The benefits of camp deliver all year long! Recent data shows that campers that have participated in Star Rock Ministries programs are more committed to their year-round organizations, participating in mentoring and recovery programs, and actively pursuing healthy next steps of meaningful growth.

Join us in celebrating another significant narrative that shows how SRM empowers belonging through the gift of camp.

Julio Rodriguez is a game changer for under-resourced communities. Working as a youth mentor in LA County and a Star Rock Ministries partner volunteer, Julio is constantly finding ways to connect and provide recovery for teens in the areas that he serves.  A little over a year ago, Julio met Junior.  Living in the heart of South Central LA, life has been hard. In the words of Junior, “Everyone I trust in life lets me down... everyone!”

In the spring of 2023, Julio invited Junior to attend a Star Rock Ministries XLR8 Camp. Junior's instinctual defenses and guardedness were alive and well the first days of camp. However, after Junior and his fellow cabin mates enjoyed days of banana boating, great food, archery, paddle boarding, and campfires under the stars, something amazing happened....Junior began to smile, laugh, listen, and soften. The final night of camp, Junior approached Julio for prayer.  He thanked Julio for bringing him and asked him to help him walk with God.  In the words of Julio, “Junior was done making his mom and family cry over his bad choices and wanted serious change.”  

Since returning from camp, Junior's life has been tested from all angles, but thanks to the prayers and support of game changers like Julio; Junior is pushing through his war zones and discovering peace, belonging, and safe zones to land.

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Junior's Post-Camp realities:

• Moved out of South Central to Long Beach across the street from Julio
• Attends church on Wednesdays and Sundays.
• Junior returned to school and is on track to graduate this year.
• Junior's relationship with his mom is improving.
• And, last but not least, Junior has been been sober from drugs and alcohol for nearly 3 months!

With gratitude from all of us at Star Rock Ministries,

Happy Thanksgiving!

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