The Church that changes the world ...

The theme at Calvary church for the past several months has been: "The Church that changes the world." This weekend was designated, "God loves Grand Rapids" and as a church, we were looking for community service projects to commit ourselves to. Our Sunday School class, as well as the entire church choir (100+ members) asked Urban Family Ministries if there was any work they needed us to do ...

We ended up being assigned to Camp Scott-E. What on earth is Camp Scott-E? It's one of those very cool stories that only God can accomplish for and through people. Years ago, this land was given to a church by a family who wanted to honor the death of their 3-month-old son (his name was Scott). A camp was built here and used for years and years, but then that particular church stopped growing and the camp fell into disuse. Anyway, it's a long story, but the folk who originally owned this piece of property, really wanted it to be used in the memory of their little son. So all of this land and everything on it has been given to Urban Family Ministries to use as they see fit!

Our group did some clearing of hiking paths and pruning dead trees ... here is Mr. Jones hard at work ...

This map of the camp shows the 83 acres of woods, nature trails, a spring-fed swimming hole, a large retreat center (in need of much work and repair) that has a barrack-type atmosphere divided in half with 30 bunks on each side separated by a huge gathering room, fireplace, bathrooms with showers, and kitchen. There are picnic shelters, an open outdoor chapel, playground, baseball diamond, a basketball court, and beautiful Tamarack Creek that winds its way here and there ...

By about 3:00 this afternoon, the Super Saturday kids arrived to have a look around the place, take some hikes in the woods, share a hotdog dinner, bonfire, and marshmallow roast.
Some of these children had never taken a walk in the woods before ... today was their very first experience outside in the wide-open space! I think some of them were completely overwhelmed.
About 150 children and leaders gathered in this open chapel area and sang some praise songs ...
Urban Family Ministries plans to do some day-camps and overnights ... they can actually do a four day, three-night deal but if they do a week-long camp, the State of Michigan comes in with endless camp regulations such as having to have an on-site nurse, etc. ~ along with much more stringent building and site codes that would take years to comply with before being able to use the facility. Calvary Church also has plans to use Camp Scott-E for weekend retreats. It was great to be part of the Church that changes the world today and to know that inter-city children will reap the benefit of our labor.

"You must love the LORD your God
with all your heart, all your soul,
all your strength, and all your mind.
And, you must love your neighbor

as yourself." Luke 10:27