"Throughout the summer, volunteers study the Bible together, eat together, work together, and live life together. It was a blessing to be on summer staff and experience this close community all summer."

When I tell people I drove sixteen hours to work at a child and services organization, the reactions I get are varied. “What do you even do there?” “Is it like summer camp?” “What’s so special about Gateway Woods?” “Is the drive really worth it?” Thankfully, that painfully long drive back to Wichita, KS, gave me plenty of time to consider my response.    

I interned in the PR department last summer, working alongside a staff of believers united in glorifying Jesus. My days were filled with office work and tasks around the campus. The start of the summer was focused on smaller tasks like stuffing envelopes and designing graphics. But by July, Auction prep took over—cataloging items, scheduling posts, taking photos, and sorting donations. It was incredible to see the behind-the-scenes of such a large event.  

At lunch, I would join the volunteers and summer staff at Hickory House and share a meal with them before going back to work. My favorite part of the day, though, was dinner at the houses with the residents and houseparents. Volunteers and summer staff were assigned to different houses, giving us the chance to build relationships that lasted long after the summer ended. At dinner, we chatted with the residents, learned about each house’s routines, and sometimes pitched in with dish jobs.    

Over the summer at Gateway Woods, there’s always something happening. After dinner, there was always an event: Bluffton/Leo Night, GO night (Girls Only), basketball, church, sand volleyball, or just relaxing with the residents. My personal favorite was Thursday nights. After sand volleyball, the Summer Staff, Assistant Houseparents, and Volunteers got together for intentional time with God and each other. It was always worth the late night, whether it was sharing testimonies or just praying for one another. My weekends were spent at church events, at the lake, or with the Leo community, who welcomed us in.    

Despite what it may look like, Gateway is not summer camp. The volunteers spend much of their time outside, working to beautify the campus in preparation for the Auction. There’s mulching, painting, raking leaves, and other tasks. Some volunteers were lucky enough to paint inside with the air conditioning. Throughout the summer, volunteers study the Bible together, eat together, work together, and live life together. It was a blessing to be on summer staff and experience this close community all summer.   

Through the busy schedule, new relationships, and unforgettable memories, one thing is clear: Gateway Woods is more than just a child and family services organization. It’s a place full of love, grace, and truth. It’s a place where you can step outside and find someone ready to drop everything to pray for you. It’s a place to laugh, cry, learn, and grow. Most importantly, it is a place so filled to the brim with the love of God that you can’t help but want to drive sixteen hours to experience it again!