Jubilee Neighbors Summer Camp 2012

This summer the first ever Jubilee Neighbor’s summer camp, hosted 28 young campers from Comer and the surrounding area. Held at Comer United Methodist trough the great hospitality of the parish, the camp welcomed children ranging in age from 3-12, from diverse backgrounds, many being the children of refugee families from Burma.  The camp ‘theme’ was centered on gardening and God’s goodness as witnessed through nature. Activities also included a strong emphasis on language learning. Each day the campers sang songs and read scripture in three different languages: Karen, Spanish and English. Additionally campers took part in phonics based language classes in these three languages. Memorable activates of the week included playing cooperative games with a giant parachute, ‘field trips’ to Jubilee neighbor’s field to observe nature using the five senses and collecting trash and natural materials to creatively reuse. Campers used their artistic abilities to help construct a sign for the neighbor’s field and took part in the creation of a tradition Karen- style bamboo compost basket for the field.  Throughout the week campers learned the importance of caring for the land and one another through songs and scripture activates. As culmination, on the final day campers performed the songs they had learned, in Karen, Spanish and English, for an enthusiastic audience at the Comer Farmer’s Market.  Many thanks to the community of Comer United Methodist for making this wonderful week of fun, learning and friendship such a success!

Terese Gagnon, Camp Counselor