Camp Timothy is the largest program of Churches for Urban Ministry. It is a six-week summer camp for children ages 5 to 14. For the past 58 years, Camp Timothy has served as a safe, caring and nurturing environment for children. The program operates Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Competent instructors are hired for each of four workshops along with two counselors for each of the seven groups and the usual support staff to lead approximately 100 campers.
Camp Timothy strengthens the quality of life for approximately 100 children living in the inner-city and surrounding communities of Lynchburg. 2010 was the 58th year of Camp Timothy, which has continuously been held at Westminster Presbyterian Church. At least 60% or more of the children return the next year. The cost to each child is $85 for the entire six weeks, while the actual cost is approximately $540 per child. The remaining $455 per child must be raised by CUM. Our fees are kept reasonable and manageable to the economically disadvantaged families of our community.
CUM has limited funds for scholarships for Camp Timothy. There are always children who cannot pay even the $85 fee for the entire six week camp. Over forty percent of our campers come from single-parent homes. A number of these families receive Social Service benefits. Several grandparents on fixed incomes are, out of necessity, raising their grandchildren. We also have families who use our CUM food pantry services.
Camp Timothy is able to operate on a limited budget and still offer a hot, nutritious lunch daily because the lunch is supplied by USDA food, supplemented by Camp Timothy. The camp has been fortunate to receive this blessing for the last 6 years. In 2007 CUM was able to add breakfast provided by USDA. It was determined by our Camp Timothy Director that few of the children receive a nutritious breakfast at home. Providing two nutritious meals a day may be the only proper nutrition many Camp Timothy children receive.
Camp Timothy seeks to meet its objectives through the following: daily worship, community service projects, enrichment programs, daily recreation swimming, Bible study, arts, crafts, music, drama/puppets, storytelling, education/cultural tours and various field trips.
Since 1952, the program has grown from serving 8 children to serving approximately 100 children. The staff has grown from one staff member to twenty –six staff members. Our cooks have been with Camp Timothy over 20 years, our Camp and Music Director for 14 years. Our Camp Timothy Director attended Camp Timothy when she was a child. Over 70% of our counselors return each summer. We now have third generation children who attend the camp. With the high return rate of our staff and campers, we feel that Camp Timothy is a proven and valuable asset to our community.
