What It Is
The Urban Discovery—Chicago program is a learning and service experience for a limited number of BYU—Idaho students and several faculty each summer. It includes a variety of classes, research, and "hands-on" experiences as participants provide a group of inner-city children in Chicago with a camp experience.

Why It Is a Priority
Each year there are more students at BYU—Idaho who would like to go to Chicago and learn and serve but can't simply because they lack the financial resources. Your gift will not only assist in helping students get to and from Chicago, but will help in expanding the camp facilities which act as a classroom "in the field" for BYU—Idaho students, and as a haven in an otherwise tumultuous world for inner-city youth.

What It Does and How It Helps
BYU—Idaho students visit inner-city hospitals, the juvenile courts, the public housing projects, and poverty-ridden, crime-stricken neighborhoods. Throughout the summer camp these students also conduct a summer camp for "at-risk" kids (ages 9 to 15) to recreate, participate in crafts, and develop self-esteem alongside caring BYU—Idaho students who serve as their mentors. Typically the students from BYU—Idaho will say they learn far more than they teach. More than this, however, the experience the inner-city children have interacting with BYU—Idaho students may be one of the most important experiences of their young lives.

At these all-too-brief retreats, kids who come from terrible situations are able to experience Christlike love provided by caring BYU—Idaho students. They encounter the examples of good young men and women. They laugh, talk, and share. And they don't have to look over their shoulders in fear as they run and play.