This summer at Camp Hope for Kids in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, we are looking forward to beginning our third year of the Hope for Kids Leadership Academy (HFKLA). Since its inception in the summer of 2014, the academy has offered several weeks of intensive yet ridiculously fun programs for the development of youth leadership in our international family of churches.
During each consecutive week of the program, participants engage in a distinct activity that places them in the center of flesh and blood service with and for others, either as a camp counselor at one of the camp weeks for children or teens, or as a mentor for the youth of North Philadelphia. Besides training the heart for relationship-in-service, the program also offers a week of training in evangelism in the city of Philadelphia’s major college campuses.
This particular week also includes hands-on training in carrying out Bible discussions and de-briefing sessions at the end of each day with a ministry couple of the Philadelphia church. Moreover, the heart and mind are jointly trained in spiritual formation exercises during morning and evening devotionals and a course of the Ministry Teaching Program provides in-depth instruction in Biblical Interpretation and Application. Last year, more than 20 church leaders, four campus evangelists, and five teachers participated in discipling this group of future leaders.
HFKLA has hosted youth ages 15 to 21 from across the the United States and even from the Caribbean, England, India, and China. The program has thereby contributed to the strengthening of the body of Christ on a global scale.
Please consider offering this information to the eligible youth in the congregation in your care as soon as you are able, especially if they have not finalized summer plans.
For more information about general program information, relevant dates, and participation costs, including an extension of the fee payment deadline to June 15th, please visit www.hopeforkids.org/
Gabe Santos, PhD
Camp Hope for Kids, Staff Shepherd
Ed Anton
Commonwealth Academy, Director
