Summer is officially in full swing for Des Moines youngsters, thanks to a splashing good time at Central Presbyterian Church. The church recently welcomed local campers for a summer program that had kids cooling off and making memories as the season gets underway.

Community faith institutions like Central Presbyterian have long played a vital role in providing safe, enriching summer experiences for Des Moines children — and this year is no different. The camp offered kids a chance to connect with friends, enjoy outdoor activities, and beat the heat together.

With a heat wave now on the horizon for the region, events like this one are a welcome reminder of how local churches and community organizations step up to keep Des Moines families engaged and cared for all summer long. Central Presbyterian’s camp is just one example of the vibrant network of faith-based programs that serve the city’s youngest residents each year.

Whether it’s a splash in the water or simply a chance to gather with peers outside of the school year, summer camps hosted by neighborhood churches offer something priceless: a sense of belonging and joy right in the heart of the community.

Sources: The Des Moines Register