Bethlehem Summer Camp Achieves Financial Independence
- Epworth Berkeley
- Aug 5
- 1 min read
Submitted by Douglas Smith, Phd, DMin
In June, Bethlehem Summer Camp 2026 launched its six-week program with a record-breaking 140 campers (ages 5–14). Thanks to local leadership, the program’s remaining funding gap is down to just $1,000, which the community is on track to cover locally.
This is Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) in action. Over the years, our training has focused on helping the community leverage its own strengths. During the camp's first year, we provided nearly $10,000 in international support. By 2024, that fell to $5,000. Today, they require zero international financial aid.
Reaching full self-sustainability while hosting their largest camp to date—especially amid escalating political, economic, and safety challenges—is an extraordinary testament to the community’s resilience and vision.
Congratulations to everyone who turned the vision of a self-sustaining summer camp into a reality:
The dedicated staff of St. Joseph’s
The team on the ground: teachers, psychologists, volunteers, and youth facilitators who brought the daily activities to life
Our generous church partners: the congregations of Rutherford UCC (New Jersey) and Epworth, whose donations helped bridge the funding gap
My valued training colleagues: Dr. Caroline Njuki (Retired, GBGM), Rev. Annie Allen (Graduate Faculty, Northwind Seminary), and Fran Eldridge (Retired Early Childhood Education Consultant and Teacher)
Enjoy the pictures below for a glimpse into the joy, connection, and play our children experienced this summer!
