According to Sister Damita Gordon, who came up with the idea of hosting a summer camp, funding comes directly from First Bethel’s congregation. The camp runs four days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is operated by volunteers, and is free to the students.

By RHONDA CROWDER
Staff Reporter

Going to church is about praising and worshipping God, right?

At the same time, man can’t eat off praise and worship alone. Hard work is necessary for success and getting a good education is a key to becoming successful in this life.

FirstBethelMissionaryBaptistChurchonQuincy, inCleveland, understands this and is working hard to help children become productive members of society.

One of the things they are doing is hosting a summer camp with a strong emphasis on education.

Averaging about 25 children per day, First Bethel Summer Camp attendees range in ages 6 to 16-years-old. A member, who is an educator, voluntarily assesses and evaluates the children to determine where they are academically.

They work on vocabulary building, go the library, and do math and Basic English. They even learn Spanish and are encouraged to write poetry.

And, in addition to academics and structured activities such as arts and crafts, the participants engage in prayer, devotion, and Bible lessons.

They are taught to evangelize as well.

Some students are church members. Others live within the community.

Although this is the first year for this program, First Bethel has been providing educational programming and recognizing the academic achievements of their young members over the last 28 years, since Reverend Theodis Pope became pastor. His wife, Sister Louise Pope, believes it’s imperative. In fact, the do academics during Wednesday night Bible study all year round.

 “It is our experience that if you give the children the skills they are missing or embellish the ones the have, they will do well in school,” said Louise Pope, a former school teacher.

“We think it’s important for them to go into higher learning,” she said while showing off the display case featuring the successful students who attend the church.

The students have to show her their report card and keep up their grades as well, she explained.

Last month, they hosted a banquet to recognize their members who were graduating from high school and college. The graduates received certificates of achievement.

FirstBethelalso has three scholarship funds: The Carl and Johnnie Ellis Fund for college students, The First Bethel Scholarship Fund for high school students, and a music scholarship.

According to Sister Damita Gordon, who came up with the idea of hosting a summer camp, funding comes directly from First Bethel’s congregation. The camp runs four days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is operated by volunteers, and is free to the students.

“The children have been enjoying it. The parents say it’s a God send,” said Gordon.

“All the glory goes to God. He gives you something then he takes care of it. There has not been a day that we haven’t had anything to give the children,” she continued.

She also said the students have been good about learning, not complaining about having to do academics. They try to challenge the students.

“We try to keep them learning spiritually, physically, and academically,” said Gordon.