Bailey & Izzy's Story Story | Investing In Student Camp
For high school senior Bailey Camp, her middle and high school years were riddled with financial struggles. Whenever summer rolled around, the idea of camp always presented a challenge. How was she going to afford camp?
“Every year that I go [to camp], it’s always been a really powerful reminder of how important community is.” Not only is the camp experience an immersive week for teenagers to engage with one another and encounter God in fresh ways, but it’s also a reminder for Bailey that living amongst a generous people can be life-changing.
Bailey and her mom faced tough decisions without a way to afford camp. They wanted Bailey to experience the good that God can do at camp but didn’t know how to get there. In 2019, during Bailey’s freshman year, Canyon Ridge held a t-shirt designing contest for camp. As someone passionate about art, now looking to major in art at UNLV in fall 2023, Bailey not only participated but then won the contest, scoring a free scholarship to camp. “[There have] always been things like that that’s helped [me] go to camp.”
Every summer, people of Canyon Ridge step up to make sure money doesn’t prevent any child from attending camp, even in creative ways like a t-shirt designing contest. The local church is where “I need help” and “I can help” intersect beautifully. There have been those who intentionally make margin, ready to give to camp scholarships so that students can deepen relationships with God and his people.
The difference that’s made? The relational impact and financial investment made in Bailey’s life through summer camp have only multiplied good through the person she is. Now, Bailey’s faith journey has only grown and deepened, with her starting Bible studies with other students, showing up well to her faces and places at school and work, and being involved in groups focused on disciple-making practices.
A few years ago, a parent donated cash envelopes for students who needed extra spending money on the beach day for camp - a fun afternoon for students to connect, laugh, and play. This past summer, Bailey’s mom felt inspired, now being financially stable and able, to provide envelopes for camp this year. In a way, this was her expression of being able to give back generously. “My mom had a very personal experience with that, putting in Bible verses and notes.”
This was an important marker in Bailey and her mom’s relationship with the local church community. The generosity that impacted their family is now being multiplied into other families who need it. Bailey and her mom are not only giving back financially but also in ways that continue to build up the community. When you give to Canyon Ridge, you’re supporting families like Bailey’s to discover more of who God is.