Since LLYC first opened its gates in 1966, we have heard countless stories of transformation from LLYC campers and staff. Those stories continue to inspire us and remind us why we do what we do.
Recent campers and staff, it’s your turn now. We want to hear from you! Your camp stories are the star. We will use content from your submissions in helping to tell the LLYC story in print, online, and through social media.
And in true LLYC fashion, we’re making it a competition with prizes! In December, we will choose four winners—a Singing Hills camper, an Echo Valley camper, and two current (or very recent) staff. Each winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift certificate and will be featured in our upcoming newsletters and social media channels.
Every submission will be considered, and the full-time LLYC staff will vote on the winners.
SINGING HILLS CAMPERS
Write about a favorite camp memory from your most recent summer. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- 200-600 words. This can be about a fun event, a friend or counselor to whom you felt close, or a moment at Camp when you felt special or at home.
- Please include descriptors like names of cabin mates or counselors, places, time of day, events, etc.
- Explain how you felt in that moment as if you are telling a story to a friend: Were you excited? Did you feel safe or encouraged? Was there laughing, singing, or playing? We want to know why this moment was important to you!
- Ex: “… This summer was the first year I jumped into Blue Hole off of the rock. I was really nervous, but my counselor encouraged me and even jumped in with me! …”
ECHO VALLEY CAMPERS
Write about a transformative experience from one of your summers at camp. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- 200-600 words. This can be about defining your faith, friendship, a challenge you overcame, or how you have seen yourself grow or try new things.
- Please include descriptors like names of cabin mates or counselors, places, time of day, events, etc.
- Articulate how you felt in that moment as if you are telling a story to a friend: Were you nervous about coming to camp? Did you have something specific you were looking forward to?
- Ex: “… I didn’t realize until Roundup that night that I didn’t know how to trust God. I was able to talk to my counselor after Cabin Time, and she never judged me but listened and encouraged me. …”
CURRENT/RECENT STAFF
Write about how working at camp has impacted your life. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- 400-800 words. Let us in on your time at camp to give us context, but focus on the transformation that occurred and how your life has been shaped since.
- Please include when you worked, which camp you worked at, your title, and what you are up to now.
- We want to know how your life has changed since working: Are you more confident or carefree? Have you learned skills that have helped you in your current area of work? Did you meet a spouse, group of friends, or find a community of believers?
- Ex: “… and after that summer, I realized that I was passionate about forming relationships with people. Now I get to do it full-time as a teacher! …”
Please email all written entries to LLYC Intern Molly McIntire (mmcintire@llyc.org) by Thursday, December 6. We also encourage you to post your entry to your Instagram and tag us @llyouthcamp along with any special friends or counselors in your story.
Dig deep, be creative, and share your own unique details. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
