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When COVID-19 derailed Jake Miller’s summer internship plans, he decided to use his experience to fill the need of childcare in his local Asheville community. A junior business major at Southern Adventist University and veteran staff member at Nosoca Pines Ranch, Miller called upon three camp friends, Caleb Raymond and Nicole and Katie Robinson, to help him launch a day camp at Asheville-Pisgah Christian School (APCS).
“Getting this idea off the ground was such a learning experience,” said Miller. “There were so many steps I had to make sure I did right so the kids would be safe with the social-distancing requirements.”
Miller’s home church, Asheville Foster, donated funds to cover the insurance. They also partnered with Nosoca Pines Ranch for worship resources and APCS pitched in with supplies.
The camp opened on June 15, with about ten kids. The kids rotated through socially-distanced activities like worship, crafts, treasure hunts, and sports like kickball and dodgeball.
All four staff members were volunteers, not only making no income, but some even paid out of pocket to provide materials.
“I have such a capable staff. We all had to do some heavy lifting before camp started, and I’m so glad I’m working with people I can trust,” said Miller.
Parents could register their children ages 6-12 for a day at a time or for the entire week from 8 am- 2 pm, Monday-Friday. The aim was to keep the camp running for four weeks, but with funding, they hoped to continue for a total of seven weeks.
— by Natalie Boonstra, Communication Summer Intern