"If this generation of teenagers is lost to the church, it will not be because we demanded too much from them, but because we demanded too little."
–Tony Campolo

UrbanPromise, an urban ministry for inner-city youth, is located in Camden, NJ, which is one of the nation's poorest cities, but also one of the richest in spirit. Over half its population is under 18 years old, so UrbanPromise reaches some of that need through summer camps, after-school programs, and two private Christian schools.

Every summer, students from colleges nationwide, Canada and Europe come to volunteer their diverse talents in this program. In addition, a work crews staff coordinates the weekly visits from high school youth groups who come to Camden from everywhere (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ontario, to name a few) and stay for a week. These work crews help with the staff at the summer camps located throughout the city, and engage in community service such as clearing abandoned lots or renovating old buildings. (Easy to spot in the bright orange t-shirts.)

One of the many blessings of living and working at UrbanPromise is the daily interaction with the children and teens. For example, there are two identical twin brothers, Tony and Albert, who are part of the StreetLeader program (local high school students who are hired to help run the summer camps with the staff). Both have an amazing talent on the piano, but lack the training to read music. In their spare time, they're receiving their first piano lessons from a couple interns... and they're having a blast. At least 800 youth are growing up and learning in this Christian environment, just like the twins. It's only a small part of a big city, but as the staff will tell you, God's work is accomplishing great things in Camden!

Check out the full range of programming in this international organization.

See what Camden Printworks, an off-shoot teeshirt company from UP, can make for you.