By: Becca Tilley – Volunteer Youth Staff, Grace Community Church of Visalia
The perfect weekend for me usually consists of a few things: being somewhere free from distractions, my phone either silenced or out of range, time in God’s Word, and quality moments with my husband. But a few weekends ago, my idea of the perfect weekend was redefined when I had the privilege of serving as a counselor at Hume Lake Winter Camp with our youth group.
Instead of quiet solitude, I found myself in a cozy cabin filled with the laughter and chatter of ten high school girls. My time was spent diving into God’s Word with them during chapel and cabin devotions, cheering them on at the tube run, sharing heartfelt conversations, and, most importantly, witnessing God at work in their hearts.
Hume Lake’s ministry is truly invaluable. Our youth group has been coming to Hume for many years, and countless students have made life-changing decisions here. Whether it’s surrendering their lives to Christ, committing to deeper faith, or finding clarity in their spiritual journey, the impact of Hume’s intentional ministry is undeniable.
This winter, the camp focused on 1 John 4:7-12, unpacking the true meaning of love in a world that often distorts it. Through a creative theme called Agapolis, Hume’s incredible team used nightly animations to beautifully communicate the story of biblical love. These videos resonated deeply with the students, sparking new connections and offering profound insights into God’s love.
One key challenge from the weekend came from speaker Chris Hilken’s definition of love, “advocating for the eternal good of another.” This idea struck a chord with the girls in my cabin, encouraging them to see love not just as an emotion but as an active choice to seek God’s best for others.
As I reflect on the weekend, I am reminded of God’s goodness and sovereignty. He invites us to take part in His redemptive work, creating opportunities to invest in the next generation. I am truly grateful for the calling to minister to high school students, walking alongside them in their faith journey. Their honest questions and hunger for truth challenge me to grow deeper in my own faith, and I am continually amazed by their passion and curiosity.
Winter Camp was far from my typical idea of a perfect weekend, but it was an unforgettable one, filled with God’s presence, connection, and growth. I walked away inspired and grateful for the chance to witness His transformative love at work in these students’ lives.