COLUMBUS (WCMH)– At Family Missionary Baptist Church, they work hard on Sundays to get the message across to the congregation.
But for eight weeks during the summer months, they work every single day to get that same message to young people in the neighborhoods they serve.
“Challenges, a lot of them are dealing with issues. Many have seen violence, some have seen people killed right in front of them, and have trauma to deal with,” Pastor Frederick LaMarr said.
This summer camp has been in place for about 5 years. It has grown each year to serve more kids in the areas that have seen their fair share of problems, and violence.
“Helps them through summer, so they won’t be running the streets. They can be at camp, doing things to help them for the school year,” Syeshia Rogers said.
Rogers attended the camp last year, just days after she was shot randomly in the leg. She says that experience, and what is talked about at camp each year shows everyone just how fast live can change, and for young people to put themselves in the best possible place for success.
That success is gauging day to day, instead of always year to year.
Pastor LaMarr tells NBC4, that it is critically important for their staff members to keep a close eye on the young people, know where they are coming from, and what might be bother them.
“We teach them respect. Some come in as damaged goods, when get a chance to show them what it is like to be loved,” Pastor LaMarr said.
There are many kids here that have experienced all kids of emotions. For Terry Felder, he has a story that is familiar to many, but something that can often derail a young person who needs a father figure in their life.
“I never grew up with a father, never had one. So I have the pastor, he really helps me with school, and with getting a job,” Felder said.
What is special about this camp, now that it has reached a few years of existence, is that veteran campers are working hard at mentoring younger campers.
“,” Semaj LaMarr said.
The camp graduates its class later this week.