By Morgan Macfarlane
Going to camp is expensive; the staff of Faith Fun and Fine Arts completely understands and works every year to help raise scholarships to send kids to camp.
Faith Fun and Fine Arts Camp takes place every June at Crystal Springs Campground in Dowagiac, Michigan. The camp is week-long. It exposes kids to different fine arts classes like painting, scrapbooking and photography, as well as God.
Diane Earles, camp dean said, “Our goals are to bring kids from all walks of life to church camp. Our camp is a place where kids can be themselves and be loved for who they are. Ultimately, our goal is to teach kids that God loves them and hopefully, see them come to a relationship with God.”
While Faith Fun and Fine Arts Camp takes place in Dowagiac, many staff members are residents of Schoolcraft and attend Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. Other staff members come from Lansing and Olivet.
Recently the camp staff has been working to raise money by holding dinners. Kids who receive scholarships from these camp dinners and other fund raising events also come out to help. Camp dinners are by donation and held at Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. The upcoming dinner dates are February 28, March 14, April 25 and May 16.
“We work hard at doing the fundraisers so that the kids can afford to go to church camp. It can be an amazing and transforming week for a child. Camp is to help kids and the counselors learn about a wonderful God,” said Nancy Lubovich, assistant camp dean.
Camper Casey Earles said, “I like going and meeting new kids and hanging out all week.”
Angie Harrington, camp counselor said, “I have witnessed lives transformed in one short week at Faith, Fun and Fine Arts. Not just from the kids we interact with but from adults and counselors too. I have witnessed people going as a non-believer and come home with Jesus in their hearts.”
“I believe that it is important to help send kids to summer camp because it creates an opportunity for them to learn about their faith in a fun and energetic atmosphere,” said Ty Dexter, camp counselor.