Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
Camp Kindness (previously Camp CanoeBeKind) holds short camps throughout the year in Denham Springs where children learn that manners and kindness matter. Additionally, campers learn that they are a part of our Denham Springs community.
The dates for this summer are June 5th – 8th and August 12th. Registration and further information can be found on the Camp Kindness page of Kindness Keepers.
Virtual Camp
During the shutdown from COVID, Camp Kindness was an ongoing virtual camp focused on teaching children kindness and intimacy with God through weekly Christian adventures and kindness crafts. All resources from that time are still available although, no new lessons are no longer being created in that format.
The camp materials are suitable for children from pre-K through grade 5+.
Watch Ms. Leslie’s Welcome Video
How Does a Virtual Camp Work?
Every enrolled camper received a Red Bag of Courage, God Glasses, a magnetic Prayer Pin, and an Activity Booklet. If you are interested in finding out more information about these supplies and whether you can get some for your child, please contact us.
Each week, two videos were uploaded to our YouTube channel. First, there is the lesson from Ms. Leslie. Second, you’ll find a video from other campers showing fellow campers how to do a fun craft that they can make for someone else and, as such, spread kindness.
Part of the Kindness Keepers Ministries
Kindness Keepers is a community non-profit organization in Denham Springs that oversees four local missions birthed at Luke that focus on improving the lives of children and families. Camp Kindness is one of these four missions.
Be sure to follow the Kindness Keepers page on Facebook.
Beginnings of our Summer Camp in Denham Springs
In 2014, Luke 10:27 Church birthed the Camp Kindness mission with the goal of teaching manners to the children of Denham Springs. Leslie Akin, who holds a Doctorate of Ministry with a focus on ministry with children, founded the mission and wrote its curriculum.
In 2019, for five nights in a row in mid-July, we met at Luke 10:27 Church, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
On the last night of the camp we hold a Manners Matter Family Banquet, where the children host their parents to show them what they’ve learned.
Community Solidarity in Denham Springs
Each year, the kids of Camp Kindness make a contribution of some sort to the community of Denham Springs.
One year, we built a bench which sits under a gorgeous live oak tree at the entrance of Spring Park. Another year, we planted flowers under a prominent statue in downtown Denham Springs. And another year, the kids put together blessing bags for each City Council member showing their gratitude for the work they do.
Leadership Skills for Denham Springs Youth
Camp Kindness also teaches leadership skills. A group of counselors from Luke 10:27 youth work with Leslie, the founder, to teach the kids manners, kindness, empathy, friendship, and community solidarity.
At the end of the week, the youth from Luke 10:27 traveled to St. Augustine, Florida to conduct a sister Camp Kindness for STAHY. Unfortunately, STAHY has closed, but we are hopeful that a new sister Camp Kindness can exist in the future.
How Can You Help Camp Kindness?
In the past there has been a $25 fee to cover the costs of the camp we offer. Donations to Camp Kindness made it possible for us to offer scholarships to cover the $25 fee that participants pay so that our program will reach children from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
The virtual camp is free.
