don’t want to go to camp but when their week is over, they don’t want to leave,” he said. “It is also a spiritual camp. We give kids an understanding of Christ. It’s great to see kids uncover their talents, learn about God’s unconditional love and change their outlooks about life, themselves and the future,” said Capt. Shane. “We can see real benefits of the camp experience in these children. They really turn into happy campers. They return from camp with new friends, new experiences and for some of them, it’s the first time they’ve had a positive role model in their life.”
We have received feedback about how camp offers benefits such as increased self-esteem and confidence. The comments from a camper named Jonathan say it best: “Camp Long Point made my relationship with God grow very much. No matter what we did it was all tied to God in some way. We prayed before each meal; breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food tasted like real homemade food. Before bed each night, we had a snack with a prayer. Each day was packed full with fun activities. During the outdoor activities, we had lessons about God, but it was around a fire. We ate delicious s’mores. At the ball field, we played kickball and baseball. At the courts, we would play 3 on 3, horse, king of the court or just had time to free shoot. When in the gaga pit, it was every man for himself in a fair game of dodge ball. At the pool, we would take a swim and lay in the sun for two hours. In arts and crafts, each group all made friendship bracelets for one another, friends and their loved ones. In the end, we all went home with four things: a spirit of excitement, a new wonderful memory, a tee shirt and a Bible.”
Each week of camp has a theme:
- International, showcasing the culture of some of the camp counselors. Counselors hail from different English speaking countries such as England, Ireland, Australia, Canada and South Africa. Counselors speak about what life is like in their countries, and share their cultures with the campers.
- Pirates Out to Sea, a re-telling of the legend of Captain Longshank, who buried hidden treasure at Long Point,
- Spy Week,
- Music and Arts,
- Wild Wild West,
- Holiday, when each day is a different holiday such as Valentine’s Day and Halloween and
- Teen Week has a “Star Wars” theme of “May the force be with you.”
Archery and pedal carts are new activities at camp this summer. Pedal carts are shaped like a go-cart but kids pedal them like a bicycle around a track.
For many of these campers, The Salvation Army provides their only chance of a summer vacation experience. Because of the kindness of countless donors, The Salvation Army can give this life changing experience to over 1,300 deserving children this summer.
For more information on camp, contact your local Salvation Army.
Your donation will help needy children attend camp this summer! Please return to the home page and make a safe, secure donation on-line and note that it is for “camp.”
Tags: Long Point Camp