‘Crowdfunding’ project to fund ‘Camp Courage’

John Gorman removes debris from a tornado-destroyed home in Tupelo, Miss., on May 2, 2014. “LCMS Camp Courage: A Place of Hope and Healing” — a weeklong vacation Bible school program designed to help traumatized children rebound from disasters — is the Synod’s latest “crowdfunding” project. Its goal is to raise a total of $6,430 by June 14. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

Children, like adults, can be profoundly affected by disasters. The impact from devastating floods, fires, tornadoes and other tragedies can leave children spiritually and emotionally drained, mentally and physically distressed.

Enter “Camp Courage” — a new, five-day vacation Bible school program from LCMS Disaster Response that’s designed to help traumatized children rebound from disasters through activities that focus on God’s Word, the catechism and Lutheran songs.

“LCMS Camp Courage: A Place of Hope and Healing” is the latest LCMS “crowdfunding” project. “Crowdfunding” is the practice of funding a project by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet. Launched April 29 in partnership with Wheat Ridge Ministries — it will only be funded if its goal of raising $6,430 is pledged by the project’s June 14 deadline.

Contributions to the Camp Courage fund may be as little as $1, and planners note that pledges of:

$4 will provide art supplies for one child.

$10 will give a child his/her own hygiene kit.

$20 will provide lunches for a child during the weeklong program.

$100 will cover all expenses for one child to take part in the full week of activities, including crafts, snacks, take-home books and keepsakes.

The volunteer-run program uses Scripture, skits and crafts to help kids build trust, restore hope and renew their faith in Christ during and after periods of suffering. Its aim is to bring children comfort, based on God’s Word.

To find out more about “Camp Courage: A Place of Hope and Healing” — or make a contribution to the project — click here.

Posted June 3, 2016