Kids Across America 2011
Earlier this year we got a call from our friends at The Bridge Ministry in Lafayette. They told us about this camp in Missouri that they have brought their kids to for the past few years. They had room in their bus this year so they invited the HFO clan to go with them. At 11pm we jumped on that bus and we were off to Missouri. The bus was full and the kids were pumped. When we arrived the next afternoon none of us knew quite what to expect. We were greeted by a crowd of college students dressed in crazy outfits ready to have some fun. They herded the kids off the bus into the next 7 days of their life.
Kids Across America is a week long camp designed for inner-city youth. They have 3 camps separated by age. Each has its own activities designed for that age range. The kids were able to choose a specialty sport and got intensive instruction and practice throughout the week. They were also able to
participate in other adventure activities like ski-tubing, high ropes courses, water slides and trampolines just to name a few. Some of our kids conquered their fears of heights of water and other social anxieties that go along with being a teenager. The camps ultimate aim is to spread the Gospel. So the kids were challenged and encouraged in their walks with Christ. It was amazing to see the kids surrounded by people that were all after the same end of growing their faith. This camp was able to share the Gospel in a way that was relevant to our students.
While the kids were being poured into by counselors and camp staff, we as leaders had people that were there to pour into us as well. We were able to participate in all the activities the camp had to offer as well as bible studies and networking time to re-energize us to continue the work we do back home. We met new friends and organizations that are just down the road in New Orleans and some from as far as Indiana. We are excited to see how God uses these new relationships as we continue to encourage each other in ministry and collaborate on ideas and vision.
You can be looking for more stories from some of our kids and other staff that were able to experience the excitement of KAA.