When Roycie, Lorelei, and Sloan finished eighth grade at St. Paul Lutheran School last spring, they knew high school would take them down three separate paths. But before scattering to new campuses as freshmen this fall, the three close friends shared one unforgettable week at Camp Lone Star in La Grange, Texas.

They all went for different reasons. Roycie thought camp sounded fun. Lorelei had never really been to camp before and wasn’t sure what to expect. Sloan signed up because her friends were going and thought it would be a good chance to spend time together.

Finding Something Bigger

What they found was a community that quickly became much bigger than the three of them.

“I was expecting to only hang out with people from my church, but that wasn’t the case,” Roycie says. One of her favorite memories came during an affirmation activity where campers wrote encouraging messages to one another. “It made me feel so loved. The people I met will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

For Lorelei and Sloan, the quiet moments at dusk left some of the deepest impressions.

“I loved going to night devotions at sunset,” Lorelei says. “I felt so connected with God.”

Sloan remembers sitting by the fire as the sun went down, singing Christian songs. “It was one of the best feelings ever,” she says. “What stayed with me from camp is the loving community and the willingness to learn about God. I have never been in an atmosphere like that one, and you never truly understand until you experience it for yourself.”

Hearing God’s Calling

This summer’s theme, God’s Calling, added another layer to their experience. For Roycie and Sloan, it served as a constant reminder that God is always present. For Lorelei, it was an invitation to follow God and discover His ways.

Those lessons are at the heart of a ministry that has been serving kids and youth for generations. Since 1941, Camp Lone Star has provided a place where campers can step away from their everyday routines, build authentic relationships and grow in Christ. What began as 50 acres of brush-filled land along the Colorado River has grown into a ministry with two locations serving more than 12,000 guests each year.

Taking Camp With Them

Now, as Roycie, Lorelei and Sloan navigate freshman year at three separate schools, they carry those experiences with them—and they have some advice for other youth.

“You need to get out of your comfort zone and go,” Lorelei says. “I promise you will have a blast, and it will be so good for your faith.”

Roycie agrees: “Go to Lone Star if you want to feel a piece of joy that will last, even if you’re unsure.”

Stories like theirs reflect St. Paul’s Next Generation value: We will stop at nothing to ensure our young people know and love Jesus Christ. Through ministries like Camp Lone Star, our youth find the space to grow in faith, build relationships and experience the joy of life in Christ.

You can help make experiences like these possible for more students. Click the button below to give directly to Youth Group Trips Support, which helps fund Camp Lone Star and the High School International Mission Trip.