Summer is Built for Camp Hope

Feb 1, 2023 | 0 comments

-by Jinny Sutherland Breedlove, Camp Hope Manager

LEAD grows leaders (it’s in our name!) of all ages. Do you think of summer as a season when not much happens in your congregation? What if I told you that’s a prime time to develop student leaders? They’re not in school so their time and minds are freed up, and they need volunteer hours and/or money. Who better to walk with them in leadership than church members? Are you interested and also wondering how to make this happen? Have I got a solution for you – Camp Hope!

Camp Hope day camp was developed over 35 years ago as a ministry to teach children Bible stories in an interactive way but turned out to also be an incredibly effective student leadership pipeline! The staff are trained before camp and are mentored by adults throughout the process. The students do the work with guidance from the adults, and often lasting connections are formed.

How does Camp Hope do this? In part, by identifying, honoring, and using the gifts of high school students and college-age students in our communities. We have strategies for congregations that don’t have active youth ministries. We equip young people with invaluable life skills, such as taking responsibility, job interviewing experience, and working with others as they become service-focused leaders.

What do staff gain? In their own words,

“I honed the ability to have patience, kindness, adaptability, flexibility, and leadership.  I was also able to adapt to the different age groups and learn what is the best way to manage them and help them learn.” Katy M

“At Camp Hope I learned a lot about responsibility with campers and how to put their needs first while also being safe and having fun.”  Isabella F

“While working at Camp Hope I sharpened my ability to be prepared for anything and everything. Oftentimes in my life I tend to be a bit uptight and perfecting on myself where at Camp Hope I learned to trust in God. Some things cannot be totally in my control, nobody is perfect, and I realize now that it is okay to go with the flow of life and take things as is.” Claire C

If this sounds like a ministry your congregation would support, please contact Jinny Sutherland Breedlove and visit our website.

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