Cliff Dwellers

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through Summer 2026.

This summer marks my 12th summer serving at Camp Sonshine, and January will mark 10 years of full-time camp ministry. Those numbers honestly don’t feel real.

As I look around camp each day, I’m reminded that one of the greatest gifts God has given me is the privilege of watching people grow over time.

I’ve watched campers become LITs. LITs become ACs. ACs become counselors. And counselors grow into incredible head counselors who are now leading and investing in the next generation.

There are moments when I stop and think, “I remember when you were eight years old.”

Seeing them return year after year is one of my greatest joys. It’s a front-row seat to watching God shape people into who He is calling them to be.

One project that has been especially meaningful this summer has been working on a new vision video for Camp Sonshine. Rather than hiring an outside company, we’re producing it in-house to help save camp money. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing several of our former and current leaders about how camp has impacted their lives. One interview that has stuck with me was with Hannah. She shared that one of her greatest desires is to become the kind of leader that her camp leaders were for her—the kind of leader who believed in her when she needed it most.

That’s exactly why we do what we do.

We aren’t just running summer programs. We’re investing in people who will go on to invest in others.

The “12th Summer Slump”

If I’m being transparent, this summer has also been one of the more emotionally challenging ones I’ve experienced.

Last summer was, without question, the best summer I’ve ever had. God moved in incredible ways, our staff team flourished, and the joy around camp was contagious. This year has looked different.

Ministry has a funny way of holding incredible joy and deep grief in the same hands. Over the past ten years I’ve made countless friendships with campers, counselors, interns, and international staff. Every summer you build a family… and every August many of those people move on to wherever God is calling them next.

That’s beautiful.

But it also hurts.

I’ve found myself grieving the people who aren’t here anymore while simultaneously trying to pour into the people God has placed in front of me this summer.

I’ve also felt the weight of spiritual warfare on our team this year. Ministry has always come with challenges, but there have been days where the emotional weight has felt especially heavy.

I don’t share that because I want sympathy.

I share it because I want to be honest.

Following Jesus doesn’t remove hard seasons. Sometimes it simply gives us Someone to walk through them with.

The Bright Side

In the middle of all of this, God continues to remind me where my security is found.

My identity isn’t in having the “best summer ever.”

It isn’t in attendance numbers.

It isn’t in successful programs or how well I lead.

It’s in Christ.

Because of that, I can choose joy—even on difficult days.

One practice God has been teaching me this summer is lament.

Instead of pretending everything is fine, He’s been inviting me to bring every frustration, disappointment, fear, and grief to Him. There has been so much peace in remembering that I don’t have to carry the weight of ministry by myself.

He’s faithful. He always has been.

How You Can Pray

As we head into the second half of the summer, I’d love your prayers.

• Pray that I would finish this summer well and continue leading from a place of dependence on Jesus.
• Pray that God would continue speaking through me as I invest in our staff and campers.
• Pray for our camp staff—that they would continue growing in their faith and discovering the unique ways God has wired them to build His Kingdom.
• Pray for wisdom as I continue discerning future CSI mission trips. Serving alongside our friends overseas is one of the places where God consistently refreshes my heart, and I’m asking Him to make it clear where He wants me to serve next.

An Opportunity to Partner

Looking ahead, I’m hoping to serve on two CSI trips over the next several months.

One is to Mexico, where my parents and I will have the opportunity to serve alongside our ministry partners and encourage local churches through camp ministry.

The second is a return trip to Zambia, where God continues to open incredible doors for discipleship and leadership development.

Together, our family’s Mexico trip and my Zambia trip require raising about $6,000.

If God has used these updates to encourage you or if you believe in the work He’s allowing us to do through camp and international ministry, would you prayerfully consider partnering with us financially?

If you feel lead, a gift can be made at CampSonshineMemories.org/Give!

More than anything, I’m grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and friendship. They have sustained me far more than you probably realize.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Here’s to finishing Summer 2026 well—and continuing to watch God unlock and unleash Kingdom builders.