By Cindy Disharoon
Special to The Citizen
Heritage Christian Church in Fayetteville hosted WinShape C3 Day Camp, July 12-16. It was the largest day camp in WinShape’s history with 454 children registered.
During the day camp, the children had an opportunity to pick from 19 different track times (fast food, gymnastics, painting, soccer, archery, photography, basketball, rhythm and blues, etc.). They participated in a small group “team time,” which is where they “looked at God’s role as the director of their life,“ and they also participated in an interactive large group time.
The week concluded with “Chick-Fil-A Friday Family Fun Day.” Frank Wren, general manager of the Atlanta Braves, spoke with the 1200-plus people who gathered for the Friday’s festivities.
Tammy Pattison, HCC Children’s Director said, “The unique aspect of C3 camp is that it connects churches to communities. C3 is able to accomplish its goal by having a host church open its campus to the community. The C3 staff that was on campus for the week simply brought a phenomenal amount of energy, passion, and love for Jesus to our campus. The volunteers who assist at camp can’t help but catch the spirit and in turn the kids who attend camp have a blast while learning about Jesus.”
Pattison said she thought it was important to note that the C3 camp experience crossed denominational lines, racial lines, and socio-economic lines. and that the kids were able to participate in a traditional, high energy camp experience.
She added that the Heritage Christian staff participated in the C3 camp along with over 100 volunteers. She says, “The daily pick up line consisted of the HCC staff meeting, greeting, and directing each and every car that passed through our parking lot. “
Pattison shared several “God sightings” during the camp including grandparents raising their nine-year-old granddaughter who were overwhelmed when they received a scholarship for her to attend the camp.
In addition, she said that scholarships were offered to children and families in Harmony Village, a subsidized complex in Peachtree City. “They have a wonderful lady who runs their after school/summer program for children,” Pattison said. “She provides tutoring services in the school year and basic childcare during the summer, which many of the children at this complex would be unattended without these services. She was excited when we offered the scholarships and facilitated the entire process for us, including making sure the kids were ready when our church van picked them up each morning.”
Pattison concluded by saying, “The Heritage church family truly owned this ministry. They embraced the concept of opening this dynamic camp experience to children across Fayette County who might otherwise not be able to participate. We had 104 children attend camp on scholarship and eight children accepted Jesus. That is a very special thing.”
