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But Jesus called the children to him and said, 

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Imagine a giant old bus squeaking down the hill to the AfricaHope Centre, stuffed full of happy children laughing and singing praise songs. They have been riding for hours, coming from many rural communities, deep in the bush of Kenya. The ride was extra dusty because it hasn't rained significantly all year. But these kids are excited! Some don't know what to expect because it's their first time to camp--maybe even to Narok town; while others are looking forward to the bunk beds with soft mattresses and pillows, playing with the electricity and getting warm showers; they can't wait for the games and having fun with their friends.

Most of the kids show up in their school uniform and will wear it all week. But, don't worry, they'll get cleaned up! They get soap and lotion and shortly after arrival have a chance to scrub the dust off their beautiful faces and dirty toes! Their clothes will get washed at some point. Their tattered shoes will be taken to town to be repaired during the week. The majority of them are in boarding schools but live with relatives during school breaks. They have all lost one or both parents.

Their week of camp will look similar to what you think of when you hear "camp": dramas, Bible lessons, memory verses, singing, games, crafts. But the kids also receive individual counseling, medical check-ups, haircuts =), and lessons on personal hygeine, HIV/AIDs and sex education. 

This is what happened last week; Our annual camp for rural orphans and vulnerable children. It was a blast!

Waiting to register. They took turns leading songs while they waited in the bright sun

Everybody ready?!

Take our picture!

Relaxing after lunch

Salute! Getting settled into the dorm rooms

Lining up for games

Lesson time for group 3

If you or your church would like to sponsor any of these children or partner with their schools, please contact me! Or come next year! Join us on a short-term project and help with the camp. Special thanks to Kathy who joined us this year.