OC mission, Concordia University host summer camp for homeless kids

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- The Orange County Rescue Mission and Concordia University in Irvine are providing a summer camp for homeless kids in fourth through eighth grade.

The youth came from the Village of Hope, which is the housing area of the Orange County rescue mission. They all go to public schools and get to attend the camp to receive hands-on lessons in science.

Whether it's a bright idea using electricity or checking out what color an element is when it's set on fire, these kids had a lot of fun and learned some valuable lessons.

One volunteer said the value of the camp isn't just in the curriculum -- it's in the friendships the children get to form with college students. "The older students learn from them and the younger children get to make new friends with college students, which they think is kind of cool."

The program also includes an adventure at the aquarium for some up-close personal time with underwater creatures.

Organizers said this particular summer camp runs for three days.