"I REALLY like camp."

Shelley Pearson • Feb 05, 2020

Anna is a high school senior from Rochester, Minnesota, who attended FCA Leadership Camp the past two summers. She loved her camp experience and expressed numerous times how much it has impacted her life, both as a Christ follower and as a leader.

Leadership Camp broadened Anna’s perspective on what FCA does. She helped organize a Fields of Faith event with another high school in Rochester where approximately 150 students came It was at this event that Anna shared her faith story with the crowd. She was also asked to speak at the FCA Night of Champions banquet and she would not have seen herself doing either of these events before attending Leadership Camp.

Anna joined FCA her sophomore year of high school and thinks she spoke about ten words the whole first year because of her quiet and reserved nature. She was nervous about Leadership Camp because of that, but she quickly found out she had nothing to worry about. Camp helped get her out of her shell from the very start. When she got to camp, she was immediately greeted by the college student leaders and connected with her huddle. Within an hour, they all had instant friends, and that first night they played a game where they sought out similarities with others in their huddle which led to instant connections.


Her huddle of girls at Leadership Camp was also paired with a huddle of guys that they affectionately referred to as their “brother huddle.” The two huddles together made a super huddle and did fun bonding activities as a larger group. They had a lot of fun but also became quick friends. They ate together, participated in daily activities and attended evening sessions together where they heard from impactful speakers about what it means for those who follow Christ to serve others by leading. 

Anna’s “ultimate favorite” time of camp was the huddle time following the evening session. The students were able to be authentic and share their struggles with each other without fear of what others would think of them. Anna recognized that she had not been able to completely share her heart in the same way before. At camp, she felt safe to be her true self which has continued since Leadership Camp. 


FCA Leadership Camp didn’t just help Anna grow in her leadership abilities, but she has grown exponentially in her faith as well. Growing up in a Christian family and attending a Christian school did not require her to own her faith as much as FCA Camp did. She grew spiritually at camp and continues to grow today. She now volunteers at her church and continues to take steps of faith in her walk with the Lord and also in her areas of influence.

When asked what else she had to say about camp, Anna responded enthusiastically that people should go! Anna said that while it is hard to explain just how amazing the atmosphere is there, she would encourage people just to try it, even if they are scared or do not excel in a particular sport. Those who attend have the opportunity to make amazing connections. Camp is truly a lifechanging experience.


Click Here for more information about our 2020 Leadership Camp at University of Northwestern, St. Paul July 30th - August 2nd!

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