The villages around Sitka, Alaska, are in a very remote place. So remote, in fact, that it is quite an undertaking just to get 27 kids (from 21 different villages) and six Young Life leaders to camp at Young Life’s Malibu Club. About three-fourths of the kids had never been out of the state of Alaska, and most of the kids had never even been to Starbucks or a Wendy’s.

Getting to camp was an adventure, requiring seven modes of transportation. First, they rode a 4-wheeler or small boat to their local airport. They then flew in a small plane to a (larger village) where they got on a bigger plane and flew to Anchorage. From Anchorage, they flew to Seattle. From there, they boarded a bus in Seattle and drove to Canada. After a ferry ride, they boarded the Malibu Princess boat to camp.

But the long journey to camp seemed to be worth every mile. Below are some of things that kids from Sitka said about their time at camp. Their words tell the story of God doing a miracle in kid’s hearts.

• I liked sharing my deepest secrets and knowing that I have more support than I’ll ever need.
• I now view God as my best friend.
• I loved cabin times because I let out some feelings that I’d kept inside for way too long.
• I grew closer to God. He’s my Father/best friend. I now trust Him to lead my life.
• This was the most memorable week of my entire life.
• I can’t believe how much God loves me. I’ve recommitted my life to Him.
• All I have to do is admit my mistakes to God and let Him hold me again.
• I will never be alone again. I thank the Lord for this week.
• I gave my life to Jesus. I want to love Him too. My life has changed.
• The emptiness I used to feel in my heart is full now.

These words may have been spoken by kids from a remote village in Alaska, but the same sentiments are echoed by thousands of kids in the United States and around the word who experience Young Life camp.