Memories that Last a Lifetime
Dear Hope Family,
Many summers, when I was a child, I looked forward to what felt like a small, perfect escape. My mom would pack my sister and me into our Volkswagen car and drive through the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside to my aunt and uncle’s home near Philadelphia. Their house wasn’t fancy or perfectly tidy—in fact, the constant motion of cousins and neighbors running around and the easygoing atmosphere made it feel even more welcoming. It was a place where laughter was loud, friendships came easily, and you instantly felt like you belonged.
But the real reason we went wasn’t just to visit—it was for VBS.
To me, VBS was the highlight of the summer. Each evening, we heard Bible stories that sparked my imagination, crafts that I proudly carried back, and laughter and joy that filled me. There was something special about being in a place where faith, fun, and friendship all came together so naturally. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those two weeks each year were shaping my heart in lasting ways.
Decades later, those memories are still some of the most cherished ones I have.
That’s why Kids Camp matters.
For a child, it may feel like just another fun summer activity—a place to play games, make crafts, and meet new friends. But it is so much more. It’s a space where children feel seen, welcomed, and loved. It’s where seeds of faith are planted. It’s where ordinary summer days turn into lifelong memories.
If you’re a parent, I encourage you to give your child that experience. Engaging experiences like this have the potential to grow and equip young minds for years to come. At present, we have only 14 children signed up and need confirmation of attendance numbers as soon as possible so we can order the appropriate amount of supplies and T-shirts. If you are planning on your children attending, it would be very helpful if you’d register them soon.
And if you’ve ever wondered whether you should volunteer—this is your invitation. Kids Camp naturally creates a way for you to connect with other members at Hope.
The adults who led, organized, and simply showed up during my VBS experience probably had no idea how much of an impact they were making. But they created the environment that made it all possible. Kids Camp doesn’t happen without people willing to invest their time, energy, and care into the next generation.
This summer, you have the opportunity to help create the kind of memories that last a lifetime—for a child, and maybe even for yourself.
Sign your kids up. Step in and serve. Be part of something that truly matters.
Lisa