A group of local churches and ministries are working together to turn the Nelson Heights Community Center into a bustling place this summer.

The groups kicked off festivities with a May 17 block party that drew a crowd of about 200, with 35-40 people praying to receive forgiveness and salvation, said Rob McClure, a local resident helping organize and promote the activities.

Over the next few months, various groups will be hosting summer camps, vacation Bible schools, game nights and community support and share groups.

Summer camp
The main summer activity is the summer camp being hosted by Camp Jewell, an organization that’s provided summer enrichment camps across the U.S. for years.

The summer camp is running from now until Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The camp has a $20 registration fee. McClure said some families can’t afford the fee, so he’s trying to raise money to help those families. Call McClure at 404-580-09975 to donate.

The camp will provide breakfast, lunch and a snack. It also provides enrichment programming, including sports, arts and education.

For more information call Camp Jewell at 770-602-4814.

Next event, Experiencing Forgiveness
A community-based support and share group based on Charles Stanley’s book “Experiencing Forgiveness” is also taking place this week.

The group will kick off at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Nelson Heights center and will meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7 p.m. moving forward.

McClure said the group is intended to help bring communities together by encouraging forgiveness and providing support resources.

“In order to be a community you have to experience forgiveness,” McClure said.

Friday game night and VBSs
The groups, led by One Heart Ministries, will host a game night Friday night at the center, but McClure said the date has yet to be decided.

In addition, two churches are planning to host vacation Bible schools at the center, but the details are still being worked out.