Dear Friend,
Factory
Children from every camp clap, dance and sing to their new favorite worship song taught by Ms. Phyllis (Camp Hope Director). In contrast to the kids around him, Sean is just not singing, clapping, or dancing–So Ms. Phyllis pulls him aside to remind him “Sean, it is important to do everything with your whole heart, even when it’s hard or you don’t want to.” But he struggles to listen in the moment, and instead he separates himself from the group, and refuses to talk to anyone. In the face of loving discipline, Sean has a choice: participate as a part of the group or sit out when everyone gathers for the large group games. He chooses to sit out.
Before Spring Break 2024, Sean and Ms. Phyllis spent many years building their relationship. Ms. Phyllis knows Sean very well and is accustomed to his behavior patterns. Sean learned that Ms. Phyllis really cares about him, and even when he gets upset or distant, she remains. They both have grown in patience and love toward one another!
When Sean chooses to not participate in Spring Break activities, Ms. Phyllis feels that “he is missing out on the best for himself.” As Sean carries on with the day he remembers that “Ms. Phyllis is there for me” and he has a change of heart.
On the drive to a water park Sean’s van stops for gas. He strolls into the store, and takes his time picking out the perfect Gatorade and a huge bag of Doritos. He returns to the car and buckles his seatbelt, “Ms. Phyllis” he says “I bought you this Gatorade–and do you want some of my chips?” “Of course,” Ms. Phyllis replies, “what for?”
“I’m sorry for not participating,” Sean says “and I want to make it up to you.”
This simple gesture struck Ms. Phyllis; she remembers how gifted Sean is at practicing hospitality, and she assures him “I forgive you, Sean.”
For children, Spring Break is an opportunity unlike any other throughout the year. Ms. Phyllis notes that “the kids get to see us outside of our role as director, they get to know us as people.” And Sean reflects that “Spring Break introduced me to all my friends at Camp Harmony. At first, I only knew people from Camp Hope, but now I have friends in every camp.”
During Spring Break, children practice reconciliation and ownership by doing life together. They learn to seek peace in hard situations, and they learn to confess if they’ve done something wrong. Staff have the same opportunity; they too need to ask for forgiveness, and they too need to lead by example.
By the end of the week, Sean has one more opportunity to participate in the worship song. Alongside his new friends and staff, he sings and claps to the beat with abounding joy. “I liked it so much, I added it to my Spotify playlist” he says!
This Spring, join UrbanPromise in sending 20 children on a Spring Break Trip to Boston, Massachusetts. There, they will see wonderful sites, play amazing games, experience new activities, and most importantly–-they will do it all together as a community in Christ.
- $25 pays for one child’s visit to the New England Aquarium
- $300 provides gas and tolls for our vehicles
- $100 will buy 6 tickets for the Museum of Science
- $500 allows our whole group to enjoy the LEGO Discovery Center
- $1000 sends every child on the famous Boston Duck Tours
Your gifts make each activity (and more!) possible. They expand the horizons of the children we love; all the while ensuring they have a safe environment to make mistakes, stretch past comfort zones, learn about the world and each other, and grow. Thank you!
Sincerely,
 |  |  |
| James Russell Executive Council Director of Resources | Dionne Xavier Executive Council Head of Schools | Josh Gregor Executive Council Director of StreetLeaders |
Please Come and See the programs, the students, and the community that are part of UrbanPromise Wilmington! Tours take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the year! To schedule a visit, click the button below.
