By SAMANTHA SMITH
Sheridan High School Student
Editor’s note: The Sheridan Student Column is brought to readers by Sheridan High School’s 10th grade honors English class, taught by Tanya Busailah.
Last summer, the Six Points Youth Group embarked on a life-changing mission trip to Tennessee, spending a week at a special mission camp dedicated to serving the local community. The trip was not just about traveling to a new place; it was about stepping outside of comfort zones, growing in faith, and showing love to people who needed it most.
Throughout the week, the group took part in a variety of service projects that allowed them to make a real impact in the lives of others. From helping elderly residents clean their homes, to volunteering at a food pantry, to running a day camp for children living in poverty, the students learned what it means to serve with humility and compassion.
One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was working with elderly people who could no longer take care of their homes by themselves. Many of these residents lived alone with no family nearby to help. The youth group spent hours scrubbing floors, cleaning windows, and organizing clutter. More importantly, they took time to sit with the residents, listening to their stories, and offering companionship.
For the students, it was eye-opening to see how loneliness can affect people, and they realized that sometimes, simply being present is the most valuable gift you can give. The smiles and tears of gratitude from the residents made all the hard work feel worthwhile.
Another project that left a lasting impression was volunteering at a local food pantry. The students sorted donations, packed food boxes, and helped distribute meals to families struggling to make ends meet. Some families came in with small children while others were elderly couples barely getting by.
The youth group saw firsthand how many people in the community depended on the pantry to survive. It was humbling for the students to realize that basic things like bread, milk, and fresh produce can mean the difference between hunger and hope for so many people.
This experience made them more grateful for what they have, and it sparked important conversations about food insecurity and how they could continue to help even after the trip ended.
The final part of the trip focused on running a free day camp for kids living in a nearby apartment complex. Most of the children came from families with very little money, and some had never been to a camp before. The youth group planned games, crafts, and Bible lessons, filling each day with laughter and fun. It was incredible to see how much joy simple activities like kickball or painting could bring to kids who often had to go without. The students also took time to talk with the kids about their dreams and struggles, and they realized that even though their worlds seemed so different, they shared common hopes and fears.
By the end of the week, strong bonds had formed between the youth group and the campers, making it hard to say goodbye.
The mission trip to Tennessee was much more than a summer adventure. It was a powerful reminder of what it means to live out faith through action. The Six Points Youth Group didn’t just serve meals, clean houses, or play games. They offered kindness, hope, and friendship to people who desperately needed it. In return, they came home changed with a deeper understanding of the importance of compassion and service. The lessons they learned in Tennessee will stay with them for years to come inspiring them to keep finding ways to serve in their own communities and beyond.
Other than helping out the community in Tennessee, the youth group as well as other youth groups learned how to work together and get along with each other. All the youth groups attending the camp had to stay in the classrooms of the school where we stayed. We all stayed on air mattresses and pool floaties. We had a strict time schedule and had to be in bed, shower, activities, work, eat, and worship at specific times. As well as helping people, we also learned how to communicate, have a schedule, and we all got to see how people live who are different from us.
The whole youth group and everyone who attended this camp helped many people and learned valuable life lessons. I am so happy we get the chance to go back again this summer of 2025.