Testimonies

“I grew up around Camp Joy and have never known life a part from the memories and experiences learned by serving our special friends. As I think back on my years at Camp Joy I believe that the Lord, through Camp Joy, ultimately showed me what the body of Christ should look like. What our churches should look like! Individuals from varying backgrounds, cities, states, nationalities and abilities coming together to Worship and enjoy our Heavenly Father. Paul speaks to the Corinthian church to the need of many parts, all with varying responsibilities and functions, making up one body – the body of Christ. This is what Camp Joy is all about at its core. Yes, it’s about love and service and presenting the gospel. But it’s also about fellowship and communion. The importance of all people being created in the image of God with infinite worth and…

“This Summer I got the experience of a life time. I have always been familiar with Camp Joy because my older sister Callie has been involved for years and LOVES it. This year I was able to be a counselor for the week- the week was full of many emotions. I was anxious about what the week would entail but the excitement overpowered all the anxiety.

Once the campers got there it became an experience I would never forget. Camp Joy is the perfect name because the week was full of fun, laughter, happiness and just pure JOY. My camper Dequawn is basically non verbal but through simple questions and hand signals we were able to get through the week perfectly fine! I have been lucky enough to be able to have a relationship with my camper after camp- due to family friend connections. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Camp Joy was an incredible experience and I’m so excited for Camp Joy 2019!”

“My name is lindsay parker and I have attended camp joy for six years. Camp joy is a great camp. I enjoy all of the classes and music from George, I love all the songs and I enjoy having fun and dancing with friends from camp. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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One of my best years I have had there is my first year with Olivia was my special friend. I enjoy her so much she was a great friend to me and being able to get to know her and she was someone I truly enjoyed being with. All of my special friends I have had was amazing time to get to know them another special friend I had Was Carissa she was awesome and caring someone I can talk with and another person who I enjoy is Sarah Beth she a great friend and many others who has blessed me so much joy. Camp joy is a great camp and I will recommend to others who wants a camp.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Another thing is I like is special friends are one on one with you and just spending time to talk to you and listen to you is one of the most important things I truly enjoy talking and having fun with y’all the special friends and staff. I enjoy having these people in my life. How blessed I am. “

“Camp Joy is a place where my whole heart resides. I️ don’t cry much but when I do, it’s at camp. One may ask, why is that? Well, God has allowed me to see the little things that happen and appreciate them. The power of the Holy Spirit is present and working in the hearts of so many. It causes many to break down in front of the Father. The types of tears shed at camp are not ones of sadness or pain, but tears of JOY! They are tears of hope, a hope that we must have in the Lord. Throughout the five summers I have spent at Camp Joy, I treasured many moments and stored them deep in my heart. I shed many blissful tears of hope while watching each camper-counselor relationship develop into a lifelong friendship during a week’s length, listening to all my special friends sing, hearing all their voices SCREAM the name of Jesus is humbling and beautiful. Hearing some of our wheel chair campers sing about walking with Jesus one day, hearing them pray some of the most prophetic prayers and watching them dance for JESUS is marvelous and magical. From jumping around telling campers how beautiful they are, to seeing a camper-councilor duo cuddled up in chapel praying together. Those are the moments that truly define what Camp Joy is about. It’s a camp, where Jesus reigns and takes pleasure in all that He sees. He looks down with delight understanding that this camp is firmly rooted in him, allowing for all to see his honor and his might. When it comes to my own spiritual journey. I can firmly tell you that my most intimate moments with God have come there, up on the mountain. If there is one thing about camp that brings me to tears the most, it is the final night. It is a tradition that all the counselors go and sit in the chapel and reflect over their weeks. Every session, I personally would go the stage, lay on my back and stare at the ceiling and pray. The tears I shed during those intimate moments with God were extremely special. There is NOTHING in the world that was and is more beautiful than those moments with God.

In those moments Mark 10:15 spoke to me the loudest; “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” In those intimate moments, this is what I was thinking about. These beautiful people that we get the chance to befriend have taught me to not get so caught up in the complexities of this world, but to instead accept and greet the Father as children of God. Running to his outstretched arms so innocent and so pure. I would lay and pray to the Father to use me in mighty ways. This past summer was one that I will never forget. It was five long, tiring, and rewarding weeks. God was able to show me that my purpose here on this earth is to serve and help those with special needs. All the tears were a joyful reminder that God has allowed me to see with his eyes and for that I am grateful! But I am most thankful for a Savior who saved my soul and allowed for me the opportunity to serve him mightily.”

Camp Joy leaves me wanting more and more of God each summer. I will never forget that feeling of leaving camp after my very first session. It was devastating to not have my special friend beside me anymore. I developed a strong friendship with my first camper Karen Hucks. Within the first few days of camp, Karen taught me more about God then I could have ever taught her. Every night, Karen would read the Bible and pray for me. I longed to have Karen’s faith. I truly believe that if I would not have met Karen through Camp Joy then I would not be the person I am today. She truly saved me by showing me God’s unconditional love. Even after camp was over, Karen encouraged me by sending me letters and pictures from our time at camp.

“I’ve never seen a place and people so filled with the fruits of the spirit than at Camp Joy. Being surrounded by campers and counselors that truly love Jesus and one another so deeply has changed my perspective on what it means to love someone. Working at camp has shown me where I lacked in loving others and allowed me opportunities to grow to love like Jesus.”⠀⠀⠀

“My name is Dequawn and I LOVE Camp Joy. I have been a camper in Florida for 5 years. My friend, Caitlin helped write about camp.
Camp Joy is my FAVORITE thing to do all year. I constantly ask/text Darcia when Camp Joy is going to be. I go to both the Lake Placid and Lake Wales weeks because I love it so much. As soon as camp is over, I start asking about the next one.
My favorite part of Camp Joy is my counselors. I have had such great counselors every time I’ve gone to Camp. They make my week really fun.
I have several photo books from Camp Joy. I can name many of the campers and counselors. I remember names better than the staff does.
I also love the talent show. I’ve showed off my basketball and musical talents. I also enjoy watching my friends show off their talents.
I am ready for my 2019 Camp Joy weeks. I’m asking everyday if Camp is soon because I am that excited about it.”

“Camp Joy has shaped my life in ways I didn’t know possible. It’s always been a part of my life. My mom was a counselor and Peggy Barnes, the craft leader of many years is like a grandma to me. I always knew it was something special but actually being part of it gives the camp a whole new meaning. It’d be so hard to sum up Camp Joy in one word but if I could I believe the most appropriate word would be spectacular. I was so exited when I got the acceptance email, I knew it was something God had called me to do. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The entire week was full of life changing moments. Seeing the campers praise the good God above made me realize through all the battles they have to fight, it’s made them a stronger person and their faith & relationship with Christ is 10 times stronger than anyone else I’ve ever met. Getting to see the smiles that God specially created and getting to see into all of their amazing personalities was So heartwarming. The camp itself is literally built upon actions of Christ, which the staff continually perform. Whether it’s George blessing our ears with his music, Mrs.Ann giving us amazing pep talks and that encouraging smile. Sarah Beth and her willingness to always have a good time and making sure the campers are happy. The nurses and doctors who are constantly taking care of the campers and counselors. The whole staff was individually hand picked from God. All of these life altering events happened in the midst of one week over the summer. Camp Joy is shaping who I am as a person and I hope it’ll be part of my life for as long as possible!”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“This past summer I had the opportunity to become a first time counselor for Camp Joy Lake Placid. At first I was not sure what this was fully going to encounter. I went into camp with the goal of making that week the best week ever for the campers. However, I would have never imagined the amount of impact the campers had placed on my life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Camp Joy is so much more than a camp; it’s a family. It’s truly one of the greatest blessings I personally have ever received. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Over the summer my camper’s name was Julia. She was a true angel in disguise. The best part of the whole week was by far seeing her face light up as soon as she arrived at camp. That face forever changed my heart and how I see so many different things now.

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Camp was a blessing hands down. It was a chance for me to learn so many new things all while having a blast doing it. Seeing all the campers throughout the week was one of the greatest parts. Waking up every morning for breakfast and saying good morning to all the campers and staff and seeing how excited everyone was for the day to begin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Camp Joy is full of excitement and adventure!!!!!! I love Camp Joy and can not wait until this upcoming summer!!!!!!”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“My name is Jonah Daft and Last year was my first time ever being a Camp Joy counselor. I knew I was gonna have an amazing experience based on my peers telling me about how wonderful camp joy was, yet I was still filled with apprehension. When I first arrived, I didn’t know ANY of the songs. When I met Aiden the next day , that changed. Aiden was so full of energy and excitement and just pure amazement and joy! He taught me EVERY song himself that very first day we met. By the end of the day I was singing them in my sleep. Aiden is who helps me get through hard times away from camp. His exciting energy and love for singing and of course his favorite pal chippy the chipmunk, is what I reflect on and it makes me smile. I thank God for such a wonderful uplifting expirence and really a life changing one. There is no place on the earth that is more love filled than Camp Joy! I cannot wait to hopefully go back this summer and experience Gods love and Grace through the smiles of all the amazing campers I’ve came to known, and the new ones I hope to meet! God bless Camp Joy!”

“There are very few places in the world that you immediately enter and feel at home; Camp Joy is that place for me. I have always felt the most connected and in touch with God when I am on top of the mountain. Some say its because of the air, but I believe it’s because of the people you are surrounded by during that week at camp.

I started working at camp two summers ago and I was very nervous to be in a new place with such a great responsibilty. Before I arrived at camp I was praying to God a lot asking him the same question:“What if I can’t do it?” I wasn’t getting an answer from him until opening day when campers began to arrive. It was watching the campers get out of their cars, run to find their special friend, look for their name on the pavement and then start dancing with the music that I realized I was going to do just fine here. That was the defining moment for me, because in that moment I knew this is where God wanted me and that I was home.

It is easy to feel at home in a place where you get to scream your praises, and where you’re surrounded by inspiring love. And that is the best way I know how to describe Camp Joy. A place of love and joy. For me Proverbs 11:24-25 says what I believe Camp Joy teaches you; “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” The week is long, and it is tiring, but most importantly it is rewarding. With the help of many special friends and God your eyes are opened for the better and you come out of it a better person than how you went into it.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“Within ten minutes of my arrival at Camp Joy, Ms. Ann told me I was there that week because God had intended it. By the time the week was over, I realized she couldn’t be more right. Camp Joy is the closest thing to heaven on earth I had ever experienced. Nothing could prepare me for the how tired I would be or how hard the week would be, but nothing could prepare me for how much my heart was changed. I started off the week thinking I would be helping my camper, but really she helped me. Throughout the week, we were often reminded that taking care of our special friends gave us the chance to be the “hands and feet of Jesus”. But, if I was the hands and feet of Jesus, my camper was the heart of Jesus. I will never forget the last night of camp when I prayed with my special friend after a short devotion. I asked her what she wanted to pray for and she immediately said, “I want to pray for you.” This request humbled me like no other. My camper had spent the whole day in her room sick. She faced new struggles because of her disability every day. How could she want to pray for me, despite every hardship she faces? And then I realized what a perfect example of Jesus’ love she showed. Just as Jesus prayed for us while He was dying on the cross, these special friends pray for us while they overcome their disabilities. Camp Joy showed me a glimpse of what God’s love for us is, pure, joyful, undeserving, and unwavering.”⠀⠀

My first summer at Camp Joy I was my sister Hannah’s special friend. I had no idea how serving her 24-7 would change my heart towards her. At home we are always in a rush, walking ahead of her to get the groceries inside while she walks alone. She never complains about it, even when it is cold and dark. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Getting to walk beside her during every step of camp was a blessing. It challenged my patience at first, but the blessings abounded: seeing her perspective as campers, special friends and staff encouraged her, getting to hear her laugh and talk about what she was learning and loving at camp, and even moments of quiet where we could enjoy the atmosphere up on the mountain.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Now serving as a camp nurse, I get a birds-eye view of each camper’s needs and I love seeing the special friends meet the camper where they are. Sometimes this means fighting off scary things that the camper sees but aren’t there… sitting and holding their hand with ear plugs in while others are jumping up and down…only eating sugar-free popsicles with them… running nonstop right beside them. ⠀

It’s plain to see that they are at camp because they love the LORD and want to share this with others. There is no wonder that special friends and campers alike keep coming back to Camp Joy year after year. It’s an infectious place to be, where the JOY of the LORD abounds.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“For as long as I can remember, I have known about or been involved with Camp Joy. When I was growing up, we always had individuals with special needs in our church. Every year they would talk about Camp Joy and how they couldn’t wait to go back, and I knew I had to check out this special place. I have now worked three years at Camp Joy!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

People do not realize how much one week with a camper can impact and change your life forever. You learn many spiritual and life lessons while working at Camp Joy. After Camp Joy I started to find the simple joys in life and appreciate everything a little more. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Camp Joy is wonderful place that has impacted my life and many others. There’s nothing like it.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“I’m able to help Counselors & Campers as Safety Coordinator,Giving out reminders.I started out as a camper, [but now] in 2018 I am helping Mr. David Monro. I love my job very much.”

Camp Joy is without a doubt the happiest place on earth.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Camp Joy is a place where imperfect people come together to spend time with special friends and love on them, and we get so much love in return! There is nothing more precious to me than spending time up on the mountain with special friends because on that mountain many glorious things happen. We grow, we learn, we love Jesus, and we love one another. Each week spent up on the mountain is one I will cherish!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Camp Joy is the place where I really get to see what it means to love like Jesus. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Our special friends love you no matter who you are, where you come from, what you look like, or what secrets are hiding in your past. They just love you as you are, and they really want to be your friend. (They are the best friends anyone could ask for!) Their love is so selfless and unconditional. They are so patient and so kind. They are so rich in grace! They have the biggest hearts and the sweetest smiles. They love to be silly and make you laugh! They give the BEST hugs and love to hold your hand. They are a gift! Their hearts are so pure. They love to dance and sing praises to our sweet Jesus, and they love to learn about Him. They are my role models and my heroes. Here on the mountain, the greatest commandments given in Matthew 22:37 and 39 are fulfilled. It is such a JOY to be a part of the Camp Joy family!⠀⠀⠀

“I’ve been a part of Camp Joy for two years, but it has truly impacted my life forever. Our special friends, the selfless counselors who willingly put themselves last for a week, and the amazing staff who are so incredibly encouraging and helpful; ALL make Camp Joy what it is! There’s nothing in the world like seeing the most pure, joyful smiles on everyone’s faces! And hearing LOTS of laughter! And giving LOTS of hugs! The campers are always so excited to be there… their joy is truly contagious! Not just for the week of camp, but truly, for the whole year… until it’s time for camp again! 🙂 I have made lifelong friends through Camp Joy, and I have mentors there as well who are invested in my life all year long. I love that we all come together and glorify the name of Jesus! It’s truly the best week. If I were to sum it up into one sentence, In being a counselor at Camp Joy, I have seen a glimpse of heaven. “

“My name is Sadie Saunders, and I was fortune enough to get the opportunity to serve as a Special Friend at Camp Joy this past summer. When I was accepted, and told what week I was going to be attending, honestly, I was shocked. I didn’t feel properly qualified or equipped. But, I knew for a fact that God called me to serve, and there is nothing that can stop that. Nevertheless, God changed me that week. He proved to me that, if He brings you to it, He will bring you through it. ⠀

Camp Joy changed my life in a way I never knew was possible. That week, I experienced true joy that comes from serving Jesus wholeheartedly and putting someone first. Being able to serve my special friend, and be completely, utterly vulnerable to see how my special friend would change my heart, and be observant to notice how Jesus will work through them was the most important lesson I will ever learn. Ms Ann said something the very first day that has stuck with me ever since “I firmly believe that God gave us our special friends to be angels on Earth, in order to point us back to Jesus.” My special friend did exactly that and so much more. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Every camper at Camp Joy embodies the love of Christ like no other individuals I have ever met. They face adversity and challenges with a smile, knowing that God is on their side. “What can man do to them?” That is complete faith. The special friends at Camp Joy inspire me to live joyfully and and walk with Jesus every day with intention. I have felt God’s presence at Camp Joy stronger than anywhere else and I am completely honored to be apart of this ministry. It has been, and will continue to be my greatest and highest honor to be apart of something so special.”

“I’ve only been a counselor at camp joy once, and as soon as I get the opportunity to do it again, I won’t hesitate to take it. God has used Camp Joy in so many ways to teach me of his love, and mercy, and his unshakable plan for my life. When I tell people about Camp Joy, they usually assume it’s a volunteer job to serve our special friends. But it is so much more than that. Just as much as it is for our special friends, it is for the counselors and staff as well, if not more so. This is a place where God’s presence is so clearly felt. It’s overwhelming.. One night at camp, I was walking to my cabin after staff meeting and I stopped and looked up at the sky, and just started sobbing. I wasn’t sad; in fact, I was overjoyed! God was right there with me and the peace I felt from him was so powerful and amazing. I can’t even explain it… It was definitely a feeling I’d never felt before. I would say that, for me, Camp Joy is undoubtedly the happiest place on earth, and the closest you can get to heaven! Our special needs friends come to camp so ready to spend a week praising our Father and sharing love everywhere they go! One of my favorite bible verses now is “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13” Words cannot describe the love our special friends give; it is truly precious. I am so thankful for camp joy and I cannot wait to get another opportunity to spend a week serving our Lord.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“The Camp Joy family has always been like a second family to me. My aunt, Cathy, attended as a camper for several years. Her favorite thing throughout the whole year was camp. When I was little I would visit her at camp and watch how her counselor would love on her and treat her as an equal and my aunt was in heaven. I wanted to do that. When I was finally old enough I joined her as a counselor. 16 year old me had no idea what kind of impact Camp Joy would have on my life over the next few years. Now, 21 years old, I haven’t missed a year of camp. I have had many campers through my years of serving and each of them has taught me something different. Through them God taught me priceless lessons that He knew I needed in that season. All the campers share this in common; they show a love like Jesus’ – genuine, unconditional, and full of joy. They accept you for who you are and love you no matter what. I hope to one day be able to love others in the capacity they do. Despite their physical and mental limitations they are truly joyful and content. Something I strive towards in life; to be content in Him no matter what is going on around me. The love of Jesus is evident at this camp and I have been honored to be able to serve these special friends as the hands and feet of Jesus. I hope to be able to continue serving over the years and to be able to honor Cathy, the campers, and Jesus.” ⠀