Empowering Youth: Aurora Church's Art and Soul Camp Fosters Community Engagement

In the heart of Aurora, Illinois, a unique camp is empowering young minds to make a difference in their community. The annual Art and Soul camp at Wesley United Methodist Church is providing children aged 4 to 12 with the opportunity to explore various ways of giving back and learning about the organizations that support their local area.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Community Leaders

Sandwiches for the Hungry: A Hands-On Approach to Addressing Need

The camp's opening night saw over three dozen children and a dedicated team of adult volunteers come together to prepare sandwiches for a community fridge located outside Fresh Start City Church. This fridge, accessible 24/7, provides a vital resource for those in the area who may not have the means or ability to access traditional food pantries during their operating hours. For Lucy Jackson, a 10-year-old attendee, the experience of making sandwiches for the less fortunate was a meaningful one. "Feeding people I'll never know – I feel good that people will be getting food that they need," she shared. This sentiment was echoed by Becky Dunnigan-Meyer, a veteran of the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, who emphasized the importance of such hands-on activities in helping children understand the realities of food insecurity in their community.

Fostering Compassion and Community Awareness

The camp's focus on community engagement extends beyond the sandwich-making project. Rev. Tammy Scott, the pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, explained that the evening schedule of the camp was intentional, providing an opportunity for children who may already be in full-day camps to connect with their community in the evenings. Michelle Curiel, the camp director and children's ministry coordinator, emphasized the camp's mission to teach kids about being there for their community, spreading kindness, and loving themselves. "We teach kids how to be there for their community as well as spreading kindness and also loving themselves," she said.

A Transformative Experience for Families

The Art and Soul camp has become a transformative experience for many families in the area, including Lucy Jackson's. Her mother, Amy Jackson, shared that the camp was the catalyst that brought their family to the church in the first place. "Lucy heard about it and we've had so much fun and last year I helped out and my younger one came," she said.The camp's focus on fostering a sense of community and teaching children the value of giving back has resonated with parents like Amy Jackson. "I love the focus on kids just loving themselves and being who they are and the church does so many creative things with them. I love that kids are learning how they can be good members of our community even by making a sandwich. There are lot of simple ways that even as a kid they can help, and it's never too early to teach them how to give back."The Art and Soul camp at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora is more than just a summer activity – it's a transformative experience that is empowering the next generation of community leaders, instilling values of compassion, service, and self-acceptance. As the camp continues to grow, it serves as a shining example of how churches can play a vital role in nurturing the social and emotional development of young people, ultimately creating a more connected and resilient community.