I have been impacted by the Ignite experience in many ways. I went to Ignite camp as a camper for 7 years, starting in middle school all the way until the end of high school. The camp helped me develop some lifelong friendships that remain some of my closest as well as bringing me into a very close relationship with both Eagle Church and God.
The camp was my first introduction to Eagle, which became the first place I ever worked. I helped set up for the worship service as well as helping with landscaping and work around the church. This led to me having very close relationships with many of the staff at Eagle and made me feel truly connected to the church in ways I had never experienced before. I could tell very early on that this was God’s way of shaping my life and guiding it in the direction that I needed to go.
Over the years I continued attending Ignite and felt a growing desire to be closer to God. By my sophomore year of high school, I was driven to be baptized again after first experiencing it as a baby. I can honestly say that attending Ignite for the first time was the beginning of that journey to true commitment.
Seeing the transformation of not only myself, but the growth of several friends who went to Ignite drove me to want to continue being a part of that process even after completing my time as a camper. After beginning college, I immediately wanted to go back and serve as a leader at Ignite. I have been so blessed to have had that opportunity over the last couple of years. Every year has served as a new lesson and new journey with different speakers who offered valuable insight into the path we walk to be closer to God.
Some of my favorite memories are racing down the water slide with friends and the deep, late night, talks that always seem to take place within cabins throughout the week. One of the most amazing aspects of the Ignite experience is how it delivers a powerful and inspirational week, while at the same time being one of the most fun and enjoyable times imaginable. I have attend Ignite a total of 9 times, 7 as a camper and twice as a leader, has shaped me into the person that I am today and I could not express any more deeply how strongly I believe that everyone should experience it.