A Lifetime of Faith and Friendship at Rock River Bible Camp: Abby Frye’s Story
For many, camp is a summer tradition—one week of fun, faith, and friendships before heading back to normal life. But for some, camp becomes more than just a place they visit; it becomes a part of who they are. Abby Frye is one of those people. Her journey with Rock River Bible Camp (RRBC) spans decades, from camper to volunteer to staff member, and through it all, she has seen firsthand how camp shapes lives, including her own.
A Journey That Started Decades Ago
Abby’s relationship with Rock River Bible Camp began in the late ‘90s and early 2000s when she attended as a camper. Like many who step onto campgrounds for the first time, she had no idea how deeply it would impact her life. Through countless conversations, powerful lessons, and unforgettable activities, RRBC became more than just a summer destination—it became a home away from home.
Reflecting on her experiences, Abby struggles to pinpoint just one defining moment because camp has been full of so many meaningful interactions. “That’s a lot of conversations, lessons, activities, and meals. Trying to think of just one moment that stands out more than the others is hard,” she shared.
Instead of one defining memory, Abby sees her camp journey as a collection of moments where God worked in her life—moments that refined her, strengthened her faith, and encouraged her to keep going. “The way God used people and situations at RRBC to speak to my heart, mind, and spirit to continue to refine me with fire and cheer me on to keep the faith.”
A Foundation Built on Relationships
While the sermons, worship sessions, and devotions all played a role in Abby’s spiritual journey, the relationships she formed at camp have had the most lasting impact. She describes RRBC as a place where friendships don’t just last for a summer but for a lifetime.
“At camp, you meet people that can encourage you in your walk with Christ for the rest of your life,” Abby explains. “Camp brings together people from various backgrounds in a laid-back, Jesus-centered environment that is a beautiful, fertile ground for community to grow.”
Many of the friendships Abby cherishes today were formed at camp—whether during her time as a camper or while serving as a volunteer. These are not just casual acquaintances; they are “Dear friends that I can call on in times of need who will point me back to the goodness of God.”
This is the heart of RRBC: it is not just about a single summer of spiritual growth but about building a community that extends far beyond camp. The friendships formed at RRBC serve as a reminder that faith is not meant to be walked alone.
Passing the Torch: From Camper to Volunteer
Today, Abby is no longer just a camper experiencing camp—she is part of the team that helps create those same life-changing experiences for others. As a staff member and volunteer, she now finds her greatest joy in watching the current generation of campers form their own lifelong memories.
“Trying to pick one favorite memory is really hard after all these years involved with camp,” Abby admits. But these days, her favorite part of camp isn’t necessarily reliving her own memories—it’s watching new ones unfold.
“My favorite thing is seeing our current campers create memories. Seeing their faces lit up with smiles and laughter is so encouraging for me. I love being able to help provide a safe place for kids to be kids and grow in their understanding of who Jesus is.”
For Abby, camp has come full circle. Once, she was the camper discovering new friendships and deepening her faith. Now, she is the mentor, the leader, the one creating an environment where young campers can experience the same love, faith, and joy that she did years ago.
A Place That Feels Like Home
Rock River Bible Camp is more than just a location—it’s a place of transformation. It’s a space where kids can step away from their daily lives and experience God in a unique and powerful way. It’s a community where friendships are not just made but strengthened over time. And for those like Abby, it’s a place that stays with you long after your final campfire has burned out.
Her story is a testament to the lasting impact of RRBC. From her early days as a camper to her current role as a volunteer and staff member, Abby has seen how God works through this camp to change lives. Whether it’s through late-night talks in the cabins, heartfelt worship under the stars, or simply laughing with friends over a meal, RRBC continues to be a place where faith is nurtured, friendships are formed, and lives are changed.
For those who have yet to experience Rock River Bible Camp, Abby’s story serves as an invitation. An invitation to step into a place where you can grow in your faith, build lasting relationships, and discover a community that will walk with you through life. Because as Abby and so many others have found, RRBC is more than just a camp—it’s a home.