By Rick Grether
Adult Counselor from San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church
Our church was introduced to SSP in 1995 by a family that had just moved to our area from Pasadena. They were surprised we didn’t have an active SSP group, so they took it upon themselves to motivate our participation. Their daughter became our youth leader and organized our first SSP trip, to Carson City that year, 1996. I agreed to go along as a van driver because one of my boys was participating and it seemed like a worthwhile project.
This was life-changing for me as well as a benefit to my children as they participated in later years.
This was life-changing for me as well as a benefit to my children as they participated in later years. I went along as a driver/helper but on arrival was assigned eight youth I’d never before met for a roofing project. What an experience for both the youth and me! I learned how awesome even purple haired youth can be and that we all have gifts, sometimes not readily apparent. This was the most growing I had done in a week ever, and my youth team agreed they felt the same. We arrived somewhat apprehensive and shy and left as one big loving family. I hug more now because of it!
My wife had always taken our children to church while I communed with God on my bicycle. SSP however, as I found out, allowed me to demonstrate spirituality through activity. I was never fond of sitting in pews listening to, often boring, sermons, but this was a way to serve others (the basis of Jesus’ teachings) through construction. After our fourth child graduated high school in 2005, I continued leading our SSP groups because I understood what a beneficial program this was for all youth, not just my own. I have always appreciated watching campers mature from the Sunday arrival to Saturday’s departure. What a difference a week makes!
I was never fond of sitting in pews listening to, often boring, sermons, but this was a way to serve others (the basis of Jesus’ teachings) through construction.
Another thing I like about SSP is that it’s non-denominational. Yes, it’s a Methodist based organization, but you don’t have to belong to any church to participate. And music is a big part! I so enjoy hearing young people play guitar and sing, and the nightly programs allow for this as well as exposing us to the histories of the Native American cultures we serve. And now that SSP participates in underserved areas of some cities, we are able to serve and better understand other Americans less fortunate than we are. Campers always come away with appreciation and empathy for communities that differ from their own.
I love SSP and will continue helping with this program as long as I am physically able.
Editor’s Note: This is just one of the stories in the new edition of the Sierra Service Project Book. Those who donate $500 or more to SSP’s Year End Fundraising Campaign will receive a copy of the book. It will be made available for sale soon.