Photos courtesy of Lake Poinsett camp.

“I was asked at camp, have you ever thought of becoming a pastor? I didn't know how to answer it because I have never thought about it. As the week went on it felt like I was called to be a pastor,” said Alex Jensen, an eighth-grade student from Beresford Zion UMC.

Alex attended Middle School Sampler as a seventh-grader where he connected with Rev. Clay Lundberg. Lundberg, who serves the United in Faith Parish at Burke and Herrick, served as dean for the camp. The camp focuses on issues and tough questions that middle school students face.

Attending camp is something that Alex has made part of his summer for a few years. He has attended Sand, Surf, and Sun and Elementary Sampler. These camps were led by Clay and Linse Lundberg.

“I met Pastor Clay, in 2015,” said Alex. “We keep in touch. He is one of my friends to this day. All because of camp.”

When Jensen returned from camp, he asked his pastor, Rev. Katie Ricke, what it takes to become a pastor. “I am thinking, I want to be a pastor,” Alex said.

Pastor Katie sees Alex extending his passion for God to other youth. He is active in youth group and is inviting others to join. “I invite others because then they get to learn about God,” Alex says. “They also learn about who they are and get to have fun.”

Worship, friendship, and learning are highlights of camp that Alex will carry with him. “At camp you learn about God and have fun. You meet new people. You learn a lot about how to be open minded about different things,” says Alex.

Camp has inspired Alex to share his love for God with others. “I tell others that God has done a lot of things not just for me but everyone. He died on the cross for us but left behind the Bible for us to learn about him and what happened to him.” 

The Camp and Retreat Ministry staff are actively planning the 2019 camping season. Look for the 2019 camping brochure before Christmas. Congregations and individuals can begin dreaming and inviting someone to come to camp and explore their call.