An Adventure of a Lifetime (Camp 2011)

Connecting with You From the Executive Director

Dear Friend,

We’ve heard it over and over again from the children who spend a wonderful week at camp:  “We get to eat three times every day!” or “I’ve never been able to swim before,” or “Jesus became real to me this week.”  Obviously there are hundreds of other unique comments we hear from the campers.

Our purpose at Camp CUMCITO (City Union Mission Camp In The Ozarks) is at least two-fold.  We truly want these kids to be able to be kids.  Many have never been able to “act their age.”  The responsibilities they face are way beyond their years.  I’ve had this reinforced in my mind recently through reading the story behind the 2009 movie “The Blind Side.”  Michael Oher, now an offensive tackle with the Baltimore Ravens, grew up in a completely dysfunctional home—sometimes with an addicted mother, sometimes homeless, sometimes in foster care.  Michael’s book, “I Beat The Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond,”tells this story and describes the relationships with many solid, helpful people that enabled him to escape forever the horrible life he lived as a child.

Just as Michael missed having a normal, happy childhood in a warm and loving family, many of “our” children attending camp learn what real love is and what a life centered on Jesus Christ can be like.  Then, through after camp follow-up and our year-round youth programs at the Vanderberg Youth Center, they learn life can be so different and so good.

Thank you for helping reach the countless children and youth through the ministries of City Union Mission.  We’re so grateful that the Mission’s founders, Rev. David and Beulah Bulkley, were sensitive to the Lord’s leading when they purchased the camp property and began this program for precious but needy children.

For His glory,
Rev. Daniel J. Doty
Executive Director

Just in Time!

On the surface, the completion of a new wastewater treatment plant at Camp CUMCITO may not seem like the most exciting renovation or upgrade.  But when you gotta go . . . well, you get the idea!

Over the years, the septic system had become less capable of supporting the growing number of summer campers and groups who now use the facilities nearly year-round.  “In fact,” explains Jon Capp, assistant executive director, physical operations, “there were many small systems for different buildings, and some were very old.”     Therefore, the need to create a single configuration to manage waste more efficiently and effectively was identified, and efforts began to research standards for a new system and raise funds to construct it.  The project was included in the Building the Walls that Rebuild Lives capital campaign and additional funds were generated from the Women Who’ve Changed the Heart of the City annual luncheons.  “And we are very grateful to John Sanders who, by serving as subcontractor, was able to save us a significant amount of money,” Jon Capp says.

Camp CUMCITO’s new AdvanTex wastewater treatment system is on schedule to be completed by the time the first camper steps off the bus in late June!

Their Best Treasures Are Buried in Their Hearts . . . Start Digging

Cheerful.  Timid.  Ornery.  Angry.  

While these may be some of the first impressions our staff and volunteers have of our young campers, they know those perceptions will change dramatically through the week as they help boys and girls uncover the treasures buried in their hearts.

They soon learned that while 11-year-old Brittney is one of six siblings, she’s a lonely little girl who seldom gets the time and attention she needs from her hard-working single mom.  But at camp, she blossoms as she learns about Jesus.  “We sing songs about Him and talk about His personality and the way He lives.  It’s fun!” she says.  Last year Brittney also discovered she was a good swimmer and she beamed as she carried that newfound confidence home with her.

Anthony is a teenager with a tough exterior—he needs it to survive in a tough neighborhood.  But it’s only a façade.  At camp, where he feels safe to be himself, he opened his heart to God’s Word.  “I’ve learned how to turn my life around and make good choices—how to choose God first,” he says.  He’s becoming a godly role model for his younger brothers and sisters too.

Like Brittney and Anthony, every one of this year’s campers has treasures in their hearts.  Your gifts to Camp CUMCITO allow us to let them shine.  Thank you for your generosity today!

Hearts for Children

For Tom and Janice Seagraves, volunteering at Camp CUMCITO has become a much- anticipated annual event.  “We take vacation time, and our employers know there’s a week in July every year when we’re going to be totally inaccessible,” Tom shares.

His experiences at camp have moved him in many ways, but one young man in particular touched his heart.  “He felt abandoned by his father and mother.  He was very small, and he tried to make up for it with his words and fists.  Every time we had a challenge that week, he would tell me he hated me.  I’d say, ‘You might hate me, but I don’t hate you.’” 

Tom has kept in touch with the camper over the years and even visited him at his home in Kansas City.   “He tells me, ‘Mr. Tom, you’re the one person

I’ve always been able to count on.’  That breaks my heart.”

Leading devotions can also be rewarding—and challenging.  “You have a mix of kids who have never heard the Gospel and those who go to church.  You think they aren’t paying attention, but God tells us His Word never comes back void.  I firmly believe when we follow the Lord’s direction, it might just be the seed that gets planted and comes to fruition years down the road—or you might have a child that accepts Christ that week!”

Tom will serve as a camp staff director this year, and Janice is on the chapel staff and they appreciate being part of this committed group.  “For the most part, these kids don’t have much and they don’t get to do much.  So to be able to get away from home is a real adventure.  I feel so blessed that Janice and I can even have such a small role in this amazing ministry.”

City Union Mission feels blessed, too, by the commitment of camp volunteers like the Seagraves.  If you’re interested n sharing your loving and caring heart with needy youngsters this summer, visit www.citynionmission.org.

“Kudos” to Camp Volunteers!

We’re grateful for the many groups that visit Camp CUMCITO before camp begins—and also during and between sessions—to help us prepare for and provide a safe, clean and carefree adventure of a lifetime for our young campers.  Last year, an organization had been scheduled to clean the camp facilities and launder the bedding after a session ended.  But when, at the last minute, they were unable to fulfill that commitment, Warsaw Bible Church stepped in and blessed the camp staff by having the facilities spic-and-span in time for arriving campers.  Kudos to Warsaw Bible Church and all of our 2010 camp volunteers!

Can You Lend a Hand at Camp?

If you, your church or other group are interested in bringing “the adventure of a lifetime” to youngsters at Camp CUMCITO, visit www.citynionmission.org for information on these and other volunteer opportunities

• Bus attendants—ride to and from the city to Camp CUMCITO.  Tell stories, sing songs and lead other activities while guiding boys and girls in safe travel procedures.
• Carnival helpers—help set up and take down booths for the carnival held at the end of each camping session, and provide cookies for the campers.
• Camp cleaners—help prepare the facilities and grounds between camping sessions.
   

2011 Camp CUMCITO Schedule

Give a Deserving Child the Adventure of a Lifetime

Three meals a day—even seconds.  A pool that offers relief from the summer heat.  Nights so dark you can see the stars . . . and so quiet you can hear the crickets.  And unconditional Christian love.

Sadly, these experiences are far from typical for many children here in the Kansas City.  That’s what makes their week at Camp CUMCITO a true adventure and often a life-directing experience.  “Camp nurtures boys and girls in so many ways, and they’re exposed to things they otherwise may never know,” says Travis Bradburn, youth ministries administrator.  “We hope to give kids a glimpse of a different existence, motivating them to pursue a Christian life.”

We need your help—your financial support—to provide this time of wonder and amazement for our area’s underprivileged boys and girls.  Because of their families’ financial limitations, each camper is asked to pay only a $5 registration fee for a week of camp.  Yet the true cost for one child is just over $81 for one day—or $487 for a week.  That covers Bibles for every boy and girl; healthy meals and tasty snacks; clean, comfortable beds; arts and crafts supplies; a crystal-clear pool; and transportation to and from the city.        

Please prayerfully consider sponsoring one or more deserving children with a gift of:

• $487 to cover an entire week of camp for one boy or girl
• $244 to help with half a week
• $71 for one day
• $25 to complete other partial sponsorship gifts
• Or a donation of any amount to help where needed most!

And remember, the love of dedicated, responsible and God-filled counselors and volunteers is given freely from the heart.  You can simply indicate your gift on the enclosed reply card.  Thank you for giving as God leads you

Be a Prayer Warrior

In addition to volunteering or making a financial gift, there’s another important way you can help ensure our camping program will have a true and life-transforming impact on children who may be questioning their self-worth and battling negative influences.  We invite you to pray with us every day of camp (see the schedule above) for these vital requests:

1. Our campers’ understanding of the lessons they learn in chapel and devotions and that they’ll continue to practice these God-given truths when they return home.
2. The safety of children, volunteers and camp staff, not only during camping sessions, but in their travels to and from the city.

God bless you for your daily prayers.  Know that our camp staff and young campers are including you and our other friends and donors, in their prayers too!

Follow our Camp CUMCITO blog on Facebook, Twitter or our Web site for the latest news, photos and urgent needs.

Visit cityunionmission.org for camp needs—including bug repellant, sunscreen and sporting equipment—you might like to help provide!)

Annual Women’s Event Supports Camp CUMCITO

Women whose compassion and influence have had a positive and profound impact on our Kansas City community were celebrated at the fourth annual Women Who’ve Changed the Heart of the City banquet, April 20, at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom.  The event funds ongoing renovation and maintenance at Camp CUMCITO.  Royals General Manager Dayton Moore and his wife, Marianne, and Binny Pearce, City Union Mission board member, served as event co-chairs.  Distinguished honorees included Susan Stanton, Rose Bryant, Mary Lou Jaramillo and Barbara Spilker.

^{Royals General Manager Dayton Moore, co-chair of the 2011 Women Who've Changed the Heart of the City luncheon,}

^{listens as a young camper thanks the audience for the opportunity to addend Camp CUMCITO}

^{2011 event honorees and co-chairs.}

City Camp Offers Safe Summer Fun

Now in its second year, City Union Mission’s City Camp is giving urban youngsters a safe and constructive alternative to spending summer days idle, on the streets.  The day camp—designed for boys and girls ages 7 through 17—is available at no charge to children in the Mission’s Family Shelter and those living within eight blocks of our Family Center. 

City Camp keeps kids safe and their hands and minds busy over the summer

Beginning June 20, City Camp meets in the Mission’s Vanderberg Youth Center, but according to Kalie George, camp coordinator, that’s just the starting point.  “We’ll be busy in the city going on field trips, doing service projects—even swimming,” she says.  The campers also take part in devotions, arts and crafts, and activities that enhance reading, computer and other academic skills.  Lunch is provided, as well as morning and afternoon snacks.

“The families we served last year were so grateful we provided a safe place for their children to learn, grow and have a ton of fun,” Kalie says.  We expect to welcome up to 75 campers to our program this year, and our ability to provide a fulfilling experience rests on the gifts of funding and time we receive from our donors and volunteers.  We invite you to visit www.cityunionmission.orgto learn how you can get involved with this vital summer program!

Making City Union Mission Your Mission

The Mission is grateful for these generous contributions, which will allow us to touch the lives of homeless or poor men, women and children here in Kansas City!

First Book Grant Provides New Books for Children

Homeless children in the Mission’s Family Shelter and youngsters in our after-school program will soon have brand-new books to learn from and enjoy.  The Mo-Kan chapter of First Book, a national organization that provides new books to children in need, recently awarded City Union Mission a $1,680 grant with which we can purchase new books from the First Book Marketplace at $2 each.

“City Union Mission shares the First Book vision of transforming the lives of children in need,” Shanita McAfee, co-chair of the Mo-Kan chapter, says.  “Everyone is entitled to have books.  They open doors to imagination and possibilities and what better place to provide them than through the Mission—where there are families with children who don’t get a lot of new things.”

Companies Rally to Meet Mission Needs

For David Cole, an Awareness Luncheon at the Mission sparked an inspiration when he learned of our need for items like laundry soap and paper products. “At Central Packaging where I work, we deal with all kinds of manufacturers making all kinds of things,” he says.  He approached his associates and asked them to run an idea by two of their customers, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., and Aspen Products.  Would they donate their products—detergent and disposable kitchen and dinnerware—to the Mission?  Yes!  Church and Dwight Corp. contributed several cases of detergent.  And through General Manager Earl Walls, Aspen Products offered up truckloads of plastic and paper goods.

“Through getting involved in this small way, I have been surprised by how eager and willing everyone I talked to was to help.  The best way for me to make an impact is by tapping into these existing business connections,” David says.

The Mission and the Royals on 610 Sports Radio

Two Kansas City icons are teaming up to help the homeless!  City Union Mission is pleased to be the sponsor of the 2011 season Royals pre-game show on 610 Sports Radio.  Tune in before the games to hear Mission representatives offer updates on our work and how Royals fans can get involved!

Give on the Go . . . to Camp CUMCITO

A new, extra-easy way to donate to Camp CUMCITO was launched at our Women Who’ve Changed the Heart of the City banquet and is waiting for your gift!  It can be accessed anytime, anywhere, from any Web-enabled cell phone!   Simply text “CUMCITO.”  You’ll receive a return text with string that takes you directly to the donation page on our Web site.  Make your gift using any major credit card!  (For the safety of our friends and partners, City Union Mission lovingly asks, “Please don’t donate while driving!”)