By Bailey Neitzel, Summer Camp Director
When parents, friends, and loved ones drive through Carol Joy Holling Camp, or Sullivan Hills Camp, they see the fun on high ropes, the laughter shared down by the lake, and the memories being made on a trail ride.
But, the power of camp goes far beyond the songs, games, and laughter.
The impact of camp is in the lives that are marked by the experience each week.
It is the long-lasting impact of experiencing God’s unconditional love in community that happens at camp each week.
Trying new things can be intimidating. First-time camper parent, Kate shared that her daughter “was a little nervous at first because she didn’t come to camp with any friends. She made friends right away and had a great time!”
Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is the greatest opportunity for growth and discovery.
For some campers, stepping outside of one’s comfort zone might mean conquering the high ropes challenge course, riding a horse for the first time, or being away from home.
Camp is a place set apart in God’s creation, and it is a place where campers and summer staff alike can be their most authentic selves.
Each week, the personal connections summer staff and campers build come from time spent participating in teambuilding, co-op, and Bible study where unconditional love, support and acceptance are encouraged.
When Bethany joined the 2024 Summer Ministry Team with her equine experience, she came looking to make a difference in the lives of her campers during the summer.
What she came to discover was the even greater impact that would come to her from the way campers would touch her heart each week, allowing her to grow alongside them.
Camp provided “the confidence to share my opinions and feel as though my voice matters,” Bethany shared.
As a longtime member of the Nebraska FFA, Bethany was able to share her passion for horses and connect with campers in the barn building new relationships, sharing horsemanship knowledge, and providing lifelong skills like confidence, responsibility, and communication.
During the summer, “not only did we grow with God, but this group of people were helping each other grow,” Bethany added, and that is community.
Community is built while living in a bunkroom with peers and working together to keep it clean.
It is deepened sitting around a campfire at evening worship praying and singing.
Community lives in the shared stories and experiences of horseback riding, canoeing, and archery.
And it does not end on Friday at closing program.
Julie shared that “…having a community made them part of something special. [My camper] formed friendships that are continuing after camp!”
The impact of camp isn’t just a fun week of activities and games.
The lasting impact of camp is a reassurance in God’s unconditional and unwavering love felt by every camper and staff member who make up the unique camp community.
