Friday it happened. Thirty-nine years in the making.
One hundred and eighty-five teenagers packed into our auditorium.
Eager. Excited. Energetic. Ready to do whatever it takes to land an UrbanPromise job as a summer camp counselor through our StreetLeader program. Amazing and breathtaking to witness.
But here’s the dream part. Easy to miss for the casual observer.
What if I told you the whole event was alumni led?
Every detail: Registration. Greeters. Ushers. Song leaders. Skit performers. Speakers. Evaluators. Bus drivers…
Every leadership role filled by a current or former StreetLeader participant—three generations of Camden youth represented in the room. All leading!
Social commentator David Brooks insightfully writes, “Some organizations are thick, and some are thin. Some leave a mark on you, and some you pass through with scarcely a memory.”
UrbanPromise has become a “thick” institution.
Young people stay year after year. They’ve found purpose, hope, joy, community and connection.
“A thick institution becomes part of a person’s identity,” adds Brooks, “…and engages the whole person: head, hands, heart and soul.”
In a world feeling increasingly rudderless and morally adrift, people need “thick” places like UrbanPromise. Especially our young.
That was our dream many years ago. That’s our reality today.
Good News. Indeed.
Bruce Main
Founder
P.S. Check out this short interview with Eli and Shania.