Bran doesn’t remember much about what his life was like before he started coming to Camp Asbury. “From what I do remember,” he said. ” I wasn’t really involved with nature until coming to camp for the first time.” What began as a family decision quickly became a defining part of who he is today.
Bran first came to Camp Asbury through the family camp program when he was young. His mom, who had attended camp herself growing up, believed that it would be a meaningful way to connect her children to a faith community rooted in exploring nature, God’s creation. She also saw it as an opportunity for their family to slow down and connect with one another. Those early experiences planted seeds for something much bigger in Bran’s life.
As he grew older, Bran began attending Asbury’s week-long summer programs on his own. It was there that he began to blossom. Surrounded by the outdoors, guided by supportive staff, and immersed in a community that valued faith and creation care, Bran discovered a love for nature that would shape his future. “The environment always kind of brought me back,” he shared, “I feel more helpful to those around me, like I could make a bigger difference in day-to-day life.”
Camp became more than a place to spend a week each summer. It became a space where Bran built friendships, grew in confidence, and found a purpose. “When I think about camp, I’m most grateful for all the friends I’ve made and for the people who helped me grow,” he said. Supported by his church and inspired by his mom’s experience, Bran continued returning to camp year after year, drawn by the sense that camp was where he belonged.
As he aged out of the camper experience, Bran didn’t want his time at Camp Asbury to come to an end, “all the signs seemed to point to camp being an amazing experience, and I really wanted it to continue,” he explained. Bran joined the summer staff, eager to give back to a place that had given him so much and to give back to the next generation like staff had done for him. Camp became his first job, and one that has left a lasting impression, “it really showed me how the world works,” he said. “I think it’s truly one of the best jobs ever.”
Now an Eagle Scout and a student studying Environmental Science, Bran continues to carry the lessons of Camp Asbury into every part of his life. His love for camping, his commitment to caring for the environment, and his desire to serve others all trace back to the moments he spent exploring trails, building community, and discovering faith in the outdoors. As a staff member, he now helps foster that same sense of creation care in today’s campers, encouraging them to notice the world around them and understand their role in protecting it.
“I really enjoy hanging out with all the kids and all of the staff members,” Brain said. “Everyone is always so nice and it’s fun getting to teach people about nature.” For him, camp is a place where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. It’s where he learned not only to love nature, but to live with purpose and connection.
Camp Asbury helped Bran become the person he is today, someone who is rooted in faith, passionate about the environment, and committed to making a difference in the lives of others. With your support, Camp Asbury can continue shaping young lives like Bran, helping them grow in confidence, discover their calling, and care for the world around them.