Summer Staff Stories that We Wish Parents Knew about Summer Camp

Parents often ask the same question–who will lead my child’s week and what kind of people are they? From growing in dependence on the Lord to experiencing life-changing moments with campers, our summer staffers saw God work in countless ways this summer. We asked a few of them to share how Pine Cove impacted their walk with Jesus, what they learned through serving, and why they would encourage other college students to spend a summer at camp. Read their stories and hear firsthand why a summer at Pine Cove can make an eternal impact and why parents trust these college staff to come alongside their child for a week! 

Jobe “Biggy” Barnes 

Summer Staff at the Ridge 

Pine Cove impacted me so much in my walk with the Lord. I learned so much about what it means to really depend on the Lord daily and grow in continued consistency in the Word through the discipleship of the full-time team. Pine Cove confirmed my feeling of a call to full-time ministry after college and provided me with incredible community with other college students across the country, while getting to disciple high schoolers experiencing all different stages of their walk with the Lord.

The leadership staff do a phenomenal job of not only getting to know their staff on a personal level, but also making themselves available at any point we need their wisdom or support. The Lord used them to open my eyes to so many things I’d never seen or noticed before. Pine Cove’s mission is to inspire campers to walk intimately with Jesus and equip college staff to change the world, and that couldn’t be more true at the Ridge. Pine Cove affirmed that there’s nothing I’d rather do with my life than devote 100% of it to being a vessel for the Gospel. Watching a camper come to know the Lord for the first time is a joy that I have never experienced, and there’s nothing like getting to call someone a new brother or sister in Christ.

Caley “Cheesy” Alyce

Summer Staff at the Bluffs & Pine Cove City 

My time at Pine Cove impacted me in the way that it will always be a reminder of the beauty of our Father. I saw His beauty in the community of fellow believers I worked alongside, in the eyes of a camper who understood the Gospel for the first time, and in the joy of welcoming campers on Sundays and celebrating what God would do that week! I saw God work in the small details of camp. Whether I was setting up for a theme night, sitting on stand for a lifeguard shift, or at Bible study, I experienced the joy of doing it all by His grace and in His presence! I would encourage any college student to apply because I have no doubt the Lord will use Pine Cove to impact you and use you to impact those around you. It is an honor to serve God, and it is an even bigger honor when you realize how worthy He is of it!

Isaiah “Beefy” Perkins 

Summer Staff at Crier Creek 

I learned the truth that some of the most valuable and rewarding service is that which goes unseen. The true definition of being the hands and feet of Jesus means laying aside your own desires and possessing an eagerness to serve those around you in any capacity.

I saw God at work as He provided strength and energy for the staff to continue the mission and consistently reminded us of the eternal impact taking place. God was active during camp-wide worship, one-on-one Gospel conversations with campers, and sweet little moments sprinkled throughout every week.

I would encourage you to apply to work at camp simply because it’s a way to step outside of everyday life. There are no phones or connections to the outside world. This allows for depth in conversations with limited distractions. Relationships grow in intentionality and authenticity at Pine Cove! Camp plants seeds, Jesus waters, and changes lives.

Lily “Tarts” Garza 

Summer Staff at Crier Creek 

I grew up going to Crier Creek with my family, and this place has always been so special to me! Getting to work here is so full circle and has reminded me that no matter what age we are, we always have a next step to take with Jesus. This summer, I grew in dependence on the Lord and was reminded where I can find true joy—in Jesus! I love getting to unplug from the world, focus on serving others, and share Jesus with others!

My favorite part of working at camp is getting to be surrounded by families and staffers who are wholeheartedly chasing after Him. I know the Lord more deeply because of the people I’ve met at Crier Creek, and I’m so grateful to be a small part of what He’s doing there! I would encourage you to consider applying to work at Pine Cove next summer. It might just change your life!

Bella Kate “Crepes” Walker 

Summer Staff at the Towers 

My time at camp has been something so special to me and has impacted me in so many ways. To see the Lord work in my campers’ lives was a sweet reminder of the Lord and His love for us. I saw the Lord work in reminding me that He can use your “yes” to pour into kids going through the same thing as you. I would encourage college students to apply because you receive not only love and encouragement from other counselors, but through that, you are able to meet the Lord in ways that you never thought possible!

James “Apples” Erdner 

Summer Staff at the Bluffs 

I grew in dependence on the Lord! Camp redefined what true rest means. Camp is exhausting, but somehow I felt the most alive I’ve ever felt. I am so grateful that the Lord showed me my own limits and that I can find true rest in Him! One of my favorite camp moments happened on a rainy Wednesday afternoon. During Bible study, one of my seven-year-old campers shared that he had not yet accepted Christ as his Savior. Later that day, while playing ping pong, he said he wanted to make that decision right then and there. So, he prayed a beautiful, childlike prayer and accepted Jesus as his Savior. 

You have three or four summers before you graduate and likely start a full-time job. Camp is a life-changing experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. It’s a sacrifice to set aside your own plans and agenda to let the Lord use you at camp. Spending your summer at camp is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced!

A summer at Pine Cove is an opportunity to grow in your relationship with Jesus, invest in campers, and see the Lord work in incredible ways. Ready to see what He might do through you? APPLY to work at Pine Cove next summer! 

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