Mercy Home Mentees Enjoy Camp

August 21, 2026

Author: Christa Rooks

Camp is a cherished summer tradition at Mercy Home. It creates memorable childhood experiences and lets young people escape the stress of everyday life, disconnect from devices, try new things, and enjoy the healing power of nature.

And while we have sent young people living in our residential programs to camp for decades, this summer marked the second year that members of our Friends First mentoring program enjoyed a similar opportunity to experience the benefits of the outdoors. Thanks to Mercy Home friend Hector Corona, owner of City Kids Camp in Lewistown, Ill., 13 of our mentees were able to attend camp. City Kids Camp was developed specifically for young people who live in economically disadvantaged communities and invites children to attend free of charge.

Friends First Coordinators Carlos Martinez and Andrea Figueroa, and intern Akinele Reece served as chaperones. The mentees were selected based in part on how they have participated within the Friends First program throughout the past year.

“[We wanted to take] those that we knew would be engaged and take advantage of the opportunity and be open-minded to exploring new things and trying new things,” Martinez said.

The opportunity for the mentees to build and strengthen friendships was one of the many benefits for the mentees attending camp. While some arrived not knowing any of the other mentees, all of the attendees left camp having built friendships with their fellow campers.

“[One of the benefits] was socializing and building friendships with other mentees,” Figueroa said. “It helped them build on their social skills.”

The experience also encouraged mentees to stretch themselves.

“We had youth that went fishing for the first time, and some were able to catch a fish,” Figueroa said. “It was getting them out of their comfort zone and trying new things. And it’s tough being away from their family, especially for the first time, but they were able to get adjusted.”

Being able to disconnect from routines and electronics was also beneficial for both the mentees and our coworkers who chaperoned. Martinez said that he enjoyed a break from being on the computer and appreciated the opportunity for everyone to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.

“This gave them the opportunity to just be out in nature doing something fun and not having to worry about anything,” he said.

Our Friends First mentees weren’t the only members of the Mercy Home community to spend time at the camp this summer. Tiera, a former resident and member of our Community Care program, took a summer job as a counselor at City Kids camp. She learned about the opportunity through the camp’s partnership with Mercy Home. As a counselor, Tiara helped coordinate and supervise several activities.

“My experience was very enlightening and engaging,” she said. “I was tired by the end of the day, but it was a lot of fun. As a counselor, you sometimes feel like a kid again.”

Tiera also learned a lot from her time at camp, including how to rely on others and ask for help. She also leaned on the things she learned during her time living at Mercy Home.

“Mercy Home taught me how to guide emotional regulation, which I used with the campers,” she said. “It also helped me connect with them and validate their experiences by letting them know I was once in their shoes. It was a very rewarding experience for me.”

Martinez emphasized that Mercy Home’s partnership with City Kids Camp is one that we wish to continue building on. Ideally, residential youth at Mercy Home would also have the opportunity to attend.

“It’s a really great partnership,” he said. “I’m a big believer that kids don’t get out and explore nature enough these days.”