By Jeanette Biesecker, Director of Ministry Advancement
Every year during summer camp as a member of the year-round staff, I get to ride the day camp bus on Mondays some weeks to meet and greet parents. Because my job is usually “behind the scenes,” getting to interact with campers on the bus rides is a treat. I love hearing the children share what they’re looking forward to most as we go to camp and what their favorite thing to do was as we travel home at the end of the day.
Even better than the kids’ comments though is hearing from an occasional parent, “Thank you for helping me send my child to camp this summer. Without financial help we couldn’t have done it.” In those moments, I can specifically recall the names of donors that I know who had given toward the campership fund. During those moments my heart wells up with gratitude for those who chose to give.
Every summer we get numerous requests from families who are experiencing financial need for help in funding summer camp. This summer has been no different, especially in light of many families experiencing job losses due to the pandemic. But it never fails that every summer generous supporters rise up to meet the need. It’s obvious many know the life-changing power of a week of Christian summer camp. When I call to thank them for giving, I hear stories of their own childhood and how camp impacted their lives. What a privilege to be a witness to the giving back of an older generation to the younger ones.
We’ve had a busy summer camp season this year at Joy El and the Campership Fund has once again provided for many children to attend camp. We are nearing the end of that season now and every child with a need has been provided for. We are so thankful for everyone who has helped to provide camp for children this summer!
