Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service

Reformation Lutheran Church in Columbia, South Carolina, has welcomed immigrants wholeheartedly into their community and into their lives. Through initial funding from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and a partnership with Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas, this congregation developed a fun and educational summer camp program for refugee children.

SPLASH (Students Playing, Learning and Staying Healthy) is a six-week day camp for school-aged children that was founded originally to serve the local Somali Bantu community. The Rev. James H. Nichols explains, “SPLASH provides safe, friendly childcare and gives children much needed additional language skills training during their time at the camp.” Campers share breakfast and lunch together daily and enjoy additional activities to support and enhance their reading and math skills.

The day camp has broadened its scope of service and now welcomes children from around the world. This past summer’s session included children from Burma, Mexico, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and India.

Not only are the children benefiting from this experience, but everyone involved gains a greater appreciation for the neighbors and newcomers in their community. Through the efforts of many volunteers—local high school and college students, teachers, church and community members—Columbia, South Carolina, welcomes the stranger…and makes a SPLASH!