A Week That Changed Us: Our Family’s Time at Hope Heals Camp

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

- 1 Peter 4:10

Earlier this summer, our family had the incredible opportunity to serve at Hope Heals Camp, a place that creates sacred spaces where families affected by disabilities can experience the hope of Christ—and we can honestly say it was a week that changed us.

We signed up with a group of volunteers, not fully knowing what the week would hold. We had a few ideas of what roles we might be assigned, but we came open-handed, ready to learn, grow, and serve however we were needed.

We arrived the day before the camper families, and that evening, something special happened. After dinner, they held what they call the Purpose Party. It’s a moment where each volunteer opens an envelope to discover their assignment for the week—who or where we’d be serving, and how.

Neither Derek nor I had marked “Compassionate Companion” (a one-on-one assistant) as a role we felt comfortable with on our volunteer forms. But God had other plans. We opened our envelopes, and both found ourselves assigned as Compassionate Companions.

Derek would be walking alongside a man in his 30s with a traumatic brain injury. I was paired with a 5-year-old boy with autism. It felt a little outside our comfort zone—but we knew the moment we opened those envelopes that this was where God wanted us.

Our kids were also placed in unique roles that matched them beautifully. Cole joined the activity crew and also participated in teen group events. Leah was assigned as a “flexer,” helping wherever she was needed in a group of children. Lexi and Lily were “Friend Makers,” which meant they got to simply be present in the children’s groups—encouraging, including, and loving others like Jesus would.

The next morning was filled with volunteer training, prepping us for what the week would look like. But just two hours before campers arrived, I was told the family I’d originally been assigned to couldn’t make it. I would now be paired with a different child—a 3-year-old boy with Down Syndrome.

I remember reading over the new assignment, my mind spinning. There were challenges I hadn’t prepared for. I felt a little overwhelmed—but also confident that God had rearranged this on purpose. So I prayed. And just like He’s done so many times before, He gave me peace. I believed with all my heart that His plan was better than mine.

And then came the moment we had all been waiting for: the camper arrival celebration. As families drove up the road into camp, all the volunteers lined the path—cheering, waving signs, and shouting joyful welcomes. It was beautiful. 

When I met the family I’d be serving and saw that precious little boy’s face, I knew with certainty: I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Leah was especially drawn to this sweet boy and his family, spending time with them throughout the week and soaking in the joy of their presence.

Each day brought a mix of routine and surprise. While the kids had their morning rotations, I spent my time in the nursery with my new little friend. Every afternoon and evening held something special for everyone—volunteers, staff, and campers together.

The first night, there was a talent show. One by one or in small groups, campers got on stage and performed, and the entire room erupted in applause after each act. The joy was contagious. Lexi and Lily even joined in with a group of friends, dancing to Forrest Frank’s song “Your Way’s Better.”

The next night was Christmas in July—complete with fake snow, shaved ice, and a silent disco party where everyone danced like no one was watching. (Because most of us had headphones on anyway!)

Then came the 4th of July celebration: a parade with golf carts decorated in red, white, and blue and small flags and popsicles for everyone. That evening, we experienced something sacred—the Luke 14 Service and Banquet. Dressed in our camp shirts, we gathered around tables for a meal that felt like a glimpse of the heavenly feast. Everyone was honored. Everyone belonged.

Throughout the week, we met families whose love, strength, and faith left a mark on us. They weren’t just campers. They were examples of perseverance, being joyful when life is hard, and they reminded us of what really matters.

We came to Hope Heals Camp to serve—but we left filled.

Filled with stories.
Filled with gratitude.
Filled with a deeper understanding of God’s love.

We’re already thinking about going back next year. Because something happens at camp that’s hard to explain but impossible to forget. You catch a glimpse of heaven. You see the gospel in action. And you realize that when you step out of your comfort zone, God does something beautiful.

We’re so thankful for the week we had. It wasn’t always easy—but it was good. So very good.

And we’ll carry it with us, always.

If you want to see a short recap of our Hope Heals Camp week, check out the highlight video my daughter made here.