Raenah is inspired by the everyday sacred moments at camp: children's voices reading Scripture or lifted in song, the quiet reverence of reflection times. "Every camp I've been part of has this common thread—a spot to be still and reflect, a grounding point where you can just be with God." She first discovered her own voice of faith as a first-time camper at Buffalo Mountain Camp (Holston Conference, TN). That summer would unknowingly be its final season before devastating floods led to the camp’s closure a decade ago.

Summer after summer, she added to her camp adventures around the Holston Conference, at Wesley Woods (TN), and then at Camp Bays Mountain in its inaugural season. By the time she graduated, camp was such a formational part of Raenah’s life that she felt called to stay on as a summer staffer, following in the footsteps of the important adults who had been mentors and guides in her faith journey.

"It was at Bays where I really claimed the freedom to choose my faith," Raenah reflects. "Growing up in church, with Sunday school and youth group and camp all part of my formative years, I understood that following Jesus wasn't just something you believe—it's something you do and a way of being."

The unplugged nature of camp created space for her to own her faith journey for herself. Away from distractions, closer to God's creation, she found room to make mistakes and grow as a new Christian. "Camp is all about relationship over religion," she says. Practicing Christian living in community taught her more about God than trying to believe the right set of doctrines.

Raenah’s next vocational stepping stone was an intern year at Camp Glisson (GA), where she deepened her understanding of camping ministry from the leadership side. Now, in her new role as Program Director at Blue Lake (AL), she brings memories and experiences from five different UMC camps to her work—each one contributing to the shape of her calling.

Last January, she attended the UMCRM National Gathering for the first time, describing it as "nonstop camp.” It was fun to be with like-minded people, and she chuckles remembering that it was a challenge to steal some downtime in a rocking chair – people kept stopping to connect, take an interest in her, and make sure she was having a positive experience at the conference. Camp people are well-practiced at ensuring that newcomers don’t sit alone!  A young adult panel that included older, experienced leaders particularly resonated with her. "It was cool to have those intergenerational relationships and support." It meant a lot that seasoned leaders cared about the input and concerns of young adults. 

These days, Raenah has found her voice as she supports a new generation of young campers and leaders in exploring their faith through scripture, song, sacred quiet spaces, and the joy of Christian community. As she practices the skills and faithfulness that were passed along to her, she’s drawn to the concept of stewardship—caring for the places that have shaped so many lives, being intentional with time and resources. "We're trustees of something bigger than ourselves – these camp experiences plant seeds that grow into callings, into service, into deeper faith."

From that final season at Buffalo Mountain to her leadership at Blue Lake, Raenah’s story embodies the rich heritage of UMC camping ministry as it shapes both campers and leaders, creating ripple effects that span generations. Her journey reminds us that camp isn't just a summer experience—it's a life-shaping ministry that stewards the sacred spaces where young voices learn to praise God and discover a faith that’s “something you do.”