Wilma and Franklin Wilson take a break from waterfront fun. (Contributed photo)The community outreach ministries of New City Fellowship in Glenwood is seeking donations for Camp GLAD, a summer camp focused on academics, God and fun.
The program is an eight-week day camp for elementary school students that offers tutoring in math and reading, Bible study, educational excursions and fun outdoor activities.
"The camp is a vehicle to mentor kids and share the love of Christ," said Gyven Nabors, one of the directors of Camp GLAD and son of the church's founding pastor.
Community donations will be used to hire camp counselors and staff and, essentially, make the camp possible. The registration fee is relatively low compared to other summer camps, and donations allow for the camp to help families who wish to enroll their children but can't afford it.
"We'll work with whatever [each family's] budget is," said co-director Sandra Smith. "We don't want to turn anybody away, so donations help us be able to do that."
The camp will run Monday-Thursday, June 4 through July 27. The kids' days will start out with an hour and a half of academic tutoring, followed by Bible study, music, crafts and other playful activities. A field trip is planned for every Thursday to enjoy some outdoor fun.
During the first week of July, for example, the older children will venture to Vesper Point in Soddy-Daisy for a four-night stay to experience the great outdoors and embark on adventures such as kayaking, boating and swimming.
"Kids are losing the art of just being able to have fun," Smith said. "Being outdoors in nature gives them a chance to really have a blast. It's truly the highlight of their summer."
Donations are needed by May 21 and can be made out to New City Fellowship with the memo "Camp GLAD."
Donations can be dropped at the church or mailed. Address is 2412 E. Fifth St.,, Chattanooga, Tenn., 37404. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Families can also stop by the office to pick up a camp application to register their children. Application and payments are accepted there.