They come to serve, and each year more and more line up for a spot on one of the camp staffs of the United Youth Camps (UYC) and preteen camps. Over 400 young people and adults ask for the opportunity to give of their time and serve without pay (although room and board are paid) for a week or more to give our youth a taste of God's way of life.

The example of these talented and dedicated volunteers has inspired the people they serve. When asked "Did your counselor and other staff make you feel accepted at camp?" 99 percent of our campers responded, Yes! Asked if they would like to serve on the camp staff in the future, 90 percent said, Yes!

Listen to the comments of teens when asked, "Would you like to serve on the camp staff in the future?"

"Part of being a disciple of Christ is learning how to serve. I want to serve others the way I have been served for seven years" (Hye Sierra).

"It is a very exciting experience to pass on knowledge and experiences" (Hye Sierra).

"I see why this way works, and I want to serve" (Heritage).

"Camp changes me, and I want to impact lives, too" (Tetons).

"I want to be [part of] the people that help make the 'magic' of camp possible" (Woodmen).

Notice the praise and touching reflections of the campers when they were asked, "Did your counselor and other staff make you feel accepted most of the time at camp?"

"They gave constant encouragement and opened up about their lives and were genuinely interested in me" (Tetons).

"Our counselor always took time to give us one-on-one time. She has been incredibly encouraging, flexible and encouraged us in our faith and development as young ladies, while gently correcting us where we go astray" (Tetons).

"The ministers were never afraid to just talk to me" (Hye Sierra).

I think one camper said it well: "Camp has an indescribable atmosphere. It's like a mini Kingdom, and I always leave so deeply moved and feeling closer to God and to my friends of like mind" (Woodmen). The point is obvious that camp works! It works largely because so many people work together to model the "give" way of life.

A while back, I was asked by a member of the American Camp Association national staff if we had any difficulties recruiting staff for our programs. I mentioned we had scores more applicants than we could use, and we have tried to open the door for new volunteers each year since so many want to return. When asked how much we pay our staff and what our criteria is, I mentioned that although we only want the best, we don't pay them a dime.

Shock and bewilderment filled the person's face. "How is that possible?" she asked. I told her that our volunteers are convicted that it is more blessed to give than to receive and most believe that the rewards of seeing young people grow and change is more than ample compensation.

On behalf of all the parents and the camp team, a big "Thank you!" goes out to all those who serve at camp.