Summer time is the time of the year that educators and children love. A break from all the hard work they have been putting in all year. But for some children, it’s not their favorite time, because they won’t be seeing their friends, they aren’t involved in sports or activities, and they are not sure what their day will be like.

I am a proud Mountain T.O.P. participant, former summer staffer, board member, and social worker. No other singular experience has been as impactful on my career choice as my time working with the day camp program on summer staff.

It is difficult to describe the impact Mountain T.O.P. has had on my life and the lives of so many of our youth and adults in a short blog post, but I’m going to attempt to capture it for you.

The high school youth and their adult sponsors from East Heights United Methodist Church have been making the trek to Mountain T.O.P. every Summer since 1980.

I am not sure if words could ever adequately express what Mountain T.O.P. and the experience means to me. I remember the initial excitement about going to my first “mission” experience: AIM. However, in my first hour or two, I seriously doubted my decision…

50 years in ministry! How special it is that we got to celebrate the journey of this Holy place. This year, Mountain T.O.P. celebrates its 50th year, a special milestone that deeply connects with the ancient tradition of Jubilee, a time of restoration and renewal.