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Northwest Arkansas is home to a vibrant community of over 15,000 Marshallese folks, many of whom are immigrants from the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Supporting this community is the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM), a non-profit organization focusing on initiatives to improve the quality of life for the Marshallese community members living in Arkansas. Recognizing the unique needs of the Marshallese youth, a transformative initiative took shape—one that would bring together faith, culture, and community in a remarkable summer camp experience.
A few years back, ACOM had a partnership with the Dwight Mission Camp of Oklahoma, but over the course of the pandemic, Dwight Mission closed, gave their land to the Cherokee Nation, and was no longer able to offer camp programs. Ferncliff Board Member Leigh Woodruff, who had worked at Dwight Mission, recommended connecting Ferncliff and ACOM to address the continuing need for a summer camp program for the Marshallese youth.
Ferncliff staff met with ACOM in the spring to discuss their needs for a summer camp. ACOM identified three key requirements: a place for campers to expand their independence, a cultural exchange experience, and a faith-based setting. Their campers, however, would not be able to afford the cost of camp and would need scholarship funding in order to get the chance to experience all that Ferncliff had to offer. ACOM staff also identified a need for transportation, stating that the distance from Northwest Arkansas would be a barrier for families and campers to attend a camp program.
Due to the generosity of the Presbytery of Arkansas’ Peacemaking Funds, Ferncliff was granted the funding to bring 10 campers on full scholarship to enjoy a week of camp this summer. ACOM connected with families in the Marshallese community and helped translate the camp registration forms for families ready to sign their campers up.
Ferncliff reached out to the First Presbyterian Church of Springdale, the closest Presbyterian church to the Marshallese community. Rev. Susan Arnold was so supportive, she even volunteered to drive the bus for the campers! In conversation with Ferncliff, Rev. Arnold identified another community in Northwest Arkansas that would benefit from the camp experience. First Presbyterian Church of Springdale had an existing relationship with Iglesia del Christo and other partner churches, as well as unspent funds earmarked for Hispanic Kids Ministry. With these funds, they were able to send additional kids to camp along with the Marshallese campers. The Parish Association in Springdale, having an existing relationship with the Hispanic community, helped facilitate registration for five more kids. In total, 15 kids traveled from the Jones Center to Ferncliff on buses from the First Presbyterian Church of Springdale, with Rev. Arnold driving one of the buses.
Camp was a transformative experience for the children. They were placed in different groups or cabins to help expand their independence and facilitate the cultural exchange ACOM was looking for. For many, it was their first time away from home, experiencing unfamiliar places, foods, and people. The kids not only adjusted to camp life but thrived. They actively participated, encouraged, and befriended other campers. Carlos Marroquin, for example, led the opening night prayer on Sunday and again on Thursday. His outgoing spirit, enthusiasm, and kindness were evident throughout the week, earning him the nickname “everyone’s little buddy” from the counselors.
On Monday night, at the Ferncliff Talent Show, middle school Marshallese camper Miriam Pedro opened the talent show with a cultural Marshallese dance complete with a traditional Marshallese dress. “The kids were over the moon. Other kids benefited from being exposed to different cultures. It was good for everyone, not just this particular group. It was great for counselors and helped them facilitate conversations about ways we learn from people other than ourselves,” said Camp Director Rev. Jocelyn Wildwright.
At the closing ceremony on Friday, the “Spirit of Ferncliff” award is given to one elementary, one middle, and one high school camper who exemplifies the camp’s goals of expanding independence, strengthening identity, developing interpersonal skills, interacting with creation, and exploring their Christian faith. Counselors vote on campers who best represent these qualities, and at the end of the week, one student from each age group receives the honor. Marshallese camper PJ Clarence won the middle school Spirit of Ferncliff award, and Hispanic camper Carlos Marroquin received the award for the elementary group and even received a standing ovation from his fellow campers.
“I was humbled by the overwhelming response of heartfelt gratitude from the parents upon our return home to the Jones Center on Friday night. So many parents grabbed me in bear hugs, with tears in their eyes saying ‘Thank you’.” This venture truly meant something to these families and is well worth repeating. I’m driving next year too, “ said Rev. Arnold.
For many of these children, this camp experience was more than just a summer getaway; it was a transformative journey. The opportunity to explore their independence, embrace their cultural heritage, and deepen their faith in a supportive community was a gift that would resonate far beyond the confines of Ferncliff. In the end, the collaboration between ACOM, The Presbytery of Arkansas, First Presbyterian Church of Springdale, and Ferncliff showcased the profound impact of community-building. The transformative power of these gifts—a supportive community, a week at camp, and the love and care of committed adults—proved that small acts of kindness can indeed change lives.