Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM May 2019 | Page 36
NON-PROFIT
DR. LARRY C. ACKER
Lighthouse Christian Ministries
[email protected]
www.lighthousecm.org
Lighthouse Christian Ministries
KIDZ DAYZ SUMMER CAMP
L
ighthouse Christian Ministries has been serving
our community since 1997 through five core
ministries; educational programs, short-term
assistance, health and dental, a resale shop
and outreach programs. Each ministry has its
own unique and various facets that enables Lighthouse
to serve a multitude of diverse people and needs.
Arguably, the Outreach Ministry has the broadest range
of programs and serves a wide array of people with an
entire spectrum of needs.
Kidz Dayz, a summer day camp is perhaps
the most ambitious program the
Outreach Ministry
undertakes each
year. The program
was conceived
out of necessity
in 2014 to make
available breakfast
and lunch during the
summer months for
children who were
eligible for the free
and reduced school
meals programs in
Bayview, Bacliff, Kemah
and San Leon. Students
who have completed
K-5th grade are eligible
to spend four weeks
at a local church under
the guidance
of Lighthouse staff and volunteers, but any child
under the age of 18 is able to come and enjoy a free
breakfast or lunch during serving hours.
Since its inception, more than 500 children have
participated in Kidz Dayz. Roughly 70 children daily
enjoy breakfast and lunch while learning about new
things. They travel on field trips to The Aquarium,
Bayou Wildlife Park, roller skating rink, and other
venues. A variety of guests such as artists, magicians,
musicians, conflict resolution professionals, fashion
experts, and sports figures are invited to make special
presentations and entertain the campers. The Kidz
Dayz campers recently enjoyed a visit from a Harlem
Globetrotter.
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Since many of the parents struggle with
transportation, On Point Transportation has graciously
provided buses and drivers to get the kids to and from
the Kidz Dayz summer camp. Such an undertaking each
summer also requires many partnerships with local
churches and organizations for volunteers, chaperones
and general helpers. The Houston Food Bank and
Galveston County Food Bank team up with Lighthouse
to provide the
food for the campers. Aside
from the nutritional support they
receive while attending the 8a.m.
– 12p.m. summer camp, each
child is provided with Kidz Packz
to supplement their nutritional
needs on the weekends.
Kidz Dayz is a monumental
task for all involved and
approximately 100 volunteers
will be needed to provide
support for the annual summer
camp. Kidz Dayz 2019 will be
held July 8 through August 2.
Lighthouse Christian Ministries is making plans now for
the annual summer camp. If you would like to volunteer
your time, make a financial contribution, a donation
of snack items or supplies for crafts or other activities,
contact Marissa Reiter at [email protected] or
call 281-339-3033, ext. 301.