As summer approaches, churches and organizations alike push non-stop to get kids into fun, educational, life-changing, summer camps. Below are the real life stories of some young men and women who have both enrolled and worked at a summer church camp. The experiences they had bonding with their peers, learning from mentors, and growing closer to God, are carried with them every day.

“The best summer I had at camp was sadly also my last.  Two summers ago I counseled for 6 weeks straight, including a week of Senior High camp.  I had never counseled kids who were so mature, so able to handle themselves as near adults; kids whose faith was at least as strong as mine.  Most kids need to be watched, and taken care of, and once in a while you get a chance to show the awesomeness of God to them in amazing ways.  With senior high campers my only real job was to talk, be there for them, and always be ready to share my faith and help grow theirs.  What I didn’t expect was how much that experience would shape and grow me, during the one week of being an older brother to 10 young men I saw God touch their lives and mine in more ways than I could have ever imagined.  I am who I am because of those summers I spent at Camp Allen.”  

- Sean Wilkie; Senior at Texas A&M University

“After a week of being quiet during cabin time, one of my precious 7th grade girls broke down in tears.  She asked to me if we could talk on the back porch.  For a few minutes she cried and tried to muster up the words to tell me what was going on.  She said she had never truly felt loved in her life.  I sat in awe as she told me that God’s love surrounded her and that she felt so special.  I had the chance to pray over her and thank God for everything he done in her life. She then prayed and accepted the free gift of salvation. It was one of the most beautiful moments in my whole life. I got the chance to be God’s instrument and I was so humbled by it.”

- Molly Livingstone; Recent Graduate of Texas A&M University

“Working at Camp Peniel in Marble Falls has been one of the rewarding things I’ve ever done. The name comes from the location where Jacob wrestled with the angel and came face to face with God, and that’s what the camp strives to help kids do: encounter God on a deep level through experiencing the rugged beauty of the great outdoors. As a counselor who lived there for three full summers, I can say that the games are fun and creative, the teaching is clear, the food is amazing, and kids of all ages can enjoy it and learn about knowing God personally.  Camp Peniel has helped shape who I am, both as a camper and later as a counselor. It’s far enough away from normal life that you can’t help but find it easier to focus on God, and you never know what a huge difference you are making in a kid’s life.  I’ve learned so much about service, sacrifice, courage, kids, and nature during my time at camp, and I’ve formed lasting relationships. If you’ve never worked or camped at a Christian camp, I highly recommend it. It will change your life! For more details, go to www.camppeniel.org”

– Kat McMullen; News Reporter for News Talk 1620 WTAW