Anchorage Korean Corps Encourages Learning Through Summer Day Camp

This summer, Captains Richard and Minhee Lee, officers of The Salvation Army Anchorage Korean Corps, held an education-based summer day camp focusing on English and Math. Children from the Korean community in Anchorage were able to spend their days having fun and learning.

“We held discussions within our community and listened closely to their concerns and realized that about 60% of the students we serve are struggling with English. We originally started with 20 spots which grew to 31 students due to demand so, we got to see, practically speaking, the academic difficulties up close. 

There are children that were born and raised here in Alaska and are entering 1st and 2nd grades this year; however, they’re unable to read or don’t understand English very well. It was very challenging for them, but we were able to support and assist them throughout the summer with staff and 10 middle and high school age volunteers,” said Captain Richard Lee.

They also met with some parents who openly shared with the officers their concerns about their children’s spiritual well-being and requested prayer for them in hopes of their spiritual conversions. Corps members generously brought food for the volunteers and students while they worked throughout the days. “It was a deeply thoughtful and enlightening time for our congregation and our greater Korean community, “Captain Lee shared.

Additionally, through some personal visits and regular contact with a previous congregant of the Korean Corps, who hadn’t attended in several years, they were 

able to encourage her walk of faith and she decided to come back to the corps to volunteer. The Lee’s hope their outreach and summer program will continue “Doing the Most Good,” and bring opportunities for more people to attend church and get to know Jesus Christ. “We give thanks to God for providing for, and guiding us, and hope to shine Jesus through us into this program,” added Captain Lee.