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Volume 23 Issue 2
A Inc. Observer Inc. Osprey Observer from Osprey Publication from Free Publication A Free
February 2019
Tampa Kids Camp Hosts Annual Gala With Special Guest Speaker, Author & Educator Lauren Dungy
Inside:
MONSTER JAM SEE PAGE 7
MERCYME & More SEE PAGE 4
By Amanda Boston
families, which is seen through her work with local adoption agencies and women’s shelters in the Tampa Bay area. Tickets to the Gala can be purchased at www.TampaKidsCamp.org. The proceeds will go toward sponsorships for foster kids to attend summer camp. "For the first two years, our nonprofit organization used the name Royal Family Kids Camp because it was our only
ratio of one adult to one child so that the campers receive extra attention in a safe and caring environment. The Royal Family KIDS Camp is for children ages 6-12. The weeklong overnight camp will be held from July 1 to July 5 and is filled with opportunities for kids to be treated like royalty and learn about God’s unconditional love. Along with traditional camp activities, the week will include a carnival, birthday bash, water works and much more.
camp,” explained Scott Mulhollen, the executive director and founder of the Tampa Bay chapter. “We are excited in 2019 to add Teen Reach Adventure Camp (TRAC), which will serve foster kids ages 12-16.” He continued, “Going forward, we will be using Tampa Kids Camp as our nonprofit name which better fits our plans of adding additional camps and programs for foster kids in the future." This summer, Tampa Kids Camp will provide two unique camps for foster children who have experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect. Both camps have a
The newly added TRAC program focuses on building self-worth and creating positive memories. Boys and girls have separate three-day sessions held at an adventure camp featuring low ropes course elements, boating, archery and other outdoor activities. The girl’s program is from July 22 to July 24, and the boy’s program is from July 25 to July 27. To find out more about Tampa Kids Camp, visit www.TampaKidsCamp.org or email camp@tampakidscamp.org.
Author and childhood education specialist Lauren Dungy will speak at the Tampa Bay Kids Camp fundraising event.
In the Tampa Bay area alone, an average of eight children a day are placed into foster care due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Tampa Kids Camp, formerly known as Royal Family Kids, exists to make the lives of foster children better through life-changing summer camps. The faith-based organization is part of a national nonprofit agency and will host its annual fundraising gala at The Regent in Riverview on Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature dinner, dancing, a silent auction and keynote speaker Lauren Dungy. Dungy is an early childhood educational specialist, a bestselling author and the wife of former NFL player and coach Tony Dungy. The devoted wife and mother of nine children has a passion for helping
Local Ministry Customizes Heritage Mission Trips For Church Youth Groups
Hooked On Books
Columns: GraceNotes
Page 5
Hooked On Books
Page 12
Newswire
Page 15
Faith & Footprints
Page 18
In chapter 16 of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus commands His disciples to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Caleb Saunders, the director of Teamwork Missions and a graduate of Seffner Christian Academy, strives to live out this commandment daily. After graduating in May with a double major in Theology and Christian Ministry from Welch College in Nashville, Tennessee, the 22-year-old returned home and founded Team Missions, a nonprofit ministry that offers short-term mission trips and excursions within the United States. With the motto of “Reaching in, Reaching out, Reaching up,” the nonprofit focuses on providing opportunities for youth groups and college-age students to be the hands and feet of Jesus. “I felt a strong calling early on. Growing up, missions were always important to me,” explained Caleb. “My parents always supported missionaries, and my dad was a youth pastor who led a number youth group mission trips.” Caleb’s father, Johnny Saunders, who is the youth pastor for First Free Will Baptist Church and Seffner Christian Academy, also supports the organization. Acting as a board member for Team Missions and a mentor to son Caleb, the duo brings forth years of mission work experience.
By Amanda Boston
in Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C. The heritage tours emphasize the importance faith played in the lives of the Founding Fathers. The third component centers on teaching apologetics. Caleb is currently pursuing a Master Degree in Christian Apologetics at Liberty University, and so, he travels to churches and schools to
The organization also offers Christian Heritage and History Tours to Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
“Teenagers in our present community have more information about God than have experience serving God,” said Johnny. “We want to close that gap and give them the meaningful experiences that help grow their faith. That’s why the experiences of these trips are so important.” The threefold ministry officially launched the end of last year with a soft opening in June. In addition to planning the mission trips for churches, the ministry also offers Christian Heritage and History tours
speak to youth on how to defend the Christian faith. As a youth pastor, Johnny recognized a need for this type of ministry and said, “I know youth pastors get busy with their day to day dealing with their youth group, church and different activities, and so this ministry helps youth leaders by taking off a big load with customizing mission trips.” For more information and pricing, please visit www.teamworkmissions.com or email teamworkmissions@gmail.com.