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One hundred twenty-five students completed the summer camp program at Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ on Thursday.

Gospel Tabernacle COGIC partnered with the University of Alabama-Birmingham and its Happy Healthy Kids program for four weeks of the six-week program. Dr. CeCe Grayson, wife of Pastor John E. Grayson, served as camp director and was grateful for UAB’s assistance. Students ranged from kindergarten through the 10th grade. Eighty kids participated in the UAB program. 

“The goal was to help change the mindset of kids in what snacks to eat to develop a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Grayson said. “Through this program, the students were able to prepare and eat healthy snacks. The kids were able to prepare their own healthy snacks each week and learn the health value of each.”

Dr. Grayson said the students also worked on arts, crafts, reading and fitness over the month-long period. By the time the camp ended on July 19, each child received a bible. 

“Our two main focus this summer was raising reading levels and fitness, getting kids to move again,” Dr. Grayson said. “It gave kids an idea with exposure and watched them dream. They created awesome arts and crafts.”

Dr. Grayson said that J’Michael Goings spent time with the young men at camp for under-the-hood training, and it made an impression on them.