Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Cory McCowan

Our final summer staffer is on the Awesomeness Takes the Stage today! It’s hard to believe we’ve come to the end! Let’s welcome Cory McCowan!

Cory was our main weed whacker this year! Maybe one of the hardest jobs at camp is walking these hills, whacking the weeds in the hot, hot sun, and sometimes alone.

But we saw how the camaraderie with people on our team, the positive and Jesus-filled environment, and physical hard work helped grow Cory as a person this summer! New experiences with caring people sometimes help us more than we know!

Cory has a sincere and caring heart for others, loves the water and is always willing to be open and honest with the people around him. Even though Cory’s circumstances have not always been ideal, we are seeing how he is gaining the courage to become the man God has created him to be!

We are thankful for his time serving with us and all the hard work he put in to keeping our property in great shape.

Cory, thank you for all you’ve done to help us this summer! We see God helping to lead you — stay courageous enough to keep following Him!

[Author: Cassi | Photo Creds: Cassi, Emilie, Chloe, Casey]

Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Hayden Swanger

Our final GIT on the Awesomeness Takes the Stage is Hayden Swanger!

Like many before him, Hayden was first a camper! Part of our vision at Whisper Mountain Camp is follow up discipleship well beyond the camp week with our campers. I recently learned that Hayden is one Shaun has poured into for several years now. Seeing God’s work in him from his 8th grade year until this year, his graduating year, has been super awesome to see!

Hayden’s ability to lead well, bring so much laughter to the table, and offer solid perspective in so many situations has made him such an asset to our team!

His heart for worship helped lead campers all summer long. His hard work ethic and willing attitude to just get the work done was beyond appreciated. His team player mentality strengthened each of us as we served together!

We are excited to continue to see how God uses and grows Hayden as he boldly follows Him in this next phase of his journey!

Thank you Hayden for giving your summer to Proclaim Christ and bring glory to Him through your serving! We love you!

 

[Author: Cassi | Photo Creds: Cassi, Emilie, Chloe, Casey, Sam]

Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Corey Adkins

You met his sister earlier today on the Awesomeness Takes the Stage!! Now it’s Corey Adkins’ turn!!

Corey is every bit of people loving as they come! Look up EXTROVERT in the dictionary and you’ll see his face there! He adds such a great energy to our team and helps set a fun atmosphere for the campers!

He’s been Tegan’s best pal, the booming voice among the crowds, the smile that never quits, the friend anyone would want to have, the Cali boy who plays ball!

As he continues to grow in his own walk with Jesus, it has been a beautiful thing to see him stretch inside of spiritual leadership among campers! Getting to see small glimpses into the man God is shaping him to be is a wonderful privilege! We know there are good plans ahead for Corey as he keeps chasing more of the adventure God has for him!

Thank you for coming all the way from Cali to serve with us this summer, Corey! We are very thankful for all you’ve added to our summer staff team this year! (and thanks for loving Tegan!)

 

[Author: Cassi | Photo Creds: Cassi, Emilie, Chloe, Casey ]

Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Kaleigh Stickles

You guys ready for some more Awesomeness Takes the Stage? Let’s get on with welcoming Kaleigh Stickles!!

Kaleigh is in her fourth year with us! And as a married woman this summer! It blows us away that she is willing to be serving with us, living with campers instead of with her husband for the summer! She’s pretty cool like that! (see previous spotlights here and here!)

Kaleigh is great about connecting with people and making them feel they are worth her time! She’s a closet gangster with a passion for inspiring teen girls to find their beauty in Christ! (See more about the ministry she cofounded!)

Kaleigh led the way in doing scary things this summer when she was willing to help lead worship along with Morgan, Hayden and Chaz! She overcame a giant and inspired us each to keep doing the same in our own lives!

Thank you, Kaleigh, for giving up your summer to come Proclaim Christ to teens with us! Your love makes a difference!

[Author: Cassi  | Photo Creds: Cassi, Casey, Chloe]

Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Morgan Goodson

You guys, we only have a short of time left to put all the staff on the Awesomeness Takes the Stage this summer! So let’s keep it rolling with Morgan Goodson!

Morgs (previously spotlighted here and here!), like many others before her, was first a camper! This is her third summer serving with us as a Guide!

Seeing Morgan grow through the years has been a beautiful thing! Growth is hard, people, but she is faithful to following hard after Jesus and He’s weaving a beautiful story with her! We are thankful for the front row seat and for the inspiration she is!

Morgan is the girl who’s quietly in the middle of the action, but very good at seeing those people who might be getting missed in the crowd, at offering her peanut gallery commentary and making those she’s with feel seen and heard! If she’s not hugging someone, she’s listening. If she’s not listening she’s making them laugh!

Morgs, we look forward to seeing how God molds and shapes you as you keep following Him in this next step of your journey! We are thankful to have you on the team this summer!

[Author: Cassi | Photo Creds: Cassi, Emilie, Casey]

Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Sam Wammock

Have you been following our Awesomeness Takes the Stage introductions? Today is your lucky day because you get to meet Sam Wammock!

Sam started serving with us last year (check out last year’s spotlight here!), but was a camper for a few years before that! Seeing her growth over these years has been beautiful!

Not only does she look like the blonde version of Brave (see archery picture above!!), but she has displayed great bravery on many levels this summer! She’s stepped up in leadership in many ways and has a willingness to do things outside her comfort zone (i.e.: high ropes set up!). She’s nailing it all!

She’s a friend to all, being so very willing to carry the hard things and laugh off the crazy things. She’s reliable and fun and you know just where you stand with her! She helps others rise to the occasion, making them a stronger version of themselves!

Sam, we can’t thank you enough for allowing God to use you, grow you and shine through you while you serve with us! Thanks for being here this summer!

[Author: Cassi | Photo Creds: Cassi & Casey]

Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Chaz Grant

You’ve met our Media Collective Crew, so now begins the Guide Introductions! Our guides are what some camps call counselors. They are with the campers 24/5 and lead various parts of the summer program! Today I want you to meet Chaz Grant on the Awesomeness Takes the Stage!

This is Chaz’s second year with us (see last year’s spotlight here!). He continues to be a strong leader among our team: always reliable, always willing to serve in any capacity and always ready with a fact you didn’t know you needed!

Chaz not only enjoys pulling on people’s elbow fat, but has a big heart to connect with people. When he’s not messing with their elbows, he’s great at making people feel welcome.

He’s stepped up this year in teaching one of our breakout sessions with campers on Absolute Truth and has done a really fantastic job! He has a great way of asking  questions that get people thinking and stir conversation.

His proactive attitude and sincere desire to follow God makes him a huge asset on our summer team! Thanks for serving with us Chaz! And thanks for leading well!

[Author: Cassi | Photo Credits: Cassi, Chloe, Casey ]

Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Christian Miller

Hello, Friends!! Do you have a minute to get to know Christian Miller today on our Awesomeness Takes the Stage! He’s the last of our Media Collective Team!

Christian is a big guy with a big passion for videography/photography! He takes his work seriously and uses his creativity and mad skillz to capture stories to bless others! Which kinda comes in handy at camp, right?!

He’s a one on one kinda fella, but doesn’t mind shouting random things at random times within large groups of people! Always keeping us on our toes, this one!

I’ve seen Christian grow this summer and it’s been great to see him stretch himself more and more out from behind the camera to connect with campers.

He’s done a great job compiling all the photos and videos from the other media team members and putting together each week’s videos! Thanks for serving with us this summer, Christian! And thanks for having a laugh that is contagious!

[Author: Cassi | Photo Creds:  Cassi, Casey, Emilie]

Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Emily Frew

And the introductions keep rolling! You’ve met Casey and Chloe, but today I’d like you to meet Emily Frew on our Awesomeness Takes the Stage Series!

Emily is always wearing a smile. Maybe it’s the dimples, but for sure it’s the bright and cheery light that makes her smile so refreshing! When the dark and heavy cloud hangs over our days (we all have them, right?!), Emilie’s smile is a little sunshine to keep us going!

She seems to prefer the one on one interactions over the front of the large crowd interactions, but Emily has a heart to be involved and connect with others!

She uses her camera to capture the best of people’s moments and encourages the people around her!

Emilie, thank you for spending your summer snapping with us! And thank you for always flashing your smile to brighten our days! (see what just happened there?!)

[Author: Cassi | Photo Creds: Cassi, Casey, Chloe]

Awesomeness Takes the Stage 2017 | Chloe Headings

You guys met Casey, right? Continuing on with the introductions of our Media Collective team, I bring you Chloe Headings!

It doesn’t matter that Chloe is the youngest member on our entire summer staff or that she traveled the second furthest to serve with us this summer (hello Michigan!) or that she is confused by the difference between a sweater and a sweatshirt. What matters is that Chloe is excited about life and loves to share it with the people around her.

Chloe handles difficulties with grace, seeks to keep the team strong and to remain positive no matter what is going on around her. Her go-getter attitude is appreciated around these parts and she’s proven herself reliable on many occasions.

With a willingness to learn and try new things and challenge herself in new ways, Chloe is a huge asset to our Media Co.

Thanks for coming all this way to serve with us, Chloe! We love having your fun little self with us this summer!

[Author: Cassi | Photo Creds: Cassi, ]