What Is Summer to Remember?

 On June 3rd, our seventh annual Summer to Remember program begins. Summer to Remember is a comprehensive, nine week summer camp program for homeless children living at the Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope. And, it is an opportunity for the community to sponsor children in need, with the academic support and life experiences that will help them to overcome obstacles to educational success.

This unique camp is designed for school aged children between the ages of 5 and 12, and provides opportunities to grow intellectually, socially and emotionally through hands-on learning activities and field trips. Since the program was started in 2011, it has served countless children at the Village of Hope, and features activities that include academics, social engagement, recreation, sports, and fine arts, among many others.

“Summer programs for homeless children are extremely important,” notes Jim Palmer, Orange County Rescue Mission President. “As a result of their chaotic life experiences,they are the innocent victims of homelessness. These children often face many disadvantages including social and mental obstacles, and are twice as likely to have a learning disability or repeat a grade. We as a community cannot continue to overlook these children whom are in dire need of our assistance.” Palmer explains, “Providing them with the necessary tools to fuel their growth is pertinent to their future success. The children living at the Village of Hope look forward to this program every summer, and we don’t want to let them down this year.”

Summer to Remember was designed by educator Dr. Barbara Morton of Concordia University, Irvine, and continues to thrive as a joint project between Orange County Rescue Mission and Concordia University, Irvine.