This was my second time at Summer Camp at Hume SoCal, and with such an amazing experience last year, I knew it would be great. The theme of camp this year was, “God has a plan for us and is good.” 

Worshipping helps me feel closer to God. At morning and night chapel, the worship was perfect. The music and words seemed to make everyone, especially me, feel like something was stirring in our hearts. The Tuesday morning worship was called “extended worship and prayer.” During that time, you could pray whatever was on your heart or listen to prayers that were spoken by the lead singer. The worship, combined with the prayer that glorified our God, was a meaningful experience. The alone time one-on-one with God was impactful.Another worship experience of my camp week was Thursday night. It was filled with joyful tears of knowing that God is with me and feeling His presence. Something that the speaker said was, “Right where you are – God still died for you and loves you.” This was impactful for me. I felt so close to God at that time and it was incredible to see my peers all putting their hands up to praise the Lord as well. To feel God move through me and my friends was an unforgettable moment.

On Wednesday morning, students got to pick which seminars they wanted to attend. I chose “Worship Outside the Chapel” and “Missions.” The worship seminar explained that when worshiping in a place that may not be as easy or comfortable to worship in, it may be harder, but we can still choose to do something good that will glorify Him. We give God all we have – and to lift up our hands to praise Him is something I don’t have to hold back. He is worthy of worship no matter what setting! This seminar was a great reminder that worshipping is more than just songs.The mission’s seminar went into detail on how people from different places, backgrounds, and living statuses all deserve to know the gospel. The speaker talked about how we as students can make a difference by “being the light” and inviting people to church to learn about the Bible. I love doing this already, but would love to go outside of the country in the future to do God’s work for others. Mission work doesn’t just have to mean traveling to another country; we can make an impact by small acts to accomplish the mission of spreading God’s Word. 

Recreation time was full of chaotic fun. Dress-up themes, smiles, screams, team competitions, finding Dinker (a duck hidden around camp worth extra team points), and the night game were all a part of the overall feel and excitement of camp that I love. The Great Race was the main competition that I was most excited for. The events in the Great Race were exhilarating with some of them being: eating mystery food, walking up a hill in flippers, and the event my friend and I did – paddling across the lake on a paddle board and getting pied in the face. My team worked together and accomplished all the tasks and led us to victory!This year’s camp was so exciting, from the worship and seminars to rec, and the experience was life-changing. I grew closer to God through worship, singing, dancing, praying, and many other ways. I already can’t wait until next year!

 

By: Scotlynn Brandos
2025-2026 JHM Student Leadership Team