My name is Alyssa Tyson, and I was on the PKF team for Laurelville. My role was to help create a healthy, God-centered, and unified staff culture. I thought this would be a way for me to pour into the staff, but I was so much more filled and poured into while being there. The joy and depth of every staff member were inspiring. We were able to laugh, pray, cry out, have fun, and rejoice with each other. So many people from different backgrounds and situations yet brought together as a family because we all have the same Father. The friendships and relationships that I’ve built are such blessings. Hearing from people even after camp is over has been so encouraging. Each person came into Laurelville with such specific gifts, and when paired with everyone else’s gifts, God was able to flow through his body of people and students came to know him. I saw the blessings of God on this camp, and I believe it is because his followers were obeying His call on their lives. I have been challenged by the staff, speakers, and students to live freely in the life God has given us and to trust that he will take our faithful obedience and will work miracles. I didn’t know where God was taking me next in my adult life journey, but after Laurelville, I’ve been reminded that I don’t need to know all the answers, I just need to follow the One who does have the answers. His promises go with me wherever I will go.
Meet the Tech Team!
For National Photography Day this year, we wanted to highlight some of the members of the Surf City tech team. As members of the tech team, they usually up super early and go to bed super late. They're the ones responsible for capturing all the best moments at camp. Whether it's that epic tubing wipeout or the band rocking out during club.
We asked some members of the tech team why they're excited to serve this summer. Here's what they said.
Caitie Bellotti - Videographer
Capturing video of students at Surf City is such a blessing because you really get to see them at the peak and beginning of their faith! I'm so excited to be returning to Surf City this summer to see so many more people commit to Christ :)
Issac Lang - Photographer
I can not wait to shoot for PKF this summer! For the first time as a part of the team, I feel privileged with the opportunity to combine my love of camp with my passion for photography. I am thrilled to use my God-given gifts in this way and reap the blessings of doing so.
Nicole Tobias - Projection & Social Media
When I first joined tech team, I was like, “What am I even doing here?” I didn’t have any video editing skills, wasn’t very crafty with a camera, and I truly thought I had nothing to offer. Then God unveiled a talent I did not know someone could be gifted in: slides. As a camper at PKF, I remember I would always sigh when the slides weren’t right for a song or skit. When you think of slides filled with lyrics and pictures, you don’t think it has a huge impact, but it really does. You could be showcasing someone’s favorite moment at beach day or displaying a bible verse the speaker is reading that changes someone’s life forever. While it may sound like a boring job, it is one of the most exciting jobs I have ever had, and I promise I am moving around with you all to the worship music as best as one can while doing slides. I am excited to come back and do one of the coolest jobs ever and also use my social media skills God has granted me!
Meet The Staff: Abby Locher
Abby joined the team three years ago and has done everything from making sure everything is organized with the Admin team to lifeguarding. You've probably seen her at registration or the waterfront, typically with a clipboard in her hand. We asked her a few questions about being on staff. Check out what she had to say:
Q: How many years have you been on staff?
A: One year as an intern and two years on staff.
Q: How did you get involved with PKF Camps?
A: I got involved with being on staff while I was on my second trip to Surf City Haiti.
Q: What do you do when you’re not working at camp?
A: When I am not working at camp I am a full-time student at Robert Morris University. That pretty much takes up most of my time. On campus, I am currently holding a leadership position in my sorority as the coordinator of our philanthropy, and I am in my campuses Women’s Leadership and Mentorship program. Lastly but not least, I am learning lessons every single day on what it means to be an adult. Well, a semi-adult I guess. ;)
Q: What is God teaching you now?
A: As I am in the season of change with just starting college, God is teaching me to trust Him in the unseen. When it seems like He doesn’t see or hear me, trust that He is working in the unseen. I am learning to steadfastly pursue Jesus not only in the troughs but also on the mountain tops and everything in between.
Q: What was your favorite part of being on staff?
A: My favorite part about being on staff is and will always be the opportunity for a group of young people to be able to get together and serve. I absolutely love the concept of our team. Our team is a group of young adults learning, growing, teaching, all in Jesus’ name to younger students. Passing on what we’ve learned and are still learning throughout our walks with the Lord to future generations.
Psssst! We're always looking for passionate people to join our team.
Meet The Staff: Caitie Bellotti
Caitie joined our Surf City staff this summer as a tech team intern. She worked closely with other members of the tech team and played a big part in filming and editing the camp highlight videos. Check out what she had to say about her experience on staff.
Interning with the tech team at Surf City has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, allowing me to grow in my skill while working in a positive environment. I have been working in video since I was 12, and since then, I have been searching for different ways to better my skillset. Being able to work with PKF, an organization that has hosted many camps that have helped me meet Christ and grow in my own faith, was so incredible because I was able to help others meet God as well. To glorify God by doing what I love was so rewarding, and even inspiring others close to my age to serve Christ was even better.
- Caitie
We're always looking for passionate staff members. If that's you, consider applying for an internship at Surf City or Laurelville.