WILMORE, Ky. — Asbury University students are finding opportunities to connect beyond the classroom through Kamp Love, a student-led ministry that combines camping, fellowship, and Christian faith.
Kamp Love is part of a college camping ministry movement that originated at Grand Canyon University. Asbury’s student team has brought that model to campus, creating opportunities for students to participate in faith-centered experiences outside their usual routines.
The ministry held its first Kamp retreat this fall at a sunflower farm in Nicholasville. Through outdoor activities, worship, and time spent together, Kamp Love gives students an opportunity to strengthen their relationships with one another and their faith.
“It is a ministry that is changing the lives of college-age students through community, connection, camping and Christ,” said senior director CJ Johnson.
The ministry’s events include a 24-hour camping trip in the fall and a three-day trip in the spring. Its student-led structure allows Asbury students to take an active role in planning activities and creating an environment where their peers can connect.
Ava Culver, activities director for Kamp Love, helps organize games and coordinate activities for the gatherings. She said the opportunity to work with people and create an environment centered on faith motivated her to become involved.
“I am such a people person. I love just being around and doing activities,” Culver said.
Culver said her hope for the ministry is that students encounter Jesus during their time at Kamp Love, wherever they are in their faith.
For Emma Le Duc, a student who attended the first gathering, the experience provided an opportunity to reconnect with her faith while spending time outdoors with friends.
Le Duc said she initially decided to attend after hearing about the event from several of her friends. During the gathering, she found opportunities to connect with other students and reflect on her relationship with God.
“I think Kamp was such a great opportunity to just reconnect with the Lord and see Him working through people and also just through being out in nature,” Le Duc said.
Le Duc said one of the most meaningful moments of the gathering was being baptized and seeing others celebrate with her.
With planning for the spring retreat already underway, Johnson and the student leadership team hope to continue providing opportunities for students to build community through faith and time outdoors.
