Kids Camp in Italy Impacts Community

It was a time of fellowship and hope, a chance to show God’s love in an unusual and unexpected way. During one week in early June 2010, OM Italy, interns from FCA, a US church team, and short-term OM interns/volunteers came together to host a Sports and English Camp in the little town of Torre Pellice.

The FCA interns, college students from all over the world committed to learning Sports Ministry, taught 50-60 children everything from cheer-leading to karate. One intern, Brian, explains:

“I saw God given passion in the heart of children expressed through sports. I saw kids get to dream that maybe, just maybe, they could be, for a day, exactly what they wanted to be.”

After lunch, the church team took over. They pooled everyone into one large group to give instructions, sing a few songs and learn several English words and phrases.  Once finished, they broke off according to their ages and headed to one of the activities: Arts and Crafts, Bible Lesson, Music or Games. English was the main language spoken by the leaders to the children, though there were translators with each group to assist in comprehension.

During the Bible Lessons, stories were highlighted that showed the importance of trusting in God. Several children decided to take up the team's challenge to follow Jesus, and the change that had been made in their lives was clearly visible! Others didn’t profess anything verbally, but changed attitudes or actions revealed that new thoughts and ideas were being cultivated in their minds. This was particularly true of the older girls, who became famous for their thought-provoking questions and thoughts.

The crafts were inventive. T-shirt decorating, picture frame-making; all the children and even the parents were amazed at what they were able to create and take home with them. It was said that normally a camp of this magnitude would cost anywhere from 180-250 Euro a week, and the fact that this camp was free, AND gave out such good crafts, was truly unusual.

Games were fairly straightforward activities such as learning American Football. Music involved songs like “Jesus Loves Me” and “Every Move I Make.” Those in charge tried to choose songs that had motions so the children would be able to learn them more easily, and it worked! In fact, the kids picked them up so quickly that by Wednesday, a new list of songs had to be created to keep everyone interested.

The camp culminated with Olympic Day on Saturday. The children were separated into “countries” such as Italy, U.S or Scotland, and activities included games, face painting and Bible time. By the time lunch rolled around, there was a rare chance to see what an impact the camp had made.

Many of the parents were so amazed at what had been done for their kids that they decided to demonstrate their appreciation in a truly Italian way. They brought mounds of delicious food for everyone to eat. There were sausages and cheeses, breads and pizzas, and just as everyone thought all was finished, out came the desserts!

Soon after lunch, the rain began. Time was filled by Vladimir, a Sports Intern and a four time World Martial Arts Champion, who exhibited his skills. The rain stopped long enough to finish the games, and finally awards were presented. At this time, all the kids came together in front of their parents and sang some of the songs they had learnt. One particularly impactful song was “Open the Eyes of my Heart Lord;” the older guys and girls sang the chorus in Italian while the rest of the children sang the repetition in English. It was very touching and beautiful to hear.

Much more happened during the week, such as dance parties and lunch swapping. Overall the kids camp was very successful. Intern Brian summarises the experience:

“From this camp, there is one thing I am sure of now. Love is not words. Love is an action. It is an action to love as Jesus loves; to give all we are to those around us, in total humility and in every way filled with the purpose of building God’s kingdom. And when we do that, amazing things happen around us, like the amazing things that happened at camp.”

It is clear that camp touched the lives of the children, the parents, and the volunteers with the message of God’s love.

OM’s role in the Church is to mobilise people to share the knowledge of Jesus and His love with every generation in every nation. OM pioneers and leads initiatives to redeem lives, rebuild communities and restore hope in over 110 countries.