The Heart of a Volunteer

Here at Camp Echoing Hills we have a very special group of folks who come and serve. We call them our “Cabin Moms & Dads.”

This past November a couple I had met during my travels came to help during one of our Respite Weekends. It was Tom and Kathy Lasik who saw a need. It didn’t have to do with a camper, but rather with our camp kitty “Lucy” whom is dearly loved by our campers.

Tom knew Old Man Winter would show up very soon and Lucy had no home to keep her warm during the long winter months. So Tom came to the rescue and built Lucy her very own home. Not only did Tom bring the parts to build the box but he made it so all the campers during Respite could be a part of creating Lucy’s new home. Isn’t it wonderful that even God’s special creatures are taken care of here at camp?  

We stand in awe as we watch the Lord bring the right people to us – He is faithful and we are grateful to all who are a part of our ministry. Thank you Tom and Kathy for being our friends and for becoming part of our family here at camp!

I first learned about Echoing Hills while volunteering at my church’s annual “Summer Institute” conference at Xenos Christian Fellowship in Westerville, Ohio. Jackie was there with a small booth representing the camp and it’s Christian Ministry. We hit it off wonderfully from the start and as she explained the camping program for youth with special needs, it became clear that the Lord was leading me to this incredible organization. 

I have more years than I care to admit under my belt as a leader in Boy Scouting. My wife, Kathy, also spend many years working in Girl Scout leadership and we both love being with and working with young people. We’ve always believed that God has instilled each young person with an amazing amount of potential, no matter their capabilities, size, shape, color or culture. Through loving relationships, this potential can be nurtured and both kids AND adults grow together and are better for the relationship. 

When I introduced Kathy to the Echoing Hills literature, she immediately agreed that this was a place for us to serve God and others. We’ve visited a number of times now and we’ve been part of two Respite Weekends. We’ve gotten to know Jackie, Lauren, Dan and Doreen, and so many more. I am also humbled by the deep Christian love and patience of the youth volunteers during the weekends we’ve been there. All of the people at Camp Echoing Hills are just some of the most caring, loving hearts that we’ve come in contact with. What a joy to be around them. 

Speaking of joy, what about the kids! You know, we’ve volunteered to do cooking for the gang when we’re there on weekends and it takes some time for prep and clean up, so we don’t get a lot of time with the kids. But we do get to sit down and have meals with everyone and after cleaning the kitchen, spend a little time playing a few games or watching a movie. If I may make a confession, I originally thought that I might ultimately be unsuited to serve these kids, mostly because I did not know the definition of “special needs.” After spending time with them all, it seems clear to me that so–called adults in our culture do not so much mistreat great kids like these as much as simply ignore them or turn aside; almost as bad. I think God teaches us that with the love he puts in our hearts, the compassion he shows us and the grace he gives us, we are much more prepared then we think to love all of His children.

~Tom & Kathy Lasik