Kids are discouraged.
They need hope.
Those two sentences have possibly never been truer than they are today…at least in our lifetime’s, and in the 35 years Daystar has been in ministry.
As the weeks have passed during this epidemic, our counselors have been continuing to care for kids and families via zoom. We’ve been so grateful for the advances in technology that have enabled us to do this. In the beginning, it was encouraging to see the anxiety so many kids had been dealing with pre-pandemic fall away. They were home—away from the pressures that have become all too pervasive in our culture. They were enjoying time with family. They were frustrated with, but mustering up creativity in the boredom. We honestly saw kids who were more contented and families who were connected than we had in years.
Recently, however, things have changed. Summer plans are cancelling. Kids are moving into what is, in their lives, besides Christmas, probably the most anticipated season—without anticipation. Most don’t have summer vacations to look forward to anymore. Camps are being postponed at best, cancelled at worst. And we’re seeing it in their faces and hearing it in their voices on the other end of the zoom calls.
Kids are discouraged.
They need hope.
We are honestly not sure of our summer plans at Daystar, either. We are, like our entire world, trying to balance prioritizing physical health for our children and families and mental health. The reason we are able to do so is you. It is our intent to have Hopetown this summer, knowing that—in non-pandemic years, it is the highlight of many kids’ entire year, according to parents. We want those kids to have room to stretch their legs and enlarge their hearts as we worship and discover together under Melissa’s teaching. With much sadness but confidence, we have decided to cancel all Daystar Day Camps for Summer 2020. Thankfully, Hopetown can have numbers under 50, which keeps us in a safer zone in terms of physical health. We also have started to meet with kids and families in the Daystar house, with guidelines in place that help to create social distancing boundaries, yet still offer the warmth and connectedness that comes in person in our beloved yellow house.
What we do know, however, is that we can continue to offer Zoom and in-person counseling. One way or another, we can see a child’s face and be a reminder that there is hope. We can hear a parent’s frustration and remind them of all that they are doing that is good and right and matters for their child. We can continue to speak the truth of who they are in the midst of this uncertain time, and the hope that they are not alone, whether they’re 6 or 60.
Thank you for your generosity to Daystar. It always makes a difference. But, we can see every day through our screens the light that it really does bring to the hearts and homes of these kids and their families. We couldn’t do it without you. And we are grateful for your prayers as we move forward into this summer season.
Sincerely,
The Daystar Staff
