A Place to Meet With God: Meredith's Story
Meredith first came to camp when she was in middle school. She thought she was coming to enjoy some fun activities and meet some new friends, but what she discovered was something even more meaningful. “That first summer was one of the best summers I have ever had. I realized that not only was camp a great place to meet new friends, but it was a great place to connect with God. I believe that one of the reasons I come back to camp every year is that I gain a stronger bond with God every single time I am there, no matter what I am doing.”
Middle school is a time when kids are just discovering who they are and who they want to be. It’s a formative time of life, but often a difficult one as well. For Meredith, the lessons learned at camp were invaluable to helping her navigate adolescence. “Camp taught me that it is okay to be who I am, and that God will always love me no matter what.” She carried the newfound confidence she gained at camp back with her to school and her everyday life.
A big part of Meredith’s positive experience at camp were her counselors who inspired her to be herself and to want to have a positive impact on others. Meredith can recall her counselor Jessie, who she had in Middlers camp, and her counselor Bella, who was her leader during Counselors-in-Training, as being special role models for her. For the past two summers, she’s come to camp as a volunteer, and she leaned into what she saw and learned from Jessie and Bella. “They both were a wonderful influence on how to be a great counselor while still being able to have fun. Despite having them quite a few years apart, they both made a huge impact on how I interact with campers during the summer.”
For Meredith, just being at camp is its own special blessing. She loves having the chance to grow in faith, in friendship, and in confidence. Whether that is conquering the rock wall, helping to lead worship, or laughing with peers around the table at meals, her favorite memories at camp are those where she just get to enjoy living in the moment and spending time with God. Coming back to volunteer and be part of creating those memories for others was particularly special for Meredith. “The group of kids that I was with were some of the best kids I have ever met. I felt like that had a lot to do with my co-counselor, Chi, as well. I felt like every activity that I led with the group was so much fun, not just for me, but for the kids, too.” Giving back and being part of passing on the legacy of growth and adventure was such a valuable experience for Meredith.
If Meredith had her way, camp would be an experience that every kid has. She points out the fun, the activities, the new friends, and the opportunity camp gives to just meet with God in a unique and natural setting. For Meredith, it’s been more than just a week away. It’s become something invaluable and special. “No matter if you are scared, if you are shy, or even if you are the most outgoing person ever, camp will always feel like a home away from home by the end of the week.”
