My 14'er experience was my first hike to a peak above 14,000 feet. Our troop of young leaders were experienced, knowledgeable, capable and supportive. [It was] by no means an easy hike with many triumphs and moments of prayer throughout. In the end I accomplished the goal and hiked away a better person. Our family had their own experiences - ropes course, hikes, canoeing on the lake, games with the kids at night, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, prayer and relaxation. A collective sense of gratitude and a greater understanding and appreciation of grace is what we left with and will return to in the future.

I shared a few healings, which I don't usually like to do, at church. I love my counselors and my cabin mates. I never thought there were this many Christian Scientists in the world! I loved being with them! Everyone liked helping each other so nothing bad ever happened because there was always someone who had your back. Thanks for helping me get to camp! I can't wait for next summer to go back!

Surrounded by beautiful trees and hundreds of acres of forest, I worked alongside other Christian Scientists and their friends and families helping Crystal Lake Camps transition from summer to winter programming. Although tasks like washing windows, hauling docks out of the water (in the rain!) and cleaning gutters aren’t tasks I’d normally call “fun”, I can honestly say I never stopped smiling the entire time. Camp has been such a foundational experience in my life. Spending the day giving back to a place that gives so much to others was extremely fulfilling. Being able to take a weekend off from “real life” to spend time with other Christian Scientists, make new friends, pay it forward, and have fun was such a gift. I sense a yearly tradition in the making!