Camp Paradise Valley Section of The Commercial Appeal

The temperature rises, and the sun is out. It's summer, and everyone is beckoned out to revel in the season's fun activities. Most children look forward to the outdoor activities that summer brings, whether it's fishing, swimming or riding in a boat. For some local children, summer represents a two month stay at home with nothing to look forward to because their families cannot afford to send them to camp.

The Memphis chapter of the Salvation Army sent dozens of children to Camp Paradise Valley. The camp is in Burkesville, Kentucky and it is the divisional camp used by Salvation Army units in Kentucky and Tennessee. They hoped to give local children a real summer camp experience, one that otherwise, would not likely have come their way.

On July 9, children ages seven to 12, boarded a bus for a week-long adventure at Camp Paradise Valley. Some of the children went away for the first time, while others attended for the second or third time. At camp, the children were involved in a variety of summer activities including swimming in the pool, crafts, volleyball, basketball, riding in boats and regular Bible studies.

"The Bible studies are important. They help to communicate the lifelong lessons that we want the children grasp. These include respect, honesty, compassion and humility. They also introduce the children to a loving Father," said Major Mark Woodcock, Area Commander, The Salvation Army. "Being at the camp gives the children a sense of independence, which they enjoy. It teaches them responsibility."

Before leaving Camp Paradise Valley, the children filled out a survey about their camp experience. One young girl wrote that she learned to work in a group, and that God was her best friend. "I learned that Jesus is my super hero and that you can pray whenever and wherever," one child wrote. "Thank you because without the money you donated I wouldn't have had the time of my life," another girl wrote in thanks for the donations.

"I really liked Bible study," said Lonneasha Dickens, a 12 year-old who attended the camp. She said her favorite Bible story was David and Goliath. "It was the funnest camp ever," Dickens said to sum up her experience.

Going to camp has become something that the children look forward to. For most, if not all of the kids, this is the only chance they get to travel beyond the Memphis city limits in the summer. This one week is their time to leave all troubles and worries back at home. At camp they are showered with unconditional love, guidance and support. It may have just been one week during the summer of 2007, but it will be one week that most of these children will never forget.

CONTACT:
Abby More
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130