Hello! My name is Kaiden Jenkins, and I’m from Rock Island, Illinois. I currently work full-time at YouthHope in Rock Island. One of my hobbies is studying the culture and historical context of different parts of the Bible.

Camp has been a part of my life since I was in third grade, as I attended on and off growing up. I have now been employed at YouthHope for three years, and each summer I have had the privilege of serving as a camp counselor. This will likely be my last year serving in this role, as I am planning to get married soon.

I felt strongly led by the Holy Spirit to return this summer. One of the biggest reasons is that many of the kids who come to camp are walking through some of the same darkness that I experienced in my own childhood. It is incredibly meaningful to meet them where they are, share my story, and point them to the light of Jesus Christ—the One who entered into my darkness and brought me out of it.



This summer, I am most looking forward to building strong and compassionate relationships with the campers. I have seen and experienced God’s faithfulness firsthand, and because of that, I am confident that He will be moving powerfully in the lives of these children. My prayer is that every camper would experience His love, hope, and transforming presence in a real and personal way.