My last blog work and… Awards!

Come and journey, journey outward where that cross calls us to care, where injustice and where the young and the poor call to be shared. Come and journey, come and journey, with a Saviour who has come…

The words of the hymn “Come and Journey with a Saviour,” written by Herbert O’Driscoll, have been echoing in my heart. As I sit in front of my laptop and reflect on this summer’s journey. This past summer was beautiful, two months filled with busyness, and energy. Now that those lively weeks have come to an end, I sit quietly at my desk and wonder how everyone is doing. The once busy camp is probably empty now, waiting to be cared for, prepared, and made ready to welcome a new group of people.

I wonder what has become of the campers, counsellors, and all the people I met during the summer. They have probably returned home and begun their ordinary routines and work. Some may be preparing for a new semester, while others may still be enjoying their vacation. Some may already have returned to work.

The week we shared together is no longer physically there. The camp has become quiet and empty until the next group arrives. Yet those glimmering moments have become a small but precious part of my heart. They remain there, shining whenever I remember them. I hope that everyone I met this summer will also carry these memories in their hearts. Perhaps at some unexpected moment, those memories will brighten their day, like a mustard seed growing, like hope.

Since this is the final post in the series, I decided to create a few camp awards. Rev. Sarah also told me that a previous Peace intern had created a Best Camp Food award, which inspired me to make cute images and an award-like title, because all good camps deserve the awards! Please take a look at the photos. I hope they help you feel the spirit and atmosphere of each camp a bit through these images!

And … Here is the list of awards:

Best Camp Food: Camp Bedford (High School)

Best Lake and Nature Programs: Camp Crystal, Michigan

Best Youth Leadership: Camp Christian

Funniest (Silliest) Camp: Camp Bedford (Middle School)

The G.O.A.T. Award (and yes, I mean with real goats!): Camp Walter Scott

Bye-bye, my best camps, directors and counsellors, each of my campers, unique and filled with the light and love of the Lord, team IRTF, Mary and Mark and my great peace intern co-worker, chaplain Maggie, and our Mission Director, Rev. Sarah. We are saying goodbye after this summer, but the memories we made together will remain with us as we return to the world. As this summer comes to an end and we each go back to our own places, and send to the world, the world of agony, the world of war and the world of human indifference, the world perhaps looks much the same as it did before this summer, or even worse. However, we are not the same anymore. Met a lot of people and learned from them, changed and opened, by the people we have met and the time we have shared, we move forward with hope. Like tiny mustard seeds spreading all over the wild field, we go on, carrying what we have received this summer.

Thank you to everyone I met this summer, and to everyone who saw our peace interns' work and prayers throughout this summer's journey of the three peace interns. See you someday, somewhere, everybody. Until then, let’s be salt and light in this world, not by us but the power of the Lord of Christ, whose power working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, and working over all our limitations, and who turns our weakness to greatness. Go, all the team, we do our best (This is a team name invented by Rev. Ali Miguel). Go team Disciples, good luck, Love y’all, sending blessings.

An Answered Prayer

At the end of my first blog post I wrote “My intentions and prayer for this journey ahead are: be present, actively listen, share wisdom, have fun, let the spirit guide me, follow the path of Jesus, and love God. Amen.” I am grateful for all the blessings, all the challenges, and all the ways God called me into my prayer this summer.

Throughout the whole summer I felt consistently present and grounded in the moment.  It felt organic to have a sense of mindfulness at every camp I went to. It’s easy to focus on what’s right in front of you: the camper, the song, the workshop, the emotions, the God moments. I felt confident showing up as my authentic self, having an awareness of my breath, and absorbing the environment around me. 

I had four workshops: non-violence, mental health, queer theology, and international human rights. My intentions of “active listening and sharing wisdom” were like 2 sides of the same coin. Every workshop I led was just an interactive conversation. I would ask an opening question, “What is Peace?” or “What is self-care to you?” or “What does the word Queer mean?” I would bubble map the campers’ responses onto the board and then develop the conversation from there with follow up questions. I would guide the thought process by introducing a piece of scripture, and offering a piece of artistic or academic evidence. Then the questions would get deeper, “What do systems of justice look like in our society?” or “How can we design equitable mental health care?” or “What should international human rights law look like in an ideal world?” I would adapt each workshop as they were happening in order to stay aligned with time restraints, group engagement, and camp culture. It was a process of listening to their variety of ideas, nurturing their critical thinking with curiosity and relevant pieces of evidence, and trying to help shape their understanding of peacebuilding. 

I prayed for the spirit to guide me. This is what I pray for in all of my conversations with the Divine. Even when I don't say it out loud, that's what I’m always silently asking for, and the Holy One knows how much I seek Her Holy Spirit. As has been a tradition for many past Peace Interns, I got a tattoo at closing retreat to commemorate this summer. I got a dove holding an olive branch on my inner wrist. That way when I look down when I pray, or when I raise my hands during worship, I’ll be reminded of peacebuilding and that the Spirit always guides me.

This summer I was able to follow the path of Jesus by spreading his gospel. A piece of scripture I deeply identified with and utilized in my workshops all summer long was Matthew 11:28-30. It reminded me to take care of myself and let God relieve some of my load.  I would introduce this scripture during my mental health workshop by saying “Imagine you’re having a hard day or struggling with your mental health, this is what Jesus would say to you, and we can use this as a guide to what we should say to our neighbors.” Jesus reminds us in this scripture to rest our bodies, and support one another. 

My love for God grew this summer. I could make an argument for how it expanded every single day at camp. Although, one memory in particular comes to mind. I was at the waterfront at Camp Gwinwood in Lacey, Washington. I got a canoe all to myself and started rowing to the middle of the calm waters. It was 85 degrees, I had a bottle of iced water, I could smell the sunscreen on my face, I could see the light coming in through the tall trees and an eagle flew over my head, all as I was floating in the middle of this lake. I looked around in awe. I felt complete gratitude for that moment. That moment when I could feel God’s love and grace surround me. I felt whole. 

God of Love, thank you for this summer. Thank you for shining your light to me through the people I met and the nature I witnessed. I pray I continue to be in Your presence, that Jesus walks alongside me, and your Spirit guides me. Amen. 

A Final Reflection on my Peace Intern Summer

This was paraphrased from one of the ministers I met this summer. Robin Blakemore is the transitional regional minister for the Nebraska region and someone I look up to and seek to emulate in my own ministry. After hearing her deliver a similar message on the penultimate day of Kamp Kaleo, I adopted the following for the rest of the summer:

"In a handful of hours, we will go home. Our friends, family, and other support structures will all ask us a similar question, "How was camp?". We'll tell them about everything we learned, all the food we ate, all the nature we witnessed, and how amazing the week was. And our family will smile and tell us how wonderful that sounds, but they won't really get it. The truth of the matter is, they were not at camp that week; they did not go to the same vespers we did, they did not meet the same faith leaders we did, they did not witness God's presence the same way we did while we were at camp for a short time. It's easy to be detached from the real world while we're at camp for a week. There are no errands to run, there is no social media, there are no school assignments to complete. Camp is a community in God's majesty and nothing more (Including AC sometimes). But that is also what makes camp so special."

It is crucial that we share the lessons we learned at camp both explicitly and implied. In the 21st century, I believe that we in the Disciples of Christ are called to be Chrsitians of action not Christians of talk. At the end of the summer I hope people can see what I stand for rather than hearing me drone on about what I think is right and wrong. This summer has truly been a blessing, and I am eternally grateful for all the love and support I have gotten from my friends and family. I am especially grateful for all the people I met this summer, both in-person and via correspondence through DPF. May God bless and keep you all and I pray that together, we will continue to be a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.”

Fifth and Sixth weeks’ summary: Perfect Timing

Hi there,

The summer internship that once felt very long, almost two months, is now nearly over. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown. I am writing this at the retreat house of Allisonville Church, where I arrived at my first Peace Intern week for orientation.

A lot of things happened. The retreat house near Allisonville looks just the same as before I departed, but here now, I am here with the memory that I couldn’t easily forget. After I wrote my previous blog post, I stayed at Camp Bedford for one more week to be part of the middle school camp. During that week, I was able to share a deep and intimate experience with my fellow staff, directors, counsellors, and campers. It was such a joy to spend a busy and fun week with the middle school campers. Though we being many, but share one cup and one bread. We are loud and joyful during the day, but share prayers during the night. We learned we had each other, and how to rely on others’ shoulders, also differences, the diversity, is not that fearful, but a blessing. I felt deeply grateful for the time we spent together, as I learned so much from them and could have offered them things I got. The moment of goodbye and shouting each other’s names and doing some silly shouting still remains deeply in my heart.

Behind this sweet and bitter goodbye, I headed to Camp Crystal. We had some unexpected situations that week, the wildfire and its smoke. The air quality surged to near 300-400, so the camp needed to alternate outdoor and indoor activities. Despite those changes, Camp Crystal handled things well, kept the camp joyful and lively, and allowed campers to keep having fun. Watching Camp Crystal respond quickly and care for campers made me feel that God’s work began from an unexpected point we sometimes couldn’t see or predict, and that experiencing wilderness makes their hearts open to God. Over the course of that week, seeing the campers’ hearts slowly open, and by the end of the week, their voices are finally raised in loud praise, makes me grateful, and it was indeed a heartwarming experience. Camp is a special place, and I was grateful to have a week at Camp Crystal, a place with a long history where many people have had intimate relationships with their neighbours and with God.

While recollecting this memory, the one thing my professors said during the lecture just keeps coming back to me. He said something similar, “Believing in God means believing that God knows even what the fly in this room is thinking.” He wasn’t making this in the sense that we should believe in God in a careless way but just making jokes and using this as an example of class material, if I remember correctly. There were some moments of difficulty during the summer: uncertainty about the future, immigrant fears of losing everything and failing once again, the fear of losing the place where I could be safe, and the helplessness of not knowing what is ahead. All of this is making me question God. Why could it not be now? Why did Jesus of Nazareth have to be born 2000 years ago? Why is there no visible vision or saving, and where could we find hope? Isn’t it exhausting to believe in what is unseen, and isn’t it painful? In the midst of darkness, with prayers and questioning, I found myself drawn back to the life of Jesus, who died, was resurrected, and his resurrection was first proclaimed through the voices of women, and the proclamation reached me over 2000 years later, and this testimony continues through my own small life. Perhaps the “perfect timing” is not at all what I had assumed, maybe. Like the God who led their people through the wilderness by a longer road instead of a shortcut. (Ex. 13: 17-18) Who knows? The one thing I can be sure of is that I may never fully understand what the “perfect timing” in my life would be.

I emailed my professor about the fly story, and he responded to me. He shared with me the story of the fly and added the story of the sparrow in Matthew 10:31, as well as the love that “is enough to come to me and die for me in Jesus”. He mentioned God, depicted from Jesus, is the one who knows what is better for the sparrows than even what they know is good for themselves.

This summer, I witnessed many smiles, as well as tears, worries, and fear. We are living through truly difficult times. The world often seems like it will never change, and at times, we may feel lost, unable to know all the meanings. Even so, during that one week at camp, we learned to open our hearts to one another, which could sometimes be challenging. We learned to trust one another, which is sometimes painful. We learned to pray for one another, which we sometimes forgot to do. At the perfect time in our lives, we met and were reminded that we are one in the Lord. And perhaps those memories will give someone the strength to keep going for another day, another week, and another year. Step by step, when we keep following and walking this journey of life, may we one day arrive at where we are meant to be.

Welcome to my Crib

In the words of the late and great John Denver, “Country roads, take me home, to the place where I belong” For me, it’s when I turn down Mountain Home Creek Road (the name is fitting, huh), and it leads to Loch Leven Camp and Retreat Center. If home really is where the heart is, then one of my most sacred homes is up at Campbell Lodge. That's where I went on many retreats with Chapman Disciples on Campus, that’s where I reignited my relationship with God, that’s where I bonded with my friends and pastors, and that’s where I first felt the spark of the spirit calling me to ministry. Loch Leven is my home camp. Although I didn’t grow up as a camper there, I grew up as a young adult there. Hopefully my writing will reveal to you the spirit I’ve always seen, take a tour of my home camp with me.

The meadow is the first place the campers meet to get to know each other and greet. Maybe over a game of partner tag or strategizing to capture the flag. Family groups compete in the Olympics, run as far as you can scream and gymnastics routines like a dream. Bows up drawing arrows back, flying high towards the target SMACK. 

The dining hall is a magical place, every meal starts with a silly grace. Sing a prayer to the tune of Adams Family or Batman, saying thank you God for all that I am. Raise a glass to the kitchen staff, giving a toast to what we appreciate most. Eating yummy comfort food, the best grilled cheese I ever chewed. Somehow you’re hungry for more, seconds are called out to the dining room floor. “SECONDS! I LOOOVE SECONDS!” Is yelled by all who reckoned. Every night we’re blessed with a different dessert, careful not to spill chocolate pie on my shirt. 

Chapman lounge is the best indoor place to gather, I led my mental health workshop in there playing would you rather. Guitars come out and faces glow as we sing “PHARAOH PHARAOH, ohhh baby let my people go, ooh ahh, yeah yeah yeah yeah” the campers love to rock out and groove with sweet sweet moves. On Thursday night a variety of talents are presented, skits, jokes and performances in our memory cemented. Right before the kiddos are picked up by caretakers, a slideshow of the week reminds us why camp is our anchor. 

The building named Cole are private rooms which are swell, located just past the giant ringing bell. Sleep here if you’re not a cabin counselor but a leader at camp, like directors, chaplains, keynoters, and peace intern champs. If you get hurt or catch the poison oak curse, swing over to room one to visit the nurse. 

Cabins are just down the dirt path, be prepared to do some shower schedule math. Thank you to the region for hearing our plea, all the cabins finally have AC. Whether you’re staying in Alder, Ares, or Maus; this is a place to rest and take a pause. Getting ready for bed, share your highs and lows, reflect on the day and how you saw yourself grow. 

The creek is one of my favorite places at loch leven, the rushing water sounds like heaven. Remember to put on your water shoes, so you can walk in the stream and catch the best views. After the floods a temporary bridge was put in, thank you to the grounds staff your work is a win. Sit and be still, feel the water it’s chill,  journal with a quill, throw a rock down the hill, pray your dreams fulfill, search for God’s will. 

Ross is up the stairs past Mr. Majestic that ancient tree, it’s a very old house full of debris. Once upon a time it was a horse stable, it’s the oldest camp building according to the fable. For years it was a place full of bunks for boys to sleep, now it’s being refurbished and holds the craft supplies we keep. We use the patio to make art and do games, when we play tag this is a safe spot to claim. 

Walk through the swinging bridge to lead up to the pool, watch your step and follow the 3 person rule. Take the swim test so you can go in the deep end, call out Marco and Polo with all your new friends. The nighttime pool party is so much fun, it’s special to swim under the moon with no sun. 

Flashlight in hand hike up to inspiration point, this is where the body and spirit are joint. Talk to God at the cross, thank Jesus for his sacred loss. Lay on a pew and look up at the stars, hold onto your wish then let it fly far. Hand in hand with our beloved community, sing the goodnight song in harmony and unity. 

I saved the best for last, my home sweet home, Campbell lodge is the place of shalom. Walk through those doors and feel the divine, I love this place so much it inspires me to rhyme. Sit around the fireplace and sing “In the secret”, calling out to God being brave enough to speak it, “I want to know You, I want to hear Your voice, I want to know You more”, reaching out to God like water on the shore. Feeling drawn to the deck, breathing in the mountains and orange sunset. Find gratitude for this holy ground, whenever you are lost, it’s here you can be found. 

Ode to CGC Camp

Standing on quartz crystal 

One can feel the spirit running through the veins of Foresthill

As the long day sets and the moon starts to rise

Crystal basin sparkles as its met with the golden sun

The tall trees are engulfed by rays of tangerine light 

Cabin 31 became my second home 

Those three middle school girls became my camp sisters

That co-counselor became my mentor and friend

Smell of smoke coming from the BBQ

Laughter heard at the silly Olympics 

Cozy blankets and squishmallows felt at movie night 

Memories made as Wonderwall played 

Rubber chickens fly through the air 

Board games from college

Don’t you dare speak about Mao  

Family group tested its teamwork 

Low-ropes course demands synergy 

Balancing our weight on a very small box 

Carrying each other through the holes of a spider web 

Having faith on a rope swing 

Spotting our friends on a tightrope

The praise team recognizing the harmony of my voice 

Inviting me to join the band 

I don’t normally sing in front of others 

But their radical love gave me courage 

Workshops which awaken wonderings 

Recognizing the violences that need to end 

Uplifting the justices that need to prosper 

“Everyone should have access to healthcare”

“God transcends gender”

“Nations should not have power over other nations” 

Hope.

Vanilla Trees and the Spirit Glees

The first thing I learned about camp La Foret in Colorado is that I must smell a tree. Is it vanilla or butterscotch or even root beer, that’s up to the nose of the beholder. To me, it was like a sweet cream soda. The ponderosa pines have rich terpenes in their sap that produce those yummy aromas. I believe these sweet smelling pines are symbolic of the other tall powerful trees that breathe life into camp - the counselors and staff. Every staff member embodied what it means to love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly with God this week at camp. 

The directors, Katie Jo, Rachel, and Laura were strong and inclusive leaders. They communicated with us the specific needs of the campers, and we had conversations of how to ensure everyone feels welcomed and a part of the team. They earnestly cared about our well being, everyday at staff meetings they would check in on us using metaphors “what's your emotional weather forecast today, what movie represents how you’re doing, what meal would your feelings be, how is your mind body and soul doing?” At one point during the week I had personal conversations with each of them, and I always left feeling joyful about our connections. 

The chaplains, Munsty and Kaitlyn, provided wonderful spiritual guidance. Munsty gave a keynote every morning that engaged the campers with the scripture and a sense of social equity & justice. Kaitlyn, having grown up at La Foret, was able to pass down sacred traditions. Both of them connected with campers who had mental health challenges, and those who were inquisitive about God or theology. Additionally, they both offered me words of wisdom as I continue to discern a call to ministry, I’m so grateful for their support. 

The counselors, Brandon, Val, Ella, Jeremy, and Todd were instrumental to the day-to-day operations of camp. All of us brought something unique to the table that added to the rainbow of our staff strengths. Brandon is amazing at offering a communion meditation, he’s radically inclusive and can spark a conversation with anyone. Val is a ball of energy, she brings joy and awesome dance moves to the frolic. Ella, a past Peace Intern, brings wisdom of the spirit and justice, she handled challenging theological conversations with grace and love. Jeremy is so flexible, he brought his sense of humour and a 3D printer which made us all keychains. Todd is reliable, the campers know and love him, and he is always down to jump in the pool. As for me, I think I brought a passion for peacebuilding and cool makeup looks. 

Every single camper, from Junior, Chi-Rho, and CYF all displayed a spirit of amity during my workshops. This being my first camp, I was nervous for how the response would be. But every group exceeded my expectations with their engagement and enthusiasm. From 8 years old to 18 years old, the campers gave incredible insights to how they view peace. In Junior camp they identified peace as stopping fighting and wars, and understanding people past their differences. Chi-Rho campers named traits that humans should embody in order to create and sustain peace, like: kindness, curiosity, empathy, and patience. High schoolers recognized how systems and structures can improve our quality of life and bring peace to society, like: free education, accessible healthcare, and rehabilitation services. 

Overall what I learned at my first camp, La Foret, is something that I think will be a universal truth at every camp - it's about the people. I thank God for surrounding me with people who are as sweet as those ponderosa pines. 

Second week summary: Living as a Christian in this world of uncertainty

Hello, hello!

I hope you are all doing well. Whoever has read this post and supports the Peace Intern program, thank you for your prayers and support; I have come this far because of all your kind support and prayers. I am having a great time.

YoungJae with Rev. Ali Miguel, (she/her). We had paint on our faces! That was a part of the fun storytelling that Zack, one of the Chi Rho counselors, performs. He is a great storyteller and a talented, passionate counsellor.

Now, I am almost through my second week at Camp Christian, located near Magnetic Springs in Columbus. As a Peace Intern, I had the opportunity to be there and spend a week with campers, sharing a three-session series of activities that invited them to raise questions about their faith, their relationships with their neighbors, and what they could raise their voices about those who were erased. I was deeply grateful to be there and to see people voluntarily participate in the workshops, often giving up their free time. Even though they could have chosen to go fishing, take a nap, or enjoy other activities, they decided to join the workshops instead. That is no small thing! I am very thankful to all the campers who attended, participated, shared their thoughts, and had fun together. I am also grateful to the thoughtful counselors and leadership team who helped make the workshops possible.

Camp is a very special place. Some people arrive already knowing one another, while some do not. During the week, they sleep, eat, learn, laugh, and sometimes even get into trouble together. Through this, they build their own sense of community and solidarity. They discover that they are all children of God and that they are loved as they are. By the end of the week, when everyone gathers for the final circle and prepares to leave, many already find themselves longing for the place they are about to leave behind. Friends they have known for only seven days can feel like people they have known for years.

Another reason camp is so special is that it teaches us that everyone belongs. In a world filled with uncertainty. And sometimes with too much certainty, where the idea of the other disappears. Discrimination and exclusion could be easily found and shape their lives. Sometimes classmates are not friends, and people are constantly pushed into comparison and competition in this world of self-exploitation. I am glad to see that there are still camps for them and to let them know they are not alone. Who arrives at the camp with fear and uncertainty about graduating high school soon, and does not know what to do with closed doors, the camp helps them to remind them. A world that pursues narrow norms and reduces people to numbers, making them feel as though they only matter to live up to social standards, far from there, they learned again, actually, they are capable of loving others, and they are enough to be themselves. Yes, camp is a special place.

What is the meaning of living as a Christian in this world that it sometimes seems like all our efforts are meaningless, and that makes us feel that there isn’t anything that can change, and we can’t do anything? That must be very disappointing and frustrating. However, perhaps that is exactly what the world wants to force us to believe. We know, people are more than numbers, and we are still seeking hope; we still care for each other, sharing one communion, one cup, one bread, one body of Christ. It might look the same, but when the campers arrive at their place after the camp, the place will be quite the same. They will find the same cups on the same cupboards, and all they remember may look the same. However, the feeling that they are loved, and that they met new people who might look different, but who would be friends in their hearts. Belief is irreversible, and love is active. Just as the movement of a butterfly's wings can change the course of events, so can human beings. That is where the kingdom is coming; it is already happening. There is something happening, like a mustard seed breaking through hard soil and sending their sprout. There is something that can never go back to the way it was before. That is making us still as Christians, in these days. Tonight, I am praying for all Christians who are serving in their own places, carrying out their callings, making peace, and advocating for peace in their own ways. As we are many, our missions and vocations vary, reflecting the beautiful diversity of the Body of Christ. Rooting for you all, may God strengthen and guide you and in your workplace, until the kingdom comes.

Meet 2026 Peace Intern, YoungJae Lee, with a summary of their first week at Camp Walter Scott!

Hello, there!

I am YoungJae Lee, one of the Peace Interns this summer of 2026. My country of origin is South Korea, and I am currently staying and studying in my second year of the M.Div. program at Montreal Diocesan College and McGill University in Montreal, Canada. This is my very first time visiting the Midwest of the United States! And it is even more special because now I am working as a Peace Intern. 

This is me - I took it at Allisonville Christian Church. 

During our first week, we met many amazing and thoughtful people. The guest house in Allisonville was a place to be our home for a week, to get to know each other better, to learn deeply about DoC's mission, and to meet people working in their fields with their very special and different ministry talents. And now, I am at Camp Walter Scott, writing this introduction and first-week summary.

The Camp Walter Scott is an iconic place where God’s kingdom comes to life and welcomes campers as they are. This friendly camp, located in Effingham, Illinois, invites campers to the experience of beautiful nature. With campers, counsellors, and my good friend Deveraux (he is another Peace Intern!), we are having time sharing our thoughts, having workshops, organizing our own worship vesper service, sharing sermons, kayaking, and seeing... goats!

Yes. They have goats and goats trading cards. Camp Walter Scott is known for pursuing sustainable practices in running a camp. And these goats are living in this forest. Not only are they cute and provide emotional support to campers, but they also help with eco-friendly weed removal. Also, they still aim to reduce fossil fuel use for a more sustainable camp; they have changed all their facilities to be electric-centred, except for the kitchen, and have had solar panels since 2023 for geothermal heating and cooling.

Eco-friendliness is not only their strength, but also their food! They always offer many green choices, along with a variety of options of sauces or dressings, which makes some campers not want to have vegetables but also want to try them. I think this shows just how good camp food can be when it's done right. To me, it was 9 to 10! I always enjoyed and was grateful for all who generously participated and put effort into making food with healthy ingredients and good options.

Of course, camp life is also fun and offers campers a great opportunity to learn. I am very glad to be a witness to how their minds are slowly opening, learning to rely on their friend, learning leadership, and also talking to people they never knew before. I like that Camp Walter Scott gives campers choices and lets them decide what they want to do in a healthy environment. The moment I felt moved was definitely last night's vesper service, when one of the campers' groups led its own. They prepare a Minecraft song for people and offer strawberries and let people dip them in the Nutella. Another group on another night offered nachos and salsas. The first group that prepared the worship service also prepared Oreos and milk, and the milk was inside a gold chalice. I can’t believe the idea looks like unserious however, it was actually effective.

This fluctuating world of uncertainty, I believe, all people who came have all their own worries and anxiety. As we share very normal things in our lives, in our own ways, we find we unite. I heard from several campers that, even while they are here at camp, they often can't help thinking about the things that worry them. Through this powerful moment of communion and services, I hope they feel a sense of hope and relief that they are okay being themselves. And during the talk and the workshops with them, every time during this camp, I think I can slowly feel hope coming from them.

Thank you for reading this! My Peace Intern summer is just getting started. And if I have something fun to update, I would like to let you know again.

With Blessings, YoungJae

Meet 2026 Peace Intern Devereaux Knight!

Get to know 2026 Peace Intern Devereaux Knight! Click on this link to go to YouTube and watch a brief video introduction!

Meet 2026 Peace Intern Hannah Wells!

Hi, my name is Hannah Wells (she/her) and I'm so excited to be a DPF Peace intern this summer!

I was born and raised in Long Beach CA and my home church is First Christian Church of Fullerton. I graduated from Chapman University in the spring of 2025 with a B.A. in Peace Studies, so naturally this type of work aligns with my goals and values.

I was not raised in Disciples, I come from a non-denominational background (think mega churches and lots of Christian rock music). I found this denomination through campus ministries at Chapman. Before college I had a distant relationship with God because I was under a conservative perspective. I struggled with the idea that Christians have caused a lot of harm in this world particularly in American history with the treatment towards Native Americans and people who were enslaved.

When I was accepted to Chapman my aunt, Rev. MaryJo Bradshaw, told me and my mom that I might have access to scholarship since I was related to clergy; this financial aid was a big reason I was able to attend Chapman. My mom encouraged me to attend DOC events and worship services, but I was hesitant to say the least. I decided to go to the welcome back dinner at First Christian Church of Orange to extend my gratitude for their generous monetary support. What happened over the next few weeks changed the course of my life. I walked into this welcome back dinner and was greeted by someone wearing a shirt that said "Jesus was an Immigrant.” This shocked me and I couldn't believe everyone at this event was seemingly fine with this messaging. Then the local pastors handed out rainbow stickers and I knew something was different about this Christian group. I decided to go to their biannual retreat at Loch Leven, I was greeted with hospitality, community, and radical love. I had a critical conversation with Rev. Nancy Brink about my grievances with the Church, and instead of being defensive like most Pastors I had met, she held my concern and acknowledged the pain in our history. This is when I started deconstructing my faith and spirituality.

Soon enough I was going to every worship service, I still remember the first time I took communion and how powerful it was to be at the table. Rev. Cisa Payuyo asked me to serve on the Disciples Leadership Board, and before I knew it I was the one leading retreats at Loch Leven. By my junior year I had become Worship Coordinator, I discovered my gift for cultivating sacred space and creating artistic communion tablescapes. My senior year Rev. Jack Veatch picked up where Nancy and Cisa left off, he held me in love, and guided me to discern a career in ministry.

After college I was blessed to have the opportunity to serve as a Green Chalice Justice and Creation Fellow, I got to plant my roots at my home church in Fullerton. Rev. Mandye Yates guided me in pastoral mentorship, a favorite conversation of mine was talking about the learned practice of praying over other people. For my justice ministry I supported a community garden, hot meals ministry, and led a queer theology small group to serve as an educational source for our open and affirming ministry.

Currently, I'm discerning a call to ministry, and plan to apply to M.Div programs in the fall. I am so grateful to be a part of Disciples of Christ, and to be a Peace Intern this summer.

My intentions and prayer for this journey ahead are: be present, actively listen, share wisdom, have fun, let the spirit guide me, follow the path of Jesus, and love God. Amen.