Camp Asbury became a part of Abbey’s life through a family legacy of love for East Ohio Camps. Her connection to camp was sparked by her grandmother, a steadfast supporter of the camp community who provided scholarships each year to ensure children could experience the magic of camp. Abbey’s father and aunt had attended Wanake as kids, so when her family moved from Oregon, her grandmother made it clear: her grandkids were going to camp. Abbey’s journey started at Camp Aldersgate when she was just five years old, but her heart led her to Camp Asbury in fifth grade, drawn by the specialized programs—especially the horse camp.
Abbey quickly embraced all that Camp Asbury had to offer, participating in programs like Adventurers on Horseback, Cast Iron Chef, Rock n Roll, CIT, and Up to the Challenge. It wasn’t just the activities that kept her coming back summer after summer, but the chance to grow both socially and spiritually. “You grow so much in terms of social skills,” Abbey reflected. “You meet this new group of people for the first time, and you don’t know any of them. You have to find out who these people are, and I am someone who always struggled with that. But camp was a way to develop and grow those skills.”
Beyond the friendships and fun, Camp Asbury became a cornerstone of Abbey’s spiritual journey. “Camp has always been part of my testimony,” she shared. “Coming to Asbury gave me a new perspective on faith. The messages always taught me how to enjoy the Bible and Gospel in day-to-day life. For me, the spiritual part of Asbury is within the nature. Getting the chance to reconnect with God’s creation helps give you a sense of peace—you can feel God’s peace at Asbury.” It was at camp that Abbey learned not only to walk in that peace but also to carry it with her beyond the campgrounds, a piece of her “slice of heaven on earth.”
When it came time to work at Camp Asbury, Abbey knew it was a natural step. “I think I knew I was meant to be a counselor from a young age,” she said. “I fell in love with camp and never wanted to leave when it was time. I was hoping to get to spend the summer doing the thing that I loved—being at camp.” Each summer, Abbey returned, drawn by the good memories and the bonds she formed with her campers. The experience not only solidified her passion for camp but taught her valuable life lessons. “Camp taught me to be resilient,” Abbey reflected. “The summer has taught me that life is a marathon and not a sprint. It taught me resilience, independence, my strengths and weaknesses, and even my spiritual gifts. You learn that it’s okay to make mistakes.”
Now, when Abbey thinks about Camp Asbury, she sees more than just a place—she sees a home where growth happens, year after year. “It is a place of growth. Being on both camper and staff, you grow so much each summer you return. You learn who you are and to be confident in yourself.” That confidence, resilience, and faith continue to shape Abbey’s life, reminding her that the lessons learned at Camp Asbury extend far beyond the summer. Though life may take Abbey to different places, her heart will always remain rooted in the growth and grace she found at Camp Asbury.