Promise Camp is a Christ-centered, highly relational camp where the hope of Jesus Christ is shared with children from vulnerable circumstances. It provides a one-week transformational camp stay for kids who live in some of the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh area. Last year, 410 campers experienced God’s amazing creation in a beautiful camp setting.
Led by Jennifer Engel, Promise Camp Director, there are six one-week, age-specific sessions, with up to 75 campers per session. Each day includes indoor and outdoor activities, large group time, and cabin Bible talks. A 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio ensures the individualized attention campers need and crave.
Campers live in cabins with two counselors. There is an activity center for large group meetings, worship, crafts, and games. A new dining hall across the lawn is the site for delicious meals and snacks. Outside are a large swimming pool, climbing wall, covered basketball court, and ropes and challenge course. Campers take part in many great activities while learning more about God, others, and themselves, and making lasting friendships.
This summer’s theme, “Light It Up”, is about showing the campers that Christ is our Light in a dark world. Regardless of what Satan tries to do to us to keep us in darkness, Christ’s Light can defeat the darkness.
The new Teen Discipleship program has six, non-repeating sessions, so high schoolers can spend one week or the entire summer at Promise Camp. This in-depth experience will be important for the growth and faith of the individual teen and will also have impact in the future, as campers progress to become staff.
Offering a highly relational camp with the population that is served requires significant investment and resources. Although blessed to have many supporters who provide the resources to operate camp, they still have needs. Most importantly, they ask for your prayers for the safety and health of the campers and that God would use Promise Camp to plant the seeds of salvation in all who attend. They ask for prayers of guidance and support for the staff. Finally, pray for the families of the campers and staff, that the experience at Promise Camp positively impacts their lives and families at home. To operate the camp, $750 per camper per week is required. Most of the children’s families pay just $25 per week for their child to attend. Providing the balance of the amount for the child and even paying the initial portion is a way to support the ministry. Because there are also a lot of additional items that need to be purchased, an Amazon Wish List has been set up for those who would like to support in this way: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/36GN5RGL4RBCS?ref_=wl_share.
