Summer Camp 2026
Original reporting by Solome Kalagala. Written by Wendy Allyss. Edited by Will Law. Photography by Aloysius Mutalindwa.
It’s Monday 24th August, and 144 excited children are arriving at their Karis churches. There’s chatter, a buzz in the air, and food! Each church treated its campers to a special meal before they set off.
Campers from St Nicholas Kalerwe
St Paul’s Okuvu enjoying their send-off meal
Once consent forms were checked, they were off! Their destination was The Olive School, Namugongo, for five days of fellowship, friendship, fun and feasting. And when I say feasting, I don’t just mean food. The campers feasted on the word of God too.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19 (this year’s camp theme)
Excited campers arrive!
Waiting to greet them were 29 equally excited facilitators. Every camper received a camp T-shirt and a booklet setting out the week’s schedule.
Once everyone had settled in, our Programme Director, Ketrah Turyakira, welcomed the campers, introduced the theme, and invited the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Canon Dr Henry Majwala, to open camp. Canon Henry urged the campers not to anchor their lives in things that fade away, but in Jesus Christ, who never changes.
Ketrah Turyakira welcoming the campers
During the week, two special guests spoke to the campers: Rev. Jackson Asiku, vicar of St Paul’s Okuvu, and Ruth Pross Owino, Coordinator of the Diocese’s Planning, Health, Social Services and Transformation department, which Karis FLM is part of. Both reminded the children that Jesus is always there, even in hard times.
Rev. Jackson Asiku
Ruth Pross Owino
A day at camp
Mornings began with gymnastics, then devotions in small groups. Between sessions, teams led simple, easy-to-sing worship songs, and every Bible study ended with an extended time of prayer and an altar call.
Morning gymnastics
Devotions in small groups
The worship team in session
Bible time for 9–12s
Arts and crafts
Camp wouldn’t be the same without them! The children painted their own banners, designed group banners, had a go at weaving, and made balloon lamps.
An “Anchored in Christ” banner
Weaving
Balloon lamp making
Ketrah looking cool in some very fashionable eyewear!
Movie night
Movie night is always a camp favourite. This year the campers watched Unplugged Grace, a film about the true meaning of success in God’s eyes. It clearly made an impact: 28 children responded to the altar call at the end of the evening. Facilitators welcomed the newest members of God’s family and prayed with them.
Welcoming the newest members of God’s family
A facilitator embracing a camper after the altar call
Sports and games
Every afternoon, the children competed in four teams: Steadfast, Rooted, Grounded and Fastened. Doesn’t it look fun?
Football
Netball
The sack race
And the egg and spoon race!
Campfire and celebration
On the last night, each group performed a song, a skit, a poem and a dance, and there was a special meal, tea and plenty of gospel singing.
Around the campfire
Enjoying a special meal
Letters and gifts
The children wrote letters to their UK link families, so keep an eye out for those in the coming weeks! Every girl received reusable sanitary pads and six pairs of underwear, and the boys received six pairs of underwear too.
Writing to UK link families
Some of the boys with their gift bags
Closing camp
Camp was officially closed by the Assistant Bishop of Kampala Diocese, the Rt Rev. Frederick Jackson Baalwa. He thanked the whole camp leadership team, led by Ketrah, and the host school.
The bishop addresses the campers
Group photo with the bishop
Solome has passed on the Karis FLM team’s thanks to all the UK link churches, whose financial support made camp possible. May I add our thanks from the UK, and a huge “well done” to every member of the Karis FLM team and to everyone who made Summer Camp 2026 such a success. Thank you!