How many summers did you spend in the Canyon?
I spent a total of four summers in The Canyon, two of which were at Singing Hills as a counselor. The other two were at Family Camp as Activities Director and Guy’s Director. My time in The Canyon, however, included more than just the summers. I got to spend an entire year with the Foundation as one of the Family Camp interns (August 2015-August 2016).
What are you up to these days?
After college, I worked full-time with the Foundation and spent a full year as one of the Laity Lodge Family Camp Interns. After my LLFC internship, I returned home to Corpus Christi, where I have since been serving as the Youth Director for First United Methodist Church Corpus Christi. I have been here for about a year and a half, having learned a lot in just that short time. Working in full-time ministry definitely has its pluses and minuses, but it’s ultimately allowed me the opportunity to continue working with youth, putting into practice what the Lord has taught me over the course of my life. When I’m not working, I try my best to get outside and enjoy the outdoor activities that Corpus has to offer and find new things to do around town.
Do you have a favorite camp memory?
There are so many memories of camp that I could choose from and could be a favorite on any given day. There are the big ones, like watching someone belly flop off of the cliff at Blue Hole, coming up with a bright red chest and immediate regret, or losing your voice at Round Up because the cheers may have been a little too intense that night. However, if I had to narrow it down, it would be any of the times at camp when things slow down and you can have good conversations with people. Whether it was with my campers while I was at LLYC, families at LLFC, or getting to know staff while I was an intern, the conversations I had with others will be what I remember the most. It doesn’t matter if they were the most ridiculous conversations or good conversations, they always were worth having.
What do you miss most about your summers at camp?
I would have to say that I miss the uniqueness of a summer at camp the most. The Canyon shows God’s creation combined in one place. You see it in the beauty of The Canyon and the amazing star-filled nights. You see it in the community, too. Having so many different people working together to show God’s love makes for a place you don’t want to leave. Lastly, you see it in the way God makes the craziness feel like calmness. There are days where it feels like 24 hours of go, but yet you are always ready to go another round.
How does LLYC still impact your life today?
The connections that I have made through LLYC still continue to amaze me. Wherever I am, I seem to always have a connection with camp. I even have youth that are currently campers at LLYC and families at my church who attend Family Camp. My experiences at camp show themselves most when I’m working, and in a very practical way. Youth ministry is the same, whether you are at camp or in a church setting. I constantly look back at my time at LLYC, and use the many lessons I’ve learned there on a regular basis.
