Discovery Stories
Stay up to date with the latest discovery stories here. We have stories about world-changing students and everything our department is up to.
Valor Students Inspire Service on the Western Slope
About 200 miles west of Valor lies a quiet little camp outside Rifle, Colo. Located on 40 wooded acres along the West Mamm Creek, Teepee Bible Camp (TBC) is indeed a quiet spot on Colorado’s Western Slope. However, the noise turns up during the summer months when kids of all ages descend upon the camp. Eager for adventure and hungry for a spiritual connection, campers gain an experience of a lifetime that remains with them long after the camp returns to its dormant winter state.
Over the years, a handful of Valor students and alumni have spent their summers at Teepee learning scripture, chasing adventure, building relationships and gaining perspective. Somewhere along the way, this group began to love Teepee not for what it did for them, but for what it allowed God to do.
During fall break, students can participate in a long weekend of service to Teepee camp by signing up for Discovery’s Colorado Western Slope team.
Inspired by the work that students Sam Billman ‘21, Ethan Carlson ’23, and alumni Hunter Carlson ‘18, Jack Billman ‘20 and Ava Carlson ‘20 did at Teepee Camp this summer, and in an attempt to offer meaningful service opportunities within Colorado, Discovery is offering the experience along with five others throughout Denver and Colorado.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Teepee to cancel camps. Still wanting to serve the special place that serves others so well, the Billmans and Carlsons traveled west to give back. “I’ve been attending TBC [as a camper and then as a counselor] since I was maybe nine years old,” explains Jack Billman. “Teepee camp gives underprivileged kids an opportunity to spend a week learning about God. Most of the kids at this camp come from difficult and abusive family situations. In just one week, the kids open up and many accept Jesus into their hearts. Seeing God work is what keeps me going back.”
“This past summer, I had the opportunity to serve at camp,” Sam shared recently. “We cleaned up the campsite and restored the house kitchen. There was a lot of work to be done and the camp didn’t have much money to pay for all of the renovations,” explains Sam, who urges Valor students to sign up for the great opportunity this fall.
“Because this camp is so affordable for underprivileged families, it doesn’t bring in extra income,” Jack remarked. “The cost for a camper goes straight to bills and food, so they don’t have any spare change to do work around the camp. We decided to volunteer for a week to try and do whatever they needed.”
Additional fall break opportunities include three Denver teams, one experience in Englewood, and a Buena Vista experience. Students can serve on an equine therapy ranch, alongside homeless ministries, through work projects and through love to underprivileged youth. These teams are open to all students, offer a safe way to serve despite COVID-19 restrictions, and give students the opportunity to make friends and develop rich relationships. Fall experiences do not require service hours for qualification, but they will provide students with approved service hours which qualifies them for subsequent national and international teams.
More Discovery Stories
This summer, I had the privilege of going on the Colorado Trek. This Discovery experience focused on faith and discipleship while backpacking across southwestern Colorado. Our trip didn’t actually start on trail, but at our first of many group meetings prior to the trip. We spent time diving into scripture and discussion in order to further understand topics like faith, community, and the character of God, which were reaffirmed for me throughout our five days of hiking.
Going on the trip to Zambia truly changed my life. My parents are missionaries, so I grew up overseas serving, but I wasn't expecting the experience to impact me this much.
I was truly blessed to be a part of this experience and amazing team. The two weeks spent in Poland will always have a huge impact on my life, the way I treat others, and the relationships I will build in the future.
Africa cannot be put into words. Rwanda is not a country that can be explained, only deeply felt. Heartbreak, loss, redemption, and love all float within the famous red dirt and a thousand hills. Rwanda changes you.
My Discovery trip this year was unreal. Aside from getting to serve the children of Alaska, I also got to serve with my fellow peers. Every day was a gift that I know my Alaska team did not take for granted. The Lord showed up in ways I will never forget.
2022 grad Ashleigh Anema served in student leadership in her time at Valor, was the VP of Discovery in 2021-22, and has served on Discovery teams in Honduras and Thailand. Recently she shared her reflections on her time in service at Valor.
Each year, Valor Discovery experiences take students all over the country and the globe to serve others in the name of Christ. Many trips are led by the same leaders and partner with the same ministries year after year.
Each year, Valor Discovery experiences take students all over the country and the globe to serve others in the name of Christ. Many trips are led by the same leaders and partner with the same ministries year after year.
Over the years, a handful of Valor students and alumni have spent their summers at Teepee learning scripture, chasing adventure, building relationships and gaining perspective.
As the world went on lockdown, Valor students faced this past Spring with purpose. In the midst of the pandemic, they looked around for what they could do and found comfort in serving.
Madison Kempton’s roots in international missions run deep. So do her roots at Valor Christian. Learn more about her here in a recent blog post.
Unlike most of her fellow seniors, Ellie won’t be headed to college in the fall. Instead, she’ll pack her bags for nine months of service, an adventure with World Race that she started dreaming about years ago.
Alumni Christine Adams sat down to share about her experience as a Physician Assistant in Santa Barbara, CA during recent weeks.
Just a few years ago, the health care field wasn’t one Coach Brooke Jelniker thought she’d end up in – but as she’s learning, God had other plans.
Learn how Valor has changed perspective in the midst of a worldwide pandemic as we have worked together as a team to serve the Lord.
Through Discovery, many students change the trajectory of their life vocationally, spiritually, relationally and emotionally, more holistically becoming who God created them to be.
For many students, Valor’s Discovery program leads to eye-opening experiences in a new country or a new understanding of different cultures and customs.
View the reflections of the Valor Baseball team on their trip to the Dominican Republic.