In July of 2006, a 10 year old girl named Vera Nyaen drowned in Gray’s Lake while playing in the water with her friends. She could not swim. Vera came to our church after immigrating from Liberia with her family 2 years earlier. Camp Vera began in response to this tragic accident. We decided that the best way to honor Vera’s life was to offer swimming lessons to immigrant children, including her brother. In addition to swim lessons, we provide lunch, a Bible lesson time, crafts, and free time to just socialize. Our goal is to prevent further tragedy by teaching them how to swim, as well as provide a few weeks of fun afternoons for the immigrant children God has placed in our midst.
General information –
Dates:
June 23rd through June 28th
Schedule of activities:
10:40 Arrive at Birdland swimming pool in Des Moines
11:00 to 11:45 Swim lessons
12:00 Back to church for lunch and afternoon activities
3:00 Drive kids back home
Lessons are $30.00 and kids who have completed kindergarten are welcome to join the group lessons. Any questions, contact Marge McKeever.