Changing Lives at Summer Camp
Every year, The Salvation Army of Rochester, MN sends anywhere from 10-20 children so summer camp every week, from Bible camp, to music camp, to sports camp, teen camp, and family camp.
All camps are hosted at The Salvation Army's camp grounds in Finlayson, MN, complete with lake access, a petting zoo, an archery and rope course, and plenty of green space for kids to run and play.
"A lot of our kids are coming from some pretty difficult home situations," said Andrew Lovejoy, Muisc & Youth Director of The Salvation Army in Rochester, "Once we get them to camp where they feel safe and free, we have the chance to get to know them and to really make a positive impact on their lives."
Lovejoy recounted the story of one young girl who was truly the troublemaker of the group. Then she participated in Jesus Theater at The Salvation Army's Bible Camp. The experience helped the girl to connect with Major Lisa Mueller, who helped the girl to change her behavior for the better, and remains a positive influence to this day.
Another young boy attended camp this year, starting off as a shy kid who really didn't talk much to the camp counselors or to the other kids on the bus ride to camp. "Once we got to camp, you could see him really start to open up, to make friends, " said Lovejoy, "Camp really got him out of his shell, and he loved camp so much, he told me he can't wait to come back next year."
All camps are provided free of charge all summer long, and The Salvation Army is always hoping to serve as many kids as possible with this quintessential youth experience. Children from ages 7-17 are eligible to attend camp, and applications are available as early as April of each year.
Please contact Andrew Lovejoy at 507-288-3663 with any questions about sending your child to camp next summer!