Being on staff at Mountain T.O.P. changed everything for me. As an adult camper in 2023, I was quiet, reserved, and unsure of myself and my place in the world and within my community. I spent my first semester at college trying to find people that made me feel good about myself. Then, reluctantly and last minute, I decided to apply to be on staff for summer of 2024.

Day Camp is so much more than just Mountain T.O.P.’s other program. It’s a place where kids from across Grundy County come together to grow, connect, and thrive. It’s where we work to foster confidence, leadership, love, and resilience in every child who goes through our programs. And it’s where we plant seeds of hope that will grow long after the summer ends.

At the end of each summer, we dedicate an entire day to cleaning our tool shed. It’s the hub of my summer—a place where countless projects begin and end. This year, as we counted nails, sorted screws, cleaned paintbrushes, and folded cleaning rags, I couldn’t help but think: These tools must have some stories to tell. 

What an honor and joy it is to be gathered here today—friends, family, volunteers, current & former staff and partners— all members of the Mountain T.O.P. family spanning generations. We are here to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone. Today is more than a celebration of 50 years—it's a moment to pause and thank God for all He has done, is doing, and will continue to do through this extraordinary ministry.

Jubilee is not just something we talk about. It is not a feeling, an idea, or an abstract teaching to make an audience feel good about themselves. Jubilee is a lived experience. The largest portion of my job as a Program Manager in this 50th year of Mountain T.O.P. is to create spaces for campers to have meaningful experiences with God.