Zack Hutchinson

"This is my favorite spot in the world," says Zack Hutchinson of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa. "I have been coming here since I was a rising fourth grader, and I remember the overall feeling I got after my first week here. I thought it was a blast, and I still do."

Hutchinson thinks the quality of the experience is set "by the way we treat one another." "Kids come to camp and meet counselors, usually college students, who are actually interested in them. They laugh at their jokes; they make the kids feel loved and appreciated."

"You can't find an environment that is more life affirming," he said. "Over the years, it has become 'holy ground' to me."

Zack has played about every role at the camp from camper to counselor to member of the support team, and he knows that the coming renovations to Barnett Lodge are critical because the camp is functioning at full capacity. "The population has grown since I was a camper here," he said. "It is hard to find any extra space for people or programs. Seating in the dining room is especially tight."