Brand New

Leah was the sweetest girl you could imagine. She was kind and considerate to everyone around her, but deep inside she was carrying some heavy burdens that no seven-year-old should have to bear. She told her cabin director, Annie, that her parents had split up, she had moved across the country, and she and her mom had moved in with a new man—all within the past seven months. Disillusioned, Leah was searching for hope and stability.

Mid-way through the camp week, Annie told Leah the good news about salvation and what it means to have a fresh start with God. Leah looked up at Annie with a huge smile. This was exactly what she needed! With absolute confidence she said, “I’m ready. I want to follow Jesus for the rest of my life.”

Leah asked Jesus into her heart and became a whole new girl. Peace and joy came over her, bringing the comfort and relief that she desperately needed. For the rest of the week, she enjoyed imagining scenarios in which she would be able to tell others that she’s not the person she used to be because she’s following Jesus now.

Leah went home at the end of that week with a brand new hope. No matter what life brought her way, she knew she would be okay because she belongs to Jesus now.

These are the instances that remind us why camp is so important, and how our camper scholarship program makes it possible. Everything we do here at South Mountain Christian Camp is so that campers like Leah can be at the right place at the right time to have an encounter with God, no matter if they can pay their camp fees or not.

If you would like more information about providing a camper scholarship, click here.

#summercamp #SouthMountainChristianCamp #camper #scholarships #restart #changedlife