Glory Sighting! Lighthouse Academy at Newburg Cares for 85 Kids at a Free Summer Camp

posted on July 18

Article by Steve Bays: 
 
Lighthouse Academy at Newburg FREE Themed Summer Camp, “How I Survived the Summer,” concluded on July 11, 2019 with a trip to Bernheim Forest Wilson Creek Exploration.  The camp was four weeks (7:30 AM to 2:00 PM) and hosted an average daily attendance of 85 children, from Kindergarten-age all the way through 8th grade.  Each week had a theme, with a coordinated field trip on Thursdays. This year, we had field trips arranged at Bernheim Forest, Lazer Blaze, Champs Rollerdrome, and  Louisville Water Company. Each day, students experienced academic enhancement, arts enrichment, team building experiences, exercise, youth development, and leadership development.   They also received free breakfasts and lunches.

God truly was at work this summer at Lighthouse.  Student, “J,” an 8th grader new to Lighthouse this summer was struggling to follow our rules. He came to Lighthouse using foul language, bullying other children, and disrespecting everyone.  Our Director of Operations made a phone call to his mother explaining that because we were having so much trouble with “J,” he might need to be sent home for the day.  The mom responded, “That’s fine. I’ll send him to Home of the Innocents.”  Our Director heard her tone and immediately felt God calling her to not only keep this student, but to extend extra love to him.  On the final day of the program, “J” came up to her and in an embrace, said, “Thank you for not giving up on me.  I promise to take what I have learned this summer and use it in all areas of my life, especially at home.” 

A second story of God touching the lives of our students through Lighthouse:  Ms. Reid, a parent of a few of our students, stated that she has noticed a major change in her children. She wanted to thank the staff for doing such a wonderful job working with her children.  We told her that once students are at Lighthouse, we are all a great big family.

Our students all said that they enjoyed the summer camp so much that they are looking forward to the next one. Parents shared that they are pleased with the stories that their children shared with them about camp.

Students not only “Survived the Summer,” as our theme stated, but they grew closer to God while learning to be caring, strong students and friends.