Catholic Charities will host camps in Charlotte for refugee children in grades K-12 this summer. Campers will have a chance to explore museums such as Discovery Place and take day trips to places including Carowinds, ImaginOn and the Raptor Center. (Photos provided)CHARLOTTE — More than 50 children who have fled war and persecution in their homeland will get a chance this month to do what so many American children may take for granted: have fun at a summer camp.
The children are from families who have recently found new homes – and lives – in Charlotte, thanks to Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program.
Last year, 46 campers representing seven countries spent their summer swimming, skating, rock climbing, playing disc golf, bouncing at trampoline parks, learning about different careers and taking day trips to the North Carolina Zoo, Carolina Raptor Center, Chuck E. Cheese, Latta Park, Carowinds and much more.
Laura Jones, who supervises the resettlement program, says a large group of families from the Democratic Republic of Congo will be included in this year’s number of elementary to high school kids at camp, and will be joined by campers from Burma, Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, Guatemala and Vietnam.
“These kids have been living in refugee camps – some of them for their entire lives,” Jones said. “Many have experienced trauma and violence. They were forced to flee their home countries, leaving behind their former lives and loved ones. They have come to the U.S. to escape crisis and embrace the opportunities they are offered here – thanks to the generosity of so many.”
Jones hopes campers can visit many of the same places and enjoy similar activities as last summer including a field day at Charlotte Catholic High School with student volunteers. She says trampoline parks and going to the pool are always camper favorites.
Plus, there are English as a Second Language activities to help students continue to improve their speaking and writing skills. College and employment readiness classes are also offered for the older students and volunteers from the community talk about what they do during career day.
Jones is quick to point out it’s not all academic, the main focus is socialization, enrichment and a whole lot of fun.
The summer group usually includes returning campers who help the newbies settle in and get acclimated.
“Some kids come to camp very shy and closed up, and then they join these kids who have been here for two or three years and that helps them open up and become comfortable,” Jones said.
The four-week session also includes a Career Week, where presenters from fields such as law enforcement, healthcare and the military will share about what they do in their respective fields.
“We’re open to volunteers for presenters,” Jones said.
She’s hoping to gather a diverse group of professionals who love what they do to come forward from the community to meet the kids and help make their camp experience an unforgettable one.
There’s also a need for volunteers over age 21 to assist as drivers for the summer program and shuttle children to trips and activities. Volunteers are also asked to share other talents and life skills that could benefit campers. Jones would be especially appreciative of those who can teach swim lessons.
Monetary donations are another way people can help in Catholic Charities’ efforts to provide a memorable summer for campers.
“We need financial assistance to provide the resources to take the children to all the fun attractions we have planned,” Jones said.
Contributions of any amount will help make this year’s camp line-up a reality:
- A $700 donation covers a trip to an escape room
- $325 lets kids experience a Charlotte Knights baseball game
- $500 pays for a trip to Lazy 5 Ranch, including lunch
- $100 donation takes the group to ImaginOn or Veterans Water Park – plus ice cream!
There are other giving opportunities, and partial or full sponsorships are available, as well as a full list of activities and day trips donors can make happen.
Most of the children are working on their English, but in the magical world of camp, words aren’t always needed, Jones said.
“You don’t need to know the same language to shoot hoops or go on the swings.”
— Courtney McLaughlin, Special to the Catholic News Herald
Get involved
Want to volunteer or provide financial support for the Refugee Resettlement Youth Summer Camp Program? Contact Laura Jones at 704-370-3397 or
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