225 campers went home with a new story to tell.
88 volunteers and leaders went home with a new experience of lives changed.
Almost 4500 meals over 18 days . . . what a Summer!
What are the stories you love to tell the people you come into contact with? The kinds of stories that you could tell again and again and never get bored of, because for you it represents such an important moment in your life? As we settle back into the rhythm of back-to-school, I can’t help but sit back in wonder at the stories that over 300 people now have imprinted in their story of Summer 2023.
To some people it might seem as though we just provide some entertainment to break up the long Summer break, but to those of us blessed enough to be here all year around, we take very seriously the privilege we steward to provide a place that fosters a sense of hope, purpose and belonging in young people.
Want to hear some of our stories?
There is the camper who arrived with a smile on their face that was covering the hurt they were hiding. Perhaps they arrived thinking that they couldn’t let anyone know what was going on in their everyday life for fear they would be laughed at. Or worse, that their story would be so awful compared to the other person’s perfect life, that they would be alone in their sadness.
But during the camp there were stories from leaders who shared their own stories of pain and brokenness, and how God has helped them to grow and heal. They also discovered that the dark places are not the only option, and that perhaps there is another option that might have a different outcome. Little by little the light dawns that there can be a brighter day ahead.
“You are not broken and God is picking up the pieces; you are who you were made to be.”
Camper
One camper had been told that they weren’t good for anything; that they would never measure up and that nobody wanted them around. Perhaps they thought that they were the only person who could never make a difference in the world, that everyone else at camp was so capable and special and they were the only one who felt the way they did.
As the camp progressed they heard a new message – there were all these people telling them that they were special, unique, and that God has a special plan for them. They were cared for and treated as though they actually mattered. When they shared, people listened and helped them work through the negative messages they had arrived with. And when they went home, they took a new story in their heart along with a new spring in their step.
“I was reminded that God has a plan for my future and I need to remember to not be afraid! And trust Him.”
Camper
Then there was the camper who arrived feeling like they were all alone in the world. Perhaps they thought there wouldn’t be any other kids there that they know. Perhaps they have been having trouble with the kids at school, or perhaps they come from a home that doesn’t feel safe.
As the days passed by they discovered friends who have similar stories and a new network of support from people who care about them for who they are. As they got to know their cabin leaders they started to build the confidence to try and build connections with the other kids in the cabin. When they go home they take that confidence with them, knowing that they have a new place that is safe and where they can truly belong. On the good days that confidence spills over at home and at school, and on the bad days they know that just because they feel disconnected in one place doesn’t mean that’s the only option available.
“I learned how to make new friends.”
Camper
These are the kinds of stories we’ll be telling about Summer 2023. And you can guarantee we’ll be telling them until the next lot of camps roll around because this is literally what we’re here for. It’s what makes the grass worth mowing, the accounts worth balancing and the toilets worth scrubbing. It’s the air we breathe, and we’re so excited to share these stories with you.
“The stories in the Bible aren’t just words in a book, and that they are God’s words of love.”
Camper
