There is not a single experience quite like a week at summer camp. I have experienced this as a camper and a staffer.

I began my journey as a camper in the fifth grade. I was nervous, but excited to spend a week with a bunch of strangers away from home. My first summer could be summed up in the words “fun,” and “relationships.” It was the first time I really saw Christianity lived out in other people my age. I began to understand what a real relationship with Jesus looked like. I learned how to make friends and maintain those relationships beyond camp. During my second summer, the Lord really got ahold of my heart and turned my world upside down. I left knowing I had experienced true love for the first time from the source of love Himself. Camp allowed me the space to step away and be still. It gave me the chance to listen, and for the first time I heard Him say my name.

During my time as a camper, I felt a call to ministry. I pursued this in college and spent summers working as a staffer at camp. I did just about every job and gained a wide range of work experience. The intentional community built was unlike any other. The ministry experience prepared me for where I am today.

In a recent survey I asked parents of campers, past campers, and camp staffers, to share the impact camp had on their life. I was incredibly encouraged by the answers. Here are a few of them:

“Camp has helped her overcome fears, learn independence, and strengthened her relationship with Jesus.” – parent

“I was able to be myself with youth my age! Camp caused me to confront fears while giving me the tools to overcome those fears.” – summer camper

“It was one of the hardest yet most rewarding summers of my life.” – summer staffer

The power of camp is real. The life-long impact is undisputable. Genuine possibilities are here at www.WBYouthCamps.com.

Sara Rodriguez
Youth Program Manager