This summer, First United Methodist Church has partnered with Camp in the Community to offer a free high-quality summer camp experience to underserved campers in both rural and urban low-income areas of the Morristown community.

Summer camp is an incredible experience where children can grow in independence, develop more personal faith, discover new friendships, and build relationships with older peers.

Unfortunately, for many children, experiencing camp is financially impossible, culturally improbable, and physically challenging.

First United Methodist Church will host Camp in the Community, a free day camp for children ages five through 14 years old. The camp will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning Monday, July 20, and ending 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 24.

Campers will receive lunch and a snack daily, water bottle, camp T-shirt, Bible and reading book.

“Camp in the Community is an outreach ministry of Holston Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries,” said Lisa Cavallucci, FUMC Director of Children’s Ministries. “It is a weeklong day camp program for children.”

“The camp operates in partnership with a host church,” Cavallucci said. “We provide a high-quality summer camp experience to those who could not otherwise afford to attend summer camp.”

“This is for the purpose of sharing the gospel in a tangible way and developing lasting relationships between the community and the church,” she said. “The program works with area youth to develop them as leaders in the church. Youth are provided leadership and childcare training and serve as assistant counselors.”

This summer, campers will explore one of the most meaningful and hopefilled teachings of Jesus: the seven “I Am” statements found in the Gospel of John.

Each day, campers will discover one or two of these statements, learning not only what Jesus said, but what He meant – and why those words still matter in their everyday lives.

Through age-appropriate stories, hands-on activities, group conversations, and reflection, campers will learn how Jesus described Himself as the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, the True Vine, the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Gate, and the Resurrection and the Life.

These images were familiar to people in Jesus’ time, and campers will unpack how those same ideas speak to our needs today – belonging, guidance, purpose, hope, and care.

Campers participate in a wide variety of activities.

Tie dye is a fabric dyeing technique where sections of cloth are twisted, folded, or tied to create unique and vibrant patterns. Campers will explore their creative side by trying their hand at tie dying.

Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to propel arrows. Archery teaches campers patience, focus, strength, and so much more.

Dubbed a kinder version of dodgeball, the game of Gaga Ball is played with a soft foam ball in an octagonal “pit,” and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees while trying to avoid being hit.

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as ways to provide hands-on opportunities for campers to learn. This summer, every camper will get to participate in a mobile STEAM lab.

Camp in the Community is accredited by the American Camp Association, and follows strict guidelines, including safe sanctuary regulations, to ensure each child has a safe and exciting week.

To register, visit https://www.campinthecommunity. org/host/morristown.