What is Opportunity Camp?
Beginning in 1975, over 45 years ago, Opportunity Camp serves the refugee communities of Memphis with a free, one-week camp each summer. Coming from war and poverty-stricken countries, many of the children and their families resettle in Memphis to begin a new life. There is no charge to any child to attend Opportunity Camp.
The mission of Opportunity Camp is to connect with the impoverished and vulnerable refugee children living in the Memphis-metro area communities and share Jesus Christ through Gospel- filled education, music, activities, and relationships.
The vision of Opportunity Camp is to see the growing number of ethnic groups in the Memphis-metro area greatly influenced for Christ through their children, experiencing a different way of life that comes from having a different kind of heart. There are currently thousands of resettled refugees in the Memphis area. We desire to be a resource of support and encouragement to the refugee community and its volunteers by offering a safe and fun camp that reinforces language-learning and multi-cultural education as well as provides basic clothing and health & hygiene care.
Who attends Opportunity Camp?
Any refugee/resettled child who has just completed first grade through fifth grade (but no older than 12 years old) may attend Opportunity Camp. There is no cost for any child who attends.
Children from countries all over the world have attended camp- Vietnam, Afghanistan, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Sudan, Croatia, Mexico, Yemen, Bosnia, Cambodia, Laos, Nigeria, Burudi, Korea, Senegal, Burundi, Nepal, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Somalia, Uruguay, and Venezuela, just to name a few!
Any resettled family from anywhere in the world is welcome to Opportunity Camp! This beautiful diversity is important to us and to the makeup of camp; we celebrate it!
What goes on at Opportunity Camp?
The Gospel message is intertwined through music, crafts, stories, and all activities, however, we do not force our beliefs onto any child. We have children from all backgrounds attend and we encourage cultural respect and understanding for all. Overcoming language and cultural barriers to build a relationship with each child is our goal; we want each child to know they matter and are loved. We wish to meet not only their spiritual needs, but their physical needs as well by providing a fully-stocked supply and clothing cabin. Every child is welcome to freely “shop” the shelves in the supply cabin to find new clothing, shoes, or even a new toothbrush, all for free.
The children are in a safe environment, where they are in a cabin with children around their own age, with two, full-time Counselors with them 24/7. Children are never left alone. We take the safety of the children very seriously. All Counselors receive a full orientation and safety course before camp begins. There are two camp nurses, including an over-night nurse as well as camp staff adults overseeing every part of the week. Every adult Volunteer is background checked and screened before their involvement with camp. Boys and girls are also kept separate for all activities. Three meals plus snacks are offered every day. We offer a pork-free menu to accommodate the diet sensitivities of several cultures.
Who runs Opportunity Camp?
Opportunity Camp has been run by a group of volunteers since day one. Even the Camp Director and Board of Directors are unpaid volunteers. Except for paying the necessary insurance and a small amount of postage, all money donated goes directly to bring children to camp. Opportunity Camp is completely funded by donations and there is no cost to the children to attend.
Opportunity Camp is 501c3, Non-profit that receives its funding through donations from churches, organizations, small groups (Sunday School classes), WMU groups, individuals, businesses and more. Every little bit donated makes up the almost $30,000 it takes to run camp each year.
Meet our Staff:
Richard Bushart, Co-Director
For over 35 years, Richard has been a key leader with Opportunity Camp. He has seen thousands of children come through camp and see their lives changed. Even his was changed years ago as he met his wife through serving at camp. He faithfully serves at Kirby Woods Baptist Church involved with international missions.
Amy Dale, Co-Director/Volunteer Coordinator
Beginning as a counselor at Opportunity Camp in 1997, Amy connected with Opportunity Camp’s mission and saw a way to apply her degree and background in ESL to a local community. She oversees the recruiting of counselors and camper registration.
Beth Cox, Camp Administrator
Beth became involved with camp over 15 years ago, after hearing there was as shortage of supplies for the campers. She responded to the call for donations and delivered them herself. When she arrived and saw the kids, she was hooked. She takes care of so many of the behind the scenes details including rounding up volunteers, supplies, donations, and more.
Emily Mewborn, Assistant Camp Administrator/Camp Nurse
Emily is the Camp Cameleon. Whatever is needed, she becomes. Her experience over the last decade as a counselor, staff, and as a Nurse Practitioner, she fills many needed rolls at camp. Whether it’s leading music, resolving a conflict, or administering band-aids, Emily is there.
Damaris Diaz, Camper Coordinator
Damaris grew up attended Opportunity Camp as a camper and faithfully served as an incredible counselor for years. She came on staff last year and we are so excited to have her. Her experience in multi-ethnic ministry, her energy, keen eye, and gentle, loving spirit are all incredbly valuable to making the signup process and camp experience the best it can be for our campers.
Elesia Turner, Camp Nurse/Camp Educator
ET, or Mo, as the kids call her, has been a rock to Opportunity Camp’s leadership for over 35 years. With her background in emergency care, she is the original Camp Nurse. Children from camp 30 years ago still talk about the time she took care of a scrape or scratch and how that attention and gentleness has affected their lives.
There are over 50 Volunteers that donate their time to plan and run camp every year. From the Counselors with the kids 24/7, to the teachers, to the activity leaders, there are many people that make camp possible every year. For more information on Opportunity Camp, please feel free contact us via email or even set up a meeting to learn more about camp, or schedule a presentation to encourage Volunteer opportunities with this unique experience!