More Than a Bus Ride

Thanks to you, 38 kids got to go to “Kamp” with Kids Across America last summer! Your generosity provided them the bus they needed to get there, giving them the perfect start (and end) to their summer adventure.

When you were growing up, what were your favorite things to do during the summer? Beach and lake days? Exploring forests and climbing trees? Reading a book while tucked on the couch, summer rain pounding against your window? Going to Vacation Bible School? Eating ice cream, or maybe a root beer float? Going to summer camp?

For some of us, summer camp is one of the most blissful of our summertime memories as kids. Yet for some kids, summer camp is out of reach. We may not have noticed it as children, but summer camp tends to be expensive—transportation, food, lodging, activities, compensation for the incredible camp staff. It adds up.

Last summer, the kids at Grace Community Church tried to raise enough funds for their bus ride to a summer “Kamp” with Kids Across America through several car washes, but they still didn’t have enough money to cover their bus ride to Kamp in Missouri. Luckily, you had their backs.

Because of your generosity, these 38 kids were able to go to Kamp last summer with Kids Across America! It was the time of their lives, bursting with new exciting experiences and Christ-centered learning.

At Kamp, they got to play all kinds of sports and games, zip line, have pool parties, eat good food, learn about their faith, and party in worship of Jesus Christ everyday. So much dancing, so much singing, so much fun. They made new friends, fellowshipped with old friends, and enjoyed spiritual mentorship from their chaperones and the camp staff.

You provided the bus ride, the kids brought the spirit. They are so grateful.

Here’s what some of the kids said:

“Thank you, Heart of the City Foundation, for providing the bus ride to camp. I liked the bus because the air was cool, the seats were comfortable, and it even had a bathroom! Most of all, thank you for getting us there and back safely. Because of your transportation support, I was able to grow closer to God. From the bottom of my heart—thank you!” ~ Aubrey Davis, age 13

“I really enjoyed the people I met on the bus. The word for the week at camp was ‘incredible,’ and the kindness of everyone was so welcoming. Thank you, Heart of the City!” ~ Naomi Fennot, age 15

“On the way to camp, the ride was chill—everyone was getting to know each other and making friends. The bus was so comfortable that I took at least six naps! When I arrived, it felt like starting another chapter in my life. I loved seeing my cabin mates and counselors again. My favorite parts of camp were cross-talk, tubing, and football. The most exciting thing was sharing this camp with my best friends and letting him experience the Christian camp with me. Thank you!” ~ Kai Moran, age 14

“I really enjoyed the food and loved the pool party—it was a lot of fun! Honestly, I liked everything about camp. I learned a great deal about God and even had the opporutnity to ask questions, which helped me understand Him better. Plus, I loved the naps on the bus. Thank you!” ~ Journey Pinckney, age 12

“I really enjoyed my bus ride to camp because it was fun and exciting. Watching movies on the bus made the journey even more enjoyable. I liked laughing and talking with everyone while we traveled. It was special to make new memories with friends on the bus. It was the start of a great adventure.” ~ Amyiah Wilson, age 16

If you’d like another taste of what these kids enjoyed, you can play the video below by Kids Across America! Thanks again for making it possible for these kids to have this amazing summer camp experience.