2026 Youth Summer Ministry Wrap-Up
This summer, Mountain T.O.P. hosted 763 volunteers! These volunteers represented over 50 churches and 14 states. Over 7 weeks, our volunteers served 189 families through home repair by completing 260 projects and worked with 90 unique children and youth through Day Camp and Summer Plus.
In 2026, Mountain T.O.P.’s theme is “Share the Light,” inspired by John 1:5. On Sunday during the opening worship of each camp week, everyone is given a candle. As the flame is passed from one person to another, we are reminded that our light does not diminish when we share it with others. When we share our light, it is multiplied!
Each day of the week, our volunteers were introduced to different light-inspired themes as they considered what it means to embrace the light, live in the light, wait on the light, be changed by the light, and be guided by the light. These themes were explored through morning devotionals, small-group conversations, community sharing, and corporate worship.
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overtake it.”
“Hearing examples of people seeing God’s light shine throughout the work days strengthened my belief and helped me understand truly what living in the light means.”
97% of participants agree that because of Mountain T.O.P., they have grown in their understanding of sharing the light.
At the end of the week, participants are asked to share about what inspired them to serve at Mountain T.O.P. for the first time or what motivates them to keep serving at Mountain T.O.P. Here are some of their responses:
“The reason I come back is because I love the feeling of being around people who also want to grow their faith.” — youth from McMinnville, TN
“The impact we have on the community, it brings people of all different backgrounds together and shows what a common goal brings.” — youth from Succasunna, NJ
“I feel like I am really making a difference in this world at MTOP. It is so fun and is the camp that makes me feel like I am doing something with my talents for God.” — youth from Dunwoody, GA
“I love to do God's work and be his hands and feet. Mountain T.O.P. lets me be that every year, so that's why I love coming back.” — young adult from Wichita, KS
“I'm motivated by the fun times I have here and how close I feel to God when I serve others.” — young adult from Dresser, WI
“I was inspired by hearing and learning about Mountain T.O.P. from our church members/youth that attended last year. They expressed their faith in the mission and the leadership of Mountain T.O.P. leaders.” — adult from Naperville, IL
“People! I love meeting everyone. I love the camp community we create. I love seeing God in the landscape. I love watching the youth learn and push out of their comfort zones and connecting with others.” — adult from Collierville, TN
“Our youth love coming to Mountain T.O.P. so we keep coming back! They have been deeply impacted by the worship, the role models of the staff, connections with other students & adults they meet, and serving families of the surrounding counties.” — adult from O’Fallon, IL
Overall, our youth participants are driven by a powerful combination of purpose, belonging, friendship, faith, and fun. They are motivated by contributing to high-impact work and witnessing the meaningful effects of their labor. All the while, they are making friends from across the country and growing in their faith! Serving at Mountain T.O.P. gives everyone the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, try new skills, and be greeted with love and encouragement every step of the way.
Our adult participants are especially motivated by the unique opportunity to simultaneously give and receive. As they give of their time, energy, and talents, they are being renewed in spirit. As adults serve alongside the youth, they experience Mountain T.O.P. through an additional lens of mentorship and formation. Watching young people grow and serve becomes an extra layer of motivation to come to Mountain T.O.P.
97% of participants agree that Mountain T.O.P. helped them put their faith in action.
98% of participants agree that they feel like they made an impact on those they served.
Our participants choose to serve through Service Project or Day Camp. Those who choose Service Project complete home repair projects like building ramps and porches, interior and exterior painting, and yard work. Those who choose Day Camp work with local children who are 6-11 years old. Through both avenues, our volunteers are changed by their service experience. Whether they are building a porch or building confidence in a child, volunteers learn how small acts of service and connection build up to major impacts. Service is fundamentally relational. It happens through seeing people, listening to them, receiving their stories, and being present. As our volunteers are meeting important and practical needs, they are also learning and being transformed by empathy, resilience, openness, joy, and love.
“I love the community and the opportunities Mountain T.O.P. gives both youth and adults. It was amazing to come as a youth camper and now see the youth from my church grow and share in similar experiences I did. I will continue to come every time I’m given the opportunity to.”
Throughout the week, participants are encouraged to think about how they will continue their calling to serve and love God and others in the valley below. We are grateful for our volunteers’ presence and contributions, and we want them to sustain their commitment to caring for their neighbors back at home, too. We never want Mountain T.O.P. to be the only time they are putting their faith into action; we want this to be a continuation of the life of discipleship they’re already involved in!
96% of participants agree that serving at Mountain T.O.P. has helped them reflect on how they want to continue to serve in the valley belo-o-ow.
“The community that MTOP creates is so beautiful and the staff always makes the week fun. I continue to serve because I can actually see the difference I’m making each week”