The Salvation Army will kick off its “Send a Child to Camp” program campaign on Sunday at the Revival on the River Christian music festival.
The festival will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. at the park between the Keesler and Veterans bridges, and the Salvation Army will have a tent set up at the event.
The red kettles will be out, and those attending can donate money for the program.
“We’re reaching out and asking the community for its generous support for this program,” said Lt. Jamaal Ellis, Salvation Army Corps officer.
The cash donations will help send local children to the Salvation Army’s summer camp in Lexington. The Salvation Army will display the names of those who support the program at its tent.
“During the entire summer, we send groups of kids to that camp,” said Ellis. “It takes them from a summer of sitting around the house and being idle to going to camp and being constructive and having fun.”
Ellis said many children in the community are not able to afford to attend a summer camp, and the Salvation Army provides that opportunity for free.
The Salvation Army’s camp features cabins, a swimming pool, recreational activities and arts and crafts, all in a Christian setting.
The Salvation Army will transport the children in age groups — from ages 6 to 15 — to the camp, where they will spend a week.
“We take kids away from the familiar day-to-day and offer them more exposure,” said Ellis. “The campsite itself is a beautiful place. They get to sit out by a camp fire and make s’mores.”
The camp also features a conservatory for those who are interested in learning how to play a musical instrument.
“I’ve seen this program transform kids’ lives,” Ellis said.
The conservatory camp is open to all ages interested in learning to play an instrument and lasts longer — about five weeks.
The camp is open not only to children who attend the Salvation Army Church but to all in the community the organization serves. Ellis said the goal this year is to raise enough money to send 30 to 35 children to camp in the summer.
“These camps are very special for the children who attend and give them something to look forward to doing in the summer,” he said.
The estimated expense of sending a child to camp for a week is about $200, and Ellis said every donation — small or large — will help.
After Sunday, those who would like to donate to the “Send a Child to Camp” program can visit Greenwood Market Place. The grocery store will also post the donors’ names on a wall.
For more information about donating or about the program, call the Salvation Army at 455-9679.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
