There is a special sense of anticipation around Lubbock Impact as Kids Camp officially kicked off during the first week of June!
You may know the excitement of a child heading off to camp—wondering what crafts they’ll create, what games they’ll play, and what adventures await on field trips. That same excitement has been building here for months as volunteers and staff have prepared theme days, decorations, snacks, Bible lessons, and activities designed to make this summer unforgettable.
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon for the next 10 weeks, Lubbock Impact will be filled with laughter, growth, friendship, and the safety that allows children to simply be kids. These moments will become cherished summer memories for many of the children we serve.
Our Program Director, Haley McBrayer, has done an incredible job planning a summer full of exciting experiences, including trips to a farm, local museums, ice cream stops, a movie day, and much more. For working-poor parents and grandparents, Kids Camp is a gift for the entire family. It provides opportunities and experiences that many families could not otherwise afford, while giving parents the joy of watching their children learn, grow, and make lasting memories.
At Community Meal this week, children and parents alike were eagerly asking questions and confirming details about the first day of camp. Their excitement was contagious! Please join me in praying that this summer would be life-changing—that children would come to know Christ more deeply, build meaningful relationships, and experience the joy of life to the fullest.
If you’ve ever wondered how we decide which classes and programs to add, adjust, or retire, the answer is simple: we listen to our participants.
Everything we do at Lubbock Impact is shaped by the people we serve and the needs they express. It can be easy for any organization to continue doing what it has always done, but we continually ask ourselves, “Are we meeting the needs of the participants we serve today?”
One of the ways we answer that question is through our Participant Advisory Council. Each quarter, several board members meet with a group of Lubbock Impact participants to hear their praises, concerns, and suggestions. These conversations allow participants to speak directly into our ministry, programs, and clinic services while helping board members better understand the barriers families face and how we can improve access to resources and support.
During a recent meeting of the Advisory Council, participants expressed deep gratitude for the kindness and commitment of our volunteers. They shared ideas for future classes and spoke about the tremendous impact that the recent GriefShare class has had on their lives. Yet, the most significant takeaway for our board members was hearing how both children and adults view Lubbock Impact as “the church.” They look forward to coming here because they feel loved, seen, and cared for by God’s people. There is no greater compliment.
Scripture reminds us that we are one body with many parts, each serving according to the gifts God has given us. Together, we can accomplish far more than any one person could alone.
Lubbock Impact exists to be the hands and feet of Christ to the working poor in our community. Sometimes that means cheering on children as they play a game, learn about Jesus, or sing a new song. Other times, it means being a safe landing place for someone walking through a difficult season and searching for guidance, encouragement, and resources. However, above all, it means being “the church”: a light shining brightly in a world that often feels dark.
Thank you for praying, volunteering, giving, and partnering with us as we share the love of Christ throughout this summer season.