Bigger Hamp’S Camp Seeking More Support

Hamp’s Camp, founded by the late Rev. C.E. Hamp, struggled every year to raise enough money to send 100 poor children to summer camp. But, somehow, the money always seemed to arrive just in time.

This year, however, organizers fear there won’t be enough money to fund the expanded camp, June 20-27, at Camp Sweyolaken on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

The new site will allow 250 children to attend. But at $300 per camper, organizers are having a hard time raising the needed $90,000, which includes start-up money for next year’s camp. Only $20,000 has been raised so far.

James Hamp, who now operates the camp, is getting nervous. If the money doesn’t materialize, some campers may have to be turned away, he said.

“That’s the one thing that my father never did, was turn anyone away,” Hamp said.

Families of children attending camp are asked to pay what they can afford, if anything. For some children, this is their only shot at a summer camp.

Besides camp fees, sleeping bags must be provided for each camper since the new location lacks heated cabins. An anonymous donor has contributed 100 sleeping bags.

Hamp has faith everything will eventually turn out well.

Donations for Hamp’s Camp may be mailed to P.O. Box 4041, Spokane, WA 99202.

Human rights activist here

Sister Alice Zachman, director of the Guatemala Human Rights Commission based in Washington, D.C., will be in Spokane next week to discuss the situation in Guatemala, the recent murder of Bishop Juan Gerardi Conedera, and the Roman Catholic Church’s involvement there.

Zachman, a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, recently visited Guatemala to investigate the status of the area’s human rights.

A 1998 documentary, “Jennifer Everardo and the CIA in Guatemala,” will also be shown during Tuesday’s session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 1A of the Spokane Public Library downtown.

Christian concert scheduled

Jimmy Blackwood, a singer and evangelist, will perform at 6 p.m. Sunday at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, 4224 E. Fourth.

Based in Memphis, Tenn., Blackwood performs around the country, telling about his healing from cancer. His account became the subject of the Rev. Dan Betzer’s book, “Deliverance in the Valley of Death.” The concert is free.

Media critic to speak

Speaker and author Ted Baehr will be in the area next week to talk about the media’s influence on children. Baehr is chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission and publishes MovieGuide, which reviews movies from a Christian perspective.

Baehr will speak about his latest book, “The Media-Wise Family,” at Koinonia House, 610 N. Ross Point Road in Post Falls, from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. The book provides information to parents on what types of shows are appropriate for various age groups.

The author will also be signing copies of his book at 10 a.m. Thursday at The Horne Booke, 164 S. Main, Colville Wash.