Raffle, Community Support, Sends Children to Summer Camp

Earlier this summer, the ladies of Brand New Items and Coffee Shop took on the project of raising funds to help children at The Ark attend summer camp.

The project started with an estimate, based on the average number of children who attend the weekly Tuesday meeting. Each Tuesday, children are welcomed at The Ark, a converted apartment in the Sioux Villa, for an evening of food, fun and bible lessons. The Tuesday gathering occurs throughout the year, with the exception of when holidays are on a Tuesday.

The staff of Brand New Items encouraged other businesses to team with them for a raffle of several items including a motorized scooter and gift certificates, all to generate funds to send kids to summer camp.

The children had the opportunity to attend Camp Rock, located near Redington, northwest of Sidney. Camp Rock divides the summer into age-appropriate camps from mini-camps for to week-long camps for the older kids. Of the average attendance of 25, about 12 attended camp because of the generosity of local residents and businesses. Volunteers of The Ark were hoping for more children to attend; some had family commitments, some had illnesses and others tried to commit after the deadline for that particular camp.

Remaining funds will be held for next summer’s camps.

The volunteers and children of The Ark deeply thank the community support that sent these children to summer camp. It is greatly appreciated. Videos of the 2021 session can be seen on youtube by searching camprocknebraska.

The Ark volunteers