At Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp, summer brings something magical—a chance for youth and young adults to escape into the outdoors, make lifelong friends, and to make Faith: Alive.
Behind all of this, is a special group of people who make sure this experience is available to every child, regardless of financial barriers. We call them our Fire Starters, and their generosity is the lifeblood of our ministry.
Sara Marker knows this better than most. She worked on the Summer Ministry Team for three consecutive years—2015, 2016, and 2017—where she saw firsthand the transformation camp can bring to a young person’s life.
“Being part of the Summer Ministry Team allowed me to witness the way camp changes lives,” Sara shared.
In 2018, Sara and her fiancé, AJ, decided to become Fire Starters themselves, committing to a monthly donation to support the camp they love. This year, they decided to increase their giving.
“I want camp to keep impacting others for many years to come,” Sara said. “Outdoor ministry was such a big part of my own faith journey, and I believe every child deserves to have that same opportunity.”
Sara and AJ are part of a community of 245 other Fire Starters, whose steady monthly donations keep camp affordable for all families.
The actual cost of sending a camper to camp is $1,005, but families are only charged up to $450 for a week of camp. Thanks to donors like Sara and AJ, we’re able to cover $819,850 in camper costs each year to split the difference.
And through our Campership program and additional discounts, we provided another $203,730 in direct financial assistance this year alone—totaling over $1 million in support from our loyal givers to ensure that the camp experience is available to all.
These are big numbers, but they represent something far more important—the campers whose lives are changed.
One camper’s parent expressed it best: “Without financial assistance, my child wouldn’t have been able to attend camp. They absolutely loved every moment, from the horses to the tipi, and came home more confident in their faith.”
The Fire Starters program isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about creating a space where young people can thrive, explore their faith, and form relationships that last a lifetime.
Sara, AJ, and all our Fire Starters make sure that no child is left out of this experience.
