Base Camp is one of two branches of a program called Sabaoth Ministries. This ministry reaches out to kids, teaching them that God has a plan for their lives and giving them a sense of hope and confidence. Base Camp works with children from the inner city area of Grand Rapids, ages 7 to 17. Here kids can find tutoring help, expand their literacy skills, enjoy a time of recreation, eat snacks, learn from godly role models, and discover God’s plan for their lives. The goal of Base Camp and the volunteers who serve there is to provide the kids with knowledge, self-worth, and the love of God that will grow them and guide them in their life choices. Base Camp not only touches the lives the kids who attend, but the volunteers who serve there.
Kelly Ellis, Base Camp Director of Sabaoth Ministries, helps Alexis Ayala, age 8, with his homework on Wednesday, March 16th. HELP, Heights Educational Learning Program, takes place from 3-5pm on weekdays. This program gives kids a chance to come for tutoring, homework assistance, snacks, and recreation.
L to R: Osmeli Salaz, age 10, gets homework help from Alejandro Luis, age 10, on Wednesday, March 30th. When kids outnumber volunteers, which is common, the students work hard to help each other.
Mrs. R, as she is referred to by the kids, works with Mackela Velasquez, age 8, on Wednesday, March 16th. Mrs. R volunteers at Sabaoth with her husband. Both are passionate about the work being done at Sabaoth Ministries and glad to help out.
L to R: Serapin Barranco, age 7, and Alexis Ayala, age 8, fill out their worksheets on Wednesday, March 16th. If the kids finish their schoolwork early, Ellis has worksheets and test packets for them to work on.
Ellis gives announcements before praise and worship time on Tuesday, April 12th. ROAR, Reach out and Read, is a program on Tuesday nights, from 6-8:30pm, which helps kids grow in their literacy skills. Before reading time, Ellis always starts with a time of singing praise to God.
Esteban Villavicencio, age 10, reads with Cornerstone University, CU, sophomore Jordan Vasicek on Tuesday, April 12th. CU’s Terra Firma program sends several groups to tutor, listen to reading, and hang out with the kids.
L to R: Joshua Rivera, age 12, sets up his shot while his Sabaoth friends watch on Wednesday, March 30th. After they have worked on homework, the last half hour is set aside for free time. Pool is a popular activity with the boys at Sabaoth.
Elijah Cason, age 14, and Demetries Rivera, age 9, take on CU sophomore and volunteer Josh Bobowski in a game of Connect Four on Wednesday, March 30th. Both the kids and college volunteers enjoy their time together.
Mateo Vanesquez, age 7, spends his free time at the Lego table on Wednesday, March 30th. There is no shortage of activities or games at Base Camp, giving the kids more than enough to occupy their time.
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