Why Kyndall gives to Camp

Camp Arrowwood changed my life. I realize it may sound clichė or dramatic, but saying anything less would be dishonest. I first attended Camp at the age of 11, and despite my outward appeal to confidence with my rolled-up t-shirt sleeves and my Umbro shorts, I was still very much getting to know who I was as a person. I wasn’t a wayward or misbehaved or sad kid. In fact, I was literally a happy camper. I lived in a loving home with parents who were believers and who pointed me to Jesus, and I had good friends and a good church. So Camp didn’t rescue me, as I know it did for some, but it did have a profound impact on my life’s trajectory. Camp gave me my first glimpse into the person I wanted to become. It equipped me with valuable tools to help me navigate adolescence, and it pointed me in a very specific direction toward adulthood.

Now, as a wife, a mom,and a teacher, I can clearly see how God used camp to prepare me for what I do every day.

I attended Camp for three summers, and I have such sweet memories of being outside in the mountains, playing huge games of capture the flag, singing camp songs, planning and acting in skits, and making s'mores around a fire. I got to be a kid with other kids, and now, as an adult in a much different social climate, I realize how rare and important those things are. But not only did I get to participate in those oh-so-wholesome activities, but I also got to know people–other campers and camp counselors–who became lifelong friends and role models. I thought the counselors were the coolest people on the planet. They included me and treated me as if I were one of them. But even more importantly, they loved Jesus. The way they spoke about him and taught His Word showed me that loving Jesus was a way of life. Seeing them spend their summer at Camp was the first time I realized that ministry wasn’t just performed behind a pulpit. It was outside and in cabins and on tennis courts. It was adventurous, and I wanted in. So, when I had a chance to work as Camp Counselor several years after my time as a camper, I took it, and then worked every summer while I was in college, plus a few more.

Some of my best days have been spent at Camp Arrowwood. Some of my best friendships were built there. Some of my sweetest moments with Jesus occurred during those summer months. Now, as a wife, a mom, a teacher, I can clearly see how God used camp to prepare me for what I do every day. At camp, I learned that I have value; all people have value. And that value only comes from Jesus; he gives us worth, and he writes a unique story for each of his children. He did for me, and I can trace so many of the pages of my story back to Camp Arrowwood. 

I’m no longer part of the camp staff, which means I’m no longer running full speed down a slip-n-slide or leading chants during Sock War or chasing after campers with pool noodles during Underground Church. But every summer, I join a host of others in praying for young lives to be changed through the ministry of Camp Arrowwood. I also give financially. My hope is that the good work of Arrowwood can reach so many kids with the Gospel and expand in ways needed to make the greatest impact. Because kids need camp. Maybe now more than ever. They need to make connections beyond the virtual. They need to be able to foster some independence in a safe environment. They need to be in the middle of God’s creation as they are pointed to his character. You can contribute to this effort. You can help make a huge difference in the lives of young people. Camp changed my life. Please consider being part of changing the lives of others. You can contribute to this effort. You can help make a huge difference in the lives of young people. Camp changed my life. Please consider being part of changing the lives of others. 

Become a part of the Arrow Builders Club today!

Kids need to make connections beyond the virtual. They need to be able to foster some independence in a safe environment. They need to be in the middle of God’s creation as they are pointed to his character.