The RISE of College Students
By Suzanne Akins
After spending a couple of fall football weekends in Athens, it’s pretty obvious that college students are able to choose their own path into adulthood. There is so much freedom and so little accountability that sometimes it doesn’t bode well for responsible adulting.
But I get to see a different side of college students.
I saw a group gathered around a breakfast table asking questions and sharing encouragement as they get ready for campers to arrive. I saw an entire staff of college students circled up, digging into the Word to find God’s direction for their day, their week, and their lives. I saw co-counselors partnered up around an auditorium praying specifically and by name for every camper. I saw groups walking around campus praying for God to do a mighty work in the lives of kids. I saw a counselor, in the quiet of the cabin before anyone moved in, with hands on a bunk, praying for the child that would sleep in that bed in just a few hours.
This was all before a camper ever set foot on the grounds of Epworth By The Sea.
This summer, with the theme of RISE using Joshua 1:9 as our foundation, over 600 campers were shown what the Bible says about rising up without fear and being confident God will be with them always.
That message touched the hearts of our college staff too as they navigated God’s call on their lives, learning to listen to that still, small voice.
“God was working in big ways this summer, and every week He spoke to me in a new way. Each week brought a new challenge that God used to teach me something new about myself and helped shape and sharpen me into my best self.” - Sam Hagan, Georgia Southern University
“Each summer I have worked at Camp Connect, God has renewed my mind and soul through experiencing the child-like faith and joy these campers have. I am reminded of the simplicity of my relationship with Jesus, and I always take that back with me to school.” - Abby Lane, University of Georgia
Being in a community of other college students pursuing Christ, away from school and away from home, allowed the Leadership Team to grow their faith in unexpected ways.
“Up until this summer, I had never had friendships that were built on faith. Being on LT has truly shown me the fruitfulness of having Godly relationships.” - Justis Kuykendall, Georgia Southern University
“Through (the Leadership Team), I learned what kind of people I want to surround myself with and the positive impact this community has on my life. The past three summers, I have learned how to love people well and partner with them in following after Christ.” - Mary Harrison, University of Georgia
“Seeing a single body of believers praising the Lord through so many different ways of worship was super encouraging, especially for someone my age.” - Maggie Smart, Truett McConnell University
This summer, Camp Connect piloted a new program with Counselors in Training (CITs), an opportunity for graduated high school campers to serve on staff as a volunteer the year before they are old enough to serve on the Leadership Team.
“The most meaningful part of being a CIT this summer was just being able to teach the kids all about God’s Word and His abundant love for us. You never know the kind of impact you have on them.” - Colten Roy, Valdosta State University
“I would say the most meaningful part of CIT this summer was being able to connect with the kids and realize what an impact I and other counselors were making.” - Carson Davis, Mercer University
They say college students need certain skill sets and characteristics to succeed: responsibility, organization, resilience, initiative, critical thinking and so much more.
But what I’ve found each year with these college students has been so much simpler: a love of God and a love for others.
Applications for the Leadership Team at Camp Connect will open October 1, 2023. For more information, visit www.campconnectumc.org.
Suzanne Akins is the Director of Camping and Retreat Ministries for the South Georgia Conference. She can be reached at suzanne@sgaumc.com.