Persell Middle School and Fellowship at the Cross with Acts of Faith Drama recently hosted a “Family Camp” Interactive Dinner Theater in the school’s gymnasium. Over 300 people attended and the school raised over $1,000 for “Water for Southern Sudan” through the theater and additional school fundraisers.

“This was a great family experience and everyone had a fun time,” said Persell Middle School Principal Phil Cammarata.

The charity donation was chosen because, as part of seventh grade English language arts studies, Persell Middle School students read “A Long Walk for Water,” a true story of a young 11-year-old boy, Salva, separated from his family during war in what is now South Sudan because of Civil War. He walked for weeks with only the hope that one day he will find his family again. Salva struggled to find food and water and lead 1,500 fellow lost boys to a refugee camp. Seven years later, Salva arrived in Rochester and started a volunteer group “Water for Sudan,” to build wells in Sudan.

Persell Middle School’s “Family Camp” interactive dinner theater had a ton of laughs and colorful characters. Set in 1947, the cast and audience were transported back to an old-school campground where families have gone for generations. The evening of the play is the last night of camp, when it is revealed that the Dinsdales, long-time owners of Camp Awannahikealotta, have to sell it due to financial troubles. The evening’s festivities of sketch comedy, music, improv and audience interaction culminates in the Annual Staff Talent Show where everyone has a chance to share why they love the camp so much.

The successful community event helped bring people together for a night of fun and raise money for a worthy organization.