God steps in through a drawing

For Julia* a high-school aged child with social anxiety and autism, who had never been on a camp before, joining the Autumn CHIC camp was a big deal. It was at camp where Julia overcame her feelings of loneliness and experienced God’s love in new and unexpected ways.

The CHIC team worked closely with Julia’s mum to prepare her well for camp to ensure she could make the most of her experience. Despite initial hesitations, Julia bravely rose to the challenge and embraced almost every activity, including surfing, hiking and various games, building confidence along the way.

Despite the busyness of camp life, Julia confided in a leader about her feelings of isolation from God and struggle to make friends. But just when she needed it most, a fellow camper walked into the lunch tent and approached her with a heartfelt drawing created just for . In that moment, Julia’s leader knew that God was breaking down the lies she believed about being alone.

Throughout her time at camp, Julia formed friendships with both her peers and leaders and engaged in meaningful conversations about God. Her mother, witnessing the positive transformation in Julia, was amazed at her daughter’s newfound confidence and enthusiasm, even after returning home. Julia’s mother contacted the camp’s director to share that Julia was already missing being at camp.

In the end, the Autumn CHIC camp was more than just a camp for Julia. It was a life-changing experience that stands as a testament to the power of community, faith and the unwavering love of God, who stepped in through a simple drawing to remind Julia that she was never truly alone.

*Name changed for privacy reasons.

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