From Nervous to Home
A Camper’s Story of Faith, Friendship, and Transformation at Rock River Bible Camp
For many, summer camp is more than just a place—it’s an experience that shapes lives, strengthens faith, and creates friendships that last a lifetime. Rock River Bible Camp is one of those places, a home away from home where campers feel the love of God in every moment, every conversation, and every new friendship formed.
One camper, who first attended in July 2022, came to camp feeling uncertain about what was ahead. But what started as a nervous journey quickly became one of the most meaningful experiences of their life.
Stepping Into the Unknown
“The first time I attended Rock River’s summer camp was back in July of 2022, and I was super nervous to go somewhere three hours away from where I lived for an entire week without any friends my age,” they shared.
It’s a familiar feeling for many first-time campers. The thought of spending a week in a new place, away from the comforts of home and familiar faces, can be intimidating. Questions and doubts creep in—Will I make friends? Will I fit in? Will I feel out of place?
But as this camper quickly discovered, Rock River is a place where those fears disappear almost instantly.
“I shouldn’t have been nervous at all because come the first night, I met so many incredible people that I’m so happy to call my friends and that I love to talk to all throughout the year.”
That first night set the tone for the entire week. Campers aren’t just welcomed at Rock River—they’re embraced into a community that genuinely cares for one another.
A Place Filled With Love and Joy
Every summer, campers return to Rock River not just for the activities and the fun, but for the feeling they get when they’re there. There’s something different about this place.
“All of the staff, volunteers, and other campers make going to camp an unreal experience full of so much love and joy,” they said. “You can so obviously feel the love of God from every person you meet, and every relationship is so special.”
It’s one thing to attend a camp with good activities, but it’s another to be part of a camp where every interaction is a reflection of God’s love. Whether through a deep conversation, a shared laugh, or simply sitting together in comfortable silence, the presence of Christ is evident.
For this camper, the most treasured moments weren’t just the scheduled activities but the quiet, in-between moments spent with others.
“My personal favorite times throughout the week are when we have downtime and I can sit and listen to all of the stories the people around me have.”
A Faith That Grows Beyond Camp
Many who attend Rock River find that the impact of camp extends far beyond one summer. For some, it sparks a renewed faith. For others, it deepens an already existing relationship with God. For this camper, camp was a pivotal moment in their spiritual journey.
“I give a good amount of credit to Rock River for playing a huge role in helping me further develop such a strong relationship with the Lord,” they shared. “The chapels always have great takeaways, and worship is something I always look forward to.”
Faith isn’t just taught at Rock River—it’s lived out. The lessons learned in chapel don’t end when the week is over. The messages resonate long after campers leave, shaping their decisions, their perspectives, and their relationship with God.
“It’s a place so concentrated on helping further one’s faith, and that was definitely the case for me. I always feel really close to God when at camp, and I’ve had a few experiences that were pivotal in really connecting and improving my relationship with Him.”
For this camper, the support and encouragement of counselors played a key role in their journey.
“With the support and help of some amazing counselors, I’ve felt inspired to attend church regularly throughout the year again after a rough experience.”
This is one of the most powerful aspects of camp—the way it equips and encourages campers to continue growing in their faith long after they leave.
Memories That Last a Lifetime
While the spiritual impact of camp is profound, so are the fun and unforgettable moments that come with it. From exciting games to unexpected adventures, every camper has those stories that they will never forget.
For this camper, one of the most cherished moments of camp is a tradition that many look forward to each year.
“My favorite camp activity will always be worship under the stars because it’s such a bittersweet conclusion to what always ends up being an amazing week.”
There’s something special about gathering together under a vast sky, singing songs of praise, and feeling the presence of God in the stillness of the night. It’s a time of reflection, gratitude, and deep connection—not just with God, but with the community that has formed throughout the week.
But camp wouldn’t be camp without a little adventure and unexpected moments. One of the funniest and most memorable experiences for this camper?
“A true bonding experience I had was getting lost in the woods with a group of friends during Sockem.”
If you’ve ever been to camp, you know that getting lost during a game can quickly go from panic to laughter, turning into a story you’ll be telling for years to come.
A Place to Call Home
At the end of the day, Rock River Bible Camp isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to belong. It’s a place where nervous first-time campers become lifelong friends. It’s a place where faith is strengthened, joy is abundant, and God’s love is evident in every interaction.
“This place is truly a home away from home that I hope I get to come back to every year,” the camper said.
For those who have been to Rock River, this sentiment is one they deeply understand. And for those who have yet to experience it, the invitation is open. Camp is waiting—ready to welcome you into a week filled with faith, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
And if you do make it to camp? This camper has one final piece of advice:
“P.S. I love Gary Brown, and you’ll never regret talking with him.”
Because at Rock River, it’s not just about the experience—it’s about the people who make it special.
Join Us This Summer
Rock River Bible Camp continues to be a place where lives are changed, faith is strengthened, and friendships are made. If you’ve never been, this could be the summer that changes everything. And if you’ve already experienced it, we can’t wait to welcome you back home.