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For many children of immigrant and farmworking families, summer brings more than heat—it brings uncertainty. As farm work slows or stops completely during these months in Florida, so do many opportunities for structured activities, connection, and emotional care for children.
At Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, we know that summer can be a stressful time for both parents and children. That’s why we believe our residential summer camp program is more than just a break from routine—it’s an intentional investment in wellness, belonging, and healing.
A Space to Breathe and Just Be Kids
This summer, dozens of children from our Beth-El community packed their bags and stepped into something rare and beautiful: a week of peace, laughter, and growth at Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center. Nestled in nature, this space became a sanctuary for young minds and hearts.
For children whose families face daily economic uncertainty, housing instability, or limited access to safe spaces, this time away wasn’t a luxury—it was a lifeline for their well-being.
In a world that often feels heavy for these children, camp gave them permission to be light.
At camp, children:
- Explored the outdoors with curiosity and confidence
- Built friendships that foster trust and joy
- Grew in confidence by trying new things—ziplining, canoeing, singing around a campfire
- Experienced God’s love in a safe, accepting environment
- Reconnected with creativity and imagination through play and prayer
These moments allowed them to pause the noise of everyday life and discover something new—not just about the world, but about themselves.
Wellness Beyond the Physical
When we think about wellness, we often think of physical health. But for the children we serve, emotional and spiritual wellness are just as essential.
The summer camp experience became a living expression of our Wellness & Belonging campaign. Through joyful experiences, thoughtful reflection, and relational care, children are supported in every part of who they are.
- Emotional wellness grew through shared laughter, kindness from counselors, and safe friendships.
- Mental wellness was nurtured in moments of stillness and relief from constant stress.
- Spiritual wellness was awakened through songs, prayer walks, and conversations about God’s love.
- Social wellness came alive as children worked together, cheered each other on, and learned how to listen and be heard.
These are not small things—they are powerful seeds that, when planted, grow resilience, hope, and strength for the road ahead.
Why This Matters for Immigrant Families
Immigrant families often carry invisible burdens—fear of deportation, limited access to health care, economic pressure, language barriers, and more. Children pick up on this stress, even if they don’t understand it fully.
In households where parents are working long hours or navigating systems they don’t trust, it can be hard for children to feel truly seen and safe.
Beth-El’s summer camp experience offers a direct response to that reality.
We create a temporary but transformational space where:
- Kids feel valued simply for being who they are
- The worries of the adult world are paused
- Hope is restored through play, connection, and spiritual care
Made Possible by Generosity
This experience was made possible because of you—our supporters, volunteers, donors, and partners.
Your generosity opened the door for children to step into joy, belonging, and transformation.
Because of your support:
- Scholarships covered camp fees for families who couldn’t afford them
- Transportation was arranged to safely bring children to camp and back
- Meals, supplies, and supervision were fully funded to ensure a safe and nurturing week
- Children who had never left their neighborhoods experienced a world full of new possibilities
Thank you for planting seeds of belonging that will bloom for years to come.
Looking Toward 2026: You Can Help a Child Get to Camp
As we look ahead to the Summer of 2026, our vision is to send even more children to camp. We never want cost to be a barrier to healing. That’s why we’ve launched the Camper Scholarship Fund, and we need your help to grow it.
Every contribution—big or small—opens the door for a child to:
- Discover the beauty of nature
- Experience rest and renewal
- Form friendships rooted in kindness
- Return home stronger, calmer, and full of hope
You’re not just giving them a fun week—you’re giving them a foundation of wellness and belonging they can carry all year.
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re a long-time donor, a first-time supporter, or someone simply moved by these stories, we invite you to take action today.
- Donate to the Camper Scholarship Fund
- Share this story with friends, family, or your church
- Pray for the children we serve and the journeys ahead of them
- Partner with us to continue planting hope, one child at a time
Because when children feel safe, they begin to dream. And when they dream, communities grow stronger.
Car Credit Supports Beth-El Farmworker Ministry
For many farmworker families, meeting basic needs remains a daily challenge. Beth-El Farmworker Ministry provides a lifeline, offering hunger relief, education, healthcare, and spiritual growth to farm-working families and neighbors in need. Through compassion and care, Beth-El continues its mission of feeding the mind, spirit, and body of those it serves.
Nuevo en US (www.nuevoenus.org) and Car Credit (www.carcredittampa.com) are proud to support Beth-El, an organization dedicated to assisting farmworker families. For those who are new to the country, adjusting to a new life can be challenging. Thanks to Car Credit’s commitment to Spanish-speaking communities and its owner, Steve Cuculich, we work together to ensure they receive the guidance and support they need to move forward.