Jessica Herrell will be directing CK1 this summer. They will be headed to Lee University, Ridgecrest Conference Center (June 18-26), Campbell University, Shocco Springs (July 4-10), and Norman Park.
“I am originally from Gatlinburg, TN. I am currently a student at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. I am graduating in May with a degree in Physical Education & Health with Teacher Licensure. Right now, I’m in the process of student teaching in a middle school and high school. On a random note: a little girl at camp last summer begged my to pull her loose tooth– I DID!
This will be my 3rd summer working CentriKid, but 1st year serving as Camp Director. Previously, I have been a Team Leader and Rec Leader. Serving as a camp staffer has completely changed my life and reaffirmed my calling to work with children. Even though every week of camp brings new challenges and new stories, several things are always consistent–my love for kids, my love for serving others, and my love for Christ. My life has been infinitely blessed because of the ministry of CentriKid Camps. One thing I am very excited about for this summer is to serve at Ridgecrest, because, when I was an adult sponsor there 3 years ago, the Lord called me to work camp. Funny how things work out!
One of my favorite passages is 2 Timothy 4:2 –“…proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.”
Even though this passage is speaking of proclaiming to Gospel, I can apply it to teaching and working with students as well. You have to love them and respect them, because of who they are. I correct them and encourage them, because I care for them. You also have to search through their baggage and everything else in their lives to love them and teach them effectively. Building positive relationships with my students has gotten me farther than any amazing lesson I can teach.
I’m look forward to meeting and serving some of you all at camp this summer!”