Summer camp gives kids the chance to play and learn with friends away from the busyness of everyday life.
This year’s summer camp theme was ‘Mysteries of the Kingdom of Light.’ All week, the children learned about God’s kingdom and they heard the stories of Jesus’s parables.
Ionut said, “I loved the lesson about forgiveness. I usually forgive easily, but not all the time. I once forgave one of my friends when he was mean to me, but here, I’ve learned that I need to forgive at all times, just as God forgives me.”
The week goes by quickly – and Ionut is sad that it’s nearly over. He said, “I don’t even want to think about what my summer would’ve looked like if it wasn’t for this week.
“This is the best time I could ever ask for. I will have a hard time leaving summer camp, but I’ll try to remember everything I experienced here for the rest of the year, especially the songs. I love them.
“Once I’m home, I’ll probably just stay at home a lot. If not, I’ll be out on the field playing football with some of my friends who are still around, or I’ll be doing housework and taking care of the animals we have. I enjoy looking after the chickens.
“Other than that, not much else, because there’s not much that I can do in the area we live in. There are no playgrounds or places for children, no shops or parks. It’s up to us, the children, to come up with ideas of what we can do.”
Andreea, one of the volunteers, said, “Ionut is adorable. I’ve known him since he was three. He’s always in my class at the Christian Outreach meetings in his community and in my group at summer camp.
“He has changed so much! He used to be extremely shy and wouldn’t say a word. He’s still a bit shy now, but he’s much more open to relating to everyone around him. He likes to win when playing but he doesn’t go overboard and he’s respectful towards other children.
“He is patient and likes to do everything perfectly. To make sure he has his Bible verses correct, he takes time and space to memorize them thoroughly, no matter what else is taking place around him. He enjoys being in summer camp and I’m sure he had a terrific time.”
Ionut with his camp group leaders
Petrica, MWB coordinator, said, “Ionut had a blast. He took part in all the activities and he was eager to learn lots of new things about other people, God, and even himself. He even helped with cleaning the dining room. He sang his heart out and guess what… he wants to come again next year!”
Yuval, one of the MWB volunteers, said, “We want to offer the children at summer camp good role models to follow; to help them fix their attention on God and on His ways; to educate them in life matters that they’re struggling with; and to pamper them. We want them to have the best week ever!”
Summer camp opens up a new world to children who haven’t experienced much of life beyond their small village or town. It communicates value to children like Ionut, building a sense of confidence and well-being, and giving them a break from their everyday struggles as they grow up in poverty.
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