Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Journey Church in Mayo has announced its summer camp options for its members. “This year, students will have the choice to attend one of two camps. Of course, you may attend both camps if you wish, but our fundraisers will only help provide funds for one camp of your choice,” a Facebook post from the church reads. The two camp options are Camp Realife in Vero Beach, which runs from Monday, July 7, through Friday, July 11, and Camp Suwannee in Dowling Park which takes place from Saturday, July 13, to Saturday, July 19. The camps are available for students in grades six through 12 and leaders who actively attend Journey Church and have good conduct and character. Camp Realife costs $375 per person, which covers lodging, camp activities, meals and a camp t-shirt. Camp Suwannee costs $400 per person for lodging, camp activities, meals and a camp t-shirt. Interested parties should note that a $60 deposit is due by Sunday, Feb. 23. To learn more about Camp Realife, visit www.realife.org. To learn more about Camp Suwannee, visit www.campsuwanneecamps.org. Journey Church is also offering a fundraiser for its students, both individuals and groups. Either the parents or students, or preferably both, must participate in the fundraiser. Any money earned from the fundraiser goes to camp accounts only, it cannot be cashed in or refunded. However, funds can be transferred to another student or chaperone. Additionally, funds will not contribute to the initial deposit. “Please note that our policy is to help any student with financial hardship get to camp,” the church wrote. “We don’t ever want a student to miss the opportunity to go to camp because of money. However, please understand that we will only help those students or families who make an effort to help themselves. If a student does not participate in any fundraising efforts, that student should not expect to have their camp paid for. The church also encourages students to seek out creative ways to earn money for camp. They offer a couple of ideas, to help find odd jobs, such as babysitting, pet sitting, yard cleanup and car washing; having a yard sale or selling items on Facebook or eBay; making something, such as a craft or food item to sell; setting up a personal camp donations campaign, such as GoFundMe on social media; and giving lessons on something, such as an instrument, or offering tutoring services in a subject. A brilliant idea is to start saving now. If a family saves $50 each month, they will have enough for camp by the time it comes. “We are super excited for summer camp this year! Camp is about more than just going and having a good time (although we do that!). Camp allows us a dedicated time to specifically draw closer to God and one another.”