Camp Noah and Other Programs for Children and Families

Recovering from disaster involves much more than rebuilding one’s home.  Disasters and major traumas disrupt people’s lives in many ways and cause them to feel very vulnerable. 

Immediately following a disaster or major community trauma, LDRN – NE PA works to provide educational opportunities for survivors on topics such as how to assist children, how to file with FEMA or interact with an insurance adjuster, how to make a home safer from future disasters, what to look for in a contractor, etc.

As we move farther away from the immediate disaster, programs like “Camp Noah” or “God’s Work: God’s Clay” that are designed for specific age groups are offered to help survivors to not feel so isolated, express and accept their many feelings, understand more about the often long process of recovery, develop new friends, relax a bit, enjoy some play time, and hopefully move a small step forward in defining and accepting the “new normal.”

Not only does LDRN-NE PA design programs for survivors in our territory, we also help find volunteers and raise funds for Camp Noah programs across the nation.  (Camp Noah is a ministry specifically designed for children in kindergarten through 6th grade.)  At this moment LDRN-NE PA is actively training a team to lead a Camp Noah August 14-21, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Rocky Boy Indian Reservation, Box Elder, MT.   

What is Camp Noah?  

Camp Noah is a weeklong Vacation Bible School type experience for children who have been affected by a disaster. Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Minnesota designed these day camps to help youngsters experience God’s love and recover from traumatic events. Each year LSS Minnesota identifies areas of the country hard hit by disaster and then partners with local groups to set up sites. At the same time LSS Minnesota recruits, screens and trains outside volunteers to provide the teaching staff. What an exciting and wonderful opportunity for ministry to children!  

During the summers of 2006 and 2007 over 125 camps were offered in the Gulf Coast of the US in response to the devastation from Katrina, Rita and Wilma.  In 2008 camps were offered in California, Minnesota, and other areas hit by more localized disasters. Most of the camps in 2009 were in Iowa which had been hit by flooding the previous year.

Since it takes a team of at least 15 adults, several mature teens and $2500 to run each camp plus transportation expenses to get the volunteers to the sites, LDRN – NE PA actively recruits volunteers and funding to assist with this national project.  We are proud to say that since 2006, over 135 individuals from our synod have fully staffed eight complete teams and filled out another four.  We also collected and shipped over 900 homemade quilts for the children to put in the personal preparedness kits they assemble as part of Camp Noah.  Those who were privileged to serve, report their lives were forever touched and they count it a blessing to have worked with these children. 

This year we have recruited a team to serve August 14-21 in Box Elder, Montana.  Funds are needed to provide transportation to this site.  If you would like to volunteer to join a future team, click here.  If you wish to donate, click here.

 What happens at Camp Noah?

Camp Noah is designed to help children process their feelings and fears as well as to allow them to take an emotional break from recovery through play and recreation. Disaster processing is incorporated into Bible studies to let children know that God’s loving care surrounds them through the disaster and recovery. The curriculum includes such stories as Noah and the flood story and helps the children relate their experiences with Noah and other Bible characters.  Helping children learn resiliency skills is also a major part of the curriculum.  Camp Noah is the only program of its kind that seeks to address the long-term needs of a child.

 Who can attend?

 The camp is basically free to all children. The children who attend the camp must:

• have completed kindergarten
• have not yet entered into 7th grade
• have been affected by a disaster

Camps are limited to 50 children each – with children participating in small groups of 6-8 for discussion and craft activity times.

What does a typical day look like at Camp Noah?

Camp Noah begins on Saturday night when the national team (the people who have been trained and traveled to the site) meets the staff of the local site.  Sunday is spent in worship with a local congregation and then setting up the site. The daily schedule (Monday through Friday) includes worship, Bible study/disaster recovery support, snacks, crafts, camp games and fun activities done in small groups, field trips, and meals served at lunch. The camp experience ends on Friday afternoon with a closing celebration and worship.

 What qualities are needed to become a member of a Camp Noah team?

Volunteer teams bring the skills and energy needed to provide fun, compassion, and attentive listening and support for children and families who have been through the trauma of a disaster and the difficulties of recovery.  Team members need to possess the heart, skills, and maturity to effectively work with children.  They also need to be mature in their faith.  Since children are vulnerable and they are to be not only respected but also protected, all staff and volunteers working with Camp Noah must complete an individual application process and have positive references. Once assigned to a team, members are trained and then work together to divide up the responsibilities and prepare for the camp.

Are the Camp Noah teams all from one congregation or area?

All the members of a team usually come from the same area/region so that they can be trained to function effectively as a team.  The teams we form in northeastern Pennsylvania generally are made up of individuals and/or small groups from various congregations. If a congregation can recruit enough volunteers, it can staff a full team on its own.  Members of a team do not have to be Lutheran.  We welcome other Christian partners.

Who is on a Camp Noah team?

A team includes a Staff Coordinator, Camp Counselors and optional support volunteers.  Counselors must be at least 18 and have been out of high school for at least one year.  They are responsible for leading a small group of 4-8 children and they provide leadership for each day of camp activities.  There is also a need for workers who will serve as recreational and craft assistants, chaplain, nurse, mental health professional, etc.  For more information regarding the various positions that comprise a team click here.

What is the cost for a Camp Noah team?

Team members are asked to contribute $250 at the time of registration and to ask for help from their congregations, friends, etc to offset the additional $650 it costs for training, travel and other expenses.  By far the greatest cost is for transportation.  The amount team members submit with their applications covers the curriculum, T-shirts, craft supplies, and recreation equipment for the campers.  Lodging and lunches are provided for the team by the host site.  Team members need to be prepared to pay for their meals while they travel as well as their own suppers during the week. 

Why are quilts needed for Camp Noah?

Whenever possible a child-sized quilt or blanket is given to each child participating in a Camp Noah.  These colorful "blankets" do much more than warm bodies.  Children are deeply touched by the thought that someone cared enough to make them a pretty cover.  It is just one more expression of how God's love comes to them through others.  Children often reach for their quilts during story time or when they are feeling uneasy or sad.

Our synod has been especially active in providing quilts, chrocheted or knitted blankets for the camps as well as the funds to ship them.  Sizes range from 4' by 5' to twin sized.  Since they are mailed, we prefer that they are as light as possible.  It is fine to tie quilts, rather than do the traditional stitching.  A contribution of $2.50 per quilt helps cover the shipping cost.

Anyone participating in making quilts is asked to write down any time involved in the project and whether or not he or she is a member of a Thrivent household.  Quilts can be brought to Lutheran Congregational Services, 1923 Hanover Avenue, Allentown, 18109.  If you have questions, you can call 610.770.9205 or email ruth@lutherancongregationalservices.org or call 610.770.9205.

 How can I help support ministries to children and youth in Northeastern Pennsylvania or a Camp Noah team? 

First, pray for us and for the children we serve.  Second, volunteer to serve on a team, click here.  Third, send donations to help underwrite the costs associated with this ministry.  Make checks payable to "Lutheran Congregational Services", 1923 Hanover Avenue, Allentown, PA 18109, or  make an online donation, click here. Be sure to designate them for “Camp Noah/Ministries to Youth." Fourth, you can make child-sized quilts for campers (see above).