Youth to learn about homelessness at Tree of Life's Camp Compassion

"Camp Compassion" is a special opportunity for the children, youth, families and community of the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry, to learn about the realities of homelessness through experience. The overnight experience will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27.

Like many of the homeless, participants will sleep in no-frills tents or in cars regardless of the weather. They will share a campfire for warmth and cooking.

They are requested to bring their own food for dinner and breakfast that can be eaten and prepared under those conditions. Children and youth will each be accompanied by an adult supervisor - parent, guardian, or designated care provider - who will share the experience.

The church building will be opened at designated times for bathroom access and will be opened by a key-carrier as needed in-between those times. During the evening a movie will be shown in the church before the participants return to the campsite on the grounds.

"Camp Compassion" is co-sponsored by Tree of Life's Social Justice Team and Religious Education Committee. It is also a fundraiser for Compassion4Campers, the congregation's signature social service project that provides a weekly meal and much needed supplies to the homeless from May through September when the rotating PADS church shelters are closed. Participants are signing up sponsors for their participation.

Sunday morning participants will stay to participate in a special worship service at 10:45 a.m., focusing on homelessness in local communities.

To inquire about participating or sponsoring a participant, call Heather Madaus at (815) 509-7862, Sue Rekenthaler at (815) 678-7072, or Janet Burns at (847) 542-7678.