As a kid, summer camp was a chance to spend days outside, make new friends, and soak in the joy of simple fun. Later, as a volunteer counselor, I discovered something even more powerful. I got to witness kids experience that same joy for the first time every summer. The wonder of the lake, the thrill of the rock wall, and the friendships that formed so quickly always amazed me.
Then, I was invited to serve at a camp for children with very different life experiences—kids who arrived without suitcases, who were dropped off by social workers, and who carried with them the weight of trauma. At first, I was TERRIFIED to be part of this work. But my fear quickly turned into a deep faith in the work happening at this camp. I saw walls come down. I watched girls take their first boat ride, face their fears on the ropes course, and simply be kids for a week.
I kept volunteering until 2020, eventually directing the camp series. Camp showed me that my heart is with young people who deserve joy, safety, and belonging but have not always experienced it. When I started divinity school in 2021, I sought opportunities to connect those passions.
That’s what led me to Wellroot Family Services.
As an intern, I had the ability to lead Bible study for our young adults, engage in conversations with parents who were trying to better themselves, and get a behind-the-scenes look into the financial and material resources that make it all happen. It was all the things I loved about camp, but without saying goodbye at the end of the week. Rather, I got to spend months and years making the world a better place for our children.
I have been at Wellroot ever since, offering kids year-round support and helping families wade through the waters of faith when in crisis. My heart is moved by the deep generosity of the community that cares for and supports children and families so well.
The work at Wellroot evolves around healthy family systems and a strong faith base. When both are in place, we are left with the absolute wonder of a child being able to be a child.
Children are silly, curious, joyful, and earnest. When we create spaces for them to embody these things, rather than them carrying an unfairly heavy yoke, we actively cultivate joy. This is the common thread that connects my time at camp with my work at Wellroot.
Our work allows children to be children, and what a wonderful blessing that is.
I pray that Wellroot continues to restore children and families from trauma through Jesus Christ until there are no more families in crisis. Until then, I earnestly pray that joy can be cultivated by allowing children to be children. May we continue to empower children to be bold, curious, and full of joy — and may their light inspire us to be steadfast advocates, walk in wonder, and share in the joy of their journey.
“‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” -Mark 10:14-16
Looking for a way to engage your children’s ministry this summer? Download our Vacation Bible School curriculum designed to help kids learn about loving their neighbors and supporting families in need.
