Last summer the Little Traverse Bay Young Life Area found themselves with a problem: they had high school girls signed up to go to camp but found themselves struggling to find a female leader to accompany them. Through a series of circumstances, the student’s usual leaders weren’t able to make it and despite their searching the July camp week approached and they were still coming up empty.
Enter WyldLife leader Leah Walker.
At first Church Partner Michael Ossewaarde was hesitant to ask her to step in because she was already signed up to go with the Harbor Springs middle schoolers and he didn’t want to lose her for that week. Hesitantly he made the call to see if she would be open to taking off not one, but two weeks of work in her job at Boyne Highlands to serve the students of the Little Traverse Bay Area.
Leah was confused and a little hesitant but agreed to ask her boss about taking a second week off.
The next morning Michael looked at his phone and realized he already had a voicemail from Leah. On the recording she was so excited he could hardly make out what she was trying to say.
He called her back immediately and that’s when she explained: her boss had mixed up which summer months she had requested off. He’d already given her the time off needed for camp in July and since the dates for each month lined up exactly (July 8-12, August 9-13) he was open to granting her time off for the August camp dates as well.
By the grace and creativity of God, Leah was already scheduled to be going to camp with the High Schoolers.
So Leah served the students of Little Traverse Bay last summer tirelessly from sun up to sun down for two full weeks.
On carnival night at camp, Leah ran up to Michael, soaking wet and covered in whipped cream and yelled “this is so awesome!” while her girls were running up to cash in some more tokens to soak her all over again.
Not only did she do two weeks at camp, but she remained in contact with both her WyldLife students and the High School girls she accompanied, planning reunions and driving in for extra hangouts. This is extra impressive considering that her work with the students of Little Traverse Bay involves a 55 minute drive from her home.
Leah is a selfless leader, it takes a lot of sacrifice to be a WyldLife leader and she sets her needs aside so that kids can experience the love of God through her.
When asked about what they love about Leah, one of her 8th grade students said: “I love her personality, and how fun and caring she is. She is a an amazing listener and gives great advice!”
A few weeks ago Michael got a text from Leah saying: “Hey, if you need someone to go to both camps again this year I’d love to do it!”
Leah’s tireless dedication, enthusiasm and giving spirit is a blessing and an asset to many in the Little Traverse Bay Area and we are so happy to be highlighting her today.
Do you have a Young Life Volunteer you’d like to shine the spotlight on? Email leannerae (at) gmail (dot) com to tell us more.
What is one of your favorite memories of a Young Life leader or volunteer who has touched your life?
