WAXAHACHIE, Texas — Summer camp is in full swing at Lakeview Camp just south of Dallas.
Hundreds of children boarded buses from their homes and traveled Friday to the countryside campgrounds in Waxahachie, Texas.
The smiles on the children’s faces were a big plus for the students considering two weeks ago organizers with Dallas Metro Ministries were not certain they would be able to pull off the camp this year.
"It looked a little grim for our kids," said Pastor Clay Wallace, with Dallas Metro Ministries.
The group has been hosting its faith-based camp for inner-city youth for 26 years. Staff members admit several days ago they were nervous when one of their regular donors advised them they wouldn't be able to help sponsor this year’s camp.
Community members heard about the issue and shared the story. Donations to Dallas Metro began rolling in. People across the country helped the group meet and pass its goal. The weekend is now a reality for hundreds of campers.
"It's part of the exciting thing about this weekend is it wasn't just like one person wrote a check," Wallace said. "A lot of people did what they could."
Many longtime campers come back as workers.
“I grew up in the same neighborhoods as these kids," said Richard Gutierrez. "Drugs in the streets, gang banging. Everything. Coming out here changed my life. It taught me that there is a better path for me."
The students who come to Dallas Metro Camp can expect the escape to be all about fun and fellowship.
"Thank you,” Wallace said to all the people who sent donations to make this year’s camp possible. “They've invested in people and children that they'll never know. But because they did, these kids' lives will be changed forever."
To learn more about Dallas Metro Ministries, visit dallasmetro.net.