Originally, I wasn’t one hundred percent sold on going to Excel’s summer camp, but went anyway because my mom wanted me to. It ended up being one of the most formative experiences of my adolescent years. 

I read phrases like “high adventure” and  “conquering fears” and was a little apprehensive. However, the educational side of it appealed to me as someone who had, and does, struggle with the overwhelming amount of information being thrown at us as teenagers and young adults. The idea of learning how to develop a filter for processing all of this input was a big draw, so while still being slightly anxious about the camping, hiking, and rock climbing side of things, I signed up for their pilot session in July of 2023. 

I enjoyed it so much I went back for a second time in June of 2024, and got even more out of it because of the leadership development I had experienced the first time around —  I had matured noticeably since the last time I had been there. Part of that growth I definitely attribute to the things I learned and the experiences I had while I was in the first camp session. I even learned to enjoy camping, which I didn’t think was possible. When they say they’ll give you ‘tools for life’, they mean it. 

During my second camp session I was actually already set to go into the 9th cohort of Excel College that September. That worked out wonderfully (even despite Hurricane Helene disrupting our first semester)and I am now in my second phase of Practicum  as a student. Part of this phase is gaining practical work experience in the field you’re studying, referred to as your emphasis. My emphasis is centered around community building and program development, so it fell into place perfectly when I was asked to be the girls summer camp counselor. When I was offered the position, I was so excited! I was instantly drawn back into my own memories of camp and how much care and wisdom was poured into me by the amazing people in leadership, and even my peers in the camp. And now, I get to pour into future generations the same way I received.

The transformation and growth I experienced during my own time in the camps were definitely an influence when accepting the role. I’m now about a week away from the first session I will be helping to lead; I’ve been praying over the incoming campers, for them to have even better experiences than I had, and for discernment in how to best lead and serve them. I’m so excited to meet all of them and have so much fun going on sunrise hikes, learning critical thinking, and all the conversations that come from diving deep into God’s word and learning how to live it out in today’s world. It’s truly a blessing to get to play even a small part in forming the leaders of tomorrow.