Let's pray for NYC kids this summer break

The last day of school for NYC public school students is on June 28, and every child’s dream of summer break is about to come true. With school no longer in session, the needs of children and youth in NYC begin to look a little different.

At HFNY, we are grateful for organizations that seek to reach children and youth, not just during the school year but throughout the summer. We hope you will join us as we pray for the children and youth of NYC along with the volunteers that will be spending time with them.

1. Pray for the children who are left at home during the day.

According to the New York Times, 11 percent of children spend an average of 10 hours a week on their own. The cost of daycare and summer camps is often unaffordable for low-income families and working parents are forced to leave their children home alone during the day. Pray that these children would be in safe, loving, and nurturing environments as their parents go off to work.

2. Pray for the organizations running summer programs for children and youth and for the volunteers that will give of their time and abilities.

Pray that organizations such as A House on Beekman, Montlawn City Camp, and Young Life would be wise in their planning and successful in their efforts to reach those in need. Pray that they would advertise their events well and that parents and children in need would take interest.

3. Pray that children of low income families would have opportunities to continue to develop their math and reading skills over the summer.

According to the New York Times most kids lose math skills over the summer, but low income children also lose, on average, more than two months of reading skills- and they don’t gain them back. Pray that children would have access to books and materials that will stimulate their interest in learning. Pray that organizations running summer programs would encourage learning and skills needed for school in the fall.

4. Pray for the staff and volunteers running summer camps sponsored by the Bowery Mission, A House on Beekman, Young Life, and other organizations.

Pray that they would be able to pour love into their campers and that God would give them a renewed supernatural energy to keep up with busy camp schedules and activities. Pray that on the hard days, staff and volunteers would be encouraged and find joy in the work and service they are doing.

5. Pray that children and youth attending camps would understand Christ’s love, that friendships would be formed, and that their time with leaders and other youth would be fun and memorable.

Pray also for their safety and good health while at camp, and for good weather that will make outdoor activities possible.