Inner City Camp

A couple weeks ago a group students from the inner cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Compton arrived at Quaker Meadow Camp. This was my first experience with Inner City Camp, even though Inner City Camp has had a rich history at Quaker Meadow Camp.

For over forty years youth and adults from these cities have been given the opportunity to experience camp. Many of these young people live in poverty, there is no way that the families of these young people could afford the camp fees. Thankfully through the support of many generous people these young people are able to come to camp. These sponsors know there is a benefit to coming to camp and experiencing God in a safe place. This is a true mission field.

Just in the past year, many of these campers have had friends and family members shot, many of these victims have died. One young man’s mother was shot and killed the month prior to coming to camp. As he shared the story I couldn’t help but hurt for him. What would I do in a similar situation? This young man was willing to forgive.

Many of the campers do not have a father living in their home and some do not even know their father. Many of the young women in attendance have also sexually molested. Some of these high school aged young women have children but the father is out of the picture. They do not know what a healthy relationship looks like. Imagine explaining to this group that they have a father in heaven who loves them.

These campers get off the buses, many not wanting to be there. A friendly greeting is returned with a stare down. Most of these campers were forced to come to camp. But after a week seeing the Gospel lived out these campers do not want to leave. Most are looking forward to returning next year. Addresses, emails and tears are shared with one another and the staff.

But most importantly hearts have been softened. Many students make the walk forward at the altar call but I am told few live it out when they return to the streets. But we pray that this week at camp, where these young people encountered Jesus and where they felt loved, will never be forgotten. And we pray that God will allow the seeds that were planted to grow to be strong and healthy lives for Jesus.