There was a hustle and bustle to the neighborhood that wasn’t normal. Large tents were set up, tables and seating arranged, and a group of safe, trauma-competent adults prepared for a day full of intentional connection.

Summer neighborhood play is an initiative the Back2Back Cincinnati team kicked off this year. Since its conception, Back2Back Ministries has pursued depth of care for the vulnerable. Children and families are invested in holistically, ensuring every part of a child’s life and care is considered. As the ministry grows, staff realize we cannot be everywhere all the time, so time, talents, and treasures are devoted to depth and breadth of care. Back2Back shares open handedly to ensure vulnerable populations receive the care and assistance they deserve, whether through partnership, sharing of resources, or training, in order to break cycles and thrive. 

This summer, in three different Cincinnati neighborhoods, Back2Back staff are setting up tent stations, providing meals and snacks, and pouring into the youth who call each area home. Through art stations, play with a purpose activities, connection groups, and reading, children rediscover their own abilities. Regular snacks and hydration regulate them between stations, and they receive access to activities they would otherwise miss out on. 

“When we began these weekly outings in three different neighborhoods, our goal was to remove the transportation barrier that so often keeps youth from attending summer camps and engage communities toward sustainability,” explained Chris Cox, Back2Back Cincinnati Director.

After realizing some of the youth were only receiving full meals while they were attending, additional protein and water breaks were offered every 20 minutes. Staff immediately saw a decrease in behavioral disruptions, and children were more engaged in activities.

For two to three weeks in three different neighborhoods this summer, 100 youth normally unable to attend camps were able to walk from their homes to mini summer camps. They were engaged with safe adults, offered space to use their voices, and grow in skills and talents. Community based partners were able to witness youth growing in their own spaces and given tools to remain involved after the summer ends.
This is the power of a simple plan, an engaged staff team, and the desire to see cycles broken and children’s voices heard. Please join Back2Back in prayer over these camps and the youth who attend – that they would see the difference it makes when we show up for others and for ourselves.