Kids Camp relieves parents’ childcare struggles during Annual Conference
Pictured, the Rev. Meg Cook, here at Annual Conference 2023, has had to bring her young sons the past two years to the event with her because of a lack of childcare. She is one of several parents who say they are extremely grateful Open Hearts UMC is hosting a Kids Camp for Annual Conference.
By Jessica Brodie
GREENVILLE—Thanks to one Greenville church, parents who need childcare during Annual Conference will have an affordable—and convenient—solution.
For the first time in years, Kids Camp will be offered at Annual Conference all day Monday and Tuesday, June 9-10, and half the day Wednesday, June 11.
Hosted by the new church start Open Hearts United Methodist Church in Greenville, the church is only four miles away from the convention center, where Annual Conference will be held. The schedule is packed with engaging, kid-friendly activities, such as an outdoor scavenger hunt, Bible story time, tie-dye T-shirt-making, a stepping stone craft, a service project and movie time. Snacks, daily lunch and all program supplies will be provided.
“We at Open Hearts UMC are excited to host Kids Camp during Annual Conference this summer,” said Jana Clack, director of discipleship for Open Hearts UMC, noting the church is blessed with qualified staff and volunteers, which made it logistically possible to offer this connectional experience.
Clack said the kids will be in a fun, safe, Spirit-led environment, freeing up their caregivers, who will be busy doing the work of Annual Conference.
“We are happy to offer this affordable option for folks who are traveling to Greenville with elementary-aged kids, or to locals who need childcare coverage during sessions,” Clack added.
The Rev. Meg Cook, pastor of Grace UMC, Columbia, is one of those parents who is thrilled there is a camp option for her two sons. She doesn’t have family nearby who can help with childcare during Annual Conference, so she has had to bring her boys with her to all the sessions the last two years. While the boys have been great and people have been kind, she said it’s been “hard—worth it, but hard.”
“I am enormously grateful and extend a huge thank you to Open Hearts UMC for doing this,” Cook said. “The boys are excited, and the schedule looks great.”
Space is available for 20 children total, and registration closes May 15 or when slots are filled.
Volunteers and staff on site at Open Hearts UMC are Safe Sanctuary-trained and background-checked through Trak-1. Pricing is $60 for one child, $110 for two and $160 for three or more.
To review the schedule and sign up, visit https://www.umcsc.org/kidscamp. For questions, email [email protected].