Stories from CEF

“I grew up about 20 minutes from camp and I’ve been going to camp since I was about kneehigh to a grasshopper. I did CYIA and I’ve been a senior counselor, I’ve done dishpit multiple times, I’ve worked maintenance, I’ve been Prince Happy Times [and] had the chance to do College Bound for 4 years.” Let’s just say he’s done a little of everything! Jerry says the impact camp has had on him personally has been enormous. “Being a counselor and CYIA is really the highlight of my summer. CYIA in itself is amazing. The people that have taken the time to pour into me, especially the dorm supervisors, all these people who have taken the time even after camp is over, I think that has been the biggest takeaway and impact.”

Growing up as a staff kid, he fondly reflects on participating and helping out every summer since he was three. As he grew, he became an invaluable volunteer, always ready to jump in.“I love helping people out. My work ethic is from being here at camp. Seeing jobs like plunging toilets or taking out the trash… some people will cringe at the idea of touching a plunger. I will jump in there and get it done before anyone else can. A lot of it is something I learned from my dad, but it was something I could learn from my dad because we are in camp ministry.” Joel has been a part of our College Bound crew 4 years running, and has loved every second. “[College bound] has helped me grow in a lot of different ways. Just being more patient, and self controlled. Realizing the importance of, ‘It’s not just about me.’ You really do need to depend on the Lord’s strength and completely surrender to God. You need...to be a spiritual leader and good example for these kids. And depending on God is something you learn more by action.”

"I actually started working with Brad Walker (Director of CEF Central Maine) probably 3 years ago. Our kids went to the same school, but one day he introduced himself. I was shocked when I found out what he did! To be honest I was amazed that he had that kind of access to the schools so I was immediately interested to be involved in [Good News Club].. A lot of those kids aren’t necessarily growing up in believing families, and it’s just another opportunity to reach out to them." Joe is excited for the new outreaches started this past year." We currently are doing a Junior Leadership program. We selected some kids and are teaching them Christian leadership, and they turn around and help us administer club. It keeps the middle school kids still involved. Right now we have 9 in the program." As he looks ahead, he sees even more opportunities to reach kids for Christ." The Junior Leaders have generated this idea to host an event where other school kids would be invited to hear the truth of God’s Word." There is much to look forward to!

Sophia is 8, and Natalie is 7, and are enjoying 3rd and 1st grade respectively. And they love Good News Club! "We sometimes play games, teachers tell Bible stories. [My favorite is] when Jesus died on the cross. It’s very important to me. It makes me happy." says Sophia. "We know the song ‘God So Loved The World’. I like that song. I always listen to God songs." Natalie adds. They have been going to Good News Club for several years after being invited by friends. They say that Good News Clubs are important because "you learn about Jesus." They look forward to inviting their friends to come learn about Jesus, too!"