2 days ago
Dothan Housing Authority Offers Free Summer Camps
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) –Dothan Housing Authority partners with The Harbor Church to offer free summer camps for low-income residents who have children.
And there is one that is on the horizon, at Jamison Village Apartments on North Lena Street- Camp Horizon.
'It's called Camp Horizon. We have partner with our great partners, The Harbor here in Dothan…' Said, camp leader Samiyah Craddock.
Craddock added how they provide free breakfast and lunch for the kids. She shared how Camp Horizon was cut off from Dothan Summer Feeding Program, and no longer receive food for the summer campers.
Despite of losing food benefits from the feeding program, the Dothan Housing Authority with The Harbor Church find ways to provide free meals for the youth.
The children will not have to worry about not being normal kids enjoying themselves at a summer camp.
They will experience an authentic summer camp, like going to field trips for free, doing fun activities, learning activities, and bible devotions.
'For the parents who can't afford to go the local camps…We have created together and collaborated to create a camp for them to enjoy as well.' added Craddock.
Camp Horizon goal is to help the children socialize with one another and not just sit at home on electronic devices.
And the goal has already been fulfilled. Campers and staff share the same like in one fun game…
'What is called…The octopus-yeah, the octopus game.' Said camper, Serena Ashby.
Summer Program Director of The Harbor Church-Davis Bolton said, 'every time I see the kids they be like–when are we playing the octopus tag? when are we playing the octopus tag? That's a fun game for us…'
Not only the goal has been fulfilled in sharing the same like in fun games between campers and staff, but the staffs bond with the campers has made an impact on one child's life.
'I am glad that I came back, and I will definitely come back here.' Said, camper Marlise Eldrich.
Camp Horizon have teenagers who volunteer to watch the youth for the summer break.
Teen Camp Horizon staff Amaya Springfield stated, 'when I started last year I was like, well I do wanna come back this year-cause I love the kids… I love helping out, working with them, and like towards the end of the summer, they become more like a family…'
Another teen camp staff, Brooke Baker made a powerful point on why it's impactful for her volunteer at Camp Horizon.
'It's very impactful to me because, where I live is very different from all these kids live…And it's kind of important for everyone to see that-don't take what you have for granted.' Added, Baker.
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