This summer, several congregations have provided the opportunity for children to go to camp. These ministries are made possible with support from Episcopal Community Ministries (ECM).
Summer Saints at All Saints, Pleasant Ridge
All Saints, Pleasant Ridge’s “Summer Saints” program provides affordable childcare for local families and teaches children how to cook and garden. The children also take part in typical camp activities, all of which are connected to Bible stories, as the campers learn to care for their neighborhood, the earth, and themselves.
Summer Camp Reading
Summer Camp Reading is a daily camp for struggling readers entering 2nd through 4th grades in the greater Cincinnati area. Campers receive books to take home, writing and reading activities, and one-to-one tutoring. Breakfast and lunch is included in the free program. Grace Church, College Hill, St. Andrew’s, Evansville and St. Simon of Cyrene, Lincoln Heights are sponsors and host sites for for the camp locations.
Summer Arts and STEM Camps at St. Margaret’s, Trotwood
St. Margaret’s, Trotwood hosts two summer camps aimed at inspiring campers to discover their best selves through cultivating artistic and STEM talents, while experiencing cooperative learning in a positive group culture. Summer Arts Camp (SAC) is a multicultural program that offers workshops in tie-dye, dance, drawing, watercolors, music, and videography. Campers at STEM Camp learn about science, technology, engineering and math, and gain first-hand knowledge in mechanical engineering, aerodynamics, chemistry and physical science.
Transformations CDC at My Nose Turns Red and Procter Camp
Transformations CDC, an organization that aids immigrants and children of immigrants, many of whom are members of Church of Our Saviour / La Iglesia de Nuestro Salvador, provided access to summer camp for twelve children this summer. Five children went to My Nose Turns Red, a local circus camp. Each day, Transformations volunteers drove the children to and from camp, and to local parks for their performances. Transformations also purchased the necessary clothing the camp requires.
Seven of the Transformations children had the opportunity to attend Procter Summer Camp. In addition to providing transportation, Transformations volunteers ensured that each of the children had a suitcase, pajamas, swimsuit, and any other necessary items for attending camp.
ECM grants are funded by donations and by an annual draw from the Blanchard Memorial Endowment Fund established by the trustees of the diocese. Every dollar donated to ECM goes to local church outreach ministries helping their neighbors in need.
