First Ever Street Kid Camp

STREET KID CAMP REPORT
APRIL 3 – 5, 2006



IN SUMMARY
Action Zambia’s first camp for street kids was held from April 3 to April 5. This camp involved fourteen kids, eleven boys and three girls, at a facility located two hours south-west of Lusaka in the community of Chikankata. The kids were accompanied by four Action Zambia missionaries, the four Zambian men on our street kid team, and two other volunteers. The children involved were those whom the AZ street team had been working with for many weeks prior to the camp and were identified as being at higher risk on the street or as good candidates for reintegration either back home or to a center. The children all expressed how great the camp was, how it was better than they could have imagined, and that God’s word really spoke to their heart. Eight of these kids are now in the process of being helped to get off the street and are also receiving more guidance on life issues (forgiveness, conflict resolution, anger, etc) from a Biblical perspective.


IN DETAIL
The three-day agenda involved sporting activities, crafts, lots of food, daily devotionals, testimonies, medical care, counseling sessions, AIDS education, time for sharing and campfires. Soon after arrival, the kids were all given a pair of shoes, a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt, and a hygiene kit containing soap, a towel, toothpaste and a tooth brush.

There were no incidents of fighting or drug use during the entire three days. The boys all took part in each of the activities and were obedient and respectful to the counselors present. The boys rose early each day for a morning jog through the village, followed by a morning devotional. The children were fed three meals each day with two snacks in between. It was commented by one boy, “I never thought we would get so much food. I expected that you would feed us maybe one meal a day, but you gave us snacks too.” What a joy it was to see kids who may not get even one square meal a day now being stuffed at each setting (Matthew 25:35).

The kids made a tee-shirt craft one afternoon. They were all given a plain shirt along with some paint, stamps and markers to make their own design. Soon they had shirts covered with animal stamps, their names, ‘God is Love’ and ‘Camp 2006’. It was great fun for all.

There was also much time spent talking with the kids about AIDS and HIV. An entertaining skit was put on by the street team about what HIV does to your body, followed by a time of education and questions/answers. There is much misinformation about this subject with these kids, as well as much at-risk behavior on the street.

The camp fires at night were especially enjoyable. It was a time of singing songs and sharing. One boy shared the first night that his heart was heavy and tight, but that hearing God’s word earlier that night had taken away this feeling (Matthew 11:29). The children then all went to bed early, and without any complaints or late night pranks. These kids slept on pads with blankets and probably got the best rest they have had in a long time, away from the noise of the city.

The girls who came to camp had a more difficult time. One girl did not like the shoes she was given and that they did not fit exactly right. Two of the girls did not participate in the activities and were unhappy about being there. They were both taken back to town on the second day. One girl did remain and is now being assisted to get off the street. The street team will continue reaching out to and working with these other two girls.

Discussions were held with the children on the last day about getting off the street and we are now working with eight of them to this goal. Much work had been done before the camp to find out about each child’s family and reason for being on the street, but much work remains afterwards. It would be an injustice to have to take these kids back to the street after camp. As one of the volunteer counselors observed, “The kids look different. Their faces have changed, they look happy. This has really affected them.” We hope this camp will be a turning point in the lives of these kids. Please continue praying for them.


IN PRAYER
Action Zambia hopes to use these camps to reach kids with the hope of the Gospel. Our Lord has blessed us with this wonderful camp facility and a great street kid team and we can see His hand building this ministry. Please continue to pray for this ministry, these children and the other camps planned for this year. It is hard work and demands patience, perseverance, and prayer. Thanks for standing with us in this work (Ephesians 6:18). Financial contributions to support this ministry are greatly appreciated.


Yours in Christ


John Powell
Street Kid Coordinator
Action Zambia





CONTRIBUTIONS:
Action International Ministries
PO Box 398
Mountlake Terrace WA 98043

Street kid ministry account # 71046
Camp ministry account # 71044