CONTACT:
Jackie Nelson
Lutheran Social Service
612/969-2286
Jackie.Nelson@lssmn.org
Camp
Noah Offers a Summer Mission Experience Like None Other
Remember the story of Noah? Well, children
and families are living a similar story right now in places like
Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Thousands of families experienced a
horrendous flood last September-the worst in American history-and are
living temporarily in a new place, wondering if the sun will come out
again and their lives will return to normal.
This is where congregations can come in-and
in a very personal and significant way. Right now, plans are underway to
offer a unique, week-long camp called Camp Noah to help elementary-age
children heal emotionally and spiritually through a curriculum designed
especially for them. The camp gives parents a needed break, too, as they
deal with insurance claims, new stresses of being out of a job, and
emotional recovery of their own. Cindy Johnson, Camp Noah volunteer
coordinator based in Minneapolis, is looking for volunteer church teams to
lead 100 different camps in communities on the Gulf Coast this summer.
"Camp Noah offers an outstanding
intergenerational experience for college kids, adults or families with
older children," Johnson said. "Many families are just waiting for an
opportunity to serve on a meaningful mission project together. We are
certain that it will be an unforgettable experience that will shape people
in their own lives of faith for years to come."
With a special curriculum developed
specifically to help children recover from a natural disaster, Camp Noah
invites children to compare their stories with Noah's. Children will
consider Noah's time of preparing for the flood as he built the Ark
(rushing to take cover), to life in transition while on the Ark (temporary
housing elsewhere), to leaving the Ark with hope for a new life (returning
home or establishing a new one.)
Volunteer teams will be trained to lead and
deliver this curriculum in day camp activities that include skits, drama
presentations, singing, crafts, field trips, outdoor recreational events
and active listening as children share their own personal stories. While
the experience looks like a fun week of Vacation Bible School on the
outside, it is more therapeutic in nature as children learn how to cope
with loss, heal emotionally and experience how God cares for them.
"Kids lost their neighborhood friends and
daily routines" Johnson explained. "They lost their home, school friends
who have moved away, favorite stuffed animals, and other treasures. Plus,
they have endured something new and scary, and may be filled with new
fears for themselves and their parents. Each day, this camp helps children
process their own experiences and begin to heal as people of faith
surround them with a safe place to talk and experience God's love and
care."
Camp Noah also offers volunteers important
training for their own lives, Johnson added. "Topics cover grief and loss,
cultural sensitivity, stages of disaster, and ways to deepen our own
faith. Plus, the training offers a framework for helping us learn how to
move through times of transition or loss, and that can be helpful for
anyone."
Camp Noah was developed by Lutheran Social
Service following the Midwest flood disaster in 1997 when the Red River
overran sandbags and completely engulfed Grand Forks, North Dakota and
East Grand Forks, Minnesota-forcing 40,000 people to flee from their
homes. Since 1997, Camp Noah has been replicated in many communities
throughout the Midwest, and in many other states nationally, as well as
internationally.
If your church can send a volunteer team to
minister to the children and families affected by Hurricane Katrina,
please call Cindy Johnson at 651.969.2368 or email
cjohnso@lssmn.org Also, visit the
Camp Noah web site that is packed with information at
www.campnoah.org
If you are interested
in assembling a volunteer team in your congregation, here are some
important notes:
- All teams must be registered by
March 1, 2006
- Each volunteer team consists of 20
volunteers, ages 18 or older (A team can also bring 4 to 5
volunteers ages, 14 or older.)
- Volunteers must be great listeners,
enjoy talking and playing with children, and have the ability to
express their faith.
- Each team commits to one week
- Registration fee is $2,500, which
amounts to $125 per person for special training and materials. (This
fee can be paid by the church, split among the volunteers or raised
through fundraising efforts or sponsorships.)
- Volunteer groups are responsible for
their own transportation, dinners for the week and craft supplies (a
great way to involve the Sunday School!)
For more information, please call Cindy
Johnson at 651.969.2368 or email
cjohnso@lssmn.org |
LSS Office of Communications
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
2485 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
1-800-582-5260
651/642-5990
FAX 651/969-2360
Jackie.Nelson@lssmn.org
