(August 20, 2019) For the last three years, Presbyterian Mo-Ranch has sent a contingent to the Rio Grande Valley to give kids there a chance to experience a sleep-away camp.
Known as Camp in the Valley, it’s always a fun-filled few days, complete with games, swimming, s’mores and most importantly — devotionals and worship.
A border check point in Falfurrias is a mere 50 miles north of Edinburg.
Kids living in border towns like Edinburg and others face unique challenges like raids by the U.S. Immigrant and Customs Enforcement and seeing U.S. Border Patrol agents in their hometowns.
“Mo-Ranch’s Camp in the Valley program is our way of showing these kids that they may face unusual circumstances throughout their lives, but with us — at camp— they can just enjoy the summer and learn new things in a supportive, encouraging Christian environment,” said Breanna Larsen, marking and communications manager.
As tensions at the Mexican border continue to grow, Mo-Ranch continues to believe its Camp in the Valley is a way to let kids be kids.
“Ultimately, they are still experiencing typical feelings and daily activities of other kids their age. While there may be unrest in different parts of the nation, we can all appreciate the fact that everyone has the need to feel loved and wanted,” Larsen said.
It’s important to remember everyone is created equal, said Dick Powell, president and CEO of Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly.
“The question is not what Jesus would do but what Jesus did,” Powell said. “He went to the poor and marginalized. We are commanded by Jesus to do likewise, regardless of the cost.”
Recently, Camp in the Valley gained national attention when a writer from The New York Times, Manny Fernandez, wrote a feature on the camp.
He interviewed Powell, Richard Bombach, director of camps and several participants.
The story captures the remarkable young women and men that come to our camp and Fernandez accurately described camp as “the sum of small moments,” Powell said.
It was published on Sunday, Aug.19.
To read the full story, click this link: Where the Border Crisis Feels Far Away – The New York Times
For more information, contact Jenna Carpenter at 1.800.460.4401 ext. 224. To donate towards our Camp in the Valley efforts, click here.
