A small group of certified educators at Patmos Chapel Church in Apopka, Fla., dedicated eight weeks of their summer, June 3 to July 26, 2024, to conduct the first “Kids at the Well” Summer Camp for 8- to 13-year-olds.
Nearly 30 children in grades 3-5 were immersed in a plethora of hands-on activities. They shot rockets, honed basketball skills, grew plants, coded computers, dramatized Bible stories, learned about DNA, engaged in Jiu-Jitsu self-defense, played soccer, and more. Through data collection and analysis, the students were able to determine whether their thought processes were guided by the right or left sides of their brains. They also simulated a functioning heart and learned the process of predicting genetic traits.
Each day began with creative devotional presentations such as deep-sea diving with Jonah, weightlifting with Sampson, Elijah the marathon runner, and Daniel and God of rolling stones.
Chef Arturo Bello provided hot gourmet meals for lunch that were healthy and nutritious. Lunch time became one of the camp’s most popular features.
The camp was born out of a series of Zoom calls with Patmos Chapel educators in early May. The goal was to create a biblically based educational experience for children, led by Lacreatia Daly, Ed.D.; Karen Thomas; Kyra Soriano Bettina Bertram; and Carman Haydee Rivera Lopez. Rachel Taylor, Patmos Chapel children’s pastor, envisioned a well-rounded learning experience that included athletics, Bible, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) courses.
Four weeks before the start of camp, the group engaged parents, recruited teachers, and solicited donations and resources. AdventHealth, Forest Lake Academy, Forest Lake Education Center, 6 Levels Apopka Jiu-Jitsu School, and JoyFM collaborated with the church and provided resources and services. Several church members donated scholarships that opened the door for more students to participate. The team insisted that the venture be self-sustaining to not infringe on the church’s budget.
“The purpose was to give students a biblical view of math and science. They will not get this in public schools, where the subjects are disconnected,” said Daly. “When these subjects are taught in a framework of mind, body, and soul, along with our Creator, then students can embrace it, learn it, as they develop a deeper relationship with God, and prepare themselves for STEM careers.” Science instruction was modeled after ByDesign, the official science curriculum used by Seventh-day Adventist K-8 schools in North America. “Our goal was to offer a wholistic approach to reduce the anxiety students have toward science and math — from a testing perspective to an engaging, loving, relationship-based interaction,” said Daly.
Every day brought new surprises for Kids at the Well. “Being a stay-at-home parent, our premise was that each day was different,” said Taylor. “Children can lose focus when activities are the same.” In commenting on the camp’s spiritual impact, Taylor shared, “I’ve seen the spiritual growth in my own child during the camp. He’s praying differently, and there’s a real difference how he reacts at home and with others.”
Noting how quickly the project came together, Daly declared that God’s guidance made the venture successful. “We had a plan, but God was the director,” she said. “With nearly 30 children attending, including students from Louisiana, South Carolina, and Virginia, the potential is there to reach 50 to 60 children next year.”
Florida State Representative Anna Eskimani visited during camp. She dialogued with the children and heard them sing. She was impressed by their friendliness and the strong academics. “The impact that COVID had on our (Florida) kids cannot be underestimated,” said Eskimani. “It’s really important to create environments for our kids to interact with each other and catch up on math and reading skills that they may have struggled to develop during virtual learning.”
“The Kids at the Well Camp is a dream realized,” said Marvin McClean, Patmos Chapel administrative pastor. “The camp is what we envisioned for our Well Activity Center. It has been a real blessing. I’ve seen the joy and happiness in the kids. I’ve been in the classroom and seen them doing innovative things in science. I’ve seen them engage in sports activities, learning sportsmanship. It was a wonderful environment, and it is something we can build upon for the community at large. We’re looking forward to greater things when 2025 comes.”
“This is a faith-based initiative, aimed at spreading the love of Christ in our community,” said McClean. “We do this intentionally by having loving, caring teachers on staff, engaging young people, and providing a positive learning environment. We’re exposing them to faith principles that give them guidance and instruction for life.”
Southeastern | October 2024
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