Don’t Overlook This Part.

Dear ISC Family,
They come in as willing, driven, and Christ-loving individuals; but they leave as part of our ISC Family. This report focuses on how God worked in and through the 2020 Summer Staff team.

An Often Forgotten Aspect

The ISC Summer Staff experience is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about ISC, but it’s one of the most powerful parts of our ministry.

Volunteers? Yes, volunteers. Why in the world would anyone volunteer to be physically worn out, emotionally exhausted, and sometimes disrespected? For the sake of the Gospel! The college-aged young adults that apply, interview, and get hired as ISC Summer Staff are diverse in all kinds of ways, but they all have this in common- JESUS is working in their life and calling them to something great.

Every year, our Summer Staffers have their worlds collectively rocked. They are humbled by how awesome God is and how powerfully He uses them. All have their faith strengthened, many have their Christian worldview sharpened, and some have their life trajectory altered.

We are grateful to be a key step in the leadership journey of these budding stars. Make no mistake, ISC Summer Staff represent great hope and promise for The Church.

The Staff Training Experience

There is no way we can sum up the importance and impact of the ISC Staff Training experience in a short blurb. This summer, even with a modified program, we felt it was important to do a full 3-day staff training period. This is what one of our Summer Staffers had to say about it:
– “Going into my 2nd year at ISC, I expected nothing less than great things from Staff Training, and this year exceeded every expectation I had. There was wisdom, knowledge, and practicality in every session and segment… The ‘Panel on Race’ was a Godly, truth-filled, challenging talk that I know led many of us as counselors and ambassadors for Christ to a deeper understanding of why we are here and Who we aim to represent above all.”

These are a few sessions at ISC Staff Training:

• What is the Gospel?
  • A 12-point note-taking discussion lead by Camp Director, Kurt Schwarz.
• How to Lead Effective Small Groups
  • There isn’t a small group leader in the country that couldn’t benefit from this interactive segment.
• The Why & How of Quiet Time
  • Prepared and facilitated by summer staff leaders who describe different aspects of how they connect with Jesus throughout the year. Followed by a 90-minute quiet time session for the entire staff.
• Panel on Race
  • A Biblical-based presentation and dialogue on this important topic. This year’s panelists were- Rev. Yeathus Johnson & Jabbar Collins.
• Commissioned to Serve
  • Our commissioning service speaker, Pastor Noel Owuor, delivered a passionate message that inspired all.

New “Market Minute” Segments

This year, our modified camp program allowed us extra opportunities to pour into our Summer Staff. Our “Market Minute” sessions highlighted that God’s call is not just for “ministry” people, it’s for everyone. These three market place professionals graciously came and shared:

– Andy Aran (CFA & Managing Partner)
– Bill Bavagnoli (Entrepreneur & Business Owner)
– Michele Flores (Master Hairstylist & Intl. Hair Color Trainer)
Each explained how The Lord led them into their careers and gave practical wisdom on how to utilize our God-given talents, abilities, and strengths. After they shared both professional and personal advice we opened it up for some very fruitful Q & A sessions. The ratings and reviews for these sessions were off the charts!

SUMMER STAFF EXPERIENCES IN THEIR OWN WORDS:

– “With everything going on in the world, I was thoroughly impressed by God when He kept camp open. I’m really thankful for the leadership who made sure we took all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our campers as well as our staff. We had the best staff come to camp as strangers and leave together as a family. It’s definitely a summer I will never forget.
– “I grew closer to God by letting go of my own troubles and worries and focusing on the kids. I also grew in boldness and courage in sharing the gospel.”
– “As a first-time camp counselor at Inspire Sports Camps, I had an amazing and unforgettable experience. The staff and camp counselors are kind and truly care for everyone. It gave me true joy to see many people come to know Christ. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to serve this summer.”
– “I learned that the same way that you can read the Bible, pray, worship, and run to the Lord for yourself, you can do the same for others. I spent a week in constant communication with God on SOMEONE ELSES behalf and I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t think that I’ve ever done that before. At least to that extent.”
– “Camp is such a special place to serve and be a part of the ISC family. This year was my 4th summer and my highlight was seeing 3 friends of mine come for the first time and absolutely love it. They all had an unforgettable experience and God met them each in a personal way by serving at camp.”
– “Everything I learn at ISC is useful for sowing and growing not just while at camp, but beyond. I really value and treasure ISC for this. The Proverb rings true, ‘Walk with the wise and become wiser. (13:20)’ every day I spend at, with, or in ISC mode. Remembering true JOY is ‘I’m third’ is a firm pillar that keeps things sturdy.”
– “The buses came and my life was changed.”

Thank you for all of your prayers and support of Inspire Sports Camps and the young adult leaders we get to pour into and build up in Christ each year

Trusting Him,

Kurt Schwarz
Executive Director