The Stories We Tell: When Courage Takes Root

As December invites us into a slower, more reflective season, we at Star Rock Ministries are taking time to look back, not just at summer camp, but at what God continues to grow long after students return home.

The organizations we partner with walk alongside young people year-round, nurturing faith, relationships, and courage in ordinary, everyday moments. Tyler’s story is one of those quiet fruits, first glimpsed at camp, now continuing to unfold.

Tyler attended XLR8 this past summer. At first glance, he didn’t look like someone held back by fear. At 6’5”, he carried himself confidently. But when it came time for the high ropes course, Tyler froze.

He was terrified of heights.

With encouragement from those around him, Tyler began to climb the 25 foot Pamper Pole. Halfway up, fear took over and he stopped. He climbed back down, disappointed, but not defeated.

Then something shifted.

After watching a camper climb higher, Tyler decided to try again. This time, he went farther than he ever thought possible. As his feet found the top and his hands steadied, Tyler realized he had done more than climb a pole, he had confronted fear head-on.

Later, Tyler reflected on that moment: “If I can overcome this, and God is with me, then I can overcome a lot more.”

That truth didn’t stay on the mountain.

In the months since camp, Tyler’s mentors have seen a change. He is more willing to try new things. More open to growth. More confident in who God created him to be. What began as a physical challenge became a spiritual marker in his life.

This is the kind of transformation we see again and again through our partnerships: camp creates space for God to speak and campers to grow in new ways. It accelerates how local organizations can inspire their students to live-out new faith, confidence, and hope long after they leave the mountain top experience that your generosity helps create.

Tyler’s courage is being nurtured through mentors who know his name, walk with him consistently, and remind him that God is present, even when fear returns. And as a leader himself, he is passing on that same lesson to others.

As we close out the year, we’re grateful for stories like Tyler’s. They remind us that camp is not an isolated experience, but a catalyst - one moment in a longer journey of faith, growth, and hope.

Thank you for partnering with Star Rock Ministries to make space for these moments, and for being part of a gift that keeps giving - one that continues to shape lives long after camp ends.



A Prayer

Lord, thank You for the quiet victories, the ones that begin with a single brave step. Thank You for meeting Tyler in his fear and showing him Your faithfulness. As this year comes to a close, we ask that You continue to strengthen the courage You planted in him. Surround him with leaders who encourage, guide, and remind him that You are always with him. May the seeds planted at camp continue to grow, bearing fruit in ways only You can imagine. Amen.

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