In Our Own Backyard

Interfaith Youth Service & Leadership Camp

Too often we hear the phrase, “not in MY backyard.” Our interfaith, service-based summer camp experience is designed to open the eyes of campers to the harsh reality of poverty “in our own backyard” of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

Teen participants (rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders) learn a lot about their “backyard” of Charlotte as they take the city bus everywhere they go. They discover who rides public transportation and what it means to be dependent on it — especially if it rains!

Campers experience a poverty simulation, serve at various agencies throughout the city, interview homeless neighbors, explore Christian, Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, Muslim and Baha’i faith traditions. There is also a surprise mission immersion experience.

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