As the sun rose over our final morning in Haddington, we found ourselves caught between gratitude and goodbye. The week of camp had come to a close, but its impact—on campers and coaches alike—was only just beginning to unfold. With backpacks slung over shoulders and hearts full, we set off to St Andrews for one last adventure, but it was the memories from camp that lingered in every conversation, every smile, and every hug.
 
"Can You Come Back Next Month?" – Savannah G.
For Savannah Goodman, the encouragement came from a small, simple question from a camper that carried deep significance:
"Can you come back next month?"

Although she couldn't make that promise, she did promise to try her best to return next summer. "He gave me the biggest hug and said, 'I'll see you next summer, Goody!'" she shared. In that moment, it became abundantly clear: these kids don't just enjoy camp—they deeply cherish the people who invest in them.

Savannah's heart for the kids, and her prayers for them to find Jesus through the joy they experienced at camp, echoed a theme many of us felt: we are not just teaching a game—we're planting seeds of hope, joy, and love.
 
"All the Hugs and Thank You's" – Savannah H.
Savannah Howell found her greatest encouragement in the goodbyes—the bittersweet hugs, smiles, and affirmations from the campers. "It reassured me that we helped them this week," she said. The relational impact of the week wasn't theoretical—it was tangible in every shared laugh and parting embrace.

As she watched the kids pour out their gratitude, Savannah noticed something else too: the way joy multiplies. The joy that Jane, Kate, and Katy bring to camp spreads like wildfire, and it fuels all of us to give our best, to go all in. "Their enthusiasm gets us all going," she said. "It's a blessing to be part of what they're doing."
 
A Camper Who Shines – Christina
Christina Surcey found encouragement through Tony, one of the many bright lights at camp. "Tony sees the good in everything," she said. "He inspired me to try and have a smile on my face every day." When she gave an award for thoughtfulness to another camper, Ethan, the ripple effect of kindness was undeniable. "I saw God in the structure of family, friendships, and relationships," she said. "The joy between Ethan and his dad made me feel warm inside."
 
"Ripple Effects That Will Last" – Tzunami
Tzunami Polito highlighted the beauty in small moments—those little gestures that plant seeds far beyond what we can see now. "Serving and guiding the kids in small ways made me realize how deep an impact those moments can make," she shared. She was especially touched by the brotherhood between Tony and Logan, describing their connection as refreshing and heartfelt.

And in St Andrews, she encountered God again—this time through the vastness of nature. "The ocean always makes me appreciate where I'm at," she said. A holy reminder that we are part of something much greater.
 
Sisterhood & Servant Leadership – Shannon
For Coach Shannon O'Brien, this trip felt like a beautiful continuation of something deeper—a sisterhood in coaching, a united purpose. She praised the leadership of Jane, Kate, Katy, and Shona: "They coach from a posture of servant leadership. It's never about them—it's always about the kids."

As someone returning for her third August in a row, Shannon spoke of the long-term vision. "The camp continues to grow. The experience for all of us is really special." Watching the campers receive awards based on character virtues like patience, courage, and kindness was a moment she won't forget. "It was sweet to watch the college girls honor the campers and name the virtue," she said. Seeing the kids hear their name called and receive their gift, that's where I saw God today. I think it is so important for every person to experience feeling seen and known for the good in them. I have encountered this more recently in my walk with God and it deeply blesses your soul. 
 
The Heartbeat of the Week: Jane, Kate, & Katy
If there's one common thread in every reflection, it's the admiration for Jane, Kate, and Katy. Their tireless commitment to junior golf, their boundless energy, and their open-hearted welcome created the foundation for all we were able to do this week. "Their joy is contagious," one player shared. "You can tell they genuinely want to be there, and that's what makes all the difference."

They didn't just let us in—they invited us to be part of something sacred: a movement to love kids through golf, to encourage them, and to remind them that they matter.
 
A Hope for the Year Ahead
As our campers prepare to return to school, our deepest hope is that they carry the joy of this week with them. That they remember how special they are. That they feel seen, encouraged, and inspired—not just as golfers, but as people.

We hope they step into their classrooms with confidence, courage, and kindness. And maybe, when they pick up their clubs again, they'll remember the laughter, the encouragement, and yes—even the hugs.
 
St Andrews: A Sacred Finish
To end our Friday afternoon, we adventured to see the Old Course at St Andrews. The two hour drive provided space for great conversation, and continued laughter.  The Old Course, the birthplace of golf offered a moment of reflection and awe. As we stood at the iconic bridge, looked out at the sea, and cheered on others playing the 18th hole, many of us found ourselves thanking God—simply for the chance to be in Scotland. What a big world we live in, but it's here that we get to serve. To grow. To give and receive love in return.

In the words of Savannah Goodman: "It was so refreshing to just thank Him for His goodness at the home of golf. I am so blessed to have been a part of this trip—and even more blessed to be a Child of God."
 
We leave Scotland changed—not because of where we've been, but because of who we've met, and how we've been moved. And yes—like the kids asked—we want to come back.
Not just next summer, but again and again. Seeds have been planted and all of us united across the pond are excited to see the partnership continue to grow and encourage the kids in their becoming. 
 
With joy, gratitude, and hearts full— We look forward to one more day with Jill & Andrew!