In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares his excitement for LUM Camp — and announces this year's theme, LUM Culinary Camp. Wes also invites you to sponsor a camper and thanks those who have already make an investment in this year's LUM Camp. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. Read below for more LUM Camp details and ways to invest and engage.

In two weeks, LUM Camp will be in full swing with more than 80 local children experiencing the best week of the summer. This year, the theme of LUM Camp 2022 is "LUM Culinary Camp."

Marlena Edmondson, LUM Camp director, has developed a fun and engaging curriculum using "food" to teach science, math, nutrition, and art. LUM Camp will also include nature hikes, arts and crafts, boating, swimming, morning campfires, wall climbing, zip-lining, the giant swing, snacks, delicious meals, and diverse and caring counselors.

It’s not too late to sponsor a LUM Camper this year. Donations to LUM Camp (Youth Programs) are still welcome. LUM Camp is a scholarship-based camp, meaning LUM only invites children whose parents are not able to pay for the actual cost of camp, which is more than $200 per camper. Campers’ parents pay only $5 per child, and LUM needs donors like YOU to cover the rest. Individuals may sponsor a camper for only $200 — or two for $400. Would you please invest in both their long-term life skills and their short-term fun by offering them the gift of LUM Camp?

Lafayette Urban Ministry welcomes interns throughout the year from a variety of academic programs. The interns receive training and experience working with the LUM clients, students, guests and families in a variety of LUM programs. Interns are especially valuable to LUM for bringing their passion, objective views, and energy. It is a wonderful partnership.

SHENAYA Christina Dias is originally from Negombo, Sri Lanka, now lives in Lafayette, and attends school in New York City. She is currently pursuing a bachelors in Economics with a minor in Political Science at Fordham University, NY. When she graduates next May, Shenaya plans on attending law school. With LUM, she is working with the LUM Immigration Clinic and general services to clients in the main office. She shared that, "I am excited about learning more on how we can change this world and make it a better and safer place for everyone. LUM is an opportunity that God has given me to explore different avenues to achieve these wonderful objectives."

VAN Stevie Bibila Kabila is originally from Dolisie, Republic of the Congo, and now lives in Indianapolis. He earned a bachelor's degree in private law (Judiciary Careers) from the faculty of law of Marien Ngouabi University. Van is currently pursuing an LLM in Human Rights at the Indiana University McKinney School of Law. He has been a member of Mouvement Citoyen Ras-Le-Bol since 2015. Van is engaged in a variety of community service projects. Van shared that being a part of LUM and serving as an intern with the LUM Immigration Clinic gives him pride. He looks forward to learning from the dedicated LUM staff. Van wants to have a "positive impact on the community by using my legal knowledge and experience to help those in need."

LUM is fortunate to have Shenaya & Van, two talented and hardworking interns, working with the LUM team this summer.

The LUM Summer of Service offers volunteer opportunities that fit every schedule. Some require training, but most just a willing heart and a helping hand. The ultimate LUM "Summer of Service" opportunity is being a LUM Camp Counselor. A few more counselors are needed from Monday, July 25 to Friday, July 29. Make a difference in the lives of local children this summer and receive a $200 stipend. To learn more about becoming a LUM Camp Counselor, click the button below. Please share with others.

During the month of July, there is an opportunity that every dollar donated to the LUM Immigration Clinic will be doubled.  Several key donors have pledged $14,000 and are challenging the community to match that amount. Would you please consider a donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or some other amount in support of the LUM Immigration Clinic? Thank you in advance for your strategic financial support.