EDGE Camp: Monday
Introduction to Poverty and Poverty Simulation
Arrive at Good Shepherd Campus at 9am
Pick up at Good Shepherd Campus at 2pm
Wear: T-shirt and shorts and athletic socks and shoes. They will be given a yellow EDGE shirt to change into after they arrive. (This is not the day for big bows, fancy jewelry, or such accessories, so please stick to the basics.)
Bring: Water bottle, sunglasses (optional), hat (optional) and small backpack (optional). We will be outside for a majority of the day so please be prepared. We ask that if it is appropriate for your child, that you send them to camp this day without breakfast, or having eaten very little. We will feed them breakfast during camp today.
On Monday, we will introduce the children to the topic of poverty. Two Austin agencies that work to combat poverty will talk to the children, and then we will have a poverty simulation. Please be aware that a lot of thought and detailed planning have gone into this day to ensure it is spiritual, educational, and appropriate for the age group.
After the children arrive, each child will be given a profile of someone who lives in poverty, and will be asked to assume that profile for the morning. The children will then be invited to come to the Good Shepherd Tuesday Morning Outreach (on a special Monday appearance for the camp). The children will check in, just like our usual Tuesday clients, have the opportunity to eat breakfast and have cool water, and then talk with a TMO counselor. They will tell the counselor their story based on the profile they received, they will be given a bus pass, and they will have the opportunity to pray with the counselor if they desire.
Once everyone has completed their TMO experience, we will divide into groups of 7 or 8 (2 adults, 4-5 children, 1 youth helper). Each group will be given a bus map and a destination around town, and each person be given $2. The groups will then ride the Austin City Bus to their assigned destination, where they will need to find lunch they can afford to eat with their $2. Each group will also work together to provide a meal for someone in need they see on the street. If the adults in the group judge that it is safe and appropriate, the group will sit and share the meal with that person, and hopefully learn their story. After lunch, each group will need to ride the bus and be back to Good Shepherd by 1:30 for debrief and a 2pm pickup.
While this may be an intense and eye-opening experience for many of the children, it is our hope that they will come to more fully understand the humanity behind poverty, and what the city of Austin is doing to try to combat this issue. This will be a foundation for our week of service in the community.
Introduction to Poverty and Poverty Simulation
Arrive at Good Shepherd Campus at 9am
Pick up at Good Shepherd Campus at 2pm
Wear: T-shirt and shorts and athletic socks and shoes. They will be given a yellow EDGE shirt to change into after they arrive. (This is not the day for big bows, fancy jewelry, or such accessories, so please stick to the basics.)
Bring: Water bottle, sunglasses (optional), hat (optional) and small backpack (optional). We will be outside for a majority of the day so please be prepared. We ask that if it is appropriate for your child, that you send them to camp this day without breakfast, or having eaten very little. We will feed them breakfast during camp today.
On Monday, we will introduce the children to the topic of poverty. Two Austin agencies that work to combat poverty will talk to the children, and then we will have a poverty simulation. Please be aware that a lot of thought and detailed planning have gone into this day to ensure it is spiritual, educational, and appropriate for the age group.
After the children arrive, each child will be given a profile of someone who lives in poverty, and will be asked to assume that profile for the morning. The children will then be invited to come to the Good Shepherd Tuesday Morning Outreach (on a special Monday appearance for the camp). The children will check in, just like our usual Tuesday clients, have the opportunity to eat breakfast and have cool water, and then talk with a TMO counselor. They will tell the counselor their story based on the profile they received, they will be given a bus pass, and they will have the opportunity to pray with the counselor if they desire.
Once everyone has completed their TMO experience, we will divide into groups of 7 or 8 (2 adults, 4-5 children, 1 youth helper). Each group will be given a bus map and a destination around town, and each person be given $2. The groups will then ride the Austin City Bus to their assigned destination, where they will need to find lunch they can afford to eat with their $2. Each group will also work together to provide a meal for someone in need they see on the street. If the adults in the group judge that it is safe and appropriate, the group will sit and share the meal with that person, and hopefully learn their story. After lunch, each group will need to ride the bus and be back to Good Shepherd by 1:30 for debrief and a 2pm pickup.
While this may be an intense and eye-opening experience for many of the children, it is our hope that they will come to more fully understand the humanity behind poverty, and what the city of Austin is doing to try to combat this issue. This will be a foundation for our week of service in the community.