FTK (For the Kids)

“For the Kids” (FTK) is a line I’m borrowing from one of the churches we partnered with at summer camp. It basically means we adults must be willing to get uncomfortable and go a little crazy for the benefit of the kids we serve. Need a volunteer to get a pie to the face? Sign us up! Jump into a mud pit? We’re there! Wear an inflatable cat costume? Anytime, anywhere. 

“For The Kids” doesn’t come out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to invest in the lives of these young people and meet them where they’re at. At this past camp, our cabin was filled with middle school girls, with a range of life experiences. With all their differences, they had one thing in common: they needed Jesus. And throughout the week, all 7 of them experienced Jesus’ healing, strength, and hope. One of the girls left chapel two nights in a row in tears. When I asked what was going on, she shared that she didn’t expect chapel to be her favorite part of camp. She thought she just came to have fun with her friends! This new and powerful connection with Jesus led to deep and unexpected emotions. Another girl asked to leave the night game early so she could talk with one of the other leaders about things going on in her life. Another opened up about some deep wounds after I asked her a simple, non-invasive question. Walls came down, and breakthroughs happened…look at God!

Yes, we adult leaders left camp sore (some of us) injured, and exhausted, but it was all “For The Kids.” And it was worth it. But the reality is that we likely won’t see the fruit of these experiences for years, if ever. It is not our job to change a kid’s life. But we are faithfully present, willing to get a little crazy, and show these teens the love of Jesus. 

I want to highlight a couple of amazing young women, Catherine and Re-nita. I met both of these girls 8 years ago when they were in 7th grade at Glacier Point Middle School. They participated in Campus Life Club through YFC for years and attended youth group. I had the pleasure of seeing them graduate from high school and walked with them as they began college. To be clear, I am not the only adult who has invested in them. They’ve got an army of wonderful people who would do almost anything for them. 

Catherine and Re-nita attended winter camp as high schoolers, and now, at almost 20 years old, they have joined summer staff at Sugar Pine Christian Camps! It was such a blessing to see them throughout the week around camp. I even had a “mom” moment when I awkwardly shouted their names and took their picture as they were serving food. As you can tell, one appreciated it more than the other. But being in their lives for 8 years has allowed me to see God transform both of them. It has not been easy. After initial challenges of getting through high school, there was an adventure in finding a place to live, getting everything set up for Fresno City, and figuring out the joys of financial aid. Then there was the challenge of staying on top of school and discovering what they wanted to study. And within all that, they faced the ultimate teenager’s challenge of finding a first job. I had the blessing of celebrating with both of them when they got those first jobs. There has been laughter, tears, anger, and a lot of weirdness throughout these 8 years, and I am so thankful for all the opportunities to live FTK.

Aubrey Bisher
Director of Ministry