Sometimes, joy is so unique that it’s hard to describe with words. It is the kind that shows up in belly laughs, paint-covered hands, and kids running from one activity to the next without a care in the world. This was the joy witnessed at our Spring Break Kid’s Camp.
For months, the kids in our Children’s Ministries had been counting the days, asking each week how much longer they had to wait and hoping it would be just as fun as they remembered. When camp finally arrived, it didn’t just meet their expectations, it created moments they’ll carry with them for years to come.
Over the course of three days, Lubbock Impact was filled with creativity, energy, and excitement. Kids dove into crafts and painting projects, built imaginative creations with LEGOs, played outdoor games, tried their hand at cooking, and, of course, had plenty of snacks along the way. It was lively, a little messy, and a perfect solace for our kiddos on Spring Break.
Program Director Haley McBrayer shared that what makes weeks like this so meaningful is the opportunity it creates for kids to experience things they might not otherwise have access to. “It broadens their view—whether that’s through activities, crafts, or discovering a new hobby they didn’t even know they’d love,” she said. “And honestly, they just get to come and be kids,… hang out with their friends, and run a little wild.”
While every part of the week brought its own kind of excitement, one moment stood above the rest: the long-awaited trip to the Abilene Zoo.
For many of the kids, it was their very first time visiting a zoo. They watched monkeys swing overhead, fed giraffes with wide-eyed excitement, and came face-to-face with animals they had only ever seen in books or on screens. The joy was contagious.
Experiences like these are about more than just having fun, they help expand what feels possible. As Haley explained, “When we talk about breaking cycles of poverty, people don’t always think about experiences, but when kids aren’t exposed to different activities, cultures, or opportunities, their view of the world can stay really limited.” Creating space for hands-on learning in areas like art, cooking, and creativity not only builds confidence but can also spark interests that shape their future.
For many families, Spring Break presents real challenges. The cost of activities, the demands of work schedules, and even the pressure of simply coming up with ideas can make “fun” feel out of reach. Parents are often working hard to meet daily needs, and those extra experiences understandably take a back seat.
“Our parents work incredibly hard to provide for their families,” Haley said. “Fun activities aren’t always a priority when bills and responsibilities come first. Sometimes it’s not just about money, it’s also about time, or even just not knowing what opportunities are out there.”
That is why camps like this are so important. By removing barriers like cost, planning, and logistics, Spring Break Kid’s Camp creates a space where kids can simply show up, feel safe, try new things, and enjoy being kids. At the same time, it offers families peace of mind, knowing their children are cared for, engaged, and experiencing something meaningful.
None of this would be possible without the support of our community. From volunteers who gave their time and energy to partners who helped bring big moments like the zoo trip to life, this week reflected what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose.
Spring Break Kid’s Camp is about more than filling a few days off from school. It’s about opening doors, creating lasting memories, and reminding every child who walks through our doors that there is so much more out there, and that they are worthy of experiencing it.
