It’s a Community, a Calling.
Feeling at ease with an atmosphere that would eventually become a cornerstone of his life, Noah June excitedly welcomed the chance to visit the camp at an early age. His church’s active participation in sending children to Bay Shore had an impact on his early years; as a child, he attended camp and felt a great sense of kinship. Noah saw Bay Shore not merely as a camp but also as a representation of contentment, friendship, and the pure joy of summer. He remembers those early days with nostalgia for the basic pleasures of life, when companionship and common experiences made every moment brighter.
As a camper, Noah always expressed having an awesome time with good people, demonstrating the positive effect Bay Shore had on his childhood. One of the significant changes in Noah’s life was going from camper to staff. Noah did not decide on the spur of the moment to join the Bay Shore staff. He had been drawn to the ministry by a calling he had felt from his camper days. Even after working for some time in a machine shop and going through a period of simply existing, Noah wanted more from life.
During a summer position on staff, he came to discover that he could live out his ministry calling on a daily basis. “I like reaching out to people, talking to them, and building connections. My first summer was really great; it gave me a glimpse of the life I could have instead of the life I was having,” Noah said.
Positions changed as he progressed both personally and professionally, going from group leader to on-the-road staff to site coordinator to his most current position as an intern. His persistence and commitment paid off when he received an offer for an internship, bringing him one step closer to his future goals. Noah’s transition from camper to employee illustrates his ongoing bond with the organization that was crucial in influencing his life. Noah’s story is not just about the jobs he had or the parts he performed; it’s also a story of self-realization, of realizing that Bay Shore was more than just a camp; it was a place where he could fulfill his destiny. “Getting a job here at Bay Shore has made me more confident in getting out and pursuing my calling,” Noah explained.
It becomes evident from Noah’s experience that Bay Shore Camp and Family Ministries is more than just a location; it’s a community, a calling, and a driver of spiritual and personal development. It’s a safe sanctuary where the transformation of one young guy from camper to staff member serves as a monument to the significant influence that a loving, purpose-filled environment can have on a person’s life.
“I’ve always had the mindset that, in Heaven, I’m going to have a party. I want my party to be full. I want everyone I meet to be there. So doing ministry is important to me. I can teach people how to love; I can teach people what God’s love looks like; I can teach people about forgiveness and how to live, how to be, and how to treat people to the best of my ability. I want to help make the world a better place and make the world more like Jesus until we get to meet him.” Noah said.
