Our 9th grade students recently embarked on their Impact Trip to Camp Tejas, a transformative three-day experience filled with service, teamwork, and spiritual growth. Their efforts not only made a significant difference for the camp but also reinforced the values of community and faith that we hold dear.
Camp Tejas faced major damage from a storm last May, and has been in recovery mode ever since. With 27 buildings affected and a small crew working tirelessly, the camp needed a helping hand. Over the course of their trip, our 9th grade students stepped up to the challenge, assembling over 200 chairs, building 18 bunk beds, and filling and removing 85 bags of leaves. Tasks that would have taken weeks for the Tejas staff were completed in a fraction of the time.
The students also moved 30 large picnic tables, saving the crew a half-day of labor, and worked together to reset one of the camp’s large buildings to prepare it for use. During the eighth grade Impact trip in December, our students lent their support by clearing out the dining hall and removing old bunk beds. Their efforts created a clear space for the freshmen class to build all the new furniture for the spaces!
On the final day, the focus shifted to preparing the camp for 300 guests arriving the next day. The students began by setting up the large meeting room, ensuring every detail was perfect for the upcoming gathering. They worked as a team to reset the dining hall, showcasing their handiwork by arranging the tables and chairs they had built earlier. Careful attention was given to prepping tables with tablecloths, salt and pepper shakers, napkins, and sauces, creating a warm and welcoming environment. They also reorganized game tables, transforming the space into a fun and inviting area for visitors.
As the students worked, torrential rain poured down for over ten hours, turning their efforts into a true test of perseverance. But their spirits remained high, and when outdoor activities became impossible, the group shifted to indoor bonding.
In a large meeting room, the students enjoyed much-needed downtime, playing pickleball, “take away,” laser tag, and even a zombie game. These activities brought laughter and camaraderie, helping students strengthen their friendships and learn to support one another in new and fun ways.
Evenings were marked by meaningful devotionals, where students reflected on how they could build their community, bless others, and grow as part of God’s greater community. These discussions mirrored the work they did each day—serving selflessly, forming new connections, and embodying the love of Christ.
This trip was about more than hard work; it was about living out faith in action. By serving Camp Tejas, our students became the hands and feet of Christ, preparing the camp to welcome future guests and deepening their own understanding of what it means to serve.
We are proud of their dedication and the way they came together as a team. The lessons they learned and the impact they made will remain with them for years to come—just as their work will leave a lasting legacy at Camp Tejas.
