Ready to adopt?<br> Churches can bond with children at camps

Your church is invited to "adopt" a children’s camp this summer, truly enhancing the experience for both youngsters and leaders.

Several ways to reach out to the campers attending these specialty events were listed by Camps Director Randy McGuire.

More than one church can adopt a camp, Rev. McGuire explained. And he welcomes support from each church, even if none of its children attend an event.

Adopt-A-Children’s-Camp can include these ideas and more.

• Pray for the leaders and youngsters before and during the camp.

• Send a care package to the campsite as the event begins, with snacks and gifts for both children and leaders. These packages must be sent through a church office, not from an individual.

• Send notes of encouragement during the event to both leaders and the young campers.

• Send thank-you notes to the camp leaders after the event.

• Prior to the camp, provide funds to help pay for supplies and registration fees for leaders. (Suggested amounts: $250 will purchase quite a few supplies, and a leader’s fee is $150.)

A Certificate of Adoption will be sent to each church that participates.

In accordance with camp policies, campers’ names or other personal information will not be shared with the adopting church. The official registrar will report the number of participants to the church one week before camp begins.

Multiple sessions of each camp are offered during the summer.

To adopt a camp, contact McGuire, Rmcguire@okumc.org,  405-530-2016.