Memphis News: Lawson Children's Camp Teaches Nonviolence to Memphis Youth
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
By Dr. Layne McDonald, Founder of Memphis News with a Purpose
The United Methodist Neighborhood Centers of Memphis (UMNCM) has officially launched the Lawson Children’s Camp, a pioneering four-day program designed to teach Memphis youth ages 5 to 12 the principles of nonviolence and peaceful conflict resolution.
This initiative, titled "A Walk Into Nonviolence," represents a proactive faith-based response to the rising tide of youth gun violence in Shelby County. By grounding the curriculum in the life and teachings of civil rights legend Rev. James Lawson Jr., organizers hope to equip the next generation of Memphians with the "Soul Force" necessary to build a more peaceful city.
A Legacy of Peace in the Bluff City
The camp is deeply rooted in the historical significance of Rev. James Lawson Jr., who served as a primary strategist for the Nashville sit-ins and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike. Lawson, often called the "foremost strategist of nonviolence in America," spent over a decade ministering in Memphis, leaving a legacy that UMNCM is now translating for a younger audience.
"Nonviolence is not about being passive or weak," organizers noted during the program's opening. "It is a position of strength that requires more courage than picking up a weapon. We want these children to see that they have the power to change their environment through love and disciplined action."
Practical Skills for a Safer Memphis
Running from July 13 to July 16 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, the camp focuses on daily themed lessons. The curriculum moves beyond theory, offering children practical tools to de-escalate tensions in their neighborhoods and schools.
Key components of the program include:
Conflict Resolution: Learning to identify the "spark" of an argument and using words to de-escalate.
Empathy Training: Understanding the perspectives of others to foster mutual respect.
The "Zone of Shalom" Concept: An initiative that encourages viewing every neighborhood as a sanctuary where peace and justice prevail.
Currently, the camp has 17 registered participants, though the goal is to reach at least 24. This early intervention is viewed by community leaders as a necessary step in reversing the trend of juvenile crime that has gripped the city in recent years.
Balancing Perspectives: Prevention vs. Enforcement
While many in the faith community applaud the Lawson Children’s Camp as a vital preventative measure, some community critics argue that education alone cannot solve the systemic issues of poverty and crime. Local law enforcement officials have noted that while programs like these are essential for long-term cultural change, they must be paired with consistent public safety measures and economic development to see immediate results in crime statistics.
Conversely, supporters of the Soul Force Initiative argue that enforcement is only a temporary fix. They believe that by embedding the values of nonviolence in children at the formative ages of 5 to 12, the city is making a long-term investment that will eventually reduce the need for heavy policing.
Christian Takeaway
As believers, we are reminded of Jesus' words in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). The Lawson Children's Camp is a tangible expression of this calling. It moves the conversation of peace from the pulpit into the streets, teaching our children that the gospel has practical applications in how we handle anger and disagreement. Nonviolence is not just a civil rights strategy; it is a biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves, even when those neighbors are in conflict with us.
How to Pray/Engage
Pray for Protection: Ask God to protect the children of Memphis from the influence of violence and to surround the camp participants with a hedge of safety.
Pray for the Instructors: Lift up the staff at UMNCM and St. Luke's UMC as they impart these heavy but necessary lessons to young minds.
Engage Locally: Consider volunteering or donating to local youth programs. You can contact Rev. Matheny at 901-428-4633 to see how your church or business can support the Soul Force Initiative.
Peacemaker's Perspective
In a city often divided by headlines and heartbreak, the Lawson Children's Camp offers a middle ground. It acknowledges the reality of the "storm" in our streets while refusing to let the storm define our children’s futures. By focusing on "Soul Force" rather than physical force, we can find a path toward reconciliation that respects the dignity of every Memphian.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Lawson Children's Camp?
It is a four-day summer program for children ages 5-12 in Memphis that teaches the principles of nonviolence and peaceful conflict resolution based on the teachings of Rev. James Lawson Jr.
When and where does the camp take place?
The camp runs from July 13-16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Memphis, TN.
Who was Rev. James Lawson Jr.?
Rev. James Lawson Jr. was a prominent civil rights leader and a key advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is celebrated for his expertise in nonviolent resistance and his role in the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike.
What is the Soul Force Initiative?
Launched by the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers of Memphis, this initiative calls for collaboration between faith groups, nonprofits, and community leaders to reduce violence in Shelby County through education and spiritual grounding.
Internal Links
To learn more about finding peace and navigating difficult times in Memphis, check out these related articles:
Call to Action: If you know a family in Memphis with children ages 5-12, encourage them to register for the next Lawson Children's Camp session or visit UMNCM to learn how you can help expand this program to more neighborhoods across the city.
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