When children attend the Arm of Hope camp in Ghana, Africa, they not only experience fun and fellowship, but they receive so much more. "Camp gives them three meals a day, which a lot of them don't get on a regular basis, plus games, story time, small group time activities and Bible teaching time," explained Greg Grove, who volunteers with the camp. "It's like a Bible school on steroids - all day long for a week."

You can help send a kid to camp by participating in the 10th annual Arm of Hope 5K. The race will be held on Saturday, May 6, beginning at 9 a.m. at Hope Community Church, 1806 Harrisburg Ave., Mount Joy.

Grove said the race is a fun opportunity for people who are serious runners and for those who just want to get out and enjoy a community event. "Walkers, strollers and pets are welcome," he shared. "We have lots of door prizes, as well as homemade baked goods for the top finishers in each age bracket."

A chicken barbecue will be available to purchase by donation so participants can take lunch home with them. The meal will include a chicken leg and thigh, a baked potato, a homemade roll and a whoopie pie. Pickup for the chicken barbecue will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the barbecue is open to members of the public even if they are not participating in the 5K.

The top male and top female overall finishers of the race, along with winners in the master's brackets - for those over age 40 - will receive a special Arm of Hope prize, Grove said. Participants in the 5K can raise money to support the camp while also earning prizes like Arm of Hope hoodies and Yeti mugs for their fundraising efforts.

Arm of Hope is a ministry that provides funding and support for children living in the slums of Ghana. The Arm of Hope camps are held for two weeks each year after Christmas. The first week is for elementary school-age children, and the second week is for teenagers.

In the past, more than 600 children have attended the camps. Both Grove and his race co-director, Keith Franz, have served at the camp.

Grove explained that Arm of Hope began as a ministry of Hope Community Church but has since been granted nonprofit status as its own organization.

He noted that walk-ins are welcome to register for the 5K, but early registration is encouraged. Online registration will close the day before the event. To register, visit https://armofhope5k.org. Grove also encouraged people to sponsor a participant at the same website.