THE OFFICE OF FAMILY AND 
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES


2017


City Camp 2017 
had more than 200 campers at 
six sites
 

St. Simon the Cyrenian
St. Gabriel's 
St. Luke's - Germantown
St. Paul's - Chestnut Hill 
St. Martin-in-the-Fields 
St. Mary's - Chester  

We  maintained a core of Sites in parishes that are geographically located in under-resourced neighborhoods, which defines our ministry. We also offered   a complete  Vacation Bible School  program with staff to two parishes . And, we provided staff for St. Mark's Choir Camp.   

In 2018, we are planning  to expand City Camp to more parishes that want to offer a one-week VBS experience to their community.  

2017 City Camp Team Leaders Rocked!



City Camp was blessed with the great leadership of exceptional young adults who have an extraordinary dedication to children.  Our five amazing Site Directors were Aaron Smith, Tianna Singleton, Raichl Davenport, John Malin, and Michelle Furber.   
 



Ms. Jeneisa Davis (selfie-taker in the photo) 'held down the fort' as  Assistant Camp Director ,  extraordinare .  Jeneisa is a school teacher from Houston, Texas who loves our City Camp program so much she came back to work for her third year!  Her management of the five Site Directors helped mold 2017's City Camp Team Leaders into a new model of camp leadership.  Jeneisa was in residence at St. Margaret's House with seven Counselors where she, also, served as their 'House Mom'.

 

Jeneisa's right hand man was  Roberto Morales-Velez  who serves as City Camp Coordinator throughout the year and is a part-time member of the staff of the Diocesan Offices. Roberto's experience with City Camp harkens back to its beginning in 2009. His knowledge of the operation of City Camp is invaluable.


Lead Site Director Michele Furber  has served as Site Director of Camp St. Simon for three years. Her compassion for the children is remarkable. Michele grew up in Camp GetAlong at the former St. John's Church, where she developed her City Camp leadership skills. Camp St. Simon is located in the under-resourced and re-gentrifying neighborhood of Point Breeze in South Philly. Michelle has helped to develop Camp St. Simon into a site that is meeting the needs of the neighborhood's changing population.  

City Camp Counselors came from all over the world!  

Through City  Camp's partnership with 
Camp America  we sponsored three young adults from the UK  and South Africa!  And, we had a return Counselor who resides in Puerto Rico. Their presence as staff members created a delightful cultural experience for the entire leadership team and the campers.  

City Camp 2017 had an experienced core of Counselors whose dedication to the nurturing and guidance of under-resourc ed children is phenomenal.  This summer City Camp was also blessed to hire a group of younger staff members as Junior Counselors, many of whom were alumni/ae of St. James School.  Most of these young people applied for the position to 'give back to their community'.


We Could Not Do City Camp Without You!

City Camp received over $16,000 in grant money which was distributed among the Sites. The grants allowed Sites to enhance programming with Field Trips to the Philadelphia Zoo and African Dance classes.  These activities expose campers to the world outside their neighborhoods and build the quality of the City Camp. We want to be a ministry to children that continues to offer both. We are extremely grateful for your assistance especially to parishes whose resources cannot totally underwrite this invaluable ministry they give to the families of their communities.   

Sights and Sounds from City Camp!
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St. Peter's in the Great Valley extends its hospitality to Camp St. Simon each year for a day of water games and crafts! 
 









Swimming is a major source of fun and relief on hot summer days for campers and staff alike. Each multi-week- site has a relationship with a pool run by the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation.  

Watch part of the African Dance recital at Camp St. Luke's!

African Dance Class Recital
African Dance Class Recital




Take a listen to the song seminarian Barbara Ballenger of St. Martin-in-the-Fields wrote for their VBS.  We're going to get her to write one for City Camp next year!


Office of Family and Young Adult Ministry | Diocese of Pennsylvania | 215-627-6434 x115
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