This summer, 1,626 campers from nine different states made their way to Carol Joy Holling and Sullivan Hills Camps for a season filled with joy, growth, and Christ-centered community.
With the guidance of 55 Summer Ministry Team members, campers explored the outdoors, deepened their faith, and built lifelong friendships.
For many families, camp was more than a fun getaway, their faith truly came alive.
“They felt like they were connected closer to Christ in their time there and that they were welcomed and experienced fellowship like they had been searching for,” shared Mandy, whose daughters attended Sullivan Hills Camp. “When I asked them to rate it 1 to 10, both gave it a 12! They said ‘BY FAR’ it was their best camp experience ever.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors, 155 Camperships totaling more than $47,870 ensured that no camper was turned away for financial reasons.
That support helped campers experience unforgettable moments: 428 trail rides, 455 mud hikes, 6,577 sno kones, and 1,804 roasted marshmallows—all in the name of good, messy fun.
Yet for most campers, it was the faith impact that left the biggest impression.
“Worship time was HUGE for them – they loved it!” Mandy added. “They felt their time together in worship and during devotional time was intentional and that was big for them.”
Hannah, a mom of a first-time camper at Carol Joy Holling Camp, shared how deeply her daughter connected with her village.
“She made so many great connections! [My camper] really loved her village leaders. It sounds like they were phenomenal mentors and examples for her.”
Many campers returned home more confident, more joyful, and more curious about their faith.
“They brought home a new way to do dinner prayers; they have been singing the songs since camp,” said Jillian, whose sons attended Carol Joy Holling Camp. “Seeing how kind they have been with each other has been awesome. Every year, they tell more and more friends about camp.”
Alex echoed a similar experience: “Both daughters have new friends they’ve kept in touch with since leaving. Fun leaders inspired our girls to want to [work at camp] when they are older.”
As the trails grow quiet after another summer season, the echoes of laughter, worship songs, and crackling campfires remind us of the power of camp—where faith comes alive, friendships take root,
and lives are positively impacted, one week at a time.
