 By Leigh Ann Gallion
The youth group at my home church when I was a teenager did not have any activities during the summer, not even summer camp.
That probably didn't matter much because my parents took us on cross-country vacations each summer to escape the 100 degree temperatures of the California desert.
It was not until I started working with students in Gainesville, Florida, that I was introduced to the many summer camp options, especially those available on the East Coast. I remember visiting the camp our church chose for a youth workers retreat and being blown away by the staff's passion for teenagers. It was such an encouragement and inspiration for someone who had just entered the ministry!
As we prepared for the trip, I remember praying for the students, hoping that a week in the wilderness of North Carolina would have some impact. One student in particular comes to mind. She was extremely shy and would hardly ever respond when someone asked her a question. Her first day or so at camp was rough, she didn't seem to find anything that interested her. I am not sure whose suggestion it was or how they talked her into spelunking, but they did. The next time I saw this girl, she was smiling, laughing out loud, splattered with mud, and would not stop talking! I was astonished that such an amazing change could occur in just one afternoon!
The youth at Heritage will be making a similar journey this July. Our target is Gordon College, near Boston, Massachusetts.
Please join me in praying for our youth as we prepare for the trip and especially during July 12-19 as we travel north.
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