Kids Across America Camp with Urban Impact and Leadership Academy
By: Chloe Martin | Leadership Academy, Coordinator
August 29, 2024
Kids Across America Camp will go down in the books as one of our favorite summer memories! We really had no idea what to expect, but we were willing to give it a go with a special group of kiddos that can jump into just about anything.
As we made our way to Branson, Missouri, some of our kids were traveling through places they had never been to before. From seeing the St. Louis Arch, to fields and fields of corn, they were so excited to be exploring beyond Lexington.
One of the big kickers of this experience was … NO PHONES!!! This was met with complaint after complaint but soon enough we heard, “I don’t even miss my phone!” Some good old- fashioned fun was had and we even broke out a game of “Down by the Banks” while we waited for a table. This might seem small, but if you know anything about kids these days, it's a rare sight to have elementary, middle, and high school kids all playing a simple game by choice.
The kids met new friends, they laughed, they sang, they played all kinds of sports, but most importantly they grew closer to the Lord. Our kids were in shock at the amount of discipline and accountability there was at all times, but they didn’t question it. They were way too busy having fun to even think about getting into trouble! “I’ve never been happier now that I’ve given myself to Christ!” – MJ
We were all pushed and challenged in ways we wouldn’t have been back home, and we are thankful for the adventure! We look forward to cultivating what the Lord did in these young people's hearts.
We ate at Lambert's Cafe and the kids laughed and laughed and ate and ate until their bellies couldn't handle it anymore! From rolls flying over their heads, to trying new foods for the first time, it was such a treat to experience.
They loved staying in a hotel and one boy even said, “We have our own ice machine!” That made us leaders take a moment to appreciate the small things in life we often take for granted.
Arriving at KAA our kids were anxious to leave each other and their leaders behind (the leaders may have been just as anxious)! But the counselors were so hype and made drop off a breeze! We were all so excited for each other to have a good time. The emotions quickly changed and we didn’t look back! “I learned to never be afraid.” Kyrann.
“I’m happy that not only was I able to see kids of all ages grow a step or two in their faith, but I was able to break down what really mattered in my life as well.” Grace, a Kaleo, Session 7, 2024 Kids Across America.
While at the camp, two of our boys accepted Christ and several others asked questions and prayed for one another. It was a very emotional night but was something that needed to happen in all of our lives. Sometimes we can get stagnant in our walk or even on how to lead our young people to faith without steering them away. We were amazed to see how KAA pulled off such a huge task and were very honoring of the young people processing it all. “I didn’t believe in myself until I discovered my life with Christ.” A’jon.
Leaders from all over the country were there experiencing the adventure right along with us. Spades, Dominos, Corn Hole, every game and conversation you could imagine was happening each night. We woke up to worship music in the mornings and were blessed with the opportunity to eat and fellowship with one another, sharing various lessons as the kids were engaged elsewhere. Kaleos (leader groups) had the choice of different activities or just resting - but when Urban Impact heard we could “do camp too”, you’d better believe we were zip lining, dancing, chanting, and tubing just like the kids!! Michael even won a Bee award and prayed for our communion dinner.