By Matthew Dayton-Welch and Wendy Whiting Blome | Project Leaders
Do you remember summer camp? For Wendy the memories are of rainy days, mosquitos, and braiding lanyards. For Matthew it was zip-lines, campfire stories, and swimming in the lake.
Palestinian children rarely have carefree days away from the tension that surrounds their families and communities. Every year the Spafford Children’s Center hosts a summer camp to give children an opportunity put stress to the side and enjoy seeing and learning new things. This is a gift from our donors to vulnerable children. Many SCC campers have experienced trauma, may struggle to learn, and are part of families that often face financial and other strains, so summer camp is an opportunity to experience things their families cannot afford.
The three-week summer camp at the SCC this year gave 55 Palestinian children, and their 14 youth mentors, a wealth of new experiences. The chance to explore museums and archeological sites in the incredible city of Jerusalem and experience horseback riding in Ramallah in the West Bank were beyond their normal activities. Palestinian children have seen, and feared police horses, but rarely have they stroked the soft noses of horses or sat astride on their massive backs. The children squealed with delight with each new experience.
The Terra Sancta Museum introduced the children to artifacts from the Herodian era, a cistern from the Byzantine period, and rooms from the time of the Crusaders. On another day the children visited the Dar al-Consul complex with newly renovated Byzantine and Roman structures. The campers learned about the history that is under their feet every day as they walk the Old City of Jerusalem.
When at the SCC the campers played water games, a welcome relief on hot Jerusalem days. In teams they carried plastic cups of water to fill up a bucket. The winners were wet and happy. There was also tug-of-war and running games. Others days they were inside for art projects on the cool floors of the SCC.
Your donations make possible summer camp, the regular occupational and speech therapy sessions, and the intensive summer courses in Arabic, English, and math. Please continue to give as generously as you can to the American Friends of the Spafford Children's Center on GlobalGiving.
Best wishes,
The Rev. Matthew Dayton-Welch, ChairandWendy Whiting Blome, PhD, Secretary/TreasurerAmerican Friends of the Spafford Children’s CenterBy Matthew Dayton-Welch & Wendy Whiting Blome | Project Leaders
By Matthew Dayton-Welch and Wendy Whiting Blome | Project Leaders
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