Progress in Steps

Our staff members are often able to see kids make changes throughout a summer (or even over the course of several summers).

One staff member realized it was a big deal for a camper to understand that sin is a bad thing.

Multiple Pekin staff members commented on an older girl camper who grew throughout the summer.  They could see her spiritual growth and her desire to be a good leader.  This was especially encouraging because some of the full time staff were less than enthusiastic to see this older camper return for this summer... based on how behavior had been previous summers.

A staff member watched an East Peoria boy grow in his self control over the course of the summer.  The camper also asked many deep questions and gave the staff member the opportunity to share personally and honestly about his faith. 

Another staff member has watched an older Pekin boy grow spiritually from summer to summer.  He noticed that as he spends time at camp his desire to learn and read the Bible increases.

In East Peoria a counselor had the same younger girl camper Week 1 and Week 11.  She could tell a difference in this camper's life.  While she wasn't perfect, she complained less and participated more at the end of the summer.

A site director was able to see God at work, even with a difficult junior high volunteer.  This Tyro showed baby steps of growth and it was evident that God had used camp in her life.

Yet another staff member acknowledged that over the course of summers he has been able to develop a mentoring role at camp as the campers grow to respect him and trust him.

Lastly (for now) a site director was so grateful to see a younger boy improve through the summer.  This camper started with no desire to pray.  Now his overall attitude is much improved.  We've seen him move from daily issues at camp to once-a-week issues.