Thirteen summers.
That’s how long I’ve called Carolina Creek home. What started as a summer job turned into over a decade of ministry, leadership, creativity, and some of the most meaningful work of my life.
As this chapter comes to an end — not just for me but for Carolina Creek itself — I’ve been reflecting on what God has done here. Together, we’ve served over half a million people and created countless opportunities for them to experience and know the love of Jesus.
Personally, I’ve taken over a million photos during my time here — and through the creative team, that number is multiplied many times over. Each photo tells a story. A story of a camper encountering Jesus for the first time. A family reconnecting. A leader stepping into their calling. A guest experiencing joy, rest, or hope in a fresh way. Every image is a reminder of how God has been at work in this place.
I’ve had the privilege of walking with Carolina Creek through incredible seasons of growth. From the daily rhythms of summer camp to launching Lone Star Lights — where families celebrated Christmas together and were invited to see Jesus in a new way — I’ve seen firsthand how environments can become spaces for life change.
One of the greatest honors of my time here has been building and leading the creative team. What started small grew into a group of people who poured themselves into this mission with talent, heart, and excellence. Together, we told stories, captured moments, and built experiences that reflected the love of Jesus. I’m proud of what we accomplished and grateful for every person who contributed along the way.
Carolina Creek has been more than a place to me. It’s been a community. Staff, volunteers, campers, families, donors, leaders — all of you made this place what it was. The fingerprints you’ve left here matter. They’ve changed lives, including mine.
Though Carolina Creek is coming to an end, the property will continue to be used by another Christian camping organization. My hope is that the work poured into this place will echo on, and that people will keep encountering the love of Jesus on this ground for years to come.
As this season closes, I’m grateful. I’m grateful for the people, the opportunities, the challenges, and the stories that will keep echoing long after the gates close. And I’m expectant. I believe God isn’t finished writing the story. He’s faithful, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
Here’s to thirteen summers, to the ministry of Carolina Creek, and to the God who used this place to invite so many people to experience His love.
