Ten years ago, the Southern Baptist Mission Board came out with an incentive called Cleveland Hope, which sought to reach the city with the gospel. In the summer of 2006, a mission team was sent to Cuyahoga Valley Church (CVC) where they began a sports camp in attempt to draw in members of the community. In 2008 CVC leaders stepped up and really made it their own. The camp has grown tremendously over the years and has become a huge success.
Around three hundred kids participated the first year, and since then it has more than quadrupled in size with 1,360 participants last year. Originally three sports were available: basketball, soccer, and cheerleading. This year, there will be eight camps to choose from including basketball, soccer, baseball, flag football, martial arts, dance, cheerleading, and art. In addition, there is a special needs camp, which visits all sport areas throughout the week. The camp is open to kids from kindergarten up through eighth grade. The camp is hosted July 25th-29th. There is both a morning session, which runs from 9 am to 12 pm, and an evening session from 6 pm to 9 pm. Each session opens with a song and dance performance and skit by a children's ministry team called Blast. The camp features lessons from a coach or instructor in each area, as well as snacks, inflatables, and a daily bible lesson. It is a great opportunity for kids not only to get involved, have fun, and learn new skills, but also to learn about Jesus and to grow spiritually with one another. Furthermore, a Mom Camp and Dad Camp have been added, allowing parents to get involved and to connect with one another.
This year, over 1,400 kids are expected to attend. With such large numbers, it is no surprise that hundreds of volunteers are needed to organize and run the camp. There are volunteers for each sport as well as a tech crew, a dance crew, a check-in group, babysitters, a food team, a prayer team, and medical personnel. One of the amazing things about this camp is it is completely free to attend. Fundraising events such as cookouts and carwashes help pay for food and equipment. It is incredible how much work goes into putting it all together, but it certainly pays off.
I have volunteered with sports camp four years, and I absolutely love it. I get to meet so many kids, all with their own stories and backgrounds. Some of them grew up in Christian homes, while others haven't been to church a day in their lives. It is really cool to be able to connect with the kids and share my faith with them as well as have fun with them, teach them new skills, and bond through a common interest in sports. The kids absolutely love it and look forward to it each year. Some even attend both morning and evening sessions (I volunteer for both). It is a lot of work, but it most definitely pays off. I see and hear the way God works in peoples' lives throughout the week. Every little accomplishment, every smile on a child's face, every heart that is touched, and every life that is changed reminds me that every minute of my time is a minute well spent.
CVC Sports Camp has grown substantially over the years, and has had a huge impact on myself and so many others. Sports Camp is a great volunteer opportunity, and a great opportunity for kids (and parents) of all ages to get involved in our church and our community. So what are you waiting for? It's time to sign up for Sports Camp 2016. It's time to have fun. It's time to get involved. It's time to make a difference in our community.
Register for camp online here.
