Summer Camp Recap

It's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the summer, but we are so excited to share all the ways God moved through Kentwood Young Life even while school was not in session. We got to go Timber Wolf Lake Young Life camp twice this summer! Once with our East Kentwood High School kids in Young Life and again with our Pinewood (Kentwood) Middle School kids in Wyldlife.

Young Life Camp June 1-6

Our first trip was the first week of summer - taking Young Life kids to Timber Wolf Lake! We had six boys and four girls total, with six of the ten being first time summer campers! Check out their testimonies below:

"Coming to camp has been a safe place for me. A place I can have fun and feel peace. Life hasn’t always been easy, but this past year, I’ve grown so much - camp and Young Life have been a big part of that. This week, I had so many fun experiences: zip lines, go-karts, archery tag, and kayaking. One of the coolest moments was seeing all the turtles in the lake while I was out on the water kayaking. I want to keep growing with Jesus. I had a lot of fun, but even more than that, I feel closer to God—and I really appreciate that. You’ve given me a place to grow and a place to belong." - Prince

"Before I got to camp, I was nervous and anxious because I was putting myself in an uncomfortable and unpredictable situation, which I try to avoid. Not knowing anyone or anything I was going to be doing had my head spinning. The only thing I was promised was that I’d have the best week of my life getting closer to God—and that promise came true. The camp speaker didn’t just talk about the Holy Spirit—he showed me how strong He is. After camp, it made me realize that I want to spread that love and remind others that they are loved too. I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow through Christ and to meet others with similar struggles. Camp reminded me that I’m not alone—and that God is always working." - King

"I just want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who made the week I spent at camp possible. It was more than just a fun experience—it was truly life changing. I had the opportunity to grow closer to God in a way I’ve never felt before. Every message, every worship session, and every quiet moment helped open my heart and reminded me that God has been walking with me all along. To the leaders, volunteers, and everyone behind the scenes—thank you for your time, effort, and hearts. And a huge thank you to those who helped cover the cost for me to attend. Your generosity gave me the chance to experience something I’ll never forget, and I’m beyond grateful. One of my favorite memories from camp was swimming and the worship sessions we had. Camp wasn’t just fun—it was full of laughter, connection, and joy that I’ll always carry with me." - Cella

"Camp was impactful because the staff that shared their stories and emotions honestly. Their testimonies made me feel understood as they have gone through similar hardships in life like myself. It reminded me that I’m not alone and that God works through the honesty of others. I learned that God should be my King, and I should live through Him. That truth gave me direction. My relationship with Jesus is stronger now because camp rekindled it. I didn’t realize how much I needed that until I was here. I want to thank those who helped make this trip possible." - Noah

"One of the best parts of camp for me was a night walk around the lake with Jake. We talked about supernatural stuff, and he took the time to answer all my questions. That conversation stuck with me—it helped me understand more and made me feel like my questions mattered. Our cabin talks were also a big highlight. They made us more vulnerable with each other, and I think that helped us grow closer. This week, I learned more about who Jesus is and that God loves the world deeply. That truth hit differently being at camp. My relationship with Jesus is getting stronger. I’m learning that it’s okay to ask hard questions and be honest about where I’m at. That’s part of growing in faith. To my leaders—keep doing what you’re doing. Just showing up and being there with us makes a difference. And to the people who made it possible for me to come to camp: thank you. I want to thank you for giving me an experience that I’ll never forget." - Aden

"The Real Life talks really impacted me, hearing people with different experiences share their struggles and how they came to God helped me see things in a new way. This week, I realized that I distract myself from my emotions a lot. I stay busy with activities and surround myself with people so I don’t have to sit with what I’m really feeling. Camp gave me space to notice that. Right now, my relationship with Jesus is great. I feel like I’m being filled with the fruits of the Spirit, and that’s helping me cope with things I’ve been through in the past. I’ve never felt as happy as I do when I’m at Young Life camp, and I appreciate all the people who made it possible for me and my friends to experience it together. Thank you!" - Zee

"One of the best moments from camp for me was when we did the carnival. It was a time to laugh, have fun, and just enjoy being with everyone. I felt like I could relax—and that felt good. This week, I learned something new about God and life: that you can’t be truly fulfilled without Him. There are certain things you just can’t get or understand unless God is part of it. Right now, I wouldn’t say I have a strong relationship with God, but I want to grow. Thank you to my leaders that continue showing up no matter what. Thank you to everyone who helped make this week happen. It was nice to relax for a week. I’m thankful for the break and the chance to have fun and grow in my faith journey." - Eli

"A moment that stands out from this week is when the speaker talked about what sits at the throne of our heart. I realized I had never let God sit at the throne of my heart. I learned that how I viewed God is different than how He is described - He is loving and I want to change my perspective and look at God as a Father. I am realizing my relationship with God is distant and inconsistent, but I want to fix this and get to know him more. I want to thank the people who have helped me to come on this trip - I am blessed to have had this experience and I learned so much about myself and my relationship with God."

- Tashaya

"One of the most impactful moments for me at camp was during the 15 minutes of silence with God. It was the clearest I’ve ever heard Him speak. In that quiet, I felt like God was right there with me, and I could actually hear what He was saying to my heart. It’s something I’ll never forget. This week, I learned that my relationship with God is something I can trust. I just need to give Him time and space. When I did that, He showed up in a big way, and I felt really close to Him. Another moment that meant a lot was a one-on-one conversation I had with Jake. It was honest and real, and I could tell he cared. Right now, my relationship with Jesus is strong. I feel like I’ve grown in trust, honesty, and faith. One thing I’m really excited about is the future—I want to become a WyldLife Leader so I can help younger kids grow in their faith the same way I did. Camp gave me that vision. I want to say thank you to everyone who helped make this possible. Without your support, I wouldn’t have been able to go. Because of you, I got closer to God and even rode a zipline for the first time!" - Xander

"One moment that stood out to me was when the leaders stood up on stage with their signs. It impacted me because it made me realize I can be changed too, and I'm not too off track to get closer to Jesus. I would describe my relationship with Jesus as okay. I know I can do better and I will. I feel called to help others and be the light in this world that needs more love. Thank you for helping me come. to this camp! I love it here and had so much fun. I'm glad I got to have this experience - I felt loved!"

- Tashirri

Wyldlife Camp June 26-30

Our second trip was taking our Pinewood Middle School kids in Wyldlife to Timber Wolf Lake. We had twelve campers join us, five boys and seven girls, and it was everyone's first time experiencing summer camp! Check out their testimonies below:

"My favorite part of camp was playing basketball with new people. I made memories, had fun, and just felt like I belonged. Another highlight was the Wibit—that was definitely a blast!

This week, I learned something simple but really cool: the sun has stayed in the same spot God put it. This helped me realize God is so powerful, and I can trust Him to remain the same. Right now, my relationship with Jesus is good. I want to keep learning and getting closer to Him. One way I hope to grow is by starting a Bible study with my friends—so we can learn together and help each other follow Jesus. One way my leaders can walk with me this year is just by being there, showing up and spending time with us. To everyone who helped make camp possible—thanks for supporting us! It means a lot that you gave us the chance to be here." - Tye

"One memory that really stood out to me this week was when Greg (Camp Speaker) talked about forgiveness. It really impacted me and helped me see God’s heart more clearly. I learned that even when you sin, even when you mess up, God will always forgive you and has your back no matter what. That truth changed how I see myself and how I relate to Him. I feel like my relationship with God has gotten even better. I’ve gotten to understand Him and myself more this week. That’s something I want to keep growing in, even after camp. One way that would really help me keep growing is having Mandy continue to send me Bible verses that connect with my story. I’d love to sit down with her and my friends and read the Bible together. To the people who helped make this trip possible—thank you so much. Without your help, I wouldn’t have gotten to experience what I did this week at camp. I’m so grateful!" - Angelys

"One of my favorite memories from camp was laugh-crying with all the girls in my cabin after the 10 minutes of silence. The whole experience impacted me because of the stories and things people shared during that time. Hearing what they felt made me feel both sad and hopeful, and it brought us all closer. This week I learned just how excruciating and horrible Jesus' death on the cross really was—and how He did that for all our sins. That hit me in a new way. I didn’t feel a specific calling yet, but I know my relationship with Jesus is just starting and growing. I’ve already grown a lot during my time here. I want to stay connected to what I experienced this week. THANK YOU!!  I’ve strengthened my relationships with God, my friends, and my leaders a ton during this camp. Thank you so much for making this possible!" - Emma

"The memory from camp that stood out to me most was getting to know new people. I met friends I wouldn’t have otherwise, and that made this week really special. I also learned something new about God—that God will be there for you no matter what happens. That meant a lot to me because sometimes I just don’t feel like myself, but God loves me still. Personally, my relationship with Jesus right now is good, but I still want to grow. I would say I want to grow relationally, with Him and with others." - Romeo

"All week long, I was learning new things about who God is and what He’s like. I learned that God will help you and listen to you, especially when you're feeling down. He is the true power. One moment that changed everything for me was when I sat on a bench and talked to God about my family. I had so many questions and so much on my heart. Then a strong breeze came through, and I saw a family of birds fly past. I just started crying. In that moment, I felt the true love of God. I can’t really explain it, but I could feel it—deep in my heart. It was real. Before camp, I didn’t believe in God. But after this week, I believe fully. He saved me. One person who really helped me this week was Mandy. She made me believe in myself so much more than before. She’s such a good person, and because of her and so many others, I felt supported and seen. To everyone who helped make this trip possible, thank you so much. You made my week so much better. We couldn’t have come without you. You’re the best!" - Lily

"This week at camp was the most fun I’ve had all summer! One memory that really stood out to me was going on the Wibit for the first time. I had never done anything like that before, and it was such a blast. But beyond all the fun, something deeper happened too. I learned how much God really loves me. That truth stuck with me all week. My relationship with Jesus is good, and I want to keep growing. One thing I’m hoping for this year is that I can show Jesus in my actions—how I live and treat people. To everyone who helped make this trip happen, thank you so much for helping me and the other kids. You gave us an unforgettable experience!" - De'Len

"One of the most powerful moments for me at camp was when we had 10 minutes of silence—just time alone with God. It made me feel so much closer to Him. That silence gave space for me to really reflect and be with God in a way I hadn’t before. This week, I learned that I need to open myself up more to Jesus. I want to talk to Him when I need things, instead of trying to carry it all on my own. My relationship with Jesus now feels a lot more open, and I want to live more like Him. After all He’s done for us, that’s what He deserves. One way I hope to keep growing is through Bible studies. They help me feel close to my friends and to God at the same time. Thank you so much for helping make this trip possible. This week holds the most special moment of my life now. I sat on the lawn in tears, thinking about everything God has done for me—and how He works through people. Thank you." - Jenn

"One memory from camp that I really enjoyed was Real Life. The people who shared their stories during Real Life really helped me grow in my relationship with God. This week, I learned more about how God died for us, and also about myself, like how important it is to get to know God better. Camp helped me see that in a new way. My relationship with Jesus is a lot better than it used to be. I didn’t really get the concept of Jesus before, but going to camp and our club talks helped me understand Him more. Honestly, I feel like the leaders are amazing - keep checking in with us. I want to thank everyone who was brave enough to share at Real Life. Their stories helped me and helped my relationship with God. Thank you, Timber Wolf Lake!" - Ava

"One moment that really stood out to me this week was during our second Real Life Club. I realized that good things can come from difficult times. That gave me a lot of hope. One thing that changed at camp is that I began to follow Christ. Camp made me think more deeply about Him and what it means to follow Him. Right now, my relationship with Jesus still isn’t that strong, but it’s slowly strengthening. Each time I’m able to go to camp (Leo went to Winter Camp), I feel like I take another step closer. I’m not sure yet how I need my leaders to walk with me this year, but just knowing they are there means a lot. To everyone who helped make camp possible, thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to come to camp and have such a great week." - Leo

"This week, I learned that when we stop seeking God, we lose connection with others and miss out on the really good stuff in life. But when we lean into Him, everything changes. One moment that really impacted me was during cabin time on the last night. We were sharing about our lives and the time spent in ten minutes of complete silence. In that stillness, we all truly connected with God—and then we just started crying. It was powerful. Right now, my relationship with Jesus is awesome, but I know I still have a long way to go. I want to keep growing and help others feel welcomed, especially kids who are just starting out. I’d love to help with stuff like that one day. It would be so cool. My leader, Mandy P., has meant the world to me. She’s been there through thick and thin. She made this whole journey easier and funnier, and because of her, I feel like I can be a better Christian. To everyone who made this trip happen, thank you. You didn’t just impact me, you helped my friend, who was an atheist, become a Christian. Because of you, both of us grew closer to God." - Leighton

"One of the most fun parts of camp was playing basketball. I loved getting to run around and compete, but what really surprised me was how much I also enjoyed talking with people at night. Those conversations helped me feel more connected and I made some new friends. This week, I learned something simple but deep: the sun is in the same spot God left it. That reminder of God’s power and consistency stuck with me. It made me think more about who He is. Right now, my relationship with Jesus is good. I’m still figuring it all out, but I want to take a next step. One thing I’d love is to start a Bible study with a few friends so we can grow together.  And to everyone who helped make this trip possible—thank you." - Kingston

"One memory from camp that stood out to me was at Club when our speaker, Greg, shared an illustration with three chairs. One chair was God, and the other two were people. When the two people were facing God, they were more “in alignment.” But when they turned away and faced opposite directions, they started putting their backs to God and to each other. That really stuck with me. This week I learned that the Lord really does help—especially when you're hurting. It’s better to put your trust in the Lord, and even if you sin, God will always have your back. During our 10 minutes of silence at camp, I really felt like I got more connected to God. I was talking to Him and getting stuff off my chest. It was emotional, but it brought me closer. I want to thank everyone who helped make this trip possible. For me, my mom is a single parent with three kids, so it was hard to afford camp. She prayed I’d be able to go, and I’m so thankful someone made that happen. I really do appreciate it. You have a big place in my heart." - McKenna

We hope these testimonies give you a small taste of the fun and transformation that happens at summer camp! Thank you for partnering with us to give these incredible kids this life-changing experience. We know that kids can experience a "camp high", especially being removed from life's many stressors and distractions. That is why we are so excited and motivated to continue to build off the momentum that was built at camp after the foundation was laid during the school year. We have had Bible studies and meet-ups continue throughout the summer, and we are excited to restart our weekly clubs this fall. Please pray that the Lord will continue to use this ministry to win souls for his kingdom! We could not do this without you.