wfn.org | Summer camp promotes healing among children touched by violence

[wshuffit@oc.disciples.org]

 From nobody@wfn.org  Fri Sep  1 00:00:00 2000
Disciples News Service
Date: September 1, 2000
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org

00b-48

By Kay Danielson, a freelance writer from Jacksonville, Ark.

	LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (DNS) -- Set in the woods and hills west of here, 
Ferncliff Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center is similar in many ways 
to other camp facilities. There are trees, a lake, cabins, a dining hall, 
tabernacle and trails. But extraordinary things are being accomplished 
because of people with a vision and their work with youth impacted by 
violence.  It is a ministry that could serve as a model for other camps.
	
	In July, an extraordinary group of 41 attended the latest Ferncliff camp 
called Connection 2000. Children from Jonesboro, Pine Bluff and 
Arkadelphia, Ark., Paducah, Ky., Edinboro, Penn., Littleton, Colo., and 
Sarajevo, Bosnia, came to have fun, share, explore and learn in the safe 
haven. The children were a diverse group in age, race, ethnic origins and 
religious background. 

	The six teenagers from Bosnia grew up in Sarajevo during the three-year 
period the city was under siege. The teens were selected for the event by 
Church World Service. Their visit, along with that of an adult leader, was 
sponsored by a grant from Week of Compassion -- the relief and development 
ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  

	For six days the campers hiked, swam, climbed rock walls, participated in 
spiritual devotions, sang, created art and service projects, kept a 
journal, participated in team building exercises and wrote to explore 
their pain. The children learned something about diversity and 
similarities while living together in small groups. Each evening brought 
an activity to inform, enlighten and entertain -- a beach party, folk 
music and stories, a labyrinth walk and a skit night.  

	One event, "The Night of 100 Hugs," began with an invitation to parents 
and camp supporters to join the campers for a barbecue. More than 100 
guests, parents and supporters from the religious community came for a 
meal under the trees.  English dancing provided an opportunity for people 
to get acquainted.  As darkness closed the day, special "shirts and 
Sharpees" were distributed. Everyone was invited to collect hugs and 
signatures. The night was filled with smiles, affirmation, love and 
purpose.   

	The camp week included serious work on the healing process but also 
encouraged more service to others. With the Ferncliff staff facilitating, 
the children decided to form a faith-based organization to help other 
youth heal from violence.  They will use a controlled access web site to 
keep in touch with each other when they disperse to points around the 
country and globe.

	They will also continue to organize themselves as a faith-based network, 
ready to answer the call when their peers request help. 

	The last night of camp can be a sad one with tearful farewells over the 
inevitable separation as they turn toward home.  But they go home better 
equipped to share themselves with others, and in so doing, they will 
continue their journey toward healing and wholeness.

	"We have no words in our language to express our joy," said the Bosnia 
delegation. "This is a dream come true to visit the United States and 
attend this gathering with youth our age. In learning to help others, we 
deal with our own past and present."

	The first Ferncliff camp for children affected by violence began in 1998 
after a school shooting in Jonesboro, Ark. Later, other communities that 
have experienced violence began networking and in February 2000, the 
Ferncliff camp staff and Westside children traveled to Denver to work with 
organizers from Littleton, Colo., and from Conyers, Ga. At that meeting 
the children explored ways to communicate with each other and offer 
support and comfort to their peers in other localities.  

	Two years after the Jonesboro event, there have been five spring and 
summer camps at Ferncliff and each has taken additional steps in the 
journey to wholeness -- inviting the children to assume leadership roles 
and serve others while continuing their own healing process. 

                                                              -- end --
	

(Note to editors: Photos have been posted on at 
http://www.disciples.org/dns/ferncliff/ )