Like other Michigan cities, Flint has seen a sharp rise in violent crime this year.
Organizers hope a month-long day-camp starting Monday will help quell the violence.
The city of Flint is partnering with local churches to offer activities for children under 16 years old.
Pastor Chris Martin hopes the Super Summer Fun Camp will give Flint kids a place to go.
“We are trying to make sure we get back in the habit of providing wonderful services for our young people so that they will not have to be aimlessly on our streets,” says Martin.
Martin’s church has organized the summer camp program for the past decade. Though because of COVID-19, the camp was cancelled last year and will abbreviated this year. COVID restrictions will also reduce the number of kids allowed to take part next month.
Along with food and sports, Martin says the camp will feature lessons on de-escalating potential violence.
Flint has seen a roughly 80% increase in non-fatal gun violence in 2021. The city’s homicide rate this year is 30% higher than last year.
Last week, Flint’s mayor declared a state of emergency in response to the violence.
