Why does everyone know my name?

This past week, our campus was filled with laughter, energy, and the controlled chaos of 325 children as we gathered for Splash Camp. It was an incredible week, and once again we saw God at work in ways that remind us why investing in the next generation is so valuable.

Over the last couple years, DSBC has been intentionally pursuing deeper intergenerational connections. We believe faith grows stronger when children, students, and adults know one another, serve together, and share life together. Splash Camp was a beautiful picture of that vision coming to life.

Throughout the week, adult leaders served side-by-side with amazing teen leaders as they cared for, encouraged, and invested in the campers. Time and time again, adult volunteers shared how impressed they were by our students. They led with energy, joy and love.

Here is one story that especially stood out to me:

A junior high boy began attending DSBC just one week before Splash Camp and asked if he could volunteer. He was assigned to help in crafts, but he quickly became much more than an extra set of hands. He jumped in wherever needed, helped manage the technology in the room, encouraged others, and brought contagious enthusiasm to every task.

Midway through the week, I stopped by the craft room, greeted him, and called him by name. His response caught me by surprise:

“How does everyone know my name?”

In that moment, I saw a glimpse of what God is doing among us. A student who had only been part of our church for a matter of days was already being noticed and welcomed. This is exactly the kind of intergenerational community we have been praying for, a place where every person belongs, where relationships form naturally, and where we can see Jesus through the unique perspectives of others.

One volunteer captured this beautifully in a letter she shared after serving on the preschool playground (see the full letter below):

"God was at work all week not only with our littles and these three maturing boys, but also with me. The boys gave me hope for the future of my son's generation."

As you'll read below, she witnessed teen volunteers who knew children by name, cared for them when they were hurt, played alongside them, and served faithfully throughout the week. Their impact was so significant that the children noticed immediately when one of them wasn't there.

Volunteer Reflection

“This was my second-year volunteering on the preschool playground, and it was a truly wonderful experience. After such a great time with Ms. Surace last year, I didn't think it could be topped, but working with Ryker, Harrison, and Nolan this year was exceptional. God was at work all week not only with our littles, and these three maturing boys, but also with me. The boys gave me hope for the future of my son’s generation.

Each of these young men was incredibly helpful with setup and cleanup. More importantly, they were engaging, kind, and intentional with the children. They called each child by name and showed genuine care; if a child was injured, they were quick to check on them. The impact they had was clear—if one of them was missing, the children immediately noticed and worried. There were many laughs and giggles from both sides. The three of them easily assisted and played right there with the littles on sensory play and helped them problem solve on activities. It was such a blessing to see.

I asked the boys if they preferred participating in Splash Camp or volunteering. They all shared that they loved volunteering more, despite how tiring four- and five-year-olds can be. Seeing their dedication gave me such hope, and I don’t think they fully realize the positive impact they had on these children. They also made a significant impression on my son, who still talks about them daily. He and Harrison became especially close, and I truly hope these three will remain mentors in his life. Their parents should be proud.”

Church family, thank you. Thank you for praying, serving, giving, and investing in the next generation. Whether you were one of the many volunteers, a parent who entrusted us with your child, or someone who prayed faithfully from afar, you were part of what God did last week.

We celebrate the fun that was had, but even more, we celebrate the relationships that were built. We believe seeds were planted that will bear fruit for years to come.

To God be the glory,

Amy Sites
NextGen Minister