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October, 2025
The Stories We Tell: 12 Narratives of the Transformative Work of Camp
While most of our SRM summer camp partners are closing up for the season, pulling boats from the lakes, carefully storing climbing equipment, and inventorying backpacking supplies; at SRM, we’re taking time to notice, listen, and reflect.
Although the ministries we support serve and nurture students year-round, we’re especially attuned to the stories of impact from summer 2025. We’re celebrating more than 25 partnerships we were privileged to come alongside. We’re cheering for 2,100 students who heard the message of Jesus. And we’re reflecting on the many stories shared throughout the summer.
This year, we hope to bring those stories into the light- to lift up the voices of those we serve. These are the stories told around campfires, whispered in cabins, and shared around tables. Often, these are stories of broken lives made whole. Stories of relationships restored. Stories that speak to the love, creativity, and provision of a generous God.
These are the stories worth telling- stories that build and sustain communities, stories that shape the daily work of our partners.
In the coming months, we’ll share just a few of these stories with you: 12 narratives about the transformative work of camp.
This month, we’d like to introduce you to Maliyah, a member of Parable in Long Beach. Maliyah has walked through seasons of intense pain and struggle. Her story is shaped by both suffering and resilience.
At 16, Maliyah reached what she describes as her breaking point. But even in her deepest pain, she sensed God nudging her toward love, community, and belonging through Parable.
This summer, Maliyah had the opportunity to attend XLR8 as a camper in Bass Lake, California. Here’s what she had to say about her time at camp:
“Attending Star Rock Camp has been such a blessing. Surrounded by God’s creation, I grew closer to Him through worship, prayer, and reflection. Sharing my testimony was one of the most meaningful moments—it blessed me to open up and see how my story touched others. I also formed lasting friendships with people who encouraged me in my faith and became part of a supportive community.
XLR8 at Bass Lake was an unforgettable experience. Through worship and prayer, I drew nearer to God. I loved sharing meals with my cabin and the night we slept under the stars at Star Rock. I even had the chance to help some of the girls in my cabin overcome their fears, which made our bond stronger. These camps brought me closer to God and gave me friendships and encouragement I’ll always carry with me. I am forever grateful.”
As you read Maliyah’s story, we invite you to partner with us in continuing the work of transforming lives through camp experiences.
Lord, You see every heart, every soul, every story. You know the quiet hopes tucked away behind unsure smiles, the silent prayers whispered into the night, and the deep need each child carries to be seen, to be loved, to belong. I lift up that camper to You now. May their eyes be opened wide to the wonder waiting for them. Let every experience, each song sung, each prayer whispered, each hand held in friendship, be a doorway to You. And as their story unfolds, may they find not just fun and friendship, but a deep knowing that they are called, chosen, and cherished.
We trust You with the hearts of these kids. We thank You for what You are already doing in them, even now. Amen.
Jordy “Chiquita” Dickey (YSSC Alum & SRM Monthly Donor)
