Awesomeness Takes the [2013] Stage // Emily

When a girl loves to play gaga ball (read: conquer the guys) as much as Emily, she becomes Queen of Gaga Ball! She represents the girls well, I'm telling you!

Emily first came as a GIT (Guide In Training!) last year and wanted to come back for sm'ore! I've seen her grow more this summer and become a stronger leader because of it! The thing with Emily is she really has a way of connecting with others! 

She's fun, thoughtful and stays pretty upbeat even when stuff gets tough! And we all know it does! Emily has the ability to take what is dished out and rise to the occasion with finesse! Though I believe the finesse came through life's hardships, she certainly is better equipped for whatever life brings. You know, that whole God works all things for the good thing?!

As Emily gears up for her first year of college, I think I say for all of us…You got this Em (insert swat on backside!). Catch more of this ball 'o fun on instagram @emily_roedding.

Awesomeness Takes the [2013] Stage // Aaron

Wow! On one hand it's hard to believe we are starting our last week of camp today. On the other hand, we.are.so.tired!

In an effort to catch you all up on our staff, I will be slam jammin' the awesomeness stage this week! hang on, here we go!Does it get any better than this? Aaron is a goofball. What you see above is his amazing paintball outfit! I wish for markers to color in his shirt every time he wears it!!

Along with being a goofball, Aaron has an awesome heart for kids and people in general. He's been with us a number of years now as a guide, but has taken on more of a leader role this summer, overseeing a little more and even teaching one night during the week. The more he grows in the Lord, the more of a shepherd he becomes to others, showing them the way to a passionate relationship with Jesus!!

I admire the way he strives to keep his mark set on Christ in all things and his honesty when things have gone askew. His openness to being sharpened and chiseled into a more fine-tuned soldier of Christ reveals the humility growing in his heart.

If anything marks Aaron's life, it's the way he clings to the Rock of Christ and kindly and encouragingly helps others do the same!

Follow him on instagram @ajenness3 for some random goodness.

Hope you find some goofball moments to enjoy today!! (I know I'm needing them today!)

Awesomeness Takes the [2013] Stage >>> James

Next up on our awesomeness takes the stage is James! We met James (then called Jimmy!) several years ago when he came up as a camper on a mission work trip to Whisper Mountain! A typical goofball but one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet…he remains the same today!

James is a guy who's been through some stuff, but you'd never know from the joy on his face. He quite simply loves Jesus! We lovingly tease him for his quirky ways and constant pacing around the back during service, but James has a heart for people and building them up!

He can play him some gee-tar too! I love listening to him practice or pluck out some amazing tunes with Kyle keeping rhythm on the drums.

His quieter nature makes it easy for him to serve on the sly, which only adds to the beauty of his humility! I'm thankful he has chosen to spend his summer investing in others at WM! I'm challenged by his simple and fervent love for Jesus and blessed by his unassuming wisdom! James is pretty awesome!

If you'd like a peek into his world, follow him on instagram @greenja4. If you know him, feel free to leave a little love in the comments!

Thanks for checking out the awesomeness in our neck of the woods! More to come later in the week!

Awesomeness Takes the Stage // Kyle

Throwing a little more awesomeness your way again this week! I'm trying to make sure to cover everyone! The summer is just ticking by so fast!

Kyle first came as a camper and returned this summer for his second year as a GIT with us!

// welcomed with big hugs as all returning staff are //

// personal friend of Sasquatch //

// member of (the fun and silly) Bros on Ice Band //

// works hard to earn the respect of superiors (namely Tegan!) //

// willingly slides into action whenever called upon //

// general goofball //

Cassi: Why did you want to be a GIT (GuideInTraining)?

Kyle: last year was great, my relationship with the camp is good, and I felt like God brought me back. (you are going to choose only the best pictures right?)

Cassi: What's your favorite verse?

Kyle: Well it'd probably have to be Romans 8:28-30 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."

Cassi: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Kyle: I really want to work with underprivileged youth in an inner city environment. Maybe be a head chef in my own restaurant to help fund that. No don't really put that part. And you know photography…Or I might be a gypsy. (only stellar pictures of me, right?!)

Cassi: Of course Kyle (with fingers crossed behind my back!), only the best pictures of you! So what do you want friends of WM to pray for you about this summer?

Kyle: that I would find God's place for me. I'll be graduating in January and I just want to know what He wants me to do next. (make sure to mention "Kyle is awesome, which in the Greek translates dangerously amazing.")

The effects of strong mentors in Kyle's life have proven to shape him into the hardworking, creative, service oriented man he is today! We are blessed by each of those aspects every day at camp! Through struggle, Kyle keeps on keeping on and I admire him for it! Do pray for him, friends!

Glimpsing awesomeness can be inspiring, don't you think?