Twenty Quiet Minutes That Changed the Week
Wildside Middle School Camp 2026

Every year, I’ve looked forward to Wildside Middle School Camp, but this year’s week at Round Lake Christian Camp in Loudonville became especially meaningful. This was my third Wildside, a Sunday-to-Friday trip with our middle school students, Joseph, our leadership team, and student leaders. Nearly 400 people from churches across the area gathered through Ripple Effects. We worshiped together, played games, shared meals, and enjoyed free time, but the best part was living alongside our students for a full week.

At church, I usually saw these kids on Wednesdays and Sundays. But at camp, I ate with them, prayed with them at night, and had time to hear what was really happening in their lives. The first day brought rain, so the planned swim test had to wait. Instead, the girls stayed in the dorm and began getting to know one another. Some of them did not usually spend time together, and I wondered how they would connect. That unexpected afternoon felt like a gift. It was as though God gave them space to build relationships before the rest of the week unfolded.

The most powerful moment came on Wednesday during “20 Minutes”. The camp speaker had spent the week helping students think about Jesus and what it meant to follow him. Every day during “20 Minutes” the students spend that time in complete silence with God. The kids called Wednesday “cry night,” because it was often when the week became personal. When the boys returned, they gathered in a close circle and prayed for one another. One boy realized he could accept Jesus even though he still made mistakes. He gave me a long hug, and I could feel how deeply the moment had touched him.

No one had to tell the students to be vulnerable. They asked for prayer, placed their hands on one another, and eventually our whole church group gathered in one huddle. I had worried about strong personalities, different family backgrounds, and the challenges of living together, but I saw patience, grace, and new friendships grow. Even when sickness moved through camp during the last few days, we kept praying and were grateful that everyone was doing better by the time we came home.

The students arrived expecting fun, but they left with wider friendships, more courage, and a deeper understanding of God’s love. Wildside reminded me that faith often grows in ordinary moments—around a meal, during a rain delay, or in a circle of friends. I saw our students become more open, accepting, and willing to care for one another. That was the heart of the week, and it was why I already looked forward to going back.

Amanda Howatae
Middle School Director