Hollis Renewal Center hosted its second year of Hollis Crossings, a day camp program that integrates youth from urban ministries with youth from local, usually suburban, congregations. With the expert help and staff from Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (www.nlom.org), Hollis was able to provide two exciting faith-filled weeks of camp during June, 2008 for over 80 youth grades K-6.

In developing this camp experience we found that there were many camps offering weeks for urban poor youth, but not many trying to integrate youth from our urban core with suburban youth. It is not easy. We were intentional about addressing issues of race, economic disparity and cultural differences. Through the use of co-op activities we allowed room for the campers to learn how to work and play together. They cooperated in service and worship, and while most of the campers were Lutheran, some were not, increasing the apparent differences. However, by the end of the week, we were seeing more similarities than differences, with God’s help. Through songs, hiking in the woods, and working together to make sure all were included, we learned that building up community was more rewarding than tearing it down.

The agencies served in 2008 were the Mission of the Good Shepherd (an LCMS mission in Kansas City Mo.), Metro Lutheran Ministry (a joint Lutheran social service agency in the Kansas City metro area) and ReStart (an ecumenical shelter and housing program for the homeless). Young people from all different backgrounds and life experiences were brought together to learn that their lives are Gifted by God to Live Out Loud, the camp theme for 2008.

Hollis is appreciative for the help of many who made Hollis Crossings possible in 2008. In addition to four congregations providing volunteers for the camp, financial support was also provided by many individuals, congregations, a foundation and the Central States Synod. Through the generous support of others, urban youth were provided this camp experience at no cost.

Hollis is already planning its 2009 experiences, scheduled to occur the weeks of June 15 and 22 and hoping to add a third week in July. If you would like to help in any way, as a volunteer or with a financial gift, please contact Dave Mareske at Hollis Renewal Center, PO Box 402, Bonner Springs, KS 66012, 913-441-0451, holliscenter@kc.rr.com, www.holliscenter.org.

Submitted by:
Dave Mareske
Executive Director
Hollis Renewal Center
Bonner Springs, KS
October 13, 2008

“You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:42