Salvation Army Offers New Low-Cost Day Camp for At-Risk Children
While parents in minority communities throughout Chicago are working disproportionately higher risk jobs, their children have been left to figure out virtual school, oftentimes alone. These children have suffered academically, often in neighborhoods with schools that were already under-resourced.
The Army is seizing the opportunity to step up and be a catalyst for change in these communities this summer by providing a new low-cost, faith-based day camp. The Salvation Army JUMP Day Camp will offer children the chance to engage in a well-rounded curriculum with their peers, while offering parents a respite and low-cost childcare option.
The JUMP camp will include:
Jesus-centered curriculum
Understanding the world through STEM activities
Music integration
Physical activity
“We want to extend the offer to have activities in a safe environment that stimulates the minds of youth, and inspires teamwork and good health,” said Lieutenant Dalvius King-Harvy, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army Chicago Midway Corps, one of the three corps in the Metropolitan Division offering JUMP camp. “We are including meals and snacks, and a full-time schedule of activities to remove some of the burden from parents who have struggled working while their children were at home due to COVID.”
JUMP consists of two four-week summer camps for first through sixth graders at our East Chicago, Waukegan, and Chicago Midway Corps Community Centers. Children will be in cohorts of 10, all following public health guidelines, and camp will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The cost is $20 per week per child.
“JUMP Day Camp will provide a safe place for kids in our community to learn and socialize,” said Lieutenant Leta Marin, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army East Chicago Corps. “After a long, hard year, we believe this camp will provide a much-needed social outlet and support for these families.”
All three locations offering JUMP Day Camp are looking for sponsors to cover costs for campers and for supplies. Call the contact listed for each site below if you are interested in becoming a sponsor.
East Chicago Corps Community Center
Registration opens May 1
Session 1: June 7 - July 1
Session 2: July 5 - July 29
For info, call Lt. Leta Marin at 219.398.2939
Waukegan Corps Community Center
Registration opens April 19
Session 1: June 7 - July 1
Session 2: July 5 - July 29
For info, call Lt. Gloria Pelayo at 847.336.1880
Registration opens April 19
Session 1: June 28 - July 22
Session 2: July 26 - August 20
For info, call Lt. Dalvius King-Harvy at 773.838.8005