Each year, leadership and volunteers of Camp Cadiz look for new ways and ideas in which the week-long worship and giveback to Trigg County can bring about excitement and change in the area.
At the top of Kathy Gibson’s mind, as a helper: a “Camp Cadiz Cookbook.” Such a folio, she said, would go a long way to bring synergy not only to the church and family recipes together, but also would be a nice gift for the young cooks, who spend time learning how to make these meals.
And in some ways, this has already started.
Andrea Hampton, a co-leader of the group, noted there’s always needed to be a good mix of incoming middle schoolers, outgoing high schoolers, young adults and expert craftsmen and women in order to create the perfect team.
But there’s also always a need for one-time and part-time assistance, and she said every little bit helps.
Hampton also said that “word of mouth” has been the organization’s best friend, as people wrangle up others.
Blake Carneyhan is one of just a few who has been a part of every Camp Cadiz, all 14, and he’s thankful for the leadership of Marc Frye — who all those years ago convinced him to become a part.
Of all the eyes this week, it’s his and scant others who have seen where things have come, and where they maybe still need to go. And that also goes for Austin Stewart, who has attended the last 11 years — first arriving as a fourth grader — and is still looking to see this grow.
Carneyhan also noted that most, if not all, working adults involved with Camp Cadiz burn close to 40 hours of vacation time for this effort — just to keep things running smoothly and on course.
Becky Joe Marlowe, also a longtime organizer, said next year’s 15th Anniversary of the program would be a perfect time not only to reflect on individuals who have come and gone — but also the perfect opportunity to hold a family reunion of sorts, while checking in on community members and the staying power of these annual projects.
Over the course of this week, more than 90 projects were started and completed, more than 100 adults and 70 students participated, more than 20 on average attended Vacation Bible School administered at The Way Christian Youth Center, and more than 80 meals per day were delivered in food ministry.
And this is despite the fact many regulars of Camp Cadiz embarked together on a unique, once-in-a-lifetime trip to southern Europe.
The week-long celebration of public service and worship also uniquely coincides with the KHSAA dead period, allowing middle and high school student-athletes the opportunity to focus on their community outside of the sports arena.
