There is a longing woven into every human heart: Where do I belong?
At Athentikos, we believe God answers that question through relationship. The stories of Ruth and the Good Shepherd remind us that every person is created with purpose. That invitation shaped every moment of the fourth annual I AM ART Camp, held July 20–24, 2026, in partnership with Opal House School (La Casa de Opal) in Aguas Escondidas, Guatemala.
Opal House School provides holistic Christian faith-based education and a nurturing environment for nearby rural communities. As part of the school’s curriculum, the I AM ART Camp is an educational experience where students receive academic credit while exploring creativity, faith, and personal growth through the arts.
Throughout five days of art, music, movement, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, sixty preschool through sixth-grade students explored five declarations. These included: I AM ART, I AM CONNECTED, I AM BROKEN, I AM RESTORED, and I AM LOVED. Every project invited students to discover that creativity is not reserved for a gifted few—it is part of being created in the image of a creative God.
Volunteer artist Lindsey Bailey reflected, “Healing doesn’t always happen through words—it often happens through making.”
That truth was visible throughout the week. Students collaborated on murals, built sculptures, experimented with recycled materials, danced, sang, and explored new artistic skills. More importantly, they learned to encourage one another and discover that every person has something valuable to contribute.
One of the week’s most meaningful moments came through Marta, a student who is often overlooked because of a physical disability. Volunteer Evelyn Hernández watched classmates intentionally include Marta in activities, celebrate her creativity, and make space for her within the group. What appeared to be a simple act of kindness reflected one of the deepest goals of I AM ART—that every child experiences the joy of being seen, valued, and welcomed.
The experience also transformed those who came to serve. Volunteers consistently described leaving camp inspired by the resilience, imagination, and openness of the students. Interpreter Valeria Vargas reflected, “Throughout the week I confirmed that art is one of the healthiest ways of expressing feelings. I watched the children connect with their artwork, invest themselves in the creative process, and discover more about who they are.”
Longtime volunteer Lucía Chach, who has served with Athentikos since 2010, captured the heart of the week:“This week is like rest for my soul. Every year, serving at camp is part of my commitment to God. Helping even the youngest children experience creativity and carry a seed of God’s love in their hearts is beyond measure.”
—Lucía Chach (translated from Spanish)
These reflections reveal that the impact of I AM ART cannot be measured simply by the artwork created or the number of students who attended. Its lasting impact is found in relationships. In children who gain confidence, artists who discover new ways to serve, volunteers who faithfully return, and communities strengthened through creativity rooted in the teachings of Jesus.
Since the beginning of Athentikos, Ephesians 2:10 has guided our mission: “For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We saw that promise come to life throughout I AM ART 2026 at Opal House as everyone discovered together what it means to belong.
Read the Full Impact Report for Opal House I AM ART camp here.
