Riverwoods Christian Center

Riverwoods Christian Center

Riverwoods Christian Center was founded in 1977 to reach out with the heart of God to the economically disadvantaged families in the Fox Valley of Kane County. Riverwoods targets 15 under-resourced areas in the Valley, typically government subsidized housing and apartment complexes in Aurora, Carpentersville, Dundee, Elgin, and Montgomery.

Each year, Riverwoods operates summer camps for ages six through 18. More than 1,000 kids attended camp this summer and experienced the message of the love of God in an environment of caring leaders and counselors with recreation, crafts, nature and outdoor activities. But Riverwoods goes beyond the summer and remains engaged with the kids and community throughout the year.

Through its Community Advocate program, Riverwoods imbeds people resources in the communities where the kids who need this center live. Today, there are seven advocates, with a goal to have 15. These advocates connect with the kids, who mostly come from single-parent homes. The advocates help build connections between the kids and the local church, recognizing that some camp time in the summer is not going to have a lasting impact if there is nothing helping the kids the rest of the year.

Riverwoods is about helping young people make good choices: to stay in school and graduate, to work toward college and a career and to avoid things that take away choices, such as early pregnancy. Riverwoods demonstrates the joy of Christ and makes sure young people know the gospel story.

Riverwoods is an excellent example of bridging the gap between theology and practice. When you see young children at camp for a week of new, exciting experiences and teen-agers learning how to navigate the larger world outside their housing projects, you know that God is at work - both in the kids and in those who are dedicated to them.

As Jesus followers, we have been mandated to be His ambassadors to a world in need, both physical and spiritual. As you read about Riverwoods, think about what is likely to happen to these children if God's people do not respond. What chance will they have to know our awesome God? What happens when Jesus' followers don't make the personal sacrifice and move into under privileged areas to live so they can advocate for His children?

We have many avenues to partner with Riverwoods using the many talents each of us has been given. There are many opportunities to work with these kids and their families: tutors, mentors, physical laborers for building new cabins and maintaining the facilities. Riverwoods also offers great opportunities for graduating high school and college students as paid summer leaders and counselors.

There are currently more than 11,000 children in families surviving on incomes below the Federal Poverty level in this area. Think about that for a moment. Really. Think about it. There are 11,000 kids living less than 45 minutes away from where we worship, living with very meager means. Jesus was very intentional about being amongst the needy and less fortunate people. What is He placing on your heart when you think about these kids and the daily challenges they face? How can you respond?

For more information about how you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children, contact Phil Carlson at .