City Union Mission’s Camp CUMCITO Provided Wholesome Fun for Hundreds of Homeless and Disadvantaged Kansas City Children
This summer, 475 boys and girls attended City Union Mission’s Camp CUMCITO. From disadvantaged or homeless families, each of the eager campers enjoyed one of six weeklong sessions. Camp ends Saturday, August 6.
“Thanks to our community who responded with helping hands as counselors, kitchen assistants, cabin monitors, nurses, lifeguards and chapel program leaders—and to partners who donated financially—we were able to care for these deserving boys and girls who had waited all year for the Camp CUMCITO experience,” said Executive Director Dan Doty.
Among the many programs the Mission provides for hurting and homeless men, women and children, Camp CUMCITO offers inner-city or at-risk boys and girls a week of safe, wholesome fun in a peaceful rural setting. Located near Warsaw in the Missouri Ozarks, the Mission’s residential camp offers children ages 4 through 16 an opportunity to experience nature while they take part in activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and Bible studies; get plenty of wholesome food; and most importantly, learn of God’s love for them.
The Mission’s residential camping program began in the 1930s, not only to give children a chance to have fun, but also to empower them to break the cycle of poverty that may have trapped their families for generations. “Our goals are to help boys and girls build self-esteem and learn important life skills, including conflict management, respect for authority, how to recognize and steer clear of negative influences, and how to walk daily with God,” Doty said.
A special event highlights the final Friday for each age group and this year included a special banquet for teen girls and a water balloon fight for teen boys.
“We’re pleased we were able to provide a safe, memorable and, in many cases, life-changing summertime experience for so many young people—as well as give caring adults an opportunity to share their love with homeless and impoverished children,” Doty said.