Ben Falk, a parishioner of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in New Haven, Kentucky, credits Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp for deepening his faith. “This is where I fell in love with Jesus,” Falk said during a recent phone interview. He explained that before attending the camp, located in Bowling Green within the Diocese of Owensboro, he was not interested in going to Mass.

Falk began attending Gasper River as a fourth grader and decided to join the staff after his time as a camper ended. This summer, he worked alongside 24 other young adults to support about 500 campers ranging from rising third graders to graduated high school seniors.

During his service at the camp, Falk led Bible studies for the first time, participated in praise and worship music, taught children how to pray the Stations of the Cross, and spoke with campers after their first experience of adoration. “Bringing Jesus to campers” has been one of his most valued experiences.

Four young adults connected to the Archdiocese of Louisville served on staff this summer. They saw it as an opportunity both to help guide children’s faith and strengthen their own.

Jason Hatfield from Hart County joined Gasper River’s summer staff seeking “an opportunity to fully envelop myself in the faith.” Hatfield became Catholic last Easter and wanted “to share what had been shared with me and get kids closer to Christ.”

He noted that working at camp helped him remain close to sacraments and grow spiritually: “I’ve felt the grace in that and more of a desire for holiness.” Staff members spend daily time in chapel, attend weekly adoration, daily Mass, and have access to confession. Hatfield was impressed by campers’ commitment: “Their faith is so much more developed than I thought it would be. These kids love Christ so much.”

Abby Clark from St. James Church in Elizabethtown decided to become a counselor after encouragement from a friend who grew up attending Gasper River. She said she prayed about her decision: “I prayed about it and felt like this was what the Lord wanted me to do this summer. It’s helping kids grow in their faith, which is what I want to do with my life.” Clark studies at Franciscan University in Steubenville with plans to teach at Catholic schools.

Clark highlighted how serving on staff provided skills relevant for teaching and helped her personally: “I love the fact that we go to Mass every day. That’s helped me make time for Jesus every day,” she said. She also appreciated working alongside other Catholic young adults: “Working with other Catholics has been amazing because not only do we get to work together to help the kids grow in their faith, but we help each other to grow in our faith.”

Sam Rhodes attends University of Louisville and started volunteering at Gasper River when he was 16 years old; this summer marked his third year on staff. He described returning each year out of a continued desire for service: The experience allowed him greater leadership responsibilities as a returning member.

As they prepare for another academic year, these young adults say their experiences will shape their campus lives moving forward.

Rhodes returns for his junior year focusing on prayer: “If I’m praying, everything else falls into place.” Hatfield plans regular prayer time and daily Mass attendance during his senior year. Clark aims for daily Mass participation as she enters her sophomore year while making time for personal reflection at chapel.

Falk hopes his sophomore year at University of Kentucky will include leading Bible study groups, joining music ministry for daily Masses, and spending more time in adoration. He called Gasper River camp a “sign of hope,” saying some campers have influenced their families’ return to church: “If we have young people who care so much about Jesus, our faith is in good hands.”

“It’s been awesome working here. It’s probably the best job I’ll ever have,” Falk added. “Jesus is really working here.”