Students attending Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s summer camp program enjoyed many activities during the three-week camp. (Photo provided)CHARLOTTE — This summer Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte held a three-week summer camp for elementary, middle and high school refugee students.
The Refugee Resettlement Youth Summer Camp Program offered educational and recreational activities for the young participants. Program activities included trips to local libraries, conversation hours with local law enforcement, self-defense training, job readiness assistance and more. Each year the youth program changes its layout to fit the needs of the participating students.
Many of the students in the program are from families that have been resettled by Catholic Charities. Others were connected to the youth program by referrals from their school or other local service providers. The students come from around the world – including Congo, Burma, Rwanda, Nepal, Syria, Afghanistan and Iran.
Staff members work hard to meet the students where they are. Staff and time are limited, so if a student wants additional help they are connected to a volunteer who can assist them further.
The youth program staff members act as a “bridge” between the school and the families. Program facilitators work to build strong relationships with the Mecklenburg County schools so that they know who to call if additional assistance is needed for a refugee family.
Lashonda Walker is the employment/youth program supervisor for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.
— Lashonda Walker , Special to the Catholic News Herald
Want to get involved?
Volunteers are needed for Catholic Charities’ refugee youth and assistance programs. Learn more about how you can help online at www.ccdoc.org.
