UK students have launched a statewide Christian nature camp called Kamp Love.
UK sophomore Meredith Silverstein never imagined herself as someone who would one day lead a camp of over 100 students in the short span of two months. However, through Silverstein’s strong Christian faith, she accomplished something far more than just a vision.
On Oct. 19, 2024, Silverstein orchestrated the University of Kentucky’s first Kamp Love, a faith based nature camp that held student-led sermons and worship in the wilderness of Danville, Kentucky.
Kamp Love is an organization whose hope is to transform students’ lives through camping, connection and community in Christ. The camp originally started at Grand Canyon University and has quickly spread throughout the United States.
The process and origin of planning Kamp Love all began over the past summer where Silverstein attended a Bible Study in Louisville. Silverstein participated in the study with a couple of Grand Canyon University students who began informing her of what Kamp Love was.
Through conversations, Silverstein and her local friends became intrigued by the idea of Kamp Love. Silverstein’s friend proposed the idea that she should bring Kamp Love to UK’s campus.
Silverstein’s first reaction to her friend’s recommendation was met with hesitation. However, as the bible study progressed that night Silverstein felt in her heart it was something she couldn’t deny.
“I knew I needed to take this opportunity because I had been praying all second semester for the Lord to use me to the fullest extent for His kingdom,” Silverstein said. “After I came to my senses, I talked to the regional director, Cade Reichmuth, and informed him about bringing Kamp Love to the University of Kentucky,” Silverstein said.
Through this conversation, Reichmuth quickly agreed, and together they started the journey of planning Kamp Love Kentucky where Silverstein would become the head director.
While planning was exciting, there were also hardships and trials Silverstein was now facing as director.
“It was hard at times because everyone I asked to be on leadership had no idea what Kamp Love was,” Silverstein said. “I would have to ask the Lord for patience quite a few times because everyone was not always on the same level of knowledge I was, and that wasn’t anybody’s fault.”
UK sophomore Makena Presson served on Silverstein’s leadership team and explained how Kamp Love gave her the ability to grow her faith while also allowing her to help.
“I wanted to be on Kamp Love’s leadership team to grow my relationship with Christ and submit to something that is out of my comfort zone,” Presson said. “When saying ‘yes’ to being on leadership I wasn’t sure what my role would look like, but I trusted that God had a plan.”
Throughout this whole process, Silverstein reflected on how orchestrating Kamp Love truly taught her a lot about self-growth.
“I honestly learned how I needed to get rid of my type-a personality, and rely solely on the Lord,” Silverstein said.
When asked if Silverstein is hoping to plan more Kamp Love’s in the future her quick response was an immediate yes.
“I am planning on doing Kamp Love for as long as I possibly can,” Silverstein said. “I want it to grow here at the University of Kentucky and continue to transform students’ lives.”
Silverstein explained how being a director had become a new passion of hers. Now looking forward to planning more Kamp Love’s in the future, Silverstein is excited to maintain her director role.
“I am 150% invested in Kamp Love and its future,” Silverstein said.
