|
|
What is The Island of Treasures?
The name, Island of Treasures, reflects our mission and essence. Our camp is actually located on an island and is only accessible by boat. We have wonderful hidden treasures: children with great potential. Our team works to expose the potential and beauty God made in each child.
If you take a boat and sail across the river you would find yourself in a very exciting, picturesque island that not long ago was abandoned. It is now full of life. On this island is a village of tents which provide amazing comfort.
In this wonderful village are eight large tents. In each of six tents there are five children and one counselor. There is a pier to dock the boat, a "root-cellar" for food, a shower, a kitchen and a large tent for a dining-room/activity center.
|
Our Goal
Father's House workers learned long ago that children who lived outdoors (surviving on the streets) for long periods of time are not able to adapt easily to living in a 'normal' housing atmosphere. Thus the idea developed to start a camp where children will live in camping conditions in an atmosphere of Christian love. The experience includes fun, adventures, responsibility and accountability all of which is designed to gradually help children become accustomed to 'normal' life.
Our goal is to create an atmosphere for work, rest, and study for the children so that they may experience the Christian way of life. In this, they acquire good habits which can enable them to live in harmony with the rest of society. Further, they lose bad habits that were developed as they survived on the streets. Ultimately, these accomplishments occur when the children are able to experience spiritual growth. Several steps facilitate spiritual growth.
|
Our Ministry Philosophy
Our first step is to remove street children from the conditions on the street they have grown accustomed to and adapted their behavior to survive in. Taken out of this survival mode on the streets, we introduce them to the loving relationships, biblical examples and Christian principles based on the Gospel and demonstrated by our camp staff. It is through these relationships, principles and examples that we see children changed because God changes their hearts. To facilitate this primary function of our camp, a well trained staff is necessary.
Our Primary Tasks
- Winning the confidence of the children.
This is our fundamental task. When children arrive, they do not trust the staff because they have been frequently betrayed by adults. Society has averted their eyes from them, they do not understand true friendship, even their parents became their enemies. They are abandoned. They have struggled simply to survive. Yet deep in these young hearts, there is a small ray of hope that in this cruel world there is at least one person who will love, understand and care about them.
- Exposing their gifts, widening their view .
These children not only do not trust others, but they do not believe in themselves. They are unaware of their potential and abilities: they have no dreams. We plan every day to provide the kids with several activities: games, sports, chores, Bible lessons, leisure activities, competition, quizzes, drama, crafts, we even make benches and chairs!
- Serving the whole child.
Our work with the children includes acquiring medical care, searching for the parents, registering with local officials, providing food and clothes and attaining appropriate psychological care.
|
|
