Mackenzie’s relationship with Camp Asbury began through the Western Reserve Youth Retreat held at camp back in 2019. She found the retreat inspiring and came back to that retreat for several years because they were always led by other youth, people just like her. Being homeschooled, this retreat gave her the chance to make friends in a new space, with new experiences that she could not have anywhere else. After such an impactful experience during her winter retreat, Mackenzie decided to give a week at Camp Asbury’s summer camp a try, fueled by her passion for the outdoors, “sitting outside in the woods is peaceful, listening to the wind is like listening to God talk to you in a way.”
Mackenzie’s first summer at camp was just as impactful as her first retreat here. Her group became close after a week of highs and lows, and she still talks to most of the campers she shared the week with. Now, camp is something to look forward to for Mackenzie and the rest of her family, “I always pick being here over anything else. It is such a great place with so much love and positivity in the air that calms you in a way, making you feel at home.”
One of the biggest impacts on her camp experience has been the various staff members that she interacted with as a camper, “the counselors cultivated an environment for the campers to be themselves and get to know one another.” Mackenzie is thankful for all the counselors she had over the years because they were “such helpful figures” in her life. They were always caring and wanted to know what was going on in the campers’ lives and were always inclusive. They inspired Mackenzie to be a CIT this summer and modeled what it took to be the counselor that she aspired to be for campers.
Mackenzie’s drive to be a CIT was because she felt like she needed to be doing something good for the world while also reconnecting herself with God. Through the Counselor in Training program, she gained confidence in her leadership skills and soon found herself eager to exercise her skills by volunteering for multiple weeks throughout the summer. Through this experience, Mackenzie helped campers make memories around the property, like at Iron Falls or at their homes in the woods.
Heading into her last year of high school, Mackenzie is hopeful to return to Asbury next summer on staff as a counselor, and to continue to follow in the footsteps of the staff that inspired her. Hearing the campers laugh brings a smile to her face, and she is happy to be a part of each of her campers’ experiences, big and small.
It is because of people like you that Camp Asbury can provide experiences like Mackenzie’s, ones that allow campers to be themselves, growing confidence and patience each summer. Your continued generosity and gifts allow us to welcome campers each summer to continue building life-long relationships.