This is Ainsley...Walking the Spiritual Path
My youth group has grown to be a very important part of my life and spiritual growth. I entered the youth group in 7th grade, and now leaving as a senior, I realize how much this group of people has shaped me. I was super shy and they've helped to bring me out of my shell. Ryan, my youth minister, has challenged me to grow as a Christian. As one of the oldest members of the group, I am trying to be a good mentor to the younger girls just joining the group. If there is anything with our youth, you can guarantee I'm there.
Church Camp
Every year since 4th grade, I have attended church camp. It's always one of the highlights of my summer. Church camp is one of the best places for me to learn, improve my relationships with other people and God, and recharge my faith. I've always loved the atmosphere and activities we participate in at camp and although I only have one year left as a camper, I am excited to be a chaperone after I graduate!
GO! Camp
I had the opportunity to attend GO! Camp for a week in 2011 with my youth minister, his wife, and a few members of the youth group. During the week we said many prayers together, held worship services together, and even did a
prayer walk in the middle of the week where we prayed for churches across the United States. GO! Camp is service oriented and we did many service projects for kids in Africa as well as people in the local community. You may or may not know who Kid President is, but in the past few years, he started doing videos to help cheer people up and remind them to make a difference. He has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but he maintains a positive attitude and continues to impact other people. One of his family members is in charge of GO! Camp, so Kid President came and spoke to us and even filmed one of his videos with us. We also did other service projects including writing letters to kids who said they were feeling really down and packaging food to send to kids in other countries who were lacking in the nutrients necessary to grow. We also went to a special needs baseball game where we supported the kids and adults by cheering for them and making posters. After the game, we gave our posters to the kids playing in the game. Throughout the week, we did many things that help you realize how lucky we are and how we all should do more to help others.
prayer walk in the middle of the week where we prayed for churches across the United States. GO! Camp is service oriented and we did many service projects for kids in Africa as well as people in the local community. You may or may not know who Kid President is, but in the past few years, he started doing videos to help cheer people up and remind them to make a difference. He has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but he maintains a positive attitude and continues to impact other people. One of his family members is in charge of GO! Camp, so Kid President came and spoke to us and even filmed one of his videos with us. We also did other service projects including writing letters to kids who said they were feeling really down and packaging food to send to kids in other countries who were lacking in the nutrients necessary to grow. We also went to a special needs baseball game where we supported the kids and adults by cheering for them and making posters. After the game, we gave our posters to the kids playing in the game. Throughout the week, we did many things that help you realize how lucky we are and how we all should do more to help others.
Youth Activities During the Year
In addition to service trips and camp, we also attend many retreats throughout the year that help us to grow closer to each other and to God. We organize and participate in events such as CYC, fall retreat, spring retreat, and leadership retreat annually. While these trips are often out of town and involve many fun games and activities, they also influence me spiritually and allow me to increase my knowledge about the Bible and improve my relationship with God.