The need for shelter is serious business, and trying to meet the needs of hundreds of people seeking help for this basic necessity is hard work. As we respond with holy hospitality, we balance the weight of these struggles with heaping doses of love and joy. At RITI, we MAKE ROOM TO PLAY.
There’s no more obvious example than our annual CITI Camp, a summer day camp for “Children in the Inn.”
This summer, CITI Camp is led by coordinators Lara and Will along with the help of interns from Rhodes College, Sewanee: University of the South, and Centre College.
Fourteen children have come through the doors this summer – our largest group of campers so far! They’re exploring weekly themes including: Sports, Art, Music, Nature, Movies, Culinary Arts, and Olympic Games!
Each morning begins with “Freeplay Stations” where children can choose their own adventure and use their imaginations with the toys, materials, and games available. There’s also plenty of time to play outside, and even field trips to local splash pads on Fridays!
Everyday there’s time to slow down and practice gratitude. The children have stickers, and they go around and say reasons they’re thankful for one another and award each other stickers. There are also “Quiet Stations” for the peaceful part of the day where children can choose a quiet activity like reading, coloring, or making friendship bracelets.
Volunteers come regularly and add extra time for reading stories, arts and crafts, and the children’s current favorite game – HOT POTATO!
One child summed it up beautifully when she said,
“This is a place to let me be a kid.”
Partnerships with local organizations and volunteers has made weeks full of CITI Camp fun possible. Special thanks to:
- Literacy Mid-South for materials, volunteers, and a special trip to see a Redbirds game!
- MemphisRox for hosting the most memorable field trip helping us climb new heights to try something new!
- Dixon’s Art to Grow for so many fun projects and materials!
- St. Columba Mud Camp for all the outdoor fun we can handle!
- Laurie Kay for yoga and movements to keep us mindful!
- First Tee Tennessee for letting us take a swing at golfing!
- Stax Museum for a chance to boogie down and learn a little Memphis history!
- St. George’s Episcopal Youth for helping get the CITI Camp space ready for campers!
- Street Reach Ministries for weekly volunteer groups to come and play, allowing the children to have one-on-one time with volunteers giving their full attention.
We’re so grateful to be able to MAKE ROOM TO PLAY each day at RITI, and especially at CITI Camp!
Make Room to Play
Your donation makes room for kids to be kids,
even in the midst of experiencing homelessness.