Hope, Resilience, and the Gospel at Eagle Village

Located in the woodlands of Hersey, Michigan, Eagle Village is a Christian summer camp and residential area that serves children impacted by trauma. Often, these children have been victims of abuse or are prone to risky behavior. Many are in the foster system or have been adopted by families in need of support. 

Taylor students have frequently worked as summer camp staff at Eagle Village, sharing the gospel and making camp a memorable, safe, and growing experience. These students have come from a variety of academic disciplines, including Orphaned and Vulnerable Children, Social Work, Psychology, Education, and even Mathematics.  

Taylor Involvement 

The children at Eagle Village aren’t typical camp-goers. They’ve withstood trauma and are often barred from or at risk of being removed from traditional programs. Because of this, Eagle Village is looking for exceptional camp staff. 

In the past, Eagle Village has struggled with high turnover rates due to the difficulty of the work. But Taylor students have proved themselves to be different. They have risen to the challenge, committing to the work with love and strength. 

And these students do more than just stick around—they share about Jesus. 

“If you came here as a camper, you were hearing the gospel a lot,” said former Summer Camp Coordinator Robbie Morford. “You were seeing the gospel a lot. I think it was 16 campers who were led to Christ last summer, which is huge for Eagle Village.” 

Life Lessons and Honest Encounters with God  

When God called His people to care for the orphaned and the hungry, He knew the experience would be outside of most people’s comfort zones. Sometimes, His people are more likely to encounter Him in places like Eagle Village. 

“I think that summer was when I became fully reliant on the Lord,” said Psychology alumna Madison Cullen ‘24 who served at Eagle Village in 2023. “You feel so drained at times, and God gives you the strength to get up in the morning. That is something you hold onto every single day. During those moments, you realize that your reliance on the Lord is the only thing that will get you through.”  

A staff member may stay up until 2 am to keep an eye on energetic campers only to wake up at 6 am when one of them stirs. Staff members then may have to act as de-escalators, with or without the necessary sleep. They sit with children through every emotion possible and help them process their feelings in healthy ways. 

“I've never had a child hate me so much. And then in the next moment, we’re best buds. They ask, ‘Can I have a hug?’ And those moments are also shocking,” said senior Psychology and Orphaned and Vulnerable Children double major Stephanie Stough. 

Alongside experiences like these is the joy that comes from telling bedtime stories, cheering kids on as they climb the rock wall for the first time, or seeing them take an interest in the gospel. Staff members watch as hope takes up residence in the campers’ hearts. They learn from campers as campers learn from them. 

“There aren’t too many things in our culture and our world that push us to reach the end of ourselves, and sometimes we only experience everything that God has when we reach the end of ourselves,” said Morford. “You’ll get that opportunity coming here. That means that you will get to experience God in a way that you wouldn’t otherwise.”  

Answering the Call 

This summer, five current Taylor students will serve as summer staff members at Eagle Village. 

Junior Educational Studies major and Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and Social Work double minor Missy Walcott has worked the past two summers at Eagle Village. She described it as a “beautiful and blessed experience.” She explained, "I've had my heart broken many times because of the kids and their stories, but it is Jesus' heart for them that I feel. I know God is calling me there.”  

Sophomore Social Work major and Criminal Justice minor Mackenzie Edwards will return for her second summer at Eagle Village. She reflected, “[God] gave me the strength to continue and gave me the privilege to be someone these kids considered safe and trusted me to care for them for a week. “He will prepare me and my heart to go in and serve Him and the children He loves.”