Empowering Children through Reconnection Summer Camp

Javier stood fidgeting in line. He was beside himself with excitement over going to the bowling alley during his fifth week of camp at Operation Shoestring. A huge sports and games fan, Javier has relished every opportunity he’s had this summer to learn more about the places to play sports in his city. From a Mississippi Braves baseball game, to countless hours spent at parks and playgrounds, eight-year-old Javier thinks that this time spent outdoors with his friends is some of the best parts of Operation Shoestring’s Reconnection Summer. “Before, I had to be inside all year. I didn’t get to see my friends. We didn’t get to go rollerblading, or play outside. It made me really sad. Now, I’m really happy. I’m here with my friends again,” Javier told a camp counselor as they loaded up the van. 

So many of our campers spent significant time isolated during the pandemic, and often were filled with anxiety and fear because their parents lost their jobs or had to work outside the home during the height of the pandemic. When Javier first came to camp this past June, he wistfully told us that it had been so long since he got to do the things he liked. 

Kids like Javier are at the core of why Operation Shoestring hosts a summer camp year after year. It’s all about providing a nurturing, reassuring environment that empowers and validates who a child is. 

Part of validating children is empowering them. Once during the summer when Javier went to St. Andrew’s, he and his classmates all played a game of horse. At first, he struggled to make a basket and started getting upset. That’s where his Shoestring family came in. All through the gym you could hear, “You can do it! It’s okay!” echoing from the boys and girls standing on the sidelines. His camp counselors joined in. Finally, the school’s assistant varsity girls basketball coach and her team stepped in and helped Javier adjust his shot. When he sank a basket, he let out a yell of joy and relief that was almost lost in the roar of approval from everyone in the gym. Moments like these are the foundation of our program, and intrinsic to our mission to empower and support kids and families through whatever situation they encounter. Learn more about helping kids like Javier shine at operationshoestring.org/support .