Camp Hope matters. It has since its inception three years ago – and it will continue to matter in the months, years, and perhaps in the decades to come. That declarative statement isn’t just my own not-so-humble opinion; but rather a fact.

But before I continue, please allow me to tell you precisely what Camp Hope is. Camp Hope is a summer enrichment camp held locally every summer by the combined efforts of all three Episcopal churches here in Thomasville: All Saints’, Good Shepherd, and St. Thomas. The summer camp was meticulously planned, staffed, and executed by the Oak Street Episcopal Mission (formerly known as the Episcopal Development Agency of Thomasville, or simply EDAT). Camp Hope’s continuous focus is the identification and honing of leadership traits within each of its summer camp participants. This summer, Camp Hope was blessed to host the following leaders: Audrey Atkins, Ante’Asia Barber, Aubrey Bowden, Jayuan Bowden, Danyelle Curry, Devin Herring, Shemaurnia Hudson, Lemariah Johnson, Nyesha Maxwell, Tatyanna Mitchell, Zya Outlaw, Damieon Smith, Quadash’a Vall, and Kelvin Williams. Every one of these young people possesses leadership traits. Every one of them has God-given gifts. Every one of them has exceedingly bright futures. I know these things well because I had the distinct honor of serving as Camp Hope’s director this summer.

I also had the distinct privilege of working alongside Ms. Hannah Deaver, who served as Camp Hope’s counselor. Ms. Deaver is as brilliant, talented, energetic, and patient a teacher as I’ve seen in some time. Her guidance of and affection for the Camp Hope participants — affectionately called the “Hopers” — was on full display every second of every minute of every day. She clearly matters, therefore, Camp Hope clearly matters.

Camp Hope matters because the full resources of the Episcopal Church were made available to affirm and confirm that. I cite the Right Reverend Scott Anson Benhase, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, for his unwavering support. I cite the Reverend Canon Frank Logue for his steadfast prayers and support. Locally, I thank Father Dwayne Varas, the rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and Father Paul Hancock, the rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, along with their Vestries and congregations for their countless contributions.

I publicly express my deep gratitude to Ms. Linda Jones of Flowers Foods, Kimberly and Matt Hagel of Chop House on the Bricks, Dr. Cynthia J. Drayton of the Thomasville/Thomas County Department of Labor, Officer Dominic Ford and Officer Chris Baggett of the Thomasville Police Department, Mrs. Lauren Radford of the City of Thomasville, Symone Davis of WCTV’s Channel 6 Eyewitness News, Mrs. Stephanie Tillman of Flowers Foods, Dr. Hazel T. Jones of the Thomasville City School Board, and the ladies of the Lambda Xi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Mrs. Mazie Wilson, Mrs. Juanita Jackson, and Mrs. Zondra Williams-Goosby) for graciously coming out to speak to the “Hopers.” They now aspire to great heights because your words inspired them to do so. Camp Hope matters even more than previously because you cared enough to share your time, talent, and treasure with our future leaders.

A heartfelt thank you is extended from the Oak Street Episcopal Mission to the local businesses and organizations who partnered to ensure Camp Hope’s success this summer: Publix; Chick-Fil-A; Zaxby’s; Smallcakes; Chop House on the Bricks; Barberito’s; Wingstop (the Bannerman location in Tallahassee); Honeybaked Ham (Tallahassee); The River Church and its Pastor, the Reverend Deaver; First Baptist Church, Pastor Marty Carnes, and its entire Vacation Bible School staff; Mrs. Mary Lawrence Lang and Ms. Sophia Latz of Thomasville Landmarks; McDonald’s; Gateway Cinemas 7, Dr. Randy Watts and the entire coaching staff of Brookwood School; the Vestry of the Church of the Good Shepherd; Mr. Job Coleman and the staff of the Weston YMCA; the staff of the Butler-Mason YMCA; the staff of the Tallahassee Museum; and the staff of the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

Without the generous contributions of Mrs. Michele Arwood, Mrs. Margret Brinson, Mr. Larry Davis, Mrs. Janet Hutchings, Mrs. Angie Jackson, Mrs. Jenny Ladson, Mrs. Janet Lancaster, Mrs. Katie McCloud, Mrs. Ann Schieb, Mrs. Alston Watt, and Ms. Elizabeth Williams, Camp Hope would not have been possible for 2017. Camp Hope matters because of these individuals, their love of God, and their love for God’s people.

Camp Hope matters because a veritable army of teen volunteers from Scholars’ Academy, Brookwood School, Thomas County Central High School, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church renewed old friendships and established new friendships with the “Hopers.”

Our “Snack Angels” were amazing! You know who you are.

Leaders bloomed at Camp Hope this summer. Camp Hope traveled to different cities in different states in order to try different things. The mantra of “good choices, good behavior, and great attitude” was reinforced every weekday by the Director and Counselor with plenty of love, peace, and joy. For the rest of their lives, the “Hopers” will carry these summer camp memories with them.

For all these reasons and more, Camp Hope matters.